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24 hours in Paris

Paris is a city that could entertain you for weeks with its attractions, museums and shopping streets. However, if you only have 24 hours to spend in the City of Light, these are the essentials that you can't miss out on!

9AM // Good morning, Paris!

The Louvre and the glass pyramid
The Louvre and the glass pyramid

Waking up with Da Vinci

Yes, 9 AM is early, but Paris is big and you're on the clock! So grab a croissant and start your day at the Louvre, the world's largest museum. There will be long queues all year round, so book your ticket in advance.

Once inside, you'll have to make some hard choices. The world-famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are only a starting point. Pick your favourite exhibit or plan your own tour of highlights with the Louvre floor plan. 

12 PM // A river runs through it

The Notre Dame and Seine river
The Notre Dame and Seine river

Strolling along the Seine river

Take a short walk upstream to the Île de la Cité, the island on which the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral was built. Buy yourself some macarons along the way, and see if you can spot a hunchback and some talking gargoyles.

Continue on the south bank of the Seine, where book nuts will want to stop at Shakespeare and Company. Pick up a handy and cheap Velib bike and cycle to the Eiffel Tower. You can also take Metro line C (costs €1.90).

2 PM // A walk in the clouds

The Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris

Seeing the highlights from up high

For an amazing view of Paris, climb the 700 steps of the Eiffel Tower. There are lifts here as well, but the queues aren't pretty. After your visit, hop on your bike or use Metro line 6 to get to the Place Charles de Gaulle.

This is where you'll find Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. It has fewer steps to the top, but an equally epic view. You can see the Champs-Élysées stretching out to the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower seemingly standing on rooftops.

5 PM // From Paris with love

The Sacre Coeur in Paris France
The Sacre Coeur in Paris France

Browsing diamonds and paintings

Shopping on the Champs-Élysées is fun if you're a princess, but otherwise best hold on to your euros. Walk to the Place de la Concorde for a full circle moment and get on Metro line 12 to Lamarck Caulaincourt.

Immerse yourself in the art district of Montmartre, where Monet, Picasso and van Gogh once lived and painted. Have a bite to eat and try to locate the smallest vineyard in France, hidden in the shadow of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

9 PM // Midnight in Paris

Paris by night
Paris by night

Dance with the French

Still up for a party? Good, because your options in Paris are limitless! The Bastille district is crowded, but offers a good mix of bars and nightclubs. Parisian students gather in the Latin Quarter, a bustling area full of cafes.

The trendy Marais district is known for its thriving LGBT community, with plenty of fun and welcoming bars. For a dirty night out, head to Pigalle district at the foot of Montmartre and visit the one and only Moulin Rouge!

Explore all of France

Arc de Triomphe | 24 hours in Paris

Paris is always a good idea, and so is the rest of beautiful France.

Find places to visit in France

Travel by train in France

The following Interrail Passes give you access to the French rail network:


Interrail France Pass

Best for exploring every corner of France

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Interrail Global Pass

Valid in 33 countries including France

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