Paris is an incredible, iconic city. Overflowing with culture and history, it’s no wonder that Paris is on most travelers’ bucket lists. Even if you only have one day in Paris, there is plenty to do and see.
One day in Paris: Experience architecture, art, amazing food, and Parisian chic in just 24 hours
With world-famous neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and outstanding gastronomy, Paris is one of the most rewarding places to visit. The city is brimming with beautiful boulevards and gardens, fabulous museums, and incredible architecture. Food lovers and fashionistas alike adore Paris for its fabulous boutiques, remarkable cafes, and exquisite restaurants. With all this on offer, trying to decide on what to see and do if you’ve only got one day in Paris can be overwhelming.
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Skip the line and save time and money
Purchase tickets in advance online for the major Paris attractions and you won´t have to wait in long lines. Perfect if you want to make the most of your time in Paris, you have children or you just don´t like waiting in a ticket queue.
It may seem unrealistic to fully experience all of Paris in one day, but it is possible! Be prepared to walk a bit and make good use of the bus and metro system, and you can enjoy an unforgettable tour of Paris.
The choice of places to visit in Paris is seemingly endless. We recommend stocking up on energy and starting the day with a generous French breakfast at a Parisian café. After you’ve eaten, you can take a walk along the gorgeous River Seine.
Take a walk along the Seine River and discover the delights of Paris
The Seine River cuts right through Paris, so at one point or another, you will be walking along or across it. The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) and Saint Germain (the 6th arrondissement) follow the line of the river and are considered among the most iconic Parisian neighborhoods. With their picturesque buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies, these neighborhoods are incredibly special places.
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Along the left bank, you will most certainly encounter the established “Bouquinistes of Paris”, the famous book sellers in their green painted boxes.
Ambling along the Seine is also a great way to get the best views of the city’s monuments. You can walk right by the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris, and the Louvre. History will unfold before your eyes while you’re comfortably relaxing. If you want a truly romantic way to tour the Seine, many boat services offer cruises along the river.
Explore the heart of Paris at the Île de la Cité and Notre Dame
Île de la Cité is the heart of Paris. This is where the original city started before growing out of the borders of the island and expanding to become the Paris that we know now.
The Notre-Dame church, the Conciergerie, and the Sainte Chapelle are among the many treasures you will discover while walking through Île de la Cité.
Sadly, Notre Dame’s profile has now changed following the recent fire of April 2019. This is one of the many tragedies this masterpiece of Gothic architecture has been through and survived. Interestingly, to this day, all road distances in France are measured from the “Point Zero” mark, located on the “Place du Parvis” of Notre-Dame.
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To visit Notre Dame, take the Metro Line 4 service to Cité. You can purchase Parisian train tickets at any metro station. For just one day in Paris, the Paris Visite Pass day pass is perfect.
Visit Galeries Lafayette: the best place for shopping, food, chilling and sightseeing!
A one-day itinerary in Paris would not be complete without dedicating some time to shopping. Galeries Lafayette Hausmann is the most iconic department store in Paris. It will definitely fulfill your expectations, and then some!
Anytime is a great time to visit Galeries Lafayette Hausmann. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a quick Parisian breakfast and some shopping. Or you could drop by for a relaxed lunch and spend some time marveling at the wonderful architecture and the fabulous collection of fashion, accessories, gifts, and gourmet goods.
While you shop, be sure to look up and around. The building is an architectural gem with a spectacular Art Nouveau dome. The store itself holds many secrets and has a fascinating story. You can sign up for one of the store’s “guided heritage tours” or grab a book to read more about Galeries Lafayette’s history.
You’ll find an array of major brands that regularly offer exclusive guest experiences. Take the opportunity to stay and be pampered at one of the make-up or nail bars. Or you could enjoy one of the pop-up events that are often held in the store.
Be sure to see the amazing Glasswalk and the incredible, huge rainbow net hanging from the dome. If you happen to be there for Christmas, you will enter a world of wonder as the store transforms and displays its festive magic with a giant Christmas tree and window displays.
Gastronomy lovers who wish to enjoy some French delicacies will find a large selection of fine restaurants. Some of the world’s most renowned chefs are now based in Galeries Lafayette. You can treat yourself to a delicious meal or a snack! This might be an excellent opportunity to taste a few of Pierre Hermé’s selection of macarons and pastries.
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Want to learn more about French cuisine? Sign up for the “French macaron bakery class”. Classes are held in English and are great fun for food lovers of all ages!
You can take a deep dive into French culture with Galeries Lafayette’s sensory experiences. After you’re done shopping, stay and enjoy wine tasting, fashion shows, bakery classes, or have a guide show you the shop’s unique story and architecture. Any one of these experiences will add something special to your day.
Experience the height of culture at the Louvre Museum and Orsay Museum
If art is your thing, you might want to spare two hours of your day to make a quick visit to one of these incredible museums. The Louvre and Orsay are located on either side of the “Jardin des Tuileries”, the oldest garden of Paris and a brilliant example of “Jardin à la Française”. Be prepared: both museums are very large! Two hours will barely scratch the surface. However, both of these famous museums are well worth even a quick visit. You can roam the museums on your own, or arrange for a guide to take you on a tour.
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While the Mona Lisa is one of the main attractions at the Louvre, it’s worth seeking out some of the lesser-known exhibits. The Salle du Soudan (Soltan Room) is an amazing room decorated in the style of a 17th-century Persian king. It’s one of the most remarkable exhibits but is often overlooked by visitors.
After making your way around these fantastic museums, you can take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden. This will naturally take you to the grand Place de la Concorde with its Egyptian Obelisk proudly overlooking the square and the avenue of the Champs-Élysées. A few minutes away is the Place Vendôme, a marvel of urban design and once a symbol of political power, which is now home to most of the prestigious luxury jewelers. Head to the west and you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of France’s victories in the Napoleonic wars. Travel northwards and you’ll find the beautiful Opera Garnier, a remarkable blend of different architectural styles built by Charles Garnier during the 19th century. Nowadays, the Palais Garnier is one of the best places to see a ballet.
Enjoy the sunset and a delightful dinner at Montmartre
You might recognize Montmartre as the setting for the movie Amélie. But there’s much more to this iconic neighborhood. The hill of Montmartre is a little out of the way, depending on how you organize your visit. But rest assured, it is well worth the detour!
Montmartre boasts winding cobblestone streets, a mill, a vineyard, the art-filled Place du Tertre, and the beautiful Sacré Coeur church. And these are just a few of the enchanting sights you will stumble upon while roaming through this village-within-the-city.
You can enjoy the sunset and take in the breathtaking panorama from the highest peak of the city before making your way to one of the numerous restaurants for some tasty French cuisine.
Montmartre is one of the most popular places to stay in Paris. If you decide that one day in Paris is not enough, then you can book a hotel and stay a little longer to soak up the atmosphere!
Galeries Lafayette also features one of the most exquisite rooftop terraces, boasting stunning views of some of Paris’s most loved monuments. What better way to end your 24-hour trip in Paris than sipping a drink with the city at your feet?
Step inside and begin a journey of discovery! There’s always something happening at Galeries Lafayette!
