One Day in Paris – 5 Itineraries

Paris, the city of love, is a beautiful place with many things to see and do. If you only have one day to spend in Paris, don’t worry! Here are five sample itineraries to help you make the most of your time.

Each itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Paris, focusing on different aspects of the city.

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đź’ˇ These activities are meant to inspire you if you only have one day in Paris. Feel free to skip certain things or combine them as you like. Some might take longer or shorter, depending on your preferences.

Itinerary 1: Classic Paris

Morning: Eiffel Tower
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
  • Special tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.

Start your day with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to avoid long lines. You can take an elevator ride to the top for a stunning view of the city. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

The Eiffel Tower is not just a symbol of Paris but also a marvel of engineering, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Enjoy a coffee or snack at one of the tower’s cafĂ©s while taking in the view.

Late Morning/Noon: Seine River Cruise
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Various departure points along the Seine River
  • Special tip: Choose a cruise with a guide to learn more about the landmarks.

Next, head to the Seine River for a boat cruise. This is a relaxing way to see many famous landmarks, like Notre-Dame and the Louvre, from the water.

The cruise usually takes about an hour. Some cruises offer hop-on-hop-off options, allowing you to explore various points along the river. This is a great way to rest your feet while still seeing a lot of the city.

Afternoon: Louvre Museum
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
  • Special tip: Download the museum app for a self-guided tour.

After the cruise, visit the Louvre Museum. It’s one of the biggest museums in the world. You can see the Mona Lisa and many other famous artworks.

If you’re short on time, just focus on the highlights. The Louvre is housed in a former royal palace, making it as architecturally impressive as the art it contains. Be sure to check out the glass pyramid entrance, an iconic modern addition to this historic site.

Evening: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
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  • Price range: Free (Champs-ÉlysĂ©es), $ (Arc de Triomphe entry)
  • Location: Avenue des Champs-ÉlysĂ©es, 75008 Paris; Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
  • Special tip: Visit the Arc de Triomphe at sunset for the best views.

End your day with a stroll along the Champs-Élysées. This famous street is great for shopping and people-watching. At the end of the street, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for another great view of the city.

The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Eternal Flame at its base commemorates the unknown soldiers who perished in World War I.

Itinerary 2: Romantic Paris

Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
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  • Price range: Free
  • Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
  • Special tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Begin your romantic day in Montmartre. Walk the charming streets and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The view from the top of the hill is amazing. Montmartre is also full of small cafés where you can have a lovely breakfast.

The area was once home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, and you can still feel their creative spirit in the air. Don’t miss the artist square, Place du Tertre, where you can have your portrait drawn.

Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens
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  • Price range: Free
  • Location: Rue de MĂ©dicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
  • Special tip: Rent a small sailboat to float in the pond for a charming experience.

For a peaceful afternoon, visit the Luxembourg Gardens. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, relax by the pond, and maybe even enjoy a picnic.

The gardens are a perfect place to unwind. Created in the 17th century, these gardens were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The Luxembourg Palace, now the French Senate, provides a majestic backdrop to the greenery.

Evening: Seine River Dinner Cruise
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  • Price range: $$$
  • Location: Various departure points along the Seine River
  • Special tip: Book a window seat for the best views of the city lights.

End your day with a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine River. Enjoy delicious French cuisine while watching the city lights sparkle.

It’s a magical way to see Paris at night. The illuminated landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, create a mesmerizing scene. This is one of the most romantic experiences you can have in Paris.

Late Evening: Moulin Rouge
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  • Price range: $$$ (for shows)
  • Location: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
  • Special tip: Take photos outside during the day and return at night to see it lit up.

After exploring Montmartre, take a short walk to the Moulin Rouge. This famous cabaret is a symbol of Parisian nightlife.

You can take pictures outside and learn about its history. At night, the red windmill lights up, creating a dazzling sight. Though shows are pricey, the experience of Parisian cabaret is truly unique.

Itinerary 3: Art Lover’s Paris

Morning: MusĂ©e d’Orsay
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: 1 Rue de la LĂ©gion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
  • Special tip: Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum is open later and less crowded.

Start your day at the MusĂ©e d’Orsay. This museum is in an old train station and has a fantastic collection of impressionist art. You can see works by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

The building itself is a stunning piece of architecture, with a beautiful clock overlooking the Seine. The museum’s collection spans from 1848 to 1914, offering a deep dive into this rich period of art history.

Late Morning/Noon: MusĂ©e de l’Orangerie
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Jardin Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
  • Special tip: Spend some time in the Tuileries Garden before or after your visit.

Next, visit the MusĂ©e de l’Orangerie. This small museum is famous for Monet’s Water Lilies paintings. It’s a quiet and beautiful place to appreciate art.

The museum also houses works by artists like CĂ©zanne, Matisse, and Picasso. The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy art without the crowds.

Afternoon: Centre Pompidou
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
  • Special tip: Take the escalator to the top floor for a panoramic view of Paris.

In the afternoon, head to the Centre Pompidou. This modern art museum has a unique design and a wide range of contemporary artworks. You can explore the museum and enjoy its impressive collection.

The building’s “inside-out” architecture, with exposed pipes and colorful exterior, is a landmark in itself. The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.

Itinerary 4: Historical Paris

Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral
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  • Price range: Free (Cathedral entry), $$ (Tower entry)
  • Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
  • Special tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines and explore the nearby ĂŽle de la CitĂ©.

Start your day with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral. This iconic gothic church is a must-see. You can explore inside and, if you’re up for it, climb the towers for a great view of Paris.

The cathedral’s architecture and stained glass windows are breathtaking. Despite the fire in 2019, restoration efforts are underway, and the beauty of this historic site remains.

Late Morning/Noon: Sainte-Chapelle
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
  • Special tip: Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass windows in their full glory.

Next, visit Sainte-Chapelle. This small chapel is known for its stunning stained glass windows. It’s a breathtaking sight, especially when the sun shines through the glass.

The chapel was built in the 13th century to house King Louis IX’s collection of relics. The windows depict biblical stories and are considered some of the finest in the world.

Afternoon: The Pantheon
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  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Place du PanthĂ©on, 75005 Paris
  • Special tip: Don’t miss the crypt where many famous French figures are buried.

In the afternoon, head to the Pantheon. This grand building is a mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens.

It’s a fascinating place with a rich history. Inside, you can find the tombs of Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo, among others. The building’s neoclassical architecture is also worth admiring.

Evening: Place de la Bastille
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  • Price range: Free
  • Location: Place de la Bastille, 75011 Paris
  • Special tip: Explore the nearby Marais district for great dining and shopping options.

End your day at Place de la Bastille. This historic square is a symbol of the French Revolution. You can explore the area and learn about its significance in French history.

Today, the square is a lively area with many restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s a great place to end your day with a bit of history and modern Parisian life.

Itinerary 5: Family Fun in Paris

Disneyland Paris [Full Day]
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  • Price range: $$$
  • Location: Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, Marne-la-VallĂ©e
  • Special tip: Arrive early to make the most of your day and use FastPass to skip long lines.

Start your day with some magic at Disneyland Paris. It’s a bit outside the city, but it’s worth the trip, especially if you have kids. Enjoy the rides, shows, and meet your favorite Disney characters.

The park is divided into Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, each offering unique attractions. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks and light show, a perfect end to a magical day.

đź’ˇ Alternative to Disneyland:

Morning: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
  • Price range: Free
  • Location: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris
  • Special tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view of the park’s lake and waterfalls.

After your magical morning, head back to Paris and visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This large park has playgrounds, a lake, and even a waterfall. It’s a great place for kids to run around and have fun.

The park’s hilly terrain and suspension bridge make it an exciting place to explore. It’s one of the lesser-known gems of Paris, offering tranquility away from the busy city.

Afternoon: CitĂ© des Sciences et de l’Industrie
  • Price range: $$
  • Location: 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris
  • Special tip: Check out the Planetarium for an incredible space experience.

In the afternoon, explore the CitĂ© des Sciences et de l’Industrie. This science museum has many interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. They can learn about space, technology, and much more.

The museum also features a submarine and a child-focused area called the Cité des Enfants. It’s an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

Evening: Jardin d’Acclimatation
  • Price range: $$
  • Location: Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris
  • Special tip: Visit the small farm area where kids can see and pet animals.

End your day at the Jardin d’Acclimatation. This amusement park has rides, games, and even a small zoo. It’s a wonderful place to finish your fun-filled day in Paris.

The park has been a favorite for families since it opened in 1860. With attractions for all ages, it’s the perfect spot for kids and parents alike to enjoy.

Each of these itineraries offers a unique way to experience Paris. Choose the one that best suits your interests and enjoy your day in this beautiful city!

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