Blogger’s Travel Guide to Paris: Top Things to Do in Paris
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Paris Travel Guide
Paris is one of my favorite cities to explore, especially when every corner looks like a postcard! There is so much to see in Paris so I narrowed down the top things to do and see in Paris in my blogger’s travel guide to Paris.
I included my favorite restaurants and places to get cocktails as well! Whether you like history or the trendiest cafe there will be something on this list for you. Let’s get into it.
Related Paris Posts:
The 9 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots To View The Eiffel Tower
Where to Stay in Paris
Hotel Le Roch
This ultra-chic designed focused hotel should be on your radar! Located just steps from the Louvre, and the trendy shopping district of Rue Saint Honoré, this hotel is in a prime central location.
You’ll also get to relax in this hotel’s indoor pool and spa after a long day of touring around Paris. Read my full review of Hotel Le Roch.
Le Narcisse Blanc
Elegant and tranquil is how I describe Le Narcisse Blanc. Located in the 7th Arrondissement in Paris, you’ll get a more local vibe with plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby.
Everything about this hotel is a 5-star experience from the staff to the luxurious rooms, and the spa. Read my full review of Le Narcisse Blanc here.
Hotel Therese
This hotel offers an elegant stay with great value! Located in the coveted 1st Arrondissement in Paris, just steps from the Louvre and the Opera Garnier, you’ll be walking distance from attractions, plenty of restaurants, and shopping.
I loved the small boutique feel this hotel had and the excellent customer service! Read my full review of Hotel Therese here.
Best Things to Do in Paris
Experience the Eiffel Tower
A trip to Paris is not a trip without seeing or visiting the Eiffel Tower.
There are so many ways you can experience the Eiffel Tower. A classic way is to visit the observation deck with a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Eiffel Tower views.
The best way to experience the Eiffel Tower is to book a skip-the-line guided tour with access to the second level.
Eiffel Tower Direct Access Guided Tour: Experience the Eiffel Tower with a guided tour with these skip-the-line tickets! If you have ever been to Paris during high season- you might be waiting hours to see the incredible views. So these tickets are a huge plus.
On this direct access guided tour, you’ll learn insider information about the Eiffel Tower and Paris making this a more meaningful & memorable activity. Plus you’ll see views of Montmartre and the Louvre Museum!
Read Next: Best Eiffel Tower Photo Locations
1 Hour Seine River Boat Cruise
A great way to see Paris is going on a relaxing 1-hour Seine River Boat Cruise. This budget-friendly activity, under $20 per ticket, is perfect for those who want to see Paris from a different perspective and learn more about the scenic architecture.
Famous sights on this boat cruise include The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more.
The ticket is valid for one month, so you can choose your date and time.
Tip: Visit during sunset for dreamy hues & sparkling Eiffel Tower.
Visit the Lourve Musuem
Louvre Museum is home to art from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, including Leonardo Di Vinci’s Mona Lisa!
This is one of the most popular things to do in Paris, and the line can get pretty long. It’s best to book your tickets in advance to ensure entry!
Musee D’Orsay
I would also check out the Musee d’Orsay which features French paintings and sculptures and is home to a stunning clock tower.
Hop on Hop Off Paris Bus Tour
Taking a bus tour is a great activity if this is one of your first visits to Paris. I took this tour on my first time to Paris and it helped me learn where everything in Paris was located & I was able to get off and explore where I wanted.
On this tour, you visit every Paris Landmark including the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre Dame, and more.
Plus, you don’t have to depend on public transport to get around. See Paris above ground at your own pace!
Explore Montmartre
Montmartre is one of my favorite areas in Paris because of its charm, and it’s worth an afternoon of just exploring.
Located in the 18th Arrondissement in Paris, the main attraction in the area is the Sacre Coeur.
However, be sure to walk the streets around it for hidden gems like the only wine vineyard in Paris, or the many chic cafes like La Maison Rose and Le Consulat.
This area is also great for photography, which is why I mentioned Montmartre plenty of times in my Paris Instagram Spots post so be sure to bring your camera for charming streets and epic views of the city.
If you’d like to learn more about this neighborhood, there is a two-hour walking tour with a guide you can take for only $16! You can purchase tickets here.
Visit the Palais Garnier
If you don’t have time to visit Versailles just outside the city, the Palais Garnier Opera House will get your opulent fix in. Seriously, this is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in.
Built in the late 1800s and made famous by the novel The Phantom of the Opera, this opera house should be on any design lovers’ itinerary. You can purchase tickets in advance for $13!
See a Paris Cabaret Show
Moulin Rouge:
The most famous Cabaret in Paris is the Moulin Rouge made up of 60 artists performing the “Féerie” show. This show can be sold out months in advance, so booking an advance ticket is a great idea to ensure a seat!
Crazy Horse:
Remember the Beyonce “Partition” music video? Well, the whole video was inspired and filmed in Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris. Crazy Horse is a famous adult Parisian Cabaret. Dancers are nearly nude but it’s tastefully executed. The use of mirrors and lighting make it visually interesting, and a fun night out!
It is a truly unique and memorable activity to add to your itinerary.
Drink Wine on the Seine
Drinking Wine on the Seine is one of my favorite Parisian Activities. Yes, you can legally drink wine in the open in Paris. I wish this rule applied in the USA!
So grab a bottle of wine and a few snacks and pick a spot along the Seine.
Shopping in Paris
What blogger’s travel guide to Paris is complete without shopping?
There are plenty of neighborhoods to shop in Paris but my favorite shops include:
- Galleries Lafayette (Store) is a chic Parisian department store. Brands span from contemporary to designer, but I also like their Galleries Lafayette Brand for more affordable accessories. Just to see the interior is worth a stop!
- Rue Saint Honoré (street) if you are looking for Parisian designer boutiques like Maison Goyard, Chanel, or Dior. There are also small fragrance boutiques in this area as well including my favorite Memo Paris.
- St. Germain (Neighborhood) is another area to explore for shopping boutiques, cute cafes, and charming streets. City Pharma is a must-stop for beauty products in St. Germain and is the cheapest store in Paris to stock up on your favorite French brands like Caudalie, Nuxe, La Roche Posay, and Bioderma which are half-priced compared to the USA
Where to Eat in Paris
Pink Mamma: If you could only eat at one restaurant in Paris, I’d have to say it should be Pink Mamma. Spanning over 4 floors, this gorgeous Italian Restaurant does not disappoint.
From the decor, and service, to the food, everything was perfect! Be sure to make a reservation as well in advance, especially for dinner!
Holybelly: Looking for a healthy breakfast and lunch spot that serves breakfast all day?
You’ll have to check out Holybelly where your order of scrambled eggs won’t be judged at 3 pm.
Where to get the Best Sweets in Paris
Ladurée: No trip to Paris is without a stop in Ladurée. With plenty of locations around the city, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth all day long.
Where to Have a Cocktail in Paris
Le Comptoir General: This is how I would describe Le Comptoir General: boho chic cafe meets hipster cocktail bar separated into two large spaces with eclectic decor features.
This is a local hang-out and is worth the visit for an extensive cocktail menu, and seafood.
Le Perchoir: This trendy rooftop bar is a true local spot. While the drinks range on the pricier side the views are worth it.
Even better if you can snag a table to capture the views. You can also spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Pick a Cafe: Sometimes the best spots are just located where you need a drink.
I enjoyed sipping on wine in a cute spot “Le Zinc” in La Motte-Picquet.
What to Wear in Paris
Parisian style is all about minimalism. I love bringing in a bold blazer and pairing it with basic pieces like black pants, and a white tee.
Of course finish off the look with cute accessories like this coveted Gucci belt, a bright red bag, and a classic beret.
Beyond fashion, I always back these 23 travel essentials on all my trips. They make packing and traveling a breeze!
Thank you for checking out my Blogger’s Travel Guide to Paris! Please save this to your Pin Boards!
Lovely shots! I used to live in Paris and I visit all the time yet have never gone INSIDE the Opera. La honte! It’s going to be my first stop on my next trip 😉
Hi Natasha! I can’t believe you never been inside! I hope you get there soon- it’s so beautiful!
I loved this post! Palais Garnier is still one of my favorite places in the world! Your restaurant recommendations were amazing! I’m definitely overdue a trip to Paris!
Hi Linnea! Thank you so much for your comment. Isn’t the Palais Garnier stunning! Hope you can get back to Paris soon!
Loved it! Haven’t been to Paris for about 15 years, guess it’s time to come back. Love your photos and thanks so much for the foodie tips!
Hi Maya! Thank you for your comment- as they say “Paris is always a good idea” Hope you can get there soon!
Dana, I love your photos. Would love to know who takes them for you; it’s something I struggle with. Paris is on my list for this year, would love to go back and now I have some great spots to visit when I do.
Hi Talia! Thank you so much. My friend Alsenio takes my photos! He is such a talented photographer and I am so happy we get to travel together- although I am trying to experiment with tripod photography! Let me know if you check any of these places out!
Such a good guide, and I absolutely love the photos! It might not be the hardest place to convince me to go back to, but this certainly did the trick!
Hi Julie! I am so glad you enjoyed! I hope you get to Paris soon!
I loved Paris. You’ve shared some wonderful places to visit! I didn’t get a chance to visit Palais Garnier, but we did make it out to Versailles. Even though I couldn’t get my teens to walk any more on our final day, I did make my husband take me to the Laduree on the Champs Elysees. I couldn’t leave Paris without trying their macarons!!
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for your comment. A macaron from Laduree is a must! So glad you had the chance to try one in Paris. Make sure you get to the Palais Garnier next time on your visit.
Your photos are simply gorgeous! It makes me want to go to Paris again immediately. They’re so warm xxx Also. Nutella crepe for three euro. Yes, please.
Ah thank you! I was looking back on my Paris photos and I miss it myself! Hope we can get there soon!
Uff Nostalgia. This post brought back so many memories. Ahhhh! Missing my Paris Trip.