I’ve visited Paris 8 times over the past five years. I though it’d be helpful to round up a list of highlights and the best things to do in Paris, based on an American tourist’s experience.
My hope is that this list of things to do in Paris for first-time visitors is helpful for you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have. I want your trip to be a blast! Long time readers know I’m not keen on small talk, so let’s dive in!
Reader Question: Will I be Disappointed While Visiting Paris?
Listen, you know I’m all about honesty, and I never want to mislead you. So let’s chat about this.
Moreso than any other city, Paris is able to captivate a special place in a person’s heart long before they board the plane for their first visit to Paris. Why is that? I’m guessing it has to do with the glorification of the City of Light in the movies and shows we watch growing up.
There’s no denying that Paris is a romanticized city. As such, it’s inevitable that folks may find themselves almost let down during a first visit to Paris, so much so that there’s an actual term for this: Paris Syndrome.
To set yourself up for success, remember this: Paris is a real city. I know this sounds like an odd thing to say, almost like an understatement, but it warrants saying.
Everyday people live and work in Paris and it’s not all glory and Gucci every Tuesday morning. This is a real place where people are rushing to work, garbage bags are tossed on the street and the occasional waiter wishes you would greet them with “bonjour” over “hello.”
It’s a beautiful city, too. There’s so much to enjoy and so many great things to do in Paris, keep your mind open as you experience everything the City of Light has to offer. I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and this quick list will guide you in the right direction.
Where to Stay in Paris
You know the drill: location, location, location. The best neighborhoods to stay in Paris (based on my travels) are Le Marais, St. Germain and the area near the Arc de Triomphe. Here’s a quick list of my favorite hotels in Paris.
- The Hoxton Paris
- Relais Christine
- Shangri-La Paris: This hotel is a once in a lifetime experience, but it will make you wish you had more lifetimes.
Visiting Paris For the First Time & Best Things to Do in Paris
(Table of Contents)
Paris Things to Do (Table of Contents)
- Visiting Paris For the First Time & Best Things to Do in Paris
- Take in the View from the Arc de Triomphe
- Enjoy a Meal at Chez Janou
- Enjoy the Afternoon at Les Deux Magots
- See the Eiffel Tower at Sunset
- Explore Le Marais
- Picnic at Place des Vosges
- Visit the (Famous) Louvre
- Stroll Down the Champs-Élysées
- Explore Montmartre & the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Relax at the Luxembourg Gardens
- Take a Half-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
- See the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte
- Explore Musée d’Orsay
- Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral
- When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
Take in the View from the Arc de Triomphe
My first visit to Paris occurred in the spring of 2017. I had just landed my first “real” job (health insurance, baby!) and saved enough to go on a dream trip to Paris. Flights booked, the only thing left to do was sort accommodations.
After doing some research, my friends and I landed on a charming Airbnb a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe. The area is very posh, but we scored a great deal on the apartment and enjoyed our stay in the neighborhood. Seeing the Arc de Triomphe on a daily basis made it inevitable that we’d eventual climb to the top, and who am I to argue with fate?
Little did we know that seeing the view of the city from this vantage point is one of the best things to do in Paris! Touristy? Absolutely, but well worth it. You’ll need to climb a steep set of stairs (284 steps, I counted – ha!) that leads to the top, but it’s manageable (and very memorable).
Why is the Arc de Triomphe Important?
The Arc de Triomphe stands as a monumental tribute to French bravery and heroism. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz and took nearly 30 years to complete (it was inaugurated in 1836).
The Arc is engraved with the names of generals and victorious battles from the Napoleonic Wars, and beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, marked by an eternal flame. Drawing millions of visitors a year, the Arc de Triomphe is a poignant reminder of France’s resilience.
You Might Enjoy Reading: 20 Epic Views of The Eiffel Tower
Enjoy a Meal at Chez Janou
Chez Janou was our favorite meal while visiting Paris. This is saying a lot, considering we celebrated my birthday as a Michelin restaurant (I regretted spending the money!). Offering a chic, casual vibe you’ll be rubbing elbows with locals and tourists alike, but everyone seems to be on the same page: Chez Janou is the place to be.
The food is top-notch and inexpensive by Parisian standards, so you many find yourself visiting several times. Make room on your Paris itinerary for impromptu things to do in Paris, because you never know what will catch your eye.
Word to the wise: You may need to go to the restaurant early to get a reservation for the following day. We couldn’t figure out how to make a reservation over the phone or email, so we swung by to chat with the host.
He booked us in for 7pm the following day and we waited (very) patiently until dinner. When the faithful hour arrived, we got seated in the very back of the restaurant next to a table of three chatty British friends. We ended up talking with them well past midnight! It was serendipitous!
Enjoy the Afternoon at Les Deux Magots
Parisians consider passing time an art form, and they’ve been qualifying for those Olympics since the dawn of time. To their credit, after becoming accustomed to leisurely afternoons devoted to nothing (bless you, vacation), I understand the hype.
The challenge? Finding a cafe to park yourself at, and nothing tops Les Deux Magots, a historic cafe that has been a hot-spot with chic locals and celebrities (like Hemingway and Picasso) since 1884.
But let’s address the elephant in the room, scoring a table at Les Deux Magots will require nothing short of a miracle (you’ll need to wait in line until a table clear up). Once settled, you’ll see why this is one of the most iconic things to do in Paris. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a warm summer evening than nursing a bottle of rosé while people-watching.
Note: If Les Deux Magots is too busy during your visit, pop over to Cafe de Flore (one block away). It’s equally as charming but has better prices (hey, visiting Paris is expensive and I’m not made of money, people!).
See the Eiffel Tower at Sunset
Built as a centerpiece for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary exhibit (imagine!). Nobody could fathom the icon it would quick become, a symbol for the most romantic city in the world.
Seeing this beauty aglow during sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Especially at dusk, when the tower starts to shimmer in a dazzling display of lights.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower at sunset is to trapeze around town in search of local treats (bakeries, cheese shops!) before parking yourself on the large lawn near the tower. If you’re keen on escaping the crowds, I suggest opting for a sunrise tour of the Eiffel Tower at sunrise for some semblance of solitude.
All told, visiting Paris for the first time without seeing the Eiffel Tower up close is non-negotiable in my book, regardless of the time of day you see it.
Note: Some readers have asked if ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower is worthwhile while visiting Paris for the first time. Speaking from personal experience, it’s an easy skip for me. Expensive and crowded, the views from the top are cool enough, but they’re missing the most crucial aspect – a view of the Eiffel Tower. I’d say skip.
A (honest) word on the Eiffel Tower: I don’t want to deceive you, visiting the Eiffel Tower can be a lot to take in. You’ll be met with tons of folks trying to sell trinkets and crowds of people, try to avoid the Trocadéro Gardens and Plaza around sunset because it’s a zoo.
Explore Le Marais
Every city has one charming neighborhood that few can resist falling in love with. In Paris, that honor undoubtedly goes to Le Marais. Home to quaint cafes, local boutiques and charming restaurants, it’s irresistible.
The best way to explore the area is to devote an entire day on your Paris itinerary exclusively to getting lost in Le Marais. Park yourself at a corner cafe, wander around the area for a bit, pop into cheese shop or grocery store for some picnic staples and then make your way over to Place des Vosges for a relaxing afternoon.
Afterwards, spend a few hours popping into random shops (Merci is a fan favorite), exploring the Picasso Museum, or simply wandering the meandering cobblestone streets aimlessly. Once you’ve had your fill of exploration, settle down at a cozy restaurant for a slow meal.
Oh, and speaking of Place des Vosges, let’s deep dive on that one.
Picnic at Place des Vosges
Dating back to 1605, the Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. Originally designed as a stomping grounds for royals and nobility, today it’s considered one of the prettiest parks in Paris.
While visiting Paris, we opted to spend an entire day exploring Le Marais and started the day at Place des Vosges. We grabbed brunch at one of the corner cafes before making our way over to the Victor Hugo Museum (his apartment was opened as a museum).
His most notable works include Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, so you may have heard of him. The best part? Touring his home is free! It’s a great little musuem and I especially enjoyed the art.
Visit the (Famous) Louvre
No list of the best things to do in Paris during a first visit is complete without mentioning the Louvre. This place is a masterpiece, even if you don’t consider yourself a “musuem person.” You simply must visit.
Originally built as a fortress and then later converted into a royal palace, the building became a museum in 1793. That’s right, when our country was still a teenager (17 years old), the Louvre was established.
Seeing the Mona Lisa with your own eyes is an experience you won’t soon forget. More impressive than the honorable Mona Lisa (in my opinion, at least), is the Coronation of Napoleon. A massive painting depicting — you guessed it — Napoleon’s coronation. It’s the most beautiful artwork I’ve ever seen (and I visit The Met in NYC almost weekly).
Some folks argue that the Louvre can be skipped while visiting Paris, but I disagree. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the logic, the Louvre is next-level busy and chaotic! But why in the world would you miss an opportunity to tour the largest museum in the world?
Helpful Tip: If you’re adding the Louvre to your Paris itinerary, book your tickets in advance so you’re not stuck in line too long! Here’s the official website for booking Louvre tickets. Read: 20 Best Things to See at the Louvre
Stroll Down the Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées is the French translation of “Elysian Fields,” a paradisaical afterlife in Greek mythology. In Paris, the Champs-Élysées plays a significant role in the city’s culture and history. Hosting major events like the Bastille Day military parade and the final stage of the Tour de France, it’s a hub for locals and tourists alike.
Spanning roughly 1.2 miles, the Arc de Triomphe (mentioned earlier) marks the official start of the Avenue of the Champs-Élysées. The trendy avenue is full of luxury stores and chic restaurants. When visiting Paris, I always make time to take a long stroll from the Arc de Triomphe all the way down to the Tuileries Gardens (40 minutes). It’s a great way to soak in the sights of the city at a leisurely pace, highly recommend!
Good to know: The Champs-Élysées is completely car-free during the first Sunday of the month. It’s open exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists in an effort to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
Explore Montmartre & the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacré-Cœur Basilica) is a breathtaking masterpiece located in the charming Montmartre neighborhood. Perched atop a butte, the basilica was built in the Romano-Byzantine style at the end of the 19th century, it’s used to this day as an important house of worship.
The views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur are some of the best in the city, which it why you must see it when visiting Paris for the first time. But whew, wading through the crowds and the folks selling trinkets (some of them downright harass folks!), is a lot to handle.
Regardless, the beauty of the Sacre Coeur is stunning and the neighborhood as a whole is very fun to explore. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris, just brace yourself for the inevitable crowds.
In terms of Montmartre, the neighborhood is best described as a hodgepodge of locals, artists, bohemians and tourists. All eager to suck the marrow out of life, one Parisian street at a time. Meander down the streets and wander aimlessly from one store front to the next, while taking in some of the most beautiful views of Paris.
Paris Itinerary Idea: Explore the Place du Tertre
In the very heart of Montmartre, under the watchful gaze of the Sacré-Cœur, there’s a public square called Place du Tertre where talented artists sell original artwork in the open air. The most common art-on-demand seems to be caricatures, although you can also find great watercolors and oil paintings.
We discovered this gem during our last visit to Paris and it made me bummed that I hadn’t known about it earlier. We bought a 40€ watercolor from a local artist as a souvenir from Paris and treasure it immensely. It’s way better than a key chain!
Relax at the Luxembourg Gardens
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be royalty? Well, relaxing at the Luxembourg Gardens is a great start. The Luxembourg Gardens were commissioned by Marie de’ Medici after her sweet thang, King Henry IV, died and left her a (very rich) widow.
Eager to shake things up, she decided that the Louvre was no longer desirable and commissioned an architect to build a new palace inspired by the place she was born in, the Pitti Palace in Florence.
Likewise, the garden was designed in a style native to Florence and no expense was spared, which resulted in a lavish garden that has since opened to the public. Fit for royalty, visiting the gardens is one of the most relaxing things to do in Paris, so you won’t want to miss it.
As you know, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. But did you know you can see a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty at the Luxembourg Gardens? The bronze replica can be found at on the west side of the park.
Take a Half-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
Located a mere 30 minutes from Paris by train, the Palace of Versailles was the official royal residence of Louis XVI until the French Revolution in 1789. The palace was opened to the pubic as a museum in 1837 and is a joy to explore.
The palace features more than 2,300 rooms and the gardens span nearly 2,000 acres. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in 1623, the building was transformed by his son, Louis XIV, into a magnificent symbol of monarchy in France during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, and the Gardens of Versailles, which are adorned with beautiful statues and fountains. Impressively, the Palace of Versailles attracts over 7 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited cultural sites in the world. Needless to say, it’s definitely one of the most popular things to see in Paris.
Helpful Note: If you’re going to add the Palace of Versailles to your Paris itinerary (as you should), make sure to book tickets well in advance. This is especially true if you plan on visiting Paris in the summer. Otherwise you’ll be stuck in those infamous long lines. Here’s the official website to book your tickets.
More Time? Top Paris Attractions to Add to Your Paris Itinerary
Picnic Along the River Seine
So we’ve covered the best things to do in Paris for a first visit, but what if you have more time? Well, why not partake in a local’s favorite pastime?
Most folks know that walking along the River Seine is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris, but picnicking along the banks takes it up a notch. You’ll be rewarded with great views of the city while enjoy a bottle of beer or a light glass of rosé.
You’ll see tons of locals congregating along the banks, join them! Tag along a pack of playing cards and watch the evening hours slip by while nibble on delicious cheese and baguettes. When in Rome Paris, right?
I mean, can you think of a more romantic thing to do in Paris?
Tip: If you’re an early rise (way to go, you!) make your way to the River Seine to catch the sunrise. You’ll avoid the crowds while getting spectacular views of the city waking up.
See the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte
My husband and I ended up spending a few days visiting Paris during our honeymoon. With limited time, we had to prioritize a list of the best things to do in Paris, and seeing Napoleon’s tomb rose high on his list because he loves history. Intrigued, I jumped aboard and we added it to our Paris itinerary.
Holy cow. I had no idea what to expect and found myself completely blown away. Housed in the monolithic Les Invalides, adjacent to the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée), this final resting place of Mr. B is something else and needs to be seen to be believed.
In fact, of all the great things to do in Paris, none has impressed me more than seeing Napoleon’s tomb. Whether or not you’re a history buff, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris and you won’t want to miss it!
Explore Musée d’Orsay
Make no mistake, the Louvre is in a class all its own. But the Musée d’Orsay happens to be my favorite musuem in Paris. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station that was built between 1898-1900, the musuem is home to notable French artists dating back to 1848.
You’ll see the long list of usual suspects — Manet, Renoir, Seurat and van Gogh — alongside new-to-you artists waiting to be discovered. Much like the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay is a masterpiece of a musuem and worth a visit.
I highly suggest adding this to your Paris itinerary. You never know, you may like it too!
Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral
Alright, get this. Construction on the Notre Dame (“Our Lady” in French) Cathedral began in 1163 and wasn’t completed until 1260. Let that sink in. Both the fact that construction started in 1163 and the cathedral took nearly 100 years to complete is hard to fathom for me!
The cathedral took a beating during the French Revolution and much of the religious imagery was destroyed. However, tradition prevails and the building continued to be used as a house of worship. Likewise, this architectural marvel has hosted the funerals of many French presidents and even the coronation of Napoleon.
Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, Seeing this storied cathedral is non-negotiable when visiting Paris for the first time. However, the Notre Dame is closed for renovations following a devastating fire. You can view the breathtaking building from the outside, but it’s closed for entry until further notice.
Should you add this to your list of the most interesting things to do in Paris? You bet.
Pop into Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Co. is an English-language bookshop that dates back to 1951. Founded by American George Whitman, the shop became a safe haven for anglophone writers and readers.
When the bookstore first opened, it was named Le Mistral. However, in 1964 Whitman changed the name to Shakespeare and Company in honor of a bookseller (Sylvia Beach) he personally admired. Beach founded the original Shakespeare and Company in 1919 in Paris.
It served as a gather place for expat writers. Chief among them were Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald and Eliot. She provided housing in exchange for assistance at the store.
History aside, this bookstore is as charming as can be, so swing by if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Paris you won’t soon forget. There’s also a very charming cafe right next door, pop in for a great coffee and midday pick-me-up.
“I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter, and I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations.”
— George Whitman
Visit the Famous Flea Markets
Before embarking to Paris for our honeymoon, my husband and I spent some time doing serious research. We found that France’s flea markets are known the world over and visiting a few was one of the best things to do in Paris.
Say no more. We swung by to see stalls and shops filled with intricate trinkets and great art. But what we weren’t prepared for were the price tags. Holey macaroni! Almost everything was of budget for us. But we did find two vintage prints that we negotiated down to 40 euros.
In any case, simply perusing the area was fun. So if you’re into antiques, add this to your list of best things to do in Paris!
Best Restaurants Paris
I’m probably not the first to tell you that Paris is an expensive city. As such, eating out adds up very quickly so it’s good to know which spots are worthwhile. Here’s a quick roundup of my favorite restaurants from our trip.
- Chez Janou
- Le P’tit Troquet
- Zincou
- Miznon
- L’Ami Jean
When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
I’ve visited Paris is all four seasons and can confidently tell you the best time to visit Paris is Fall (September – November) and Spring (late-April through May). Visiting Paris in the fall is a treat, especially if you get sunny days. Temperatures are mild and chance of rainfall is minimal and don’t even get me started on that glorious fall color!
Spring season brings the promise of prolific spring blooms, and who can resist those when visiting Paris for the first time? Not this gal.
Visiting Paris is August isn’t the best because most of the city is shut down. Parisians use August as a month to rewind and relax before returning to regular life. As such, they beeline for the country and many restaurants close down. However, the streets aren’t as busy and hotels are more affordable.
Paris Itinerary Ideas (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best things to do in Paris during a first visit.
- Split a Bottle of Rosé at Les Deux Margot
- See the Eiffel Tower at Sunset
- Explore Le Marais
- Picnic at Place des Vosges
- Visit the Louvre
- Take in the View from the Arc de Triomphe
- Stroll down the Champs-Élysées
- Explore Montmartre
- Pop into the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Relax at the Luxembourg Gardens
- Take a Half-Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
- Picnic Along the River Seine
- See the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte
- Enjoy a meal at Chez Janou
- Explore the Musée d’Orsay
- Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral
- Pop into Shakespeare & Company
- Peruse the famous flea markets
Map of the best things to do in Paris when visiting Paris for the first time
Cheers!
Antonina
What do you think?