Paris is a city that you have to visit more than once. There’s just no way to see it all in one visit and even if you felt like you had, the City of Lights would pull your heart back for another visit anyway. We’ve visited Paris twice now, once for a true 24 hours and recently for 3 nights (about 2.5 days). Here is what you can do with 24 hours in Paris, France.
Early morning or night before
Check into your hotel. On our first visit to Paris, we decided to stay across the street from the train station. We had an afternoon flight to catch at Heathrow in London and an early morning train to get to London so staying close to the train station was a must. If you’ve got a little more time to spend, I definitely recommend staying closer to the city center.
Did you know that Paris has 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods? The lower the number means the closer to the city center and landmarks such as the Louvre. Understandably, the further out from the city center that you stay, the more affordable your accommodations will be.
Breakfast and walking tour
You’re in Paris so you HAVE TO eat. Don’t forget to stop in at a bakery and order a buttery croissant or even a baguette to start your day. You’ll need the energy for your walking tour this morning.
You know I love a good walking tour and I am obsessed with Sandeman’s New Europe tours. This was my third tour with them and they did not disappoint. This tour focused mostly on the history of Paris and the only major landmark that we stopped at was the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This is OK because you’re going to want to see the Eiffel Tower at night in all it’s true glory anyway.
Walking tours are between 2.5 and 3 hours so remember to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather.
Early afternoon/Lunch
Where your walking tour ends will most likely dictate where you get lunch. For a great recommendation, ask your tour guide! They’re locals and can recommend great places that aren’t touristy. We will never forget the tiny whole in a wall that our tour guide in Venice recommended for an aperitivo (before dinner drinks and appetizers). And all we had to do was ask 🙂
Getting a local’s recommendation also gets you off the beaten path of a city. You’ll get to explore an area that you may not have considered and enjoy a truly delicious meal.
Mid-afternoon
Here is where your day can go a few different ways. I wouldn’t dare recommend the Louvre as it’s a huge time suck; that museum is massive. Instead, I would recommend the Musée d’Orsay, a much smaller museum close to shopping and other major landmarks. In fact, from here you could walk to the Eiffel Tower and do some shopping on the way.
If museums aren’t your thing, I recommend getting on the metro and picking another landmark to visit. The public transportation in Paris is great and you could visit a number of other monuments or neighborhoods to fill your afternoon. This would also be a great time to try some more Parisian pastries and chocolates!
Evening
The options for dinner in Paris will seem endless. You can choose anywhere from a restaurant on the main drag that is obviously meant to lure in tourists (hello menus with pictures) to a Michelin starred restaurant. The way my budget is set up, I’ve yet to experience a Michelin star restaurant in Paris or anywhere else. We’ve eaten at the touristy spots as well as restaurants off the beaten path and have been happy with every meal we’ve had in Paris.
Before you head in for the night, you have to visit the Eiffel Tower when the lights turn on. It’s magical.
For the young and young at heart, Paris has a thriving night life as well. If you’ve still got the energy, make your way to one of Paris’s many clubs and bars to dance away the rest of your 24 hours.
Conclusion
24 hours is never enough time in a new city. I would even go so far as to say it’s disrespectful to only allot such a small amount of time to visiting a new place. But sometimes that’s all we have so we have to make the most of it.
Walking tours and one traditional meal are a must when you don’t have much time. I believe that as travelers, we should know as much of the history of a place as we can. I’m always fascinated by what I learn. A city like Paris has so many amazing monuments and landmarks that you will want to see. Choosing one for your 24 hour visit will probably be all that you have time for. And lastly, the meal. No matter how much time you have in a new city, you should make it a point to try something new or traditional.
Tell me, how would you spend 24 hours in Paris?
I’ve heard that, like many populations, Parisians aren’t fond of Americans and avoid speaking English as much as possible. Was that your experience? Did you know enough French to get by or use a translator app? Did you find those you encountered to be reading hospitable or did you, too, face the wrath of Parisian pride? Lol
In my experience, Parisians have been lovely and I honestly think it has to do with the fact that I’m a Black American. France has a history of treating Black Americans very well and even welcoming us. Stars like Nina Simone, Josephine Baker, and writer James Baldwin all referred to France as a second home. I loved Paris and haven’t had a bad experience yet.