You're visiting Paris for the first time, but you only have a short amount of time there. If you have the option, we usually advise spending longer, but if you only have one day in Paris, it can be challenging to know how to see everything.
The most beautiful city in the world, in the opinion of many, is Paris. It has a rich tradition of magnificent art, fashion, shopping, and delectable cuisine. With tens of millions of tourists each year, the City of Light is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.
So, here we are with this guide as your very personal traveling assistant to guide you throughout your perfect Parisian day.
Before we start your day in Paris, we have a very useful suggestion about your arrival there. So, when you open your laptop and book your airplane tickets to Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle, make sure to also book a private airport taxi with AtoB (https://atobtransfer.com/france/charles-de-gaulle-airport-transfers/). These guys provide the best private airport transfer in Paris. AtoB airport taxi service will pick you up just outside the airport doors and drive you straight to your destination comfortably and at the best rates! So keep that in mind next time you are visiting Paris.
Now, since we have established that, let’s start your wonderful Parisian Day!
The Louvre – Arrival: 8:45 am
Wake up, take a shower and a quick but satisfying breakfast at your hotel, and hire an airport taxi and go. It’s 08:45 and you just arrived at the Louvre. Many people and especially tour experts believe that visiting the Louvre in the morning is the wisest thing to do.
Firstly, it’s a great start for a great day, right? Secondly, this is one solution to avoid waiting in line for 2 and 3 (if more) hours just to enter the museum, let alone see some of its most famous exhibits. The reason is simple.
Most visitors are still inside getting ready and eating their breakfast. Finally, since it is a very big museum, the earlier in the day you visit, the more time you’ll have to see as much as possible before it’s time to move to your next stop.
It goes without saying that the must-see main attractions are the Mona Lisa, the Coronation of Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People, and Nike.
Lunch On Île Saint-Louis – Arrival: 12:15 pm
Maybe it’s early for you to have lunch at midday, however, you had 3 hours walking up and down the Louvre’s corridors and still you have a busy day in front of you, so it’s time to replenish your energy levels.
So, as soon as you exit the museum and have it at your back, walk towards the Seine river by the main road of Quai de Louvres. Walk also past Notre Dame and after a while you’ll see Île Saint-Louis. This was a 20-minute walk.
There are many restaurants over there but our suggestion lies more on the experience of having lunch in this area. The romance, the elegance, and (hopefully) the warm weather.
Not to mention that you are very close to your next destination!
Notre Dame – Arrival: 1:30 pm
After your quick, one-hour lunch (remember you have many places to see and visit), head towards Île de la Cité, which is a 5-minute walk.
This place is considered as the birthplace of Paris as it has been there for about 2,000. This is where you’ll find Notre Dame, of course, as you have been seeing this magnificent church for the past two hours.
Unfortunately, due to the 2019 tragic fire, visitors are not allowed inside, however, you can still admire its French Gothic architecture from the outside and capture some photos for your Instagram account.
Your time here doesn’t end right now as you can take an AtoB airport transfer and visit some other famous Parisian spots that can be found nearby. More specifically, there is the Sainte-Chapelle with its stained-glass windows, and the Shakespeare and Company English bookstore where Ernest Hemingway used to frequent.
Luxembourg Gardens – Arrival: 2:30 pm
Next stop, the Luxembourg Gardens which can be reached from where you were after 15 to 20 minutes of walking or using CDG airport transfer. This is where you are going to relax a bit and take a breath, if you need it. Like everything else in Paris, this place hits perfection.
Believe in us when we’re saying that a leisurely stroll in this relaxing setting will lift your spirits and replenish your energy levels for your next stop, which by now you might have guessed it.
Eiffel Tower – Arrival: 4 pm
Now it is better to use another transportation means instead of your feet. If you like buses all you have to do is look for Bus No. 82 from Luxembourg Gardens stop to Champs de Mars stop.
When you feel that the Tower is close enough for you, it’s time to alight from the bus. You can also travel the same distance in 10 minutes by hiring an airport taxi or a scooter which feels like a more adventurous experience. The choice is yours.
Now you are in one of the world’s most famous monuments. Needless to say that the view is breathtaking regardless if you are looking from the ground or from the top. The most magical moment, however, happens in the afternoon, especially during late autumn to early winter. And this is because around this time, daylight slowly fades away, and therefore, it’s time for the Eiffel Tower to light up.
This is a moment you will never forget.
Le Marais – Arrival: 5:45 pm
The day is nearly over, and now we are at your final stop. A dinner at Le Marais. Take the Bus No. 69 and in about 40 minutes you are in the Le Marais neighborhood. Or just take an AtoB airport transfer. This is where it gets exciting for you. It’s your last stop, yes, but still one of your favorites.
Now, be informed that Parisians, like many other European citizens, eat “late”. By “late” we mean after 7 pm, therefore, most of the restaurants start serving dinner after this hour. If you are wondering what you should do until then…well, wine!
This is why we love and keep suggesting this neighborhood. There are so many restaurants, cafes, and bars, so you can start spending an hour testing some glasses of wine until you find the one that you like most. And when the time’s right, either stay where you are if they are serving food or walk to a nearby restaurant.
It is impossible to talk about every place in Le Marais, so you can have a look (and taste) at Pupetta, Les Philosophes, Miznon, and Au Petit Fer a Cheval.
From that point on, if you still have some strength left in you, go for another round of wine. Otherwise, you can easily return to your hotel and rest. So, there you are! You asked and we delivered! This is the perfect Parisian Day. Your perfect Parisian Day!
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