Spending just 24 hours in Paris? Don’t worry—you can still feel the magic.
I’ve done it myself. With nothing but a carry-on and a tight timeline, I wandered between iconic museums, riverside strolls, and cozy cafés—discovering that even one day in Paris can leave a lasting impression.
Was it enough? No. Paris deserves more time. But I was headed to Strasbourg for the Christmas Markets, and this whirlwind stop was all I had.
So I made it count—and you can too.
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Table of Contents
Before You Land: Book These First
Set the tone with a smooth arrival. Paris is big, busy, and not the kind of place you want to fumble through jet-lagged. I pre-booked a driver via Welcome Pickups from Orly, and it made everything easier. No awkward language moments, no haggling, no stress.
→ Book your transfer ahead of time so you can focus on the fun.
Where I Stayed: Affordable Boutique Luxury in the 6th Arrondissement
If you only have 24 Hours in Paris, stay at Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche, tucked away in the Left Bank. It has everything you need: charm, quiet, and walkability to just about everywhere you’d want to go.
If you’re traveling solo, safety and location matter. This one hit the sweet spot.
Want more options? Use this interactive map to explore Paris hotels by neighborhood and budget.
Start at the Louvre + eat at Café Marly
If you only have 24 hours in Paris, starting your day in the Louvre courtyard is one of the most cinematic ways to begin. Before the city fully wakes up, head to the Louvre courtyard. Standing beneath the glass pyramid as the sun rises is pure magic—one of those rare, quiet Paris moments that feels entirely yours.
A meal at Café Marly, sets the pace for your 24 hours in Paris perfectly. Cafe Marlys is beneath the arches of the Louvre. It’s elegant and quiet in the morning. I ordered pumpkin soup and veal. Yes, it’s on the pricier side. Yes, it’s worth it.
Make a reservation ahead of time so you’re not scrambling.
Alternate options:
- Boulangerie Utopie (for croissants and takeaway breakfast)
- Angelina Paris (order the Mont Blanc and thick hot chocolate)
Explore the Louvre (Even Just for an Hour)
Since you are only in Paris for 24 hours,, be strategic. Start with the Denon Wing—where you’ll find the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Grande Galerie. Take your time, but don’t feel pressure to see it all.
Book a timed-entry ticket to avoid waiting in line. If you’re solo, this is where an audio guide pays off.
Midday walk: From the Seine to Notre Dame
One of the best things to do in Paris alone is simply walking along the Seine…
From the Louvre, cross over toward Île de la Cité. You’ll pass Saint-Chapelle (worth the detour for the stained glass) and then walk along the Seine toward Notre Dame.
This part of the day feels timeless. Artists painting on bridges. The flow of the river. People are lingering on the benches.
And then you see it: Notre Dame, rising with its Gothic drama and no more scaffolding!
Don’t miss the stalls along the Seine River. But be polite—some vendors don’t allow photos. I learned that the hard way.
Afternoon: Shakespeare and Company
This is one of my favorite places in Paris. For the history alone, it’s iconic, to me at least.
Right across from Notre Dame sits one of the world’s most famous bookstores. Shakespeare and Company is more than a place to buy a book—it’s a piece of literary history.
Every solo traveler I know has ended up here at some point, wandering its cozy shelves or writing upstairs. I picked up a few paperbacks and had them stamped at checkout. It felt like the perfect souvenir.
→ If you’re a book lover, give yourself time to linger.
Dinner: Tapas and Wine at Freddys
After a full day of walking, we wound up at Freddys on Rue de Seine—a tiny tapas bar with great energy and even better cocktails.
My friend and I sat at the bar and ordered charcuterie, cheese, and a few Moscow Mules. It was casual but stylish, and not too touristy. The kind of place where you can eat alone and still feel connected to the vibe around you.
No reservations needed, but it gets busy—try going early.
Solo Female Travel Tips for Paris in a Day
- Stick to central arrondissements like the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th
- Avoid isolated streets near Gare du Nord late at night
- Use apps like Citymapper, Bonjour RATP, and Google Translate
- Be cautious of common scams (like fake petitions or friendship bracelets)
- Wear a crossbody bag with a zipper, wanna know which one is my favorite? It’s the baggalini crossbody, you can check it out right here
Paris is generally safe, but always stay aware, especially at night or in train stations.
Paris in 24 Hours: Quick Itinerary Overview
- Early morning: Louvre courtyard + breakfast at Café Marly
- Mid-morning: Fast-track visit inside the Louvre
- Midday: Walk along the Seine to Notre Dame
- Afternoon: Book browsing at Shakespeare and Company
- Evening: Dinner and drinks at Freddys
Optional Add-Ons:
- Saint-Chapelle stained glass visit
- A sunset Seine river cruise (great solo and safe at night)
Related Blog Posts You Might Love:
- Learn all About the Fete Du Citron in Menton France
- How to Spend Three Days in Bordeaux as a Solo Female Traveler
Final Thoughts
This one-day Paris itinerary is ideal for solo female travelers who want a mix of inspiration and independence…
Paris has a way of opening itself up to solo travelers—if you let it. With 24 hours, you won’t see everything, but you can still experience something magical.
If this itinerary helped you, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or tag me in your Paris photos on Instagram
Ready to travel deeper, even on a short timeline?
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