Intro

Paris, the City of Light, known for its romantic ambiance, world-class museums, exquisite cuisine, and iconic fashion, remains a top destination for visitors worldwide. From hidden cafés in quiet neighborhoods to the vibrant art scene and the everyday rhythm of Parisian life, this city offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation that speaks to every type of traveler.

During our recent two-week journey across Europe, from the bustling streets of London to the sun-drenched vistas of Lisbon, Paris served as a pivotal stop. It offered the perfect interlude—a chance to immerse ourselves in its unparalleled blend of history, culture, and everyday magic.

As a first-time traveler to Paris, we delve into its essence in this travel guide. While we can’t guarantee a quintessential Parisian experience, this guide is packed with insights and tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next trip to Paris.

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Guides

Arrondissement

You’re not alone if you are puzzled by how the French organized the arrondissements. The twenty arrondissements are arranged in a clockwise spiral radiating outwards from the center of the city.

Transportation

Paris Metro System

The Paris Metro system is extremely convenient and can get you anywhere within Paris. We highly recommend getting the app “Boujour RATP” for real-time transit info (on metro, bus, tram, RER services, and even city bikes) and digital ticket purchases. Alternatively, you can buy physical tickets at the metro station from the ticket offices or automatic ticket machines. 

Fun Fact: “Sortir” means exit in French. A must-know when navigating the maze of Paris Metro stations!

Biking

Renting a city bike is a great alternative to the 2.5-3 hour walk across Paris, allowing you to explore the city’s authenticity and uniqueness at your own pace. Here is a link for more information. 

Uber Boat

During our brief stop in Paris, we did not get to experience a Seine River boat ride. If you have the time, consider hopping on a boat for a scenic tour. To make it unforgettable, enjoy a brunch or dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower—it will definitely elevate your experience.

Museums

Le Louvre

The Louvre needs no further introduction as this is one of the world’s most famous museums. It is a must-visit if you have a full day in Paris. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring based on your interests, as seeing everything requires multiple visits. Be aware that some artifacts may be under renovation; for instance, during our December 2023 visit, “Liberty Leading the People” and “The Coronation of Napoleon” were unavailable. But don’t worry, the Mona Lisa will always be there (hope I don’t jinx it). Also, I highly recommend getting your ticket in advance to avoid complications. I’ve attached the link here.

Musée D’Orsay

Right across the Louvre sits another great museum housed in a former train station. Compared to the Louvre, 2-3 hours at Musée D’Orsay is sufficient enough. Spend your morning there to see renowned works by Millet, Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh. Here is the link for ticket reservation and like the Louvre, we also recommend purchasing an audio tour.

Château de Versailles

Although we did not visit Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles), this should definitely be on the top of your considerations if you have at least 4-5 days in Paris. It will definitely be at the top of our list for our next visit. Here is the link for the ticket reservation.

Landmarks

Jardin des Tuileries -> Place de la Concorde -> Avenue des Champs-Elysées -> Arc de Triomphe

These 4 landmarks are conveniently in a straight line, making it an easy and scenic walk through some of Paris’s most famous attractions. Start at Tuileries Garden, a beautiful garden perfect for a stroll and a quick bite after spending half of your day at the Louvre. From there, after passing the Place de la Concorde, head straight to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the bustling heart of Parisian luxury. This will finally lead you to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where you can take in panoramic views of Paris. 

Tour Effiel 

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see, presence on any Paris itinerary. Beyond popular spots like Trocadéro Gardens, Place du Trocadero, and Champ de Mars, there are some other great options: 

1. Paris Metro Line 6 offers a stunning view overlooking the Eiffel Tower
2. Pont de Bir-Hakeim, featured in movies like Inception and Mission: Impossible – Fallout, offers a spectacular view and is conveniently located near Passy Station on metro line 6.
3. Galeries Lafayette Rooftop, recommended by a friend, at the famous department store offers a free, stunning view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.
4. Last, I would also recommend scrolling through Instagram to discover hidden spots for both close-up and distant views of the Eiffel Tower.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Unfortunately, a structural fire in April 2019 led to the closure of the Cathedral, which is now under construction and expected to reopen in December 2024. Despite this, we highly recommend visiting to learn about its history through the information boards around the site.

Montmartre

From the steps in front of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, it offers a stunning view of Paris capturing the essence of Parisian beauty. We highly recommend visiting at sunset, when the sky glows and street artists perform, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.  Although we only explored a small part of Montmartre, there’s much more to discover—see the attached resource for more details

Les Catacombes de Paris

While the allure of iconic sites (mentioned above) in Paris is undeniable, beneath the city’s bustling surface lies a hidden gem: Les Catacombes de Paris. This vast underground ossuary offers a hauntingly unique journey through history and a profound reflection on mortality, contrasting with the vibrant city above. It’s a must-visit for an unconventional Paris experience. Here is the link for the ticket reservation.

Other Notable Places

In addition to the places we’ve mentioned, here are a few other notable spots that might pique your interest:

• Sainte-Chapelle
• Palais Garnier
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Panthéon
• Hôtel des Invalides

Food

Paris, a culinary paradise, offers a diverse blend of traditional and global cuisines. From charming patisseries and bustling bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city’s food scene is diverse and the options are endless. Below, we’ll highlight the restaurants we visited and share some additional insights.

Benoit

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris, France

Benoit, a historic Parisian bistro since 1912, offers a classic French dining experience with a Michelin-starred menu highlighting traditional dishes in an elegant and historical atmosphere. The service was exceptional, and the food was reasonably priced at around $65 per person. This makes Benoit a compelling option for those seeking a Michelin-star experience on a budget. However, we didn’t find enough value to warrant a second visit.

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Kodawari Ramen (Yokochō)

Address: 29 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France

Kodawari Ramen (Yokochō), featured in the Michelin Guide, captivates the hearts of both the locals and tourists. Paris has two locations: Tsukiji, specializing in fish, and Yokochō, offering beef and pork. Be sure to make an online reservation, as there’s always a line waiting outside. A must-visit for ramen lovers. 

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Aux Merveilleux de Fred

Address: 1 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France

Boulangeries can be found on every corner of the city. We stumbled upon Aux Merveilleux de Fred for a quick morning bite before heading to the Musée d’Orsay. The chocolate cramique brioche was extraordinary, with flaky, golden pastry filled with rich, decadent chocolate—a truly mind-blowing taste sensation.

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La Felicità

Address: 5 Parv. Alan Turing, 75013 Paris, France

For an authentic Parisian experience away from the bustling city center, La Felicità is a great choice. Recommended by a Parisian, while the food is nothing new (food court style), the lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a night out with friends and immersing yourself in Parisian life. Bonus note: The bathroom features unique and surprising decorations.

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Other Places You Should Consider

• The famous Angelina Hot Chocolate, which we missed on this trip
• Starbucks Opera, Paris – one of the boujeest Starbucks in the world
• Macaron La Durée – recommended by a Parisian friend 

Additional Thoughts

We recommend researching on Reddit, YouTube, and Google Maps Reviews, and seeking recommendations from friends and locals. If you’re not aiming for Michelin-starred restaurants and want a traditional French dining experience, don’t worry about the hyped-up, premium-priced spots. A highly-rated restaurant on Google Reviews is usually sufficient. With so many choices, sometimes it’s best to go with your gut feeling and take the risk.

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Sample Itinerary