Paris hits different than any other city I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the way morning light catches the Seine, or how every corner seems to whisper stories from centuries past. After five trips to this incredible city, I’ve learned that Paris rewards those who dig deeper than the typical tourist trail.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another taste of Parisian magic, this guide covers everything from must-see landmarks to hidden gems that locals actually love. I’ll share the mistakes I made (so you don’t have to), the experiences that blew me away, and practical tips that’ll save you time and money.
If you’ve been searching for inspiration on what to do in Paris, this complete guide will take you beyond the typical tourist itinerary and into the heart of authentic Parisian experiences. From the Eiffel Tower to quiet cafés in Montmartre, we’ve got you covered.
Essential Paris attractions you can’t miss
Let’s start with the obvious ones – because honestly, they’re famous for good reason.
Eiffel Tower
Yeah, I know… everyone goes here. But here’s the thing – the Eiffel Tower genuinely takes your breath away, especially if you time it right. Skip the daytime crowds and go for sunset instead. The golden hour light makes the iron lattice work look like jewelry against the sky.
Pro tip: Book your tickets online in advance. The lines are brutal, and you’ll waste half your day waiting. The second floor offers the best views – the top can be cloudy and honestly, you’re too high up to appreciate the city layout.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is massive. Like, stupidly huge. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything. My advice? Pick three things you really want to see and focus on those. Yes, go see the Mona Lisa if you must (though it’s smaller than you’d expect), but don’t miss the Venus de Milo or the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The museum’s official website has great planning tools. Wednesday and Friday evenings are less crowded, and the museum stays open late.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Here’s where things get real – Notre-Dame is still under reconstruction after the 2019 fire. You can’t go inside right now, but the exterior is still worth seeing. The flying buttresses and Gothic architecture are incredible, even with scaffolding.
Walk around to the back of the cathedral for fewer crowds and better photos. The nearby Sainte-Chapelle is open and has some of the most stunning stained glass windows you’ll ever see.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre feels like a village within the city. The cobblestone streets, artist squares, and that famous basilica perched on top… it’s touristy but magical. Take the funicular up if you’re not feeling the climb – those stairs are no joke.
The view from Sacré-Cœur’s steps at sunset is unbeatable. Grab a bottle of wine from a nearby shop and join the locals watching the city light up below. Just watch your belongings – pickpockets love this area.
Day-by-day Paris itinerary
Day 1: Classic Paris
Start early at the Arc de Triomphe. The views from the top are worth the climb, and you’ll get great photos looking down the Champs-Élysées. Walk down to Place de la Concorde, then cut through the Tuileries Garden to reach the Louvre.
Spend your afternoon in the Latin Quarter. The narrow medieval streets around the Panthéon are perfect for wandering. End your day with dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – the restaurant scene here is incredible.
Day 2: Art and culture
Morning at the Musée d’Orsay for the world’s best collection of Impressionist art. The building itself (a former train station) is gorgeous. Don’t miss the Renoirs and Monets on the top floor.
Afternoon: Cross the river to Île de la Cité. See Notre-Dame’s exterior, then visit Sainte-Chapelle for those mind-blowing stained glass windows. If you have energy left, explore the Marais district – great for shopping and people-watching.
Day 3: Versailles day trip
Take the RER C train to Versailles (about 45 minutes from central Paris). The Palace of Versailles is absolutely bonkers – the Hall of Mirrors alone will make your jaw drop.
Book timed entry tickets online. The gardens are huge, so rent a bike or take the little train if you want to see Marie Antoinette’s estate. Pack a lunch – the on-site restaurants are overpriced and mediocre.
Day 4: Local neighborhoods
Explore areas most tourists skip. Belleville has amazing street art and authentic Chinese restaurants. The Canal Saint-Martin area is perfect for afternoon drinks at waterside cafés.
Evening in Montmartre, but skip the main tourist drag. Head to Rue des Abbesses for dinner – the restaurants here serve locals, not just tourists.
Day 5: Museums and hidden gems
Morning at the Musée Rodin – the sculpture garden is peaceful and the art is incredible. Then explore the covered passages like Galerie Vivienne or Passage des Panoramas. These 19th-century shopping arcades are uniquely Parisian.
Afternoon: Père Lachaise Cemetery might sound morbid, but it’s actually beautiful and peaceful. Famous graves include Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde.
Getting around Paris like a local
The Metro is your best friend. Buy a weekly pass (Navigo) if you’re staying more than three days – it pays for itself quickly. The system looks complicated but it’s actually pretty logical once you get the hang of it.
Walking is underrated in Paris. The city center is compact, and you’ll discover amazing things just by wandering. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable – those cobblestones are murder on your feet.
Avoid taxis during rush hour. The traffic is insane, and you’ll pay a fortune to sit still. Uber works well, but it’s pricey.
Where to eat in Paris
Forget the tourist traps around major attractions. The best meals happen in neighborhood bistros where locals actually eat.
Breakfast and coffee
Parisians don’t do big breakfasts. A croissant and coffee at a local café is the way to go. Du Pain et des Idées makes incredible pastries, but expect a line.
Lunch
Look for places offering a “menu du jour” (daily menu). These fixed-price meals are usually fresh, seasonal, and reasonably priced. Bistrot Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement serves classic French food without the tourist markup.
Dinner
Make reservations. Seriously. Even casual places book up, especially on weekends. L’As du Fallafel in the Marais has the best falafel in the city (yes, in Paris). For something fancier, Septime offers modern French cuisine that won’t break the bank.
Seasonal considerations for visiting Paris
Spring (March-May)
Perfect weather, blooming gardens, but also peak tourist season. Book accommodations early and expect crowds at major attractions.
Summer (June-August)
Long days, outdoor dining, but also the most expensive and crowded time. Many locals leave in August, so some restaurants close.
Fall (September-November)
My favorite time to visit. Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the city has this golden, romantic quality. Pack layers – weather can be unpredictable.
Winter (December-February)
Cold and gray, but also magical. Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and way fewer tourists. Museums and indoor attractions are perfect for rainy days.
Sustainable travel tips for Paris
Paris is surprisingly eco-friendly if you know how to navigate it. The public transportation system is extensive and efficient – you rarely need a car.
Rent a Vélib’ bike for short trips. The city has dedicated bike lanes, and it’s a fun way to see neighborhoods. Many hotels now offer bike rentals too.
Shop at local markets instead of supermarket chains. The produce is better, packaging is minimal, and you’re supporting local farmers. Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris and absolutely worth visiting.
Accessibility in Paris
Paris is getting better with accessibility, but it’s still challenging. Many Metro stations don’t have elevators, and older buildings often lack ramps. The city’s official accessibility guide has detailed information about accessible routes and facilities.
Most major museums and attractions are wheelchair accessible, but call ahead to confirm. Taxis are required to accommodate wheelchairs, though you might need to wait longer for an adapted vehicle.
Money-saving strategies
The Paris Museum Pass is worth it if you’re visiting multiple attractions. It covers over 60 sites and lets you skip ticket lines. Do the math based on your itinerary – it usually pays for itself with just three major attractions.
Happy hour exists in Paris, though it’s not as common as in other cities. Look for “5 à 7” specials at wine bars. Grocery stores sell decent wine for €5-10 that would cost €30+ in restaurants.
Picnics are your friend. Buy cheese, bread, and wine from local shops and eat in one of the city’s beautiful parks. It’s romantic, cheap, and very Parisian.
Your Paris adventure starts here
Paris rewards curiosity. Yes, see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre – they’re incredible. But also wander down random streets, sit in neighborhood cafés, and talk to locals. The city reveals itself slowly, in layers, like peeling back centuries of history with each step.
Pack comfortable shoes, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love. Paris has this way of getting under your skin… and honestly, once it does, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left.