Perfect Day in Paris: 24H Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Spending more than 24 hours in Paris is needed, but we can still make it work. If it's your first time in Paris and you're planning to stay in Paris for 24 hours, stick around. We have a plan for you to have a perfect day in Paris.

Whether for a layover or other reasons, this Paris itinerary for a day guide contains many suggestions to check off big landmarks and major sights! Feel free to modify them as you please. Ready to make the most of Paris in one day?

Let’s start our Paris in a day itinerary at Gare du Nord. You can easily get to this station if you’re coming in from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly, or the Eurostar. If you need luggage storage for a day in Paris, download the Nannybag app and find the locations near you.

There are many locations near the Gare, and for only €6 per bag, you can safely store your belongings in a trusted location. With the app, there is no need to take out cash or scan any IDs. This itinerary is very walking intensive, so we recommend staying as light as possible.

After storing your belongings, we’re going to fuel up. The first stop is going to be Carton Paris. This boulangerie has been voted the best butter croissant in the city.

The bakery is famous for its traditional French pastries and bread, which are freshly made daily. As you enjoy your croissant, enjoy the shop's charming atmosphere and appreciate the bakers' skill and dedication.

Next, take a leisurely walk for about 20 minutes towards Montmartre and its Sacré Coeur. This famous landmark set on a hill provides a stunning panoramic city view. You can take the funicular or walk the steps up, offering a unique experience.

The funicular is a quick and easy way to reach the top, while the steps provide a more challenging but rewarding climb. Sacré Coeur also has The Apse Mosaic, one of the largest mosaics in the world.

Along the way, you'll pass by quaint cafes, shops, and street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere of the area.

Once you reach the top of the hill, take some time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre. The area is known for its artistic heritage and bohemian vibe, and you'll find plenty of galleries, boutiques, and street art to admire. Take the chance to visit Place du Tertre, a bustling square where artists display their work, and visitors can have their portraits drawn.

If you still have some of that delicious croissant left, pass by Carette for a cup of creamy hot chocolate in the little square next to the church. This elegant tearoom has been serving Parisians since 1927 and is known for its decadent pastries, chocolates, and teas.

On the way down, take the stairs near the west side of the hill and pass by Le Mur des Je t’aime. This "I Love You" wall is a unique and romantic spot where visitors can view over 1,000 declarations of love written in over 300 languages. It's a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the many ways it can be expressed.

The next stop is Pigalle. Only a four-minute walk from the wall, you can find Pigalle.

Here, you can see the Moulin Rouge up close. We’re going to grab lunch at Bouillon Pigalle. This restaurant is a French-style brasserie with a lot of variety for a tiny price tag.

If you want to dive into French cuisine but don’t feel comfortable, you can take advantage and sample all the classics here, from eggs mayonnaise to escargot. The menu is seasonal, so you’re guaranteed fresh eats. After your meal, go to the metro line 2 across from the restaurant! We’re headed to Champs Elysées

Take the 2 lines towards Porte de Dauphine and get off at Charles de Gaulle- Etoile. Look for exit 1, which heads to Champs Elysées. You’ve made it! Now explore the street and visit the iconic Arc de Triomphe.

There’s a tunnel to walk to the arc! No need to play a dangerous game of Frogger in the roundabout! Once you’ve finished exploring, go to the 1 train towards Chateau de Vincennes; your stop will be Palais Royal Musée du Louvre.

Every trip to Paris is complete with The Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world! The Louvre is not just a museum but also a palace with a fascinating history. It was once the residence of French kings, and now it is home to some of history's most famous works of art.

We’ve ensured that The Louvre is included in our itinerary, but to make the most of your time there, it’s essential to plan. To avoid long lines, we recommend booking your tickets online and entering through the entrance of the Carrousel du Louvre, conveniently located on Rue de Rivoli.

The Louvre is a massive museum with three wings, and it would take weeks to see everything it offers. Since we only have 24 hours, we’ll focus on the most important parts of the museum. One must-see exhibit is the Mona Lisa in the museum's Denon Pavilion.

However, don't limit yourself to just seeing this famous painting. The Louvre offers much more, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art.

If you only have 24 hours, we recommend focusing on one wing of the museum and spending about two hours exploring it. This will allow you to see some of the world's most famous works of art and get a taste of the Louvre's grandeur and history. While in the area, you can also take a quick detour to see Place de la Concorde and the Musée d Orsay.

After The Louvre, jump back on the 1 towards Chateau de Vincennes. Your stop is going to be Hotel de Ville. Admire the gorgeous city hall and walk toward Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sainte Chapelle.

While it’s still closed for reparations, it’s still an impressive sight to lay your eyes on. Make your way to the historic Latin Quarter and find Cafe de Flore for a coffee or a beer before dinner.

After enjoying your little pick-me-up at the Cafe, you can stroll along the beautiful Seine River, taking in the picturesque views of the city and its magnificent architecture. As you walk, you may come across some charming street performers and artists that add a layer of Parisian flair to your experience.

After soaking up some culture, you can take the RER C train to reach the one and only- The Eiffel Tower. This iconic landmark, often nicknamed the Iron Lady, is a must-visit attraction in Paris, offering stunning city views from its observation deck.

As you gaze out at the breathtaking panoramic views, you'll witness the tower sparkle for 5 minutes every hour on the hour, which is truly a mesmerizing sight. Another great thing is that you could see both the Eiffel Tower and the Seine simultaneously, or even Champ de Mars.

For dinner, head to Girafe, an upscale restaurant with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and a delicious menu with a wide variety of French delicacies. As you savor the mouthwatering flavors, you can feast on the tower's glistening lights, providing a dazzling backdrop for the rest of the night.

If you want to extend your night out in Paris, why not check out Bisou? This cocktail bar is between the Place de la République and the Marais district, making it an ideal spot to continue your evening. And, unlike most cocktail bars, Bisou doesn't have a menu. Instead, the bartenders will ask you for your preferences and create a unique cocktail specifically for you.

Once you've enjoyed your drinks, you could stroll through Le Marais, one of Paris's most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. You might want to head to the Rex Club to dance.

This popular club is known for its great music and lively atmosphere. But don't worry. You won't go hungry - the area has plenty of late-night options, including delicious kebab shops. We hope you have a wonderful time in Paris and enjoy all the city has to offer!

Recap of the sites in the itinerary:

Montmartre: A neighborhood in the north of Paris, France, known for its artistic history and bohemian culture. It was home to many famous artists, such as Picasso and Van Gogh, and is now a popular tourist destination.

Gare du Nord: One of the major train stations in Paris, France. It is a regional and international train travel hub, including Eurostar trains to London and Thalys trains to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

Sacre Coeur: A basilica in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, France. It is known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city.

Carton Paris: A boulangerie home to the best butter croissant in Paris.

Carrette: A Parisian cafe known for its rich hot chocolate. ****

Place du Tertre: A square in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, known for its artists and outdoor painting exhibitions.

The Wall of Love: or the "Mur des Je t'aime" in French, is an artwork in Paris. It is a wall composed of 612 enameled lava tiles on which the words "I love you" are written in over 300 languages.

Pigalle: Pigalle is a neighborhood in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is known for its nightlife, including bars, cabarets, and adult entertainment.

Bouillon Pigalle: Bouillon Pigalle is a restaurant in the Pigalle neighborhood of Paris, France. It serves traditional French cuisine at affordable prices.

Champs Elysées: Champs Elysées is a famous avenue in Paris, France, known for its shops, cafes, theaters, and cultural events.

Arc de Triomphe: A famous monument in Paris, France. It was built in the 19th century to honor soldiers who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleon Wars. It is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Musée du Louvre: A museum located in Paris, France. It is one of the world's largest and most visited museums, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts. If you visit the Louvre, you'll enjoy the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Carrousel du Louvre: An underground shopping mall in the Louvre museum complex in Paris, France. It is also a public space that hosts exhibitions, conferences, and events.

Hotel de Ville: A municipal building that serves as the headquarters for the local government in French-speaking countries. "Hotel de Ville" translates to "City Hall" in English.

Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is a neighborhood in Paris, France, located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. It is known for its historical and intellectual significance, as well as its vibrant nightlife and bohemian culture.

Cafe de Flore: Famous café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood of Paris, France. It has been a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals since the early 20th century.

The Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower in Paris, France. It was built for the 1889 World's Fair and is an iconic symbol of France and its capital city.

Girafe: Restaurant located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is known for its seafood and brasserie-style cuisine and has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Bisou: Trendy cocktail bar in the Marais neighborhood of Paris, France. It offers a wide selection of drinks and a fashionable ambiance.

Rex Club: Famous nightclub located in Paris, France. It is known for its high-quality sound system and electronic music events.