Visiting Paris: 10 Things to do on Your First Visit

Visiting Paris is a dream. It’s also one of my favorite cities. The City of Light has so many landmarks and great food that it takes time to figure out precisely what you should do with your time. I’ve taken 3 trips to Paris: 2009, 2018, and 2019. This list will include the 10 things you can’t miss and where they are so you can plan your trip to effectively see everything. You’ll also get a bonus of 2 things you should skip on your trip. You may be surprised by what they are…

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Getting to Paris

Most people will fly into Charles De Gaulle Airport. After you clear customs, head to the metro. Like in most cities, you’ll have a special ticket to get to and from the airport. The kiosks near the stations can be put in multiple languages and are straightforward to use as long as you know what station you’re headed to.

Google Maps is a life saves when taking public transit. Check before you go to get an idea of what you’ll do before you land. Jet lag is real, and you aren’t necessarily thinking clearly. Then, enter your destination in Google Maps, select the public transit option, and it will tell you what lines to take.

Getting Around

I love to walk. Paris is a very walkable city, but your feet will be tired after a few days. Walk when you can, try to cluster things together, so you aren’t running back and forth, and take public transit when you can. Transit in Paris is extensive and can get you anywhere. The buildings in Paris are regulated, so there is a height limit, and most are a unique Parisian color. Use Google Maps to help you navigate, so you don’t get confused.

The top 5 things to do in Paris

1- Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is iconic and one of the must-do things to see while you’re in Paris. You should plan to do more than just a quick visit to the Eiffel Tower. Get great photos from a little hill across the Seine River or Champ de Mars. Sit on one of the benches in Champ de Mars and take in the site. There will be some street vendors, but they aren’t super aggressive. Shake your head no and keep doing what you’re doing.

Make sure to see the Eiffel Tower during the day and at night. After nightfall, the Eiffel Tower will sparkle for 5 minutes every hour on the hour until about 1 a.m. This is popular, so plan for crowds. The best views are from Champ De Mars, but you can also see it from one of the many bridges in Paris if you’d rather not deal with the crowds.

2- Arc De Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is another iconic Parisian monument. This arch was commissioned by Napoleon and is the end of the Tour de France. There is a massive and chaotic roundabout that circles the monument. Don’t search for a crosswalk because you won’t find one. There is a tunnel under the road that takes you to the center. It’s worth it to make the journey over. You can get a sense of the size of the arc and can appreciate the details from closer up.

There is an option to purchase a ticket and go up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. The view can give you a good picture of the Eiffel Tower. Buy tickets early because they sell out. I don’t think the photo is worth it. When you think of Paris, you think of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and you can get the arch in your picture from the top of it.

3- Notre Dame

Even though you can’t go inside the cathedral right now, visiting Notre Dame should still be on your list. Luckily, the facade of the cathedral is impressive in its own right. The medieval church

Notre Dame is not situated near the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe. This can be a walk, so consider public transit to get there. Look closely to find the gargoyles, the statues of the 28 kings of Judah, or the last judgment above the main door. There is so much symbolism in each part of the facade. It won’t take long to visit and admire, but it is worth it.

4- Louvre

Even if you aren’t into art or art museums, the Louvre is worth a visit. I am not an art museum person; they overwhelm me, and I get bored quickly. I’ve still been to the Louvre twice. Buy your tickets early to save time.

Have a plan. This museum is massive. You can get lost or quickly lose track of time wandering around. This is all fine as long as you plan for it and don’t get hungry or cranky. On my first trip to the Louvre, we wandered for hours. I was taking an art class at the time, so there was more to understand and admire since I had some idea of what I was looking at. I was also exhausted and over it by the end of the trip.

The second time, we intentionally went to specific pieces. 10/10 this is what I’d do again. We saw a lot but didn’t get overwhelmed. I have fond memories of that trip to the Louvre. I remember the feelings of admiration/awe and not frustration/exhaustion.

The biggest draw is the Mona Lisa. It is smaller than you’d imagine, and you should expect a crowd by this masterpiece. The Venus de Milo is another favorite. The Egyptian part of the museum is fascinating. 

Rick Steeves has a 57-minute audio tour on his app. I’d recommend starting here. The Louvre audio guide is overwhelming; unless art museums are your thing, skip it.

5- Sacre Seour/Mont Marte

Notre Dame is probably the most famous church in Paris, but the Sacre Coeur (The Sacred Heart) is my favorite. I love how unique this basilica is, and the view of the city from its steps is worth the trek up. Sacre Coeur is on a hill in Mont Marte, the highest point in the city.

Expect a lot of stairs leaving the metro and signs warning you about how many there are. When you’re making your way up, be on the lookout for the Funicular. I always miss it, and I always regret it. This cable car takes you from the Mont Marte metro station to the top of the hill where the church is. Pay close attention; it is worth it!

It is free to visit the basilica. The line can be long but moves quickly. It’s worth a visit and will take a little time (under an hour). If you’d like, you can also go to the top of the dome.

After visiting Sacre Coeur, take some time to visit Mont Marte. This is an artsy district. You’ll find local artists and lots of coffee shops. The best part is that you’re starting at the highest point, so it’s all downhill! Find a square with artisans selling paintings to look around. Moulin Rouge and an apartment that used to belong to Van Gogh in this part of the city.

Things I love that you Should Try if you Have Time

6- Galleries Lafayette

The Galleries Lafayette is a shopping mall. It is also one of the best places to view the Paris skyline. It isn’t structured like most shopping malls, so it’s worth checking out if you’d like to shop in one of the most fashionable cities. But, as you’re window shopping, take escalators all the way to the top. There are a lot of them. You’ll have an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower from the terrace, with the Palais Garnier Opera House in the foreground.

7- Sainte Chapelle

Sainte Chapelle is often overlooked, and it shouldn’t be. Originally built to house Christian relics, it is now a museum. Steps from Notre Dame, this former chapel has an excellent collection of medieval stained glass. It can really transport you back in time. There are 1,100+ stained glass windows, and they are stunning. Some were destroyed during the French revolution, but most are original stained glass.

You must have a ticket with a reserved time to enter Sainte-Chapelle. There are two levels in Sainte-Chapelle, and you should plan to spend about an hour in total.

8- Luxembourg Gardens

These gardens are beautiful and centrally located. This is an excellent way to relax after exploring the city’s sites. The gardens are free. You’ll find trees, flowers, and statues in an ornate and well-kept garden. Stop to eat a snack by the fountains. There are also little motorized sailboats you can rent. Rent one and sail it in the little pond near the museums. Even if you don’t rent one, it’s fun to sit on the benches on watch the children (and adults) as they attempt to sail their boats around.

9- Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is near Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame. This area is home to universities and schools. It always has been an education center, and the students used to be taught in Latin. Hence, the name. You’ll find narrow streets, macaron shops, and some excellent Greek food. There are so many gyro shops vying for your attention. Everyone has a favorite, and you should try to find yours. This is one of the best parts of the city for wandering because it isn’t large but has so much character. It is also home to the pantheon.

10- Versailles

Versailles isn’t actually in Paris, but it still gets a mention. Take the C train directly from Paris to the city of Versailles. Ride 40 minutes/14 stops. The palace is a 15-minute walk away when you get off the train. There will be a crowd, and they will all be headed to the palace.

Versailles is crowded, but there are some ways to make the trip go smoothly. First, buy your ticket ahead of time. Opt for the audio guide or use the Rick Steves app. There is just too much that won’t make sense if you don’t have some guide. Second, go early. Even the first train of the day is busy, but you’ll get to the palace before the tour busses do. Every little bit helps. We could see the hall of mirrors with only a handful of people. Getting up early was so worth it.

Ask questions and try to figure out which line to be in. There are lines for those who have tickets and those who need tickets. Both lines will likely be long, but the ticketholder line does move more quickly. It is not well marked. It can be frustrating. If you’re traveling with friends, have someone hold your place in line and send another friend to determine if you’re in the correct line.

When visiting Versailles, it will be best if you plan to wait. Maybe you’ll get lucky as we did. We hardly waited in line and were able to walk right in. When we left, we understood exactly what the problem would be.

Plan time to explore the palace and the gardens. This is a whole day affair. Plan for snacks since there are some snack places in the gardens, but they can be packed to the point that you can’t get in. The last thing you want is to be hungry as you wander through this property.

If you Have the Time

Have a Picnic

It’s a Parisian thing, and they know what they’re doing! Head to a market, grab some fruit, snacks, and wine, and have a picnic on Champ de Mars or along the Seine River. This is one of the best ways to relax in the city. Take the Eiffel Tower or the bridges along the river as you eat.

Walk along the Champs Elysee

This road takes you to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a shopping road and a park simultaneously. You may not be in the market to go shopping, but the street is picturesque nonetheless. The area will likely be packed with tourists, but early in the day may be better.

Explore the arrondissements

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods). Each has its own character and charm.

You’ll likely spend time in several of them:

• 1st- Louvre
• 4th-Notre Dame
• 5th- Latin Quarter
• 7th- Eiffel Tower
• 8th- Arc de Triomphe
• 18th- Mont Marte

St Germain and Canal St Martin are two of my favorites. They are off the beaten path enough that there won’t be a hoard of tourists. St Germain is home to shopping and then Luxembourg Gardens. Canal St Martin has a canal that runs through the middle of the main street. This is a younger neighborhood and is a bit more hipster. There are picturesque scenes and some great cafes in each of them.

Shop along the Seine

One of the best parts of Paris is the local vendors who line the banks of the Seine River, selling books, souvenirs, and artwork. The little green boxes are open during the day, and some are only open on weekends. Take some time to check out what they’re offering as you walk along the river banks.

Take a Day Trip

If you have extra time or can plan spare time in Paris, consider taking a day trip. There are many great options outside the city. From palaces similar to Versailles without the crowds to medieval old towns. There are some fantastic things a train ride away from Paris.

Skip These two things in Paris

1 – River Cruise

One of the most popular things to do in Paris is to cruise along the Seine River. Honestly, there are some pretty sights, but my favorite views were not on the river cruise. It is a way to see the city differently and learn some things about its history. The picnic on the river was my preference. You won’t hate a river cruise, but this can be skipped if you are on a time or money budget.

2- Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower

If I could only tell 22-year-old me this information. I didn’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower during my first visit to Paris, and I spent years regretting that I’d missed out on it. When I went a second time, I had to do it. I built it up too much, but it was not worth it. There were too many people. You’re standing on the thing you want in your pictures, so the photos aren’t great. I doubt you’ll listen, and you’ll probably do it anyway. But this is skippable.

Your First Trip to Paris

Only expect to see some things on your first trip if you’re spending a lot of time here. Even then, you’ll probably still miss something. Make a plan before you go, and try to make the most of your time without overdoing it. There is something special about wandering around Paris, searching for beautiful streets or pastries.

I’ve never had a bad experience in Paris or with Parisians.