If I only had 24 hours in Paris, this is how I’d spend it. No Eiffel Tower, no Louvre, no Moulin Rouge. A few icons, a few shops, a few fabulous views and lots of delicious food.

Morning

Breakfast: I’d start my day right with a pain au chocolat at the nearest boulangerie. Nowhere has pastries like Paris.

Afterwards, I’d head to Musee de l’Orangerie to gaze at Monet’s waterlilies for an inordinate amount of time. In reality, this might only be for ten minutes but sitting and staring at a painting for that long in this fast-paced world feels like forever, in the best possible way.

Musee de l’Orangerie is in the Jardin des Tuileries, so I’d wander around these gardens afterwards, before stopping in for a few moments at Sainte Chapelle. It’s too beautiful.

If I’m feeling greedy, a raspberry sorbet from Berthillon would really hit the spot.

So in other words, a raspberry sorbet is definitely on the cards. Walking while you eat is a no-no in France, so go and enjoy it on the banks of the Seine. If I had time, I might go up to Montmartre. There are more pickpockets here, but its a beautiful little area. I visit Sacre Coeur every time in Paris, it’s one of my favourite places.

Afternoon

Lunch: Ham & Cheese Crepe, eaten in Place des Vosges. Another super cheap but super delicious meal.

I’d work my way back through the nearby art galleries and boutiques of the Marais, before crossing the Seine to do some more shopping in the boutiques in Saint Germain. If I needed a sugar hit, I’d find a Pierre Herme or Patisserie des Reves.

Evening

I’d watch the sun go down and Paris light up from Tour Montparnasse, one of my favourite viewpoints in the city. See my photos from Tour Montparnasse here.

Dinner:  After cheap eats during the day, I’d splurge on a confit de canard at a beautiful restaurant on Place de Victor Hugo in Passy, the 16eme arrondissement. I’ve had it before – it came in a jar and was the best duck I have ever eaten.

If I feel like working off dinner (unlikely), I’d climb up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. The view makes up for the claustrophobic, never-ending circular staircase.

Between dinner time and clubbing time, I’d sit on the banks of the Seine with a bottle of wine and some friends. This is one of my favourite cheap activities in Paris.

Finally, I’d finish my day in the early hours of the morning in Champs-Elysees’ underground clubs – the only reason to visit the Champs-Elysees, in my opinion.

How would you spend one perfect day in Paris?

Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

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