These are our Paris must-visit places everyone has to visit when going to Paris.
This was our first holiday alone. Just me and Johanna. We were staying in Paris to get away from our parents. There is a reason why so many people love Paris: it’s so romantic in Paris. I went back to Paris now for work as well and hopefully, you will do after visiting for the first time too! Paris is fashion, food, flair and so much more! Don’t get irritated by people being maybe not so friendly… Not everyone is like that and after living here for a while now I have only encountered a few of those people, which is totally normal in every other city as well.
1. Eiffel Tower at midnight
Not only at midnight but also during the dark. To every full hour, the Eiffel Tower shimmers and blinks, which is truly magical in my opinion. I get flashed by it every time again and again. I don’t think I have to say a lot more about this one! But here are a few tips for seeing the Eiffel Tower in its most glorious way: Take line 6 or 2 with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the Eiffel Tower blinking is an incredible experience, in my opinion. Maybe grab some food and chill in the park next to the Eiffel Tower or at one of those walls facing the Seine with an amazing view! You will for sure not be the only one, but I hope it doesn’t hinder your experience.
Since this year, the park is not free anymore. In our opinion, you don’t really have to go there to have a good view. In general, going up the Eiffel Tower is not worth the price. Because, yes, it is a beautiful city, but you don’t even see the Eiffel Tower.
2. Arc de Triomphe view and Champs-Élysées
Live the Emily in Paris life and walk through this street with all the beautiful and amazing shops. Even if you don’t buy anything because it’s too expensive, it is worth a walk. Those stores brought their windows and facades to another level. At the end of the Champs-Élysées, you will find the Arc de Triomphe, which is also one of the most famous sights in Paris. Watching the Parisians drive around this insanely confusing roundabout without crashing is interesting to watch. For everyone under 26, going up to the Arc de Triomphe is free, but you have to be aware that, like everywhere in Paris, there are very long queues. But the views are nicer than from the Eiffel Tower for sure, because you can actually see it!
3. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Probably one of the most famous neighborhoods in Paris, with so much artistic history and a stunning view of the city. The atmosphere of the charming houses and little cobblestone streets featuring sweet cafés and art studios is beautiful. This area has so many cool things to look for all around, like Le Passe-Muraille, the sinking house, La Maison Rose, the windmills of Montmartre, Pink Mamma and so much more.
The Café des Deux Moulins was part of the film Amélie and is one of the most famous ones in this area. This part of Paris has a rich bohemian past, which you can learn more about in the Museum of Montmartre. Montmartre became a place for artists, writers and musicians like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. There are still a lot of street performers around the neighborhood, especially around Place du Tertre, reminding people of the history of Montmartre. It is also home to the Moulin Rouge and therefore, known for its lively nightlife and cabarets. You’ll best explore it by just walking around the area for sure. Yes, it is very touristy, but I still like it very much.
Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur is located on the highest point in Paris, on Montmartre Hill. You have the absolute best view of the whole city. Seeing all the places you visited from above and it’s free of charge! But to get there, you have to climb around 300 steps. It’s so worth the hike, even though you might want to give up at some point, someone is running up the whole stairs twice in the time it takes you to get to the top. After this workout, you can sit on the steps in front of the Basilica like all those people in the movies do. The Basilica is open to visitors, but silence and respect are expected.
If you want, you can even buy a lock for just a few euros and perpetuate yourself in Paris forever by hanging it on the fences around Sacré-Cœur. We wanted something to remind us of our first trip as best friends together, so we decided to hang one there. But be aware of pickpockets! Especially places like Sacré-Cœur are known for scammers. Very famous are the ring, bracelet and donation scams! Don’t let yourself get fooled and talk to them. I swear they are so fast, you have no idea, and they will not let you go. At best, try to avoid speaking to them or even looking in their direction. Lol.
4. Canal Saint-Martin
A local spot. Maybe not so local anymore, but at least one of my favourite spots in the whole of Paris. This is where I spent most of my free evenings after work. I would get a coffee from Buddy Buddy and chill with my friends by the canal to chat and enjoy the evening hours. Normally, there are many people who do the same, which makes it a spot with a fabulous ambience. There are also a few shops and restaurants alongside the canal where you can eat and drink. What is special about this place is that on Sundays, the roads are closed around it, and many people are running or biking around this beautiful area. This is a great space for a perfect long walk in the direction of Nation or Marais and not far away from great brunch places and more.
5. Jardin du Luxembourg
Peace and nature in the middle of the city, as mentioned in Les Misérables, for its beauty. Jardin du Luxembourg is really an indescribable place and one of the most loved parks in Paris, with gardens, a little forest and a large pond in the middle. I really enjoy sitting there with my ice cream, taking in the atmosphere and watching children have races on the pond with their miniature sailing boats. If you like, you can even rent one and take part in those little races around the octagonal pond. People love to spend their time in this relaxing place playing chess, painting, or playing tennis. The Jardin is also a great place to take pictures in. The delightful flower beds and the beautiful historical exterior of the building make a perfect background for photos.
If you’re there at the right time, you can visit the Orangery and a greenhouse filled with orchids, which are open at specific times throughout the year. If you want to take a picnic in there, there is a bagel shop not far, called Bagels & Brownies. Amazing bagels if you can wait in line for a while…
6. Louvre
Even though the Mona Lisa painting is small and not as spectacular as expected, you still have to go and visit the Louvre Museum. The pyramids look really cool from the outside and inside, and the museum is huge. You can never see everything the museum offers, and the big paintings are very impressive. Also, taking the elevator into the museum just hits different seeing the pyramid from the inside.
The whole museum is a bit confusing and basically a big maze. Just make sure not to leave the museum before you are finished with everything you want to see. Once you leave the exhibition area, you can’t go back a second time. (I am not speaking from experience, though…)
There is really so much to see from different times and places. Very interesting if you are fascinated by these kinds of things. The museum is free for anyone under 26 years old (EU residents, and non-EU residents under 18), and costs about 15 euros per person for those over. Important to note: it’s cheaper to purchase tickets at the museum, about 2 euros less per ticket!
7. Le Marais
A well-beloved area for many people in Paris. A lot of stores of all kinds and cafés are around the area. This is THE shopping paradise, with great shopping centres like BHV that also host many smaller versions of France’s most well-known stores and brands, as well as all the stores you could wish for, from cheap to very expensive. But don’t miss out on a great lunch! This district is a former Jewish quarter known for its falafels. That’s why in this area you can find the best falafels in all of Paris. All of them are pretty good, but my favourite is King Falafel, where Gal Gadot and other famous people have had dinner. And I must say, those are just so crispy and delicious. I never had ones like those before, but try for yourself and let us know what you think!
8. Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Company
After the well-known fire that caused a lot of damage, Notre-Dame is now back to its full glory, ready for you to visit! I was never inside. I have to admit that, but for me it is just not worth the wait, but of course it is up to you. You can combine visiting Notre-Dame with taking a stroll around Île de la Cité and my favorite place in all of Paris: the bookshop and café Shakespeare and Company.
The bookshop is loved for its cozy and labyrinth-like interior filled to the brim with bookshelves, nooks and reading areas. It is set in a historic building, which often hosts readings, book signings and other literary events featuring both famous and emerging authors. Perfect for tourists from all around the world, this bookstore specializes in English books, including new and second-hand titles. Buying a book at this bookstore is very special because it comes with a special stamp, making it a unique souvenir. But make sure to also include a tote bag in your purchase, because Jacob Elordi owns one too! After successfully shopping and buying new books, you can take a break at the featured café next door and start reading.
9. Musée d’Orsay
In this former railway station, now a museum, you will find an unmissable collection of art. It features the time between the classical art from the Louvre and the modern art in Centre Pompidou, with masterpieces from Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, etc. Because of its original purpose, the interior is huge and impressive. The museum also hosts different art projects and monuments, not only paintings, having enough space in this massive hall. But not only are the masterpieces impressive also the interior design is unique and integrates the original station’s features perfectly into the new museum. This museum is again free for people under 26 years old and that are from the EU.
TIPP: Buying tickets in advance only makes sense if you book it with a timeslot and not a general one, because the general and the line with no ticket are the same speed.
10. Boat Tour on the Seine
One of the most amazing experiences you can have is a boat tour on the Seine and the sunset is right behind the Eiffel Tower! Best money spent for sure! So maybe book one in the evening to really enjoy a sunset with people sitting on the side of the Seine, eating, drinking and laughing with their friends. You’ll pass by the Pont Alexandre III and so many more famous monuments, which is really amazing and a good way to end the trip with your spouse or friends.
This list includes everything you have to do when visiting Paris for the first time, basically. The typical things everyone knows about, with some insider tips and recommendations, from someone who lives in this fabulous city. The best things to do in Paris! I hope you enjoy Paris and live a life to remember! If you have anything you want to add to our list or just want to give us feedback, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment. Only with your feedback can we get better!
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ - the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ – the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
