So you’re finally going to Paris? Lucky you! I’ve wandered those cobblestone streets more times than I can count, and trust me, the City of Light never gets old.
But here’s the thing: Paris can be overwhelming for first-timers. You’ve got a million things competing for your attention, and honestly, some of them are total tourist traps.
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Let me walk you through the stuff that actually matters, the experiences that’ll make you fall head over heels for this incredible city.
1. Eiffel Tower (But Do It Right)
The Eiffel Tower is non-negotiable, but here’s my take: skip the two-hour line and book your tickets online weeks in advance. Better yet? Visit at night when the whole thing sparkles like someone dumped glitter all over it. The hourly light show is genuinely magical, and I’m not even the sentimental type.
Pro tip: Head to Trocadéro Gardens across the river for the best photo ops. You’ll thank me later when you’re not fighting crowds on the tower itself.
2. Louvre Museum: Plan Your Attack
The Louvre isn’t just big; it’s absolutely massive. You could spend three days there and still miss stuff. Focus on what you actually want to see rather than trying to do it all.
Here’s what I prioritize:
- The Mona Lisa (yeah, it’s tiny, but you gotta see it)
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Venus de Milo
- The Egyptian antiquities section
Enter through the Porte des Lions entrance. It’s way less crowded than the pyramid. FYI, Wednesday and Friday evenings have extended hours, so you can beat some of the daytime chaos.
3. Wander Montmartre Like a Local
Montmartre is where Paris shows its artsy, bohemian side. Forget the tour buses and just wander. Get lost in the narrow streets, stumble upon hidden staircases, and soak in the village vibe that somehow survived in the middle of a mega-city.
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits at the top, offering killer views of Paris. But honestly? The journey up through the winding streets is more memorable than the destination. Grab a coffee at a corner café and people-watch like Hemingway used to.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral (Exterior Only for Now)
The 2019 fire broke my heart, but Notre-Dame is still worth visiting. You can’t go inside yet (restoration’s ongoing), but the Gothic architecture from the outside is jaw-dropping. Walk around it, appreciate the flying buttresses, and imagine what it looked like in its full glory.
The nearby Shakespeare and Company bookstore makes a perfect follow-up stop. It’s quirky, packed with English books, and has serious literary history.
5. Seine River Cruise: Cheesy But Worth It
Look, I know river cruises sound touristy, but hear me out. Seeing Paris from the water gives you a completely different perspective. You’ll glide past iconic landmarks while someone else does the work.
Go for a dinner cruise if your budget allows. The food’s decent (not mind-blowing, but decent), and watching the city lights reflect on the water while sipping wine? That’s the Paris experience right there. 🙂
6. Luxembourg Gardens for the Perfect Afternoon
This is my personal favorite spot in all of Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens offer the perfect blend of manicured beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Rent a toy sailboat to float in the fountain, grab a chair, and pretend you’re a Parisian for an afternoon.
The palace itself is stunning, and if you time it right during spring, the flowers will make your Instagram explode with likes. Not that I’m shallow or anything. :/
7. Musée d’Orsay: Art Without the Louvre Crowds
Impressionism fan? The Musée d’Orsay will blow your mind. Housed in a converted train station, this museum showcases works by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. The building alone is worth the visit.
Unlike the Louvre, it’s manageable in a few hours. Plus, the top floor has a clock window with views over the Seine. Stand there and feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
8. Latin Quarter’s Winding Streets
The Latin Quarter screams old-world Paris. Narrow medieval streets, bookshops galore, and enough crêpe stands to put you in a food coma. Rue Mouffetard is particularly charming. It’s one of the oldest streets in Paris and hosts a fantastic market.
Grab lunch at a tiny bistro, order something you can’t pronounce, and embrace the chaos. That’s half the fun.
9. Sainte-Chapelle’s Stained Glass Heaven
Ever wondered what it feels like to step inside a jewel box? Sainte-Chapelle answers that question. The stained glass windows here are absolutely unreal, 15 meters high and covering almost every wall.
Visit on a sunny day when light pours through the glass, creating this otherworldly kaleidoscope effect. It’s tucked away on Île de la Cité, so many tourists miss it. Their loss.
10. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Yeah, the Champs-Élysées is basically a fancy shopping street now, but walking it once is part of the Paris checklist. The Arc de Triomphe at the end makes it worthwhile. Climb to the top for panoramic city views.
Word of warning: crossing the roundabout to reach the Arc is basically a death wish. Use the underground tunnel. I’m serious.
11. Marais District: Hip and Historic
The Marais perfectly blends medieval architecture with trendy boutiques and galleries. This neighborhood has character that newer districts can’t touch. Wander through Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, then hit up the vintage shops and falafel joints on Rue des Rosiers.
Sunday shopping? The Marais is your spot since most Paris stores close on Sundays.
12. Palace of Versailles: Day Trip Worthy
Okay, Versailles isn’t technically in Paris, but it’s a 40-minute train ride and absolutely worth it. The palace is ridiculously opulent. Louis XIV didn’t do subtle. The Hall of Mirrors alone justifies the trip.
Here’s the strategy:
- Go early (I mean like, opening time)
- Buy skip-the-line tickets online
- Spend time in the gardens (they’re enormous)
- Rent a bike to explore the grounds
The crowds can be brutal, but seeing where French royalty lived before things got, uh, revolutionary? Can’t miss it.
13. Père Lachaise Cemetery: Surprisingly Peaceful
I know, suggesting a cemetery sounds weird. But Père Lachaise is more like a sculpture garden that happens to be where famous people are buried. Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Chopin all rest here.
It’s hauntingly beautiful, especially in autumn when leaves carpet the pathways. Grab a map at the entrance or you’ll wander forever. This place is huge.
14. Crêpes, Croissants, and Café Culture
Paris isn’t just about monuments; the food is its own attraction. Hit a proper boulangerie for fresh croissants (the corner of your mouth will thank you later when it’s covered in flaky pastry). Try both sweet and savory crêpes from street vendors.
And the café culture? Camp out at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Order an espresso, watch the world go by, and feel insufferably Parisian. IMO, this is peak Paris.
15. Rodin Museum and Gardens
The Rodin Museum flies under the radar, which is crazy considering how gorgeous it is. “The Thinker” sits in the garden, along with other Rodin masterpieces. The mansion itself houses his works, but I prefer strolling the outdoor sculptures with the Eiffel Tower peeking over the hedges.
It’s quieter than the big-name museums, letting you actually enjoy the art without being elbowed by tour groups.
16. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood
This Left Bank neighborhood oozes sophistication. Legendary cafés, high-end boutiques, and art galleries line the streets. It’s pricier than other areas, sure, but the atmosphere is worth splurging on a fancy lunch.
The Saint-Germain church itself dates back to the 6th century. Pop in. The acoustics during concerts are incredible.
17. Panthéon: France’s Hall of Fame
The Panthéon serves as the final resting place for France’s greatest minds: Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie. The neoclassical architecture is stunning, and the Foucault Pendulum inside demonstrates Earth’s rotation (science geeks, unite!).
Climb to the colonnade for views across the Latin Quarter. Your legs will burn, but the panorama delivers.
18. Canal Saint-Martin: Local Hangout
Want to see where actual Parisians chill? Canal Saint-Martin is your answer. This working canal turned trendy hangout spot draws locals for picnics, drinks, and lazy afternoons.
Grab wine and snacks from a nearby shop, plop down on the canal’s edge, and embrace the laid-back vibe. It’s especially perfect during golden hour when everything glows.
19. Opera Garnier: Baroque Overload
The Opera Garnier inspired “The Phantom of the Opera,” and one look inside explains why. The grand staircase, the gilt everything, the Chagall ceiling. It’s sensory overload in the best way.
You can tour it even without seeing a show (though catching a ballet here is magical). The building proves that sometimes more is more.
20. Tuileries Garden: Breathing Room
Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden offers breathing room when Paris feels overwhelming. Perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, sculptures, and those iconic green chairs where you can rest your feet.
Stop here between museum visits. Your sanity will appreciate the break.
21. Moulin Rouge Show: Splurge Night
The Moulin Rouge is touristy, expensive, and totally over-the-top. It’s also spectacular. The cancan dancers, elaborate costumes, and champagne create a quintessentially Parisian evening.
Book ahead because shows sell out. Yes, it’ll dent your budget, but you’re in Paris. Go big or go home.
22. Just Get Lost (Seriously)
My final recommendation? Ditch your itinerary for an afternoon and just wander. Take random turns, follow interesting smells, peek into courtyards. Paris reveals its magic when you’re not hunting for landmarks.
Some of my best Paris memories happened when I got completely lost and stumbled onto a hidden square or a perfect little wine bar. Let the city surprise you.
Wrapping It Up
Paris isn’t just about ticking boxes on a tourist checklist. Sure, see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. They’re famous for good reason. But also slow down, eat too much cheese, drink wine at lunch (the French do it, why shouldn’t you?), and soak in the atmosphere.
First-time visitors often try cramming everything into a few days, then leave exhausted. Do yourself a favor: pick your priorities, leave room for spontaneity, and remember that Paris will still be there next time. Because trust me, once won’t be enough.
Now go book that ticket, pack your comfiest walking shoes, and prepare to fall in love. Paris is waiting, and she’s ready to show off. 🙂