When you have minimal time you do what you can. Saying that, I had less than 24 hours to see all the main monuments in Paris. My two friends and I had a mission to see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs de Elsyees, the Royal Palace, the Louvre, Notre Dame and to try Parisian coffee, macaroons, and crepes. I can proudly say, mission accomplished.
We were coming from Amsterdam and were supposed to arrive late Saturday night but we missed our flight so we ended up taking a train early Sunday morning and arrived around 10:30 in the morning. From 10:30am till Monday morning, 3am, was all the time we had so we made sure to get things done and hit up each monumental spot!
So if you sadly only have one day in Paris like us, here's some tips to know before you go!
1) Stay somewhere near a Metro stop.
We booked an Air BnB (because we were suppose to be there two nights) that was located right by a Metro stop which was perfect. As soon as we dropped our luggage off we headed for the metro stop and bought a day ticket for about 4 euros. This was perfect because this way of transportation got us to each of our destinations for super cheap and it wasn't difficult to maneuver.
2) Think of what is most important ahead of time.
We knew we wanted to see the Eiffel Tower so we did that first, then to the Arc de Triomphe, then browsed the Champs de Elsyees. The Champs de Elsyees is the popular street to go shopping at and I definitely recommend going shopping or at least window shopping. (The stores are heated during the cold times so you can always stop in a store, browse, and warm up). After that we walked over to the Seine River and then to the Royal Palace. Then the Louvre and finally Notre Dame.
3) Food is expensive so save up and treat yo self!
The food everywhere seems expensive as heck. We walked up and down so many streets looking for the cheapest place to eat because we're poor college students ya know, and honestly everywhere is pretty much the same. We went to and Italian spot and I got a really good pasta carbonara and a coffee for about 18 euros. I have to say the spaghetti was delicious. Take out your wallet kids and enjoy!
4) The area around the Notre Dame is a pretty poppin' spot at night.
The Notre Dame was our last stop of the night and it seemed like a pretty cool spot to hang out at at night. Also, there's a little restaurant that offers a deal for salty crepe and a sweet crepe and a drink for about 14 euros and that was a deal! The crepes were a decent size and well worth it. Definitely recommend you getting crepes!
5) ENJOY!
During the winter it is cold in Paris so take warm clothes. The French don't speak any English, even if they know English they most likely won't speak it to you so learn some French phrases before you go. Have a blast! Paris is beautiful and I can't wait to go back.
