So you’re finally planning your dream trip to Paris. Congratulations! There’s a lot to love about the City of Light — so much so that there are endless blogs, vlogs, documentaries, and TikToks dedicated to everything Paris. Between discerning which hidden gems are worth seeking out and whether Instagram-worthy spots are worth the splurge, it can be a lot to digest.
Read on to savor the whole story or jump ahead for these bite-sized tidbits:
I’ve been around the Champs d’Elysee a few times now and have learned a lot in my time wandering the historic streets of Paris. I’ve compiled a beginner’s list of things to do, see, and eat on your very first trip to France’s enchanting capital. Use this guide as an itinerary or a jumping off point for planning your own Parisian adventure.
From where to eat in Montmartre to navigating the metro, let this be your beginner’s guide to Paris.
Paris Things to Know
1. Paris has more than a dozen neighborhoods
Paris is shaped like a spiral, divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), each like its own little neighborhood with a unique vibe. They start at the center (1st arrondissement) near the Louvre and fan outward in a snail-shell pattern. The Marais (4th), Latin Quarter (5th), and Montmartre (18th) all feel worlds apart yet are seamlessly connected by the city’s charming streets and Metro. Before jumping on a plane, figure out which neighborhood fits your vibe and plan your itinerary accordingly.
2. Don’t be afraid of the metro
Paris is huge. The best and cheapest way to get around and save your tired feet is to figure out the metro system. Tickets can be bought at the gate of almost every metro stop for about €1,20. You can also buy a multi-day metro pass for roughly €20 per day. Simply input directions into Google maps and select the train/public transport option and the directions will tell you exactly which train line to take and at which stop to disembark to reach your destination.
3. Buy attraction tickets in advance
To avoid standing in hellishly long lines at the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower (or to avoid disappointment of a sold out day), buy tickets for any attractions you want to visit in advance. The most popular sites often sell out and do not hold extra tickets for walkups.
4. Make restaurant reservations
Along the same lines as above, Paris restaurant recommendations are a must to avoid disappointment. Some places will allow walk-ins, but most will be booked up for the night, especially during the summer. Better to make a reservation and then not need it than to end up eating at 10:30 pm.
5. Save time and money with “formule”
Looking to save money in Paris? There is a way to save money on meals without sacrificing on the experience. The best value for lunch is going to be ordering the “formule” from a boulangerie. “Formule” is a “formula” or a bundled meal price. The formule typically includes an entree (sandwich, quiche, salad, etc.), drink and dessert for about €7-10.
Top Things To Do in Paris
1. Visit the Catacombs
You don’t need a tour for this unique activity. Just buy a timed ticket in advance and listen to the provided audio guide as you descend below Paris into a macabre labyrinth of the city’s past residents. The Paris catacombs may not be ideal for those who are extra squeamish or claustrophobic, but those who can stomach the one-of-a-kind experience should absolutely take advantage of this bizarre attraction.
2. Tour Versailles by Bike
We really enjoyed this unique view of Versailles. Rather than a dry tour of the estate, you follow your guide on a bike through the acres of gorgeous grounds, learning about the history of the palace and visiting other less-popular attractions like the summer house and Marie Antoinette’s private home. You’ll also get to shop for a picnic lunch at the local market, which you’ll enjoy on the lawn overlooking the infamous palace. We used Blue Fox Tours for this outing.
3. Go on a Food Tour
I always find that the best way to get to know a city is with a food tour. Not only do you get a lay of the land with a local and a taste of the city’s history, you’ll also get to learn about various cuisines and their significance. We’ve used Secret Food Tours several times, but there are plenty of other excellent tour groups out there, too.
4. Climb the Eiffel Tower
Believe it or not, this must-do Paris activity is still on my bucket list. Prior to the 2024 Olympics, the Eiffel Tower went through several phases of renovation that happened to coincide with my previous trips so I have yet to make it to the top. Don’t be like me. Get one of the best views of Paris on your next trip by buying Eiffel Tower entry tickets in advance and climbing to the very top. Not recommended for those afraid of heights.
5. Musuems
You could spend an entire trip just exploring the myriad musuems dotting the French capital. That being said, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay are the big two musuems to hit while in Paris. You’ve got a few options to visit: Buy a ticket onsite (beware of HUGE lines), buy tickets in advance (recommended), get the audio guide, or book a tour. Due to the sheer size of these museums, I would highly recommend a tour so you can skip the line and hit the highlights of each without eating up a whole day. Get Your Guide, With Locals, and AirBnB Experiences are great resources for this.
6. Watch the Sunset in Montmartre
This artist’s enclave is about half an hour outside the city center, but its perch on a hill makes it the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Walk up the hill (getting in a great workout!) to the striking Sacre Cœur Cathedral and watch the sky transform from the steps. Get dinner at one of Montmartre’s scenic restaurants while you’re here.
Paris Restaurant Recommendations
As noted above, Paris is huge. So, to make navigating the restaurant scene a little easier, I’ve organized my Paris restaurant recommendations by arrondissement. These are restaurants that I can personally vouch for, though there are hundreds of high-quality eateries across the city that are certainly worth exploring.
Le Marais (4th Arrondissement)
Robert et Louis: French steakhouse in a refurbished wine cellar. Casual atmosphere. Steaks served family style. Reservations recommended.
Breizh Cafe: Highly recommended spot for crepes (savory and sweet), also specialize in ciders. Reservations recommended, even at lunch.
Du Pain et Des Idées – Popular boulangerie recommended by Anthony Bourdain, considered one of the best bakeries in Paris. Only open weekdays at 7 a.m. Arrive early to avoid long lines.
Sacha Finkelsztajn Bakery – Traditional Jewish deli open since 1946. Dishes to try include pastrami sandwiches, chopped liver and spinach pie.
Marche Des Enfants Rouges – Historic food market with restaurants (France’s oldest covered market). Closed Mondays.
St. Germain (6th Arrondissement)
Bistrot de Paris – Classic French bistro food served in a retro dining room. Get the chocolate profiterole for dessert. Reservations recommended.
Le Bonaparte – Less touristy French cafe with outdoor seating, around the corner from the often crowded Cafe du Flor.
Le Relais De L’Entrecote – 50-year old institution serving exclusively steak-fries. Three Locations: St. Germain, Montparnasse (across from Jardin de Luxenbourg), and Marbeuf (near the Champs-Elysees). No reservations needed.
Le Camion Que Fume – One of the best burgers in Paris, according to Anthony Bourdain. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
Le Bistro des Augustins – Casual, family-run spot specializing in homemade gratins (cheesy potatoes with various veggies and proteins) made fresh to order. No reservations needed.
Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
Chez Renee – Classic French bistro food. Known for boeuf bourguignon. Reservations recommended.
Boulangerie L’Essentiel – Anthony Bosson – Great lunch stop. Salads, quiches, sandwiches, baked goods. Get the forumle: €7+ for sandwich, drink & dessert.
La Jacobine – Classic French restaurant in a small, homey dining room. Reservations required.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
LouLou Montmartre – Tapas-style restaurant serving a rotating seasonal menu of classic French cuisine. Open late. Near the Sacre-Coeur. Reservations recommended.
Hardware Societe – Great brunch spot near Sacre Couer. A few doors down from LouLou Montmartre. Reservations recommended.
La Vache et Le Cuisiner – Classic French cuisine served in a cozy restaurant run by a very friendly British woman. The staff speaks great English and the food is wonderful with a regular menu of delicious standards as well as rotating specials. Due to the size of the restaurant and the staff, service is on the slower side by American standards, but the food is worth a long, leisurely dinner. Reservations required.
Bouillon Pigalle – Very affordable, casual bistro serving generous portions of French classics, open until midnight. Reservations recommended.
Boulangerie Alexine – Affordable, fresh spot for lunch. Formule: Sandwich, drink & dessert for €8.
Pink Mamma – Instagram-famous spot for Florentine cuisine in Montmartre. Rave reviews for their pizza. Seasonally changing menu. Reservations highly recommended.