24 hours in Paris is a great amount of time to explore the city. It's a short time to be in the capital of France. But it is enough time to visit all the main sights and see what's great about Paris!
From museums to food to beautiful viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower, there's a lot to see in the city. It is easy to spend many days or weeks in Paris without getting bored. Also, it's one of the most beautiful places in France.
For one day in Paris, you want to go to the highlights. With this itinerary, I show you exactly what to do, where to go, and when to go there!
Table of Contents
Getting to Paris
Paris is very easy to reach from many parts of the world. There are great connections and you can travel by airplane, train or bus.
Airplane
Paris has two airports.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The largest airport in Paris is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is one of the largest airports in Europe. When you go by airplane, you are most likely to go here. Many international flights connect to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
From this airport, it is very easy to reach the city center of Paris.
The easiest way is to go by train. If you're only 24 hours in Paris, that's convenient, as it's fast. The RER B line connects the airport to various railway stations in Paris.
You can also go by bus. There is both a direct bus and a bus that is slower.
Furthermore, there is an option to take a taxi to the city center.
Paris Orly Airport
The other airport in Paris is Paris Orly.
Paris Orly is a smaller airport with fewer flights. It is the busiest airport for domestic air traffic.
There is no direct train connection from Paris Orly to the city center. But you can take the Orlyval metro to the Antony railway station. From there the RER B and RER C lines connect to the city of Paris.
You can also take a bus. Orlybus is the fastest option. With this bus, you go from the airport to the city without stopping along the way. So that's most convenient if you're one day in Paris. There is also a local bus that is cheaper but takes longer.
Also, you can go to the city center by taxi.
Train
France has one of the best train networks in the world. There are many high-speed trains that go to Paris.
For 24 hours in Paris, I'd recommend traveling by train if that's possible for you. Trains are often fast and you'll arrive in the city center.
If you are going to Paris from within France this is usually the most convenient option. For example, you can go from Nice to Paris in a bit more than 5 hours.
Also, the train is a good option if you are traveling to Paris from countries that are near France.
From the Netherlands, you can go to Paris with the Thalys train.
From Belgium, you have two options. You can either go with the Thalys train or the cheaper Izy train.
You can go from the United Kingdom to Paris with the Eurostar train.
From Spain, there is a train by Renfe-SNCF.
Many cities in Germany have a connection with Paris by TGV train. Furthermore, there are connections between Frankfurt and Paris with the ICE train.
To go from Switzerland to Paris, you can take a TGV-Lyria train.
From Austria, there are direct train connections by ÖBB.
Furthermore, there are connections between Milan in Italy and Paris.
Bus
There are many bus companies operating bus routes to Paris.
This is often a cheap way to travel to Paris. If you take an overnight bus, it's even more affordable! That's because you save on hotel costs if you do that.
You can even be one day in Paris without staying in a hotel! If you want to do that, you can take an overnight bus to Paris and back.
Getting around in Paris
It is very easy to get around in Paris. If you want to move around in the city you have plenty of options.
If you need to cover a small distance, then you can rent an electric scooter. You'll find these throughout the city. Furthermore, you can rent a bike in Paris.
For covering larger distances, public transport is best. Paris' public transport is excellent. This is great if you're only 24 hours in Paris, as you can get everywhere very fast.
What's great is that the tickets are the same for the metro, bus, and RER train.
The most common way to move around for Parisians is by metro. Everywhere you go in the city, you'll see metro stations. The metro is the fastest way to go from one part of the city to another part.
Another convenient way to get around Paris is by bus. Like the metro, the buses go everywhere. But buses are slower as they have to deal with traffic.
The RER train is the local city train of Paris. This is the best option if you need to cover large distances within the city.
Where to stay in Paris?
Paris is a large city with many neighborhoods. Le Marais and Montmartre are some of my favorite places to stay in. But staying near the Eiffel Tower is great as well.
If you are only one day in Paris, then staying as central as possible is most convenient. There are many great hotels in Paris.
A great itinerary for 24 hours in Paris
With this itinerary, I'll help you make the most out of your 24 hours in Paris.
Morning
Eiffel Tower at Trocadéro
The best place to start your 24 hours in Paris is at Trocadéro. Here, you can see the Eiffel Tower, which is the most famous building in Paris. Mornings at Trocadéro are magical! The sunrise at this place is magnificent.
You can take the metro to the metro station Trocadéro.
At Trocadéro you have one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. And this is one of the best photo spots in Paris. What's great is that you can see the Eiffel Tower from a distance without any buildings standing in front of it.
It can be very busy in Trocadéro, but in the morning it's much quieter. That's another reason why you should start your day in Paris here.
Also, Trocadéro is one of the most romantic places to propose in Paris.
Brunch in Montmartre
Now you are getting hungry. So let's have brunch!
The perfect place to do this is in the neighborhood Montmartre. Montmartre is a place with typical Parisian buildings that look lovely. Furthermore, the general vibe is great here.
Moreover, you'll find here many good places to have something to eat.
From Trocadéro you can take the metro to Montmartre. Take line 6 to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile and then change to line 2 to Pigalle.
Sacré-Cœur and streets of Montmartre
After brunch, it is time to explore Montmartre. This is a very beautiful neighborhood in the city.
One of the most famous buildings in Montmartre is the Sacré-Cœur. This basilica stands on top of a hill and from here you can see the whole city of Paris.
The Basilica looks amazing and you can enter it for free. This makes it one of the best free things to do in Paris.
Another great thing to do here is to go to the top of the Sacré-Cœur. Many small steps can lead you all the way to the top. This is a great experience! But keep in mind, there is an entrance fee for this.
Besides the Sacré-Cœur, there is much more to see in this part of Paris. For example, you'll find here Le Maison Rose, Moulin Rouge, and Le Consulat.
Also, at Place du Tertre you'll find a square with many painters. You should definitely see this square when you're in the City of Love.
Notre-Dame
You've already seen a lot this morning, but there is still some time left.
Another highlight that you should see during 24 hours in Paris is the Notre-Dame. It is one of the most visited places and one of the best things to do in Paris.
It is also very easy to go to the Notre-Dame from Montmartre.
The architecture of the church is amazing and the history of 700 years is very interesting!
There are also some lovely shops near Notre-Dame that are definitely worth your time. These are Shakespeare & Company and Odette.
Afternoon
Lunch in Le Marais
Next to the Notre-Dame is the area of Le Marais. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris. You'll find here lots of shops and many restaurants.
Thus, this is a great place to have lunch. There is so much to choose from!
After lunch, you should definitely walk through the shopping streets. It's amazing to experience the area even more!
Louvre
In Le Marais, you'll find the Louvre. This is one of the best museums in Paris and even the world!
There is a very large collection of objects at the Louvre. There's so much variety. One of the most famous works of the Louvre is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci.
There is too much to see if you are only one day in Paris, but you can definitely see the highlights of the museum. But if you want to see everything you need to have a full day in the museum.
The building of the Louvre is amazing to see as well! It is very impressive and adds to your experience of the place.
Tuileries Garden
When you walk to the next place of this itinerary, the Champs-Élysées, you go through the Tuileries Garden. This garden is beautiful and a great place to sit down. During spring in Paris, the Tuileries Garden is even more beautiful.
You can also choose to walk along the Seine River instead of the Tuileries Garden.
Champs-Élysées
After walking a bit you'll end up at the Champs-Élysées. This is the most famous and busiest shopping street in Paris. You'll find here many luxury stores and also a lot of places to eat.
Furthermore, the street looks impressive and it is one of the best things to do in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées ends up at the Arc de Triomphe. This is a beautiful arch. France made it for the people who died in the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.
It is a very impressive sight to see.
You can also go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and see the city from above, which is great!
Evening
Dinner
It's time for dinner. The city is well known for its food and there are many restaurants in Paris.
There are many restaurants near the Arc de Triomphe. When you walk there you'll definitely stumble upon a restaurant you like.
Eiffel Tower at Night
You already saw the Eiffel Tower, but ending your day with the Eiffel Tower is great as well.
At night there are many beautiful lights on the Eiffel Tower, which is lovely to see. Also, you can go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and see the lights of the city. This is a wonderful experience!
In winter you can go ice skating on the Eiffel Tower, which is very unique.
This is the perfect way to end your one day in Paris.
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