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Here’s a list of what to do in Paris if it’s your first time visiting this beautiful capital city of France.
A Few Things
First off, you have to know that while Paris is a small city, as compared to, say, London (which is 15 times larger), it still offers many sights to see and things to do. So many actually that even if I’ve visited Paris more than once, I still haven’t seen and done everything.
So don’t expect to be able to see all the sights and do all the things that can be done on your first visit. Unless you are visiting for a few months, you can’t cover everything. So accept the fact that you’ll have to go back next time to see and do all the other stuff.
That being said, what is listed here are the most fundamental sights that, in a way, define what Paris is. Sights that everyone must see on their first visit to Paris.
So here’s a list of what to do in Paris.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame de Paris or “Our Lady of Paris” is one of the most important and historic monuments of the city. It is where crusaders prayed before going off for the holy wars and where Napoleon crowned himself emperor and his wife, Josephine, empress.
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Gothic in style, this medieval church built sometime in the 12th to the 14th century is known for its fascinating gargoyles, graceful towers, and wondrous buttresses. It is located in the first arrondissement (Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or districts), along the Seine in Paris’s Île de la Cité.
Although you won’t see its complete splendor since most of it was ravaged during an unfortunate fire in 2019 (a happening which we sadly witnessed), you still can see its front facade and some, and then marvel at the intricate carvings and beautiful rose windows.
Musée du Louvre
After admiring Notre Dame or the remains of what was once its complete grandeur, head across the river to the magnificent Musée du Louvre, one of the world’s amazing museums.
The Louvre houses over 35,000 treasures in its three-sectioned (Denon, Richelieu, Sully), four-storied glory. The top things to see are Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michaelangelo’s Slaves, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, the Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo. You cannot see everything in a day, much less in a few hours, but be sure to get a good look at these five.
Musée d’Orsay
Once a train station, this incredible site has since been ingeniously transformed into an artwork powerhouse that holds a plethora of paintings and other famous artworks and is then named Musée d’Orsay.
You’ll find Impressionist masterpieces from big names like Monet (Blue Water Lilies, Rouen Cathedral, etc.), Degas (Ballet Dancer), Manet (Picnic in the Grass, etc.), and Van Gogh (Bedroom at Arles, self-portraits, etc.).
Be sure to see as well the huge clock window at Café des Hauteurs found inside the premises that provides a fantastic view of the Seine.
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Eiffel Tower
Of course, your Paris trip wouldn’t be complete without catching a glimpse of the iconic Eiffel Tower, perhaps the most well-known symbol of Paris.
The Eiffel Tower is a towering structure that transmits electronic and communication signals. Up until 1930, it holds the title of being the tallest man-made edifice.
Since many visit the Eiffel every day, be sure to allot ample time if you plan to go up. You’ll be falling in long lines unless you go early in the morning or during off seasons.
If getting a view from a distance is enough for you, then you can see it too from the following locations:
- Champ-de-Mars, a large expanse of green space nearby where many picnics;
- the Trocadéro, near the Warsaw Fountain and Chaillot Palace;
- Musée du Quai Branly, which gives different views of the Eiffel depending on which part of the museum you are located;
- a cruise in the Seine, which also provides you a view of the Cathedral Notre-Dame and Musée du Louvre, among others; and
- the 56th-floor observatory of the Montparnasse Tower.
Archaeological Crypt
Across the square fronting the Cathedral Notre-Dame are a few steps leading to the Archaeological Crypt, an underground gallery where you can find displays of archaeological remains and remnants of Paris’s past from ancient times up to the 20th century. You’ll see walls and streets of old, even a house dating back to the time when Celtic tribes inhabited the Île de la Cité.
Book fun activities in Paris:
For the best experience in Paris, book these awesome activities that come with a guide before embarking on your journey to the city.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel that houses Christian relics. It is a must-visit for its stunningly tall stained glass windows that depict more than a thousand scenes from the Bible, as well as Christ’s crown of thorns that Louis IX purchased at a huge sum.
If you’ve got time to spare, head on to the nearby Concierge, where Marie Antoinette was once imprisoned.
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Musée Picasso
The Musée Picasso in the Marais houses over 3,000 of Spanish painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso’s works of art—from paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics. It’s the best place to understand what makes this great man such a revered art master.
Montmartre
For a taste of the quaint side of Paris, head on to Montmartre, once a bohemian neighborhood where artists once flocked and flourished.
Located up on a hill in the northern part of Paris, Montmartre has maintained that charming small village vibe and provides a fantastic view of Paris.
Explore its quaint little streets with the many artists selling their paintings and other wares, or dash into its cute boutiques, probably enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many tiny cafés lining the sides. And to cap that all off with a walk up to its crowning glory: the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, the pristine neo-Byzantine church that soars high over Paris.
Other noteworthy sights to visit in Montmartre are:
- the Musée de Vieux Montmartre, located in Montmartre’s oldest building, where artists like Renoir and Valadon once lived, and where you can learn about the history of Montmartre;
- the windmills that you can see from rue Girardon and rue Lepic;
- the vineyard on rue des Saules, the only vineyard you can find in Paris.
Seine Cruise
Another great way to see the sights is a cruise along the Seine. You’ll be taken past churches, museums, and other Parisian delights of what could be a romantic voyage or a faster sightseeing option.
You can opt for the luncheon or dinner cruise variety that’s more expensive but makes it all worthwhile because of the ambiance it offers. Or choose the cheaper water taxi kind that stops every half hour at eight noteworthy locations like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Elysées, among others.
Dine
Don’t leave Paris without sampling its gastronomic delights. Doing so is simply a no-no with France boasting one of the world’s best cuisines.
If you’ve got the budget, dine in a fancy restaurant and get a taste of the best traditional French haute cuisine.
If not, no worries, though, as you can still get a taste of French food the budget-friendly way which is still great. Do that by dining at these baby bistros with considerably lower-priced meals. Or go the street food route with some crepes. Buying at gourmet shops, a boulangerie, or a pâtisserie are great, too.
Find cheap places to stay in Paris:
Booking.comFinal Thoughts
Paris is beautiful and amazing that it has become one of the European cities I would love to go back to again and again. Be sure to visit these sights to make the most out of your Parisian trip.
Happy travels and don’t forget to share this post to help other like-minded travelers who are thinking of visiting Paris. Or just bookmark this, save or whatnot for later re-read. Au revoir!
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One of our favourite cities. There’s so much see and do there.
Me too. And that’s true.
These are some awesome touristic activities and iconic places to visit. Thanks for sharing this detailed Paris travel guide.
Thank you and you’re most welcome!