How to spend a day in Paris

You could live for years in Paris and not see it all. We spent almost seven days in the City of Light and while we made the most of it (it only changed my life forever), I know we just scratched the surface. But what if you only had one day? Here is how to spend a day in Paris.

Just to note: this is probably not the most practical itinerary when it comes down to convenience. But if you want to talk about an ideal situation, this is how to spend a day in Paris.

Breakfast

Enjoy un Croissant et un Café

Paris is, of course, known for its pastries. Every morning I enjoyed a croissant and a coffee from the bakery right underneath the flat we had rented. And really, you can do no wrong when choosing a cafe because you’re in Paris!

10 am

Get in a little culture

The Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay … there is something for everyone when it comes to art in the city of Paris. While it is possible to get lost for days in these beautiful cultural centers, when you only have an hour or two you can still get a cursory glance of some of the most incredible works of art in the world. 

Lunch

Enjoy a Picnic in the Jardin des Tuileries

Some of my favorite moments were spent picnicking in the gardens of Paris. We would bring a baguette and a wheel of brie, sometimes we’d add sliced tomato, and sit and enjoy cheese sandwiches while sipping on champagne. This is also a great way to see how the locals live. 

3 pm

Get in a little Retail Therapy

When you go to Paris, shopping is mandatory. If you have time you’ll obviously want to hit all of the boutiques and designer shops. But if you want to see a lot (or rather, shop a lot) in a short amount of time, your best bet would be to head to Galeries Lafayette in the 9th arrondissement or Le BHV in Marais. You’ll find Chanel, Dior, and Louboutin, but also be able to pick up smaller French designers and some souvenir items. Tip: only buy French designers in Paris because they are at their least expensive. And you can check out more about how to buy designer abroad here!

5:30 pm

Hit the Books

I am obsessed with bookstores so a stop at Shakespeare and Company is an absolute must for me. Though the current Shakespeare and Company was opened by American George Whitman in 1951, the original store was founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919. When Sylvia owned the store, it became a gathering place for the great ex-pat writers of the time like Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, and Pound, as well as for leading French writers. Under George’s leadership, ex-pats like Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, and Anaïs Nin were among visitors to the shop.

7 pm

Cruise down the Seine on the Bateaux Mouche

Taking a cruise down the Seine, especially around sunset, is the easiest and best way to get a glimpse of some of the most popular sites in Paris like Notre Dame de Paris and the Pont Alexandre III. It is also a great way to relax before a full evening out on the town in Paris. 

Dinner

Bon Appétit!

To be honest, I never had a bad meal when I was in Paris so I don’t find it necessary to search out the real haute cuisine restaurants. However, I will suggest having one of your meals at Les Deux Magots on Place Saint Germain des Pres if you want to dine in the same place where legends like Picasso, Hemingway, Sartre, and Beauvoir once took their meals. 

11 pm

Catch a Show at The Moulin Rouge

Because, why not?! The Moulin Rouge has been around since La Belle Époque and has hosted famous faces like Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, Zaza Gabor, Elvis Presley, Ringo Starr, Elton John, and Salvador Dali. 

1 am

Pay Tribute to Le Tour Eiffel

I was lucky to be able to see the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night. But if you can only pick one time of the day to see it, head there late at night when it’s all lit up. It is seriously breathtaking and what a way to end your day in Paris!

How would you spend a day in Paris?