Quick Paris Stopover? Grab Your FREE 1-Day Itinerary
By Sam Lee, 2025.Just one day in Paris? Challenge accepted! I've got the ultimate walking itinerary for you.
This guide gives you a whirlwind tour of the city—ideal if you're a Paris newbie or just need a quick refresher. I've even thrown in some recommended places to eat and drink, so you can savor the best bites Paris has to offer.
Factoring in the average time spent at each spot and travel time, this itinerary will gobble up your entire day and evening. So, lace up those walking shoes and get ready for a whirlwind day in Paris.
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01—
Champ de Mars
Admire the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars — a large public greenspace, stretching between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire.
The park offers stunning views and plenty of photo ops. Fun fact: Champ de Mars is named after the Roman god of war, Mars, but the only battles you'll face here are for the best picnic spot!
02—
Eiffel Tower
Ladies and gentlemen, travelers of all stripes….(drumroll)…meet the Eiffel Tower—Paris’s most iconic structure. Originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Tower is now the ultimate selfie backdrop and a fantastic spot for sweeping views of Paris.
For ttravel enthusiasts like you and me, it’s a bucket-list destination. When you arrive, snap that selfie. Don’t be shy. It's practically a rite of passage. Then, hit the elevator for stunning views. On a clear day, you'll see miles beyond the city.
To access the upper levels, you’ll need to book in advance (think months, not weeks).
03—
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde, the biggest public square in Paris, has a bit of a dark side—think guillotine central during the French Revolution. Now, it's all lovely fountains, statues, and the Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian wonder. This grand spot links the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs-Elysees, making it the ultimate Parisian hangout.
04—
Tuileries Garden
Stroll through the Tuileries Gardens, an expansive 17th-century formal garden dotted with statues by Rodin, Maillol and Giacometti. Do like the locals do, grab one of the classic green chairs, and have a crunchy baguette for lunch. Sit back, relax and people watch. But not for long, because next up is a quick visit to the Musée de l'Orangerie (just a hop, skip and jump away).
05—
Musée de l'Orangerie
This itinerary is fairly tight, so make a beeline for Monet's Water Lilies. Next, swing by to see the works of Renoir and Matisse. If you have time, check out the lesser-known gems by artists like Modigliani and Picasso. The museum’s cozy size makes it fairly easy to navigate quickly. Tip: remember to check out the architecture too. Oh, and get tickets in advance.
06—
Louvre Museum
You could spend a week in the Louvre and still not see everything. But you've only got a few hours, so let's make every second count, shall we?
First things first: the Mona Lisa. Yes, it’s smaller than you expect, and yes, it's surrounded by a crowd of eager selfie-takers (but hey, it's the Mona Lisa). That smile has stories.
Next, head over to the Venus de Milo. She’s missing a few limbs, but that doesn’t stop her from being one of the most iconic sculptures in history. Speaking of sculptures, don’t miss the Winged Victory of Samothrace, standing at the top of the Daru staircase.
Now, time for some French royalty. Swing by the opulent Napoleon III Apartments. With all the gold and velvet, it’s the perfect place to imagine yourself as French nobility.
If you're into ancient history like me, the Egyptian Antiquities section is your next stop. Check out the Great Sphinx of Tanis and ponder over hieroglyphs.
Finally, if time permits, stroll through the Galerie d'Apollon. It's as fancy as it sounds, filled with stunning ceilings and shiny jewels.
And there you have it—a quick tour of the Louvre. The Lourve sells out fast, so book your tickets well in advance.
Next up is drinks and dinner. Download the itinerary for my recommendations, and you’re ready to go!
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