I’ve visited Paris so many times I’ve lost count, maybe 30 or 40 trips by now.

Sometimes I visit with friends who have never been to Paris and want the full Eiffel Tower experience, a photo at the Louvre, and all the classic sights.

Other times, I go alone or with my husband, returning to favorite spots and finding new places that still make Paris feel like a movie set.

This list is based on all those trips: the must-see places that are truly worth it, hidden gems most tourists miss, the best food, and honest advice on what you can skip.

Whether this is your first Paris trip or your fifth, this guide will help you see the city through the eyes of someone who lives nearby and keeps coming back.

Let’s dive in.

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Is “Seeing Paris” Realistic in One Trip?

Short answer: No. But that’s the point.

Paris isn’t a city you “do.” It’s a city you feel. Smell. Sip slowly like wine on a terrace at sunset.

You don’t simply check Paris off a list. You explore it with curiosity and openness, much like starting a conversation with someone interesting and seeing where it goes.

I’ve visited Paris more than 30 times and I still haven’t seen it all. Some trips are about big moments, like climbing the Eiffel Tower, seeing the Mona Lisa, or watching the sunset from Sacré-Cœur.

Other times, it’s about small pleasures: a perfect croissant from a local bakery, a glass of wine in Le Marais, or finding a hidden courtyard in the 6th arrondissement.

Both experiences matter.

Use this list as your guide, but leave space for the unexpected. Those quiet morning coffees. That side street you didn’t plan to walk down. The impromptu glass of wine with a view you’ll remember for years.

That’s when Paris becomes more than just another city, it starts to feel like your own.

And if you need an itinerary to plan them all, I got you covered with a perfect 3 day plan to visit Paris.

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Where to Stay in Paris (open this for my tips)

Best areas in Pairs for first-timers:

• Le Marais – Central, lively, restaurants everywhere
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Classic Paris, cafés, walkable
• Latin Quarter – Student vibe, near Notre-Dame and Panthéon
• the area between Montparnasse and the Jardin du Luxembourg is really nice and has good value hotels (I love both Bob Hotel and Maison du Moulin Vert , I stayed in both and they are cozy, clean and small enough to make them feel local)
• the area around Place de Italie has a great vibe too and is really well connected to everything by metro

Avoid staying in the far outer arrondissements unless you’re on a tight budget. If you must do that, choose a place near a metro or an RER. The best one is the RER A  if you want to include a visit to Disneyland Paris too. (Check out my full guide on that).

Lower you will find the best 3 hotels in Paris, in my opinion, based on what they offer and their location. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Still, if you visit during the winter, check out my list of the best Christmassy hotels in Paris.

Hotel Saint-Louis Marais

A small and very chic hotel right in the heart of the Marais. The rooms have wooden beams but still feel modern. I love the atmosphere here!

See more info and photos here

Hôtel le Royal Rive Gauche

My best friend always stays here when she visits Paris. It’s a modern hotel with great amenities and breakfast, and it’s very close to the Jardin de Luxembourg.

See more info and photos here

Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain

I love the design here ! It feels elevated yet simple. It’s just a few minutes away from Notre Dame, it has spacious rooms, great breakfast and even a small gym !

See more info and photos here

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The Best Things to Do in Paris for Art & Culture Lovers

Wander the Louvre Museum (You Can Do It in Under 2 Hours, I Promise)

The Louvre is maybe the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Paris Bucketlist.

But the Louvre is also massive. Overwhelming. The kind of place where you could spend two full days and still not see everything.

But most people don’t have two days.

I’ve done a focused two-hour route through the Louvre three times now (with different friends who had limited time) and it always works.

My strategy: Skip the Mona Lisa mob. Seriously.

You’ll wait 20 minutes to see a small painting behind bulletproof glass surrounded by 200 people holding up iPads. The painting across from her, The Wedding at Cana by Veronese, is massive, stunning, and almost no one looks at it.

Where I actually go:

Napoleon III Apartments (Richelieu Wing, first floor): This is my favorite part of the entire Louvre. You’ll find gilded chandeliers, red velvet, and frescoed ceilings. It feels like stepping into the French Second Empire, full of opulence and drama. Most tourists miss it entirely.

Ancient Egypt galleries (ground floor, Sully Wing): These are less crowded and surprisingly immersive, with mummies, hieroglyphs, and massive statues.

The Crown Jewels (same wing as Napoleon III Apartments) – Everyone’s at the Mona Lisa while these are sitting here, mostly ignored.

Time needed: 2-3 hours for highlights, full day if you love museums

Tip: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre (underground entrance). Way less crowded than the pyramid.

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A must: Napoleon III Apartments (My Actual Favorite Part of the Louvre)

I’m giving this its own section because it deserves it.

While everyone’s fighting for a Mona Lisa selfie, I detour here every single time.

The Napoleon III Apartments show off 19th-century Parisian luxury, with gilded mirrors reflecting candlelight, frescoed ceilings with mythological scenes, and chandeliers that probably weigh more than my car.

It’s quiet. Immersive. Cinematic.

I always imagine hosting a candlelit dinner party here (one can dream).

Why I love it: The Louvre isn’t just about paintings in frames. It’s also about experiencing how French royalty and aristocracy actually lived, and this part of the museum shows that.

Where to find it: Richelieu Wing, first floor. Follow signs for “Appartements Napoléon III.”

My take: Better than the Mona Lisa. I said what I said.

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Enjoy the best view at Musée d’Orsay

Housed in a Beaux-Arts train station, Musée d’Orsay feels like a Parisian fairytale.

It’s where I go when I want to remember why I fell in love with France.

The Impressionist gallery on the top floor—Monet’s water lilies, Renoir’s dancers, Degas’ ballerinas—is dreamy. My husband and I once spent a rainy afternoon here, just sitting by the giant clock window overlooking the Seine, watching the light change.

What to see:

• Impressionist galleries (top floor)
• The giant clock with Seine views
• Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône
• The train station architecture itself (don’t rush through the ground floor)

Secret: The café behind the clock has one of the best museum views in Paris. (I’m talking about the inside of the café, not the outside). Coffee is overpriced, but you can just peek through without ordering.

Time needed: 2-3 hours

My take: If you only do one museum besides the Louvre, make it this one.

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Visit the little Versailles, the Hôtel de la Marine Museum (The Secret Eiffel Sparkle Viewpoint)

One of my favorite hidden museums in Paris.

The Hôtel de la Marine is on Place de la Concorde and features beautiful 18th-century French interiors, with lighting and audio that make you feel like you’ve stepped back into pre-Revolutionary Paris.

But here’s the secret: Go at night, on the hour.

Why? Because you can step onto the balcony and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance. Almost no one knows about this viewpoint.

The museum itself is elegant without being overwhelming, and it’s rarely crowded (unlike Versailles).

Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

My opinion: This is one of those experiences that feels like discovering a Paris secret, even though it’s right on Place de la Concorde.

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Take a stroll at Musée de l’Orangerie

Located in the Tuileries Garden, this museum is small but magical.

Monet’s Water Lilies are displayed in two oval rooms designed specifically for them. The paintings wrap around you 360 degrees, and the effect is fascinating, like floating inside one of Monet’s dreams.

Don’t skip: The downstairs galleries with Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Modigliani. Small but excellent collection.

Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

What makes it special is that, unlike the crowded Louvre, you can actually breathe here. It feels much more intimate.

My take: Perfect for a quiet morning before the Tuileries gets crowded.

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Feel like you stepped outside Paris, at Musée Rodin

This is my go-to when I want culture without museum exhaustion.

The museum is set in an 18th-century mansion with sprawling gardens filled with Rodin’s sculptures, including The Thinker, sitting pensively like he’s contemplating what to have for lunch.

I’ve brought friends here who “aren’t museum people,” and even they loved it.

What to see:

• The Thinker (garden)
• The Gates of Hell (massive bronze doors depicting Dante’s Inferno)
• The Kiss (inside the mansion)
• The rose garden (gorgeous in spring/summer)

Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Best for: Couples, people who want art without overwhelming crowds, spring/summer visits

My take: One of the most peaceful museum experiences in Paris.

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Seeing Notre-Dame reborn

Walking into Notre-Dame de Paris after the renovation is striking.

Everything feels brighter. Whiter. Almost new. The stone, cleaned and restored, reflects the light in a way I wasn’t used to seeing here.

It’s undeniably impressive , even if, I’ll admit, it feels like it lost a bit of its old patina and quiet mystery along the way.

As an architect, though, I found the reconstruction fascinating. The cathedral was rebuilt using the same techniques and craftsmanship as in the Middle Ages: traditional stonework, timber framing, historical know-how passed down and relearned. No shortcuts, no modern structural reinterpretation. That alone makes the visit worth it.

What’s interesting is the contrast inside. The building itself follows centuries-old methods, but the experience is very much contemporary. You can light a candle… and pay for it with your credit card,lol!

Good to know:

• The line can look long, but it moves quite fast
• Avoid visiting during la messe — visits stop immediately, wherever you are inside, and you’ll have to wait until it’s over
• Check service times in advance to plan around them

Time needed: about 45 minutes to 1 hour

My take:
Even if it feels different, seeing Notre-Dame restored like this is something rare.

Entrance is free but you can also visit with a guide to better understand the place.

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Visit the Palace of Versailles (But Choose Your Battle)

Versailles is enormous. The kind of place where you could easily spend an entire day trying to see both the palace and the sprawling gardens—and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

But most people don’t have an entire day.

I’ve visited Versailles multiple times now, and here’s what I’ve learned: you need to choose. Palace or gardens. Trying to cram both into one visit leaves you exhausted and rushed.

My strategy: Head straight to Marie Antoinette’s Estate

This is my absolute favorite part of Versailles. Instead of the crowded Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette’s estate feels intimate, peaceful, and almost like a secret.

You’ll find her Petit Trianon palace (a smaller, elegant retreat), charming English gardens with winding paths, and the famous Hameau de la Reine. This was her fantasy village where she played at being a shepherdess. It’s whimsical, romantic, and far less crowded.

If you visit in summer: Book the Musical Fountains Night Show

This is the only time they turn on all the fountains and light up the gardens exactly how they looked in Louis XIV’s era. Water dancing, classical music playing, lights glowing through the trees—absolutely magical.

Important: These evening tickets don’t include palace entry. Book that separately, and note that on Musical Fountains days, palace hours are often reduced.

Time needed: Half day for gardens OR palace
My tip: Start at Marie Antoinette’s Estate in the morning when it’s quietest

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Take a Day Trip to the Loire Valley (Castles & Wine Tasting)

The Loire Valley holds a special place in my heart—I actually got married there! So I might be biased, but I genuinely think it’s one of the most magical day trips you can take from Paris.

Picture this: rolling vineyards, fairytale châteaux rising from the mist, and some of the best wine in France—all just 1.5 to 2 hours from the city.

My strategy: Pick one or two castles, then add wine tasting

Don’t try to cram in five châteaux. You’ll spend more time in the car than actually enjoying anything. Instead, choose one or two that speak to you—maybe Château de Chambord for its dramatic Renaissance architecture, or Château de Chenonceau spanning the river like something from a storybook.

Then pair your castle visit with a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Loire wines (especially the whites like Sancerre and Vouvray) are crisp, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Many vineyards offer tours where you learn about the winemaking process before tasting right in the cellars.

Time needed: Full day
My tip: Book a guided tour that includes transport and castle entry. If your budget allows, add wine tasting

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Best Iconic Sights & Panoramic Views to see in paris

Take the famous photo at the Trocadéro Stairs (The Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spot)

For the best Eiffel Tower photos, everyone goes to Trocadéro.

But most people stop at the main esplanade, which is always mobbed with tourists, street vendors, and people doing TikTok dances.

The trick: Go down the stairs.

The stairs below the platform give you a perfectly framed view of the Eiffel Tower with way fewer people blocking your shot.

I’ve taken photos here many times, both alone and with friends, and it’s definitely the best angle.

When to go:

• Sunrise – Empty, beautiful light
• Late afternoon (5-6 PM) – Good light, manageable crowds
• Night, on the hour – For the sparkle

How to get there: Metro Line 6 or 9 to Trocadéro

My take: Yes, it’s touristy. But some touristy things are touristy for a reason.

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And of course… the Eiffel Tower itself (Still Magic, Even After so many Visits)

I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower more times than I can count, and it still stops me in my tracks.

Whether I’m having a picnic on the Champ de Mars, watching it sparkle from across the Seine, or catching a glimpse while crossing Pont Alexandre III, it never loses its magic.

You don’t need to climb it every time. Sometimes the best views are from below.

But if you do go up, time your visit for sunset. You’ll see Paris transition from day to night, lights flickering on across the city.

Or treat yourself to lunch at Madame Brasserie

If you want to enjoy the Tower and a real French meal, book a table at Madame Brasserie on the first floor. They offer a lovely three-course lunch with classic French dishes like seasonal vegetables, perfectly cooked fish, and elegant desserts.

What I love most? They actually cater to dietary needs. Full menus available without gluten, without lactose, vegetarian options—all without compromising on taste or presentation. It’s rare to find this level of care at such an iconic spot.

Lunch reservations include access to the first floor, so you get the view and the meal in one booking.

My opinion: The Eiffel Tower is on every Paris bucket list for a reason. Don’t skip it just because it’s popular.

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Get the best panoramic view in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe (Better Views Than the Eiffel Tower, Fight Me)

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe is a workout with 284 steps and no elevator, but it’s worth it.

From the top, Paris spreads out in a perfect star, with twelve avenues radiating from the Arc.

I always bring first-time visitors here instead of going up the Eiffel Tower because:

• Less crowded
• Cheaper
• You get views of the Eiffel Tower since you’re not on it, so you can actually see it.
• You see Sacré-Cœur, the Champs-Élysées, the entire Parisian skyline

Time needed: 1 hour

Best time: Late afternoon or sunset

My opinion: If you only climb one monument in Paris, choose this one.

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Visit the Panthéon (Where France Honors Its Greatest Minds)

The Panthéon is one of those buildings that impresses both inside and out.

For me is almost like a “hidden gem”, because it definitely wasn’t on my list the first time I visited Paris. My list was already so filled with other sights that I didn’t even consider this one. What a mistake!

This is also the burial place of the most important persons in French history. Anyone can be buried here, but it’s a great honor from the state. It’s a huge celebration called “the entry in the Panthéon”.

Inside:

• Foucault’s Pendulum, which demonstrates Earth’s rotation (and yes, it still swings)
• Tombs of French legends: Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Josephine Baker

Don’t miss the dome. If it’s open, the views from the top are as good as those from the Arc de Triomphe.

Why I love it: This is where France honors philosophers, scientists, writers, and revolutionaries. Walking through the crypt gives you a sense of French values in a way no textbook can.

Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

My take: Often overlooked by first-timers, which is a mistake.

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Visit Napoleon’s Tomb at Les Invalides and experience the light show (As Over-the-Top as You’d Expect)

Les Invalides is worth visiting for the golden dome alone.

But Napoleon’s tomb inside? It’s something else.

The sarcophagus is huge, made of red porphyry stone, draped in laurel wreaths, and set in a circular crypt beneath the dome. It’s very symbolic and, honestly, a bit over the top (very Napoleon).

I visited during a history walking tour and noticed how quiet everyone became. People whisper, the acoustics echo, and it feels important.

There is a new light show with projections, called Aura Invalides, taking place each night. It’s a different kind of experience to add to your plan.

Military history buffs: The Musée de l’Armée attached to Les Invalides is one of the best military museums in Europe. You could easily spend 2-3 hours here.

Time needed: 1.5-2 hours (tomb + museum)

My opinion: It’s worth visiting if you like history. If not, you can skip it.

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Best Things to See & Do in Paris : Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems

Get a sip in Le Marais (Where Medieval Paris Meets Cool)

Le Marais is a mix of medieval charm and modern Parisian style.

Cobblestone streets. Aristocratic mansions turned into boutiques. Jewish bakeries next to gay bars next to vintage shops next to trendy cafés.

It’s lively and charming, and it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods to wander without a plan.

Don’t miss:

• Place des Vosges – One of Paris’s oldest squares, with perfect symmetrical arcades
• L’As du Fallafel – Best falafel in Paris (expect a line, worth it)
• Vintage shopping – Tons of secondhand stores along Rue de la Verrerie
• Sunday vibes – The Marais is lively on Sundays when most of Paris is closed

My opinion: It’s a must-see for both first-timers and returning visitors. There’s always something new to discover, even after several visits.

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Feel like in a movie in Montmartre & Place du Tertre (Touristy But Still Charming)

Montmartre always feels like stepping into an old film.

Cobbled lanes wind uphill, ivy covers the buildings, and street artists paint portraits in Place du Tertre. There’s also that postcard view from Sacré-Cœur, with Paris spread out below and rooftops glowing in the afternoon sun.

My favourite place to take a photo is at the bottom of the stairs, on the right. I find that angle just perfect plus you can sit down on the concrete stairs for the picture.

But yes … it’s touristy. Place du Tertre is packed with portrait artists sketching caricatures and souvenir shops selling miniature Eiffel Towers.

But the charm is real.

I love watching the artists work. Some are truly talented, others are just there for tourists, but the whole scene feels romantic.

What to do:

• take a food tour! Montmartre is the best place in Paris to do that, and has many options (my favourite is the cheese and wine tour)
• Climb to Sacré-Cœur for the view
• Wander the backstreets (Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the prettiest streets in Paris)
• Grab a crêpe, sit on the steps
• Visit early morning to avoid the worst crowds

My opinion: It’s on every Paris bucket list for a reason. Just visit early or late to avoid the crowds.

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Slide down on Canal Saint-Martin (Where Parisians Go to Feel on Vacation)

For a quieter, more local side of Paris, head to Canal Saint-Martin.

Lined with leafy trees and iron footbridges, it’s where Parisians come for picnics, bike rides, and lazy Sunday afternoons.

I once took a boat cruise here that went underground, traveling beneath the city through old tunnels from the 1800s. It was one of my favorite hidden Paris experiences.

What to do:

• Bring wine, a baguette, cheese. Sit by the canal and people-watch.
• Walk or bike from République to Bassin de la Villette
• Take a boat cruise (a different experience than the one on the Seine)

Best for: Couples, people escaping tourist crowds, picnics

My take: This is where locals go when they want to feel like they’re on vacation without leaving the city.

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Visit Belleville (Real Paris, Street Art, Incredible Views)

Belleville is Paris’s multicultural heartbeat.

Here, locals outnumber tourists. You’ll hear Arabic, Chinese, and French on the same street, and artists’ studios sit next to small restaurants serving food that feels like home.

What to do:

• Walk through Parc de Belleville for views over Paris (better than Sacré-Cœur, in my opinion)
• Explore the street art (constantly changing, always impressive)
• Eat dumplings, couscous, pho—Belleville has it all

My take: Add this to your Paris list if you want to see what the city feels like beyond guidebooks and Instagram.

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Take The Covered Passages Route (19th-Century Shopping Arcades)

Shopping in Paris isn’t just Champs-Élysées boutiques.

The covered passages, or Passages Couverts, are 19th-century glass-roofed arcades lined with bookstores, antique shops, and cafés. This is where Parisians shopped before department stores existed.

My favorite: Passage Jouffroy, with vintage bookstores, quirky boutiques, and mosaic floors.

Others worth visiting:

• Galerie Vivienne (most elegant)
• Passage des Panoramas (oldest in Paris)
• Passage Verdeau (quieter, more antiques)

What I love about them: On a rainy day, they’re a cozy escape. With wrought-iron details, old shop signs, and the smell of old books, it feels like stepping back in time.

My opinion: This is a lesser-known Paris spot that locals actually use.

The best part of it all is that they are actually pretty close one to another. This means you can visit the covered passages in Paris one after another, in like an hour!

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Take a sit in Jardin des Tuileries (The Perfect Museum Pause)

This is the elegant garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.

It’s where I pause after visiting the Louvre, grab gelato from Amorino, sit on a green metal chair, and people-watch.

It’s also a great place to have a sandwich in front of the fountain, cheap and Parisian in the same time!  

What you’ll see:

• Formal French gardens (perfectly symmetrical)
• Sculptures throughout (Rodin, Maillol)
• Octagonal pond where kids sail toy boats
• Views of the Louvre on one end, Place de la Concorde on the other (although for me, this one is not that impressive)

My take: Not a hidden gem, everyone knows it. But it’s a peaceful pause between two iconic sights, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

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Enjoy sunset at Jardin du Luxembourg (My Favorite Paris Garden)

I love this garden in the morning when joggers share the gravel paths with parents pushing strollers.

Another great moment is at sunset during winter, when you might catch a pink sky.

What you’ll see:

• The Medici Fountain (romantic, tucked away)
• Old men playing pétanque (French lawn bowling)
• Rows of green chairs under chestnut trees
• Kids sailing wooden boats in the central pond
• Luxembourg Palace (now the French Senate)

My tip: Bring a book. Sit by the pond. Just be. It’s one of the simplest pleasures in Paris.

My opinion: This is a must-do. Every season has its charm, from cherry blossoms in spring to shade in summer and golden leaves in autumn.

Check out the closing times, as even though this is a public park, it closes at night (like most parks do in France).

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Best food experiences to have in Paris

Try a Raclette or Fondue Night (Peak French Comfort Food)

Cheesy, cozy, oh-so-French.

A raclette or fondue dinner is a winter must. Melted cheese, potatoes, charcuterie, and wine—what more could you want?

I always bring friends to Les Marmottes in the 15th. It’s a tiny spot where the vibe is rustic and portions are generous.

Note: It’s perfect for groups of four or fewer. Larger groups may have trouble, since French restaurants usually have limited space.

My take: Add this to your Paris bucket list for October-March. Ultimate comfort food.

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Take a Seine River Cruise with Lunch or Dinner

Yes, standard Seine sightseeing cruises exist.

But the real magic is taking a cruise with a meal.

At first I thought this is too touristy for me. But then, I’ve done both lunch and dinner cruises with different friends and changed my mind.

There’s something special about being able to see Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower while eating French food and sipping wine.

Best for:

• First-timers wanting romantic Paris vibes
• Special occasions (anniversaries, proposals)
• Seeing the city from a different angle

My honest opinion: Some cruises are tourist traps, but others are truly lovely.

Dine while Paris moves around you: the Bustronome

At first, this might sound a little gimmicky, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s special.

The Bustronome is a glass-roofed bus where you enjoy a bistronomic dinner as Paris passes by outside. What makes it unique is that all the food is cooked fresh on the lower floor of the bus. This is a real kitchen on wheels, not just reheated meals.

As you eat, you glide past landmarks you’d normally rush between: the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, illuminated bridges, quiet streets you wouldn’t notice otherwise. It’s a very gentle way to see the city, especially at night, without walking or worrying about logistics.

I like this experience for evenings when you want to see Paris but don’t feel like choosing between a good restaurant and sightseeing. Here, you don’t have to.

What to expect:

• A multi-course seasonal menu
• Dishes prepared live onboard
• Panoramic views through the glass roof
• A slow, well-paced route through Paris

Time needed: around 2 hours

My take:
This isn’t something you do every day in Paris, but it’s definitely memorable. It’s perfect for a special night, a first visit, or any time you want to enjoy the city without feeling rushed.

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Taste the Ladurée Macarons (Pretty But Expensive)

Ladurée’s pastel boxes and gilded salons are iconic.

But here’s what they don’t tell you: If you want to eat your macaron inside the salon, there’s a seating surcharge. I learned this awkwardly when I ordered two macarons and got charged €8 extra just to sit.

It’s still worth trying once for the experience, especially at the Champs-Élysées flagship, which feels like something out of Marie Antoinette’s dreams.

Their food isn’t that bad either, I just tried it this November (2025) and was surprised on how tasty the “tartare de beuf” was.

My take: Go for the Instagram moment, but if you want better macarons check out Pierre Hermé, the next stop in this guide !

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Try the best macaroons in Paris, the  Pierre Hermé Macarons (Better Than Ladurée, I Said It)

Pierre Hermé’s macarons are next-level.

Less sugary. More inventive flavors. Bold combinations like passion fruit-chocolate, rose-lychee, salted caramel.

They have locations all over Paris. I usually grab a box at the Saint-Sulpice boutique after walking through Jardin du Luxembourg.

My take: If Ladurée is the pretty popular girl, Pierre Hermé is the cool artist who’s actually more interesting.

Locations: Saint-Germain, Marais, near Place Vendôme

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Buy chocolate at Maison Georges Larnicol (Montmartre’s Chocolate Secret)

Tucked into Montmartre near Sacré-Cœur, Maison Georges Larnicol is my go-to for chocolate gifts.

But even if you’re not shopping, step inside to see the giant chocolate sculptures of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. They’re life-sized, incredibly detailed, and somehow haven’t melted.

They also sell macarons at a fraction of Ladurée’s price, and they’re delicious.

My opinion: This is a hidden gem I always show friends. Don’t miss it if you’re in Montmartre.

Location: Near Sacré-Cœur

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Best Things to See & Do in Paris: Rooftops, Viewpoints & City Views

See the view from Galeries Lafayette Rooftop (Free Views, But Crowded)

The rooftop of Galeries Lafayette offers sweeping views of the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and more.

But keep in mind, it gets very crowded, especially around Christmas when the store becomes a holiday wonderland.

My tip: Go at opening (10 AM) or on a weekday to avoid the mob.

Best part: It’s free, so it’s a budget-friendly stop for your Paris bucket list.

How to get there: Metro Lines 7 or 9 to Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette

My take: It’s worth visiting if you go at a quiet time, but skip it if you don’t like crowds.

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Best things to do in Paris as a local

Create Your Own Signature Perfume in Paris

I’ve visited the Molinard and Fragonard perfume factories on the French Riviera, where you learn about French perfumery history.

But if you really want a hands-on experience, book a perfume creation workshop in Paris.

This isn’t just sniffing bottles. You’ll start with the theory, learning how perfumes are built in layers (top, heart, base notes) and why certain combinations work.

Then an expert guides you through selecting from dozens of essences: florals, woods, spices, citrus.

The best part is that you actually create your own unique fragrance. By the end, you walk away with your custom perfume, a diploma, and an ID number so you can reorder it in the future.

My advice: Book the 1.5-hour workshop, not the 45-minute one. You need that extra time to really explore and blend something you’ll genuinely love wearing.

Time needed: 1.5 hours

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Visit Shakespeare and Company Bookstore (A Writer’s Haven Since the 1920s)

This English-language bookstore on the Left Bank is a Paris institution.

It’s been a haven for writers since the 1920s. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Joyce all spent time here, though it was at the original location before it closed and reopened.

What to do:

• Browse the cramped, charming stacks
• Sit in the reading room upstairs
• Buy a book stamped with the Shakespeare and Company logo

My opinion: It’s touristy and popular on Instagram and Pinterest. If you love books, you’ll enjoy it, but otherwise it’s just a library.

But this place deserves to pay attention to because of the building next to it! It homes a cute french restaurant called Le Petit Chatelet and the building itself looks like it cale out of a book about the 1600s.

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See the Sainte-Chapelle (The Most Beautiful Windows in Paris)

This 13th-century Gothic chapel is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, but most tourists skip it because it’s tucked away on Île de la Cité.

Why it’s special: The stained glass windows.

When sunlight shines through, the whole chapel glows with reds, blues, and golds. It’s stunning.

My tip: Go on a sunny day, if possible. The windows don’t have the same impact when it’s cloudy.

Time needed: 30-45 minutes

My take: If you only see one Gothic church in Paris (besides Notre-Dame), make it this one.

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Stroll in Père Lachaise Cemetery (More Peaceful Than It Sounds)

Yes, a cemetery is on my Paris bucket list.

Père Lachaise is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, and dozens of other famous figures.

But even if you’re not hunting graves, the cemetery itself is beautiful. It has tree-lined paths, ornate tombstones and ivy-covered mausoleums.

My take: It feels like a peaceful park that happens to be full of history. Go in autumn when the leaves are golden. Makes a great Halloween visit in Paris !

How to get there: Metro Line 2 or 3 to Père Lachaise

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Take a Picnic on the Champ de Mars (Peak Paris Moment)

One of my favorite Paris experiences is also one of the simplest: a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. Only open during summers (in winter they close it with barriers).

How to do it:

1. Stop at a supermarket (Franprix, Carrefour) or bakery
2. Grab bread, cheese, charcuterie, wine, fruit
3. Head to Champ de Mars (the big lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower)
4. Sit on the grass and enjoy

Best time: Late afternoon. Stay until sunset and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.

My take: This is peak Paris. Free, beautiful and unforgettable.

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Visit Musée de Montmartre (Quieter Than Sacré-Cœur)

This small museum in Montmartre shows the neighborhood’s artistic history. Renoir lived here, and the gardens where he painted are still there.

What I love about it: It’s quiet and intimate, a nice contrast to the busy Place du Tertre.

What you’ll see:

• Renoir’s studio and the gardens he painted
• Posters by Toulouse-Lautrec
• Exhibits on Montmartre’s bohemian past

Time needed: 1 hour

My opinion: It’s perfect if you want Montmartre’s culture without the crowds at Sacré-Cœur.

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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR PARIS TRIP

How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?

Minimum: 3-4 days to hit highlights without killing yourself

Ideal: 5-7 days to see the major sights and have time to relax.

Perfect: 10 or more days to explore in depth and take day trips.

My opinion: You can’t see all of Paris in one trip. Come back as often as you can.

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Best Time to Visit Paris

Spring (April–June)
– Best weather: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
– Gardens in bloom
– Longer days
– Moderate crowds

Summer (July–August)
– Warm to hot: 25–30°C+ (77–86°F+)
– Very crowded (but not everywhere)
– Many locals leave in August so that makes it less crowded in the metros and it feels less rushed

Autumn (September–October)
– Softer light (my favourite season for photos)
– Fewer tourists
– Perfect café weather
– Temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F)

Winter (November–February)
– Cold: 5–10°C (41–50°F)
– Christmas lights and markets
– Smallest crowds
– Some outdoor visits less appealing

My choice: spring or autumn.
The best balance between weather, light, and crowds.

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Getting Around Paris

Metro:

• Fastest way
• Buy a Navigo Easy card or use contactless payment on the app
• Download RATP app for routes

Walking:

• Paris is surprisingly walkable
• Many neighborhoods best explored on foot

Bike:

• Vélib’ bike-share is great
• Parisians drive aggressively—be careful

My take: I mostly walk or use the metro. Taxis are expensive and often get stuck in traffic. When my feet don’t bare it anymore, I use Uber or Bolt, but never from the Airports! I only use official taxis from there.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Only seeing Eiffel Tower and Louvre – Paris has so much more
2. Not booking museum tickets in advance – You’ll waste hours in line
3. Eating at restaurants with photo menus – Tourist traps
4. Trying to see too much in one day – Burnout
5. Skipping neighborhoods like Belleville – That’s where real Paris is

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FAQs

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