Paris has always been one of my favorite cities in the world, not only because I lived here during my early 20s, but because my experiences have always been wonderful.
I was so happy when my sister announced that she would be getting married in France because that meant that I would be returning to Paris soon.
The day finally arrived, and a few weeks ago we boarded a flight from Miami to Paris, spent the weekend in the city, and drove on Monday to Dordogne, the southwestern region of France.
We returned to Paris the following Friday and stayed six more days! There is so much to see, so I compiled a list of the top things to do in Paris, with the photos that I took during the trip.
Here are the top things to do in Paris:
THE EIFFEL TOWER
You must see the Eiffel Tower when you visit Paris!
This historical landmark was built in 1889 as the centerpiece of the World Fair, it was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, and it is located on Champ de Mars in Paris.
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower? If you’d like to see some of the best views of Paris, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’ve climbed it in the past but not this time, it was too windy!
PALAIS DE TOKYO
If you want a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower, make your way to Palais de Tokyo located near Trocadero in the 16th arrondissement! I love walking through Trocadero, and all the way down to the Eiffel Tower.
After admiring the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in Paris that stands 1,083 feet tall, grab lunch or dinner at either of these trendy restaurants that I highly recommend: (a) Restaurant Le Coq and (b) Monsieur Bleu with a magical view of the Eiffel Tower.
NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS
This beautiful medieval Catholic cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité (an island in the Seine River) in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
On April 15, 2019, while the cathedral was undergoing renovation and restoration, its roof caught fire and burned for 15 hours.
Reconstruction of Notre Dame began in 2021, and it is expected to be finalized by Spring 2024, in time for the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Perhaps my favorite spot in Paris, and one that I visited weekly while living in the city. This is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the afternoon.
This gorgeous park covers 57 acres (23 hectares) and is known for the Medici Fountain, Grand Bassin, tree-lined promenades, and lawns.
Are you familiar with Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables? It is at these gardens that the principal love story unfolds, and where the characters first meet.
LOUVRE MUSEUM
The Louvre is a central landmark in Paris, and home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
Back in the day, I visited the Louvre over a dozen times, spent 3+ hours inside the museum each time, and I still have tons to see.
I highly suggest downloading the Louvre App and walking into the museum with a plan for your visit. My favorite areas of the museum are the Richelieu Wing and the Denon Wing.
SAINT GERMAIN DES PRÉS
Explore Saint Germain des Prés, an iconic neighborhood and one of the four quarters of the 6th arrondissement of Paris. This is a gem in Paris’ rive gauche (left bank) that offers brasseries, upscale boutiques, and cafés that are not too overcrowded with tourists.
Two cafés that I recommend to try are Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, I used to go to the first one with friends for l’aperitif (love this French habit!). The aperitif is a friendly ritual that Parisians do before a meal, they share a drink (nothing too high in alcohol) and something salty like chips. They also do this on regular weeknights!
Sit outside, order the croque-monsieur and a Monaco bière with grenadine (my fave!). While the timing of the aperitif may remind you of the American Happy Hour, it is not the same concept.
Happy hours celebrate the end of the ‘work-day’ but the aperitif is something else, it is not the end, it is the ‘beginning of the night,’ so the mindset is very different. And while in Paris I used to do the aperitif almost every night, here in Miami, I rarely make my way to any happy hours!
MUSÉE D’ORSAY
Musée d’Orsay houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. Inside are the works of a few of my favorite artists: Pierre Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, and Claude Monet.
This museum is housed inside the former Gare d’Orsay, a railway station constructed for the 1900 World Fair. The view from the top level is amazing!!
I have huge admiration for painters and their art, that is one of the reasons why I initially moved to Paris – to focus my studies on Art History.
If you are in Paris for a few days, and not sure whether to visit this museum or the Louvre, consider the following: the Louvre exhibits over 35,000 works of art (that’s a lot!), Musée d’Orsay contains 2,000 paintings and 600 sculptures.
CAFÉ DE L’ESPLANADE
This café (pictured above) is my absolute favorite café in Paris, and it has a spectacular view of Les Invalides! I love how cozy the outdoor seating is, the trendy inside decor, their menu, and that it sits in all of its Parisian splendor. Overall, it is a discreet, quiet, and elegant café in the exclusive 7th arrondissement.
I found this café because it was less than half a block away from the apartment where I used to live. [Side note: if you walk 50 meters up the street shown on the left side of the photo above, my apartment was on the left side, behind the church]. I loved going there with a friend who lived nearby, to study for exams while enjoying the peaceful view.
If you are going to splurge and treat yourself, this place can be a nice option, but I suggest that if you go for dinner – make a reservation the day before.
Also, the gorgeous Musée Rodin is around the corner, it is dedicated to the works of my favorite French sculptor, Auguste Rodin – definitely try to check it out.
CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES
Château de Versailles is one of the largest palaces of the world and a “don’t miss” destination! Let me give you a little background history: Versailles was the seat of political power in France from 1682, when King Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in 1789, within three months after the beginning of the French Revolution.
What is the quickest way to get to the palace? By the Metro / RER system – it is a 40-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles. Once you arrive, it’s a 10-minute walk from the station to the château. Inside you will have the option of doing a guided tour.
Make sure you visit the gardens, these are not to be missed!
Book Versailles Palace & Garden Tour tickets.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
There is a route that I would love for you guys to do next time you visit Paris. Start at Place de la Concorde, walk past the Petite Palais, and walk through Champs Élysées, until you arrive at the Arc de Triomphe. This walk is not short, but oh-so-enjoyable!
Once you arrive at the Arc de Triomphe you can climb it to the top (245 steps) to see Paris from above, and the Eiffel Tower at a distance. I climbed it with my brother and my mom this time, and we enjoyed it. Afterward, we all had dinner at Casa Luca, an Italian restaurant that offers a breathtaking view of the Arc de Triomphe.
SACRÉ COEUR & MONTMARTRE
You can also view all of Paris from Sacré Coeur (it’s the highest point in the city!) located in the 18th arrondissement. Visiting during the day or at nighttime are great options.
Either way, make sure you see Place du Tertre, a lovely hidden area with lots of painters! You can get to this artistic side of Montmartre by walking behind the basilica, and following a little street that curves to the left towards a square with restaurants.
Be prepared for multiple cartoonists that will offer to draw your portrait!
CAFÉ DE LA PAIX & PALAIS GARNIER
Café de la Paix is located in front of the majestic Opéra Garnier in the 9th arrondissement. It opened in 1862, and its proximity to the Opera has attracted well-known novelists, poets, and writers over the years.
I always enjoyed sitting at one of the outside tables and ordering a drink and food. This café was declared a historic site in 1975 by the French Government.
Did you know that the Paris Opera is one of the top 10 Opera Houses in the world?
If you would like to attend a ballet or an opera at the Palais Garnier, book a ticket in advance. Otherwise, you have the option of taking a guided tour of the public areas of the Opera. It’s pretty spectacular!
SEINE RIVER & BRIDGES
There are over thirty beautiful bridges in Paris that crisscross the Seine River and connect the two sides of the city.
Some of the most famous bridges include Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and Pont Alexandre III, the most magnificent bridge in Paris.
By Pont Neuf bridge you will find KONG, a restaurant that turns into a club at night, and perhaps the spot that my girlfriends and I partied at the most.
There are many companies that offer cruises on the Seine River with champagne tasting.
LES ANTIQUAIRES
I highly recommend dining at this true French bistro, it was a great discovery for us! This charming place offers wonderful service, the prices are inexpensive, and it is packed with locals. We had to wait a bit, but we did not mind because it was worth it.
This spot is located a few steps from Musée d’Orsay in the 7th arrondissement.
Have you been to Paris?! Let me know what your favorite things to do in Paris are.
Talk soon!
Florencia
Pin this post! Save this guide for later!
