Travel guide: 24 hours in Paris

Do you only have one day in Paris and you want to maximise your time here? Here’s the perfect 1-day itinerary for Paris, France!

Paris is an amazing city. I was there for only a week – so I didn’t manage to see it all, but I did visit many famous landmarks and some off the beaten path locations. From all the places I visited, I realize that some are perfect for a first time visit here, so here is a travel guide: 24 hours in Paris.

To help you make the most of your first trip to Paris, here are some useful tips – tings to know before you visit Paris – as well as what NOT to do on your first trip to Paris.

This guide includes most of the famous attractions in Paris, allows you to see many things in one day, getting to know the city, understand its atmosphere, and leave with some special memories.

I took in consideration only one day of visiting it and created a guide that will give you an itinerary to follow if we have similar preferences.

Paris is a city I like – yes, it’s big (France’s capital), which means it is crowded and that the prices aren’t really small. But you can visit Paris on a budget too – or see it in a luxurious manner, however you prefer. Make sure you know what to wear in Paris – so that you’ll blend right in.

The places to visit included in this travel guide: 24 hours in Paris are from different areas and rather accessible. They do include fees (entry fees mainly), but I’d say that they are worth it taking in consideration the experience you’ll have.

I chose mostly famous sights as, even though I like to go off the beaten path, I also like to see the famous attractions of a city, to form my own opinion of them.

Different people have different tastes and preferences, so its only natural that some will like some things, while others will dislike the same things.

While I do my research when traveling – to know what to expect in several places, what itinerary I could make for myself, etc. – I always keep an open mind and like to form my own opinion of a place, to decide for myself if it’s worthy of a visit or not.

READ THIS:  A local's complete travel guide to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

True, I’m always selecting places to see based on my preferences, so not only because they are famous (or unusual, or unknown), but because I think I’d like them.

But enough talking, let me get down to business – and here is the travel guide: 24 hours in Paris.

Start at Musee d’Orsay

Did you know that this is the most famous tourist attraction in Paris according to the visitors that come to this city each year?

I had no idea when I included this museum on my list, but if you don’t believe me, see for yourself what a famous attraction in France is from this article on the Top tourist attraction of every country in the world (with maps).

Why I recommend (and chose) this museum? As a side note, it was the first museum I visited in Paris. Yes, before the Louvre, before Versailles Palace (next to Paris), etc.

The first attraction I saw in the city. For a simple reason: it’s THE place to go if you like impressionism. And I like it. So it was a true pleasure to see those wonderful paintings by Monet, Manet, and van Gogh.

And to see all the other items the museum has to offer – impressive sculptures by famous artists (Rodin included), Austrian painters, interiors from various periods in France, etc.

My tip? Book your ticket online – to bypass the really long line. I waited in line, but for a single day in Paris, you can’t afford that. In fact, read my list of useful things to know before visiting Orsay Museum so that you’ll have the best time here.

Actually, this is a general tip for Paris: if you have your itinerary made, go ahead and check the websites of the places you want to visit and see if they offer the possibility to purchase your ticket online. If so, use this opportunity! You’ll save so much time!

Musee d’Orsay is one of the wonderful museums in the city and, if you are anything like me, you could spend hours and hours. For a single day in Paris itinerary though, you should be here when it opens and spend no more than 2h-2h.30 minutes.

Yes, you need to leave at around 11 AM so that you can enjoy other wonderful places in Paris.

READ THIS:  Dream Destinations For Theater Fans
Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France
Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France

Grab a bite

As the next visit is also one that will take several hours, I’d recommend you to eat something. Now, for budget travelers there are always options – pastry shops, sandwiches from supermarkets, etc.

You can also find a terrace or small restaurant and try some pancakes with special fills so that you don’t break the bank, but still get a taste of Paris.

Go to the Louvre next

I loved the Louvre Museum. I like to visit museums, and I think that the Louvre Museum is a true treasure. While I think it deserves at least a day (and you’ll still see it on the run), if you like art and don’t want to miss the unique opportunity to see the Mona Lisa up close.

Other amazing things to see at the Louvre Museum (which is the most visited museum in the world): the Hammurabi code, Venus de Milo, wonderful paintings, art items from various cultures, or take a trip to the old Egypt through the items exhibited here), visit this museum.

Just make a list prior to your visit as it is truly impossible to see, thoroughly, the entire museum in just a few hours. And you don’t have a lot of time, as you have to be out at 5PM in order to enjoy the next attraction.

A visit based on a list will help you faster identify the places in the museums that are a must for you – and then, if you have the time, to enjoy others.

The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum, Paris, France

See the Tuilleries Gardens

As you’ve seen, I recommended above to exit the museum the latest at 5PM. There is a simple reason for that. To be able to enjoy the famous Tuilleries Gardens.

Believe or not, they are CLOSED at night. And not starting 8PM, or 9PM, but much early. So… you know what to do. I didn’t – so I walked near them…

See The Luxor Obelisque (Obelisk) in Place de la Concorde

As you’ll exit the Tuilleries Gardens, you’ll be in Place de la Concorde. A nice place in itself, and a special one as there is a little bit of Egypt here: The Luxor Obelisque (Obelisk) – another must-see in Paris.

The Luxor Obelisk, Paris
The Luxor Obelisk, Paris

Stroll the Champs-Élysées

Famous worldwide, Champs-Élysées is a beautiful experience in itself. If you’ll see it in the evening (during spring or autumn) you’ll see it lit. During the summer too, but a bit later. And you’ll see all the important buildings in yellow light.

READ THIS:  Queue Etiquette: DO's and DON'Ts of Waiting in Line

Yes, Champs-Élysées is a perfect place to go shopping and for buying a souvenir from France. You have perfume shops, a Disney shop, and many other clothing and accessories magazines. Moreover, you’ll see the light show of the Eiffel Tower – at night, when there is a fixed hour – 8PM, 9PM, etc.

See the Arch de Triomphe

Another landmark of Paris, the Arch of Triomphe.

Impressive, especially if you don’t have a replica at home (my hometown, Bucharest, has one – and my city used to be called the Little Paris for many reasons, but that’s another story.

Go to the Eiffel Tower

Take the subway from the Arch de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower. Yes, there might be a line waiting for you.

Yes, it will be crowded. But I liked visiting it – we bought tickets to go all the way up, see the city’s panorama, enjoy the view.

And there are some souvenir shops as well if you are interested.

If you can afford it, there is a restaurant that will allow you to enjoy the splendid view for a longer while – and to eat good food. We didn’t stop there, I have to admit.

Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower

As you can see, there is a lot you can see and do in a day in Paris.

If I had only a day in Paris, depending on when you are visiting The City of Light, after visiting the city for a week, the places listed above will be those that I’d choose for a day in this city. I hope this travel guide: 24 hours in Paris will be of use to you 🙂

The perfect 1-day itinerary for Paris. Discover what to do in Paris in one day. The best places to visit in Paris in 24 hours are included in this Paris 1-day itinerary! Discover the things to do in Paris in 1 day now. #paris #france #paristips #paristravel #parisitinerary #parisguide #travelguide #traveldestinations #traveltips #earthsattractions

Wondering how to spend 1 day in Paris, France? Read this itinerary for one day in Paris now and discover the best things to do in Paris in 24 hours. Top landmarks in Paris are included as well as useful Paris tips. All you need to know about what to do in Paris in one day! #paris #france #paristips #paristravel #parisitinerary #parisguide #travelguide #traveldestinations #traveltips #earthsattractions

Travel guide: 24 hours in Paris, France

Travel guide: 24 hours in Paris, France

Travel guide: 24 hours in Paris, France

Save

23 thoughts on “Travel guide: 24 hours in Paris

  1. I’ve also wanted to visit Paris but my partner has been and wasn’t a fan. I think it’s such a beautiful place and there’s so many things to see!

  2. My husband and I have been wanting, for the longest time, to go to Paris. If we’re ever lucky enough to make it, we’ll use your post as a guide. I know I’d love to see the Eiffel Tower and Tuilleries Gardens. After all of that, I know we’d love to have lunch at any of the cute little restaurants. I hear the food is amazing!

  3. Paris is such an overwhelming city, there is soooo much to do. I’ve only been once for a couple of days and did most of these, I would love to go back and get outside the city limits, I’ve heard wonderful things.

  4. I looks like there is plenty to do. I did’t realise you could see so much in such a short space of time. I’d love to go sometime and visit.

  5. That sounds like an amazing day. I would love to visit Paris, and hopefully for more than 24 hours but if not, this guide is awesome!!!

  6. I just got home from Paris and I had the most amazing time! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing this guide! It’s perfect for people who are going around Europe and haven’t got much time in each place.

  7. Paris is such a beautiful place, all its magic, beauty and wonder it holds. I can not wait to go.

  8. We LOVE Paris! We were only able to get there once so far, but it’s left a lasting impression on me.

  9. This couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I recently surprised my wife with the news that we’re going to Paris, so this will be very helpful.

  10. I would love to go to Paris and this is a great guide to see a bunch of stuff in a short amount of time!

  11. This is really interesting. I went to Paris when I was younger but I didn’t get to see everything. It would be nice to go back!

  12. Paris is on my bucket list. I hope to stay more than one day, but if not, I’d definitely follow this guide.

  13. Great tips! I would love to make it to Paris one day. There is so much beautiful art and architecture to see. I could spend days in each of those museums. Always a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time. When I was in Spain, I stood in line forever to get into the Prado.

  14. Paris is such a beautiful place. Love that you can do so much in 24 hours in Paris, Glad you highlighted what you can do. Lovely photos and such a thorough list of things to experience!

  15. What an awesome guide! I’m definitely saving this for our next trip to Paris! Thanks for sharing!

  16. Some day I will be able to follow this plan out and spend time in Paris! I love the excitement of big cities, but there’s so much to see and do. Good to have it all planned out for me!

  17. This is so awesome. This would be fantastic if I ever get a chance to visit Paris. 24 hours there would be something else!

  18. Oh my goodness, 24 hours just doesn’t seem like it’s enough. I would never want to leave!

  19. Looks like you checked out some of the best tourist attractions in Paris. I had no idea the Eiffel Tower was that color!

  20. All that in 24 hours! Wow. Fantastic. I will have to book mark this article and do as you did the next time I fly to Paris.

  21. That is so awesome that you spent 24 hours in Paris! Look how much you got done too!

  22. Awesome! That was major trip planning at its best. All those sights in 24 hours. Fantastic. I have to do this too the next time I am in the city.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *