Paris, the City of Light, is a place where history whispers through its cobblestone streets, art comes to life in world-famous museums, and the aroma of freshly baked croissants fills the air. Whether you’re gazing at the skyline from the Eiffel Tower, losing yourself in the halls of the Louvre, or savoring a café crème at a charming bistro, Paris offers an endless array of unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the best things to do in this enchanting city, through our lens.
– When did we visit –
We’ve been to Paris three times and each time we fell more in love with this timeless city. Twice we’ve visited in March. The weather can be cold this time of the year but it also means fewer tourists. On another occasion we visited in the shoulder month of September and this time of the year was perfect. The weather was pleasant and although there were more tourists compared to March, it was not as crowded as it gets in the peak summer months of June through August.
Based on our own travels, we suggest that you keep at least 3 days here. And if you’re into art, architecture or food, then you can consider spending 4-5 days here.
– Where did we stay –
On our first visit, we stayed in a Boutique hotel in central Paris called – Hotel du Prince Eugene. The location was good, the hotel was charming but the rooms (like in several places) were tiny. On a subsequent visit we stayed in another centrally located hotel called – Timhotel Palais Royal. This hotel was really nice and was walking distance to the Louvre Museum.
Another time, we stayed in an Airbnb near the Republic Square, which was a short distance away from Galeries Lafayette and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
– How did we get around –
We used a mix of transport methods. The public transport is quite good and we mostly used the metro / train. We also walked as much as we could and took Uber rides for short distances or when we were too tired by the end of a long day.
Here’s a summarised version of the best things-to-do in Paris, France through our lens:
– Discover Paris with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (or on a Siene River Cruise)
One of the first things you could consider is taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get familiar with the city and the different points of interest. This convenient option allows you to see the city’s most famous landmarks including the Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city while saving time and energy.
We opted to take a 24-hours pass with toot bus and spent around half a day enjoying Paris from the top of an open top bus.
Alternatively, you could consider a river cruise to get an overview and savour the sights from a different vantage point.
– Walk Along the Seine River and Admire the Bridges
To immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Paris, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River and admire the picturesque bridges that connect the city. One of the most romantic spots is the Pont des Arts, known for its “love locks” and stunning views. A couple of other bridges worth mentioning are – Pont Alexandre III and Pont de l’Archevêché.
Walking along the riverbanks, you’ll also pass historic landmarks, charming bookstalls, and cozy cafés, making it a perfect way to soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
– Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Perched atop Montmartre Hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a stunning landmark in Paris. From the hill, you get to admire a breathtaking view of the city. Do step inside the basilica to admire the white domes, stained glass windows and beautiful architecture.
The admission to the basilica is free of cost and we spent about an hour here before climbing down the hill, to explore the Montmartre neighbourhood.
– Explore the Montmartre Neighbourhood
Montmartre is one of the more artistic neighborhoods in Paris. Known for its bohemian past, it was once home to famous artists like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. Explore its cobblestone streets, shop at the many boutique stores, grab a bite at one of the many bistros and soak in the vibe of this charming district.
– Visit the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a must-visit of course, especially for art and history lovers. This former royal palace is beautiful inside and out and houses an incredible collection of art masterpieces.
Make sure to book your ticket in advance and plan to spend at least half a day here, if not more.
– Musée d’Orsay – a stunning alternative
Right across the river from Louvre, you’ll find another stunning museum. Situated in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is another paradise for art-lovers. Here, you’ll find works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas, among others.
The museum’s architecture is as captivating as the art it houses, making it one of the most beautiful cultural spots in Paris.
This museum is significantly smaller than the Louvre, making it a great option if you prefer a more manageable experience while still enjoying the renowned art that Paris has to offer. We spent about 1.5 – 2 hours here.
– Marvel at the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to admire it from below, take an elevator ride (or climb up) to the top for breathtaking city views, or enjoy a picnic with the tower in the background, this iconic landmark never fails to impress. For an unforgettable experience, visit in the evening to see it sparkle with lights every hour on the hour.
If you do decide to go to the top (which we think is worth it), make sure to book your tickets in advance as they send people up in batches based on the time slot on your ticket. We spent about 4 hours here, admiring the tower from every angle and waited for sunset to witness the lights display.
– Enjoy a Classic Parisian Breakfast in a Local Bistro
Start your day like a Parisian by indulging in a traditional French breakfast at a local bistro. Order a buttery croissant, a pain au chocolat, or a tartine (baguette with butter and jam), accompanied by a strong café crème and orange juice.
Simply step into any bistro nearby with a good rating, as most serve a standard breakfast. That said, savoring a freshly baked croissant while sitting by the roadside was one of the most delightful experiences of our Paris trip.
– Window Shop (or Shop) at Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is a luxury department store offering designer brands, French fashion, and beauty products. However, our main reason for visiting was to admire its breathtaking glass ceiling and ornate interiors, which make the building truly iconic. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful shopping destinations we’ve ever seen.
Additionally, the rooftop terrace is free to access, providing a panoramic view of Paris—a fantastic bonus to the experience.
– Experience Digital Art at Atelier des Lumières
For a modern artistic experience, visit Atelier des Lumières, an immersive digital art museum. This innovative venue showcases famous artworks projected onto the walls and floors, creating a mesmerizing, larger-than-life experience. Past exhibitions have featured Van Gogh, Klimt, and Dalí, offering a fresh and interactive way to appreciate classic art.
Be sure to check which artists will be featured during your visit and book your tickets in advance, as slots for popular exhibits fill up quickly.
– Admire the iconic Notre Dame cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks — a historic masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Go here to admire its intricate facades, stunning stained glass and soaring spires. If you don’t want to step inside, the exterior remains a captivating sight, and the surrounding area buzzes with the charm of Parisian life, making it a lovely spot for both history buffs and casual explorers.
And if you don’t mind climbing a steep and winding staircase with 387 steps, then go up the south tower of the cathedral to enjoy panoramic city views.
Here’s an interactive map to help you locate each of the above and plan your days in Paris (yellow markers). It also includes some restaurant options that we had shortlisted for ourselves (red markers).
So there you have it. We hope this gives you a starting point in planning your very own trip to Paris. If you have questions, leave them in the comments and we’ll try our best to answer them.
