For a quick trip to Paris, I have selected for you a journey which takes you through the most known and renowned attractions. If you only have one day to spend in Paris, this is what I recommend that you see first. Don’t worry, you’re not going to miss anything!
1) Walk Along the Champs-Élysées
Beginning of the tour: 9 AM
Time you should spend on the Champs-Elysées: 1 hour
Start your journey at one of the most chic and famous spots in the world: Place du Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, at the Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau station (lines 1 and 9). Begin your day with a leisurely tour of some shops on the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées.
Things to do :
- For makeup enthusiasts, visit Sephora or Mac Cosmetics to discover the latest trends.
- If you prefer technology, take a trip to the Samsung Experience Store to explore the brand’s innovations in telephony and other electronic gadgets.
- Fashion lovers can check out Louis Vuitton or Cartier to admire the latest haute couture collections.
- For a sweet break, stop by Ladurée to taste their famous macarons.
After that, walk up the avenue to the Arc de Triomphe (book your Skip-the-line ticket to the rooftop here). It’s a 1 km-long walk.
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe is optional, but, according to me, it undoubtedly offers one of the best views of the capital, if not the best!
What I like: The vibrant atmosphere! This is THE must-visit Parisian tourist spot.
What I love: The wide range of brands: major shops, the finest restaurants,… but you can also find several much cheaper fast-food and store chains.
2) Visit the Eiffel Tower
Distance between the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower: 30 minutes walk
Departure: 10 AM
Arrival: 10:30 AM
Time you should spend on the Eiffel Tower: 1 hour 30
Next, head to the Eiffel Tower! It’s about a 30-minute walk through the heart of Paris.
For a quicker route, head to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station, take line 6 towards Nation, pass through Kléber and Boissière stations, and get off at Trocadéro station. The journey takes about 5 minutes, saving you time.
If you have the time, I highly recommend climbing the Eiffel Tower—the view is breathtaking! The first two floors are accessible by stairs or elevators, and the third (the top) by elevator only.
It will take you about an hour and a half to visit the first two floors and an additional hour if you include a visit to the top.
Good to know:
- Is it better to climb the Eiffel Tower by stairs or elevator?
- Which is the best floor of the Eiffel Tower to visit?
What I like: The Esplanade and the Trocadéro fountains, which attract tourists and Parisians daily.
What I love: Seeing all of Paris from above.
Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Eiffel Tower
3) Lunch at Place de l’Alma
Distance between the Eiffel Tower and the Place de l’Alma: 13-minute walk
Departure: 12 AM
Arrival: 12:15 AM
Time you should spend at Place de l’Alma: 1 hour 30
Next, head to Place de l’Alma by first walking along Quai Branly and then crossing the Pont de l’Alma for a quality lunch. You will have many options, as there are numerous restaurants.
My favorites :
- Marius et Janette, for seafood. Prices at this restaurant can go up to €70 per plate: plan for a high budget.
- Chez Francis, for a chic brasserie with varied menus; dishes average around €30.
- Itsu, an Asian-inspired restaurant offering sushi, gyoza, and rice bowls, with main courses ranging from €6 to €16.
- 6 New York, for a contemporary, chic, and traditional setting. Plan for a high budget as dish prices range from €24 to €40 and some menus go up to €90.
What I like: The environment. The Place de l’Alma is halfway between the very chic 8th and 16th arrondissements.
What I love: Taking a quick tour of the Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, just a 5-minute walk away. Additionally, if you’re not into museums, the garden of the Palais de Tokyo is very pleasant. And let’s not forget the sculptures on the museum’s esplanade!
4) Stroll in the Tuileries Gardens and Louvre
Distance between Place de l’Alma and the Tuileries: 15 minutes by metro or 23 minutes by walk
Departure: 1:45 PM
Arrival: 2 PM
Time to spend in the gardens and the Louvre: 2 to 3 hours
Take the metro at Alma-Marceau station (line 9) to Franklin D. Roosevelt, then transfer to line 1 and get off at Tuileries station. Alternatively, enjoy a pleasant 23-minute walk along the Seine.
The Tuileries Gardens are the perfect spot for a relaxing break. You can sit by the fountain or in the shade of the trees, and admire the perfect symmetry created by gardener André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. If you have a bit more time, take the opportunity to visit the famous Louvre Museum (book your e-ticket here), located at the east end of the gardens.
Things to do:
- Stroll along the central path and enjoy the beautifully maintained lawns and flower beds.
- Have a coffee or a snack in one of the charming garden cafes.
- If time allows, take a 2-hour express visit to the Louvre to see the must-see works.
What I like: The central location, making it an easy stop between other major attractions.
What I love: The peaceful atmosphere in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle, perfect for a refreshing break. The nearby Louvre offers an essential dose of culture.
5) Explore Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame
Distance between the Tuileries and Ile de la Cité: 9 minutes by metro + 5-minute walk or 30-minute walk
Departure: 4 PM
Arrival: 4:20 PM
Time you should spend on the island: 1.5h
Head to Île de la Cité for an essential discovery of Notre-Dame and its surroundings.
To get there, take the metro at Tuileries station (line 1) towards Château de Vincennes, get off at Hôtel de Ville station, and walk across the Pont d’Arcole to the island. You can also choose to walk for about 30 minutes along the Seine.
Île de la Cité is one of the oldest districts in Paris and is full of historical treasures.
Start by admiring the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Things to do:
- Stroll along the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, and enjoy the view of the Seine.
- If you have time, visit the Sainte-Chapelle for its incredible colorful stained glass windows.
- Take a break in the gardens of Île de la Cité for a moment of tranquility.
I like: the beauty and majesty of the cathedral, the true soul of Paris.
I love: veering towards Île Saint-Louis, at 19, Quai Bourbon, where Camille Claudel had her workshop.
6) Visit Opéra Garnier Neighbourhood
Distance between Ile de la Cité and Opera Garnier: 20 minutes by metro
Departure: 5:50 PM
Arrival: 6:10 PM
Time to spend in the Opéra district: 1 hour
To reach the Opéra Garnier from Notre-Dame, take the metro at Châtelet station (line 7) to Opéra station. As soon as you exit the metro, you can admire the magnificent facade of the Opéra Garnier.
The Opéra Garnier neighborhood is known for its elegance and vibrancy, with many shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
Things to do:
- Admire the exterior architecture of the Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of neoclassical art. Book a guided tour of the Opéra Garnier.
- Take a quick tour of the Galeries Lafayette, one of Paris’s most iconic department stores, for some shopping or simply to admire the glass dome.
- Stroll through the covered passages like the Passage des Panoramas and the Passage Jouffroy, which offer a unique atmosphere with their boutiques and cafes.
I like: the lively and elegant atmosphere of the neighborhood, ideal for an evening stroll.
I love: the Galeries Lafayette Christmas windows, a true fairyland delight for children.
7) Discover Montmartre
Distance between Opera and Montmartre: 30 minutes by metro
Departure: 7:10 PM
Arrival: 7:40 PM
Time you should spend in Montmartre: 1 hour, or 2, or more
To reach Montmartre from the Opéra Garnier, take line 8 at Opéra station to Concorde, then change to line 12 towards Abbesses. From there, you can reach the heart of the district in less than 10 minutes on foot.
Start your visit by taking the funicular to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur or climb the 222 steps to the top of Montmartre Hill.
After climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, this shouldn’t scare you!
Things to do:
- Stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre, full of art galleries, original shops, and traditional French restaurants.
- Admire the Wall of “I Love You’s,” a romantic Parisian monument.
- Visit the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy the breathtaking view of Paris from the steps.
I like: The view of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
I love: The atmosphere in Montmartre: the view over the city, the bohemian and artistic vibe. Despite the large number of tourists, you won’t find this anywhere else in Paris.
8) Dinner at Montmartre
After exploring the village of Montmartre, you will have several dinner options.
My favorite:
- La Mascotte: Start with a drink at this authentic brasserie, where you can sip a good glass on the terrace.
- Miroir: Enjoy typically French dishes in this very Montmartrois bistro, not far from Abbesses station on line 12. The main attraction of Le Miroir is its wine cellar across the street. You can savor organic vegetables, beef with mushrooms, or homemade chocolate liégeois. Expect to spend between 25 and 40 euros for the dinner menu.
- The Terrass’ Hôtel Restaurant: Located on the roof of the hotel, this restaurant offers an exceptional panoramic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. The menu features cocktails and snacks combining different cuisines, ranging from 11 to 26 euros. Perfect for a special evening with a breathtaking view.
- Le Refuge des Fondues: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and wine served in baby bottles, this restaurant offers tasty fondues (cheese or meat) in a friendly and unique setting. The menu starts at 31 euros per person.
- L’Abattoir Végétale: If you want a bit of greenery, this vegan restaurant offers creative and colorful dishes. The atmosphere is warm and the interior is tastefully decorated. Prices are affordable with an average price around 25 euros, and the menu changes regularly to offer fresh, seasonal options.
Check my other articles if you’re planning on staying for:
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
