Best places to visit in Paris in one day: Perfect one-day itinerary
Paris, France is a bucket list destination for many travelers around the world. Although it would take days and weeks to explore all of Paris’s quiet streets, restaurants, and world-famous museums and monuments. Paris is truly one of those destinations that’s amazing all year round. Exploring Paris in one day can be exciting as well as challenging due to the variety of attractions. Visiting Paris in just one day requires careful planning to make the most of your time in this city. Listing some places to visit in Paris in one day. There’s plenty you can see with only a full day to pack in a Paris itinerary. So if your next trip to Paris is a day trip or a long layover, here are some ideas on how to spend 1 day in Paris. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and be prepared to lose yourself in the magic of Paris where every street corner holds a new adventure and every moment is your chance to create memories that will last a lifetime through a Europe tour package!
The Top 10 places to visit in Paris in one day are
- The Eiffel Tower
- River cruise on the Seine
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
- Musee de l’Orangerie
- Pompidou Centre
- The Louvre
- Paris Catacombs
- Picasso Museum
1. The Eiffel Tower
Start your day early morning to make the most of your day. The Eiffel Tower is so iconic that it’s hard to resist. However, if You are only in Paris for a day, we would recommend not going up the tower as there are queues and it takes a long time and it will take almost 2-3 hours if you go up the tower so plan accordingly if you want to go up. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world with nearly 7,000,000 visitors a year and places to visit in Paris in one day. Instead, you can wander the Champs De Mars garden in which it is located. If you are interested in photography, there are some good locations from which you can capture the tower frames by trees and buildings on the side street.
Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole, Paris.
Timings: 9 AM TO 12:45 AM daily. The last Elevator ride is at 11 PM.
Entry fees: 2765 INR
Suggested read: Plan a trip to Paris
2. River cruise on the Seine
In Paris, the Seine River is the life of the city. Lining the river or some stunning Paris architecture like the Eiffel Tower, the Grand, the Louvre, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame and one of the best places to visit in Paris in one day. Crossing the river are 37 bridges including the famous Post Neuf. There are several boat tours on the seine which give you flexibility about where you get on and off and how long you spend on the boat. Boats depart every 25 mins and it takes around 2 hours to do the whole tour.
Location: Port de la Bourdonnais, River Seine, Paris
Timings: 10 AM TO 10 PM during summer, 10:30 AM TO 9 PM during winter.
Entry fees: 1600 INR per person.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the most enduring symbols of Paris Notre Dame de Paris, also known as Notre Dame, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite and is one of the must places to visit in Paris in one day. It is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and Europe. Begun in 1163 and completed in 1345, this cathedral is the site with its portals surrounded by many sculptures and Gargoyles that adorn the roof. Following a tragic fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, the cathedral closed to the public, but the square in front allows you to see its famous gargoyles and two towers. Notre Dame is expected to fully reopen in 2024, in time for the Paris Olympics.
Location: Parvis Notre Dame, Jean- Paul-II, Paris
Timings: After the fire of 2019 it is closed for renovation and expected to reopen in December 2024.
Entry fees: Free
4. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch built in 1836 to commemorate those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. As well as admiring the arch from the outside, you can also go up into the arch to the viewing platform on top. This is a wonderful place from which to view Paris and we highly recommend going during the sunset, so you can see the sunset over Paris and watch the lights come on, it is really special one of the must-see places to visit in Paris in one day. From the Arc de Triomphe viewing platform, you can look down 12 straight boulevards that go out from Place Charles de Gaulle, including the one that goes to La Defense, and the famous Champs Elysee. And of course, you’ll have a brilliant view of the Eiffel Tower, which puts on quite a light display at night. If you have time, you could check out Champs Elysee before you go up the arch.
Pro tip: Check the sunset times for the day you are going and plan your visit around that.
Location: PI. Charles de Gaulle, Paris
Timings: April to September – 10 AM TO 11 PM
October to March- 10 AM TO 10:30 PM
Entry fees: Adults -1000 INR, Groups- 600 INR, no ticket required till the age of 17 years.
5. Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
Known as the sacred heart of Paris, this roman catholic church is located in Montmartre, at the highest point of Paris. The hilltop Basilica is a beautiful place to witness the city waking up in the morning. “Sacre Coeur” translates to “sacred heart” and is dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus. The stunning interior includes a massive mosaic depicting Jesus Christ, world-class stained glass windows, a grand organ, and a crypt. Montmartre is an enchanting Parisian district that has managed to retain its old-world charm and has become a famous melting pot of art history and culture in Paris. Montmartre is a hill located in the north of Paris, 130 m high, having its name with the surrounding neighborhood and a must places to visit in Paris in one day.
Location: Montmartre, Paris
Timings: Anytime
Entry fees: Free
6. Musee de l’Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie is a renowned art museum located in the heart of Paris near Place de la Concorde one of the must places to visit in Paris in one day. It is best known for housing Claude Monet’s stunning water Lillies series. The museum design itself is fascinating with two oval rooms built to display Monet’s large-scale artworks in natural light. Apart from Monet’s work, the museum also features an impressive collection of early 20th-century art, including pieces by artists like Picasso, Renoir, and Modigliani. The museum’s smaller size makes it manageable to explore in a few hours, making it a wonderful stop for art enthusiasts. Its location in Tuileries Garden adds to its beauty, providing a delightful environment to enjoy both art and nature in one visit.
Location: Jardin des Tuileries, Paris
Timings: All days 9 AM to 6 PM except Tuesdays
Entry fees: 983 INR / person onwards.
7. Pompidou Centre
This contemporary and modern art museum is housed in a peculiar-looking building that opened in 1977 and is one of the must-see places to visit in Paris in one day. Its inside-out architecture was designed by the now world-famous Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. The building contains a modern art museum and various temporary exhibits, a public library, and an acoustics research center. Playful statues and fountains are located at the front of the building, which is popular with street performers. Work from renowned artists like Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso can be found at the Pompidou Center. A rooftop terrace also allows visitors to see some spectacular views over Paris. Tickets are required, so buy skip-the-line tickets to save time here as well.
Location: Place Georges- Pompidou, Paris
Timings: All days 11 AM to 9 PM except Tuesdays
Entry fees: 2704 INR / person onwards. Entry is free for visitors under 18
8. The Louvre
The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world and a must-see places to visit in Paris in one day. Located in the heart of Paris, this historic building is a former royal palace, with an area of 2,10,000 m² including 60,600 for exhibitions. The museum is housed in the Louvre, originally a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. The remains of the fortress are visible in the basement of the museum.
The collection is divided into eight departments:
- Egyptian Antiquities
- Oriental Antiquities
- Greek, Etruscan, and Roman
- Islamic Art
- Sculptures of the Middle Ages
- Objects of art
- Paintings
- Graphic Arts
Location: Musse de Luvre, Paris
Timings: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM.
Wednesday and Friday 9 AM to 9:45 PM.
Entry fees: 4588 INR. Entry is free till the age of 18 years and for teachers, artists, and the disabled.
9. Paris Catacombs
20 meters below the busy city streets of Paris are the catacombs, a maze that makes up one of the world’s largest underground burial sites one of the must places to visit in Paris in one day. The skeletons of over 6 million people are located in this unique system of tunnels, which was established in the 18th century when the city’s surface graveyards were overflowing and affecting public health. The catacombs are a great place to experience some Parisian “dark tourism”, and escape the midday heat during the summer, the tunnels stay cool year-round. Visitors are limited to 200 at a time, so be sure to secure tickets online ahead of your visit.
Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri, Paris
Timings: All days 10 AM to 8:30 PM except Monday
Entry fees: 12500 INR / person onwards for VIP skip-the-line tickets.
10. Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum (Musée National Picasso Paris) pays homage to Pablo Picasso, who was born in Spain but spent much of his adult life painting, drawing, sculpting, and designing in Paris. It displays the chronology of this legendary artist’s work, including his drawings and sketches, books he’s illustrated, and of course works from his “Blue Period” and his classic cubism portraits. Entry to this museum is more budget-friendly than many of the other Paris museums, and with fewer crowds, it’s optional to book tickets ahead of time. It is one of the must places to visit in Paris in one day.
Location: 5 Rue de Thorigny, Paris
Timings: All days 10:30 AM to 6 PM except Monday
Entry fees: 1430 INR / person onwards
Is it possible to experience Parisian cuisine during a one-day visit?
Experiencing Parisian cuisine during a one-day visit is possible. Paris offers a variety of dining options from quiet bistros to upscale restaurants and cute cafes. For a quick authentic taste of Parisian cuisine, you can start your day with a croissant and coffee at a local bakery. Try a classic French dish like Quiche or Croque Monsieur at a nearby bistro. Don’t forget to sample some delicious pastries or macarons from a patisserie for dessert.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting during a short stay in Paris?
Paris is full of hidden gems and lesser-known spots that are perfect for a short stay. Consider visiting the canal Saint Martin area for a relaxing walk along the water and discover unique shops cafes and street art. Another area to explode is Lee Marias, known for its historic architecture, boutiques, and delightful cafes. You can also visit the Promenade Plantée, an elevated park built on an old railway that offers beautiful views away from busy tourist spots.
What is the best time of day to start exploring Paris?
The best time of the day to start exploring Paris depends on your preferences and the attractions you want to visit. If you are interested in catching sunrise views or looking for morning light photography, then consider starting early in the morning around 7-8 AM. This is also a great time to beat the crowds at popular tourist spots. If you prefer a more leisurely start to your day you can begin exploring around late morning or early afternoon ensuring you have enough time to see the key sights and enjoy.
How can I make the most of my one day in Paris?
To make the most of your one day in Paris, prioritize the must-see attractions while also leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.
