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TRAVEL BLOG

24 Hours in Paris: A Magical Day in the City of Light

The Eiffel Tower

There’s something undeniably magical about Paris—the romance in the air, the history woven into every corner, and the charm of its winding streets and iconic monuments. Whether it's your first or tenth visit, the city has a way of captivating you all over again. For us, Paris was the perfect place to end our honeymoon, with its convenient flights back to the United States and an itinerary packed with unforgettable moments. If you only have one day in Paris and want to see as much as possible, here's the ultimate guide to making the most of your 24 hours in this enchanting city!

Overview of Paris: A Romantic & Timeless Escape

Paris is a city that feels like it's straight out of a dream. The grand architecture, world-famous landmarks, and vibrant cafés lining cobblestone streets make it feel like the most romantic place on Earth. It's the city of love, after all—perfect for honeymooners like us, but also for solo adventurers, friends, and families alike. With just 24 hours in this magical city, you can still explore its essence and tick off several bucket list experiences.

Where We Stayed: Hôtel les Degrés de Notre Dame

Location, location, location! We chose to stay at Hôtel les Degrés de Notre Dame because it’s ideally located—just a block away from Notre Dame Cathedral. This quaint and charming hotel is nestled on tiny, picturesque Parisian streets, surrounded by inviting cafés that ooze French charm. The hotel’s location is perfect for walking to many of Paris’s major attractions, and it’s also conveniently close to the Metro RER B line, which provides direct access to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. It was the perfect base for our whirlwind day in Paris!

1-Notre Dame, 2-The Louvre, 3-Sacré-Cœur, 4-La Maison Rose

Morning in Paris: La Crème de Paris & Notre Dame Cathedral

Our day started with a delightful breakfast at La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame. This café is a pastry lover’s dream, offering indulgent waffles, crepes, and coffee that are both delicious and picture-perfect. If you’re short on time, you can grab your meal from their to-go kiosk and eat on the move. That’s exactly what we did! We took our breakfast and found a cozy bench right in front of Notre Dame Cathedral to soak in the atmosphere while we ate.

Though Notre Dame is still undergoing restoration from the tragic fire in 2019, the exterior is breathtaking, and standing in its presence is a humbling experience. I was fortunate enough to visit in 2011, when I got to see the stunning stained glass windows and Gothic architecture inside. While you can't go inside right now, you can still admire the beauty and snap some incredible photos.

A Stroll Along the Seine & Voie Georges Pompidou

After breakfast, we took a leisurely walk across the island to the Voie Georges Pompidou, a scenic pedestrian path along the River Seine. There’s something about walking along the Seine that feels so quintessentially Parisian—it made me think of the song “Our Last Summer” from Mamma Mia! The architecture, the riverboats cruising by, and the charming cafés lining the path make this a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and people-watching.

The Louvre: More Than Just a Museum

Next on our agenda was The Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. We decided to skip going inside (saving that for another trip), but you don’t need to go in to enjoy this iconic landmark. The Louvre’s Pyramid and the surrounding architecture are sights to behold on their own. We snapped the classic photos with the glass pyramid, which glistened in the morning light, before continuing our journey.

Eiffel Tower from Rue de l'Université

Jardin des Tuileries: A Serene Oasis

From The Louvre, we wandered into the Jardin des Tuileries, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. This sprawling garden is dotted with perfectly manicured trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and sculptures. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or a quick coffee stop at one of the many cafés scattered throughout the park.

Place de la Concorde & Grande Palais

Our next stop was Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s most famous squares. This historic spot is the perfect place for more iconic photos. You’ll recognize the towering Luxor Obelisk, and the surrounding architecture makes for a stunning backdrop. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Grande Palais, a magnificent building known for its extravagant exhibitions.

The Metro to Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre

After exploring central Paris, we hopped on the metro at Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau and made our way north to Montmartre. First stop: the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. This dazzling white basilica is perched atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Make sure you climb the steps—it’s worth the effort!

After admiring the views and the intricate basilica, we grabbed some street food for lunch (a tasty and affordable option) and continued our exploration of Montmartre. This area feels like you’ve stepped back in time, with its winding streets and charming corners. Don’t miss La Maison Rose, the famous pink café that’s picture-perfect!

Eiffel Tower

Sunset at the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. As the sun began to set, we made our way over to this iconic landmark. For the most picturesque views, I recommend entering via Rue de l'Université—the Eiffel Tower framed by Parisian buildings is simply stunning.

We highly recommend purchasing tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower. The views from the top are unmatched, and standing directly under the tower is a surreal experience. Whether you're seeing it from the ground or the top, the Eiffel Tower is awe-inspiring.

Evening Picnic & Sparkling Eiffel Tower

One of our favorite things to do in Paris is ending the night with a picnic on the grass at Champ de Mars, the massive park beside the Eiffel Tower. Bring a blanket, some food, and a bottle of wine, and you’re set for an unforgettable Parisian evening. As night falls, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles for five minutes on the hour. It’s one of my absolute favorite moments in the world—watching the tower shimmer and sparkle is pure magic.

Conclusion

Our day in Paris was packed with adventure, and we couldn’t have been happier with how much we accomplished. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s so much to see in Paris, even in just 24 hours. This city has a way of making you fall in love with it, whether it’s your first time or your twentieth. Paris truly is a city that will always leave you wanting more, and I can’t wait to return.

Kelly's Travel Tips

Luggage Storage: If you have a later flight, don’t worry about lugging your bags around all day! ✈Luggage storage is common in Europe, and you can research options at Radical Storage.

Travel Insurance: I always recommend getting travel insurance for international trips, especially in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

✈ektatraveling.com is my go-to for reliable coverage.

My blog post may contain affiliate links where I make a commission on qualified purchases.

Kelly Mahar

Kelly, 34, American. I've explored all 50 US states & 32 countries, quit my corporate job to inspire others to chase their dreams, and now teach how to monetize social media.

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