Paris is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It is the backdrop to tens of thousands of proposals every year and where many people decide to spend their anniversary breaks away. It’s perfect for a solo trip to discover the culture, a fun time away with friends, or to go with your family. In this article we take a look at how to spend 24 hours in Paris with your other half, to ensure you really make the most of your trip. If you’re wanting to explore but don’t want to have to haul a big bag of overnight things around with you, be sure to book luggage storage in Paris to keep your bags safe and secure. Keep reading to find out more and get inspired. 

Watch the sunrise from Trocadero

The Trocadero site of the Palais de Chaillot is one of the most beautiful spots in the city and offers unrivalled views of the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early, pick up a coffee and a pastry from a nearby boulangerie and sit down to watch the sun rise. The time of this depends when you’re visiting in the year - you might have to get up super early to watch it in the summer, but trust us, the views are worth it. If you’re celebrating something or want to make it extra boujee, why not bring a bottle of French fizz with you? There’s nothing like being shrouded in the orange glow of the sunrise while sipping a glass of Champagne with your other half. 

Head for breakfast at a local cafe

If there is one thing Paris is known for, it’s its beautiful cafes. We recommend finding somewhere a little off the beaten path for a more authentic experience. Cafes that are right near to places like the Eiffel Tower tend to hike up their prices but their quality isn’t as good as more authentic, local eateries. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside, sip an espresso and soak up the buzz of the city. There’s nowhere better to be!

Take a stroll through the Louvre 

If you are only in Paris for 24 hours, you might not have time to go inside the Louvre, but it’s well worth visiting the courtyard just to be near the beautiful architecture. The morning is a great time to see the Louvre as the sun reflects beautifully off the glass and there are less crowds than appear later in the day.

Go on a river cruise down the Seine

One of the best ways to see the city when you aren’t there for that long is by boat. Take a river cruise down the Seine - the Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf are the most popular. You can have the best views from here, seeing the main monuments and taking in the most beautiful views in a calm and serene way. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, particularly during busy periods as they can sell out quickly.

Have a picnic lunch in Luxembourg Gardens

For lunch, pick up a picnic from a local bakery, or head to Marché Saint-Germain which is a bustling food market filled with all sorts of delicious food items. Bring things like different French cheeses, meats and a local wine and flop down on the grass in the Luxembourg Gardens. Here you can relax and people-watch, read a book, talk with each other and just enjoy some downtime on your city break. Cities can often be busy and a bit overwhelming, so this is a great chance to just sit, reconvene and enjoy your time being peaceful together before you continue to explore this beautiful city a little bit more!

Take a stroll along Le Marais

The Marais is a historic district located in the centre of Paris and is a maze of cobblestones. There are a myriad of nice shops and art galleries to dip into, with vintage clothing stores and small boutiques ideal for picking up items for yourself or gifts for others back home. It feels a bit like you’ve stepped back into a bygone era so make sure you take plenty of photos! You can also pick up some foodie bits here like macarons which you need to try when in Paris! This is a cool neighbourhood that’s extremely walkable to many of the other famous landmarks too.

Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Next on your itinerary, take the funicular or climb the stairs (not advised in hot weather!) to Sacré-Cœur for beautiful views of the city below. This is a great viewpoint for experiencing the city from above and taking in the most stunning sights. You can wander the cobbled streets here, see the Place du Tertre - a famous square just a few streets away from the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur and the Lapin Agile cabaret.

Rooftop drinks with a view of the city

There is nothing like a rooftop bar to really elevate your trip, so when you’re in Paris, make sure you visit one of the many rooftop locations for a drink before dinner. Terrass’ Hotel rooftop bar or Le Perchoir are two of the best places to go and feature a wide array of cocktails as well as wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks. You can enjoy sweeping views of the city below you and revel in the romantic atmosphere. 

Head to dinner 

Paris is a restaurant-lovers dream, with so many fantastic eateries to choose between. Septime is a Michelin star restaurant that has fine dining but with a relaxed vibe. Chez Janou in Le Marais is known for its fantastic ambience, otherwise you can wander around and see what takes your fancy.

The Eiffel Tower Light Show

Finish your day with a trip to the Eiffel Tower where you can watch the lightshow every hour on the hour after sunset. The perfect way to round off your trip, is under the sparkling lights of the most iconic building in the city.