Paris City Guide: Where to Stay, Things to Do and MORE!
There’s nothing quite like the city of love!
As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris offers incredible sights to see and things to do. Having visited Paris twice, I realized that no amount of time would be sufficient to discover it all! But it’s a worthy challenge to discover some of Paris’ hidden gems.
This extensive guide will be helpful when you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Paris!
Bon voyage!
Paris Map
Museums, Landmarks, Eiffel Tower Viewing Points, Things to Do and MORE!
Where to Stay in Paris
The city of Paris has twenty arrondissements, unique neighborhoods that spiral around the city, each with their own charm! From the bohemian district of Montmartre, the 18th arrondissement, which offers an incredible hillside view of Paris, to “foodie paradise” in the 11th arrondissement, there is a place for EVERY type of traveler! After visiting many of the charming districts, I’ve narrowed it down to a few of my FAVORITES for finding the best hotels, hostels and vacation rentals!
For First-time Visitors
For the lucky travelers visiting Paris for the first time, I recommend staying near some of Paris’ finest landmarks. Le Marais is located in the heart of the city of Paris, near famous landmarks including the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée National Picasso. Situated in between the 3rd, 4th, and 11th arrondissements, Le Marais’ central location makes it the perfect place to stay for first time visitors! Just across the Seine is the Latin Quarter, the perfect place to find delicious food in Paris. Osteria Brutto, in the 5th arrondissement, is only a short metro ride away, and happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in Paris!
For Budget Travelers
Paris is an incredible place for the adventurous, budget-friendly travelers! Located in the 11th arrondissement near Canal St. Martin, you’ll find The People Belleville hostel, the perfect budget-friendly accommodation for young travelers or families with a tight budget. The People Belleville offers a selection of dorm-style and private rooms in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Additionally, the 9th arrondissement is another great option for travelers looking for highly-rated hotels, with an affordable price tag. The 9th arrondissement’s proximity to Gare du Nord, makes it the perfect location in Paris for travelers hoping to see the city in a short time!
For the “Foodies”
The 11th arrondissement is a “foodie paradise”, so travelers will have no shortage of dining options to choose from when picking accommodation in the 11th arrondissement! Located along Canal St. Martin, the 11th arrondissement has a “local Parisian vibe” offering travelers already well-acquainted with the city the chance to experience an “off the beaten path” experience of Paris. This neighborhood has easy access to the more “touristy” parts of Paris via metro, but offers travelers respite from the busy tourist scene.
For the “Shopaholics”
There’s no better place for shopping in Paris than the glamorous Champs Élysées, Paris’ most iconic shopping scene located in the 8th arrondissement! When I brought my family to Paris for the Olympics, we stayed in Hôtel Montfleuri, a four-star hotel offering spacious rooms just behind the Arc de Triomphe. I loved this location due to its proximity to the metro station, Charles de Gaulle Étoile Grande Armée, which connected us to the entire city of Paris. For a more upscale stay on Champs Élysées, the Paris Marriott on Champs Élysées is the perfect place for the opulent traveler hoping to stay closer to the famous Parisian shopping district!
Near the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most notable structures in the entire world! So why not stay in the 7th arrondissement, near the picture-perfect monument? The 7th arrondissement is the perfect place for travelers who want to look out their window and see the dazzling tower. Because of its coveted views of the Eiffel Tower, travelers can expect higher-priced accommodations. But for the breathtaking views, to many, this price tag is WORTH IT!
Best of Paris
In a city as unique and cultural as Paris, there are a plethora of sites to see and activities to book when mapping out your itinerary. Whether you prefer to explore the ancient history of Paris by wandering through the Catacombs, or become well acquainted with the city’s café culture by sipping coffee on the patios, there’s no shortage of exciting versions of Paris to experience. Multifaceted and complex, Paris molds itself to the type of traveler you are!
Here’s a list of my FAVORITE things to see and do around the city of light!
Landmarks to Visit
Palais Garnier
Built in 1861 for the Paris opera, Palais Garnier is one of Paris’ most ornate architectural structures. Every year, over 400 performances occur at this spectacular opera house! Even if you don’t plan on seeing a performance, Palais Garnier‘s ornate décor is worth stopping by to experience!
Champs Élysées
Paris’ most iconic avenue located in the 8ème arrondissement, Champs Élysées, connects the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Along this beautiful avenue are high-end fashion shops, restaurants, and a variety of cultural things to see and do!
Arc de Triomphe
Serving as a “gateway” to the city of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome. Paris’ triumphal arch was completed during the reign of Louis-Philipe I and stood to commemorate the armies of the revolution and the French republic. Today, the Arc de Triomphe monument makes for a great viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower. And on the streets nearby the arc, you can find AMAZING crêpes (look for Fait Maison Crêpes, an orange street cart serving the BEST crepes in all of Paris!)!
Place de la Concorde
At the end of Champs Élysées is Paris’ largest square, Place de la Concorde. Once believed to be the site of executions during the French revolution, this famous square served a new purpose during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Place de la Concorde hosted 3×3 basketball, breaking dancing, BMX, and skateboarding events, drawing fans from all over the world! The large square is a great viewing spot to see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the river Seine.
Eiffel Tower
Though it has been a symbol of France since its construction, the Eiffel Tower was originally built as a gateway to the Exhibition Universelle in 1889 to celebrate 100 years of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel’s breathtaking monument is the most visited landmark in the world! At night, the beautiful Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour, on the hour!
Things to Do in Paris
Enjoy a Seine River Cruise
Located just beneath the Eiffel Tower is Vedettes de Paris, a river cruise tour operator that hosts sightseeing and dinner cruises! I loved the one-hour sightseeing cruise on our first day in Paris to get a general overview of the city’s most iconic sites!
Vedettes du Pont Neuf is another Seine sightseeing river cruise tour operator closer towards the Louvre and Notre Dame! Similar to Vedettes de Paris, you’ll cruise along the Seine to see some of Paris’ most iconic sites! Both cruise operators tour the same route along the river, so I recommend picking the cruise closest to your accommodation.
Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg
In the 6th arrondissement, Jardin du Luxembourg is a fabulous garden inspired by the famous Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy. This expansive estate represents the opulence and grandeur of the Italian Renaissance, with distinct French charm! The gardens are a great place for a picnic with friends and family!
Visit Atelier des Lumières
One of Paris’ newest exhibitions is a striking digital immersive experience called Atelier des Lumières. This exhibition is perfect for a romantic date night or for families with kids!
Explore the Eiffel Tower
The best way to get 360 views of Paris is to climb the Eiffel Tower! On my first visit to Paris, I made a plan to not only see the Eiffel Tower, but also journey up the monumental landmark! This is an awesome way to learn about the construction of the monument, and see all of Paris from above!
Enjoy a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Montmartre
Featured in Midnight in Paris (my favorite movie!), Montmartre is Paris’ most picturesque neighborhood. This charming bohemian neighborhood is known for its artistic heritage, with Basilique du Sacré-Cœur standing tall over the winding, cobblestone streets. The best way to explore Montmartre is through a self-guided walking tour! Check out my ITINERARY for a self-guided walking tour through Montmartre HERE!
Stroll Through one of Paris’ Iconic Museums
Paris is home to some incredible art collections, many of which are housed at the most visited museum in the entire world, the Louvre! In a city of intriguing history and beautiful art, there’s a museum for everyone! I’ve always enjoyed guided tours, especially in larger museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, to get an overview of some of the most notable art pieces in the museum collection! For more information about my favorite museums in Paris, see PARIS MUSEUMS below!
Learn How to Bake Croissants
The verdict is IN. After planning a variety of fun activities in Paris for my family trip, I received unanimous praise for including a baking class in our Paris itinerary! I booked a croissant making class at La Cuisine which was everyone’s favorite activity during our time in Paris! To learn more about my experience at La Cuisine, click HERE!
Enjoy a Cheese and Wine Tasting
Sometimes you have to nibble on a piece of cheese like a little mouse 🙂 and paired with delectable French wine? Sounds like heaven to me! On my first trip to Paris, I booked a cheese and wine tasting class to learn about (and taste!) French cheese and viticulture. France has over 200 varieties of wine grown throughout the 17 wine regions across the country. Secret Cellar Cheese and Wine Tasting hosted by Aurélien is the perfect way to expand your palate and learn about French cheese and wine!
My Favorite Museums in Paris
Musée d’Orsay
My favorite museum in Paris! Musée d’Orsay has an amazing collection of French impressionist art, including the biggest collection of Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro! If you want to skip the Louvre, in my opinion, this museum is much more enjoyable! Did you know, Musée d’Orsay was once a train station called Gare d’Orsay? Up until 1939, the now-museum served as a transit stop for passengers coming to and from Paris. In 1977, the train station was converted into a beautiful museum, maintaining the striking architecture to create a breathtaking architectural and artistic exhibit representing the grandeur of French impressionism.
The Louvre
With over 35,000 art pieces in the museum, the Louvre is the largest (and most visited!) museum in the world. Because of its sheer size, I recommend doing a guided tour of the museum’s most famous masterpieces (including the Mona Lisa)! I booked a guided tour through Get Your Guide, which made the world’s largest museum feel much more manageable!
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie is a permanent Monet collection, housed in a former orangery (hence the name!), that inspires relaxation and peace for viewers. Water Lillies adorns the walls of the small museum making the experience feel relaxing and intimate. Additionally, the museum includes other impactful impressionist art!
Musée Rodin
Musée Rodin contains significant artworks by the famous artist and sculptor Auguste Rodin. Included in its collection are The Thinker and The Kiss!
Breathtaking Churches to Visit
Cathédrale Notre-dame
One of the first examples of French Gothic architecture in Paris, Notre-dame is an unforgettable basilica with spectacular architecture! After a devastating fire destroyed the original roof of the cathedral, the beautiful Notre Dame has been refurbished, and is now open to the public!
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
In the heart of Paris’ most beautiful arrondissement, is a basilica with the most stunning views of Paris’ skyline. Sacré-Cœur, located in Paris’ bohemian, artistic district called Montmartre, is known for its dramatic architecture and vibrant white stone.
Sainte Chapelle
Stained glass windows? Say less. Sainte Chapelle is a beautiful royal chapel with biblical scenes painted in light all around the chapel. The stunning stained glass, reminiscent of a Gothic-style architecture, will make your jaw drop!
Paris Cooking and Baking Classes
What better way to dive into French culture than to learn how to cook classic French dishes and pastries! One of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new country is learn how to cook local recipes. There are several places around Paris where you can learn how to cook French dishes, bake pastries, or enjoy a relaxing food tour through the city. La Cuisine, Le Foodist, and classes at Galleries Lafayette, are incredible options for classes which can help to understand the city’s unique culture, and learn how to cook delicious recipes you can make at home.
When my family and I traveled to Paris for the Olympics, one of our favorite activities we booked was a baking class at La Cuisine. Our baker, Eline, was a master at making the art of baking croissants look easy! We learned how to make the perfect flaky pastries that tasted just like the pastries we devoured all over the city of Paris. The most fascinating thing we learned was that the quality of butter (HIGH FAT!) is VERY IMPORTANT in perfecting the art of French pastries; bakers look for butter composed of 92% fat or higher. When you travel to Paris, make sure to add a cooking or baking class to the top of your list of things to do!
“Picture Perfect” Places to View the Eiffel Tower
There are so many places around Paris with exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower to get that “insta-worthy” snapshot of the monumental structure. One of my FAVORITE views of the Eiffel Tower is at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Students of the EU (including students studying abroad with a visa!) can get free access to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Every hour on the hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles, glittering like a disco ball! From the top of the Arc de Triomphe you can see all of Paris. It’s breathtaking at night!
Deemed “the most instagrammable” locations in Paris for their postcard backdrops, Avenue de Camoens and Rue de L’Universite are the perfect places to get perfect photos of the Eiffel Tower. However, because these locations are so well-known by influencers and travel bloggers, THEY WILL BE CROWDED! I recommend waking up before sunrise to catch the rainbow of colors that paint the sky as the sun rises for the day. At the early hours of the morning, crowds are minimal and you’re guaranteed that perfect shot with just you and the Eiffel Tower!
Bir Hakeim Bridge, just a short walk from Trocadero, is another perfect place to get photos of the Eiffel Tower! One of the lesser known photo locations in Paris, this bridge has incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine river! My personal favorite location for catching the Eiffel Tower in the distance is Passerelle Debilly Bridge!
Where to get THE BEST Crepes in Paris
You know the saying, “there’s always room for dessert”? Well in France, my motto was “there’s always room for a crêpe!
I spent my time in Paris searching for the BEST crêpes in the entire city, and after A LOT of Nutella and Speculoos (cookie butter), I found the best crêpes in Paris. Just outside the Arc de Triomphe is a small cart called Fait Maison Crêpes. I found this cart during my first visit to Paris, on the way to the Arc de Triomphe. And ever since my first visit, I’ve been dreaming about these DELICIOUS crêpes. When I brought my family to Paris, we returned to this crêpe cart several times.
NOTE: The exact location of the cart is unknown, however, you can usually find it somewhere near the Arc de Triomphe! The most delectable treats are found after a scavenger hunt!
Best Eats in Paris
Paris is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. So it’s no surprise why there’s an abundance of delicious local and global cuisine options to choose when you travel to Paris! We enjoyed typical French dishes like escargot, steak frites, and beef bourguignon all around Paris. And we certainly didn’t shy away from other international cuisines like Italian pasta dishes, greek gyros, and Indian delicacies! Here’s a list of some of MY FAVORITE restaurants and cafes all around Paris!
Restaurants
Classic French Cuisine
Le Poulbot
Paris has so many amazing dining options, but Le Poulbot, a quaint restaurant in the heart of Montmartre, gives every other restaurant a run for its money! With to-die-for french onion soup and a variety of other French dishes, like escargot, Le Poulbot is one restaurant you should add to your list! My family and I stopped here for lunch after spending the morning exploring Montmartre.
The charming Le Poulbot is a great place to stop for lunch in Montmartre!
Steak frites, beef bourguignon, and a fresh summer salad from Le Poulbot!
We couldn’t hesitate to get French onion soup and classic escargot in cream sauce for an appetizer!
Brasserie des Pres
A multi-story dining experience a short ways away from Jardin de Luxembourg that serves classic French dishes. Brasserie des Pres is a charming bistro with amazing food!
Brasserie Dubillot
When I was planning my itinerary, I knew we needed to find a restaurant that served affordable, yet delicious steak frites! Brasserie Dubillot takes the trophy for some of the best steak frites we ate in Paris! At under €20 for the classic French dish, this trendy and lively brasserie was one of our most affordable lunch options in all of Paris!
Le Bistrot d’Henri
A small, family owned bistro in the 6th arrondissement, Le Bistrot d’Henri serves delicious, affordable French cuisine in an intimate setting!
Chez Gabrielle
In the 8th arrondissement is a classic French restaurant serving local dishes in a fancy setting. Chez Gabrielle is the perfect place to enjoy French cuisine a la carte, or as a multi-course meal!
Global Cuisines
Osteria Brutto
If there’s one non-French option you try in all of Paris, make it Osteria Brutto! Located in the 5th ARR, Osteria Brutto serves homemade Italian pasta dishes in an intimate, classy setting. The delectable dishes will transport you from the charming streets of Paris to the decorative Tuscan streets of Florenc! This restaurant is a local favorite and is always booked in advance, so reserve your spot early!
Pierre Sang (Oberkampf)
Located in the heart of the 11th arrondissement, Pierre Sang serves modern French cuisine with Korean flair. Bold and ambitious, Chef Pierre Sang, changes his menu daily! Two dinner services are offered at 7 and 9:30pm so be sure to reserve your table in advance!
La Maison de Gyros
Perhaps the most affordable meal we had in Paris was in a quaint alleyway just steps away from the Notre Dame cathedral. La Maison de Gyros is a perfect place for a cheap meal! The gyros were loaded with sizzling meat from the skewer and topped with an abundance of fresh-from-the-fryer frites (french fries). At €8 a person (less if you share!), these gyros were not only affordable, but also delicious! So delicious that we traveled all the way across Paris to eat them on multiple occasions!
Delhi Bazaar
After several days of eating French dishes, we were eager to find delicious Indian cuisine. Delhi Bazaar serves some of the most delicious Indian dishes, straight from the tandoor. This family-style restaurant is perfect for lunch or dinner!
Happy Nouilles
Happy Nouilles, “Happy Noodles”, serves delicious noodle dishes at a great price. This restaurant was recommended to us by a Parisian!
Bakeries, Cafes, Brunch Spots
La Maison d’Isabelle
La Maison d’Isabelle specialized in pastries made with organic flour and butter. This bakery WON “Best Croissant of Paris” in 2018…and it’s no surprise why, their pastries are delicious! My family and I visited La Maison d’Isabelle and we COULD NOT stop eating the croissants!
Boulangerie Utopie
Located in a small Parisian neighborhood, Boulangerie Utopie offers a variety of delectable pastries and baked goods! This local favorite in the 11th arrondissement is one bakery you won’t want to miss!
Mokonuts
One of Paris’ premier brunch places, Mokonuts offers a rotation of new dishes, based on the chef’s attitude! This cafe and bakery is perfect for late breakfast or lunch!
Ritz Comptoir
As its name suggests Ritz Comptoir is a “ritzy” boulangerie serving classics, like croissants and other delectable pastries! This picture-perfect boulangerie was recommended to us by our baker at La Cuisine!
My Favorite FREE Things to Do in Paris
Despite what people say about breaking the bank, your trip to Paris can be extremely affordable if you want it to be! Even when I traveled with my family of five to Paris during the summer Olympics, I found ways to make our peak-season adventure as affordable as possible. Here are few ideas to get you started!
Picnic by the Eiffel Tower
What better way to enjoy a day in Paris than to picnic by the Eiffel Tower! At local markets or grocery stores, you can pick up a collection of fresh fruit, french snacks, and delicious French wine to enjoy while you enjoy the views of Paris’ most iconic monument. We recommend stopping at a boulangerie along the way to pick up a fresh baguette! Other great picnic spots include Jardin du Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Parc des Buttes Chaumont!
Stroll Along the Seine
The most iconic river in France, so iconic that it is included in a Mamma Mia song, is the Seine river! One of our favorite activities we did in Paris was the Seine river cruise, a one hour guided cruise along the river (with Vedettes de Paris)! However, if you prefer to stay off the water, a walk along the Seine, starting at the Eiffel Tower, will bring you to most of Paris’ most iconic landmarks: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame, included!
Explore a Local Bookshop like La Halle Saint Pierre
Despite the fact that I don’t speak French, one of my favorite things to do is explore local bookstores. Oftentimes you can find French classics and unique souvenirs! La Halle Saint Pierre is a unique bookstore/cafe/museum with so much to explore!
Bon voyage! Enjoy your time in Paris!
