Only have one day in Paris? It’s still enough time to experience what makes the city so special. With smart planning and a good route, you can cover the highlights without feeling rushed. Paris is surprisingly walkable, and many of its most famous sights sit close to each other.
This one-day Paris itinerary is designed to help you make the most of every hour. You’ll start the day with a classic French breakfast, explore historic neighborhoods, see iconic landmarks, and end the night with unforgettable views.
Ready to make the most of your 1 day in Paris? Let’s get started!
🥐 Morning: Croissants & Latin Quarter
Fresh croissants at a french bakery | Photo Credits: Joseph Kim on Pexels
Start your day the Parisian way with buttery pastries from a local bakery. Two of our top picks are La Maison d’Isabelle and Blé Sucré, known for their golden croissants and rich pain au chocolat. Grab a seat outside, sip a strong espresso, and enjoy some people-watching to get into the local vibe.
Shakespeare & Company at Latin Quarter
After breakfast, walk through the Latin Quarter. This neighborhood is lined with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful bookshops, and centuries-old architecture. You’ll find iconic spots like the Panthéon, Shakespeare & Company, and Sorbonne University.
For a deeper dive into the area’s history, consider booking a Latin Quarter walking tour. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and local stories from a guide who knows their stuff.
🌷 Midday: Luxembourg Gardens & Medici Fountain
Walking around Luxembourg Gardens
By late morning, head to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the prettiest parks in Paris. It’s only a short walk from the Latin Quarter and a great place to slow things down. Walk along the tree-lined paths, check out the colorful flowerbeds, or relax near the fountains by the Luxembourg Palace.
People-watching at Medici Fountain
🚇 Getting to the Eiffel Tower from Jardin du Luxembourg
After enjoying Jardin du Luxembourg, it’s time to make your way to the Eiffel Tower for the next exciting part of your day.
The easiest and quickest way is by Metro:
- Walk to RER B Luxembourg Station and hop on a train toward Denfert-Rochereau.
- Transfer to Metro Line 6 at Denfert-Rochereau and ride toward Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.
- Get off at Bir-Hakeim Station, you’ll be just a 10-minute walk from the base of the Eiffel Tower.
🗼 Afternoon: Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
See iconic Paris Landmarks at the Eiffel Tower viewing platforms
You can’t spend a day in Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower. Heading to the top is worth it with the views stretching across the Seine River and famous landmarks in every direction. You can also walk around the viewing platforms, take lots of photos, read the displays about the tower’s history, and stop by the gift shop for souvenirs.
Gourmet Lunch at the Seine River Cruise
After visiting the tower, turn lunch into an experience by booking a Seine River lunch cruise. It’s an easy, relaxing way to rest your feet while still sightseeing. As you enjoy a French meal and a glass of wine, you’ll glide past famous spots like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay.
🚇 Getting to the Louvre from the Seine River
Once you’ve finished up lunch at the Seine River, it’s time to head to the Louvre Museum.
The easiest and quickest way is by taking the metro:
- From Bir-Hakeim Station, take Line 6 toward Nation.
- Transfer at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile to Line 1 toward Château de Vincennes.
- Get off at Palais Royal, the museum is just steps away from the station exit.
🖼 Late Afternoon: Louvre Museum
Taking in classical art at the Louvre Museum
Next stop? The Louvre Museum. Even if you don’t have time to explore every room, you can still see major highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Focus on a few key wings instead of trying to cover everything; the Louvre is huge!
Buy a sweet souvenir at La Maison du Chocolat | Photo Credits: LMDCWIKI on Wikimedia
After exploring the world’s most famous museum, treat yourself to something sweet nearby. La Maison du Chocolat offers high-end French chocolates, while Angelina is famous for its thick, luxurious hot chocolate and dreamy pastries. A sugar boost is just what you need before your final stop!
🚇 Getting to the Arc de Triomphe from the Louvre Museum
After seeing world-famous artworks of the Louvre Museum, your Paris adventure continues with a final breathtaking stop: the Arc de Triomphe.
The easiest and quickest way is by taking the metro:
- From Musée du Louvre Metro station (right near the museum), hop on Line 1 heading toward La Défense.
- Ride for about 5 stops and get off at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.
- The Arc de Triomphe is right above the station, just follow the signs and use the underground passage
🌇 Evening: Arc de Triomphe
Sunset views at Arc de Triomphe | Photo Credits: Laura Stanley on Pexels
Wrap up your 1 day in Paris by heading to the Arc de Triomphe. Arrive around golden hour to catch the sun dipping behind the city. Climb to the top (yes, it’s worth the stairs!) for sweeping views of the glowing Paris skyline.
After taking in the views, take a walk down the Champs-Élysées. This famous avenue is lined with cafes, shops, and theaters. Grab dinner at a nearby bistro for a French meal with a stylish vibe.
❓FAQs about one day in Paris
Is one day enough to see Paris?
One day isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s definitely enough to see the highlights and get a feel for the city. With a smart plan and a good pair of shoes, you can visit iconic landmarks, try French food, and even squeeze in a museum stop. It’s all about pacing yourself and enjoying the ride!
What should you see in Paris in one day?
If you’re in Paris for a day, focus on the essentials: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine River, and either the Latin Quarter or Montmartre. These spots give you a mix of history, culture, and picture-perfect views. And don’t forget to try a croissant or two along the way!
How do you plan a one-day Paris itinerary?
Start with a map and group attractions by area to save time. Plan for a mix of sightseeing, food breaks, and a little downtime to enjoy the atmosphere. Booking a few key experiences ahead of time can help make everything smoother. That’s why following a 1 day in Paris itinerary like this one is so handy!
Can you visit Paris on a day trip?
Absolutely! Many travelers visit Paris for a day from cities like London or Brussels using the high-speed train. If you're organized and start early, you'll be amazed at how much you can fit in. Just be sure to keep your travel times in mind when picking activities.
What should you skip if you only have one day in Paris?
Skip activities that eat up a lot of time, like day trips outside the city or multi-hour museum visits. Instead, focus on outdoor landmarks, short guided tours, and local eats. That way, you can see more and feel more connected to the energy of Paris.
✨ Au revoir: ready to experience Paris in a day?
Being in Paris for a day doesn’t mean you have to miss out. With the right itinerary, you can walk charming streets, eat mouthwatering food, look at world-famous art, and stand atop landmarks that have inspired people for centuries.
So pack your day bag, charge your phone for photos, and let Paris sweep you off your feet!
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