Ten Ideas For Your Trip to Paris
Paris is a magical city that many people dream about visiting. With a city so full of culture and notable attractions, it can be hard to narrow down what you should visit on your trip. But we’re here to help! Take a look at our list below to get some ideas for your vacation to the city of lights. Bon voyage!
Stroll the Seine River, or even take a cruise!
You can spend a lovely morning or afternoon strolling the river and seeing lots of sights along the way, especially if you start at Notre Dame and walk towards the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre is a short pit stop along the way. Tip: Stay on the Louvre side of the river during your walk so the Eiffel Tower is always in view. On the other side, the Tower disappears behind buildings as you get closer.
Our recommendation is to do a lovely sunrise stroll along the river before the crowds are out. If you’re strolling during the day, leave the crowded sidewalks on street level and take a staircase down to the bank of the Seine, where you will find a more peaceful way to enjoy the river. Up on street level, you can shop for used books and antique photographs at the bouquiniste stalls.
Grab a sandwich to-go and have yourself a little picnic down by the Seine. Some great location ideas: sit across from the Musée D’Orsay art museum where you can see the Eiffel Tower off in the distance, or go down the stairs on the Pont Neuf to the Square du Vert-Galant and sit under a willow tree.
There are many companies that offer river cruises along the Seine. This is a great way to see some sights and get your bearings. We love the Vedettes near Pont Neuf. In nice weather, you will see dancers of all styles along the quays of the river. After your cruise, join them on the Quai Saint-Bernard!
Lastly, there are so many beautiful bridges to explore along the river. Near the Grand Palais is the most beautiful bridge in Paris - the Pont Alexandre III, which is great for photo ops. Nearby is the Rosa Bonheur, a fun bar on a boat!
As you can see, the magical possibilities along the Seine are endless!
2. Say bonjour to the Eiffel Tower
If you’ve been dreaming of going up the Eiffel Tower, you can book tickets online in advance (up to the second floor) or get in line early before the tower opens to buy a ticket all the way to the top if you want to avoid standing in line 2-3 hours. Climbing up/down the legs of the Tower offers a unique viewpoint of the city.
If going on the Tower isn’t of interest to you, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a view of Paris with the Tower in your landscape. The Trocadéro Square is a popular place to view the Tower. Be warned, there WILL be lots of people there, especially at night. Rue de Monttessuy offers a photographic view of the Tower from a side street. If you want a higher viewpoint, you can pay to climb a tower of Sacre Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Montparnasse skyscraper.
3. Wander the streets of Montmartre
A bit further away from city centre, Montmartre is the neighborhood of Parisian dreams with winding, cobblestoned streets and an amazing view of the entire city. You could easily spend an afternoon meandering through the streets of the art district, becoming a true Parisian flaneur/flaneuse. If you want to treat yourself, have your portrait drawn in the artist square, Place du Tertre. When checking out the city’s highest point at the Sacre Cœur basilica, watch out for pickpockets on the steps leading up to the basilica!
4. Hit up an art museum (or two!)
There are countless art museums to choose from in Paris. The Louvre is the most famous, but also the most crowded. Be warned that the Mona Lisa is a lot smaller than you think and you will have to fight through a large crowd to get a good view. If you have limited time in Paris, hit the main highlights and move on with your day, or just visit the museum from the outside to see the iconic glass pyramids and nearby Tuileries garden.
If you want a less-crowded museum experience and/or impressionist art is your favorite style, the Orsay museum is a gem. Located in an old train station, it houses many works by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, etc.
Other suggestions: Centre Pompidou, Picasso, and Rodin museums.
If art isn’t your preferred cultural activity, there are many historical museums around the city, as well. Just because everyone talks about the Louvre does not mean that your trip is not complete if you opt to spend your time elsewhere. Always make your own bucket list and itinerary to suit your individual interests!
5. Soak up some sunshine in a garden
There is a surprising number of green spaces around the city. The best gardens to visit that are central to the action are the Tuileries next to the Louvre (pictured above) or the Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement. If you have a little one, you can rent a mini sailboat to race in the small pond. Challenge: See if you can find the mini Statue of Liberty hiding somewhere in the park.
6. Grab a drink and breathtaking views at a rooftop bar
There are several rooftop bars in Paris that are sure to delight. The one we would recommend to any first-time visitor is the 10ème Ciel bar on the 10th floor of the Pullman Hotel. Drink prices are steep at €20 a drink, but you’re paying for the experience and the view.
7. Marvel at the architecture of old churches
Most churches are free and open to the public. Feel free to pop your head into any and all churches you pass as you explore the city. You’ll see amazing stained glass windows and architecture spanning many styles over the centuries. You do not have to be religious to enjoy the beauty of old French churches. The most beautiful one (in our opinion) is called Sainte-Chapelle. It does cost money to get into, but is worth it for the many tall stained glass windows.
8. Get below ground in the Catacombs
While perhaps not for everyone, the Catacombs are a novel and unique experience to do on your Paris trip. Pay extra for an audio guide or read up on the history before your visit to make it even more fascinating.
9. See a ballet at the remarkable Palais Garnier
We were able to book tickets in advance to a ballet for only €30 a piece and had pretty awesome seats off to the side in a velvet-lined booth. This was an amazing deal to see both a ballet and the inside of the Garnier building, which costs money to get inside and take a look. It’s sure to be a very fun and classic evening you’ll never forget!
10. Chill at the canal
The Canal Saint-Martin is not usually an area that many tourists get to on their first trip to Paris, but it is a trendy area with many great coffee shops and bakeries in the area. It has a more relaxed, hipster vibe if you are looking for something a bit different or this is your second trip to the city. Grab a croissant or éclair from one of the endless bakeries in the area and sit by the canal for a bit. It is guaranteed to be free from swarms of tourists.
