Trying to figure out what to do and see your first time in Paris can be pretty overwhelming. Paris is a large city and there is a ton to do inside and outside of the city. I’m going to help you narrow down your list of things to do for your trip to Paris to ensure you have a bucket list worthy experience!
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is most likely already at the top of your list, but if it is not, it definitely should be. If Paris is known for one thing it’s the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887-1889 stretching 330 meters and is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel. The highest point you can reach on the Eiffel Tower is the top floor at 276 meters.
I highly recommend going at opening time as it will be the least busy time of the day and you won’t have to wait in long lines. If you are able to buy your ticket online in advance that is definitely preferred but you will have to do that weeks, if not months in advance. If you are unable to purchase your tickets in advance, don’t worry you will be able to purchase your tickets when you get there but that is why I recommend going when it opens in case there is a bit of a wait. Your ticket will get you access to the second floor or the top floor. I chose to go all the way to the top and the views were stunning! Thankfully the weather had cleared for me by the time I made it to the Eiffel Tower. Depending on the weather for the day, it can certainly hinder the view. If you are able to arrange to go on a day that the weather is good, then that is definitely the best option.
You should also make sure you come back at night as seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is a completely different experience. I didn’t go up to the top of the Tower at night but I’m sure the views would be incredible. The Eiffel Tower light show begins at the start of every hour and lasts 5 minutes so make sure you catch it!
The Eiffel Tower is also a great spot for a picnic! Grab some croissants, baguette, meats, cheese and fruits and head over to the grounds to enjoy your picnic with an incredible view!
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the world’s most visited museum and is home to some incredible works of art, including The Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre Museum is also a well-known landmark and is the perfect spot to spend a rainy morning or afternoon. Like the Eiffel Tower, I recommend going to the museum at opening time to avoid larger crowds. I also recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to ensure you can go at your preferred time. Some of the more popular works of art will have lines you have to wait in to get close to. I would plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum but depending on how busy it is and how much of the museum you want to see you may need longer.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the formal royal residence to King Louis XIV and is located just outside of the city. The property spreads over 800 hectares and is absolutely stunning. The palace was originally used as a hunting lodge but has been operating as a museum since the nineteenth century.
You can get there by car or public transportation depending on your budget. Public transportation is only about 20 minutes slower but much cheaper so it’s definitely the preferred way to get there.
Like most attractions I recommend booking your tickets in advance and going first thing in the morning. Exploring the palace and the grounds is a full-day event. You can try squeezing it into a half-day but you wouldn’t be able to see everything. Exploring the entirety of the palace will take about ¾ of the day. There are lunch options both in the palace and in the gardens so you can take a break for lunch whenever you need one. Hopefully the weather is good when you are there so you can enjoy exploring the gardens. You can explore the gardens by foot, renting a golf cart or by purchasing a ticket for the mini train there. The grounds are massive so if you are able to rent a golf cart that would be the easiest.
Seine River Cruise
Taking a river cruise is a great way to see Paris from a different perspective while enjoying a delicious meal.
Bateaux Parisiens offers a lunch service and two dinner services while touring the Seine River. I recommend booking the dinner service because Paris it truly is a cool experience to see Paris at night from the river and is a great way to spend a romantic evening in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is one of the most well-known monuments in Paris located at the west end of Champs Elysees. The archway was constructed at the order of Napoleon to honour those who fought in the Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution.
I headed to the Arc de Triomphe after spending the morning at the Eiffel Tower and taking a break for lunch. Again, buy your tickets in advance so that you are able to select the time that is most convenient for you. Once you make your way up to the top of the Arc after climbing ** stairs you will get to take in some stunning view of Paris, Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.
Shopping along Champs-Elysees
Champs-Elysees is 1.9 km of shopping heaven. Both sides of the street are lined with storefronts and restaurants and is a great spot to spend a few hours after seeing the Arc de Triomphe.
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is located in the 6th arrondissement and is a great spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon. The Luxembourg Gardens were constructed at the order of Marie de’ Medici and are inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. There is a lot to do for both adults (chess, tennis, bridge or remote-control boats) and kids (puppets, rides and a playground). There is a restaurant: Madame’s Terrace and two refreshment stalls serving finger foods. Head to the gardens for the perfect afternoon strolling the gardens and picnicking.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
The Basilica of the Sacred Hear of Paris, also known as Sacre-Coeur can be found in Montmartre. Not only is this a stunning church but the view from it is incredible. Being located in Montmartre, from its dome, it Is two hundred meters above the Seine and overlooks the entire city of Paris. This is a very popular spot for tourists and a great spot to catch the sunset from.
The church was recently approved as a national historic monument by the National Commission of Patrimony and Architecture. Paul Abadie design proposal was chosen among seventy-seven proposals with construction beginning in 1875. The church was finally completed in 1914, nearly forty years later.
Tuileries Garden
After spending the morning at the Louvre Museum, head over to Tuileries Garden. I stopped at a bakery on the way to pick up a croissant and a coffee before making my way over to the gardens. This is another great spot to sit down, take a break and enjoy the beautiful weather. In the summer months, head here to enjoy the cotton candy and fairgrounds that will be operating from June to August.
These gardens were created in 1564 and eventually were opened to the public in 1667 after the French Revolution. The Tuileries Gardens get their name from the tile factories that were previously on sit before Queen Catherine de Medici had the gardens built.
Macarons from Laduree
Laduree is the most famous place in Paris to get macarons and it’s for good reason! Laduree was first opened as a bakery in 1862 and was eventually reborn as a pastry shop after a fire. Laduree has been making macarons since 1930. You can find a Laduree on just about any corner in Paris so make sure you stop in and try some! They have tons of different flavours to try and also make a great gift to bring home.
Montmartre
Montmartre has to be my favourite neighbourhood in Paris. Montmartre is located in Paris’ 18tharrondissement and is 130 meters above the rest of Paris, which offers some pretty great views. Montmartre is home to some pretty great landmarks such as: The Basilica of Sacred Heart of Paris, the love wall, Le Consulat restaurant, Place du Tetre, Moulin Rouge and so much more. I took the climb up all the stairs to reach Montmartre one afternoon and walked all the beautiful streets. Montmartre is truly beautiful part of Paris with several picturesque buildings and streets. If you’ve decided to purchase the Paris pass, then I would book the walking tour that is offered through the pass so that you can learn about the areas while taking in the sites. If you prefer to go at your own pace, then skip the tour and wander the streets taking in all the beauty.
Latin Quarter
Latin Quarter is another great neighbourhood in Paris and is located in the 5th arrondissement. The Latin Quarter has tons of pretty streets to explore and is home to Shakespeare and Company, the Pantheon and several museums. Spend a few hours walking the winding cobblestone streets and check out some of the local shops and restaurants here.
The Musee d’Orsay
If you love museums, then you should definitely make time to check out the Musee d’Orsay. This museum is housed in a former railway station that was built between 1898 and 1900 and is home to mainly French art dating from 1848-1914. I would spend 2-4 hours at this museum depending how quickly you like to move through museums. Keep in mind that depending on the time of day you go; it may be busier so you will want to plan to spend a bit more time than what I’ve suggested.
Montparnasse Tower
This 210 meter tower offers panoramic views from the 56th floor observation deck, which will give you a great view of the Eiffel Tower. If heights aren’t really your thing, then just stick with the Eiffel Tower but if you don’t mind heights and you love a good view from a different perspective then definitely head up the tower for another incredible view.
Cafes
Paris is home to some of the best Cafes in the world so take your time to enjoy some of the incredible cafes here and the delicious pastries they have to offer. You can never have too many croissants!
Paris Pass: Depending on which Paris attractions you are planning on visiting and the number of days you are in Paris it may be more cost effective for you to get the Paris Pass. The Paris Pass can definitely be a huge cost savings for you especially if you purchase it far enough in advance that you are able to book your preferred time slots as some of the attractions you will have to book a specific time for.
