Ideally, you would want to spend more than 24 hours in Paris. Paris is a huge, interesting, rich and diverse city and there is so much to explore. But, if for some reason you only have 24 hours to visit Paris and it is your first time in Paris, let’s make it a memorable day.
Trying to squeeze as many attractions in one day is not the right way to do it. Rather, go for an itinerary that is flexible and manageable over one day. Something that will show you Paris’ most interesting and exciting historical places and nice places to enjoy the real Parisian life (and food). Although Paris is popular for its fashion, shopping is something that you will have to leave for another visit in that lovely city.
If I should step into your shoes and had only 24 hours to explore Paris, I would do it that way:
Morning in Montmartre
Montmartre’s narrow streets can get very packed so we would suggest you start your day very early. Visit the Sacré-Coeur, Rue Lepic, the quiet Montmartre gardens a little further off the beaten track, the vineyard and the tragic superstar: Dalida. The “Musée de Montmartre” and “Espace Dali” are two cultural venues, worth checking out.
Afternoon in Saint-Germain
This large square is surrounded on one side by “Le Jardin Des Tuileries” and “Champs Elysées” and on the other side, the ‘Arc de Triomphe’. The “Pont de la Concorde,” that brings you into Saint-Germain, is popular for the view it provides of the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and Le Louvre. In other words, make sure to have your camera with you there.
Evening in Le Marais
Once you have seen a big part of the city, head over the river and into the historic neighborhood of Le Marais. It also happens to be one of the city’s best shopping districts. As you have plenty stores of famous brands such as Nike and Uniqlo, spending your whole evening there will be quite impossible and for the shopping part, you will have to be back.
In between these lovely and popular neighborhoods of Paris, consider having breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the most recommended restaurants in Paris and those specific neighbourhoods.