Paris Travel Guide & the Prestigious Sights You Must See
Bonjour from the fantastic city of light! Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It has some of the most famous attractions in the world, rich history, and delicious food everywhere you look. The iconic nickname stems from the double entendre for one of the first cities to use gas street lighting and it’s contribution from enigmatic thinkers during the age of enlightenment. With so many amazing monuments to see, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s our first-time travel guide to Paris, France and the top 10 best things to do in the city of love!
The Vibe of Paris
Paris is a huge city with tons of elegance imbued in the architecture and style of the fashionable Parisians. You can spend all day visiting world-class museums, monuments, and churches sprawled throughout the city. The climate is pretty temperate, so the best time to visit is during summer or early fall. While summer might have the most crowds, late winter and spring are the cheapest seasons but can be a bit cold. You’ll need tons of time to explore the top excursions without rushing, so I recommend spending at least 5 days there. Check out our France planning guide for entry requirements and other useful tips for your trip!
Although the boulevards can be bustling with crowds of tourists, the city emits a magical aesthetic from its spacious streets and the multitude of gardens scattered around. Some areas have that grit of modern cities like New York, while others exude a vintage European ambiance. The cafés that line the corners of each street are an amazing way to relax and people watch for awhile. French cuisine is magnificent and you can find exciting things to do until the late hours of the night. Paris is a magical city everyone should visit at least once their life!
Where to Stay in Paris
Despite being an expensive city, there are various accommodation options ranging from AirBnBs, to hostels, to luxury hotels. Each neighborhood has its own unique quirks and are fun to explore. The 7th Arrondissement grants you gorgeous views of the Eiffel tower, while Le Marias is super trendy and full of great night life spots. The Latin Quarter is a prime location for sightseeing and a walkable distance from the Pantheon and Luxemburg Gardens. The elegant Montmartre district offers amazing hilltop views and contains the pinnacle of Parisian bohemian culture. It is home of the marvelous Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Love Wall, and the infamous Moulin Rouge theater. Champs-Élysées is a great location for upscale modern stores with the mighty Arc de Triomphe overlooking the avenue.
Transportation in Paris
Getting around in Paris is made super convenient by the plethora of public transportation methods. Unfortunately, these are often delayed for no apparent reason (probably protests). The trains are the best choice for transiting between attractions on the other side of the city. Another station will take you far south, to the notorious Palace of Versailles. There is even a train that will transfer you directly from the airport to downtown in about 45minutes! Buses use the same ticketing system and are also easy to use. Uber is always a last resort if you want to arrive quickly without getting lost. Be prepared to walk thousands of steps because there’s a lot to see. Paris also makes for a good hub to travel to the other amazing regions in France via high speed train like Lyon or Marseille.
Top 10 Best Things to do in Paris
10. The Pantheon
This prominent building lies in the center of the Latin quarter. The architecture is a combination of neoclassical and gothic design, and was modeled after the extravagant Pantheon in Rome with an added French flair. Many prominent French authors are buried within the intricate walls. Make sure to visit between 10AM and 6PM if you want to go inside.
9. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The Probably the world’s most famous church, Notre-Dame stands powerfully above the city on its own island. The iconic medieval cathedral remains mostly intact despite the fire that ravaged the wooden roof in 2019. Unfortunately it is temporarily closed, but can still be admired from outside. Its reconstruction is scheduled for completion in 2024, just in time for the next Olympic games.
8. Catacombs of Paris
Deep beneath the streets of Paris lies the dark and macabre ossuary hidden within a labyrinth of tunnels. This underground graveyard holds the skeletal remains of over 6 million Parisians. Descend 20meters on an immersive self guided tour of the Catacombs that include an audio tablet so you can view at your own pace. Expect to spend about an hour exploring the quarries underneath the city which are open between 9:45AM and 8:30PM. It can get pretty chilly down there so bring a jacket!
7. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a national symbol of victory and is enriched with historical presence. Below it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and an eternal flame raging on as a vestige to World War I. The entire structure pays homage to the soldiers of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Many military parades have symbolically marched through the arch including the Germans, French, and allied forces during World War II. For a similar tradition, we walked the 1.17 mile long Champs-Élysées avenue westward until we reached the Arc. The street is lined with tons of modern shops and restaurants. Head to the top for incredible views of the city and great perspectives. We got last minute tickets at sunset without waiting much, but you can also book online.
6. Seine River Cruise
There’s no better way to quickly experience the most iconic sights in Paris than a cruise on the Seine river. Reserve tickets online, and you’ll have the flexibility to embark on your voyage at any time you choose! The cruise departs from the port about every hour so be sure to check the schedule beforehand. Along with magnificent views of the city, a knowledgeable expert will provide insightful commentary on the historical lineages of Paris.
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Along with being the most beautiful Basilica in Paris, Sacré-Cœur is in the charming Montmartre district atop the highest point in the city. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris contains ornate mosaic artwork tiles across the ceilings and is free to enter! I recommend riding the funicular to avoid walking up countless stairs. At the hill’s base, you can also find Le mur des je t’aime; a wall displaying “I Love You” in every language as an emblem to eternal adoration.
4. Chateau de Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the most ostentatious, exuberant royal residence I have ever seen. The palace was originally constructed as a hunting lodge and retreat for King Louis the XIII, and was greatly expanded by King Louis the XIV. The staggering amount of wealth and opulence within the palace is indescribable. This awe is only pervaded by the enormous gardens that engulf the chateau. You could probably spend 2 days here and still not see it all. It can get very crowded, so reserve a ticket online to avoid waiting several hours to purchase one. It’s about an hour south of downtown, so be sure to plan a trip here accordingly. Operating hours are from 9AM to 6PM.
3. The Louvre Museum
Not only is the Louvre the most visited art museum in the world, its architecture is a distinguished landmark as well. Within its beautifully designed walls hold the world’s most famous works of art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The expansive gallery will take you all day just to get a glimpse of its prized contents. If you spent only spent 3 seconds in front of each piece, it would take about 3 months to see everything! Be prepared to walk, get lost, and spend an extraordinary amount of time admiring the impressive art collection. The visual audio guide is a Nintendo 3DS, and offers another level of immersion into the story behind the masterpieces. The Louvre is also in close proximity to many other notable attractions, including the Musée d’Orsay, Palais Royale, and Jardin De Tuileries. Reserve your tickets on their website or book a guided tour to avoid waiting in long lines!
2. Moulin Rouge Theater
Nothing embodies the essence of Parisian entertainment like the performances at the Moulin Rouge theater. This sultry and seductive venue has been operating for over 120 years and is renowned as the birthplace of cabaret. While tickets can be a bit pricey, the astonishingly talented performers make it one of the grandest shows I’ve ever seen. The flamboyant attire of the dancers and the 100 year old theater make for a memorable atmosphere. There are options for dining in along with the show or a half bottle of champagne if you prefer. Arrive at least an hour before your schedule time slot so you can get better seats closer to the stage!
1. Tour Eiffel
No surprise that the most iconic monolith on the planet will take the number 1 spot. The Eiffel tower is France’s national symbol, and pierces the sky with its unique architecture. Created in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it was intended as a homage to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution and was the tallest building on Earth for 4 decades. You can ascend to the tower’s 2nd floor by purchasing a ticket at the gate, but the summit will only be accessible thru online reservations. Views of the beautiful French capital from above are breathtaking and worth the visit. As night falls, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the radiant sparkling which occur every hour on the dot.
Paris is a marvelous city comprised of wonderful architecture, history, and French delicacies at its finest. The world-class attractions make it worthy of being on everyone’s bucket list. Despite being overrun by tourists, the magical ambiance shines through. There are so many more things to see but these monuments are a must for a first time visitor. Stay tuned for more of France’s distinctive cities as we tour the countryside on an epic adventure. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up! Au revoir et À bientôt!
Check out Part 1 of our Ultimate Paris bucket list tour for some of the best things to see in the city of light:
And here’s part 2 of our Paris bucket list tour!
