At NomadSister, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our users.
We are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us when you use our site.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and personalize the content we present to you.
However, we never share your information with third parties without your prior consent.
Is that okay with you?
Necessary
These cookies are essential for the proper functioning of the site. They enable basic features such as navigation, access to secure areas, and preference management. Without them, some parts of the site may not function properly.
Statistics
These cookies help us understand how you use our site by collecting anonymous data. Thanks to them, we can improve the user experience by analyzing the most visited pages and visitor interactions.
Marketing
These cookies allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns by linking clicks on our ads to concrete actions on our site, such as booking an appointment.
After years of living in the French capital, I can tell you that it's absolutely possible to visit Paris in one day and create unforgettable memories. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Île de la Cité, Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées... all these must-sees can fit into your Parisian day, but I've preferred to offer you slightly less conventional itineraries!
⚠️ And if you're a woman looking for free accommodation in Paris, NomadSister is the solution! This platform brings together thousands of supportive female hosts who will welcome you with open arms, including over a hundred in Paris.
Morning in the Covered Passages and Historic Cafés
I recommend starting by wandering through the covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement. The Passage Verdeau particularly struck me with its antique shops and 19th-century postcards.
Then head to Passage Jouffroy, where you'll discover the Grévin Museum and period bookstores. I usually have my morning coffee at Café de l'Époque, a little gem where time seems to have stopped.
Allow two hours for this first stage, perfect for escaping Parisian hustle and bustle first thing in the morning.
Street Art Break and Thrift Shopping in the 11th Arrondissement
In the afternoon, head to Oberkampf for an immersion in alternative Paris. This 11th arrondissement neighborhood is full of street art that I love photographing, especially Rue Denoyez where the walls change regularly.
I discovered my favorite thrift shops in this area, notably Thanx God I'm a VIP on Rue de la Fontaine au Roi. The atmosphere is relaxed, far from classic tourist circuits.
You can also make a detour to Place de la République, an essential meeting point for Parisians. This break allows you to see a more contemporary side of Paris, the one its inhabitants live daily.
Bohemian End of Day at Canal Saint-Martin
To close this alternative day, head directly to Canal Saint-Martin, this little corner of Paris that transports me every time.
The water sparkling between the plane trees, the sound of locks closing, that golden light reflecting on the Haussmann facades... This is where Paris reveals its most soothing side.
Settle on the stone quays with your sandwich, feet dangling over the water, and watch the barges glide slowly by. This waterside break, between République and Bastille, is my favorite way to digest a full day in local Paris.
Cultural Itinerary: Museums and Monuments in One Day
Morning: Louvre and Tuileries Garden, Pure Art
When talking about a cultural day in Paris, the Louvre Museum is essential, ideally with a skip-the-line ticket to avoid queues. Impossible to see everything in one morning, so I recommend focusing on the must-sees: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Grande Galerie. My advice: arrive at opening time to enjoy a slightly calmer atmosphere.
Then, treat yourself to a refreshing break in the Tuileries Garden. These French-style gardens offer a perfect transition between the museum's intensity and the rest of the program. I like to sit near the octagonal basin to reflect on all the artworks I've seen before continuing my day.
Afternoon: Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
I start with Sainte-Chapelle, a true jewel of Gothic art with its dazzling 13th-century stained glass windows.
Then head to the Conciergerie, former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution, where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. Next, I explore the majestic nave of Notre Dame Cathedral, illuminated by colorful rose windows and high windows.
I finish with a stroll on Pont Neuf to admire the Seine quays from the water.
End of Day in the Marais and Centre Pompidou Discovery
The Marais district attracts me with its unique blend of history and modernity. I wander through its cobbled streets, stop at Place des Vosges, one of Paris's most beautiful squares with its 17th-century arcades.
The Centre Pompidou, with its colorful facade and visible pipes, stands out in this historic setting. I always discover modern art exhibitions and 20th-century contemporary art that renew my artistic vision. And the view from the 5th floor over Paris rooftops is worth the detour!
And if you're a woman looking for free accommodation in Paris, one of my friends in the neighborhood became a NomadSister female host! So don't hesitate to check out the platform that brings together female hosts.
Foodie Itinerary: Discovering Paris in One Day Through Its Gastronomy
Parisian Breakfast: Coffee and Croissants in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
My foodie day invariably begins in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, on the Left Bank.
There are the unmissable addresses like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, legendary places where Hemingway and Simone de Beauvoir were regulars. But I admit having a soft spot for the small bakeries on Rue de Seine, where croissants come out warm from the oven at 8 AM.
Parisian art de vivre is summed up in this moment: strong coffee, butter croissant, morning newspaper, and observing life awakening. This morning break in one of Paris's chicest neighborhoods sets the tone for a day dedicated to the gustatory pleasures of the French capital.
Market Lunch: Les Halles or Marché des Enfants Rouges
For lunch, I hesitate between two market atmospheres. Les Halles, former "belly of Paris," today offers a modernized forum with varied shops.
But I often fall for the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais, more authentic with its producer stalls and world cuisine stands. I taste Lebanese, Italian specialties, or even fresh oysters depending on my mood. The atmosphere is friendly, you eat standing or at shared tables.
A tip: arrive before 1 PM to have choice!
Gastronomic Dinner: Traditional Bistro in the Latin Quarter
I always conclude my foodie days in a Latin Quarter bistro, on the Left Bank. These 5th arrondissement establishments perpetuate French culinary tradition with their checkered tablecloths, handwritten slates, and comforting dishes.
My favorite remains Le Procope, Paris's oldest café where Enlightenment intellectuals gathered. I systematically order coq au vin accompanied by a Côtes du Rhône, savoring the muffled atmosphere of the place.
Absolutely make reservations, especially for dinner!
FAQ for Your Perfect Parisian Day
How much does a day in Paris cost on average?
From my experience, budget about €90 per day for a limited budget, and €130 for a medium budget (accommodation included).
Many activities remain free: Sacré-Cœur Basilica, walks on the Champs-Élysées, strolls in Montmartre...
My tips: take advantage of free museums for under-26s and favor picnics in parks to save on meals while living like a real Parisian woman!
⚠️ And accommodation-wise, if you're a woman, go through NomadSister! This platform allows you to be hosted for free by Parisian women with verified profiles.
Where are the best photo spots in Paris?
After hundreds of shots taken in the capital, I've identified my must-have spots. Trocadéro remains THE viewpoint over the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunrise. For Montmartre, I favor the Sacré-Cœur steps at sunset.
Pont Alexandre III offers magnificent perspectives on the Invalides and Grand Palais. Don't forget Île Saint-Louis for romantic shots of Notre Dame, or Place Vendôme for its Haussmann elegance.
My secret: the Seine quays from Pont des Arts give an overview of the Louvre and Institut de France. Avoid tourist rush hours for crowd-free photos!
What souvenirs to bring back from Paris?
My Parisian shopping favorites focus on typically French products. Head to Mariage Frères for exceptional teas, or Galeries Lafayette for luxury leather goods. I also love stationery shops like Papier Plus in the Marais for elegant notebooks.
For perfumes, Fragonard offers exclusively Parisian creations. Food-wise, Pierre Hermé macarons or Jean-Paul Hévin chocolates travel well. The Seine quay booksellers sell rare editions and vintage posters.
My practical advice: avoid plastic Eiffel Tower souvenirs sold everywhere, and favor local creators and artisanal specialties!
I hope this guide will help you have a fabulous day in Paris!
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
