Things to Do in Paris in 1 Day

Paris is one of those cities that seem impossible to visit in a single day, but with good planning it is possible to enjoy its most emblematic monuments, stroll along its historic avenues, savour its exquisite gastronomy and be surprised by its unique atmosphere. This itinerary offers you a complete, agile and enriching tour, with practical recommendations to optimise your time, without renouncing the essence of the City of Light. If you only have 24 hours, here is the best way to make the most of them.

Start your day in the place where Paris was born: Île de la Cité. This island in the middle of the Seine River is the historic heart of the city, home to some of its oldest and most representative buildings. Here you will find two jewels of Gothic art: the imposing Notre-Dame Cathedral and the delicate Sainte-Chapelle. Walking through these streets is like travelling back in time, surrounded by the sound of the river and the majesty of medieval architecture.

Useful information

• After its recent restoration, Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors and you can now visit Notre-Dame free of charge. You can also book a tour of the exterior of Notre-Dame which includes access to the archaeological crypt.
• Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its collection of Gothic stained glass windows, unique in the world. Book tickets to Paris' Sainte-Chapelle to see its two levels: the Lower and Upper Chapel.

Just a few minutes' walk from Île de la Cité awaits one of the world's cultural gems: the Louvre Museum. This former royal palace turned art gallery houses thousands of must-see works. It can take days to explore, but with a definite plan you can enjoy its most iconic pieces in a short time. The building itself is also worth a visit: its architecture blends classical and modern, and its glass pyramid has become a symbol of the city.

Useful information

• Buy skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre and avoid wasting valuable time in queues.
• Booking a guided tour of the Louvre is ideal if you want to see the highlights in context and without stress.
• Don't miss the Louvre's greatest works such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Crown Jewels.

Opposite the Louvre lie the Tuileries Gardens, a green space that was once the exclusive domain of royalty and is now one of the most peaceful corners of central Paris. Walking through its paths is a visual and physical break, ideal after the intensity of the museum. Between sculptures, fountains and wide promenades, you will feel how the city breathes art and elegance at every step.

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• First public garden in Paris, opened in 1667 by order of Catherine de Medici.
• Perfect for taking a break, sitting in the sun or simply strolling aimlessly.

Cross the gardens and you'll come to the Place de la Concorde, one of the city's largest and most significant landmarks. Although today it is an elegant place, with its Egyptian obelisk and majestic fountains, some of the darkest episodes of the French Revolution took place here, such as the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. To walk here is to walk on the living history of France.

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• It houses the Louxor obelisk and the fountains of the Seas and the Rivers.
• Key point for the Bastille Day parades.

Paris can also be savoured, and a lunch with a view, good bread and French cuisine is an essential part of the trip. Around the Louvre and Concorde you'll find a diverse offer ranging from quick bites to gourmet menus, all with that unmistakably Parisian touch.

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• Traditional food: Café Blanc
• Elegant fusion: Le Fumoir
• Express option: Bo & Mie, Pret-a-manger, Franprix.
• For a more complete experience, take a gastronomic tour of Paris.

From the Concorde, the most famous avenue in Paris opens up: the Champs Elysées. This promenade of almost two kilometres is full of shops, historic cafés, large shop windows and lots of atmosphere. In the background is the Arc de Triomphe, which crowns this Parisian artery with an imperial air. A stroll along it is to immerse yourself in the most elegant and lively side of the city.

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• Shops such as Dior, Louis Vuitton and Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées.
• Cafés such as Fouquet's and Ladurée.
• Cinemas, car showrooms and lots of city life.

This monument, commissioned by Napoleon, is not only a symbol of French military history, but also a luxury viewpoint. From its summit, the views of the avenues that open out into the star are postcard-perfect. Moreover, its base holds the eternal flame of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn and symbolic corner.

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• Access the belvedere with advance tickets for the Arc de Triomphe.
• See the monumental sculptures on its outer walls.

Follow your path along the elegant Avenue Kléber to Trocadero, the city's best vantage point for viewing the Eiffel Tower. From here, the gardens and the Warsaw Fountain perfectly frame Paris' most iconic monument. The golden light of the sunset makes the experience even more spectacular.

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• Ideal for spectacular photos before climbing the tower.
• The Warsaw Fountain, with its symmetrical jets, offers an incredible visual spectacle.

Here's the grand finale. Climbing the Eiffel Tower at sunset is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Paris. But the night doesn't end there: a cruise along the Seine with the city lit up is the perfect finale. Enjoy the reflection of the illuminated monuments in the water and toast to having made the most of your day in the French capital.

Useful information

• Buy your ticket for the Eiffel Tower in advance to avoid waiting in line.
• Enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower at sunset and its nightly light show.
• Book a Seine River cruise including dinner or live music for the full experience.