So you’re headed to Paris but you only have 1 day to see the city? The good news, you can cover a lot of ground in 1 day in the City of Light and I’ll outline below how to do it. On my most recent trip to Paris, a family friend of ours was in town and had never been to Paris, so we had one day to show him around and see most of the sites. And while I always love a few days in Paris, if you have to see most of it in 1 day, here’s what you should do (and what you shouldn’t). Keep in mind – this guide is purely to see most of the landmarks in Paris but if you want to really enjoy the city, spend a few days and really enjoy one of my favorite cities!
Get a Day Pass Navigo Card
Before you start your adventure in Paris in a day, buy a Navigo card in the Metro stations and get a day pass. This will allow you access to Metros and Busses all over the city and allow you to get around super easily!
Start somewhere central.
We met our family friend at the Châtelet metro station, a central hub in the city. From there you can get anywhere you want to go and a lot of sites in Paris are on foot. From there, head towards the river!
Walk to the Seine + Notre Dame (along the path of Hôtel de Ville)
Outfit Details:
COS Wool Coat (similar) or (similar) | Zara Jeans (similar) | Suede Navy Boots| Kate Space Crossbody Purse (similar) | Uniqlo Gloves (similar) | Zara Maroon Scarf (similar) | Madewell Wool Beret (similar) | Canvas Shopping Bag (similar) | Meta Glasses
As you walk from Châtelet towards the Seine River, walk along the route that takes you past the Centre Pompidou, a really interesting architectural landmark. Then head to Hôtel de Ville and marvel at the incredible historic architecture. From there, walk along the Seine and take in the Parisian views and wander over to Notre Dame. There will be long lines to get inside, so if you’re doing this in a day you’ll probably just want to spend some time walking around the exterior and marveling at the incredible Gothic monument. Before heading to your next stop, grab lunch at Cafe St. Regis on the Île St. Louis, directly behind Notre Dame – my favorite restaurant in Paris!
Walk to the Luxembourg Gardens
After a nice leisurely lunch, walk through St. Germain and the Left Bank towards the Luxembourg Gardens. And on the way, stop by Ladurée for some macarons to take into the park! Grab a chair on the nice day and marvel at the beauty around you in one of my favorite parks in Paris. This area is a lot more local and you’ll get a totally different feel than some of the areas on your tour of the city!
Jump on the Metro to the Eiffel Tower
From here, head to the nearest Metro station and head to the Eiffel Tower. Once you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, for a tip to avoid the crowds, head across the River towards the Trocadero and then walk down the stairs to the River bank. You’ll have unblocked views of the tower and no tourists around!
Take the bus up to the Champs-Élysées
Outfit Details:
COS Wool Coat (similar) or (similar) | Zara Jeans (similar) | Suede Navy Boots| Kate Space Crossbody Purse (similar) | Uniqlo Gloves (similar) | Zara Maroon Scarf (similar) | Madewell Wool Beret (similar) | Canvas Shopping Bag (similar) | Meta Glasses
After a lovely time at the Eiffel Tower with unobstructed views and just taking it all in, use your Navigo Day Pass to jump on a local bus and head to the Champs-Élysées. You can exit the bus near the Arc de Triomphe and wander this famous shopping street.
Metro back to the Louvre + Tuileries Garden
Once you’ve walked the Champs-Élysées for a bit, jump on another Metro and head to the Place de la Concorde stop. Once you exit the Metro, head toward the obelisk and then into the Tuileries Garden. As you wander the gardens, you’ll see the Louvre in the distance. Walk through the parks up to the Louvre pyramid and explore the outside of the famous museum. And bonus points if the sun is setting by this point and you can take it in at this famous monument!
Paris in a day!
And there you have it, you’ve seen (most of) Paris in a day! Another spot to add if you have time is Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre up on the hilltop for the views.
Heading to Paris?