We’re going to talk about that big old tower — yes, the Eiffel Tower — but I promise you’ll also get tips for some fun things to do in Paris that aren’t plastered all over the internet. I’ll be sharing the top attractions that are actually worth your time, plus some hidden gems that most tourists miss.
And at the end I’ll share 5 important things to avoid doing in Paris to make your trip smoother.
By the way, hi! I’m Chris — a former travel agency owner, now sharing practical travel tips let’s get right into this Paris travel guide.
🗼 The Eiffel Tower: Must-Do With a Few Tips
It’s not a trip to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Standing over 330 meters tall, it once held the record for the tallest structure in the world. Crazy enough, it was almost dismantled after 20 years — thankfully, it’s still here.
Tips:
- Pre-book your ticket online to avoid long waits.
- Expect to queue a bit anyway, but it’s part of the experience.
- I personally think the second floor is more enjoyable than the very top. The top can feel claustrophobic with the crowd.
- If you’re visiting in winter, don’t book too early in the morning — Paris gets pretty misty.
☕ Sit at a Café Like a Local
One of the most Parisian things you can do is sit outside at a café or restaurant on the terrace. Whether it’s coffee, wine, or just people-watching, this is part of daily life in Paris — and it’s fascinating.
🚤 River Cruise on the Seine
I still think it’s wild that the banks of the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage site — but once you take a stroll or a cruise, it makes sense.
A river cruise on the Seine is an absolute must-do:
- Take a 1-hour cruise for a relaxing break.
- Good starting points: Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame.
- I’ll leave links below for the best cruise options.
🛍️ Rue Montorgueil: My Favorite Street in Paris
If I had to pick one street to spend the entire day on, it’d be Rue Montorgueil. It’s full of cafés, bars, restaurants, and little local shops. This is where you’ll really feel the energy of the city.
🖼️ The Louvre: Secret Entrance & Fun Fact
Yes, the Louvre is world-famous — and rightly so. But did you know it used to be a royal residence before the French Revolution?
It houses over 35,000 works of art, including that one very famous lady you’ve probably seen before (hi, Mona!).
Time-saving tip:
There’s a secret entrance! Look up “Carrousel du Louvre” on Google Maps. Pre-book online and use that entrance to skip the massive line at the pyramid.
Paris museum ticket online
🌿 The Latin Quarter & Panthéon
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest areas in Paris — and somehow, both ancient and youthful. You’ll find charming bookshops, cafés, and lots of students buzzing around.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Panthéon. Originally a church, it’s now a memorial to France’s great minds. Check out the tombs of Voltaire and other icons.
Bonus: Right behind the Panthéon is a small, lesser-known church that’s one of my favorites. You might recognize it from Midnight in Paris — it’s where Owen Wilson’s character time-travels back to the 1920s.
🏰 Notre-Dame Cathedral: Still Iconic
Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and took nearly 100 years to complete. Those cool gargoyles? They’re not just decorative — they help direct rainwater off the building.
The cathedral was sadly damaged by fire in 2019, but it’s set to reopen in December 2024. Mark your calendar!
⛪ Saint-Sulpice Church
This is the second-largest church in Paris, famous for its mismatched towers and beautiful interiors. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter, which is great when you’re budgeting in one of Europe’s pricier cities.
🎭 Palais Garnier: The Stunning Opera House
The Paris Opera House (Palais Garnier) was built from 1861 to 1875. It’s not only jaw-droppingly beautiful but also the setting for The Phantom of the Opera.
Even if you’re not into opera, an entry ticket for around €15( may change) is totally worth it — just to admire the grand staircase and chandelier alone.
🥞 Crêpes Everywhere
While crêpes originally come from Brittany, you’ll find them everywhere in Paris — from street vendors to sit-down spots.
Go classic with Nutella and banana, or savory with ham and cheese. There’s something for every taste!
🏞️ Get Lost in Paris (On Purpose)
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Paris is… nothing planned at all.
Every day, have one or two sights on your itinerary, then leave room to wander. Walk into that little alley, sit at the cute café you stumble upon — that’s when Paris really shines.
🏛️ Galerie Lafayette Rooftop View
Want a stunning (and free!) view of Paris?
Head to the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette. This iconic department store has a beautiful glass dome and panoramic rooftop that lets you see the entire city — including the Eiffel Tower.
Tip: Go early in the day to beat the crowds.
⛪ Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur sits atop Montmartre, giving you an incredible view of Paris. The nearby streets are adorable — but it does get very crowded, especially on weekends.
Go early in the morning to enjoy it before the tour groups arrive.
🧑🎨 Le Marais: Paris’s Trendiest Neighborhood
Le Marais is a mix of old Paris charm and trendy vibes. You’ll find amazing food, beautiful streets, and stylish locals just enjoying the scene.
Grab a seat outside a café, order a coffee or glass of wine, and just watch the world go by.
🪖 Arc de Triomphe
Another famous monument, the Arc de Triomphe, was built by Napoleon to honor the French army.
Important tip: Don’t run across the crazy traffic! There’s a pedestrian underpass that takes you safely to the monument. You can also go to the top for €16 and catch some stunning views.
❌ 5 Things to Avoid in Paris
To wrap things up, here are five things you should not do in Paris:
- Don’t stay near the Eiffel Tower. It’s beautiful, yes, but the area itself is overpriced and not that interesting.
- Avoid restaurants with English-only menus. That’s usually a tourist trap.
- Don’t skip pre-booking tickets. You’ll waste hours in lines otherwise.
- Avoid taxis from the airport. Use public transit or book a shuttle — it’s cheaper and more reliable.
- Don’t overpack your schedule. Leave room for spontaneous fun — that’s what Paris is all about.