24 Hours in Paris: A Dreamy Day of Food, Cocktails & Classic Parisian Magic

Paris has a way of sweeping you off your feet — even when you only have 24 hours. I visited this past August, which I do not recommend unless you enjoy the sensation of walking through a very chic oven. It was ridiculously hot, like sunscreen-sliding-off-your-face hot. But even in the middle of a heatwave, Paris still delivered magic.

Here’s how I spent one unforgettable day in the City of Light.

Where I Stayed: Moxy Paris Bastille

I checked into the Moxy Paris Bastille, a playful, modern boutique-style hotel in one of Paris’s liveliest neighborhoods. The vibrant lobby, friendly staff, and welcome cocktail at check-in set the tone for the day. Affordable luxury, great location — the perfect base for a quick Paris stop.

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

My first stop was Champ de Mars for the most timeless Parisian moment: a picnic with champagne beneath the Eiffel Tower.

My essentials:

• Warm baguette

• French cheeses

• Strawberries

• Cold champagne

Even in the August heat, this view makes everything worth it.

Lunch at Café Fleur

Next up: Café Fleur, a dreamy Parisian café with a stunning exterior and elegant dishes. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re living inside a French movie — relaxed, beautiful, and a little bit romantic.

Shopping in Le Marais

No trip to Paris is complete without a stroll through Le Marais, one of the city’s best neighborhoods for boutique shopping. Think curated fashion, vintage finds, chic home goods, and perfume shops that make you forget your flight has a luggage limit. I picked up a few goodies that instantly made my carry-on heavier but my style happier.

A Stop at Marché des Enfants Rouges

While in the area, I also visited Marché des Enfants Rouges, one of the oldest covered markets in Paris. It’s lively, cozy, and full of incredible global food stalls. Even with limited time, stopping here made me feel like I was tapping into the real, everyday rhythm of Paris.

A Quick Stop at the Louvre

I didn’t attempt to conquer the entire Louvre (please don’t try this in 24 hours), but I did walk through the courtyard and catch a few highlights inside. Even the quick version of the Louvre is breathtaking — the architecture alone is worth it.

A Croissant Worth Traveling For

Somewhere between the museum and cocktail hour, I grabbed a croissant from one of Paris’s top bakeries — and it was honestly life-changing. Flaky, buttery, warm heaven.

I wish I had the name for you, but it’s completely slipped my mind. I’m sorry guys — I’ll update this post the second I find it again.

Cocktail Tour: Paris Edition

Cambridge Public House

Warm, inviting, and intimate — the perfect start to a Paris night out. Their cocktails are thoughtful, balanced, and made with so much intention.

Bar Nouveau

My new obsession. Picture: Art Nouveau interiors mixed with modern mixology brilliance.I tried almost every cocktail on the menu… each one better than the last.

Tip:

✔ Arrive early — it’s first come, first served
✔ Let the bartenders guide you — trust me

This is now in my top cocktail bars ever.

Late-Night Eats at Dumbo Paris

After the cocktails, I headed straight to Dumbo Paris for one of the best smashburgers I’ve ever had.

Incredibly crispy edges, juicy center — the perfect late-night meal.

Ending the Night in Bastille

I wrapped up the night bar-hopping through Bastille, one of the most fun, lively areas to party with locals. The streets come alive, the bars spill out with energy, and music floats through the night air. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan — just follow the vibes.

More Quick Things You Can Fit Into 24 Hours

If you have extra time or want additional ideas:

• Musée d’Orsay or Musée de l’Orangerie: Compact, stunning museums perfect for a shorter visit.

• Sunset at Pont Alexandre III: One of the most beautiful bridges in Paris — peak golden hour magic.

• Boat Tour on the Seine: A Seine River cruise is peaceful, romantic, and gives you some of the best views of the city.

Perfect for travelers short on time who still want the full Paris experience.

Final Thoughts

Paris in 24 hours is quick, hot (in August!), chaotic, magical, and completely unforgettable.

From Eiffel Tower picnics and Le Marais shopping to world-class cocktails and Bastille bar-hopping, this day gave me everything I love about Paris — all packed into one dreamy adventure.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Paris always finds a way to leave you wanting more.

✨Erika Star

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