Paris is a major city with so much to offer. From wandering the streets and exploring the various arrondissements to visiting museums, food spots, architectural masterpieces, castles, and landmarks. Wow, I could go on and on! But rather than overwhelm you, let me guide you to the places truly worth your time in Paris.

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1. First and Foremost: Visit the Eiffel Tower

Let me just state the obvious here. When in Paris, you MUST see the Eiffel Tower. Standing up close to this iconic structure stretching into the sky is an unforgettable experience. And don’t even get me started on when it sparkles at night. Pure magic! If you’re like me, a tear might just slip out when you see it shimmer against the evening sky.

Here are three different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower:

1. Have a picnic in Jardin de la Tour Eiffel. This grassy area next to the tower is perfect for a calm and relaxing morning or evening, whether you’re alone or with company. Sitting there, soaking in the view, is simply mesmerizing.
2. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. While it’s a unique experience to be inside the tower, I personally think seeing the Eiffel Tower from a distance is more breathtaking than the view from within.
3. Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This is an affordable (especially for students—bring your ID!) and stunning way to see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, plus get an incredible view of the Parisian streets that stretch well beyond the center of the Arc de Triomphe. Pro tip: Do NOT cross the street to get here. Use the underground passage near Champs-Élysées to reach the Arc safely!

2. Best Streets to Walk

Exploring a city on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. You never know what hidden gems you’ll stumble upon. Paris is full of charming streets, where Parisian buildings line every strip, and unexpected views of Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower could peek through the trees at any moment!

Here are some of my favorite streets in Paris:

• Rue Cler: A pedestrian street near the Eiffel Tower filled with fresh food vendors, charming shops, and cafés. A great spot to wander or sit for a coffee.
• Rue Montorgueil: Another vibrant pedestrian street with fantastic cafés and happy hour deals. Perfect for unwinding.
• Champs-Élysées: Walk toward the Arc de Triomphe for the full experience. The street is lined with a lot of shopping! 
• Seine Markets near Notre Dame: Walk along the Seine to browse local vendors selling beautiful artwork, prints, and books while enjoying scenic views of the city.
• Montmartre: My absolute favorite area! (More on that below.) Here are my favorite streets in Montmartre to stroll through.
  • Rue de l’Abreuvoir: A fairytale-like street with charming houses covered in lush green vines.
  • Rue des Trois Frères: Home to my favorite Parisian souvenir…a vintage photo booth! 

3. Montmartre

I cannot stress this enough. Montmartre is a dream. The elegant, fairytale district is packed with winding cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, talented artists, and, of course, the grand Sacré-Cœur, which overlooks all of Paris.

Place du Tertre: The main square of Montmartre, where artists showcase and sell their beautiful work. It’s lively, full of character, and the perfect place to pick up a meaningful souvenir.

Sacré-Cœur: This stunning basilica sits atop Montmartre and offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Paris. Tip: It’s free to enter, but the line can get long so arrive early!

Fotoautomat: A charming vintage photo booth near Montmartre. Bring a marker to write the date on your photos!

4. Notre Dame & Île de la Cité

Though I’ve never been inside Notre Dame, just sitting outside and admiring its gothic beauty is worth the trip. Notre Dame is located in Île de la Cité, a tiny island in the Seine that’s great for wandering. If you’re nearby, check out the Seine Markets, or cross the bridge to visit the Pantheon, an impressive and humbling sight with towering columns.

5. Best Gardens in Paris

Paris is filled with stunning green spaces, perfect for a moment of rest amidst sightseeing.

• Jardin du Luxembourg: Near the Pantheon, this garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a break on a park bench.
• Jardin des Tuileries: Located near the Louvre, this park is especially magical in summer when the Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views over Paris. Even without the rides, it’s a perfect picnic or relaxation spot.

6. Museums

I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge museum person. I’d rather take a guided walking or bike tour of the city. That said, I’m so glad I visited the Louvre. Seeing the Mona Lisa and the massive, breathtaking paintings hung along the walls, was truly awe-inspiring. Even if you don’t go inside, stopping by to see the glass pyramids is worth it. Musée d’Orsay is another museum I loved, especially because it features Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.

7. Versailles

Before coming to Paris, I had no idea what Versailles was. But when my boyfriend suggested we visit, I was all in. When we arrived, I was blown away by the sight of the golden palace at the end of the street.

We started our day at a local fresh food market, grabbed some snacks, and had a picnic in the palace gardens before exploring the château. I highly recommend a guided tour because there’s so much history, and the palace is massive! Never seen so much gold in my life!  If you have time, rent a paddle boat and enjoy the environment from the pond.

Overall

Paris is a city that will sweep you off your feet, whether it’s your first or tenth visit. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip filled with beauty, history, and magical moments. Bon voyage!