24 Hour Trips
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24 Hour Trips 〰️
24 Hours in Paris | How to Make the Most of One FULL Day in Paris
24 Hours in Paris 🇫🇷
Paris is one of those cities that just hits different. The streets are full of life, there’s the smell of fresh bread and coffee everywhere, and every corner has something interesting to see. This guide is meant to help you actually enjoy a full day in the city without feeling rushed or lost. You’ll see the big stuff like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but also hit some of the spots locals actually go to, like cafés, gardens, and tucked-away streets. I’ve added exact places to eat, what to order, and a few tips so you can skip the lines and find the good stuff. By the end of the day, you’ll have seen the must-sees, discovered some hidden gems, and just felt what it’s really like to be in Paris.
9 AM ~ Breakfast at Cafè de Flore ☕️
Start your Parisian morning at Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the city’s most iconic cafés. Order a café crème and a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat, or try a fluffy omelette au fromage if you’re feeling savory. Sit on the terrace, watch Parisians briskly walk by with baguettes under their arms, and listen to the chatter around you. It’s a perfect way to soak in the city’s energy before exploring.
💡 Pro Tip: Sitting outside, even on a cool morning, is worth it; you get the full Parisian experience with people-watching and street sounds.
10:30 AM – The Louvre 🏛️
Step inside the Louvre, home to over 35,000 works of art. Beyond the famous Mona Lisa, make time for the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and the Coronation of Napoleon. Don’t just stick to the main rooms; explore quieter wings for beautiful sculptures, ornate ceilings, and fascinating exhibits that locals love but tourists often miss.
💡 Pro Tip: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance to skip the long line at the pyramid and get a head start on your visit.
12:00 PM – Picnic + Luxembourg Gardens 🌳
Grab picnic items from La Grande Épicerie de Paris, like a fresh baguette, Comté cheese, cured meats, and colorful macarons. Spread out in the Luxembourg Gardens on the famous green chairs or near the fountain. Watch locals sail toy boats in the pond, stroll along tree-lined paths, and admire the statues and flowerbeds. It’s a peaceful spot to recharge before an afternoon of sightseeing.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick up some Pierre Hermé macarons to add a luxurious touch to your picnic — Paris locals consider them some of the best in the city.
2:00 PM – Champs-Élysées Shopping + Arc de Triomphe 🛍️
Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, a bustling avenue with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and French brands. Stop at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées for curated fashion or Pierre Marcolini for artisan chocolates. Finish at the Arc de Triomphe, where climbing to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
💡 Pro Tip: Late afternoon is ideal for photos — the golden light makes the Champs-Élysées glow, and the Arc isn’t as crowded.
4:00 PM – Montmartre 🎨
Wander through Montmartre, a historic, bohemian neighborhood. Explore Place du Tertre, where artists sketch and sell their work, and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sweeping city views. Stop at La Maison Rose, a pastel-pink café locals adore for light snacks and photos. Cobblestone streets, hidden staircases, and quirky shops make it feel like a different Paris from the tourist-packed center.
💡 Pro Tip: Venture down side streets like Rue de l’Abreuvoir, you’ll find fewer tourists and some of the most picturesque corners of Montmartre.
6:00 PM – Seine River Cruise 🚤
Board a Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise to glide along the Seine. Pass Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay, and see the Eiffel Tower from the water as it begins to sparkle. Sunset adds a golden glow to the city, perfect for photography or just soaking in the views.
💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the open-air deck for unobstructed views and better photos. A light jacket is helpful, as the breeze can get chilly on the water.
7:30 PM – Dinner 🍷🍽️
Dine at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, famous for its steak-frites with secret sauce — the restaurant serves only one main dish, which locals rave about. Pair with a glass of Bordeaux for the full experience. Prefer lighter fare? Try Bouillon Pigalle, a lively brasserie known for escargot, onion soup, and crème brûlée. Both spots are favorite Parisian dining experiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive right at opening to avoid the evening wait, locals say it’s the best way to get a table without a long line.
9:00 PM ~ Eiffel Tower at Night ✨🗼
Head to the Trocadéro Gardens for the ultimate view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the night sky. Every hour, the tower twinkles with thousands of lights, a bucket-list moment. Sit on the steps or grab a glass of wine and enjoy the show with locals and fellow travelers alike.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive a few minutes before the hour so you don’t miss the first sparkle, it’s one of Paris’s most magical sights.
11:00 PM – Late-Night Crêpes 🥞
Finish the day at Crêperie de Josselin in Montparnasse, a local favorite. Go sweet with Nutella, or try savory with a crêpe complète (ham, egg, cheese). Pair with cider to get the full Breton experience. If you prefer street-style, vendors in the Latin Quarter serve excellent late-night crêpes too.
💡 Pro Tip: Locals say Montparnasse has the best crêpes in Paris, so this is your chance to taste a true Parisian tradition.
