Top 10 best things to do in Paris: Complete guide for first-timers

If you’re planning a trip to the city of lights for the first time, you are in for a treat! There are so many amazing things to see in Paris, France. So, here’s a complete list of sites and attractions that you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss in this iconic city. Check it out!

So, not only did I live in Paris, the French capital, for a year and a half as a missionary for my church, I have also returned two times as a bit of a tour guide for two different groups of people. You can rest assured that I have the best Paris itinerary and list of attractions to see in Paris as a first-time visitor. Check it out!

#10: Tuileries garden and Luxembourg gardens

In the heart of Paris, you’ll find two iconic gardens bustling with Parisians enjoying a stroll, reading a book or basking in the sun. The Jardin des Tuileries (near Place de la Concorde) and Jardin du Luxembourg are both free to the public. They are a great place to take a moment to relax during your busy vacation and eat a picnic lunch. Although Paris has many beautiful gardens, I enjoy these two the most.

#9: Palais Garnier

Known as the Paris Opera House, Palais Garnier, is a magnificent building that houses some of the most famous operas and ballets. You can buy tickets for a self-guided tour just to admire the architecture or you can actually attend a ballet or opera. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

#8: Bike ride along the Seine River

Riding bikes is one of my favorite things to do while visiting Paris. It’s so relaxing and fun and you get to see parts of this beautiful city that you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. I particularly love riding along the Seine River. So many people are out enjoying the weather and the beautiful scenery. I like to use Lime bikes. Just download their app and find a bike nearby.

#7: Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris is one of the most unique attractions and historic sites you’ll ever visit in Paris. According to their website, the Catacombs is the largest ossuary in the world that houses the remains of several million Parisians as the cemeteries of Paris gradually closed. It’s creepy, cryptic and super cool all at the same time. Although kind of pricey, I personally think it’s totally worth it.

#6: Chateau de Versailles

Although not technically in Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a spectacular castle that displays the extravagant lifestyle of French royalty in the 1600s and 1700s. Home to Marie Antoinette, this national monument contains 2,300 rooms and covers more than 721,000 square feet. It’s a landmark you don’t want to miss. And don’t forget to stop by downtown Versailles and visit all their quaint shops. You can also stop by the LDS Temple nearby and see their free gardens and visitor center and take a picture of the life-size Christus.

#5: Sacre Coeur and Monmartre

This is one of my most favorite places in all of Paris. Sacre Coeur is a beautiful cathedral that sits on the top of a hill in the 18 arrondissement of Paris. The surrounding area, known as Monmartre, is a like a quaint village. I could spend hours on a self-guided walking tour exploring winding roads and small shops. Don’t forget to stop by the Moulin Rouge as well.

#4: Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées

The Arc de Triomphe is a huge arch that was built to honor those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. It sits in the center of a huge roundabout that feeds 12 streets. The opening of the arch faces the iconic Champs-Élysées, which is considered the world’s most beautiful avenue. A definite must-see.

#3: Notre Dame

Built in 12th century, this ancient cathedral stands at the center of Paris on the Île de la Cité near Sainte Chapelle. The doors to Notre-Dame de Paris will re-open with free admission after being closed for more than five years after the fire of 2019. You can’t visit Paris without visiting Notre Dame. Plus it’s free! Don’t forget to stand on the center of Paris in front of Notre Dame.

#2: Louvre Museum

The Musée du Louvre is a national museum of art and one of the largest museums in the world. It contains 38,000 works of art and 380,000 objects including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. You could spend days there and not see everything. Of course, Paris has many art museums such as Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, but if it is your first time visiting this city, the Louvre is a must.

#1: Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of those places that you have to see in person to truly appreciate. That’s why it is listed as number one. I would recommend taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and then visiting Trocadero at night to see it lit up. Trocadero is one of the best places to get a view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s breathtaking and could bring you to tears.

Bonus things to do in Paris: Seine Dinner Cruise

One of the best ways to see Paris is by boat. So, buy tickets to a dinner cruise on the River Seine. You can eat some fine Parisian cuisine while floating past many of Paris’ iconic landmarks. Then, you can finish the evening with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower lit up in the night sky.

I hope you enjoyed this list of 10 of the best things to do in Paris during your first visit. You are going to love this amazing city. Let me know how it goes in the comments below.

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