Dear readers, we know your time is precious, and so is your money. Paris is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, especially college students. Whether you visit for one day, three days or even a week, this guide will show you exactly what to do in the city of love. From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the depths of the Catacombs, there’s an overwhelming amount to explore. So close that TripAdvisor tab and relax while reading the perfect guide on how to experience the best of Paris.
Lede: Read on for 24 things to do in 24 hours in Paris.
6:00 a.m. Watch the Beautiful Sunrise at Pont Des Arts (Lover’s Bridge)
The famous Lover’s Bridge (better known as Pont Des Arts) is a local spectacle to the Parisians. However, in recent history, it underwent a necessary renovation. While you won’t find the famous locks symbolizing eternal love anymore, the new glass planes make for an excellent view of the city. Sunrises in Paris provide some of the most amazing views one can experience, especially with the way the sunlight reflects off the water with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Once you’ve finished watching the sunrise, take a short trip to the end of the bridge. That will lead you into the next hot-ticket item that Paris offers.
7:00 a.m. Go On a Morning Jog to Find Paris’ Sparkling Water Fountains
Walking or jogging around a city is one of the most effective ways to orient yourself in a foreign setting. It also makes for some good exercise. Paris is no exception to this. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations to test out this running theory. By running along La Seine, you can find one of Paris’ sparkling water fountains. Now I’m sure you’re wondering, “What’s a sparkling water fountain?” Well, Paris is well-known for having lots of public water fountains, often quite gothic in their styles and architecture. In recent times, companies like Perrier started implementing public fountains that dispense sparkling water 24/7 for residents and tourists alike. It’s a great way to hydrate and serves as a fun scavenger hunt for those who may have been to the city before.
8:00 a.m. Participate in France’s Unofficial Top Sport: People Watching
Now depending on who you ask, many consider the most popular sports in France to be either tennis, cycling with the famous Tour De France or perhaps soccer with their World Cup-winning team. All of these would be logical answers, but they miss the most common French activity people are so dedicated to that I’ve jokingly referred to it as a sport in this article: people watching. Sit down at a local café get yourself a croissant or a croque monsieur / madam and just stare and judge at the people as they walk by. I know this may sound hilariously weird for a foreigner, but I swear this is one of the most common activities in Paris. It serves as a great way to immerse yourself in their culture. Plus, it provides a great way to try some of the food! (Pro-tip: French waiters will not give you the bill unless you specifically ask for it, do this by saying, “L’addition s’il vous plait.” Otherwise you may sit there forever.)
9:00 a.m. Explore the Metro Underground
Ah, the Underground. One of the most important aspects of experiencing Paris is understanding how to get around easily. Let me tell you, there is nothing more labyrinthine than the French train systems. Platforms are often confusingly labeled and without an understanding of the system, it can be hard to figure out the best route to take to reach the station of your choosing. Not to mention the system is split into districts around Paris that can prove difficult to figure out. However, once you wrap your brain around how the stations work, you’ll find that they offer an incredibly convenient way for any tourist or local to see the city.
“Ah, the Paris metro— where you can experience the unique joy of sharing personal space with more strangers than you thought possible. It’s like a daily adventure in human Tetris!“ Texas A&M junior Alex Johnson said.
For those in Paris for only a short time, there are many cheap metro tickets for short durations. Many of Paris’ landmarks connect easily with the Underground rails. This might seem like a less fun activity and instead more of a necessity for any large city, especially Paris, lest you be haggled by the taxi drivers… I shudder at the thought.
10:00 a.m. Get a Crepe From a Food Vendor
Crepes! Possibly the greatest invention the French have given to the world. Whether you like the sweet types with sugar and Nutella or the savory types with ham and mozzarella (personally I love a good Sucre Crepe), you can’t go wrong with any crepe eatery in the city. You’ll find lots of stands around popular tourist destinations selling a large variety of crepes. Remember to bring cash with you as the smaller vendors will likely not accept credit cards or mobile pay. While it is not standard to tip like it is in the States, vendors expect it around tourist destinations.
11:00 a.m. Explore the Arc De Triomphe
Another famous landmark of Paris, The Arc of Triumph, is surrounded by one of the most horrifying roundabouts ever designed (an eight lane roundabout without any lines or rules for that matter). I highly recommend getting a taxi— don’t try and navigate it yourself. Located right next to both a metro station and the famous Champs Elysees, the Arc of Triumph is very easy to find. You will actually end up walking underground to bypass the roundabout and get closer to the Arc. If you book ahead of time, you can also walk up to the top of the Arc and look around the city. However, if you plan on going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the view might seem a bit redundant. It is a fun destination nonetheless.
12:00 p.m. Walk Down Les Champs Elysees
I mentioned this famous street earlier, but just in front the Arc of Triumph (and I mean RIGHT in front of it), you’ll find the most famous shopping district in the world. Champs Elysees is a long street with shops setup by some of the most famous stores in the world: Dior, Zara, Nike, Sephora, etc. There’s also a massive Five Guys of all things, which I find funny. I mean the Champs Elysees, famous for high fashion, expensive goods, the pinnacle of French shopping, and then there’s Five Guys (hey at least it fits the expensive part).
“Walking along the Champs-Élysées in Paris is like stepping into a fairy tale. The grandeur, the luxury boutiques, and the buzzing ambiance combine to create a truly magical experience,” Michigan State freshman Emily Parker said.
It takes almost an entire hour to walk down either side of the street, but it’s a great experience even if you don’t go into the shops. If you do though, make sure to keep your receipt to use at customs before leaving the country to get a refund on any taxes you paid. Now that we’ve explored one of Paris’ most famous landmarks, let’s visit another famous one!
1:00 p.m. See The Largest Glass Pyramid in Europe… Oh Right, And The Louvre!
The Louvre is a massive art museum found on the streets of Paris, nestled in between a palace and concealed by a large glass pyramid. This is in fact the entrance to the museum and not a large Bass Pro Shop. Make your way through the lines (definitely look into buying a ticket in advance for this one) and enter below Paris. Once you descend beneath the streets, you’ll find one of the largest and most famous museums both in Paris and the world. The Louvre is home to many famous art pieces such as The Mona Lisa and is a major bucket list destination. Don’t feel the need to try and view everything, as that would take a whole day in of itself. Instead, I recommend looking up what exhibits are currently being shown and decide if there’s anything in particular you’d like to find. It is always nice, though, to take a second and just embrace the beauty of art.
2:00 p.m. Take in the Sights From the Top of the Eiffel Tower
Only about a 20-minute walk away from our previous destinations, we find the epitome of Paris: the Eiffel Tower. Built as a marvel for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, the tower is definitely bigger than its Vegas counterpart. All joking aside, the Eiffel Tower provides a memorable experience both at the top and at the bottom just walking around the base. The top of the tower allows for some beautiful views of the city from up above and is one of the highest points in the city. In one direction you’ll see Champs Elysees and the Arc du Triomphe, and the other way you’ll see across the rooftops and watch the seine move throughout the city. Viewing from the base allows you to truly take in the spectacle of the tower itself. It’s a masterpiece of engineering and truly a monument for the ages.
“At the top of the Eiffel Tower, it’s like you’re on cloud nine. The views are out of this world, and the whole city feels like your own personal playground. It’s seriously awesome!” Syracuse senior Sophie Bennet said.
If you do plan on viewing the city from the top of the tower, definitely buy a ticket to use the lifts on the tower. The other option is to walk both up and down the stairs of the tower. Unless you’re into hiking, I definitely do not recommend this option. The top of the tower offers one of the greatest views one can witness.
3:00 p.m. Enjoy a Late Lunch at Cafe Du Trocadero
Cafe Du Trocadero is one of my personal favorite spots in the entirety of Paris. Simply walk towards the Trocadero Gardens from The Eiffel Tower (a slight north-west walk), go up the stairs and walk towards Victor Hugo Street. This is the perfect spot for lunch and has a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, making it wonderful for the stomach and your Instagram feed! Personally, I recommend their escargots (cooked snails) which, despite the weird sound, are in fact quite good and taste like chicken. (I recommend eating them with the bread provided and dipping the bread into the juice before eating.)
“My family always tries to get lunch at Trocadero when we’re in Paris. It has great views and although it’s a little pricey it’s totally worth it in the end,” UCLA senior Broderick Foster said.
Ask for a seat on the patio, sit down, enjoy the views and partake in some more people watching. Enjoying the cuisine is half the fun of visiting France in particular, and Paris is no exception. Also use this pit stop this as a perfect break from the city walking that you’ve done. Once you finish your lunch, it’s time to go on to our next destination.
4:00 p.m. Admire the Progress on the Rebuilding of the Notre Dame
Jump on the Metro from Trocadero (there’s a station right across the street) and ride on down to the Notre Dame. You’ll exit the metro by the city’s tourism center, which is currently decorated with Olympics memorabilia and serves as a fun spot for photos. Make your way by following the signs from here and you’ll find the Notre Dame, a famous cathedral which unfortunately was damaged in a large fire in 2019. Nowadays you can’t walk inside, but you can still enjoy the views from the outside and donate to the recovery efforts.
5:00 p.m. Find the Famous Bookstore Shakespeare and Company
Located just by the Notre Dame, you’ll find another relic of old Paris: Shakespeare and Company. This book shop is a fun destination for book lovers and a beautiful experience for English Majors. The shop includes a large collection of old texts including “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “The Count of Monte Cristo” and more. There’s also a great place upstairs for readers to study their texts.
6:00 p.m. Marvel at the Architecture of Saint Chapelle
Take a stroll through the historic heart of Paris and find your way to Sainte-Chapelle, a marvel of Gothic architecture. Nestled within the Palais de la Cité, this stunning chapel is a masterpiece of 13th-century design. As you approach the entrance, you’ll be struck by the chapel’s exquisite stained-glass windows, which depict biblical scenes in a kaleidoscope of colors. While Notre Dame may be off-limits for now due to its tragic fire, Sainte-Chapelle invites you to step inside and marvel at its towering walls of glass, where the sunlight dances through and creates a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors. Don’t forget to admire the intricately carved stone columns and arches, a testament to the skill of medieval craftsmen. It’s a true gem of Parisian architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
7:00 p.m. Wine and Sip Along the Riverside
I’ve mentioned quite a lot of activities in relation to the Seine. This is one of the simplest things you can do while in Paris. It’s not a major tourist destination, nor is it a hidden gem. It’s simply a walk along the river. Grab some local wine from a shop, maybe a sandwich or some cheese to go along with it, and sit by the river or stroll. This is a perfect time to do this as the sun often begins to set around this hour, allowing you to take in the beauty of the sunset along the river. It’s also before too many people clamor to the river cruises, so the stream will be calm. All this calmness and serenity will help you prepare for what you will experience next!
8:00 p.m. Descend Into the Catacombs
Just like the winding streets and passageways above the streets, below sits a dark Paris secret: the Catacombs. They are a series of tombs hidden beneath the city, explorable by tourists with the assistance of a guide. I recommend taking a late-night tour of the Catacombs in order to fully immerse yourself. Visitors will find many displays of human bones and structures, including the walls covered in human remains.
“The Paris Catacombs are a profound testament to the intricate relationship between life and death. As you descend into the depths, surrounded by the remains of thousands, you’re confronted with the fragility of existence and the inexorable passage of time. It’s an eerie yet strangely captivating journey that prompts reflection on mortality and the impermanence of human endeavors,” University of Southern California sophomore Sophia Reynolds said.
This is a dark tomb permanently ingrained with the history of Paris. Starting with the Bubonic plague, Paris began to run out of space to bury its citizens and began to build underground. This mass burial site was used in the 18th century to save the cemeteries from literal collapse and have since evolved into a place of macabre fantasies. This destination is one of the most unique experiences one can experience in the city. If you’re not a fan of tight spaces, the macabre or seeing a lot of human bones, then I would definitely skip this tour. Also don’t watch “As Above So Below” before you go down into these tombs…
9:00 p.m. Watch the Eiffel Tower Light Up
On a much brighter note, pun very much intended, the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated in hundreds of lights at the turn of the hour starting at dusk. This is an opportune time to take a moment to yourself and relax for a little bit. It’s a fun spectacle that doesn’t have much meaning behind it. It’s just fun, which all vacations should be. No matter where you find yourself in the city, you can spot this phenomenon. I must say it becomes the most enjoyable when combined with the next activity: a river cruise.
10:00 p.m. Take a River Cruise on the Seine
An underrated method of seeing the city is taking a river cruise at night along the Seine. There’s tons of variety in regards to river cruises, including open cruises (these can be nice but definitely avoid them if it’s going to be raining or if it’s winter). They’ll take you across and through the city, providing a view of Paris that not even street view can convey. You’ll feel this unique blend between being a part of the city and simply being a tourist of the city, all the while getting a great view of the experiences you’ve had over the last several hours.
“Cruising the Seine River offers a serene escape into Parisian beauty. The landmarks bathed in twilight’s glow create a captivating scene, providing both relaxation and cultural immersion. It’s a must-do experience that encapsulates the essence of the city,” Texas A&M junior Alex Bennet said.
Personally, I recommend going on an enclosed dinner cruise. You’ll get to see some great views of the city while also being able to just sit down and enjoy a nice French meal. Often times they’ll play live music so you can enjoy a bit of La vie en rose. If you are traveling during the winter time or when it’s cold then an enclosed tour really does make all the difference.
11:00 p.m. Watch a Classic Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge
Not to be mistaken with the film or the popular Broadway show, this is the original Moulin Rouge. This classic cabaret show, while fit for audiences of most ages, definitely leans more on the more adult side of the spectrum. Experience the birthplace of the can-can dance, see dancers spin with snakes, swim in pools and drape from the rafters. The Moulin Rouge is an ageless spectacle and seeing the last show of the night, that being the 11:00 p.m. show, truly enhances the performance. For reference, Moulin Rouge refers to the large red windmill found on the outside of the building. Make sure to snap a photo with it before the show!
12:00 a.m. Get a Cup of Joe At a Parisian Café
Watch a show now get a cup of joe, hey that rhymes! All jokes aside, this may seem like a weird time slot for an activity like this, especially if you’re American. However, in Paris and in other parts of Europe, having a coffee to start the late night is actually rather encouraged. Maybe try a spot that you decided against earlier in the day, as café’s stay open quite late. Once you’ve gotten some caffeine in your system, it’s time to explore Paris’ late night scene.
1:00 a.m. Pub Crawl in the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter; I’ll give you a guess as to why is it named as such. If you guessed because the students near the universities were taught in Latin, and not because it has anything to do with Latin culture, you would be correct. This naming is a common misconception around tourists as many other large cities in Europe feature Latin districts conveying a Latin influence or experience. This might be especially confusing to American tourists who expect this area to be like a Chinatown, but it’s simply an old university district (though that’s not all it offers). The Latin district of Paris includes some brilliant pubs and nightlife scenery, such as Le Caveau de la Huchette. If you get tired of bar hopping or if this just isn’t your thing, you will definitely prefer Paris’ nightclubs.
2:00 a.m. Dance the Night Away in Paris’ Nightclubs
Paris as a large urban city has a sprawling nightclub scene. Check out Le Bain, La Station and Sierra Neon for some fun experiences that could rival even Berlin. Prepare to not understand a word being said in the clubs as the most distinct of French slang will be spoken. In addition, the songs will likely be in French as well. If possible, bring a guide or friend with you to these venues. This is for safety reasons and so you don’t have to experience the daunting experience of exploring the night scene on your own. A second set of eyes means double the opportunities to spot a fun place.
3:00 a.m. Walk and Explore Paris in the Mysterious Dark Night
This is definitely not a solo act, but man is it fun! There’s something about just wandering around the city and finding some fun destinations that you won’t find in a guide article like this that’s just exhilarating! It’s majestic to see how the city transforms when most people have gone away and the streets lie empty, illuminated only by street and moonlight. Watch how the streetlights and stars reflect off the Seine, as it winds through the city. The architecture takes on a phantom-like appearance in the dark (or have I just been reading too much Phantom of the Opera…?) which easily contrasts from the bright and lively experience during the day. It’s almost like exploring a whole new city!
4:00 a.m. Ride the Night Bus
An unfortunate downside to the public transportation in Paris is that the metro shuts down at around 2 a.m. when the city settles down for its inevitable sleep cycle. However, don’t worry! Paris has you covered with the Night Bus. Fans of Harry Potter in particular might find this activity fun since it’s similar to the Knight Bus in the books. The Night Bus includes some fun destinations including Victor Huge for our English Majors, Champs Elysees for those brave enough to experience that roundabout and some charming boutique hotels if you want to sit down and have one last drink for the night. The Night Bus isn’t on the same tier as The Eiffel Tower or The Louvre, but it offers a unique charm to help you wind down and prepare for the final recommendation for a day in Paris.
5:00 a.m. GO TO SLEEP!
Congratulations. Not only have you made it to the end of the article, you’ve made it to the end of your day in Paris too! Paris is a beautiful destination and there’s plenty to do. However, everyone must eventually sleep, even in the city of love. Now is the time to head back to your hotel, hostel or AirBnb. If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, definitely check out some destinations on Île de Saint-Louis, and put the money you spent on them to good use. Paris winds down at this time and doesn’t really pick up again until later in the morning. You won’t miss too much by taking a power nap. I personally would take this moment to reflect on the day, sort through some photos and prepare for the day ahead, wherever that may take you.
