{"id":48376,"date":"2021-08-22T09:46:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T07:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/?p=48376"},"modified":"2026-09-21T12:54:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:54:53","slug":"paris-in-one-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/paris-in-one-day\/","title":{"rendered":"How to See Paris in Just One Day: Full Itinerary + Map"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The imposing Eiffel Tower, the intricately decorated facades of historic buildings, sipping caf\u00e9 au lait at a sidewalk bistro table, and the charm of a cosmopolitan city steeped in history: Paris never ceases to fascinate me. But the city is huge, the most beautiful sights are right next to one another, and somehow you just don\u2019t know where to start with your sightseeing itinerary. Experiencing Paris in a single day (and mostly on foot, at that) seems impossible, but I\u2019ll show you how to make the most of your short trip<\/strong> or weekend in Paris<\/strong>, even if you\u2019re short on time! <\/p>\n\n

Quick Tips: <\/strong>\u279c Affordable Accommodations in Paris<\/a>\u279c For Those Who Don’t Feel Like Walking: Get Around by Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus*<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"View<\/figure>\n\n

How to see Paris in one day<\/h2>\n\n

I had an overnight stay in Paris in early summer for the first time in years and the day couldn’t have been better: I wanted to see a lot of Paris on this one day, enjoy the city, soak up the flair, gather a little inspiration. My sightseeing plan was ambitious, I was highly motivated and willing to check off a long list of places I wanted to see again or get to know anew. But in the end, everything turned out differently. <\/p>\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n

The Eiffel Tower: The most important sight in Paris<\/h2>\n\n

I didn’t leave the hotel until early noon, so I even had a little less than a day in Paris. But if you have a full day in Paris, I advise you to start the morning at the Eiffel Tower<\/strong>. Especially if it’s your first time in Paris! <\/p>\n\n

The Eiffel Tower is still the most important and impressive sight<\/strong> in the city! Even though I’ve been to Paris many times, the sight of it never ceases to amaze me. <\/p>\n\n

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You should definitely go up, and right to the top, of course to enjoy the full view over Paris!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip<\/strong>: The Eiffel Tower is very popular, and wait times can be extremely long! Especially if you’re short on time.\u279c Book your ticket for the Eiffel Tower here*<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seine
The Eiffel Tower can be seen from far away!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n

A day in Paris: Around the Arc de Triomphe<\/h2>\n\n

From the Eiffel Tower, you can then walk across the Pont d’I\u00e9na to the other side of the Seine. At the Trocadero, you’d better take the metro for a few stops to Place Charles de Gaulle<\/strong>; you’ll definitely walk enough, as I did. <\/p>\n\n

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The metro stations can be real mazes, but the Paris M\u00e9tro<\/strong> is so fascinating! For that reason alone I always enjoy riding a few stations in Paris. (For tips on riding the metro in Paris, see below!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take line 6 to the Charles de Gaulle \u00c9toile<\/strong> station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The Arc de Triomphe on the Place Charles de Gaulle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n

By the way, you can\u2019t go wrong trying to find the right exit here, because the station is huge and you can exit at pretty much any of the entrances leading to the star-shaped Place de Charles de Gaulle. I can\u2019t remember which exit I took, but it\u2019s best to head toward Avenue des Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es\/Georges V; it\u2019s actually quite well signposted. Once you\u2019re above ground, you\u2019ll immediately see another of Paris\u2019s landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

If you like, you can also go up to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe*<\/a>! The Arc de Triomphe may not be quite as high and spectacular as the Eiffel Tower, but the view of the huge traffic circle<\/strong> below and the magnificent Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es<\/strong> is very impressive. <\/p>\n\n

But here, too, the same rule applies (especially if you only have one day): Be sure to book your ticket in advance*<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Strolling on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es<\/h2>\n\n

This is where the famous Avenue des Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es begins, and even if you\u2019re not into excessive shopping, the huge flagship stores<\/strong> here are in a class of their own, and long-established brands like Guerlain<\/strong>, for example, turn their window displays into veritable works of art on the building facades.<\/p>\n\n

\"Guerlain
Beautifully decorated: The shop windows on the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

At the end of the Avenue de Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es is Avenue Montaigne<\/strong>, the street in Paris with the most famous luxury brands<\/strong> (incidentally, Marlene Dietrich spent her last years here). If you want to feel a little more glamorous, take a detour here. The many great storefronts alone are worth it! <\/p>\n\n

Place de la Concorde<\/h2>\n\n

You’ll naturally find yourself walking along the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es toward the Place de la Concorde and the Luxor Obelisk\u2014but be warned, it’s a long walk! I took the metro for the last bit, but there are also several buses that run that route. <\/p>\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n

Jardin des Tuileries<\/h2>\n\n

I had initially intended to head directly to the Louvre, but on a whim, I got off at Place de la Concorde and wandered through the Tuileries<\/strong>. It\u2019s a fairly long walk, yet quite captivating: amidst the busy streets of Paris, the Tuileries stand out as a vast green oasis. <\/p>\n\n

\"People<\/figure>\n\n

Louvre, the pyramid & Mona Lisa<\/h2>\n\n
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By now, at the very latest, you\u2019re already overwhelmed by the splendor and history; and then suddenly you find yourself standing right in front of the famous Louvre<\/strong>. Bam. If you have a little more time (and are even slightly interested in art), you should definitely visit the Mus\u00e9e du Louvre; seeing Da Vinci\u2019s famous Mona Lisa in person is worth the trip alone. But the collection is incomparable in every other way, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u279c Buy your Louvre ticket in advance*<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n

Unfortunately, a visit like that takes a lot of time, so if you only have one day in Paris, it\u2019s hard to fit in museums. Which is especially a shame in Paris. If you have more time, be sure to check out the Centre Pompidou<\/a> and the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay<\/a> in addition to the Louvre. I think these two museums are also well worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n

\"Smiling
Tr\u00e8s contente in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Seine & Quartier Latin<\/h2>\n\n

Behind the Louvre, the route crosses the Pont des Arts<\/strong>. And here, with a view of the Seine<\/strong>, you\u2019ll get that pure Parisian vibe all over again. The route continues along the riverbank toward the Latin Quarter. By the way, the next bridge is the famous Pont Neuf<\/strong>, the city\u2019s oldest stone bridge. <\/p>\n\n

\"Pedestrians
The Ponts des Arts above the Seine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

At some point, the first bouquinistes<\/strong> start to appear\u2014the booksellers with their charming little stalls along the Seine. Here you\u2019ll find used books, coffee-table books, and prints. <\/p>\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n
\"Stalls<\/figure>\n\n

The Latin Quarter is <\/strong>Paris\u2019s traditional student and nightlife district. Numerous restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and bistros line the streets here. But the Latin Quarter is also quite the tourist trap. If you\u2019ve stuck with the whole itinerary so far just like I did, by now your stomach is probably growling, and you probably don\u2019t care which lousy tourist spot you end up in\u2014I know that feeling all too well \ud83d\ude42 So avoid Rue de la Huchette and try your luck in the side streets. <\/p>\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n

I can recommend Shiso Burger<\/a> \u2014fresh burgers with an Asian twist. The little place is located right on Quai Saint-Michel, a bit off the beaten path from the usual tourist traps. <\/p>\n\n

Notre-Dame & \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n

Cross the Pont Saint-Michel<\/strong> to reach the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9<\/strong>, the large island in the middle of the Seine\u2014and, as a bonus, you\u2019ll have a fantastic view of Notre-Dame Cathedral<\/strong> from here.<\/p>\n\n

\"Notre-Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

I enjoyed a lovely break at Brasserie Les deux Palais<\/a>, mostly because I wanted to sit by the street at a charming bistro table and savor a caf\u00e9 au lait, just like in Paris. I\u2019d say I definitely achieved that goal! Oh, and I also stumbled upon a wonderful tip for experiencing a classic old-school Parisian brasserie. <\/p>\n\n

\"Crêpe<\/figure>\n\n
\"Blurred<\/figure>\n\n

Tour Saint-Jacques<\/h2>\n\n

On the other side of the Seine, I discovered a true treasure (and, to be honest, felt a little disappointed that I hadn\u2019t thought to bring a picnic, like many others relaxing here on their Saturday afternoon). The charming Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques<\/strong>, with its lush, shady trees, surrounds the Tour Saint-Jacques<\/strong>. It\u2019s a lovely spot for a quick and peaceful break! <\/p>\n\n

\"Tour
Oasis in the middle of Paris: The Tour Saint-Jacques<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Marais Quarter<\/h2>\n\n

I could have spent the whole day in the Marais<\/strong>: Strolling, drinking coffee and looking at gorgeous people. The Marais is the Jewish center of Paris, and here there are lots of exciting stores, the streets are bubbling over with neighborhood life, and Paris is exactly how I always imagine it to be. <\/p>\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n
\"Street<\/figure>\n\n
\"Mosaic<\/figure>\n\n
\"Classic<\/figure>\n\n

I’ve put together a few tips for the Marais district here:<\/p>\n\n

Chanel Beaut\u00e9 Marais<\/strong>: a small Chanel boutique dedicated exclusively to beauty products<\/p>\n\n

\"Chanel<\/figure>\n\n

Laize<\/a> Bubble Tea Shop for minimalists<\/p>\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n

Mariage Fr\u00e8res<\/a> a Parisian tea house classic!<\/p>\n\n

\"Mariage<\/figure>\n\n

End the day in Paris: Tips for a successful evening<\/h2>\n\n

Montmartre & Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur<\/h4>\n\n

If I hadn’t gotten so completely lost in the Marais, I actually would have made my way up to Montmartre. If you’ve already been to the Eiffel Tower, you’ve already seen Paris from above\u2014which I consider an absolute must. But the atmosphere at sunset at the Sacr\u00e9-C\u0153ur Basilica on Montmartre is something truly special! <\/p>\n\n

So if you have some more time and your feet are still up for it, you should head toward Montmartre from here. It\u2019s best to take one of the metro lines heading north and then transfer to Line 2 to the Anvers station. From there, it\u2019s just a short walk to the Montmartre Funicular, which will take you up to the gleaming white basilica with its pretty towers and the most beautiful sunset. <\/p>\n\n

Evenings on the Seine<\/h4>\n\n

Or you can take a romantic boat trip<\/strong> on the Seine<\/strong>! These cruises are quite touristy and anything but an insider tip – but also really beautiful. Seeing the sparkling Eiffel Tower<\/strong> in the evening while sailing through one of the most beautiful cities of all time is a unique experience. <\/p>\n\n

As with most attractions, the same rule applies here: It’s best to buy your ticket in advance\u2014that way, you’ll avoid long wait times.<\/p>\n\n

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The most popular Seine cruises<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Budget: Seine cruise starting at the Eiffel Tower*<\/a>Mid-Range: Evening river cruise with music*<\/a>Fancy: 4-course dinner cruise on the Seine with live music*<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Advertising \/ *affiliate link<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Tips for a short trip to Paris<\/h2>\n\n

How to get there<\/h3>\n\n

With a huge international airport like Paris Charles de Gaulle<\/strong> nearby and one like Paris Orly<\/strong> a little further away (this is where mainly budget airlines arrive), you’ll find a great selection of direct flights even from overseas.<\/p>\n\n

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But there are also great connections from Germany with the French TGV<\/strong> high-speed train. From Cologne, Frankfurt or Stuttgart, for example, you can arrive in the middle of Paris at the Gare de l’Est<\/strong> in less than four hours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting from Germany to Paris by train<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Public transport in Paris<\/h3>\n\n

Getting around Paris by bus and metro<\/strong> \u2014it works like a charm! The metro stations may sometimes feel like an entire city underground, but you can get anywhere pretty quickly. <\/p>\n\n

For my day in Paris, I bought a day pass for all forms of public transportation, which actually wasn’t necessary at all. The only advantage of a day pass is that you don’t have to wait in line at a ticket machine every time. But since I walked so much, individual tickets probably would have been a better deal. <\/p>\n\n

\"Paris
The metro will take you halfway across Paris in no time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Many
In the past years, Paris has become a super bike-friendly city and rental bikes can be found everywhere! Just download an app of one the local providers and off you go!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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Tip:<\/strong> At the ticket machines, the tourist day pass will be displayed first. Aside from a few discounts that nobody needs, it\u2019s nothing more than a regular day pass, but it costs a few euros more. Just scroll down one page, and you\u2019ll find the regular day pass for 10 euros. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Info & timetables for M\u00e9tro, RER, buses etc.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Note: The Paris M\u00e9tro can really get on your nerves, though, if you’re not familiar with the individual stations. Getting lost can sometimes be quite time-consuming, and the walk to the actual line is often long. <\/p>\n\n

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It\u2019s definitely more comfortable to get around above ground, and if you\u2019re not quite that adventurous, just take a hop-on-hop-off bus<\/strong>. Yeah, I know\u2014they\u2019re embarrassingly touristy and expensive to boot\u2014but in cities like these, it\u2019s just worth it, especially since they stop right at the main attractions and you don\u2019t have to worry about changing buses or anything like that. And you\u2019ll save yourself some precious time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus here*<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Food Drinks<\/h3>\n\n

Paris is an expensive city, and going out isn’t cheap. It\u2019s best to steer clear of tourist traps\u2014they only offer mediocre food and grumpy waiters who\u2019ll just ruin your trip to Paris. But otherwise, Paris, like any big city, is full of great spots just waiting to be discovered. <\/p>\n\n

\"A
In the Marais, you’ll find lots of great cafes and restaurants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Where to stay in Paris<\/h3>\n\n
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This time I was in Paris on business, so luckily I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay. That can sometimes be quite an adventure there, especially when you’re on a tight budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here you’ll find affordable accommodations in Paris<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Map for your short trip to Paris<\/h2>\n\n
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This map shows all the locations at a glance; you can also download it to your phone\u2014it’s handy for checking while you’re out and about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n