A Perfect Day in Paris: How to Spend 24 Hours A Day in Paris

See Paris in a day: Sip the wine, grab a croissant, enjoy the sights, and fall in love all over again!

Imagine you have only 24 hours in Paris, the City of Lights. How would you spend your time? Would you indulge in fluffy croissants and baguettes, visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the museums, or enjoy dinner on a Seine River cruise? With a little experience, planning can be a challenge. But don't worry; our detailed guide will help you navigate your “What to do in Paris for a day” dilemma.

This itinerary is filled with iconic sights, delicious pastries, and charming explorations that might have you whispering “je t’aime” to the city by sunset. So, lace up your walking shoes, put on your best “I know what I’m doing” tourist face, and let’s dive into a whirlwind where you'll experience everything fun and memorable in Paris for a day.

Rise and Shine in the city of lights folks! Mornings are typically lazy and slow, so we won’t start your day with a hectic adventure at 7 a.m. Instead, how about enjoying a leisurely French breakfast with a strong cup of espresso and a croissant? After that, you can take a tour of Notre Dame Cathedral or Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a spiritual beginning to your day.

• First things First: French Breakfast

A traditional breakfast is a highlight at a welcoming boulangerie to start a day in Paris like a local. Avoid the usual piles of pancakes and bacon, and instead get a rich pain au chocolat, crunchy baguettes, and fresh croissants. If you want a little luxury go for chocolat chaud with a silky café crème to pair with it. You can also check out Du Pain et des Idées in the 10th district, which is well known for its mouthwatering pain des amis and the famous escargot chocolat pistache. Their tartelette aux pommes is an excellent choice if you have a big appetite. As an alternative, visit the 11th district's Boulangerie Utopie, to try out their distinctive pastries, which include the popular matcha croissant

• A Visit to Sacre Coeur Basilica

Next make a stop to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, also known as the Sacred Heart. It provides stunning views of Paris especially in the morning when the sun is rising. With its magnificent interior featuring a huge mosaic of Christ, elaborate stained glass windows, a large dome, and beautiful wall art, you are sure to be left in awe. Entry is free, but tourists can upgrade to the top dome for gorgeous city views for an additional fee. Keep note that the church is closed on religious festivals, and the is open on Sundays and for mass every day of the week. This place is surely a calm way to begin the day in Paris.

We have officially started our Paris tour with full energy! Let's embark on an action-packed adventure that includes a cruise on the Seine River, a visit to the Louvre Museum, a stroll through the Latin Quarter, and, of course, a delicious lunch at some of the best restaurants.

• Sein River Cruise

A must-do activity in Paris is a one-hour Seine River cruise, which provides breathtaking views of famous sites including the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower. It's the best way to see the city's top attractions first thing in the afternoon, with an experienced guide offering live audio commentary. From the base of the Eiffel Tower, cruises leave every 30 minutes starting at 10 AM onwards. To get a cruise at your desired time, make sure to make your reservation in advance.

• Explore the Louvre Museum

Right after the Seine River ride explore the world of art at the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous museums in the world. Thousands of artworks including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, are housed in this former royal palace. A taste of ancient history can also be found in the Egyptian antiquities. Also, make sure to get an entry ticket in advance to avoid long lineups and get the most out of your museum visit.

• Take a Walk at Latin Square

Head east to the Latin Quarter, known for its bohemian vibe and rich intellectual history, which was once the heart of Parisian scholars, writers, and artists. Visit the stunning 13th-century Sainte Chapelle and the Musée de Cluny for medieval treasures. Book lovers should visit Shakespeare and Company, a famed bookstore frequented by writers like Hemingway.

• Enjoy your Lunch

By now, it’s time for lunch, so we have selected the best and budget-friendly restaurants in the city center for you to try out. If you like classic French fare, head to Chez Janou, near Place des Vosges, serving Provençal dishes and a legendary chocolate mousse. If you're craving something different, L'As du Fallafel is famous for its delicious falafel, with even former French President Sarkozy as a fan. For a quick bite, explore local boulangeries and charcuteries offering fresh baguette sandwiches or quiches, perfect for those who prefer eating on the go.

As the sun has started to set and the night sky is waiting to shimmer in this beautiful city, we just can’t miss the iconic photo in front of the Eiffel Tower with a goodbye rooftop dinner to end our “Paris in a day tour” adventure!

• The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is not only France's most iconic landmark but was once the tallest man-made structure in the world. To end your night in Paris before heading for dinner wait for the tower to light to capture your perfect shot. Next for breathtaking views of Paris, visit one of the tower’s three levels: the first at 57 meters, the second at 116 meters, and the summit at 276 meters. For those on a budget, the park, fountains, and gardens at the base of the Eiffel Tower are free to explore, offering great views without entering the tower itself.

• Dinner

For dinner, make your way to the Montmartre neighborhood. Once the residence of Picasso and Van Gogh, this creative district has a charming atmosphere with cobblestone lanes, oddball cafes, and street painters. Try Le Moulin de la Galette, a famous eatery for a traditional French menu. The Chez Toinette has excellent wine and hearty stews for comfort cuisine. For a more distinctive and picturesque eating experience, consider taking a dinner cruise on the Seine, which offers a multi-course meal along with breathtaking views of Paris's top landmarks.