Paris is my favourite city in the world. I remember walking into the streets for the first time when I was a teenager and feeling like I was exactly where I needed to be. The beautiful architecture anywhere you go, your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine running through it all, and the ambiance of everyone speaking French around you are what made me feel so immersed in a new place.
I’m lucky enough to have visited Paris several times now. I’ve seen the main sights and been off the beaten path. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth, I’m sure you can find something new to do.
My travel style
When I’m planning a travel itinerary, I’m focused on picking my top landmarks to visit, and not rushing between all of them. My itineraries are all walking-based, immersive, and food and wine focused. In Paris specifically, I love spending a long time lingering over my morning café au lait, on a busy street or at a local cozy café, and watching the world go by. If you want to experience Paris this way, this guide is for you.
In this travel guide to the hits of Paris, you’ll find:
- My top tips
- Sights to visit
- Off-the-beaten path spots
- What you need to eat and drink in Paris
- Where to stay, based on your travel style
General Tips
- Walk as much as you can! The charm of Paris is wandering through the streets and realizing how beautiful and unique each arrondissement is.
- Don’t try to rush it. Paris is easy to get to, and can be a great weekend trip, or add-on to another trip in Europe.
- Linger over your morning coffee, eat dessert, and don’t be afraid to get lost.
- Spend time near the Seine. I’m biased, but I think it’s the most lovely river in Europe.
- A street crèpe a day keeps the doctor away!
Sights to see
Spend your days walking through all the different arrondissements, like the glamorous 1st, having long lunches, and chatting over a nice glass of Bordeaux. You can also take a day trip to experience one of the wine regions of France.
In Paris, you’ll find busy areas, like Les Champs-Élysées, where you find yourself with other tourists taking in the beauty of France, and trendy neighborhoods like Le Marais, where you can soak up the ambiance. You can even find a spot to relax in the green space the city has to offer, hopefully with a baguette, cheese, and a book, to pretend you’re a local.
These are the main sights of Paris that are worth visiting – but remember – you don’t need to hit them all in one trip. You’ll be back.
Eiffel Tower
The face of Paris. there’s nothing like turning the corner and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
Sit on the lawns for a picnic, climb the tower (I’ve climbed it at night, which I would recommend!), or get a coffee in the 7th and get those quintessential views between buildings.
L’Arc de Triomphe
You’re walking down Les Champs-Élysées, and you can see this beautiful arch the whole way down. It adds the ambiance and beauty to this famous street.
If you only have time for one climb, this is the one, because of the Eiffel Tower view!
Louvre Courtyard
Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, no visit to Paris is complete without standing outside the Louvre pyramid and taking it in. Walk through the courtyard and experience it.
Trocodéro Square
The best view of the Eiffel Tower. If you come at night, it lights up every hour on the hour, and it’s right next to a Metro stop.
Champs-Élysées
The perfect place to shop, to watch the world go by, and to get caught up with all the tourists of Paris. This is one of my favourite places to take a long coffee break, in between making your way through the crowds walking down the street.
The flagship stores of many luxury brands, and your classic stores, line the streets to pop into.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Your department store for luxury shopping, with a gorgeous view of Paris at the top. My last couple Paris trips have been in November, when the Christmas decorations are all over the store. It adds so much.
Sacré Coeur
Sit on the steps of the ancient church in Montmartre and watch the world go by. Go inside and check out the beautiful windows and architecture.
Jardin des Tuileries
Walk through the gardens, or park yourself on a bench to experience the locals and tourists strolling through Paris. It’s beautiful.
Catacombs de Paris
It took me a few trips to get to the Catacombs, and I would absolutely say they are worth the trip. The spooky interior and history behind Paris is fascinating.
Notre Dame
The most beautiful church. I definitely recommend going inside and experiencing it and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Off the beaten path
Coulée Verte René-Dumont
This beautiful walk reminds me of the High Line trail in NYC. Walk above the streets of Paris, take in the green space, and even relax on a bench with a book. We took a baguette and cheese, and spent our time relaxing along the path.
Shakespeare & Company
I finally got to visit this bookstore on my last visit to Paris. I wish I had more time…I’d love to sit on the cozy armchairs and actually read my book here.
Seeing the English and French editions of my favourites, and many old books was a highlight.
The bars of Paris
- Les Deux Magots – a famous bar that has been visited by the likes of Hemingway. According to their website, they’ve been open since 1885!
- Cassette – lovely ambiance, friendly staff and a very large pour of red wine.
What to eat and drink in Paris
What to eat
Croissants, baguettes, Camembert, café au lait, steak frites, street crèpes and savoury crèpes, French onion soup, crème brûlée!
What to drink
French wine, of course!
Ask your server for a Bordeaux for a full-bodied red blend, Burgundy for an earthy Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais for France’s popular take on Gamay. For whites, I love Chablis for Chardonnay and Sancerre for Sauvignon Blanc.
Museums to visit
Musée du Louvre
Have you always wanted to see the Mona Lisa? This is probably the most famous museum in Paris, and worth a visit if you’re picking your first museum trip!
Musée de l’Orangerie
Monet has always been my favourite, and l’Orangerie has many of his works.
Musée d’Orsay
The stunning clock at the front of Musée d’Orsay is a feature in just about every travel guide and blog out there. Go for the architecture and stay for the art.
Where to stay based on your travel style
The neighborhood you choose really depends on your travel style.
If it’s your first time
The 1st arrondissement. Stay nice and close to the Louvre, Jardins, and Les Champs-Élysées, and walk out of your accommodations to be immediately absorbed in Parisian architecture. This is where I stayed when I was 16, and when I first fell in love with Paris.
If you want to be trendy
Le Marais! Surrounded by cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as small boutiques, the neighbourhood of Le Marais is beautiful and probably my favourite place I’ve ever stayed. My friend went on an exchange with her university, and we got to stay in her walk up apartment, feeling like Emily in Paris.
If you’ve already seen the landmarks
I stayed at the top of the 14th my last visit to Paris. We were close to Jardin du Luxembourg for green space, had great Metro access, and were able to eat and drink right in our area without a reservation.
I loved Hotel Le Royal – a modest, beautiful hotel that felt like it was truly part of a neighbourhood.
On my list
- The speakeasies of Paris – Lavomatic & L’Épicier
- Relais de l’Entrecôte, where you line up for steak frites
- Eating brunch at Café de Flore
Enjoy your trip to the best city in the world! If you have any questions, or want to learn more about my trips, check out the links below.
Cayley
Check out my other France recommendations here!
