INTRODUCTION
Paris is my favorite city in the world. There is so much to see and do here. That being said, come with Paris knowing that this is not the perfect city. Yes, it is beautiful with fantastic food. Yes, the museum and churches are spectacular. And yes, the shopping and gardens are so much fun to visit. However, not all of the shops will be excellent, not all the museums will be your favorite, not all of the restaurants will be tasty, and not all of the customer service will be good. I think that sometimes people come into Paris expecting a utopia, but this city is rich in its complex tapestry of people, industries, and experiences.
I hope you all enjoy this city as much as I have. I lived in the city, and I have visited several times over the years. Each time I leave, I cannot wait to go back. In fact, some of my best friends live here, and I know many people who grew up in this city. As such, while this is my list of my favorite things to do in the city, many of them were done with and inspired by the people around me - so shoutout to all of these lovely people!!
When Not to Visit: Skip Paris in later June, July, and August to escape the summer heat of the city. Avoid Paris in the summer if possible as it gets quite crowded and you have to be able to handle the heat, usually without AC. Also, August is a month of travel and time off for the French, so different shops within the city will not be open and you should not expect things to run as smoothly as they do it other months. Of course, the most famous sites will remain open, and it is less busy than June/July, but the charming cafes of Paris are not all going to be open. On the other hand, the winter months can be a bit dreary and cold, but many of the popular sites (museums and churches) are still able to be enjoyed. Crowds are also smaller, so that could be a positive.
When to Visit: I would recommend visiting in May and early-mid June, or in September and October. These are the best months for nice, pleasant weather in the city. Also, the gardens of the city are still beautiful during these months.
General Tips
When entering a restaurant, shop, or other building, make sure to say “bonjour” (hello or good day) or “bonsoir” (good evening). It is a sign of respect and acknowledgment, so set yourself up for success by greeting those around you.
Churches: In churches, many require a modest dress code. Avoid sleeveless clothing (or bring a scarf to cover up) and short skirts or shorts. Wearing knee length or longer bottoms is best. During mass, this dress code becomes even more important to follow.
Picnics: Another thing to note is that not all parks allow for you to be on the lawns. At Jardin du Luxembourg. for example, most the lawns here are for viewing, not for sitting. There are plenty of chairs around, but this is something to keep in mind if you wish to have a picnic. The Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most famous spot for a picnic, and it is well worth a visit.
Toilets: Paris does have quite a few free public toilets, but there are still some that require money. I was generally able to use a card to pay for these, but you may want to have some coins on hand just in case. Train stations and shopping malls are generally where you will need to pay.
Dining: In Paris, dinner may be later than you might expect. Many start at 7:30 or 8:00, though I have had some later and earlier. Dinners are generally quite leisurely, so if you are in a rush, trying to leave certain establishments can take longer than expected. ALSO, many restaurants surrounding the Eiffel Tower are a scam - read the reviews and trust them.
Transit: Use the METRO!! If possible, use the metro as much as you can. It is so convenient, easy to use, and you will quickly become able to navigate it. If you are staying for over a week, definitely get a metro card. I would avoid Uber where you can because they can become expensive and, due to traffic, be slower than the trains within the city. Buses, RER, and trams also work with a Navigo Easy card so it’s a great way to explore the city. Also, airport connections can be made via this card - though depending on where you go it is more expensive than the usual train coast (€14,00 one-way vs the standard €2,55 for every other location). Depending on your needs, there are options that single-ride tickets, multi-ride tickets, or passes for unlimited travel. These passes also work for access to places like Versailles outside of the city. Be sure to buy the best option for your trip. You will need to download an app to buy tickets/passes or purchase a card to load with tickets/passes if you want to use public transit in the city.
Day 1: Settling In
Welcome to Paris! Your first day will probably see you a bit jet lagged, so keep the day exciting, but light.
This is your arrival day in the city. Take some time to get settled into a hotel or an apartment. If you arrive early enough, head out to explore a bit of the city. Visit a local church, stop by a bakery on the corner, step inside a boutique. It’s always lovely to head to the Seine River. You can walk along the river and even grab a baguette and some wine to enjoy along the riverbanks.
Day 2: Classic Paris - Notre Dame, the Panthéon, & Luxembourg Gardens
Start the morning at a boulangerie near your hotel. There are so many delicious bakeries everywhere within the city, and, if you need a recommendation, just ask at your hotel. There you can usually grab a coffee or some freshly squeezed orange juice. You can relax and take your time soaking in the city and people watching with eating a croissant.
After breakfast, head to Paris’ most beautiful Gothic chapel and its most famous church: Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame. Located on the island Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, these stunning religious buildings are a must-see for everyone. The Notre Dame is finally back after years of construction handling fire damage, and it is free to enter. There is usually a line, but it always moves quite quickly so don’t be intimidated. Sainte Chapelle, on the other hand, does require you to reserve a ticket. This is a beautiful chapel with stunning stained-glass windows, a highlight of French gothic architecture. I would start with Sainte Chapelle, then head to Notre Dame for a free walk through of the church.
This is also a great time to pop over to A. Lacroix. This patisserie serves sandwiches, but it is well known for its fruit-shaped pastries. Definitely give these a try because they are delicious! The cafe also offers a view of Notre Dame for you to enjoy.
After enjoying these churches to your full content, head over to the Luxembourg Gardens to wander and rest on the iconic green chairs. With beautiful lawns, groves of trees, sculptures, and some water features, this garden is a beautiful place to relax. Located nearby, the Panthéon is also well-worth a visit. Slip in and tour this gem. It has both an interesting history and it is architecturally stunning. This is absolutely one of my favorite buildings in Paris. In fact, I actually (controversially) prefer it to Notre Dame. Give it a look and see which you prefer.
Finish the day in the Latin Quarter (area around the Panthéon) and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. I have stayed in hotels in this area twice, and it has nice boutiques and places to eat near the Luxembourg gardens. It is a very easy place to wander.
Some shops to visit: San-Francisco Book Co (a used bookstore) and Sabre (customizable, colorful kitchen ware). There are so many charming boutiques in the area, so keep your eyes peeled. I also visited Guenmaï, a vegetarian restaurant in the area for a nice bite to eat.
Day 3: Romantic Paris - The Louvre Museum and Sacré-Cœur
Start the day with a visit to the Louvre. Begin as early as you like, but try not to go any later than 10:30 am, if possible. There is so much to see, so you need a lot of time to even brush the surface of this museum. At minimum, expect at least 2 hours for a very quick skim of the most popular exhibits. However, it is much more likely you will spend closer to 4 hours at this museum. For visiting the Louvre, tickets should be reserved before arriving in Pais. They cost up to €32.00. The museum is closed Tuesday, but it is open the rest of the week.
The museum also has a cafe where you can grab food. If you decide to eat here, head to the balcony for views of the Louvre Pyramid.
To finish, stop by Les Deux Plateaux. Located just outside of the Louvre, this is an art instillation of black-and-white striped columns of varying heights with a courtyard. This is a quick stop, but an interesting one to see.
Spend some time explore the area near the Louvre. There are nice restaurants and souvenir shops to browse. Take some time to rest and get ready for an evening out.
In the evening, head to Sacré-Cœur, the stunning basilica in Montmartre. This church looms over all from its perch at the top of Montmartre. It stands facing the sprawling city of Paris below. Live music is often played on the steps leading up to the church, and this is a very popular spot for sunset. With winding streets, bustling crowds, and many restaurants, this is a lovely place to stop for dinner, visit the church, and enjoy sunset to a background of live music. This is a romantic, charming area of Paris whose charm truly shines from simply strolling through the streets. If you love a romantic atmosphere, this area is calling your name!
Day 4: See Everything - Tuileries Gardens, Musée de l'Orangerie, Église de la Madeleine, and Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The morning is set around 2 main locations: Jardin des Tuileries and Musée de l'Orangerie. This garden is located near the Louvre and the Musée de l'Orangerie is set within the expansive garden. It is a 17th-centeral formal garden with lawns people picnic within, groves of trees, and plenty of chairs to lounge in.
Musée de l'Orangerie is set within this garden. The museum itself is most famous for its showcasing of 8 of Monet’s water lily paintings. Take a moment to sit and enjoy the brushstrokes, color, and size of Monet’s paintings as they surround you within the main, oval rooms. As for the rest of the museum, this museum focuses on showcasing 20th century art from other painters and a few photographers. Tickets are free on the first Sunday of each month though a reservation is required.
In the early afternoon, head to Église de la Madeleine. This stunning, grand church is a neoclassical dream. Its facade is starkly different from many other French churches in its inspiration from Greek temples. It has a portico with eight columns complete with a pediment and relief. As with practically all the churches in Paris, this is a free masterpiece well worth visit.
Next, head up to the 9th arrondissement. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in this area and be sure to stop by Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. This is a fantastic place to shop more commercial, international brands. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has fantastic art nouveau architecture and plenty of luxury brands. This shopping mall sells jewelry, accessories, clothing, souvenirs, and so much more. Each floor focuses on a different theme, so enjoy exploring each of the floors. The top floor sells souvenirs like Parisian themed and classic foods, postcards, and home goods. This is a great stop to find a little something for everyone back home.
In the evening, grab a nice dinner and consider checking out on of Paris’ many jazz bars or head to a rooftop bar for views of the city at night.
Day 5: Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection or Musée Rodin, and the Eiffel Tower
Today is an easy day to enjoy. Take it easy in morning: enjoy a later breakfast, people watch, and leisurely head to Bourse de Commerce. This is a museum of contemporary art. The highlight of this museum was its exhibit by Fujiko Nakaya titled Cloud #07156. This created a ‘fog’ that filled the space beneath the main dome in the building. The museum is home to some unusual art, not to my personal taste, but pieces worth considering.
The other option for the morning is to visit Musée Rodin. This museum focuses on sculpture. Compared to other museums, it has an almost serene atmosphere with beautiful, manicured gardens. The highlight of the museum is, of course, “The Thinker” statue. I love sculpture, so museums that highlight this form of art are a delight to me. Of course, if you feel up to it, you can always visit both of these museums!
The Eiffel Tower is a must see in Paris. Tonight, take a tour of this iconic location for sweeping views over the city. Have fun spotting other landmarks throughout the city. The Eiffel Tower has different tickets depending on whether you ride the elevator or take the stairs to the second floor, and whether you ride the elevator all the way to the top or do a combination. The most expensive, visiting the top by elevator, costs €36.70 for a full price, adult ticket. Extreme weather conditions, protests, and maintenance can all impact access to this space, so stay up to date of all the news surrounding the tower when you visit.
I would recommend visiting around sunset. This way you get to see beautiful views in the light, during golden hour, and when the city is lit up at night. This is also perfect if you want to be up close when the tower ‘sparkles’ on the hour.
Day 6: Day Trip to Claude Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny
While Paris is so lovely to visit, it also has plenty of fantastic day trips to enjoy. One of these that I would recommend is visiting Giverny, to see Monet’s Home and Gardens. In the past few days, Musée de l'Orangerie was visited, so take the chance to see the gardens that inspired these dreamy paintings. Located just a train ride outside of the city, enjoy the ride to Giverny. Take a bus, ride a bike, or even walk to the grounds that make up Monet’s Home and Gardens. This area is closed for the winter, so check that this tour is available before you arrive in Paris.
Once arriving, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at the cafe. Enjoy the local ceramic shop and postcards in the cafe shop. Then head into the gardens to explore the Japanese inspired garden with its water lily pond and visit the French garden that rests in front of Monet’s charming pink home. Monet’s home is another area you can sweep through. Before you leave the grounds, consider visiting the church where Monet was buried. We had the chance to stumble into a piano performance which was magical. This is a long day with travel, so leave the evening free.
Day 7: Relax in Paris: Petit Palais, Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
A favorite day of mine! Begin the day by visiting the beautiful Petit Palais. This art museum is my favorite in Paris (besides the Louvre). Home to a delightful collection of art from the Renaissance to modern day art. The fantastic collection is just the right size to be able to see everything within a few hours and see centuries of art all in one place. The collection is a great mix of sculptures and paintings. Additionally, there is a cafe with a beautiful terrace to enjoy; however, it is often very busy with long lines and no promise of outdoor seating spaces. The museum also has a lovely gift shop, so be sure to give that a pass through. Give this museum a visit for its beautiful architecture, lovely permanent collection (for free), and quieter crowds than other museums.
Picnic at Champs de Mars under the Eiffel Tower. Grab a spread of food at a grocery and a bakery and head to this lovely lawn to enjoy a lunch with stunning views up close to this monument. La Grande Épicerie de Paris is Paris’ most famous grocery, for a reason, and a great location to visit to see and grab lunch; unfortunately, it is a bit out of the way. This isn’t a necessary stop, but one well worth a visit, even at another time.
At sunset, a Seine River Cruise is a great way to spend the evening. Enjoy a dinner cruise or one focused entirely on touring the city from the water.
Day 8: Eat Your Way Through the City
Split the day between doing a Food Tour of the City and Canal Saint-Martin.
Food tours are a FANTASTIC way to see a city and get introduced to delicious food. Paris is a city of delicious food and not just French cuisine. In fact, limiting yourself to only eating French food is a disservice to yourself because there are so many other amazing places to eat in the city. During these food tours, expect to wander around a specific neighborhood. Visit bakeries, restaurants, pâtisseries, markets, and so many more locations. Book a food tour for a delicious, informative experience within Paris.
Some food tours to try include:
Paris Le Marais Food Tour With 10+ Tastings, Cheese, Wine & More
Paris Food Tours: Culinary Walks in the Backstreets - Culinary Backstreets
For the other half of the day, head to Canal Saint-Martin. Enjoy walking or cycling along the water, grab a picnic and sit along the canal banks (my favorite), and browse the charming boutiques in the area. Stop at Square des Recollets for cafes and shops. Enjoy French fashion, vintage shopping, and other boutiques. This is a lovely neighborhood to check out when visiting Paris. A local at a less touristy, more down-to-earth area of the city.
Day 9: The Palace of Versailles
Just about a 40-minute ride from Paris on the RER C, the Palace of Versailles is a must see. The stunning 18th-century palace is dripping gold and rich with sheer decadent decor. Gilder apartments and the stunning chandeliered Hall of Mirrors are a feast for the eyes. The palace gardens are immense. They display clear characteristics of a French style garden. This luxurious royal residence is magnificent. When visiting Paris, this is a must see. In particular, the Hall of Mirrors is particularly unforgettable. The other apartments style and richness can be seen in other palaces like those in Vienna, but this hall is unlike any other. In the gardens, enjoy the groves of trees, the orangery, and the main thoroughfare complete with lawns and fountains. The Palace of Versailles gets quite crowded, massive, and can get unbearably hot, so plan ahead and be prepared. Take fans, sunhats, and plenty of water for handling warm days. Wear good walking shoes. Be prepared to be with many people in crowded apartments. This site is well-worth a visit to see such an unforgettable, world-renown locations - but come prepared.
Day 10: Grand Palais and Crazy Horse
Spend the morning taking in the city and enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Paris.
In the afternoon, visit the Grand Palais. This art museum is located just across the street from the Petit Palais, which you will have visited earlier. This museum is much bigger, and the building is a very interesting piece of architecture. The Grand Palais is known for its fantastic exhibitions. I really enjoyed the exhibition of Hilma af Klint; however, while the paintings were stunning, it was a bit cramped, and it did get quite warm in this section during the summer. That being said, it was still a lovely showcase of her works.
The museum is also nice that there is plenty of space to explore with fewer people than the Louvre. There are a cafe, gift shops, and lots to do for children. Seating areas are another plus. For this museum, be sure to check out the many exhibitions within the museum and plan to visit the ones that interest you. There is no permanent collection, so this museum will be unlike many others visited. This is a museum to skip, IF you do not see a collection that you will enjoy visiting. A ticket is needed for entry and I have heard of some people waiting lengthy times for entry, I did not have that experience, so be aware.
After dinner, visit Crazy Horse. Expect an avant-garde show with sensual dances, intricate lighting, and plenty of individual or partnered stages. Its artistic, glamorous, and tastefully sexy. The female dancers are topless, and photography is not permitted once the show begins. This is a smaller venue of dancers than the Moulin Rouge, but that in itself creates an intimate atmosphere. With a clear vision and wonderfully performances, visitors are sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Depending on the ticket, enjoy champagne and macaroons. This is a bit abstract and artistic, but so much fun.
Day 11: Exploring Outside of the City Center: Arc de Triomphe, Foundation Louis Vuitton, and Bois de Boulogne
This is a fabulous do to visit the Arc de Triomphe. This is an iconic spot in Paris, which you can climb for a panoramic view of Paris. The Champs-Élysées stretches out from below, and the Eiffel Tower stands tall in the distance. The massive scale comes to life only as you approach this monument, and seeing it in person causes you to appreciate the sheer detailing on the Arc de Triomphe.
While you are in the area, head to the Foundation Louis Vuitton to see their latest art exhibit. The museum is within a modern building designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry. Within the sail-like glass structure, the foundation brings in new exhibits that explain the life and art of different artists.
This Foundation hosts a fantastic collection of rotating art exhibits. The last I attended was this summer and displayed the art of Alexander Calder. In this museum, the focus is on showcasing an in-depth exploration of different modern artists. Currently, (October 2026 - the 8th of March 2027) the museum is hosting works by Gustave Fayet and pieces from his collection. This will explore the many facets of his life and roles, as well as the art of famous painters whose works he collected.
The Foundation is within Bois de Boulogne, a massive park that used to be the royal hunting grounds. This park is a mix of ponds, grassy lawns, and wooded areas. Kiosks are dotted around serving food and drinks for visitors to the area. Combining these activities makes for a lovely day in the city.
Day 12: Shopping! via Le Marais
Le Marais is my favorite neighborhood to shop within the city. Wander the streets, enjoy the cafes, and visit the many lovely boutiques in this area. This area is home to Musée National d'Art Moderne (currently closed) and Hôtel de Ville. Head to Rue du Pont Louis-Phillippe for stationary shopping. Rue des Écouffes is the spot for well curated vintage shops while Rue de la Verrerie is home to several Kilo thrifting shops. Rue de Temple is another great road with pleasant cafes and tons of clothing shops. Any road you wander onto, there are tons of charming shops, perfect for browsing and a shopping spree.
Day 13: Musée d'Orsay and a French Cooking Class
Musée d'Orsay is a fantastic museum set within a former railway station housing 19th- and 20th-century European art. With art from some of the greatest artists in history - Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir - this collection is magnificent. The collections are spread out within this massive space and presented in a well-organized manner. For lovers of art and architecture, this museum is a masterpiece. Within the museum, besides painting, enjoy other artistic collections from furniture to architecture to sculpture. There is plenty to see with something for everyone. Make sure to see this highlight before you leave Paris.
Cooking Classes are a great way to bring a useful skill home that reminds you of a place you visited. In Paris, enjoy making croissants, lunch, or even macaroons. Any option is a great way to eat something delicious and handmade. Especially with a city known for its mouth-watering food and baking legacy, a cooking class is a perfect addition to a Paris itinerary.
Day 14: End with a Bang - Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge
Montmartre is worth visiting during the day as well as at night. Montmartre is a romantic, artsy location within the city. The cafes, cobblestone streets, and tiny winding roads all create a unique feel to this neighborhood. This spot is best enjoyed during the week as weekend get quite busy. You can even take a guided tour of this area!
Paris Montmartre Neighborhood Highlights and Gems Walking Tour
Paris: Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Private or Small-Group Tour
Enjoy revisiting your favorite places or checking off last minute must-dos from your list. The morning and afternoon are the perfect time to soak in a few more minutes of Paris.
In the evening, head to the Moulin Rouge to see a fabulous performance. The show takes place in a theater where you will be seated at one of the many tables. Enjoy an over-the-top performance with dancers completely decked out in extravagant costumes. Feathers, headpieces, and body jewelry are all incorporated in each dance. The number of dancers and the costuming are all part of what makes the show so iconic. It’s touristy, it’s camp, and it’s so much fun. End your time in Paris with a BANG at Paris’ most iconic performance.
Have the BEST time in Paris! Enjoy every moment in the city.
