Paris travel tips will mean an insider’s guide to one of the most popular cities in the world. France’s capital is truly amazing.
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Unsurprisingly, this enchanting city is often the top pick for travelers looking for an unforgettable cultural experience.
There’s no shortage of historical and cultural wonders in the City of Lights, and Parisian culture is infused with charming cafes, beautiful parks, and lively markets that delight your senses.
Of course, only a trip to Paris would be complete with indulging in its world-renowned cuisine.
With so much to see, taste, and experience, Paris truly offers something for everyone. Are you ready to fall in love with this magical city?
Must-Do Things in Paris
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a weekend of exploration, Paris is a great destination for travelers from all walks of life!
So, how do you decide what to do first?
My advice is to do at least three things. Paris has a lot of amazing things, but first, visit the famous Eiffel Tower. This is by far the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
Once you’ve had your share of the gorgeous iconic landmark, then it’s time to go check out the amazing art at the Louvre Museum. Wander around its halls and experience ancient and modern art pieces.
Finally, I recommend that you get lost around the Seine River. The areas around are incredible, including an outdoor book market.
If you can do those three things, you will feel your Paris trip wasn’t wasted.
If you do this during the day, you may find tons of books around it, too.
Make sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible sights.
Must-Try French Foods
When in Paris, there are a number of delicious French dishes that you must try! Even if you’re in town for a day, try at least two of these, please.
Some of the most popular dishes include steak frites, which is a butter-fried steak with French fries. Many of the brasseries around Paris have this on their menu. A favorite of mine is at the Le Relais de Venise on 271 Bd Pereire, near the Neuilly – Porte Maillot metro station.
Likewise, ratatouille, which is a vegetable stew, is probably the quintessential French dish. It originated in the coastal city of Nice, but it’s also very popular in Paris. A great place to try it is Bistrot Richelieu on 45 Rue de Richelieu, near Jardin du Palais-Royal.
Meanwhile, bouillabaisse is another famous dish. Marseille added this fish stew to French cuisine. Try it at the La Méditerranée on 2 Pl. de l’Odéon, near Le Jardin du Luxembourg.
And, of course, canard à l’orange, which is a duck with orange sauce. Catalina de Médici brought this dish to France from Italy. Try it at La Rôtisserie d’Argent on 19 Quai de la Tournelle, near the Institut du Monde Arabe.
For some delicious dessert, you have to try profiteroles, which is made of choux pastry filled with cream and topped with caramel sauce. Try it at the Le Petit Châtelet on 39 Rue de la Bûcherie, near Square René Viviani.
French food, oh my.
Other Suggestions
My next suggestions are based on how much time you have. Although Paris is an incredible city, it is possible to have a great time in just three, seven, or fourteen days.
If you plan your itinerary carefully and make the most of your time, you can experience a lot of the city’s attractions and have a wonderful time.
To do this, you should research the city and learn what attractions you actually want to visit. Honestly, there are just so many here.
Likewise, look into the best neighborhoods to explore for your taste. There are about 20 districts in Paris, but they aren’t all created equal.
And, of course, look into the best restaurants and cafes to eat at. There are thousands of yummy places to eat, but what do you really like?
3 Days in Paris
If you have three days in Paris, there is a lot you can do! As long as you don’t mind running around, here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your time in this beautiful city.
Take a romantic boat tour along the River Seine. A fun thing to do indeed because it’s a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This is the iconic white-domed basilica located on the highest hill in Paris, offering stunning views of the city.
Stroll along the Champs-Élysées. As you may already know, this is the world-famous avenue in the heart of Paris with its luxury shops, restaurants, and cafes. Great place to shop.
Explore the Latin Quarter. There are many cute neighborhoods in the city, but this is a historic district of Paris where you can experience the culture, history, and architecture of the city.
If you’re in Paris during the summer, then enjoy a picnic at the Tuileries Garden. This is a beautiful public park with expansive lawns, trees, and the iconic Ferris wheel.
7 Days in Paris
If you have seven days to spend in Paris, you’ll be spoiled for choice regarding things to do and see! Of course, seeing everything the city offers is impossible. Still, seven days is enough time to make the most of your visit.
You can begin by visiting the iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and the Musée d’Orsay. Then, why not leisurely cruise down the Seine and explore the city’s parks and gardens? After all, Paris is about enjoying the finer things in life.
For something more off the beaten track, you could head underground and explore the Catacombs of Paris or the Catacombs of Montmartre. These historic burial chambers can be an eerie but fascinating experience, especially if you venture alone.
Finally, suppose you’re looking for something more relaxing. In that case, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Elysées and visit various shops and restaurants. Or, why not take a leisurely walk through the city’s iconic neighborhoods and soak up the atmosphere?
No matter what you choose to do, you’ll be sure to find plenty of ways to fill up your seven days in Paris. Enjoy your stay!
14 Days in Paris
Great news! With two weeks in Paris, you can experience so much more than just the typical tourist hotspots.
Get ready to soak up the City of Light’s culture, charm, and creativity with this itinerary that will have you feeling like a local in no time.
Firstly, you can check off all the must-see sights on your list, but why stop there? With two extra neighborhoods to explore, you can dive deeper into the city’s unique character.
One of my favorite areas is the 10th District or 10eme. This gem of a district is bursting with French charm and boasts a vibrant mix of African and Asian influences.
But that’s not all – the 10eme is also a hub for urban art. You’ll be awestruck by the incredible graffiti covering the walls of many streets.
Even if you don’t speak French, the powerful messages conveyed through the art will speak to your soul.
Paris Travel Tips – Final Thoughts
Paris is a magical city that offers something for every traveler. Truly, this is a place where culture, history, art, and fine cuisine meet.
From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the beautiful streets of Montmartre, the City of Lights is a destination that never ceases to amaze.
In this guide, I have given you a bunch of tips on how to take advantage of some of its popular things to do.
Enjoy Paris!
AJ Paris is a travel photographer based in New York. He is the editor of Caravanzers.
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