Top Places to Visit on Your First Time in Paris

Paris is well known worldwide as the city of light or the city of love. If it is your first time or you have been here fifty times, this romantic city will always have something new to present.

Newcomers may be very confused with the numerous places to visit because the city has many attractions and some of them can be pricey.

Below are some of the areas that will help you to experience Parisian culture, history and beauty.

This article is the perfect starting point for your very first trip to Paris: from iconic sights to off-the-beaten-track attractions.

1 – The Eiffel Tower

Of course, a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without seeing the tower, the symbol of the city. This iron lattice tower is 324m high and has a platform for viewing the city of Paris from the top.

No matter if you decide to go up the Eiffel Tower via the steps steps or use the elevator, the view from the top is breathtaking.

It is equally beautiful during the night since the tower is décor with thousands of bulbs that are switched on every hour to create a beautiful scene resembling something out of a romantic movie or fairytale romance novel.

2 – Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the biggest museums of art in the world and a historical monument in Paris, not to mention a storehouse of art and culture, housing famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Take a day and just walk around and appreciate the art pieces that are from different periods and different parts of the world.

To get the very best out of your visit, consider taking an audio tour which will take you through the museum’s most important pieces and help you understand the background of the art.

3 – Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is one of the most famous architectural structures in Paris and it is built in the French Gothic style.

Even after the fire in 2019 and the damage it caused, the cathedral is among the most popular attractions in the city of Paris.

It is possible to look at the front of the building which features detailed sculptures and spouts or one can go around the compound to view the whole building.

Restoration work is in progress and soon the inside of the building will be open to the public.

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4 – Montmartre District

Montmartre is an artist’s enclave that has been home to artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh. Located on a hill it affords a magnificent view of the city of Paris.

Wander through the paved roads, visit the beautiful Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and feel the spirit of Montmartre at the Place du Tertre, where painters paint and singers sing.

It is also a great place for cafes and bistros and therefore a great place to sit back and have a good old-fashioned French meal.

5 – Walk Along the Seine River

One of the best things to do in Paris is to take a relaxing walk along the bank of the Seine River because the majority of the city’s sights are located nearby.

The river banks are full of popular landmarks, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. An alternative is to take a boat trip on the Seine River.

No matter if the cruise is in the daytime or the evening you will get a chance to see the sights of Paris from the water level, to drive under the city bridges and admire the beautiful lights of the city.

6 – Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

The Champs-Élysées is known as ‘The world’s most beautiful avenue’ and it is not hard to see why.

This is one of the most known avenues in Paris that connects the Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe; the avenue features exclusive boutiques, theatres, cafes and important monuments.

At the end of the avenue is a large arch named the Arc de Triomphe which is built in honour of the people who died fighting for France.

The best part of the Arc de Triomphe is climbing it to the top and having the view of the Champs Élysées at the bottom especially when the sun is setting.

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7 – Versailles Palace

One of the most popular tourist attractions that one should visit is the Palace of Versailles which represents the life of French royalty.

This World Heritage site is situated near Paris and boasts beautiful architectural designs, a hall of mirrors and large gardens.

A palace tour is also available that offers an extended look at how the life of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette was.

Once you are done exploring the interiors of the palace, you should take some time out and walk around the well-maintained gardens and then check out the beautiful Petit Trianon.

8 – Le Marais District

The Marais district is a fashionable neighbourhood with picturesque alleys, ancient architecture and both, new-age and vintage shops.

It is one of the liveliest districts of the capital, which presents an interesting combination of art, culture and entertainment. You can go shopping in the small streets where you can find cute shops or just sit in one of the stylish cafes or visit the Musée Picasso, for example.

The Marais district of Paris is also well known for its LGBTQ+ culture and enjoys some of the best nightlife in Paris.

First-time visitors to Paris will surely fall in love with this city as these top attractions can prove. From the well-known monuments such as the Eiffel Tower to the beautiful streets of Montmartre, the city is filled with something to do.

Safe travels and have fun in France.