How to Spend 24 Hours in Paris: 1 Day in Paris Itinerary

Last Updated on 10th September 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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There’s an awful lot you can pack into the short span of one day in Paris. So even if you’re only planning a layover in the city of love or 1 day in Paris, then don’t feel like you have to miss out on the top attractions (read: architecture, food, wine and plenty of coffee). Here’s your quick guide on how to spend 24 hours in Paris…

When it comes to food in Paris, there’s no shortage of culinary experiences to be had and there’s a restaurant or café on almost every street corner. Unfortunately, this can make it a little bit tricky as to which places to go to, because of course not all eateries in Paris are made equal. Check out our foodie guide to Paris for some of our top recommended places to eat in Paris!

Suggested one day in Paris itinerary

See the Sunrise at Trocadéro

If you want a great view of the Eiffel Tower, head to Trocadéro for sunrise. The early timing will ensure that you’ll be there before every other tourist and, even on a not-so-great weather day, the Eiffel Tower is still pretty special. After all, if there’s one thing you see in Paris, make sure it’s this!

Sip on an espresso in a café

Wake yourself up properly following that early start with a nice hote coffee to start the day! And besides, what could be more Parisian than sitting in front of a café, sipping on an espresso and watching the world go by?

Long wide boulevards, and cafés spilling out in abundance can be found in the 1st arrondissement of the city, which is near where you’ll want to start your exploration for this one day in Paris.

When selecting your hot beverage, just be sure to order your coffee like a Parisian if you want that ‘true French experience’ (no milk and no sugar!). Looking for suggestions for cafés to visit? Then here’s my guide to the Cutest Parisian Cafés the city has to offer!

Morning: Head to Île de la Cité to Explore!

After your quick wake-me-up, hop on the metro and head to Île de la Cité to check out the world-famous flower market, wander along the Seine and, of course, check out the iconic Notre Dame!

A visit to the world-famous Cathedral is free and is one of the must see-things you should do during your one day in Paris itinerary. Unfortunately, due to the terrible fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, the Grand Gothic Cathedral is closed until further notice. Luckily, there are a plethora of other things to do in Île de la Cité.

While inside, you can see the Crown of Thorns (a relic the city of Paris purchased for more than it cost to build Sainte Chapelle) and some amazing Gothic Architecture. You’ll also find the Gravestone Courtyard and Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole nearby.

Lunch time: Wander around Le Marais…

As the chicest arrondissement in Paris, a wander around Le Marais is well worth it… If only to say that you’ve been there! It’s here you’ll find places such as the oldest public planned square in the city (Place des Vosges) and the best macarons in Paris (Carette,25 Place des Vosges).

Plus, a wander around Le Marais is just a short ten-minute walk from Île de la Cité, meaning you won’t lose too much time on transport! Other highlights of this former swamp (‘Le Marais’ actually means the Swamp) include Hôtel de Ville (the city’s town hall), Musée La Carnavalet (a museum dedicated to all things medieval Paris) and some of the best dining the city has to offer.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, then there are plenty of cafés en terrace. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, then head to Rue des Rosiers for the best falafel Paris (and perhaps Europe) has to offer… (L’As du Fallafel,34 Rue des Rosiers)

Afternoon: See the real Montmartre

After your stroll around Le Marais around lunch time, hop onto the Metro and hop off at Montmartre. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring one of the coolest districts in the city… A district which you definitely shouldn’t miss, even if you can only spend 24 hours in Paris!

Home to the likes of the Sacré-Coeur and the Sinking House of Paris, it’s no secret that Montmartre has quickly become one of my favourite districts of the city to explore. And once there, it’s not hard to see why. The area has a completely different vibe to the rest of the city.

Of course, you should see the Parvis de Sacré-Coeur, Place du Tertre (where all the Montmartre artists are located) and the Love Wall. Oh, and due to Montmartre’s position at the top of one of the highest hills in Paris, the view across the rest of the city is well worth a look!

But once you’ve seen the more ‘touristic’ destinations, make sure to step off the beaten path and explore the rest of what the district has to offer. There’s a House Museum which was the former residence of Renoir, a secret Vineyard and the prettiest street in Paris (Place Dalida), to name but a few places to see.

Pick up some dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés/ The Latin Quarter

When in Paris, do as the Parisians do. Right? Enjoy a traditional French meal in the centre of Paris after an afternoon of exploring, where the locals really hang out. After your exploration of Montmartre, I recommend trying a local French apéro.

This is where you enjoy drinks (typically alcoholic, but they often don’t have to be) together with your friends in a bar. Order some snacks to tide you over until dinner time as the French tend to eat late!

Though one day in Paris is quite a short amount of time to get to know the city, this itinerary has tried to cover the best of the must-see locations in the French capital. After a day of clocking up steps on your counter, head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, areas of the city where artists and novelists have flocked to for well over a century.

Take a Seine River Cruise

Though 24 hours in Paris isn’t a lot, if there’s one activity that I highly recommend to get a better feel for the city, it’s by taking a Seine River cruise. One of the most affordable options is to take a one hour cruise which will take you past Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other iconic sights. Find out more details here.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to celebrate an extra special occasion (or someone), then I highly recommend taking an evening dinner cruise. The evening cruises take just over two and a half hours and include drinks, as well as a three course meal (with vegetarian options available). Check prices and availability here.

For even more information, be sure to check out our complete guide to the best Seine River Cruises (for pros and cons and comparisons between the various tickets and cruises available).

Where to stay in Paris

Mandarin Oriental: Located along rue Saint-Honoré, which is famous for its many shops, this five-star luxurious accommodation is home to highlights like a marble lobby and beautiful courtyard. Check availability and rates here!

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check availability and rates here!

Luxury experience: The Hoxton: For those who are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, The Hoxton has it all. Charm and several beautiful communal guest spaces including a stunning bar and restaurant, other highlights of the hotel include breakfast options, WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range boutique stay: Hôtel Fabric: As you might gather from its name, Hôtel Fabric is set against the backdrop of a former textile factory and simply oozes charm. Beautiful and with friendly staff, this four-star hotel is welcoming and is located just a fifteen-minute walk away from Le Marais area of the city. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city, this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. From here, it’s easy to explore top Parisian attractions such as the Paris Pantheon, as well as the Saint Germain des Prés area of the city. Check availability and rates here!

Affordable chic: Hôtel Chopin: Located within one of the covered passages of Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, and close to all the action (the nearby Grands Boulevards are full of bars and restaurants), Hôtel Chopin is a small hotel offering affordable rooms. Amenities include a restaurant and spa on site. Check prices and availability here.

Budget hostel: Generator Hostel: Those in search of an affordable option, Paris has a number of hostels which are fairly conveniently located. This hostel is situated close to the lively area of Canal Saint Martin and offers mixed-sex and female-only dorms. Check prices and availability here.

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