Top 10 Things to See and Do Your First Time in Paris
Here is a top 10 list of things you need to do and see for your first time in Paris!
Ahhhh…Paris! I’ve only been three times but I wish I could visit every year. Even though I haven’t been to Paris too many times, I have been obsessing about it since I was a teenager. There are so many cliches associated with this ancient city but I promise you will not be disappointed in going and your mouth will drop at the gorgeous sights. As a first time visitor, you want to know what places should you go on your first trip there.
This list will help you narrow down what you should see and give you ideas about what to see on your next trip (because I know you’re going to want to go back!).
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Paris
1.Eiffel Tower
Parisians don’t really care about this monument but you do! It can be seen from everywhere in the city so I suggest you get it out of your system right away. It’s totally worth it. And if you want to get your exercise, you can skip the elevator and walk up one of the staircase to the top. I’ve done it and it’s a great workout!
2. Musee d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay – the most gorgeous impressionist museum that was once an old train station. If you only see one museum and you want to see all of it, I would recommend this one. It’s my absolute favorite. I highly recommend buying the Museum Pass. You pay once for the pass and it includes entrances to most of the museums and monuments. The first time I went I purchased it ahead of time and the second time I went I just purchased it at the counter at d’Orsay. You can skip the regular line up to purchase the pass then and use it immediately.
Also, make sure to have a meal in the restaurant! It’s gorgeous and was absolutely delicious!
3. Find a Love Lock Bridge
Find yourself a love lock bridge and put your love lock on it! There are plenty of sellers selling you an expensive lock around the Tuileries and Eiffel Tower. They keep removing the locks as they weigh down the bridges but at the time we were there, they had them on the bridge across from Museum d’Orsay.
4. Arc de Triomphe /Champs Elysees
This monument at the end of the Champs Elysees is breathtaking. Take the underground passenger tunnel so you avoid getting killed through this hairy roundabout and walk the stairs to the top for the most gorgeous views of the city. Take a photo before heading in the tunnel to make it look like you’re standing in the street.
I recommend starting on one side of the street, walking all the way up to the Arc de Triomphe then walking down the other side of the Champs Elysees. You’ll see all the beautiful stores and restaurants. Many stores are high end but many are not so there is a lot of shopping down this street. Just in keep in mind they are more of your typical stores not cute boutique stores. It’s still worth the walk in my opinion.
And this is the cutest Laduree store/restaurant with an adorable outdoor patio area.
5. Do A Hop On/ Hop Off Bus Tour
At this point I should mention the Hop On/Hop Off Bus tour that I highly recommend. Now I usually shy away from bus tours for simply not wanting to look like a tourist and because I don’t want to be stuck without the freedom of wanting to go where I want to go but these buses are amazing! I can’t remember the name of the one we took but they had lime green buses. You get headphones to listen to and you can plug in as soon as you’re on (in your preferred language) and can hear about all the details of the buildings you’re passing by. There are many of these similar bus tours and I believe they are all very similar. Just check the maps before you purchase them to see if they go to the places where you want to go to. You can purchase right at the bus stop.
We walked a lot in Paris (so bring good shoes!) but we would hop on this bus every morning and just get off at the next location we wanted to visit. On our final day, we were so tired from walking and wanted to see the rest of the city so we just rode the entire bus line to check out all the different parts of the city. For instance, I didn’t really have an interest in stopping to see Moulin Rouge (I heard it’s something you can definitely pass on) but taking a photo of it from on top of the bus was great (if only I planned my shot better)!
It was a fantastic way of seeing places that you might not have time to stop at.
And to take a break from all the walking!
Also, it was super fun to see how these buses making it through the alcove that runs right through the Louvre.
Isn’t that crazy? This is just a regular street!
6. Le Louvre
The Louvre is largest museum in the world and it will feel like that the moment you enter. As it was the royal palace from past rulers, the sheer size of it is enormous. It’s similar to Disneyland in that you won’t be able to complete it in one day, you need at least two days. I have spent nine hours at the Louvre before and I don’t recommend it! The pieces of art and sculptures from all over the world is mind blowing.
Plan what you want to see ahead of time and map it. Make sure to see the Mona Lisa first as it’s always the busiest.
For me, I couldn’t wait to see Napoleon’s apartment this time and it’s set up exactly the way he left it.
7. The Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden are the grounds outside the Louvre which is very pretty to walk through. At the end of the gardens, they have a large ferris wheel similar to the London Eye where you can take in more breathtaking views of the city.
8. Les Invalides / Napoleon’s Tomb / Napoleon’s Army Museum
I’ve visited this museum twice now and I’m surprised at how much I love it. I’m not a real ‘war’ aficionado but just seeing all the artifacts from the French Revolution is pretty cool. It’s also pretty cool to see how huge Napoleon’s tomb is.
9. Notre Dame Cathedral
I’m so glad I got to visit Notre Dame since the recent news of the fire. But I have not climbed the top of it! The cathedral is a sight to behold and it’s a definite must see.
10. Pont (Bridge) de Alexandre III
I walked a lot in Paris (did I say that already? we walked a LOT!) and this bridge was down from where we were staying near Les Invalides. It’s the most gorgeous bridge and is definitely worth a visit.
Extra – Take Time to Soak It All In
Now if you have more time, I would definitely visit Versailles. I still have NOT see it but it takes an entire day so if you’re short on time, it’s definitely hard to get to.
Not that this compares but I wanted to add this one in as it helps you to slow down on your trip. There are so many sights to in Paris that it can become all so overwhelming. So make sure that whatever you do, find a spot somewhere and grab a bottle of amazing grocery store wine (trust me, it will be amazing), a baguette and some cheese. Take it to a park, find some steps by the Seine or take it to grounds at the Eiffel tower at night and watch the spectacular light show (it happens every night at sunset until about 1 or 2 am every hour on the hour). We had the best time and it made us slow down and appreciate where we were and how awesome the sights are.
I hope you enjoyed this list of top 10 things of what to see and do in Paris for your first time! I’m going to do another post soon about what things I wished I’d seen and I’m definitely seeing it on my next trip.
Make sure to pin it for later!
Click in Case You Missed:
Paris Highlights Including Notre Dame
Brocante Shopping in Eymet, France
THANKS so much for posting this. So many good ideas here! I’m still sad about the cathedral, but I know I’ll find so many other things to do. I leave for my very first visit to Paris in a few days!
Judy, I can’t wait to hear about your trip! I hope you’re having a wonderful time there right now!
Hugs, Jamie
Thanks so much Jamie! We leave for Paris in 5 days and these recommendations are great!
That’s amazing, Sharon! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Hugs, Jamie
Thanks for sharing your top 10 spots…want to get there someday!!! 🙂
Thanks Sue! Definitely put it on your bucket list.
Hugs, Jamie
I and my husband went for our first time March 22 of this year. We visited several of the same places that you did. It was so breathtaking with all the old architecture and so different from any other place in the world. We couldn’t believe that we were actually in Paris. I would love to go back, because you could be there for a year and never see all the beautiful sights. We enjoyed all that we did. Thanks for sharing your pictures. They are so much better than the ones that we took. You made it come to life again for me. Blessings!
Isn’t it amazing, Deborah!? I know, you could live there for a year and not see everything. Every corner is simply amazing. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip!!
Hugs, Jamie
I loved reading this post. Paris is on my bucket list. In fact, my husband and I are hoping to make it a reality within the year. Now we have some great guidelines for seeing the city. Thanks so much!
Thanks Christine! You and your husband will love it! It’s such an amazing city to visit.
Hugs, Jamie
Want to visit so, bad someday!! Any good recommendation on best options on booking vacation to Paris?
Thank you!
I just check boutique hotels online. They are a TON of them within walking distance to places like the Eiffel Tower. I’m going to be doing a post soon on where we stayed 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you Jamie, your photos are sooo much better than ours, nor did we see Notre Dame since we were so overwhelmed with the sights and sounds in Paris already! Next time….for sure. Also….long story but we got lost looking for some Brocante shops just outside of town. We must go back since I really want to bring home some small treasures! We loved our trip to France as we rented a car and travelled for 5 weeks staying at small hotels and quaint and fantastical B & Bs ….best trip ever, the French people are so helpful and kind……and the food, the wine and the ambiance are beyond compare. My fondest wish is to stay in a small town in Provence for a few months or more next time!
You are so brave to rent a car there, Jacquie! Maybe we’ll do that next time. I’ve been to Nice and Cannes and want to explore so many other coastal towns. So much to see!
Hugs, Jamie
I am sad that you suggest putting a lock on one of the bridges. Go and see it if you want, although this is a fairly new phenomenon, but it is not a good thing for the bridges. It actually cost a lot to dismantle those locks when the weight become too much. They are a nuisance! Doon’t encourage it!
Thanks for sharing this, Anne!
Hugs, Jamie
Thanks for this super helpful list! When we were in our twenties, my friend and I promised ourselves that we’d visit Paris together when we were old ladies. Well, here we are in our sixties, and next year we’re going to Paris! I’ve never been (she has), so your recommendations are perfect! Merci beaucoup!
I love this Karen!! Please tell me how your trip was when you’re back!!
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you so much for sharing this post. Paris is on my bucket list. In fact, my husband I are hoping to either go to Paris or Rome before the end of the year! Thank you for the guided tour!
Yes! I will say Italy is pretty spectacular too but I would take Paris over Rome any day 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you for the list, Jaime! My husband and two college age sons are going in July. Already have our tickets for Versailles! Appreciate the tip about the hop on hop off bus. Merci !
Oh Colleen! This is amazing! And I’m so glad you already bought tickets to Versailles! I’m definitely doing that next time 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Thank you so much for the tour of Paris, Jamie! I missed my first opportunity when I was 19 and an exchange student to Germany. My exchange partner’s sister was going one weekend but I didn’t want to feel like a traitor leaving my friend at home, so… I didn’t go. I should have gone as the sister and I got along better anyway. 😉
Great photos and the Louvre would be wonderful. Versailles will be on my first trip, I hope! Have you seen A Little Chaos with actress Kate Winslet? It’s from 2014 I think but it’s about creating one of the gardens at Versailles. I just wrote a post sharing it (see my featured post on sidebar).
Happy Mother’s Day,
Barb 🙂
I don’t think I have seen that movie, Barbara! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Jamie