Welcome to your ultimate Paris, France travel guide! From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to charming neighbourhoods, world-class food experiences, and day trips to Versailles. This ultimate Paris Travel Guide will help you plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, exploring hidden gems, or mapping out multi-day itineraries, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration here.
Where to stay in Paris?
We stayed in the Hôtel Regina Opéra Grands Boulevards. A very decent hotel in a decent neighbourhood. We are 15 minutes walk away from the Gare du Nord and close to a metro station that can bring you everywhere in the city. If you’re on a budget, the cheaper hotels are around the Gare du Nord, but the neighbourhood is more sketchier and further away from everywhere.
Paris Museum Pass
If you’re planning to visit a lot of sights in Paris, then the Paris Museum Pass might be a good option. This card starts at €110 per person and gives you free skip-the-line access to many museums and monuments. You can buy a card for 2, 4, or 6 days.
Top Attractions in Paris
1) Sacré-Coeur
We start our tour at the Sacré-Coeur. The Sacré-Coeur is a church on Montmartre, the highest point in the city. It’s the second most visited monument in Paris and has a nice view of Paris.
Entrance: Free, Crypt: €8
Fun Fact: You can’t see the Eiffel Tower from this viewpoint. Just walk a bit to the left (facing the church). There, you’ll get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
Warning: Watch out for scammers! You don’t need a bracelet to go to the Sacré-Coeur. It’s a scam.
After that, I advise you to walk down the Montmartre and follow some rural streets to end up at the Moulin Rouge. You’ll encounter a courtyard filled with artists who can sketch your portrait.
2) Moulin rouge
The Moulin Rouge is the place to see a revue show where the French CanCan found its light. Prices start from €80, so you have to choose whether you want to do it or not. If not, the look of the building is already fascinating.
Entrance: €80
Fun Fact: There was once a wooden elephant in the garden.
3) Opéra Garnier
This opera is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The size is fascinating, but when we saw the facade, we were surprised by its beauty! We couldn’t see the interior, unfortunately, as it was closed that day. But I heard that the interior is a must-see! These days, it primarily hosts ballet performances, but it was once intended purely as an opera house. Opera performances are now held here only a few times a year. The Palais Garnier is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance: €14 >25y/o , €10 for 12-25 y/o
Fun Fact: From the Lafayette Galleries, you have a view of the backside of the opera.
4) Galeries Lafayette
The Galeries Lafayette is the Harrods of Paris. If you want to do some luxurious shopping, this is the place. You’ll find Cartier, Tiffany’s, Dior, and more in this department store!
Fun Fact: Make sure to look up and enjoy the ceiling! You might have to wait for 20 minutes before you can go on a platform to take a photo of the ceiling.
Fun Fact 2: Go to the rooftop to have another view of Paris!
5) Centre Pompidou
During the day, a lot of tourists are around the Centre Pompidou, doing souvenir shopping and visiting the museum located in the Centre Pompidou. At night, it’s a place for the youth to go out! The building looks like it’s built inside out.
Entrance: €14 >25y/o, €11 18-25 y/o
Entrance to Paris viewpoint: €5
6) Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris, dating back to the 17th century.
7) Place de la Bastille
This used to be the Prison of the Bastille. During the French Revolution, people stormed the Prison and destroyed it. Fun Fact: Climb the July Column on the Place de la Bastille!
8) City Hall
The Hôtel de Ville (city hall) was built in the 16th century. If you don’t have the time to go to the Palace of Versailles, the city hall has a replica of the Galerie des Glaces. Definitely a must-see!
Entrance: Free
9) Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame is very famous, especially since it was burned down. A national disaster.
10) Sainte Chapelle
So if we can’t visit Notre Dame, we can visit the Sainte Chapelle! It’s most famous for its beautiful windows and is located in front of Notre Dame.
Entrance: €11.5, Free for 18-25 y/o from the EU
11) Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris. The bridge used to be the connection to the center of Paris (île de la cité, the island on which Notre Dame is located). The bridge also has a statue of King Henry IV.
Fun Fact: The bridge is more beautiful by night.
12) Pantheon
When walking towards the Palace of Luxembourg, you’ll pass the Pantheon. It was originally a church, but it’s now a burial place for famous French people like Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Marie Curie, & Voltaire.
Entrance: €13, Free for 18-25 y/o from the EU
13) Palace de Luxembourg
Palace de Luxembourg used to be the home of Queen Marie de’ Medici after the death of her husband (King Henry IV). The palace was built to resemble her childhood home, Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy. The garden is now a park where lots of people enjoy the sun and the flowers. The palace is now used by the Senate.
14) Louvre
The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, and my feet can confirm it! Read my tips in my Louvre Museum Guide.
15) Seine
The Seine is a river in Paris. Alongside the river, you can see the Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. I once did a boat trip on my school trip to Paris, where we passed some beautiful bridges like the Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and Pont Alexandre.
Fun Fact: Don’t forget to walk alongside the Seine by sunset or in the evening!
16) Pont des Arts
This bridge is most famous for all the love locks on the railings. But due to too many padlocks, Paris has changed the bridge: No padlocks anymore!
Fun Fact: This is the bridge where a scene from “Now You See Me” was filmed.
17) Palais Royal
The Palais Royal used to be the royal palace but is now used for the Ministry of Culture, the Conseil d’État, and the Constitutional Council.
18) Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden lies just in front of the Louvre.
19) Musee d’Orsay
Just on the other side of the Seine is the Musée d’Orsay. The museum used to be a train station and has been turned into a museum with artworks from van Gogh and Monet.
Entrance: €17, €14 for 18-25 y/o from the EU
20) Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde lies on the other side of the Tuileries Garden and is famous for its obelisk.
Fun Fact: That obelisk once stood in Luxor, Egypt.
21) Petit & Grand Palais
The Petit and Grand Palais are two separate museums. They are known for their special architecture.
22) Pont Alexandre III
I personally find this bridge the most beautiful one in Paris! Make sure to make a pitstop here!
23) Champs Élysées
Go shopping on this boulevard! You can shop in luxurious shops or even in regular shops like H&M. Watch out for pickpockets!
24) Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was built in honor of the battle victories of Napoleon. When climbing the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll have an amazing view of the Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower!
Entrance: €16, Free for 18-25 y/o from the EU
25) Jardin de Trocadero
From Jardin de Trocadero, you’ll have the best view of the Eiffel Tower, but you have to pay a price: lots of tourists! We decided not do this as we saw the mass of tourists from the Eiffel tower beforehand. When you’re at Trocadero, you can also walk to the Princess Diana memorial.
26) Pont de Bir Hakeim
Ever seen the movie Inception? Well, this bridge is used in one of their scenes. Like many bridges in Paris, this bridge gives you a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
27) Eiffel Tower
The icon of Paris! We booked our tickets in advance to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’m so glad I did this because I always wanted to do this since I was a child.
Entrance: €40 adult, €13 youth (<24 y/o)
28) Champs de Mars
Champs de Mars is the park right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I bet it is more beautiful in the summer. Now it was a bit of a bummer. Judge for yourself 😉
29) Dôme des Invalides
The Dôme des Invalides is the last resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte and is easily seen from all viewpoints in Paris. It’s also a museum about the history of the Military of France.
Entrance: €12, Free for youth (<26 y/o)
30) Paris Catacombs
Explore the underground tunnels of Paris during the Catacombs tour! The catacombs are an impressive 290-kilometer-long network of tunnels containing the bones and skulls of 6 million Parisians. These tunnels were transformed into catacombs after the city’s cemeteries became overcrowded, causing illnesses among the surrounding residents. The catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM. A ticket costs €38 per person.
Sad Fact: Some people wrote on the remainings which is just disrespectful.
Day Trips from Paris
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles lies just outside of Paris in Versailles. It’s a 40-minute train ride from central Paris, which makes it a good 1-day excursion! Read my tips for Versailles.
Disneyland
It’s a 40-minute train ride from central Paris to Disneyland Paris, which makes it a perfect 2-day excursion! Read more about it in my Disneyland Paris Guide.
Parc Astérix
Parc Astérix is located approximately 35 km north of Paris. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive from Paris to the park. Read more about it in my Parc Astérix Guide.
Where to eat & drink in Paris?
Marche des Enfants Rouge
This is the oldest covered market in Paris, where you’ll find numerous stalls selling fresh produce and tasty treats. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists for a bite to eat and a drink. The market is located in the Marais district and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and on Sundays until 2:00 PM.
Strohrer
Strohrer serve the best croissants in Paris and is the oldest bakery in Paris, founded in 1730.
Brasserie Dubillot
Dubillot is a beautiful Art Deco-style restaurant. Booking in advance is recommended, as dinnertime fills up quickly. There are several meat dishes on the menu, but vegetarians will certainly find something to their liking.
Brasserie Julien
Try to have lunch or dinner in a traditional bistro that has retained its charm from decades ago.
La Felicita
Enjoy a variety of snacks in this food hall. Have a look at the old train stationed in the middle of the hall. In the evening, you might spot some locals having a glass of wine here after work.
Practical travel tips for Paris
How many days in Paris?
I would recommend 4 days to get the most out of your trip. A day trip is also doable, but keep your expectations low as you can’t do much if you plan on visiting museums.
Best time to visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and September to early November. During these months, you have the open-air cafés and a pleasant 20°C for walking in the city and picnics by the Seine.
Paris Transport Tips
One of the cheapest ways to travel to Paris is by train. With the Eurostar, you can travel from Brussels Midi in just 1.5 hours. A return ticket costs between €40 if you book in advance.
Tip: Don’t wait too long to book, as a return train ticket can easily cost €100 or more.
You can also drive to Paris if you live in one of the neighbouring countries of France. For us (I live in Belgium), the train is way shorter than the car, so we barely do this.
Tip: Don’t forget to purchase an environmental sticker for Paris if you plan to drive in Paris.
The best way to travel in the city center is on foot, by bike, or by metro.
Metro Tip: A single ticket costs €1.90, but you can also buy a 10-trip card, which is slightly cheaper per ride.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Paris
When is the best time to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and September to early November. During these months, you have the open-air cafés and a pleasant 20°C for walking in the city and picnics by the Seine.
How many days do you need in Paris?
I would recommend 4 days to get the most out of your trip. A day trip is also doable, but keep your expectations low as you can’t do much if you plan on visiting museums.
What are must see attractions in Paris?
The must-see attractions in Paris are the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
How do you get around Paris?
The best way to travel in the city centre is on foot, by bike, or by metro.
Jardin de Luxembourg is één van mijn favoriete plekjes in Parijs en Versailles staat hoog op mijn “to do” lijstje
Oh zo leuk! Je zal Versailles super mooi vinden!
Wat een fijne opsomming! Het is en blijft een mooie stad.
Inderdaad Cheryl! Parijs kan je zo vaak bezoeken als je maar kan, elke keer weer iets nieuw!
Heel leuk overzichtje zo! Ik vind het altijd zo leuk een foto te maken aan de Moulin Rouge. Zo mooi!
Ja! Wel veel volk die je eerst moet laten haha!
Love these beautiful sights from Paris! Can’t wait to go back sometime.
Thank you!
So many places to choose from! Love it 🙂
Glad you liked it!
Ik ben een keer in Parijs geweest, het was echt prachtig! Het is een beetje gek om te zeggen, maar ik voelde niet een soort klik met de stad ofzo. Aan de ene kant zou ik er nog wel eens naartoe willen gaan, maar ik denk niet dat dat ervan gaat komen.
Kan gebeuren! Ik ben er al enkele keren geweest dus voor mij is het eerder als een stad zoals in België. 🤗
Leuk!! Wij willen ook echt weer eens naar Parijs, zo lang geleden en zo veel moois te zien en te eten haha
Ja inderdaad 🙈
De Moulin Rouge zou ik wel eens willen bezoeken die heeft gewoon zoveel geschiedenis
Hier zou ik graag een show zien, misschien volgende keer!
Oh la la. Ik ben zo dol op Parijs en kom er minstens 1x per jaar. Elke keer ontdek ik weer nieuwe pareltjes in mijn lievelingsstad.
Dat is net het leuke aan Parijs 😍
Heel leuke tips! Ik ben al een paar keer in Parijs geweest en al veel gezien, zoals de Eiffeltoren, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe,… Maar nu wil ik zeker nog eens terug voor de Catacomben en Versailles!!
Blij dat ik je heb kunnen helpen Louise!