Heading to Paris for a quick day trip and need the best spots to go? I’ve got you covered. Enjoy reading and let me know in the comments below if you try any of these out!
Also important to note this day plan is designed for you to walk to the majority of the spots. In my opinion, Paris is a very walkable city and walking is the best way to find hidden gems.
Start out with breakfast at Cafe Angelina on Rue de Rivoli located in the 1st Arrondissement. This charming spot first opened in 1903 and is well known around the world for its hot chocolate and pastries. If it’s your first time here you have to try the hot chocolate. I’d also recommend booking reservations here- I’ve seen lines outside all the way around the block before.
After breakfast, you’re already in the best area in Paris to shop, so if that’s your thing walk around and enjoy. If you’re a fashion lover I’d recommend checking out Chanel on Rue Cambon - it’s the original Chanel store where Gabrielle Chanel worked and lived. On your walk stop at Pierre Herme also on Rue Cambon for the best macaroons in Paris.
Next head to le Jardin de Tuileries far end near Place de la Concorde. Here you’ll get an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, and Champs Elysses. Then pop into Musée de l'Orangerie within the gardens. This museum is fairly small but contains lots of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Their collection of Monet’s waterlilies is breathtaking and I try to pop in here to admire them every time I visit Paris. Once you’re done in the museum walk through le Jardin de Tuileries towards La Louvre.
After enjoying the gardens I have two potential options I’d recommend next. You can stop at La Louvre or head across the bridge to the left bank and go to Musee d’Orsay. Whichever option you choose depends largely on what sort of museum experience you enjoy. If you’re looking to really be able to relax and go through the museum at your own pace I’d recommend Musee d’Orsay. It is a huge museum and one of my personal favorites in the city. La Louvre is also great, but it’s very crowded no matter what time of year you choose to visit.
For lunch and the rest of the day, I’m also going to give you a few of my favorite options. For the foodie, I’d recommend heading to Rue Montorgueil. This is one of my favorite food markets in Paris and you could easily spend an afternoon here trying all of the best local food. For someone looking to get the ultimate Parisian experience, I’d recommend lunch at Cafe de Flore and enjoying the St. Germain area and Luxembourg Gardens. If you’re dying to see the best views of the Eiffel Tower head to Trocadero and Carette for lunch. If you want something more simple and time to just wander head to Eric Kayser and pick up a baguette sandwich to enjoy on the go.
For dinner find somewhere walking and try it! This is how I’ve found the majority of my favorite spots in Paris and the city is so magical you never know what you’ll find. I would recommend eating your weight in cheese, carbs, and onion soup. See the rest of my favorite spots to eat and drink in the city here.
Then finish the night off at one of the Ritz’s bars or restaurants for a drink and dessert. Pick from Bar Vendome, Ritz Bar, or Bar Hemingway. Bar Vendome is their Parisian brasserie right in the front of the lobby. It’s my favorite spot to people watch because you never know who you’ll run into here. Ritz Bar is the newest addition at the Ritz. I visited it a few days after opening and the horoscope-themed drinks and light bites were some of the best I’ve ever had in Paris. Bar Hemingway feels very intimate with only having 25 seats and has the best bartender in the world named by Forbes. I’ve been to each of these spots and they are each truly the best drinking and dining experience I’ve had.