If you only have 24 hours in Paris like I did, you definitely want to maximize your time to see as much as you can of this beautiful city. Although I wish we had more time to explore Paris, I am thankful I did my research beforehand because I left feeling confident that I saw as much as I could in that time. As long as you know where to stay in Paris, how to get around, and a general itinerary of what you want to do in Paris you will have a stress-free and incredible time during your 24 hours in Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris
We stayed in the 8th arrondissement when visiting Paris, this is one of the touristy but close to everything neighborhoods you can stay in Paris. You can also check out these best Paris hotels with an Eiffel tower view, if you want the iconic experience when spending 24 hours in Paris.
When visiting Paris for just 24 hours, it’s essential to choose an area that maximizes your time and convenience. Here’s a summary of the key neighborhoods (arrondissements) and the best places to stay for a short visit:
1. Louvre/Tuileries (1st Arrondissement)
- Pros: Proximity to major attractions like the Louvre, Seine River, and easy access to other parts of Paris. Ideal for first-time visitors.
- Cons: Can be expensive and crowded.
Hôtel Le Meurice is a luxurious and historic hotel that epitomizes Parisian elegance. With opulent decor and exceptional service, it offers guests a truly royal experience. The hotel is ideally located just steps away from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden, making it a perfect base for exploring some of Paris’s most famous cultural landmarks.
Hôtel du Louvre, part of the Hyatt group, is another elegant choice in this area. It features stylish rooms and offers a sophisticated ambiance that complements its prestigious surroundings. Directly adjacent to the Louvre Museum and Palais Royal, this hotel provides guests with unparalleled access to world-renowned art and history.
2. Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements)
- Pros: Rich in history and culture, vibrant atmosphere, excellent for walking tours. Plenty of dining and nightlife options.
- Cons: Can be busy, especially on weekends.
Hôtel Pavillon de la Reine is a chic and intimate retreat in the heart of the historic Marais district. Nestled in the picturesque Place des Vosges, it features a beautiful courtyard and a luxurious spa, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. Its central location makes it easy to explore the Marais’s trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Hôtel Jules & Jim offers a trendy and modern experience with its unique design and artistic vibe. Situated in a quieter part of the Marais, this hotel is perfect for those who appreciate contemporary style and creativity. It’s close to a variety of art galleries, cafes, and the dynamic culture of the Marais.
3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
- Pros: Central and chic, close to major sights like Notre-Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens. Excellent cafes and boutiques.
- Cons: Higher prices, tourist-heavy.
Hôtel d’Aubusson is housed in a historic mansion, offering guests a luxurious stay with a cozy atmosphere. Known for its jazz bar and beautifully appointed rooms, it captures the intellectual and cultural essence of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its central location, near the Seine and iconic cafes, makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the area’s rich history and vibrant street life.
Hôtel Esprit Saint Germain is a boutique hotel that prides itself on personalized service and a homely feel. Located near the Saint-Sulpice Church and the Luxembourg Gardens, it offers a charming and intimate setting for visitors who want to experience the sophisticated ambiance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
4. Champs-Élysées/Étoile (8th Arrondissement)
- Pro: Iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Champs-Élysées avenue.
- Con: Can be crowded and expensive due to its popularity and luxury shopping options.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée is an iconic and luxurious establishment, renowned for its red awnings and haute couture clientele. Situated close to the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne, it is the perfect spot for those looking to indulge in luxury shopping and dining. Its legendary status and exquisite service make it a top choice for discerning travelers.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris blends style and contemporary design with a focus on art and culture. Located near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, this hotel offers a vibrant and sophisticated environment for guests. Its artistic flair and high-end amenities provide a unique and enriching stay.
We stayed at the affordable and centrally located Hôtel Le Monna Lisa by Inwood Hotels. They have a number of hotels in Paris and we found a great deal during the time we were visiting Paris. We had a beautiful, clean room and the breakfast was wonderful! We had no complaints.
5. Eiffel Tower/Trocadéro (7th and 16th Arrondissements)
- Pro: Proximity to the Eiffel Tower, providing stunning views and easy access to one of Paris’s most famous attractions.
- Con: Tourist-heavy area, which can lead to long lines and higher prices for nearby amenities.
Shangri-La Hotel Paris offers a luxurious palace hotel experience with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Its opulent rooms and suites, combined with exceptional service, provide an unforgettable stay. Located just a short walk from the Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower, it is an ideal spot for those wanting to stay near one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
Hôtel La Comtesse is an elegant hotel that boasts rooms with direct views of the Eiffel Tower. Its proximity to the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower makes it a prime location for visitors wishing to experience the beauty of Paris’s most famous attraction up close. The hotel’s refined decor and welcoming atmosphere ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
What to Pack for Paris
There are a few essentials you’ll need to pack to prepare for your 24 hours in Paris. If you follow me on Instagram you know I NEVER pay to check a bag as a girl who travels on a budget, I just pack the travel essentials and that’s it.
Check out my Paris amazon essentials list to see everything I brought for my trip. Here are some of the basics:
Clothing:
- Comfortable Shoes: Paris is a walking city, so ditch the heels trust me. Walking on cobblestone is not heel friendly, everyone here wears walking shoes since that what you’ll be doing here. (I linked what I brought on my amazon list.)
- Stylish Outfits: As I am sure you know, Paris is a fashion capital. So bring outfits that are comfortable but also show your style.
- Layers: Weather can change quickly, so pack layers like sweaters, scarves, and a light jacket or coat, especially in spring or fall.
- Rain Gear: A compact umbrella and waterproof jacket are handy for unexpected showers, especially in spring. (we got lucky, but you never know)
Accessories:
- Crossbody Bag: Opt for a secure, stylish bag to carry essentials while exploring. Try the Loctote anti-theft bag to protect against pick-pocketing.
- Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days and for blending in with Parisian fashion. I got these great amazon sunglasses here.
Practical Items:
- Adapter: France uses Type C and E plugs, so bring a European adapter.
- Portable Charger: Keep devices charged for navigation and capturing memories.
- Travel Guide/Map: Helpful for navigating the city, even with smartphones
- eSIM: Skip roaming charges and get Airalo to get data for cheaper.
24 Hours in Paris
Arc de Triomphe
Since we stayed in the 8th arrondissement we decided to make this our first stop of the day. It was perfect because we left early and got there before the crowds. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, the monument was intended to honor the French army and commemorate those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
If you want to go to the top of Arc de Triomphe for a beautiful view of the city during your 24 hours in Paris, you can find tickets and tours here.
Walk Down the Champs-Élysées
Walking down the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde offers a quintessential Parisian experience. From Arc de Triomphe you can find yourself stumbling upon luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. Enjoy automobile showrooms and grand theaters like Theatre Marigny. Midway, visit the Grand Palais and Petit Palais for art exhibitions. Savor a coffee at iconic cafes like Fouquet’s or indulge in Ladurée’s macarons. Conclude your stroll at Place de la Concorde, admiring the Obelisk of Luxor and the nearby Tuileries Garden.
Eiffel Tower
After exploring the high-end shops, we started walking towards the Eiffel Tower. You will walk by adorable cafes and monuments like the flame of liberty located near the Pont de l’Alma. This monument is a Franco-American friendship but is also the sight of where Princess Diana tragically died in a car crash in 1997. Many still pay their respects to the princess above this tunnel. This is also where across the river I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time and got some pretty great pictures.
From there, we wandered across the bridge to the Eiffel Tower. We decided to just walk around the Eiffel Tower and not get tickets to go inside because it would have taken up too much time. Although, I think it would have been a great experience. If you do want to climb the Eiffel Tower you can find tickets here. Make sure you book in advance, they sell out fast!
Wander through the sides streets by the Eiffel Tower
If you’re looking for some great and unique shots of the Eiffel Tower during your 24 hours in Paris, wander through the side streets. I got some great photos this way and found an adorable cafe and flower shop near by.
Siene Boat Cruise
A Siene boat cruise is the best way to spend 24 hours in Paris in my opinion because you’re able to see a lot of the major sites and take a break from walking. We didn’t book any tickets in advance, we found Bateaux Mouches right across the bridge and we were able to book tickets right then and there. The cruise took an hour and take you from the Eiffel tower all the way
The only time I would book tickets ahead of time is if you wanted to do a special dinner cruise, which I linked below.
Famous Cafes in Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is celebrated for its iconic cafes frequented by intellectuals and artists. This has become a social media hotspot and a must when only spending 24 hours in Paris.
Café de Flore, dating back to the 1880s, boasts a historic ambiance where Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir once pondered existentialism. We went here and got some coffee and gelato. Beware, the lines can be long if you want to sit outside.
Les Deux Magots, founded in 1885, resonates with literary history as a favored haunt of Hemingway and Picasso. This is another social media hotspot. Again, if you want to sit outside be prepared to wait!
Brasserie Lipp, since 1880, exudes a bustling brasserie atmosphere, renowned for Alsatian cuisine and its literary clientele. Le Procope, established in 1686, stands as one of Paris’s oldest cafes, a meeting place for Enlightenment thinkers and French revolutionaries, offering a taste of both culinary delights and historical allure.
There is also some great food in the area, so this is the perfect place to take a break from walking and enjoy a nice afternoon pick-me-up during your 24 hours in Paris.
The Louvre
The iconic Louvre, an absolute must-see when spending 24 hours in Paris and probably one of the most popular things to do here! Housing over 35,000 artworks spanning millennia, including iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre offers a profound immersion into art, history, and civilization.
Its majestic palace setting, once a royal residence, adds to the grandeur of the experience. Navigating its vast collections, visitors encounter masterpieces from diverse cultures and periods, from ancient civilizations to Renaissance masterworks.
You could spend hours here, but since time is not a luxury you might want to map out what you want to see ahead of time and just go to those parts of the museum. We spent about 2 hours here, and even though we didn’t touch most of it, we were so happy we went and got to see the things we wanted to. Also, make sure to book in advance, or you might miss out if you wait til’ the day of.
Jarduin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg, nestled in the heart of Paris’s 6th arrondissement, is such a beautiful place to take a stroll during your 24 hours in Paris or have a picnic among the gardens. Created in the early 17th century, this historic garden blends French formal design with English-style landscaping, featuring lush lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and iconic statues like the Medici Fountain.
Boasting over 23 hectares of meticulously manicured grounds, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined avenues, admire seasonal blooms, or relax by the ornamental pond. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and central location near the Latin Quarter, the Jardin du Luxembourg remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Ladurée macarons
We happened to stumble upon Ladurée macarons when exiting the gardens. Ladurée macarons are renowned worldwide for their exquisite taste and elegant presentation. Established in 1862, Ladurée is credited with popularizing the delicate French macaron, known for its smooth, colorful shells and flavorful fillings. You have to try a macaron during your 24 hours in Paris!
Steak Frites for Dinner
We had steak frites 3 times in our 24 hours in Paris, it’s just that good! When dining in Paris, indulging in steak frites is an essential culinary experience that encapsulates the city’s rich gastronomic tradition. This classic dish features tender steak served with crispy, golden French fries, often accompanied by a flavorful sauce like béarnaise or peppercorn.
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is renowned for its singular focus on steak frites, served with a secret sauce that has kept locals and visitors coming back for decades. Its bustling atmosphere and consistent quality make it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Parisian bistro culture.
Beyond steak frites, Paris offers a myriad of other iconic dishes that celebrate French culinary prowess. Indulge in coq au vin, a hearty stew of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and garlic. Boeuf bourguignon is another classic, featuring beef slow-cooked in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs. For seafood lovers, moules marinières (mussels cooked in white wine and shallots) or escargots (snails cooked with garlic and butter) are popular choices. All amazing things to try during your 24 hours in Paris.
Eiffel Tower at Night
This why I came to Paris (well at least a bucket list thing I needed to check off.) I needed to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! I’m telling you, it’s just as amazing as you would have imagined. If you do one thing during your 24 hours in Paris, this is it.
The Eiffel Tower at night is a breathtaking spectacle that epitomizes the romantic allure of Paris. Illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights, the tower twinkles for five minutes every hour after sunset until 1 AM, creating a mesmerizing display known as the “Eiffel Tower light show” or “Eiffel Tower sparkle.” This nightly illumination transforms the iconic landmark into a beacon of beauty and charm, drawing millions of visitors each year to witness its magical ambiance.
I was not knowing what to expect when spending only 24 hours in Paris, I was scared I was going to feel stressed and not have enough time. Although 24 hours in Paris is such a short time to visit all of the amazing things this city has to offer, I felt as though we got around easily and saw so much in just a short period of time. I rate my Paris experience a 10/10 and I didn’t have high expectations… but this beautiful city truly enchanted me and I can’t wait to be back one day. Make sure to check out all of my Europe tips on my page and stay tuned for our full itinerary for this trip! xoxo.