If you are heading to Paris but only have a short amount of time, don’t worry, you can still accomplish a lot.
If you need a few tips for how to navigate this amazing European city when you only have 24-hours to spare, then you’ll want to keep reading.
Transportation
The biggest key to making the most of your time in Paris is figuring out how to get from place to place. Once you land at the airport and clear customs, it is best to purchase a metro card. You can opt to buy a single journey ticket into the city for around 10 euros, depending on where your final stop is.
You can also purchase an unlimited travel card that will allow you to travel around the main areas of the city, zones 1-3, for a cost of 10 euros as well. You cannot use this same card to get back to the airport because the airports, no matter which one you are flying out of or into, are not within zones 1-3.
Once you have your card, I suggest making sure your offline map for Google Maps is downloaded for the city. It is very helpful in providing step-by-step directions from place to place.
If you don’t mind spending the money or waiting in traffic, Uber is available too.
Paris is filled with plenty of scooters. If you have a favorite one you use back home, just make sure you have money on your app. They definitely have Lime and Bird in addition to others.
Accommodations
Hotels can be pretty pricey the closer you are to tourist attractions. Of course everyone wants to stay somewhere with a view of the Eiffel, but you’ll definitely pay for the view.
A great area to stay in is near Opera. There are plenty of shops and cafes within the area and the hotels can be a little more reasonable.
Airbnb is always an option, but be sure to book as far in advance as you can because the good spots get gone really fast.
What to do
Okay, you’re in Paris so there are definitely a few key places that you are going to want to hit up to get those perfect photos.
Most people head to this city for a view of the iconic Eiffel Tower. While it is a massive structure, you’ll want to head to the best photo spot. Many of the best spots are actually not super close to the actual tower. You’ll have to do some walking to ensure you get the money shot.
If you forget something like a beret or your selfie stick, there are dozens of vendors set up all around.
Next, you’ll want to make your way to the Louvre. Why? Because Beyonce said so.
You can pay to enter the Louvre and actually spend some time viewing the famous artwork inside. But, depending on the time of day that you go, the lines can be super long. If you are okay with missing the Mona Lisa in person, the fun happens on the main plaza where the three glass prisms are.
There are little blocks set up all around so that you can get the shot where it looks like you are holding the prism in your hand.
Depending on your interest, you can then stop by other spots like Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge, or the main shopping district with all of the high end brands.
Related: How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Paris
Food
Paris is a melting pot of cultures, and you will likely find almost any kind of food while there.
But, many people make sure that they get a few things during their trip. Those things are macarons, croissants (the chocolate ones are amazing), and coffee.
You can find coffee and croissants on nearly every corner so it won’t take much effort for that. But, the macarons can be a little harder to find outside of the main tourist areas. Either way, they are delicious.
Have a bit more time in Paris and want to explore? You should download the 7-Day Paris City Guide! It comes complete with an itinerary, restaurant suggestions, hotel recommendations, events, and so much more. Become a TN Plus member to access city guides for Paris and other popular travel destinations.
