Best Places To See In Paris

Wondering what to do in Paris? In this guide, we’ll discuss the best places to see in Paris so that you can make the most of your trip. We’ll also include extra travel tips to make your life easy so that you can focus on the views, the croissants, and the French culture.

The famous Eiffel Tower (+ Trocadéro)

The Eiffel Tower is probably the biggest icon in Paris (and in France).  As foreigners, we can’t really imagine the size of this tower.  In our head, we might even oversize it. (I guess we dream big!)  What could be a bit disappointing at first really isn’t?  I remember that my first impressions of the Eiffel Tower rhymed with something like; I thought this would be bigger!  But, once you have the right size inside your head, it doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the views.

Personally, I was happy enough not to go inside the Eiffel Tower, but you should know that many tourists will go up there so they can enjoy the sights.  And by many tourists, I mean long queues. Fortunately, you can book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

The Eiffel tower is also one of the best spots for couples eloping in Paris.

How to make the most of it: Prepare yourself for an epic sunset around the Eiffel Tower.  Grab a dinner-on-the-go (baguette and cheese could do the job just fine) and enjoy a free show!  You can sit around the Trocadéro or in the parks around. Note that you are not supposed to drink wine in the parks.

Closest metro & RER stations: Bir-Hakeim and Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a historical monument next to the Champs-Élysées (French people; please feel free to sing here). This monument was made to honor those who have fought and died during the wars and the revolution.

The Arc de Triomphe is right in the middle of a very busy roundabout.  There are two underpasses where you can access the monument without risking your life trying to cross the busy road.  Once you’re there, you can go to the top or simply enjoy the view from the bottom. You can skip the line if you grab a ticket in advance.

Closest metro & RER station: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile Station

Louvre Museum  (+ Tuileries Garden)

The Louvre is the world’s largest museum.  It is that big that you can even get a week-long ticket to make sure you see everything.  (I’d recommend you do it only if you love museums. Grab your ticket in advance and skip the line.

Anyway, it’s not because you’re not a museum lover that you should skip the area.  You should at least see the famous Louvre pyramid and the Tuileries Garden.

Closest metro & RER stations: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre Métro and Louvre-Rivoli

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame is a cathedral located on the île de la Cité (which is an island next to the Seine),  You should definitely walk around as the area is simply gorgeous.

The famous Pont des Arts in the area which was known for its love padlocks doesn’t exist anymore.  Now, this bridge is known for its street art so we can all remember the romance behind those padlocks.

Closest metro & RER stations: Cité, Saint-Michel, Hôtel de Ville, Maubert-Mutualité, Cluny – La Sorbonne, Châtelet and Saint-Michel – Notre Dame.

Montmartre (+ Sacré-Coeur)

Montmartre is basically the Parisian high heel (which is actually a large hill).  Also known for the basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, it’s also the best spot to see Paris… from the top!  (Plus; it’s free!)  This has been one of my favorite classics over the years. I used to go there at night as you can see the Eiffel Tower light up.  You should know that the view during the day is great too!

Closest metro stations: Abbesses, Anvers, Blanche and Lamarck Caulaincourt.

The Seine

The Seine is the river that goes through Paris.  You should probably know that it’s quite a big one; 777 kilometres to be exact!  There are a few interesting options for travelers; cruising it, walk around it or simply enjoy the sunset.

BROWSE SEINE CRUISES

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is a famous boulevard where you’ll need money.  Of course, you can walk around without spending any money, but it’s known for its luxury cafés, theaters, and shops.

Closest metro stations: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, George V, Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau and Concorde.

Montparnasse Tower

Montparnasse Tower is an observation deck where you can see Paris up to 40 kilometres away.  In 2016, the normal entry price is 15 euros for an adult.  It’s one of the most popular places to get nice photos of Paris.

Closest metro station: Montparnasse-Bienvenue

Palace of Versailles

This was the first castle (French people call this a castle, but English people would say palace) I’ve ever seen and it was a must for me.  It was the best way to learn a bit more about French history while enjoying the experience.  It will take you at least half a day to visit Versailles (and here, I mean a super-efficient half a day, so let’s say a day instead).  First, you’ll have to get there. Then, you’ll have to wait in the queue. You can reserve your ticket online to skip the queue.

How to get there: Your best option is the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.  This train station is still pretty far from the castle itself.  So, you’ll have to catch a bus or a taxi to get there.  I did walk when I went (a while ago) as it was the summer, but it was quite far.  You should get a round-trip ticket or even a pass (zones 1-4) for this journey.

Rue Crémieux

I really enjoyed walking around this colorful street.  In fact, I think Crémieux street is the cutest street of Paris.

Closest metro station: Gare de Lyon

Sully Hotel

Hôtel de Sully is located next to a cute square.  It’s not busy at all and it’s quite pretty.

Closest metro station: Saint-Paul

Street Art in Paris

The best street art spots are found in different areas in Paris:

1. De l’Ourcq street (district 19);
2. Place Igor Stravinsky (district 4);
3. Serge Gainsbourg Wall (district 7);
4. Belleville (between district 19-20);
5. Place de la République (between district 3, 10 and 11).

Canal St-Martin

The Canal St-Martin runs between Bastille and République metro stations.  I’d suggest you walk around, take the bridge and have an amazing time photographing the surroundings.  Beautiful during the day and amazing at night, you won’t want to miss this.

Closest metro stations: Bastille and République

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is my favorite park in Paris.  This place is massive and it’s where you want to be to enjoy a cute picnic.

Closest metro station: Monceau

Feel free to check out those 24 pure fun things to do in Paris too!

The “Parisian” Experiences You Must Try

Now that we got the best attractions in Paris out of the way, let’s talk about fun experiences you should try while in Paris.

1. Bread & Cheese are all you really need.

Eating in Paris shouldn’t be too expensive.  Bread, cheese, croissant and macaron could easily handle your diet for you.  So many bakeries to pick from.  You should grab something on the go and explore the great sights of Paris without stopping.

2. Catch a sunset… or two.

Sunsets are breathtaking in Paris.  You could experience a different one every night.  Here’s a list of the top sunset spots:

1. Montmartre;
2. Trocadéro (view on the Eiffel Tower);
3. Along the Seine;
4. Montparnasse Tower;
5. Arc de Triomphe.

3. Paris gets wild at night.

As soon as it gets dark, Paris becomes incredibly pretty!  They said: “Paris; the city of light” and they were right.  You must go to Montmartre to admire Paris in the dark and you have to check out the Eiffel Tower at night.

4. Take a coffee break.

As you walk around Paris, you’ll be impressed by the number of people sitting outside restaurants sipping a tiny cup of coffee.  I remember my face the first time I had a coffee in France.  I was disappointed by its size (To be fair, Canadian Tim Horton Coffees are way too big).  The Café culture is a must-try in Paris.  Grab your seat and enjoy the view while listening to the French melody.

The Most Instagrammable Spots In Paris

Paris is pure Instagram heaven.  If you’re already dreaming of pinching the top of the Louvre pyramid, holding a macaron along the Seine or selfie-ing next to the Eiffel Tower, you might enjoy this list!  I was dreaming of all of this and then, winter happened.  I had to give up some of them along the way, but I’ll keep them in mind for next time!

1. The Louvre Pyramid
2. The Clock at Musée d’Orsay
3. The Bakery’s goodies
4. The Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
5. Crémieux Street
6. The Carrousel next to the Eiffel Tower
7. Sully Hotel
8. Notre Dame de Paris
9. Montmartre
10. Arc de Triomphe

DIY: Tips To Visit Paris For The First Time

Now, let’s go over some tips for visiting Paris – especially if you want to do it yourself for the very first time.

1. Taking The Metro In Paris

16 lines, 303 stations.  Can you imagine?  The good news; there are metros everywhere!  So, I believe the best way to go around Paris is to walk and take the metro when you need a break (especially during winter time).

In 2016, one trip costs 1,80 Euros.  If you are there for 1, 2 or 3 days (or more), I’d recommend you to get a visitor ticket for the numbers of days you’ll need.  It’s going to be cheaper that way.

That said, you should also know that RER are also available in Paris.  In fact, if you took a plane to get to Paris, you probably took the RER to get to the city. RER means express train lines.

2. Walking Around Paris

A lot of places are walkable.  Once you arrive in an area, make sure to walk around to get the Parisian vibes.  You might discover way more than you could imagine.  During summertime, I managed to see Paris without taking the metro once.  Of course, it all depends on your level of laziness, right?

3.  Organize Your Trip

Attractions and great sights are scattered around the city, so it might be useful to draw a rough itinerary so you’re not constantly going back and forward.

Where To Stay In Paris

Whether you’re on a budget, or simply want to enjoy luxury while in Paris – there are plenty of great accommodation options.

Accommodation For Backpackers

I have stayed in many different hostels in Paris before, and St-Christopher’s Inn was definitely the best place I’ve stayed so far.  They have two hostels in Paris.  One of them is located at la Gare du Nord and the other one (the one I stayed at) is next to Canal St-Martin.

Both have great locations and a good atmosphere.  You can relax, party and eat; all in one place!  You can pick a dorm or even enjoy a great private room! Bonus: they offer a free walking tour! Book your room at the St-Christopher’s Inn now!

Mid-Range Accommodation

Here’s an overview of the best mid-range accommodation in Paris:

1. Hotel Monge is a 4-star hotel that offers classic double rooms for around EUR 265 per night.
2. Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs Élysées has a great location and is a modern 4-star hotel.
3. Hôtel Le Relais des Halles has a great location and is a 3-star hotel

Luxury Accommodation

Here’s an overview of the best luxury hotels in Paris:

1. Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris is a 5-star hotel located right in the city centre.
2. Hotel de Crillon is an exceptional 5-star hotel with one of the best locations in Paris.
3. Hôtel D’Aubusson is also a 5-star hotel but you can get a room for less than EUR 500 – which means it’s slightly more affordable than the two previous options.

Traveling In Europe By Bus

There are many different ways to travel across Europe.  Here’s why you should consider traveling in Europe by bus.

1. It’s quick.  You don’t need to show up too far in advance.  It’s efficient!
2. It’s budget-friendly.  Most of the time, traveling by bus is the most affordable option.
3. You can stay connected. Wi-Fi is free and you can even use power sockets!
4. You can travel with luggage. No need to worry about liquids, gels, or the weight of your luggage.  Pack that bag and go!
5. It’s eco-friendly.  The environmental impact is minimal compared to the other transport options.

Busbud is the best way to book bus tickets as it’s all in one place.  You can search, compare and book your bus tickets from hundreds of bus companies in 10,000 cities across 63 countries. They propose 500,000 routes and that makes them the biggest bus travel booking website.  Their goal is to make travel accessible for everyone by giving travelers clear and accurate bus travel information such as schedules and fares. Learn more about Busbud.