The City of Light has so many awe-inspiring sites and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame. However, for me, it’s the city itself I love most, and the fabulous French food is a close second. No other place looks, feels, or tastes quite like Paris!
If you only have one day in Paris you’ll understandably want to see and do as much as possible. As you may expect, it’s impossible to see all of the Parisian tourist attractions in one day. If you try, you’ll run yourself ragged, and miss the real Paris which is all about lingering over a coffee and taking a 2 hour lunch.
Paris is my favorite city in the world and I have spent more time in it than any other city outside of my home country, the U.S. My one day itinerary balances the must-see sites while incorporating some of the quintessential experiences that make Paris so beloved.
How to Move Around Paris
There are 20 arrondissements (municipal districts) that make up Paris. In a nutshell, that means it’s quite large. If you want to explore different neighborhoods in 24 hrs, you’ll probably need to use public transportation and/or taxis or Uber.
Luckily, the city has a fantastic metro system that makes it easy. Stops are frequent and conveniently located near most major attractions. That being said, I encourage you to walk as much as possible!
The Perfect One Day In Paris Itinerary
Morning
Your morning will start in the city center in the 1st arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine. You’ll see some of Paris’s greatest highlights like the Louvre, the Tuileries, and Notre Dame. It may sound like a jam-packed morning, but most of these will be for a quick stop or a walk-by to get your must-needed photos.
Breakfast at Angelina Paris
Enjoy breakfast in the heart of Paris at Angelina Café on the famous Rue de Rivoli. You can choose to have a typical French breakfast of a pastry and a hot beverage. Or if you’re like me and prefer something a little more substantial, try the Croque Madame, a typical French food, gooey ham and cheese sandwich topped with egg. Whatever you order, I recommend their hot chocolate; I truly believe it is the best in the world. Get there when it opens (7:30 weekdays and 8:00 weekends), you have a full day!
Angelina: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Morning activities:
1. Place de la Concorde
Stroll down Rue de Rivoli after breakfast to the largest square in Paris, Place de la Concorde. The square is where Marie Antoinette, among others, was publicly executed. Today, it is filled with statues, obelisks, and fountains. You can also get your fist peak of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
2. Tuileries Garden
From the Place de la Concorde, walk the path through the stunning Tuileries Garden. Not only are they beautifully manicured, but I love this glimpse of Parisian life. Locals flock to the gardens on sunny days to read, picnic, and meet with friends. I’ve also seen numerous magazine photoshoots here.
3. Louvre
The gardens will leave you at the Place du Carousel which is adjacent to the Louvre Museum. The first time I went to the Louvre I had just completed a course in Art History. I was enamored and spent the whole day there. On this itinerary, you will get to see the highlights in 1-2 hrs depending on your timing. Purchase tickets ahead of time and start in the Devon wing to see the Mona Lisa. My personal favorites are the Monets, Van Goghs, and the huge Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix.
4. Notre Dame
A few blocks along the Seine will lead you to the bridges that connect to Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of the river, home of France’s most famous church. Unfortunately, Notre Dame is still being restored from a devastating fire, but you can still snap some great Instagram photos.
Lunch at La Crêperie
I can’t go to Paris without eating sweet crêpes and/or savory galettes and you shouldn’t either! I particularly fancy La Crêperie in the Latin Quarter. (Take the metro or Uber). The French have a very rigid dining schedule for lunch and dinner. One of the best things about La Crêperie in addition to the yummy food and great service is that they are opened continuously from 7am to 12am. There’s also an awesome view of the Pantheon from the outside tables. Order the Alaska galette with salmon and avocado; it’s divine!
La Crêperie: 12 Rue Soufflot, 75005 Paris, France
Afternoon
After lunch, you’ll just be a couple of blocks from the Luxembourg Garden, a great starting point to explore the 6th arrondissement and the left bank. The ultimate goal of the afternoon is to wind up at the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon activities
1. Luxembourg Garden
Luxembourg Garden is another one of my favorite Parisian spots to immerse yourself into the local scene. The gardens house the Senate, museums, and of course, some of the most gorgeous gardens in Paris. I always take a few minutes to watch the children race toy boats in the main fountain and the old men playing pétanque at the courts. Don’t miss the Fountaine de Médicis, a hidden gem near the Senate building. Exit at Rue Vaugirad on the North, and head towards Saint Germaine de Prés.
2. Most Famous Paris Cafes
The 6th arrondissement is the heart of Paris’s café culture. In just one block on Boulevard St. Germaine, you have the two most famous Paris cafés, Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots, and across the street is the most famous brasserie in Paris, Brasserie Lipp. These historically significant cafés have served some of the most brilliant artists, writers, and philosophers like Hemingway and Picasso. If you have time to stop for a drink and some people watching, this stretch is one of the best places to do so. If not, soak in the ambiance on this lovely street.
3. The Seine
A stroll along the Seine is one of the best free things to do in Paris. There are so many architecturally amazing buildings and charming spots to photo. I like to take the stairs down for a closer view. Also, the views from the bridges make great shots.
Take Rue des Sts. Pères up to the Seine River and walk along Quay Voltaire. Depending on your abilities, interests, and your timing, you can walk along the scenic Seine for 2 miles to the Eiffel Tower, or get a lift to Alexander III Bridge and walk from there (1 mile). As a last resort get a ride to the Tour Eiffel.
4. Eiffel Tower
If it’s your first time in Paris, I think the Eiffel Tower is a must-see. There are so many places you can see the Iron Lady from you will not lack for photo opps. The biggest decision you will make during your Paris visit will be whether or not to go to the top. You will need about 2 1/2 hours if you plan to go to the summit for the breathtaking views. The top of the Eiffel Tower is definitely a bucket list item, so if you can swing it, do it. It is also the number one tourist attraction in all of France, so click here to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Dinner at Les Canailles Pigalle
I have eaten at so many excellent restaurants in Paris, and Les Canailles is a wonderful choice for value, service, and first and foremost, food. I am convinced you will not find a more delicious meal at the same price in the city. In fact, their incredible 2- and 3-course meals at reasonable prices is what earned them their Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide.
The food is traditional French fare with a modern gourmet twist. Each dish is exquisitely presented with foams, sauces, and/or drizzles. For two people, I suggest one of you order 2-courses and the other 3, and share the dessert. The menu changes often, but the Soufflé au Grand Marnier is a staple dessert, do not miss it!
Les Canaille Pigalle: 25 Rue la Bruyère, 75009 Paris, France
Night
Another reason to dine at Les Canailles is its location in the 9th, one of the best areas for nightlife in Paris. Of course, there are plenty of bars and clubs, but after dinner, you’ll be less than a half mile from the iconic Moulin Rouge. This traditional cabaret of feathery costumes and sequenced showgirls goes back to the late 1800s. The revue features acts that range from magic to dance to acrobats. The last show starts at 11:00 pm. Click here to book tickets ahead of time, as they do go fast, especially during the high season.
Moulin Rouge: 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
Spending the Night?
On my last trip to Paris, I stayed at the Westin Paris – Vendôme and found it to be perfect. The location which is most important for one night, is ideal. You’ll be steps away from all of the morning stops. The four-star hotel feels like the epitome of Parisian elegance, but I found the prices to still be competitive. Click here to see the latest rates and click here to see the latest reviews.
Author Box: Chef Denise Macuk began her culinary career founding one of LA’s first healthy meal services, California Chef. There she cooked for celebrities like Billy Crystal, Channing Tatum, and most notably became the longtime chef to Dwayne Johnson. After 14 years, Denise combined her love for travel with her passion for all things culinary to create the food travel blog where Chef Denise shares her travel and culinary adventures along with her knowledge of cuisines to help foodies explore the world through food.
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