First-Timer’s Guide to Paris: Top Things to See and Do
Paris is one of my favorite European cities. Ok, it IS my favorite European City. What’s not to love? Gorgeous architecture, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Van Gogh. I could go on and on.
My favorite neighborhood in Paris - Montmartre
I have visited Paris almost every year since 2016, and every time we visit, I learn something new. We usually spend about three days in Paris before venturing outside the city for a few days to explore somewhere new. On every trip, we also try to add something we’ve never seen or done before.
This first-timer’s guide to Paris includes my favorite things to see and do, along with practical Paris travel tips I’ve learned during our many visits. It’s designed for anyone planning their first trip to Paris with about three days to explore but repeat visitors may find a few new places to add to their Paris itinerary too.
I also highly recommend pairing your Paris trip with a side trip outside the city. Paris is well connected by train, making it easy to reach places like Normandy, London, or Brussels in just a couple of hours.
HOW TO GET FROM CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT TO PARIS
If you’re flying to Paris from the U.S., you’ll most likely arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located northeast of the city. Depending on traffic and which transportation option you choose, it generally takes about 35–60 minutes to get from CDG to central Paris.
Once you arrive, you have several options for getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport to your Paris hotel.
RER B Train: This is one of the least expensive ways to get from CDG to Paris and avoids sitting in traffic. The train station is located in Terminal 2. Just follow the signs after you exit customs. We felt like we walked three miles to get there! Pay close attention because you’ll need to take a set of escalators to the lower level to find the platforms. There are usually staff members available to help.
If you arrive at another terminal, you can take the free CDGVAL airport shuttle to connect to Terminal 2. The RER B takes approximately 35–50 minutes and stops at several major stations in Paris, including Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles.
As of 2026, the Paris Region Airport Ticket costs €14 for adults and €7 for children eligible for the reduced fare. You can purchase it at the station, load it onto a Navigo Easy pass or buy it through the Île-de-France Mobilités app.
Taxi: This has become one of our preferred ways to get from CDG to our hotel, especially since they now charge a fixed rate between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris:
€56 to destinations on the Right Bank
€65 to destinations on the Left Bank
Make sure you follow signs to the official taxi line and don’t accept a ride from anyone approaching you inside the terminal. I also recommend confirming the flat rate before getting into the taxi.
Uber or Bolt: Uber and Bolt both operate in Paris, and we’ve found that Bolt often has better pricing. Set up the apps before your trip so you can compare the price with the official taxi rate when you arrive. Keep in mind that finding the rideshare pickup area at CDG can sometimes be more complicated than simply getting into the official taxi line.
Bus: The old RoissyBus service between CDG and the Opéra area was discontinued in 2026. There are still public bus options, but they take longer and aren’t always the easiest choice when you’re arriving with luggage. For most first-time visitors, I recommend comparing the RER B train, an official taxi and a rideshare.
If you’re arriving in Paris by train from another European city, your options are pretty similar. You can get in the official taxi line, call an Uber or Bolt, or take the Metro to your hotel.
TOP THINGS TO DO in paris
Paris is a huge city with so many world-class monuments, museums and neighborhoods that it would take several trips to see it all. If this is your first time in Paris and you only have three days, don’t try to squeeze everything into one trip. Choose your must-see attractions and organize your sightseeing by neighborhood so you don’t waste time backtracking across the city.
I can’t recommend purchasing the Rick Steves Paris guidebook enough. Yes, my guide is recommending his guide. It’s that good and inexpensive. I have even checked it out from the library for free before. His guides organize sightseeing days by neighborhood, his self-guided walking tours are easy to follow and informative, and his museum highlight tours are the absolute best. We never go to Europe without his guides.
must visit Museums in paris
Paris is home to some of the best art museums in the world. If you plan to visit several museums and monuments, look into purchasing the Paris Museum Pass. It includes admission to more than 50 museums and monuments and is available for 2, 4 or 6 days.
Before purchasing the pass, make a list of the attractions you actually plan to visit and compare the individual ticket prices. You’ll also want to reserve timed-entry tickets for popular attractions in advance, even when admission is covered by the Museum Pass. Pay close attention to the days each museum is closed. We made that mistake on our first trip and arrived to find the museum we wanted to visit was closed. We had to rearrange all our plans.
There are far too many museums and sights to see during one trip. These are the museums I think you should prioritize on your first visit to Paris:
The Louvre Museum — Closed on Tuesdays. You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything. Our must-sees include Winged Victory, the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s Apartments. Reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance, even if you have the Paris Museum Pass. The Pyramid is the main entrance, but ticketed visitors may also be able to use the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions entrances. After visiting the Louvre, walk through the Tuileries Garden, ride the carousel and continue toward Place de la Concorde or visit the nearby Musée de l’Orangerie.
Musée d’Orsay — Closed on Mondays. This is our favorite museum in Paris, and we visit almost every time. I recommend grabbing a museum map when you enter and asking a staff member to circle the exhibits you most want to see, since artwork and exhibits can move. Don’t miss the photo opportunity at the huge clock upstairs, where you can see Sacré-Cœur in the distance
Rodin’s The Thinker
MORE PARIS MUSEUMS TO VISIT IF YOU HAVE TIME
Musée de l'Orangerie - Don’t miss Monet’s Water Lilies
Rodin Museum - Don’t miss Rodin’s The Thinker
Army Museum - Don’t miss Napoleon’s Tomb
VISITING NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Notre Dame reopened to visitors following years of restoration after the 2019 fire. Seeing the cathedral is a must on your first trip to Paris. It’s an amazing feeling to stand in front of a landmark that has watched over the city for more than 850 years and now you can go inside again.
Admission to Notre-Dame Cathedral is free. You can wait in the general admission line or reserve a free entry time in advance through the cathedral’s official website. I recommend making a reservation if one is available, especially during busy travel seasons. We just visited Paris in July 2026, and both lines were extremely long but looked like they moved fast.
After visiting the cathedral, walk around the outside to see it from different angles. We love walking along the Seine toward the back of Notre-Dame for a closer look at the cathedral’s famous flying buttresses.
MORE THINGS TO DO NEAR NOTRE-DAME
These are some of our favorite places within walking distance of Notre-Dame Cathedral:
Shakespeare and Company: This famous English-language bookstore is directly across the Seine from Notre-Dame. There is usually a line, but it’s worth popping inside for a look.
Odette Paris: This may be the cutest little bakery in Paris. It’s tucked along a small street near Shakespeare and Company, and the cream puffs are delicious!
The Latin Quarter: Wander the narrow streets surrounding Saint-Séverin Church and stop for a crepe. The best crepe we’ve ever had in Paris came from a Greek food stand here, seriously!
Berthillon: Some of the best ice cream you’ll have in Paris. You can eat inside or order from the window. Its original location is on Île Saint-Louis, a short walk from Notre-Dame.
Sainte-Chapelle: You will literally gasp when you climb the narrow spiral staircase and enter the upper chapel. Built in the 1200s, its floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows are breathtaking. Admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass, but you should still reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance.
The cutest bookstore in Paris and right across the river from Notre Dame Cathedral
The breathtaking stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle Chapel (c.1248)
VISITING THE EIFFEL TOWER
We have visited Paris so often that our only rule now is to see the Eiffel Tower every day and eat a crepe.
For one of the best approaches to the Eiffel Tower, we like to start at the Trocadéro. You can take the Metro or have an Uber or taxi drop you off there, then make your way down toward the tower. Pause at different spots along the way for photos. We love seeing the Eiffel Tower from different vantage points and will usually walk a block or two in either direction to see her framed by the trees and surrounding buildings.
While many people love going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, I think the best views in Paris have her in them. If going up the tower is on your Paris bucket list, purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. You’ll also want to allow extra time for security when you arrive.
THINGS TO DO NEAR THE EIFFEL TOWER
Champ de Mars: This is the large park behind the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect place for a picnic or bike ride on a nice day, and the fall foliage is stunning here.
Île aux Cygnes: This narrow island in the Seine is a little bit of a walk from the Eiffel Tower, but it was fun to see Paris’s replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was dedicated in 1889 and faces west toward the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Princess Diana Memorial: The Flame of Liberty at Place de l’Alma is a full-size replica of the flame from the Statue of Liberty’s torch. It sits above the tunnel where Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in 1997. Although the flame was created before her death, it became an unofficial memorial where visitors still leave flowers, photographs and notes.
The unofficial Princess Diana Memorial is located above the tunnel where she was killed
SEINE RIVER CRUISE
A Seine River cruise is one of my favorite things to do in Paris and one of the best ways to see many of the city’s most famous landmarks without adding more miles to your day.
You can board a Seine River cruise near the Eiffel Tower. We like to choose a departure about an hour before sunset. The round-trip cruise travels along the Seine past landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame Cathedral before returning to the Eiffel Tower.
If you time it right, you’ll return as night is falling and get to see the Eiffel Tower light up. It’s quite a sight!
Paris weather can be unpredictable, so I recommend choosing a boat with both indoor and outdoor seating, especially if the forecast calls for chilly weather or rain. We booked the Bateaux Parisiens cruise and had a great time.
Stacy’s Tip: We just got back from Paris in July 2026 and were shocked at how packed some of the cruises were. If I were visiting again in the summer, I would research smaller boat cruises for a much more enjoyable cruise.
One of the best ways to see Paris and the Eiffel Tower is from a Seine River Cruise
VISITING THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The Arc de Triomphe is one of my favorite monuments in Paris. It sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, in the center of one of the busiest traffic circles you’ll ever see.
If you’re looking for one of the best views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in it, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket to climb to the top. Just know that there are 284 steps to reach the terrace. A lift is available for visitors who need it.
To reach the monument, do not attempt to cross the traffic circle. Use the underground pedestrian passage, called the Passage du Souvenir, which you can enter from the top of the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande-Armée.
One of the best photo spots for the Arc de Triomphe is from the pedestrian island at the crosswalk on the Champs-Élysées. You’ll see plenty of other people stopping there for the same photo, but stay within the designated pedestrian area and watch the traffic.
After visiting the Arc de Triomphe, stroll down the Champs-Élysées to shop, grab something to eat and people-watch.
The best views of Paris can be seen from atop the Arc de Triomphe
THINGS TO DO IN MONTMARTRE, PARIS
Montmartre is my favorite neighborhood in Paris. To me, it’s quintessential Paris, with its cobblestone streets, cafés, artists and incredible city views.
Confession: I did not visit Montmartre on my first trip to Paris. We only had three days in the city, and with four kids, it didn’t make the cut. My sister and I added it to our first Paris trip together and loved it so much that we spent half a day exploring the neighborhood.
While many people begin their visit at the base of Sacré-Cœur and head straight up the hill to the basilica, we like to wander. We head left near the carousel, meander toward Van Gogh’s former home and wind our way through the neighborhood to Le Consulat. Every street in Montmartre is a dream, so give yourself plenty of time to explore without a strict route.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Montmartre is hilly. And bring an extra phone charger. You’re going to take a lot of photos. This entire neighborhood is an Instagram dream.
OTHER FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN PARIS
If you have more than three days in Paris or are returning for another visit, these are a few more of our favorite places to add to your itinerary:
Catacombs of Paris: If the Paris Catacombs are on your list, you must purchase a timed ticket online in advance. Tickets are released seven days before the visit and are not sold at the entrance. Also, be prepared for 243 steps and cool temperatures underground, even during the summer.
Palais Garnier: This masterpiece of 19th-century architecture is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. I recommend booking a self-guided tour (we got the audio guide which was very good) so you can explore at your own pace. Tickets must now be purchased online 30 days in advance, and access to the auditorium is never guaranteed because of rehearsals and performances. After your visit, walk across the street to see the gorgeous interior of Galeries Lafayette, then head up to the rooftop terrace for fantastic views of Paris on a clear day.
Père Lachaise Cemetery: This beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Gertrude Stein. Take a guided tour or bring a map, the cemetery is huge, and we got lost several times.
La Galerie Dior: Often called the Dior Museum, La Galerie Dior is one of the most popular museums in Paris right now. Located near the historic Dior flagship on Avenue Montaigne, the museum celebrates the history of the fashion house through original gowns, sketches, photographs and beautifully designed exhibits. Tickets frequently sell out, so reserve a timed ticket online as soon as you know your Paris dates. Don’t plan on simply showing up and buying one at the entrance, we tried and were unable to get in.
Paris movie and TV locations: If you’re a Midnight in Paris fan, visit the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont behind the Panthéon. You can sit on the steps where Gil waited for the vintage Peugeot to arrive and take him back to the 1920s. Emily in Paris fans can visit the courtyard outside Emily’s apartment at 1 Place de l’Estrapade. The two filming locations are only a couple of blocks apart, making them easy to visit together.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery established in 1804 and absolutely stunning in the fall
HOW TO TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM PARIS TO VERSAILLES
I highly recommend taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles. It’s located about 30 minutes outside the city, and if you want to see the palace, gardens, Estate of Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet, it is truly a full-day trip.
We chose to visit Versailles on our own because we like being in control of our own time, and I’m so glad we did. We took an Uber, which cost around $40 at the time, and it dropped us directly in front of the gates. The price will vary depending on traffic and demand, so compare the cost with a taxi before booking.
You can also take the RER C train from Paris to the Versailles Château–Rive Gauche station. The train is less expensive, but you’ll still have about a 10-minute walk from the station to the palace. Depending on how many people are in your group, a taxi or rideshare may be worth the extra cost.
Purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance and book the earliest available entrance to the palace. We recommend going first thing in the morning to get ahead of the large tour groups that arrive later in the day.
Make sure to opt for an audio guide so you know what you’re looking at
TIPS FOR VISITING VERSAILLES
Purchase your timed-entry ticket in advance. Don’t waste part of your day waiting in line to buy a ticket after you arrive.
Book the first palace entrance of the day to avoid some of the crowds.
Choose the Passport ticket if you want to visit the entire estate. It includes timed entry to the Palace of Versailles, the gardens, the Estate of Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Download the free official Versailles app and audio guide before your visit so you’ll know what you’re looking at as you explore.
Wear comfortable shoes. Versailles is enormous, and there is very little shade in parts of the gardens. Bring sun protection and water. There are cafés throughout the estate, but we also brought snacks to keep us going.
Golf carts are available to rent in the gardens. Pay close attention to the rental time because it gets expensive if you go over (which we did).
Don’t forget to visit the Estate of Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Queen’s Hamlet. We spent hours exploring this part of Versailles, and it was one of our favorite parts of the day.
We spent hours exploring the Queen’s Hamlet at Versailles - it’s a must see!
FAVORITE PARIS food and TREATS to try
Crêpes: You can’t come to Paris without eating a crêpe. You’ll see crêpe stands all over the city, but the best one we’ve ever had is from a Greek food stand in the Latin Quarter—seriously. My sister discovered it in 2005, and we still go back. You can find it at Topo, 10 Rue Saint-Séverin.
Angelina Paris: Angelina serves the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my life. It’s like someone melted a candy bar in your cup. The line to eat inside is usually very long, but there is often a shorter line where you can order a cup to go. It’s totally worth it, especially in the fall. The original Rue de Rivoli location is just up the street from the Louvre and across from the Tuileries Garden.
Ladurée: We visited Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées and had some of the best macarons I’ve ever tasted. The restaurant is gorgeous and usually has a long line, but there is a separate area inside where you can purchase macarons to go. They make a great souvenir for friends back home, and the boxes are so cute.
tips for visiting Paris - what to know before your trip
HOW TO GET AROUND PARIS
For us, walking is the best way to get around Paris. It’s such a gorgeous city with so much to see that it won’t even feel like exercise. We once walked three miles to Montmartre while it was snowing, and it was truly magical.
When you’re tired of walking, the Paris Metro is usually the fastest and least expensive way to get around. The old paper ticket system is being phased out, so you can now load Metro tickets onto a Navigo Easy pass or purchase and use them directly through the Île-de-France Mobilités app on a compatible phone. As of 2026, a single Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 and can be used throughout the Paris region, excluding airport stations.
We also budget money for Uber, Bolt or taxis. We usually sightsee until we’re tired and then call for a ride back to our hotel. After a long day of walking, it’s worth every dime to be dropped off right in front of the hotel. We’ve often found better prices with Bolt, so compare the apps before booking.
If you’re visiting Paris with kids, I highly recommend booking a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can see many of the major Paris attractions in one day while saving little feet from getting tired.
MONEY AND CURRENCY IN PARIS
France uses the euro, and although credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Paris, I still recommend carrying a small amount of cash. You may need coins for public bathrooms, small purchases or places with a credit card minimum.
We usually withdraw euros from an ATM after we arrive instead of using a currency exchange counter. Look for an ATM operated by a bank and use a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign ATM fees if you have one.
Whenever an ATM or credit card terminal asks whether you want to pay in euros or U.S. dollars, always select euros. Choosing U.S. dollars allows the ATM or merchant to set the conversion rate, which is typically worse than the rate provided by your bank.
Don’t forget to bring a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. We use credit cards for most purchases in Paris and keep a little cash available just in case.
Tipping in Paris is different from tipping in the United States. Restaurant prices generally include service, so you aren’t expected to add a 15–20% tip. If you receive excellent service, you can round up the bill or leave a few euros.
USING PUBLIC BATHROOMS IN PARIS
Public bathrooms in Paris are usually marked with signs that say WC or toilettes. Some public restrooms require a small payment, so this is another reason we keep a few euro coins with us.
We have encountered some less-than-desirable bathrooms in Paris, even in places like Starbucks, so prepare for that. You can generally count on clean restrooms inside museums, larger restaurants and department stores.
We always carry a small pack of hand wipes and tissues in our day bag, just in case. Trust me, they may come in handy.
PARIS SAFETY TIPS AND COMMON TOURIST SCAMS
We have always felt comfortable exploring Paris, but like any major city, you need to stay aware of your surroundings, especially near popular tourist attractions and on crowded Metro trains.
At many of the major tourist sites in Paris, you may be approached by people running common scams:
Petition scam: Avoid people carrying clipboards who ask you to sign a petition. They may aggressively ask for money or use the distraction to pickpocket you. Just say no and keep walking.
String bracelet or flower scam: Near Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower, you may encounter people who want to tie a bracelet around your wrist or hand you a flower. Once you accept it, they’ll demand money. Don’t let anyone put anything on your wrist.
Shell games: You may see crowds gathered around sidewalk games involving cups, cards or shells. These games are scams and can also be used to distract you while someone picks your pocket.
Keep your phone and wallet in a secure, zipped bag worn in front of you, particularly on public transportation and in crowded tourist areas. Don’t keep valuables in an open purse or back pocket.
When dining at an outdoor café, never leave your purse or phone sitting on the table. We have seen thieves grab people’s belongings while running past the outdoor tables.
Quick update: We just visited in July 2026, and we did not see one bracelet or clipboard scammer during our visit. Hopefully, this is a good sign that Paris is cracking down on these people but still be award and be smart.
DINING TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP TO PARIS
Restaurants in Paris often follow different serving times than restaurants in the United States. We have found ourselves starving at 3 p.m., only to discover that many restaurant kitchens had closed after lunch and wouldn’t begin serving dinner until later in the evening. This is more true on our visits in the Fall and Winter than in the summertime.
It can be difficult to plan meals around a full day of sightseeing, but if you’re visiting Paris with kids, keep an eye on restaurant hours so you don’t end up with tired and hungry kids. Cafés, bakeries and brasseries that offer service continu serve food throughout the day and are good options when traditional restaurant kitchens are closed.
At restaurants, ask for a carafe of tap water by saying “une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” Tap water is free. If you simply ask for water, the server may bring bottled still or sparkling water and add it to your bill.
For popular restaurants or anywhere you really want to eat, make a reservation in advance. Dinner is generally later in Paris than in the United States, but many restaurants in tourist areas begin serving around 6 or 7 p.m.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING PARIS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Paris can feel overwhelming when you begin planning your first trip because there is so much to see and do. Don’t worry about checking every attraction off your list. Choose the places you’re most excited to visit, organize your days by neighborhood and leave yourself time to wander.
Even after visiting Paris almost every year since 2016, I still find something new on every trip. That’s part of what keeps us coming back and why Paris is still my favorite European city.
If you’re on Instagram, scroll through my Paris Highlights for day-to-day tips and trip details.
Want to make your trip more affordable? Read my step-by-step guide to visiting Paris with miles and points.
Happy Travels!
