Paris travel guide

See also, where to eat in Paris.

Aside from just aimlessly wandering around and awing at everything, this is what I did in Paris that I found worthwhile! Paris is an amazing city in that it’s so walkable, and the metro is inexpensive and super easy to use.

Make sure you check museum dates and times, because almost all of them are closed at least one day of the week! Sadly I missed out on Musée de l’Orangerie this way (and I was SO sad). Also, if you are a student studying in Europe or are European under the age of 29, you can get in free to most museums in Paris. Merci, Paris!!

Walking tours are a great way to get the feel of a city when you arrive. Sandemans Tours in Paris are awesome! They offer free tours but then you can tip the tour guide however much you like. I’ve had all great tour guides, with insider recommendations, tips, and the best fun facts. Another great option is to try a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours.

TO SEE

Sainte Chapelle

The most amazing stained glass you will see in your life. This chapel was built by King Louis IX to house the crown relics (no longer housed there but still beautiful)…make sure you’re in the right line, because the queue is also near the line to the courthouse, kind or confusing!

All The Museums…

Musée de l’Orangerie

Museum with all of Van Gogh’s long water lily paintings.

The Louvre

Research what you want to see before you go, because it is incredibly vast!

Musée d’Orsay

One of my absolute favorite museums. So many classics, all housed in a converted train station that was built for one of the World’s Fairs.

Versailles

While it’s out of the city, Versailles deserves at least half of a day on your Paris itinerary. It’s one of those places that you visit and just keep repeating to yourself as you walk through, “King Louis was here.” I was able to take a bus straight to and from my hostel for this excursion!

Latin Quarter

Where many artists and American expats lived. Charming quarter.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Where said expats spent a lot of time loaning books and exchanging intelligent conversation. I bought a copy of Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast here (his novel about his time living in Paris) and had it stamped by the book store!

Pont Neuf

Famous bridge. You’ll become familiar with all the beautiful bridges as you walk around the city.

Hôtel de Ville

Paris’s City Hall, a beautiful building with a happening square in front.

Luxembourg Gardens

I didn’t make it here but I know they are beautiful. Lovely area surrounding it with cute restaurants and some places from scenes in Midnight in Paris.

Tuileries Garden

A great spot to picnic and see the sky turn pink behind the Eiffel Tower in the distance (although I think the signs say no drinking in the park? We had wine and nothing happened! Shh don’t tell.) The park has dirt paths so be mindful of what shoes you wear!

TO DO

Ferris Wheel at Night

Especially if you time it to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.

Tour with Fat Tire Tours

If you’re looking for a unique way to see Paris, by day or night, check out all of the different options that Fat Tire offers. Skip the line at the Louvre or enjoy a relaxing sunset and champagne cruise.

Picnicking along the Seine at Sunset

If weather permits! Run to a Carrefour (grocery store you’ll see in Italy and France) and grab a mini bottle of wine, some cheese, and a baguette and you’re all set…I highly recommend Boursin cheese, though you can find it in the States, it just tastes better in France 😜

Climb the Eiffel Tower

By climb I mean choose to take the elevator, or take the steps if you need to walk off any pastries you indulged in earlier. I recommend going at golden hour, to see the reason Paris is one of the most magical places in the world.

TO STAY

St. Christopher’s Inn

My friend and I loved our stay at St. Christopher’s Inn, Gare du Nord. I met the most people at this hostel, the nicest Brits and Australians, one who was learning to be a pastry chef and offered us homemade croissants. It was the best! Also, it’s just down the street from the Metro stop.

For more Paris tips, like the best place to spend golden hour, what to eat, or where to picnic at sunset, checkout my other posts!