Planning a first trip or a polished return to Paris? This guide gives you a clear, conversion-ready route from research to booking. You will find curated attractions, smart neighborhood choices, tables for quick comparison, and practical tips to make every hour count. The goal is to help you decide faster and enjoy more of Paris with less friction.
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Why Paris is an easy win?
Paris blends history, art, food, fashion, and riverfront walks into one compact city. Many world-class museums are clustered along the Seine. Parks are perfect for picnics. Neighborhoods feel distinct, from the grand boulevards of the 1st and 8th to the hilltop lanes of Montmartre and the creative corners of the 11th. If your question is “what should I visit first?”, Paris answers with icons and intimate moments on the same block.
Quick picks by trip style
- First timers: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame area, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe with Champs-Élysées, Montmartre at sunset.
- Art and culture lovers: Orsay, Orangerie, Pompidou, Rodin, Musée Picasso, Bourse de Commerce.
- Food and markets: Marché des Enfants Rouges, Rue Cler, Marché d’Aligre, covered passages near Grands Boulevards.
- Romantic moments: Seine cruise at dusk, Pont Neuf views, Luxembourg Gardens, hidden squares of Le Marais.
- Family friendly: Jardin d’Acclimatation, Jardin des Plantes, boat rides, science museum in Parc de la Villette.
- Day trips: Versailles, Giverny, Reims for Champagne, Fontainebleau for chateau and forest.
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Neighborhoods at a glance
1st and 2nd arrondissements (Louvre and Palais Royal)
Walk to the Louvre, Tuileries, and elegant arcades. Central and efficient for short stays.
Le Marais (3rd and 4th)
Boutiques, Jewish heritage, museums in mansions, and café streets. Great balance of nightlife and culture.
Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain (5th and 6th)
Universities, booksellers, and classic cafés. Close to Luxembourg Gardens and the Seine.
Eiffel Tower and Invalides (7th)
Calm, residential feel with postcard views and easy access to the river.
Opéra and Grands Boulevards (8th and 9th)
Department stores, covered passages, and easy transit. Efficient for shoppers.
Montmartre (18th)
Village vibe on a hill. Sacré-Cœur panoramas and cobblestone lanes.
Bastille and 11th
Creative restaurants, natural wine bars, and local energy. Good for food-forward nights.
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Top 20 things to do in Paris
Use this list to build your plan, then check the tables for time and ticket needs.
- Eiffel Tower
Book a timed summit. Sunset brings glowing city views that answer the question “why Paris?” in one glance. - Louvre Museum
Yes, see the Mona Lisa, then follow a curated highlights route to save time. - Musée d’Orsay
Impressionism and a grand former railway hall. The clock windows frame the Seine. - Sainte-Chapelle
Stained glass that floods the chapel with color. Morning light is magical. - Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame area
Walk the island, then loop the riverbanks for bookstalls and bridges. - Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
Climb for a rooftop view that lines up with La Défense and the Louvre. - Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Sunset on the steps, quiet lanes behind the basilica, and artists’ squares. - Le Marais museums
Picasso, Carnavalet, and hidden courtyards. Break for falafel or pâtisserie. - Rodin Museum and gardens
Sculpture in a serene setting. “The Thinker” sits under open skies. - Luxembourg Gardens
Model sailboats, tree-lined promenades, and picnic lawns. - Père Lachaise Cemetery
Peaceful paths and artful tombs. A contemplative hour. - Palais Garnier
The grand opera house. Guided visits show gilded foyers and Marc Chagall’s ceiling. - Orangerie
Monet’s Water Lilies in oval rooms designed for immersion. - Pompidou Centre
Modern art and a roof view toward Montmartre. - Covered passages
Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne for old-world shopping. - Seine cruise
An hour on the water ties landmarks together. Dusk departures feel cinematic. - Tuileries to Place de la Concorde
A classic stroll between the Louvre and the obelisk. - Canal Saint-Martin
Footbridges, bakeries, and relaxed afternoons. - Rue Cler or Marché d’Aligre
Assemble a picnic and eat in a nearby park. - Versailles day trip
Hall of Mirrors and formal gardens. Start early to beat crowds.
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Comparison table: attractions at a glance
| Attraction | Best for | Time needed | Ticketed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | Views, first timers | 1.5 to 2 hours | Yes, timed |
| Louvre | World art | 2 to 3 hours | Yes, timed |
| Musée d’Orsay | Impressionism | 2 hours | Yes |
| Sainte-Chapelle | Architecture, light | 45 to 60 minutes | Yes, timed |
| Arc de Triomphe | Rooftop panorama | 60 to 90 minutes | Yes |
| Montmartre | Sunset, village vibe | 2 hours | Free |
| Luxembourg Gardens | Picnics, families | 1 to 2 hours | Free |
| Rodin Museum | Art and gardens | 1 to 1.5 hours | Yes |
| Seine cruise | Overview, photos | 1 hour | Yes |
| Versailles | Palaces, gardens | Half to full day | Yes |
Sample itineraries
Classic first timer, two days
Day 1: Louvre, Tuileries stroll, Sainte-Chapelle, sunset cruise.
Day 2: Eiffel Tower morning, Arc de Triomphe view, Champs-Élysées, Orsay, Montmartre at golden hour.
Art and cafés, two days
Day 1: Orsay, Orangerie, picnic in the gardens, Saint-Germain bookshops.
Day 2: Pompidou, Marais museums, covered passages, evening along Canal Saint-Martin.
Family focus, two days
Day 1: Natural History Gallery at Jardin des Plantes, picnic, boat ride.
Day 2: Luxembourg Gardens play areas, Rodin gardens, ice cream in Île Saint-Louis.
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Where to stay in Paris?
Picking the right base reduces transfers and adds atmosphere to your nights in Paris.
Table: hotel areas by traveler type
| Area | Why choose it | Who it fits | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd (Louvre) | Walk to icons | First timers | Multiple Metro lines |
| Le Marais (3rd & 4th) | Boutiques and museums | Couples, shoppers | Lines 1, 8, 11 |
| Latin Quarter & 6th | Classic cafés, parks | Readers, flâneurs | Lines 4, 10, RER B |
| 7th (Eiffel/Invalides) | Calm streets, landmarks | Quiet base seekers | Lines 8, 13, RER C |
| Opéra & 9th | Shopping, passages | Value and convenience | Lines 3, 7, 9 |
| Montmartre (18th) | Hilltop views | Photographers, romantics | Line 2, 12 |
| 11th & Bastille | Dining and bars | Food lovers | Lines 5, 8, 9 |
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Getting around
- Buy a Navigo Easy card or tap with contactless. Caps keep daily costs in check.
- RER connects Paris to airports and Versailles. Metro is frequent and walk distances are short between central sights.
- Walking remains the best way to feel neighborhoods. River paths link many icons with photo stops along the way.
- Taxis and ride-hailing complement late nights or early airport runs.
Food and drinks
Follow a simple rhythm. Morning croissant and coffee. Market lunch or a picnic. Late afternoon pastries. Dinner in a bistro or a modern neo-bistro. If you wonder where to begin, try the Marais for falafel and pâtisserie, Saint-Germain for classic cafés, and the 11th for creative kitchens. Book one special meal, then let curiosity guide the rest.
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Money and time savers
- Timed entries for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle reduce waiting.
- Major museums are closed on certain days. Check schedules when you build your plan.
- Combine free parks and river walks with one ticketed highlight per half day.
- For day trips, buy round-trip train tickets early for better prices.
Three essential photo spots
- Trocadéro at sunrise for an unobstructed Eiffel Tower frame.
- Pont des Arts at dusk for soft light on the river and Île de la Cité.
- The dome of Galeries Lafayette for a free rooftop view of Paris.
Season by season in 2025
- Spring: blossom in Luxembourg and cherry trees near the Eiffel Tower. Lighter crowds and mild temperatures.
- Summer: long evenings, picnics on the river quays, open-air cinema.
- Autumn: golden leaves in parks, new exhibitions, truffle menus.
- Winter: lights on the grands magasins, cozy bistros, and museum days.
Practical checklist
- Reserve at least one dinner and any don’t-miss attractions.
- Pack a compact umbrella and a scarf even in summer for breezy nights.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Cobblestones and museum floors add up.
- Keep a flexible slot each day. Serendipity is part of Paris.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Paris?
Three full days cover icons and two neighborhoods. Five days allow deeper museum time and a day trip.
Do I need to book everything in advance?
Book timed entries for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle. Many museums allow same-day visits, yet popular hours sell out. Why risk lines?
Which area is best for first timers?
Louvre area or Saint-Germain. You will walk to the Seine, parks, and major sights without long transfers.
Is the Metro easy to use?
Yes. Signs are clear and trains are frequent. Will you ride at rush hour? If yes, plan a few extra minutes.
What about free things to do?
Parks, churches, river walks, covered passages, and window shopping deliver classic Paris vibes without tickets.
Where do I get the best Eiffel Tower view?
Trocadéro is the classic. Arc de Triomphe and Montparnasse Tower add alternative angles if you like rooftops.
Can I see the Louvre and Orsay on the same day?
You can, but energy matters. Consider a highlights route in the Louvre and a focused section in Orsay. Will you enjoy both if you rush?
What should I book first?
Flights, a central hotel, and one or two timed entries. Then build your days around those anchors.
You now have a clear, action-oriented plan for Paris that balances icons with local moments. Save this guide, choose your neighborhood, and secure your key tickets. When you are ready to compare prices and lock in your dates, find curated options and smart bundles on Special Travel Offers.
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