You are currently viewing 11 Best Places to Visit in Paris FrancePin

11 Best Places to Visit in Paris France

Looking for the best places to visit in Paris France on your first trip?

Paris has been on both of our bucket lists for a while now, so I’m glad we could experience it together. We explored the city during its off-season because I wanted to see it during Christmas.

best places to visit in parisPin

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: November 20, 2023

11 Best Places to Visit in Paris France

With the Go City Pass, we had the opportunity to check out famous museums and attractions, as well as several other points of interest that weren’t originally on our list.

If you’re planning a trip, we’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Paris France.

1. The Eiffel Tower

Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France, map

It sounds cliche, but the Eiffel Tower is a must-see. It’s like a north star, and we were able to get an idea of where we were around town in relation to it. From dusk until 1 AM, the tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of each hour in the evening.

Naturally, we wanted to get some shots with the Eiffel. Here are a couple of our favorite photo spots:

  • Steps of the Trocadéro – Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France
  • Av. de Camoens

With the Go City Pass, you can take a guided climb up the Eiffel Tower as you learn about its history and engineering. You also get a spectacular birds-eye view of the city.

Pro Tip: Check out the Eiffel Tower during sunrise for fewer crowds.

Local Tip: As they prepare for the 2024 Olympics, some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower will be under construction.

the eiffel tower picturesPin

2. Louvre Museum

Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France, map

Even if you decide not to enter the museum, it’s a photo-worthy location. You can’t miss the iconic glass pyramid designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. If you do plan to go inside, find your way to the Mona Lisa first and then explore the rest of the museum.

Pro Tip: Carrousel du Louvre is an underground shopping mall connected to the Louvre. You can also see the famous skylight, La Pyramide Inversée (Louvre Inverted Pyramid). If you’re a Da Vinci Code fan, you’ll want to see it.

louvre mona lisa roomPin

3. Musée D’orsay

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France, map

Hands down, this was by far our favorite museum. Musée d’Orsay was a former railway station and contains the most extensive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world (think Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, Renoir, and many more).

Take in the view of the Musée d’Orsay Clock in the Main Hall.

Local Tip: Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Pin

4. Seine River Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens

Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France, map

Sightsee and learn about the architecture and history of Paris. We enjoyed the picturesque views as we drifted down the River Seine for an hour. We did a night cruise, which was a little cold, but the views were worth it.

Pro Tip: Bring layers! The best seats are on the deck of the boat, where it can be a bit windy, no matter what season.

the seine river cruisePin

5. Arc de Triomphe

Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France, map

“Are we there yet?” I asked Josh as we hiked up the endless spiral stairs of Arc de Triomphe.

Easily one of the most famous monuments in France, Arc de Triomphe is also an attraction you can’t miss. Before you get your shopping on at Champs-Élysées, check out the monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI at the base of Arc de Triomphe.

Pro Tip: You will be climbing several spiral stairs (330 of them, to be exact), so wear comfortable shoes.

Pin

6. Palace of Versailles

Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France, map

Shiny golden gates, grand hallways lined with chandeliers, and beautiful rooms with enormous fireplaces are just a few things you’ll get to gawk over. Of course, you can’t miss the famous manicured gardens. Versailles is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pro Tip: Get there early to avoid huge crowds. We made reservations to tour the palace at open. Be sure to schedule ample time for travel.

palace of versaillesPin

7. Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis, France, map

Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is the final resting place for most French royals. It boasts vast stained-glass windows and beautiful stonework throughout. We dropped in for a self-guided tour and explored the crypts below the cathedral. 

saint denis church + best places to see in paris francePin
basilica of st denisPin

8. Place Vendôme

48.8674727,2.3274426, map

Where all of your shopping dreams come true!

In this square and its surrounding streets, you will find all the luxury shops from Hermès to Chanel. Place Vendôme is also home to the famous Vendôme Column, with a statue of Napoleon resting at the top. We loved seeing all of the Christmas decorations in this area.

vendome place parisPin

9. Tuileries Garden

Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France, map

Where all of your shopping dreams come true!

There is a Christmas market with fun rides and delicious food during the holidays. The Ferris wheel overlooks the garden – we didn’t get a chance to ride, but locals say it offers a fantastic view of the city. 

It’s also a popular photo spot, so be sure to plan accordingly and get there early if you want to get some good shots in.

Local Tip: It’s a short 10-minute walk from the Louvre if you want to knock out a couple of places at once.

garden of tuileries + best places to visit in paris francePin
the tuileries gardenPin

10. Ave De Champs-élysées

48.8729637,2.2956639, map

While visiting the Arc De Triomphe, take some time to walk down Champs-Élysées Avenue and enjoy the tree-lined sidewalks, surrounding cafes, and shops.

Pro Tip: There are several metro stops to get to the avenue. The closest metro stop is Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau. If you’d like to take the train directly to the avenue, this is where to get off.

avenue des champs elyseesPin

11. Galeries Lafayette

40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, Francemap

We wanted to visit Galeries Lafayette, especially during Christmas. Every holiday season, they deck out the window displays and set up an incredible Christmas tree from the top of the glass dome, overlooking the entire mall.

Pro Tip: Go up to the rooftop terrace for a unique view of the city.

galeries lafayette rooftop viewPin

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Paris France

More Places to Visit in Paris France

We were in Paris for a week. A week was enough for most of the city, but we could have used 1 or 2 extra days for other museums and smaller attractions. Here are some other spots we would consider for our next visit:

  • Rodin Museum
  • Disneyland Paris
  • French Wine Tasting Experience – Les Caves du Louvre
  • Paris Catacombs Tour
  • The Pantheon
paris places to visitPin

Places to Eat in Paris France

Here are a few places we tried and loved:

  • Le Camélia (💰, Brasserie) – The tuna steak was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the sweet potato puree.
  • Seulement Sea (💰💰, Seafood) – The muscles were *chef’s kiss*.
  • Yuzu (💰💰💰, Japanese) is a small, homey restaurant serving sushi and authentic Japanese dishes.
  • Juveniles (💰💰, Wine Bars) – French bistro/bar with an extensive wine selection.
  • Café de la Régence (💰💰, Cafe) – French cafe serving all the classics. We recommend the duck confit. Sidebar – check out the impressive Lego displays inside the restaurant.

For more food recommendations, check out Lafourchette or theFork (a Tripadvisor company), which some people call the European equivalent of Yelp. Americans have written some reviews on Yelp, but it’s not as extensive.

See More: Bon Appetit French Subscription Box for Food Lovers

Essential Tips for Visiting Paris for the First Time

  • Covid Health Pass – Upon arrival, you will need to purchase a Covid health pass at a local pharmacy. We found one in the airport. You will need to show your vaccination card and passport to apply. They will scan this pass at most indoor venues, from museums to restaurants.
  • Best Time of Year to Visit – We liked Christmas best because of all the decorations and festivities, but springtime to see the city in full bloom would be our next choice.
  • Tipping – Like most countries outside the US, tips aren’t expected, but if you feel so inclined, you can round up to the nearest Euro or tip 5-10% of your bill total.
  • Getting Around – Purchase the Viste Paris Travel Pass for the metro system. They have a 1,2,3, or 5-day pass. We got the 5-day, which allows you to travel between Zones 1-5.
  • Learn basic French – Although most locals understand English, it goes a long way to learn some basic French phrases. When in doubt, always start with “bonjour.”
  • Paris is a city best explored on foot. Ladies, we all want to look cute, but pack sneakers for the old cobblestones and steep steps. Your feet will thank you later.
  • Be aware of your belongings. Pickpockets are slick, and although it didn’t happen to us, we have friends who’ve had their belongings stolen.
  • Travel Deals – If you want to check out multiple attractions, be sure to get a Go City Pass. The pass gives you access to over 75 attractions, including everything on our list, at a fraction of the cost.
  • Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits.
  • Carry on essentials to improve your next flight.
best way to get around parisPin

Our Paris Itinerary

Day 1:
Visit a Pharmacy to receive our Health Pass
Go to BigBus Tours office to get our Museum Pass
Eiffel Tower Walk-up Tour

Day 2:
Morning photos outside the L’ouvre
Galeries Lafayette
Notre Dame
Village Bercy
Paris Boat Ride

Day 3:
Palace of Versailles
Visit the Louvre Museum (saw Mona Lisa!)
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
Champs-Élysées

Day 4:
Musee D’orsay
Basilica St-Denis
Christmas Market at Tuileries Garden
Night photos outside of The Louvre

Day 5:
Morning shots of Eiffel Tower from The Trocadero and Ave de Camoens
Get our rapid test for return flight to the US
Explored the Jardin du Palais-Royal area

Day 6:
Shopping day at Champs-Élysées and Place Vendome
Explored the Place Vendome area to view Christmas lights

Best Places to Stay in Paris

We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Eiffel Segur. It’s close to 2 convenient metro stations and within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower.

We also liked getting our daily croissant and coffee from a local bakery (Maison Landemaine Cambronne), steps away from our hotel. It’s also within walking distance to great restaurants, including Le Camélia.

Keep in mind that most hotel rooms in Paris will be small. However, Hotel Eiffel Segur had everything we needed. The location is in the 15th arrondissement, a safe neighborhood. For a 3-star hotel, the prices are very fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE PRETTIEST PLACE IN PARIS?

There are tons of beautiful spots in Paris, but if it’s your first time visiting, head to Trocadéro to see the sunrise of the Eiffel Tower.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER 1 TOURIST ATTRACTION IN PARIS?

The Eiffel Tower is the number one attraction in Paris and one of the top attractions in the world.

WHAT IS THE MOST FAMOUS STREET IN PARIS?

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the most famous street in Paris and one of the world’s most famous streets.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN PARIS? HOW MANY DAYS IN PARIS IS IDEAL?

You can easily spend a week in Paris with all there is to do. At the minimum, you should plan for at least three days.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS?

You can see all the major attractions in Paris within three days. It just depends on how much you want to pack into your schedule. We prefer to stay longer and take a more leisurely pace.

IS PARIS EXPENSIVE?

Compared to much of Europe, Paris is expensive. But there are plenty of ways travel on a budget.

DO I NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH IN PARIS?

Paris is used to having tourists, but they don’t love catering to Americans. It always helps to know some basic French phrases. Plus, it should be common courtesy. Here is a phrasebook and dictionary to help.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I NEED FOR 3 DAYS IN PARIS?

It highly depends on your accommodation of choice. Hotels range from $68 – 422 a night. On average, a three-day trip will cost $980 per person.

IS EIFFEL TOWER INCLUDED IN PARIS PASS?

The Paris Pass includes a guided climb on the Eiffel Tower.

WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET AROUND PARIS?

The Métro is the cheapest and easiest way to get around Paris. There are 16 lines with roughly 300 stations.

IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT FREE IN PARIS?

Tickets are required to ride the Metro. A single ticket costs €1.90.

WHAT FOOD IS PARIS FAMOUS FOR?

Some famous foods in Paris include croissants, escargot, macarons, Jambon-beurre, and cheese. Can you think of any others?

WHAT SHOULD I BUY IN PARIS?

Some great gifts and souvenirs from Paris are a french designer handbag, a custom fragrance, or local snacks and foods (our fave).

WHAT IS PARIS NATIONAL DISH?

Pot-au-Feu is the national dish of France, which is a classic comfort food prepped using stewed meats and veggies.

WHAT’S CONSIDERED RUDE IN FRANCE?

Here are a few examples of what’s considered rude in France:

  • Visiting unannounced or uninvited
  • Calling after 10 pm
  • Spitting in the street
  • Belching in public
  • Yawning without covering your mouth

WHAT DO FRENCH EAT FOR BREAKFAST?

A stereotypical French breakfast includes coffee or tea and a baguette with butter or jam.

WHAT DO FRENCH PEOPLE WEAR?

Most French adults dress equivalent to what Americans call ‘ business casual’ on a day-to-day basis.

DO THE FRENCH DRINK COFFEE OR TEA?

French like their coffee hot and strong. There are also plenty of herbal tea options, and they usually don’t drink it with milk or sugar.

HOW DO I PLAN A TRIP TO PARIS?

Everyone plans differently, but we typically start off deciding when we want to visit and researching any closures. We then list what we want to do and find accommodations as central as possible.

WHAT MONTH IS THE CHEAPEST TO FLY TO PARIS?

The high season in Paris is June and July. The cheapest month to fly is January.

CAN AMERICANS ENTER FRANCE?

At this time, fully vaccinated travelers can enter France with proof of vaccination and negative test.

HOW SAFE IS PARIS?

Paris is rated moderate for crime. You should always be aware of your surroundings in any big city, especially in touristy areas where pickpockets are common.

Planning Checklist

What other things to do in Paris would you recommend?

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER

SEE MORE Europe Guides

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

about-josh-macyPin

JOSH + MACY

Josh and Macy are southern creative kids who love exploring local and international cultures. They’ve long believed that traveling is all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. They are currently based out of Atlanta.

Follow along on Instagram (J + M), YouTube, and Pinterest.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.