Traveling to such a fantastic destination such as Paris can be hard, right? When you’re visiting such a well-know city it can be hard deciding what you want to see. So you’re having trouble deciding on things to do in Paris? This guide contains the top 10 things to do in Paris for first-timers.
If you don’t get to do everything you want then don’t worry. Paris is a big city and it’s often hard to fit everything in… I’m sure you’ll be back!
With shops, cafes, and restaurants on most street corners, you’ll never be short of something to do in-between sightseeing! Being a major center for art and fashion as well as having some of the most incredible history in Europe means the list of things to do in Paris could go on forever…
With so much to do it’s important, you don’t miss the best bits! Bearing this in mind, here are my top 10 things to do in Paris:
Climb the Eifell Tower
What better way to kick off any list of the best things to do in Paris!
The Eiffel tower popped up in the city in 1889. Since then it has become a symbol of the city and is known all over the world! It was originally meant to be a temporary installment but it still stands tall to this day!
I think it’s a no brainer really, I mean who visits Paris without scaling the Eiffel Tower? The tower is open daily and you can buy a ticket to the top for around €20, slightly more if you want to take the lift.
Apart from boasting some amazing insta opportunities, the Tower offers some great views of Paris. Enjoy a Crepe at the bottom before heading to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Paris!
Walk around the arc de triomphe
The Arc de Triumph has been an iconic landmark of Paris for decades. Its construction was ordered by Napoleon himself. The Arc celebrates the many achievements of France and is therefore very important to the French people.
Walking around the base of the Arc is free so this may be the best option for anyone on a budget. You can purchase tickets to access the viewing platform of the Arc. The views will give you a new perspective on Paris and let you watch the world go by!
The Arc de Triomphe is so much bigger than you think and you’ll only truly appreciate it’s size once you get up close and personal.
Tip: Don’t try to cross the road, there’s an underground walkway… I found this out the hard way.
Visit the musee de lourve
The Lourve is one of the biggest and most famous museums in the world (the biggest in Paris). If you’re planning a visit I’d highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as the museum gets very busy! (It’s the most visited museum in the world). I mean you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see the Mona Lisa, right!?
If art and history aren’t really your thing then it’s still worth a visit. The museum is surrounded by a huge courtyard and some fantastic architecture that has to be seen to be appreciated.
Book your timed ticket for the Louvre here!
Budget Tip: If you’re planning your Paris trip on a budget, the museum is FREE to all visitors on every first Sunday of the month from October to March.
sunset at the tour maine-montparanasse
The best place to appreciate Paris from. Watching the sunset over Paris from here was breathtaking. Something that I’d highly recommend doing no matter who you’re travelling to Paris with. I think you’ll agree this is one amazing view!
Check out tickets here and buy in advance in order to avoid dissapointment.
The tower is a 210m tall office building and is located in the Montparanasee area of Paris. In winter the tower has an ice rink on the top so you can have a little bit of extra fun whilst admiring this beautiful panoramic views.
Walk along the champs-elyesse
The Champs-Elyesse is one of the most famous streets in Paris. Headed by the Arc De triumph at one end and lined with more shops than you could imagine. The street is visited every day by almost 300,000 people who come to view it’s monuments, grab a bite to eat and take a relaxing stroll through Paris.
There is always something going on here since it’s in the very heart of the city. If its shopping you’re after you’ll not be dissapointed. Paris is the fashion capital of the world of course. You’ll find the likes of Louis Vuitton and Cartier if you’re after something extra specials or Nike and Sephora for your more everyday buys.
You’ll also find plenty of food options to suit all budgets and if you come for a walk in the evening you’ll get the best taste of the Parisian nightlife!
go to the cabaret
Feathers, sequins and lots of dancing… What’s not to love!
If you’re after something special from Paris then the cabaret has you coevered. From the silky seats at Le Crazy Horse (which i highly reccomend) to the iconic Moulin Rouge, these clubs will leave you with a night to remember. Each caboret has it’s own unique show and experience so be sure to check them all out before making a decision on what’s best for you.
Grab yourself a ticket for the show here!
Arriving before the show stars is key as seats are often allocated on a first come first served basis.
Admire the Notre-Dame Cathederal
The inconic Cathederal is still undergoing restorations since a fire tore through it in early 2019. The fire caused serious damage to the building and also many peices of artwork and artefacts inside it.
Despite its recent damage the Cathederal is one of the finest examples of Gothic Architechture in the whole of France. After the fire there were many calls to reconstruct the building in a new modern way, howevere the French government has since ruled that it must be restored exactly how it was. Nip by and see how they’re getting on!
You can check out details of tours and entry into the cathedral here.
Shopping in the Galaries Lafayette
People travel from all over the world to shop here! The 19th century shopping centre looks more like a giant church or palace. You’ll find a shop for everything here! And you’ll be blown away by how beautiful it is!
Theres a wide range of shops from high end designers to high street names. There’s something to suit all budgets and tastes. Even if shopping isn’t you thing make sure you stop by to take in some of the beautiful architecture!
dive into parisian history in the catacombs
The underground tombs of more than 6 million people. Yes 6 million! The tunnel system was originally built in the late 1700’s as an effort to try and help with Pairs’ ever overflowing cemeteries. The catacombs lay unforgotten for many years until they were opened in 1874 to the public for visitation.
Exploring the catacombs in a small group is the best and easiest way.
The tunnels are largely closed to th public. You should only visit at the offcial sites as these tombs are safe and it helps to presevre the tombs for future visitors.
Stroll around tuileries gardens
The Tuileries Gardens are respected by locals and admired by visitors. But they weren’t always this beautiful. The gardens get their name from factories that once stood on the site hundreds of years ago.
If you’re looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy a picnic or just watch the world pass by then this is the perfect place for you! Access is completely FREE all year round and you’ll find restruants and a bookshop if the weather takes a turn for the wrose!
There re often some great social events held within the gardens so check before you visit to make sure you dont miss out!
Whats are your favourite places in Paris? If there’s anything you think I missed then be sure to leave a comment below!
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