One Day In Paris - The Ultimate 24 Hour Itinerary

After an awe-inspiring trip through history you could work up a bit of an appetite with some shopping in the lovely pedestrian street of rue Mouffetard, another feature on my list of favourite Paris neighbourhoods to stay in. The chic but no-frills area of Mouffetard offers an authentic Parisian shopping experience that captivates all the senses.

The beautiful street market offers a stunning selection of fresh produce, pastries and cheese, as well as several quaint restaurants to stop at for lunch. The fanciful L'enclos de Ninon, in English the “Sugarplum Cake Shop” offers a delightful quiche and is one of my top personal recommendations for where to eat with one day in Paris.

At this quiet spot in the heart of Paris you can expect a warm welcome and a dazzling selection of pastries – homemade with quality ingredients. Of course Paris has many excellent options for lunch so if for whatever reason L'enclos de Ninon is not an option you can find several more in this enticing guide for non-touristy lunch spots.

After a delicious lunch break head to the Arènes de Lutèce to see the only remains of the Gallo-Roman period still visible in Paris today, constructed in the 1st century AD.

Once you’ve had your fill of ancient history and basked in the residual glory of gladiatorial combat you can cross the 28-hectare Jardin des Plantes – a perfectly uniform labyrinth of flora and fauna with gardens abundant in bird and insect life, alpine gardens, a hothouse, and a zoo – to the Museum of Natural Sciences.

The Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in France and the crowning jewel of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (the French National Museum of Natural History). While the interior of the museum is well worth a visit, to do it justice you would need several hours and with only limited time in the city, there is still so much left to do and see!

Take some time to enjoy the well-maintained gardens, perhaps enjoying a quiet moment to snack on your spoils from the food market or to catch a catnap, and be sure to get regal in front of the museum before moving along to the beautiful Seine River.

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Seine until you see Île Saint-Louis, one of two natural islands in the Seine river and a place untouched by the march of time. By following rue Saint Louis it is possible to walk the length of the island, along old-world cobbled streets that wind between some of the most expensive properties in France due, of course, to the view they share of Notre Dame and the Seine.

Pass through the narrow streets of the historic neighborhood, which has a little village feeling despite its being at the center of a cosmopolitan, and on to Île de la Cité to the legendary Notre Dame – an absolute must for what to do in Paris in one day.

The Notre Dame, which translates to “Our Lady of Paris”, is everything you think it will be; stunningly beautiful, very old, and one of the most exceptional and world-renowned examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. While it was recently ravaged by a tragic fire, it is already on the mend and remains one of the must-see attractions in Paris.

After breathtaking views – up close and from afar – of Notre Dame, you might imagine there are no better views to be had; but you’d be wrong! Cross the Seine and take the elevator to the roof of the Pompidou Modern Art Museum for the most astounding view yet! The museum itself is a 20th-century icon, housing the biggest collection of contemporary art in Europe.

No ticket is required to enjoy the art, or the view which is accessible from 12.00 am to 10.00 pm. Pair your sunset view with a reviving cup of coffee and perhaps splash out on some fine-dining nibbles at Georges where you can watch the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower switch on while you eat. Once energized head onward to Le Marais – a lively, newly revitalized neighborhood with picturesque streets lined with cafeś and eateries, small boutiques, and beautiful architecture and gardens.

Be sure to look up while you walk to take in the gorgeous display of street art adorning the area and if you happen to be an art fanatic you might consider a small detour to the Contemporary Art Gallery to admire the exclusive of contemporary work. For dinner stop in at Le Barav, where you can enjoy a dinner accompanied by wine purchased from their shop, sold with a selection of cheese and charcuterie.

Finish off your one day in Paris with a visit to some trendy drinking spots. At Oberkampf street – renowned for excellent street art – there are many bars and clubs to choose from, including the hidden cocktail bar of Hotel 1K; the perfect place to kick the night off!

The bar of Hotel 1K is a quirky spot with an enormous selection of Mezcal – one that offers an authentic Oaxaca experience – as well as a truly original menu. Afterward, you could enjoy a beer on the bustling terrace of the no-frills l’Autobus (Bus Cafe´) an affordable joint with Parisian jukebox music.

Go out dancing to excellent live rock music in the grungy setting of l’International or – for a more eclectic crowd and a 1970s New Orleans vibe – head to L'Alimentation Générale to mingle with hip students and intellectuals, ringing in the dawn to a soundtrack of anything from reggae to classical jazz.

After a stimulating 24 hours in the city of love, the only love you’ll be seeking is that of your bed! When, however, you come back – as they all inevitably hope to do – why not make it Paris in 2 days next time?