How to Spend the Perfect Day in Paris

With its architectural gems, world-class art museums, exquisite cuisine and joie de vivre, Paris seduces millions of visitors each year. But how do you cram the best of this iconic city into just one day? Here are some suggestions for making the most of your limited time in the “City of Light”.

Start Your Day with Pastries at a Parisian Café

Begin your Parisian day the right way - with a pastry and café au lait at a beloved French bakery. Options abound, but few can rival the charming Ladurée in the Opéra district, known for its macarons and gourmet treats. Savor your snack while gazing at the ornate architecture on the Rue Royale, then continue your stroll down the avenue de l’Opéra towards Paris’ iconic monuments.

Marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral

Next, make your way to the Île de la Cité to behold the stunning Gothic architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral. Admire its intricately sculpted façade and rose windows up close. On weekends, you may be treated to the soulful sounds of the pipe organ drifting through the nave. Allow at least an hour to wander the aisles and peer up at the towering stained glass windows. Don’t forget to linger in the small gardens along the Seine for inspired postcard views of the Gothic masterpiece.

Gaze Upon Classic Art at the Louvre

After your Notre Dame visit, head to the Louvre Museum on the other side of the river. Though you could easily spend days exploring this massive museum, focus your time on gazing at the museum’s most famous works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Be sure to reserve your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines. As one of the largest and most important art museums in the world, the Louvre should not be missed on a trip to Paris.

Lunch Along the Seine River

Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a picnic lunch along the picturesque Seine River. Bring snacks from a local market or pick up sandwiches and drinks from the many restaurants and cafés dotting the riverbank. Find an open spot to watch barge traffic float by as you recharge with good food and nice views. The quais between Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower offer prime picnic spots in the heart of the city.

Wander Marais’ Quaint Streets

After lunch, stretch your legs with a wander through the charming streets of the Marais neighborhood. Lose yourself amongst its quintessential Parisian scenery, from hidden courtyards and half-timbered houses to elegant boutiques filling medieval castles. Snap pictures at the Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest public square, and stop for refreshments at a casually elegant café. The peaceful ambiance offers a welcome respite from the bustle of nearby areas.

Admire Art at Musée d’Orsay

Next, take the metro to the Musée d’Orsay museum housed inside a converted railway station. View iconic works from French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Gauguin in galleries filled with natural light. Make a beeline for masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers or Gogh’s Water Lilies. Budget at least a couple hours to appreciate its exquisitely curated collections.

Marvel at Panoramic Views from the Eiffel Tower

For breathtaking city views, head to the Eiffel Tower as dusk approaches. Though extremely crowded during the day, its viewing platforms and gardens offers unbeatable 360-degree panoramas as the sun dips below the Parisian skyline. Take in the glittering lights below as darkness falls. For optimal photogenic skies, consider returning after dark when the sparkling tower becomes the glowing focal point of evening in Paris.

Indulge in Fine French Cuisine

To celebrate your short time in one of the world’s great culinary capitals, splurge on dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Dining destinations like L’Astrance offer imaginative tasting menus celebrating seasonal French ingredients. Alternatively, more casual bistros in neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre serve delicious, affordable classics like coq au vin or ratatouille. Top off your meal with a stroll along brightly-lit boulevards as night falls on the final evening of your perfect Parisian day.

Spend Your Last Moments in Montmartre

As evening falls, make your way to the charming hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre. Wander quaint streets beneath twinkling lights, then climb stairs leading to the iconic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur , its stately white dome standing out against darkening skies. Take in panoramic city views from its front steps, one final vista to savor before your departure. Then meander down to Place du Tertre for artists capturing the colorful scene. Bid farewell to Paris as you stroll quietly back to your hotel, memories of a splendid day lingering fondly in your mind.