One Day in Paris: Ultimate Guide to 24-Hour City Exploration

Ideally, you’ll want to be able to spend more than a day in Paris as it’s a rich, diverse, historic city that is on most everyone’s bucket list. However, if you only have 24 hours at your disposal during your first visit, making that day a memorable one is essential.

When visiting Paris for the first time, it’s advisable to avoid squeezing a top-ten attractions list into a rushed, frantic day. Instead, read about crafting a reasonable 24-hour itinerary that is both flexible and manageable at a comfortable pace. These suggestions will showcase some of Paris’ most exciting and historic locations, providing a mix of culture and allowing you to maximize your day-long experience without too much stress.

To fully enjoy this self-guided tour and navigate without getting lost, it’s important to obtain a good city map or a solid Paris travel app on your device.

Additionally, purchase plenty of Paris metro tickets or the Paris Visite Pass to avoid the hassle of repeated ticket purchases throughout your day as these tickets can also be used for city buses.

Early Morning: Notre Dame Cathedral and Latin Quarter

Start your day early—before 9 a.m. After enjoying delectable croissants or pain au chocolats from a local boulangerie/bakery, your whirlwind day in Paris begins with a morning visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most exquisite Gothic cathedrals globally. Arriving early will enable you to avoid long lines, especially if you wish to climb the towers for a panoramic view of Paris.

In spring and early summer, allocate time to admire the greenery and beautiful flowers in the rear gardens, offering a lovely view of the cathedral against its elaborate flying buttresses.

Metro: St-Michel or Cité

Mid-Morning to Lunchtime: Take a Boat Cruise on the Seine

After exploring the Latin Quarter and St-Michel district, follow your Paris map to the Quai Montebello, opposite Notre-Dame on the south side of the Seine river. From here, between late March and November, you can board a boat with the Bateaux Parisiens company for an hour-long tour of the city via the water. During this tour, you can view some of the capital’s most significant and beautiful monuments while listening to historical commentary.

Noon and Early Afternoon: Eiffel Tower and Environs

Following lunch, visit the Eiffel Tower, the most recognizable landmark in Paris. This iconic structure attracts millions of visitors annually and doesn’t necessitate an ascent if you prefer not to. Wandering around the beautiful Champs de Mars and the Trocadero area offers many vibrant impressions. However, during peak season, lines at the Tower can be extensive. Carry your Paris area map or app to help navigate this often-confusing neighborhood.

Metro: Bir Hakeim or Trocadero (Line 6), Ecole Militaire (Line 8)

Late Afternoon: Champs-Elysées or Musée d’Orsay and Tuileries Gardens

This self-guided tour of Paris offers flexibility and choices in the late afternoon.

Roam and shop along the Champs-Elysées. From around the Eiffel Tower, take the metro or a bus to a stop on this famous avenue, a hub for luxury shopping and iconic nightlife. The best stops are Franklin D. Roosevelt to start at the foot of the avenue or Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to begin at the top near the Arc de Triomphe. Spend time in luxury shops, enjoy macarons and tea at the renowned Laduree, and visit the Arc de Triomphe for mesmerizing city views.

Alternatively, experience the incredible art at the Musée d’Orsay. If arts and culture captivate you more than shopping, head back east from the Eiffel Tower to the Musée d’Orsay (Metro: Solferino; RER Musée d’Orsay). Enjoy the impressive collection of impressionist and expressionist works by celebrated artists such as Monet and Degas.

After visiting the museum, if time permits, cross the bridge nearby to the Tuileries Gardens, adjacent to the Louvre Museum. These gardens were once royal gardens, showcasing stunning landscapes perfect for relaxation. While you may not have time to explore the Louvre, the grand facade of the museum is certainly worth admiring.

Ride Metro Line 1 from Tuileries to “Chatelet les Halles” or “Hotel de Ville” for evening exploration.

Early Evening: Explore the Centre Pompidou and “Beaubourg”

Before dinner, spend about an hour strolling through the lively neighborhood surrounding the Centre Georges Pompidou, also known to locals as “Beaubourg.” This area represents contemporary Paris, bustling with diversity and creativity.

Explore the massive Centre Pompidou, and if your schedule allows, consider visiting the rooftop for outstanding views. Use your area map to discover the vibrant district surrounding the Pompidou.

Metro: RER Chatelet-les-Halles or Metro Hotel de Ville

Evening: Dinner and Drinks in the Old Marais District

The final leg of your tour takes you to the charming Marais district, known for its preserved narrow streets and medieval architecture. After enjoying dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll to locate a good bar or brasserie for a refreshing drink. However, be aware that finding seating on weekends can prove to be quite challenging.

Metro: Saint Paul or Hotel de Ville (or a manageable 10-15 minute walk from the Centre Pompidou area using your map).