Ultimate 1 Day Paris Itinerary: A Perfectly Imperfect 24 Hours in Paris

Alright, so you’ve got one day in Paris to see it all. Just a short 24 hours in Paris to soak in the magic of a city that’s been romancing poets, painters, and dreamers for centuries. One whirlwind day to stroll through centuries of history, savor a croissant (or three), and soak in Parisian life as it unfolds in the midst of its most iconic landmarks. No pressure, right?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you! While you’re obviously not going to see all of Paris in one day, you can absolutely manage to see a lot of quintessential Paris highlights in one day without running yourself ragged. This itinerary is packed, but it’s not meant to be one of those “run around until your feet fall off” kind of deals. You’ll see a lot, eat even more, and have time to pause for a glass of wine, an obligatory activity in Paris.

After all, Paris doesn’t rush, and neither should you!

A few notes on advance ticket purchases: to make the most of a short trip to Paris, if you would like to visit the Louvre, be sure to purchase a timed entry ticket in advance. Similarly, if you’d like to take a Seine river cruise in the evening, book that in advance as well.

8:00 AM – Café Culture Kickoff

Start the day the Parisian way: sitting in a café, watching the world go by. For breakfast, pick one of the city’s iconic cafes—Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for some classic Hemingway vibes, Les Deux Magots next door (equally historic and with a killer view), or Café Charlot in the Marais for a slightly more local feel. Order a café crème and a croissant that’ll ruin all other croissants for you. Paris is just starting to wake up, so you’ll have a front-row seat to the quiet hustle of locals heading to work.

9:00 AM – The Louvre (Quickly)

Time to knock out a classic (or opt to skip it until next time and spend more time people watching). The Louvre opens at 9 (except for Tuesday, when it’s closed), so buy a timed entry ticket in advance. While you could easily spend your entire life wandering through its halls, you’ve got a city to see. Skip the crowds and make a beeline for the Mona Lisa. Snap a pic, nod at the Winged Victory and Venus de Milo, then skedaddle. You’ve got the art highlights without committing to a week-long museum coma.

If you want a smaller and less overwhelming, yet still incredible museum, I would recommend Musée de L’Orangerie, at the opposite end of the Jardin Des Tuileries from the Louvre. It was designed by Monet to display his famous water lily paintings and is home to a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

11:00 AM – Stroll Through Jardin des Tuileries

Fresh air break! After the Louvre, take a slow stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. This is your chance to breathe, stretch your legs, and people-watch. Relax in a green chair by the fountain and feel (sort of) like a local.

12:00 PM – Lunch at a Boulangerie

Time to eat déjeuner (lunch) like a true Parisian: carbs on the go! Pop into any boulangerie (bakery) nearby – just Google “boulangerie” – and grab a jambon-beurre sandwich (French ham and butter on a fresh baguette). It’s simple, satisfying, and best consumed while sitting on a bench by the Seine. It’s also one of the most popular sandwiches in France.

And for dessert, don’t forget a macaron or three from Pierre Hermé or Ladurée—you’re in Paris, after all (both have several store locations across the city).

1:30 PM – Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité

Wander toward Notre-Dame. It’s still recovering from the 2019 fire so not open to visitors again just yet, but the Gothic grandeur still stunning from the outside. While you’re in the area, get lost in the quiet little streets of Île de la Cité—a tiny island in the middle of the Seine that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.

3:00 PM – Montmartre Magic

Next, hop on the Métro and head to Montmartre. This part of Paris is a little rough around the edges (in a charming, bohemian, but still safe, way). Climb the steps or take the funicular up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from here? Incredible. You can see all of Paris spread out before you. Wander around Place du Tertre and soak up the artsy vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, get a quick sketch from one of the street artists.

5:00 PM – Wine O’Clock

After all that walking, it’s time for a pause. Find a cozy spot in Montmartre, like classics Le Consulat or Le Maison Rose, and order yourself a glass of wine. (It’s Paris, so you’re obligated to drink wine.) Bonus points if you order a cheese plate because, again, it’s Paris. Sit back, relax, and watch the evening unfold over the city.

7:00 PM – Eiffel Tower (And Maybe a Boat Ride?)

You didn’t think I’d let you get through the day without seeing the Eiffel Tower, did you? Hop on the Métro and head to Trocadéro for one of the best views of the Iron Lady herself. Stick around for the light show that happens every hour on the hour after dark—it’s cheesy, yes, but also completely magical.

If you’re feeling fancy, end your night with a boat cruise along the Seine. Most are only about an hour long and you’ll pass all the major landmarks lit up in their nighttime glory. It’s a perfect way to end your whirlwind day in Paris (and rest your weary feet) if you have time to do it.

9:00 PM – Dinner Like a Parisian

You’ve earned a proper Parisian dinner. Here are three well-known spots that offer great food and quintessential Paris vibes:

• Le Procope – The oldest café in Paris down a charming little cobblestone street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with a history so rich it’s almost intimidating. But don’t let that scare you away—the food is as classic as it gets. Escargot, boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin—the whole French shebang.
• Café de la Paix – If you’re looking to dine with a view of the Opera Garnier, this is your spot. It’s elegant, it’s French, and it’s got an air of old-world grandeur.
• Brasserie Lipp – Another Saint-Germain classic where the steak tartare is legendary. The waiters might be a bit brusque, but that’s just part of the charm.

Nightcap – Evening Stroll Along the Seine

If you’ve still got energy after that meal (or if you’ve somehow caught a second wind), take an evening stroll along the Seine. The city feels like it’s yours at this hour—quiet, romantic, and just a little bit mysterious. Plus, there’s something about the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance that makes you feel like anything’s possible.

And there you have it. One day in Paris, packed but perfectly paced. You’ll leave with full stomachs, tired feet, and memories that’ll make you smile every time you smell a croissant.