18 Best Things to do in Paris for First Timers
I’ll be honest. Paris didn’t steal our hearts the first time. It felt overwhelming, a bit rushed, and I just couldn’t see what all the hype was about. A year later, we were heading to Strasbourg for the Christmas markets and figured we’d give Paris another chance. And something about that trip just clicked. The city felt magical.
Now, after a third visit, we finally get it, and we can’t stop dreaming about when we’ll return.
If you’re visiting for the first time, this guide is for you. I’m sharing 18 of the best things to do in Paris for first timers, in hopes of making your trip a little smoother, a little easier, and maybe helping you fall in love with the City of Light too.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my business so I can create content like this for you!
Before You Go to Paris
When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) for mild weather and smaller crowds than the summer peak. But honestly? I think Paris is beautiful year-round, and the best time to go is simply whenever you get the chance. I’ve visited in June, September, and December, and each season felt completely different, in the best way.
If you are heading to France, also check out my 10 day South of France Itinerary which pairs beautifully with a trip to Paris!
How to Get Around Paris
Paris is incredibly walkable, and many of the top sights are within easy reach of each other. The Metro and buses are efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate as a first timer. Taxis and Uber are readily available but cost more than public transportation.
Understanding Arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral out from the center of the city in a clockwise, snail-shell pattern. Each arrondissement has its own personality, charm, and pace, and understanding the layout can really help when deciding where to stay or what to explore.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a few key arrondissements before getting into the best things to do in Paris:
- 1st Arrondissement – Louvre
- The historical heart of Paris and home to the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, and Tuileries Garden.
- 3rd & 4th Arrondissement – Le Maris
- Trendy and artistic, full of character. Best for boutique shopping and fashion lovers.
- 5th Arrondissement – Latin Quarter
- One of the oldest parts of Paris. Cobblestone streets, lively student energy (Sorbonne University).
- 6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Classic Left Bank vibes with literary cafés, upscale boutiques and charming streets.
- 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower
- Upscale and residential, home to famous landmarks such as Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay.
- 9th Arrondissement – Opéra
- Grand boulevards, department stores, and nightlife.
- 18th Arrondissement – Montmartre
- Bohemian and artistic vibes with Sacré-Cœur on top of a hill.
Where to Stay in Paris
For a more in-depth breakdown, refer to my guide on Where to Stay in Paris (coming soon). In the meantime, here are a few hotels I recommend:
- Hôtel Madame Rêve – 1st Arrondissement. It doesn’t get more central than this.
- Kimpton St Honore – 2nd Arrondissement.
- Padam Hôtel – 16th Arrondissement, near Champs-Élysées. We stayed here the year it opened and were impressed for the price.
- Chouchou Hôtel – 9th Arrondissement, near Opéra and Galeries Lafayette. We stayed here on our most recent trip and it was easy to get everywhere.
18 Best Things To Do in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower: The Most Iconic Thing to Do in Paris
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and as a first timer, this is non-negotiable. While you can go up the tower, I personally wouldn’t bother, because you can’t see the tower from the tower itself and there are other spots with better panoramic views of the city.
Instead, these are the best places to see the Eiffel Tower from:
- Trocadéro
- Av. de Camoens
- Pont d’Iéna
- Rue de l’Université
- Champ de Mars
- Pont de Bir Hakeim
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the tenth, the view never gets old. I especially love watching it sparkle every hour after dusk. It feels magical every single time.
If you do want to go up the tower for the experience, book your Eiffel Tower tickets here: Eiffel Tower Entry Tickets. Visitors can take a lift to the second floor to the observation deck, and then take another lift to the summit. The summit features a Champagne Bar and a restored historical model of Gustave Eiffel’s top-floor office.
2. Musée d’Orsay: Best Museum in Paris for Art Lovers
The Louvre may be the most famous museum in Paris, but the Musée d’Orsay is my personal favorite. Housed in a former train station with a glass roof, this museum is a must for fans of Monet, Van Gogh, and the French Impressionists.
The setting itself feels like a work of art. Don’t miss the giant clock windows with sweeping views over the Seine River and Montmartre in the distance.
Book tickets to the Musée d’Orsay.
3. Opera / Palais Garnier: The Most Breathtaking Building in Paris
This might genuinely be my favorite place in all of Paris. The opulent Palais Garnier, which inspired The Phantom of the Opera, is truly a masterpiece. You can only visit by attending a performance or booking a tour.
We chose the self-guided tour, and I highly recommend it. Every corner of this opera house feels grand, dramatic, and completely unforgettable. If you only pick one “extra” thing to do in Paris as a first timer, make it this!
Book tickets to the Palais Garnier here.
4. Louvre Museum: The World’s Most Famous Art Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other masterpieces, the Louvre is the world’s largest art art museum and an essential stop on any first visit to Paris. Book skip-the-line tickets well in advance to avoid long lines and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Don’t try to see everything in one visit since it’s a massive museum. Browse the collections online beforehand and focus on the sections that excite you the most.
If you like guided tours, this popular tour is available as a private, or shared small group.
5. Chocolat Chaud: The Most Indulgent Thing to Do in Paris
Chocolat chaud means “hot chocolate” in French, and it is nothing like the powdered mix you’re probably used to! It’s rich, velvety, thick, and completely luxurious. As a first timer, this is a Parisian experience you cannot skip.
My two favorite spots are Angelina Paris and Carette. Both are incredibly popular and don’t take reservations, so expect a queue during peak hours. Trust me, it is absolutely worth the wait.
6. Sainte-Chapelle: The Most Stunning Stained Glass in Paris
This breathtaking Gothic royal chapel is home to 1,113 stained glass windows and is one of the most underrated things to do in Paris for first timers. Visit the Sainte-Chapelle during the day when sunlight pours through the windows.
Tickets sell out fast so purchase in advance here.
7. Montmartre: Best Neighborhood to Explore in Paris
This hilltop district is full of charm, street artists, and breathtaking views over the city. Climb the steps or ride the funicular to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a postcard-perfect panorama of Paris.
Wander through charming cobblestone streets to see the iconic pink La Maison Rose, the Le Consulat café, and the bustling Place du Tertre, where artists have displayed and sold their work for generations.
Montmartre is also home to the legendary Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the modern can-can and one of the most famous cabarets in the world.
Book a walking guided tour with a local here.
Book a Cabaret Show at Moulin Rouge here.
8. Seine River Cruise: Most Romantic Way to See Paris
One of the most relaxing and romantic things to do in Paris for first timers is seeing the city from the water. A Seine River cruise takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Pont Alexandre III.
You can choose from a variety of cruise styles, from simple sightseeing boats with audio guides to luxury dinner cruises complete with gourmet meals and live music.
If it’s your first time in Paris, I highly recommend doing a cruise at sunset or just after dusk. Seeing the city of lights lit up and the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night from the water is just purely magical.
9. Le Marais: Best Neighborhood for Shopping in Paris
If you love boutique shopping and charming streets, Le Marais is sure to win you over. This historic neighborhood is one of Paris’s trendiest areas, packed with independent designers, vintage shops, concept stores, and French brands.
Wander down Rue des Francs-Bourgeois for chic fashion boutiques, or pop into Merci, a beautifully curated lifestyle store that’s been popping up on my Instagram feed for a while (their colorful tote bags are so cute!).
Beyond shopping, Le Marais is a great place to grab a coffee or a drink and people-watch from a café terrace. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can easily spend a whole afternoon without even realizing it.
Book a Le Marais Food Walking Tour here!
10. Musée de l’Orangerie: Best Museum for Monet Fans
Situated on the edge of the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a more intimate museum experience than the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.
It is best known for Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in two oval rooms that feel immersive. Beyond Monet, there are also works by Matisse and Picasso.
Tickets sell out fast, so book your ticket to Musée de l’Orangerie here.
11. Galeries Lafayette: More Than Just a Department Store
Located on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is more than just Europe’s largest department store. It’s an architectural landmark with a stunning Art Nouveau cupola, built in 1912.
Head up to the 8th floor rooftop terrace for one of the best free views in the city, with sightlines to the Opéra Garnier, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre-Dame.
When we visited, there were festive holiday decorations displayed beneath the cupola for the Christmas season and it was truly magical. The décor changes each year, so if you have the opportunity to visit in December, definitely do it! Galeries Lafayette during the holidays is something really special.
12. Petit Palais: Best Free Museum in Paris
Built by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Petit Palais is a gorgeous Beaux-Arts museum that feels like stepping into a palace. The permanent collection is completely free to visit, though special exhibitions have a fee.
There’s a beautiful semi-circular courtyard with a lush garden and a lovely café inside (unfortunately it was closed for construction when we visited, but I’d love to return for that alone).
13. French Macarons: A Sweet Essential for First Timers
Macarons are one of my favorite French pastries. Ladurée is the most famous name, but I personally prefer Pierre Hermé. The flavors are creative, and the quality of these macarons are exceptional. There are locations dotted across the city, so keep an eye out and pop in to one for a luxurious bite.
You can even learn to make your own macaron with a French chef in this cooking class!
14. Coffee at an Iconic Parisian Café
Paris is full of charming cafés, but a few are truly legendary.
We’ve already mentioned Angelina Paris and Carette for their chocolate chaud.
Head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés to visit the Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, two iconic spots that have stood the test of time, serving as regular haunts for legendary writers, philosophers, and artists like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Ernest Hemingway, and Picasso.
Sipping coffee and people-watching from the terrace is one of those effortlessly Parisian experiences that every first timer should have.
15. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: A Classic First Timer Must
Standing at the west end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments.
Built to honor French military victories, it offers panoramic views from the top, including a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. It is particularly beautiful at sunset.
From there, take a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, lined with shops, cafés, and flagship stores. We stayed near this area on our December trip and it was delightful to see the entire street lit up with sparkling lights.
Book your tickets to the Arc de Triomphe.
16. Visit the Gardens: Best Free Things to Do in Paris
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, slow down and spend some time in one of Paris’s beautiful green spaces. It’s one of the most underrated and best free things to do in Paris. A picnic in one of the beautiful gardens has been on my Paris bucket list for a long time!
The two most iconic gardens are:
- Jardin du Luxembourg – Located in the 6th arrondissement. Grand fountains, tree-lined paths, classic Parisian chairs, and plenty of charm.
- Jardin des Tuileries – Stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, you’ll likely walk through this garden at least once during your visit. It’s home to fountains, sculptures, and wide gravel paths that feel very quintessentially Parisian.
17. Catacombs of Paris: For the Brave First Timer
I have not personally visited the Catacombs myself, but it’s a popular activity so I will include it here for those who are brave enough to visit this fascinating but eerie place.
Located underground beneath the city streets, the Catacombs house a labyrinth of tunnels that hold the bones of six million Parisians, relocated from overcrowded cemeteries.
Visits are self-guided and capped at a limited number of people at a time, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Tip: This experience isn’t for everyone (especially small children or those who dislike enclosed spaces).
18. Day Trip to Versailles: The Best Day Trip from Paris
I can’t believe that after three visits to Paris, I still haven’t made it out to the Palace of Versailles, but since it’s the most popular day trip from the city, I had to include it in this list of best things to do in Paris.
Just under an hour from Paris by train, Versailles is known for its opulent palace, Hall of Mirrors, and sprawling gardens.
To make the most of your visit, go early in the day and book tickets in advance, especially during high season. You can explore on your own or join a guided tour to dive deeper into the history of French royalty.
This is high on my priority list for our next trip, and I’ll be sure to update this post after my visit! From everything I’ve read and heard, Versailles is as grand and breathtaking as it gets, and definitely worth the day trip from Paris.
Should You Get the Paris Museum Pass?
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums and monuments during your trip, the Paris Museum Pass is absolutely worth it. I’ve used it myself and it saved us both money and a lot of time standing in queues.
The pass gives you free entry to 50+ museums and monuments across Paris, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Sainte-Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, and Versailles. It’s available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days.
A few things to know:
It pays for itself quickly if you’re hitting 3+ major sights per day
The pass covers entry fees but not timed entry reservations, so you’ll still want to book a time slot in advance for popular spots like the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle.
It does not include the Palais Garnier, Eiffel Tower summit, or the Catacombs.
Get the Paris Museum Pass for your trip here!
Map & Conclusion
For me, Paris is one of those cities that always has something new to discover: a hidden garden, a cozy café, a charming side street, or a new favorite museum. I hope this guide to the best things to do in Paris for first timers gives you a great starting point.
This post is meant to inspire your first trip, but the magic of this city doesn’t end there. Once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many people feel called to return, because Paris always leaves you wanting more.
I’ll add a map of everything included in this post here.
USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
Read my other France guides here:
-
Review of Five Seas Hotel Cannes: Luxury Hotel in French Riviera
-
Ultimate Guide to Menton France in the French Riviera
-
Where to Stay in Provence: Capelongue Hotel Review
-
2026 The Ultimate Guide to Strasbourg Christmas Markets
-
Gordes France Guide: Best Things to Do in Gordes, One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Provence
-
Best Day Trips from Nice By Train
-
The Best 10 Day South of France Itinerary: From the French Riviera to Provence
One Comment