This photo was taken in front of the Louvre at dusk.
Updated May 2024.

The City of Lights and Love

Paris is one of the few cities that I can never get enough of. As a francophile, Paris (and the rest of France) remain a dream and I feel the irresistible urge to return to time and time again. There are so many options of what you can do, so I've laid out a few itineraries.

Overview

  • 8:30 - 9:30 AM: Tour Montparnasse - tall building, great views
  • 9:45 - 10:30 AM: Catacombs (closed on Mondays) - underground labyrinth made of bones
  • 10:45 - 11:15 AM: Jardin du Luxembourg - most popular Parisian garden
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Panthéon - tomb for famous Parisians
  • 12:45 - 1:15 PM: Notre-Dame Cathedral - famous cathedral
  • 1:15 - 1:45 PM: Sainte-Chapelle - church known for vibrant stained glass windows
  • 2:00 - 5:00 PM: Louvre Museum (closed on Tuesdays) - world-famous art museum
  • 5:00 - 5:20 PM: Jardin des Tuileries - royal gardens filled with Greek statues
  • 5:20 - 5:40 PM: Place de la Concorde - square where most guillotines happened in the French Revolution
  • 5:40 - 6:00 PM: Champs-Élysées: famous shopping street
  • 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Arc de Triomphe - triumphant arch built by Napoleon I
  • 9:00 - 9:30 PM: Trocadéro - great place to view the Eiffel Tower
  • 9:45 - 11:00 PM: Eiffel Tower - it's the Eiffel Tower... 
Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.

Tips

Water
  • There are a lot of free drinking fountains located throughout the city. Use this map to figure out where they're located. There are many different designs for water fountains. Here are a few examples, but there are also more modern ones with misters attached as well!
Transit
  • Paris is pretty walkable, but the metro system is incredible. I recommend downloading the app Citymapper for the best public transit options to get around.
  • There is no mobile app and no contactless payment to use the Metro. Instead, you will need to buy ticket stubs to get around. There are kiosks at each metro station, but be wary of long lines at more populated stations. As of June 2022, tickets cost 1.90€ anywhere within Zones 1-2 of Paris (which is most metropolitan areas).
  • There are also weekend passes that allow you to travel for a flat-fee.
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  • PROTIP: You can buy a carnet of 10 tickets at a time, which will save you 0.30€ per ticket, but make sure to keep this tickets somewhere non-magnetic and not near your phone, otherwise they will be become deactivated.
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  • NOTE: Keep your used ticket on you. While the contrôleur aren't always on the Metro, the fines are rather hefty (50-75€​) if a contrôleur asks you for a ticket and you don't have one. They will make you pay on the spot and they are not amenable to changing their decision.

  • If you're flying in and out of either CDG or Orly Airport, tickets to the city costs ~10€ one-way. I highly recommend purchasing a Carte Navigo and paying 32€ for unlimited Metro'ing all week (22€ for the week, 5€ for the card + 5€ for the photo from the Photomaton). Unfortunately, the Carte Navigo is only active from Monday through Sunday, so you would only get 3 days of use if you bought it on a Friday. There are also no ticket offices at the airport, so unless you have a friend buy one ahead of time and meet you at the airport, tough luck.

  • Paris also has its own rideshare program called Vélib. One can download the app and get around rather easily across the city. There are also many Lime scooters and bikes that are easily accessible.

Passes

Paris City or Paris Turbo Pass
If you are spending more than 1 day in Paris (which I would recommend), you might consider purchasing a Paris City or Paris Turbo Pass. The more days you spend, the more affordable the City Pass will be.

It grants access to 30+ museums throughout Paris (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Palace of Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, and Invalides included) and go to 20+ tourist attractions like Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, and Notre-Dame (when it opens again), a tour on the Seine, and free transit throughout the city.

NOTE: Even though there are a lot of attractions on the pass, all the châteaux that are referenced are rather spread out and may not be the easiest to get to, since the pass only allows you access to travel within Zones 1-3 of Paris and you'll need to find other forms of transport afterwards. For instance, the Palace of Versailles is in Zone 4.
Paris Museum Pass
Another 2, 4, or 6-day pass, if you plan on going to multiple museums. The Paris Museum Pass saves a lot of money and allows you to go to all the museums, the Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame (when it opens again), and 50+ places.

As long as you go to at least 4 museums/sites, the ticket will pay for itself.
The Catacombs and the Eiffel Tower are not included in either pass, but are well-worth the visit!

Adventure Plan

The adventure plan is going to require the most walking and motion, but it will provide you with a chance to see all the major attractions:
8:30 - 9:30 AM: Tour Montparnasse (Le Ciel de Paris)
PROTIP: Make a reservation at Le Ciel de Paris on the 56th floor for breakfast, which includes a free elevator rid and receive an incredible view of the Champ de Mars. For the same price as a Tour Montparnasse ticket, you receive a hot beverage, a juice, three viennoiseries and a brioche bun. The best way to make a reservation for breakfast is to send them an email. Their contact information is on their website.

​Otherwise, you can come back and pay to ascend to the top. It doesn't open until 9:30 AM, but coming to see the sunset here would be a good option. The only advantage of paying for the elevator ride is that one can see the Jardin de Luxembourg, which can't be seen from the restaurant.

FACTS:
Considered an eyesore by both Parisians and tourists, the ​Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower, is an office skyscraper. Construction ended in 1973, and it was the tallest skyscraper in France until 2011. However, it is still shorter than the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can buy tickets to head to the top (floor 56) and walk up to the terrace and see Paris at almost any time of the day. Although the top is surrounded by a wall of glass, it is still rather easy to be able to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Many claim that this is the best spot to view Paris, because one cannot see the tower itself. Given the massive amounts of criticism towards this skyscraper, in 1975, buildings over seven stories tall were banned from being built in the city center.
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Fun Fact: In 1995, a French urban climber, Alain Robert, free climbed the exterior glass and steel wall.
9:45 - 10:30 AM: Catacombs (closed on Mondays)
PROTIP: Book tickets in advance. While I would recommend purchasing regular tickets (7 days in advance) for 29€, there is the option for "last minute tickets" in which you can try to get tickets for 50% off by waiting in line to buy them at the door. However, this isn't feasible during busy tourist seasons and there are only a limited amount throughout the day. Be prepared to arrive at least before 9 AM to wait in line (for 2-3 hours) for these cheaper tickets, which in my opinion, is not worth it.

FACTS:
With over 6 million Parisians buried in this underground labyrinth of 200+ miles, the Catacombs are well worth the visit. The 0.5 km walk underground is filled with history, detailing how the Catacombs were started around 1786—mainly due to the overflow of corpses in cemeteries—the research spent on analyzing the bones, the health impacts, and the audio guide also provides a really cool story of how in 1897, an illegal (and secret) concert was staged in the crypt for 100 people at midnight, where they played death-based music like Chopin’s Funeral March.

Sidenote: the first part of the walk is through carved out tunnels leading up to the "Ossuary" which are dark passages made of stone where limestone was once excavated.
10:45 - 11:15 AM: Jardin du Luxembourg
PROTIP: Stop to grab a sandwich from a Boulangerie nearby and eat within the gardens.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite among Parisians. Located practically in the center of Paris, it boasts well-manicured lawns, French and English gardens, boxy-trees (like almost any other place in Paris and something I quite detest), a fountain where children sometimes sail toy boats, and there’s even an apiary which hosts classes on beekeeping as well as the Fête du Miel (Festival of Honey), which takes place the second or third weekend of September.

​Created by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612, the garden was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. Another cool feature are the 20 statues surrounding the main pond which represent 20 famous females throughout French history.

The main building is the Palais du Luxembourg, built in 1625, once again, by Queen Marie de Medici, to serve as the main home for the Royal Family, and then a prison during the French Revolution. After holding Napoléon’s senate, an enlargement, and occupied during World War II, it is now home to the 5th Republic’s Senate.
​​11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Panthéon
Originally a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève (patron saint of Paris) built for Louis XV and an attempt to outdo Rome's St. Peter's Basilica and London's St. Paul's Cathedral, the Panthéon wasn't completed until the French Revolution. By then, it was remodeled to serve as a mausoleum for distinguished French, based off the Roman Pantheon.

The crypt houses tombs of 70+ famous people such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo. It also contains a copy of Foucault's pendulum to demonstrate Earth's rotation (original is in the Musée des Arts et Métiers).
​12:45 - 1:45 PM: Islands in the Seine
​Notre-Dame Cathedral
Unfortunately, due to the fire in April 2019, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is undergoing repairs and is closed to the public; however, you can still see some of the beautiful architecture from Rue de la Cité.

During the French Revolution, it was desecrated and it wasn't until 1831, with Victor Hugo's publication of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame did the cathedral become popular again and restorations began.

Considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is well known for many feats such as the two bell towers, the spire, the sculptures and statues, the organ, and the beautiful rose window.
Sainte-Chapelle
​This Gothic royal chapel built by Louis IX in the 1200s for the Kings of France. It was located within the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité on the Île de la Cité. This Gothic architectural style of “rayonnant” demonstrates the sense of weightlessness and strength of the vertical pillars.

There are 1,113 scenes depicted on the stain glass windows, showcasing 

It is mainly known for its beautiful stained-glass windows that surround the chapel. They were created using only five different colors: blue, red, purple, green, and yellow. Going on a sunny day, the windows are truly well-worth the entire trip.

It is to free to enter on the first weekend from November to March. There is a security checkpoint since the Palais de Justice is in the same courtyard. 
​2:00 - 5:00 PM: Louvre Museum (closed on Tuesdays)
PROTIP: Book timed tickets online. If you have more than one day, I would recommend going when it opens in the morning. However, even going in the afternoon, the museum is large enough that you can see everything you need to. With a timed ticket, head straight towards the I.M. Pei Pyramid Museum Entrance.

​If you arrive late by 15 minutes, head to the Passage Richelieu Entrance which is to the north of the pyramid. This entrance is usually reserved for groups and can be slightly longer wait time than entering through the pyramid.

Once you enter into the museum through the security checkpoint, you will be on the basement level. From here, you have the option of going into three buildings: Richelieu, Sully, and Denon.

FACTS:
The most visited museum in the world, one can spend hours (if not days), exploring all that the Louvre has to offer. While most people flock towards the Mona Lisa or the statue of Venus, there are many other very interesting exhibits to check out. From the rooms of Napoleon III to beautiful Greco-Roman statues to the history of the Louvre itself, there is a lot to see and enjoy. Highly recommend checking out the Galerie d'Apollon if you appreciate seeing gilded rooms and royal treasures
NOTE: You can spend less time at the Louvre and replace it with an afternoon walking along the Seine, going shopping, or heading to another museum.
​5:00 - 6:00 PM: Path to Arc de Triomphe
Walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, which were named after the tile factories (Tuileries) that were in this area during Medieval times. Throughout the 16th century, the area was transformed into the royal gardens as established by Queen Catherine de Medici in 1564. French sculptors Aristide Maillol and Auguste Rodin created the Greek-inspired statues. Fountains, hedges, and two museums are also located within the gardens.

Upon exiting the gardens, one will enter the Place de la Concorde. One of the major public squares (although it is octagon-shaped) in Paris, it was designed to celebrate King Louis XV's recovery from illness with an equestrian statue. During the French Revolution, the statue was demolished. In its stead, the guillotine executions began here. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Charlotte Corday (who assassinated Jacobin leader Jean-Paul Marat), Madame du Barry (mistress of Louis XVI), and Maximilien Robespierre were among the victims of these executions. Almost 50% of the people executed by guillotine in Paris during the Revolution were executed in this plaza.

Today, the centerpiece of the plaza is the Luxor Obelisk, which was a diplomatic gift to King Louis-Philippe from the Khedive of Egypt in 1829. The obelisk is decorated with heiroglyphics heralding the reign of Ramesses II and previously marked the entrance to the Luxor Temple. There are also two beautiful fountains in the center: The Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation (to the north) representing the rivers of France and the Fountain of the Seas (to the south) representing the seas bordering France.

Lastly, walk up the Champs-Élysées and head towards the Arc de Triomphe.​
​6:00 - 7:00 PM: Arc de Triomphe
NOTE: In order to access the Arc de Triomphe, there is an underground passageway from the Champs-Élysées that will safely get you into the plaza center.

It offers panoramic views of Paris; however, it is not very tall, standing at 164 feet.

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon I after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. It is in the center of the Place de l’Étoile (Star Plaza) because of the 12 grand avenues that radiate outward from the center. The plaza has been renamed to Place Charles de Gaulle. 

Inspired by the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum, the design is twice the size of the original and is the world's largest triumphal arch. Names of generals and battles showcase France's past military glory. The four grouped statues represent the Entry of Napoleon, the Departure of Volunteers (a.k.a La Marseillaise), the Conquest of Alexandria, and the Departure of the Volunteers. 

​Following WWI, in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added, and an everlasting flame burns brightly underneath the arch to remember those that fell for France.
7:30 - 9:00 PM: Dinner
See the section on Dining in Paris for more information.
9:00 - 9:30 PM: Trocadéro
Having had two palaces built for World Fairs/Expo's in 1867 and 1937, the Trocadéro's wings now house three museums: the Musée national de la Marine (naval museum), Musée de l'Homme (ethnology), and Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (architecture and heritage city). From there, one can walk down the esplanade to have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.

Historically, the front terrace was where Adolf Hitler had a picture taken when he was there in 1940 with the Eiffel Tower in the background and iconically, the Palais de Chaillot (the two wings of the Trocadéro) was where the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This was also the initial headquarters of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
9:45 PM - 11:00 PM: La Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)
PROTIP: Better to buy your tickets online, since lines can be quite long. Lines for the elevator can get quite long, so stairs are not always a bad option (and cheaper going up)

The wait time in line is quite accurate, so when the marker says “1 hour from this spot”, it really does mean, one will be waiting an hour. With three levels, I highly recommend checking out the summit, where one can see all of Paris through a phone-hole-sized fence. The summit also has an indoor area, because it can get quite chilly up there. The second level holds another viewing area without any fences or restrictions, while offering a gift shop and a small café. The lowest level has a video showcasing how the Eiffel Tower was created, a dome restaurant, and really nice bathrooms!

​The tower “twinkles” on the hour for 5 minutes once it starts getting dark. Head to the Champ de Mars, the Seine, or the Trocadéro​ to see this.

FACTS:
​The most iconic symbol of Paris was built in record time, a little over two years, with its completion in 1889, 100 years after the French Revolution. Interestingly, the Eiffel Tower was chosen out of 107 other projects in the competition, with Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, leading the team of Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect, whose main goal was to make the building more pleasing to the public. Unfortunately, either he failed at his job or the public enjoys controversy, because the premier reception of the Eiffel Tower was quite negative, with many Parisians believing it to be an eyesore.

Now, it has become the most famed icon of France itself and is nicknamed "La dame de fer" (Iron Lady). It is the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world, and at 1,083 feet, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was built, beating out the Washington Monument. 

Culture Plan

Pick and choose a few museums or take multiple days to explore the vibrant museum scene.
Musée D'Orsay
Housed in the former D'Orsay train station, the museum contains French art dating from 1848 to 1914. It has the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. Some famous painters at the museum include Morisot, Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.

My favorite artist is Maximilien Luce, a neo-impressionist and an anarchist activist. His paintings depict the proletariat, but there is also a beauty in his paintings.

RECOMMENDED ROUTE: Start on the second floor and head towards the back. Take the escalator up to the top floor where one can view the 21.5 foot original clock from the train station as well as some famous works such as Monet's "Lilies" and Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and "Self-Portrait". Then head back down to see the rest of the second floor before then observing the different art pieces on the first floor.
Les Invalides
​Les Invalides (or Hôtel des Invalides), is a gorgeous complex of buildings that all relate to the military history of France, with exhibitions from the Medieval Era through WWII. It was originally built by King Louis XIV as a hospital for soldiers who were aged or injured, but its use has shifted over time. 
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Most notable is the Dome, or Pantheon for Military Glories, which other than being an incredible architectural feat, houses the Tomb of Napoleon. Upon its completion, it was the tallest building in Paris until the Eiffel Tower was built.  Finished in 1706, it was dedicated to Saint Louis, Louis XIV. It served as a Royal Chapel until the Revolution, where it became a "Temple of Victory" then "Temple of Mars". It is now a Pantheon for Military Glories, housing the Imperial Dynasty for Napoleon, Napoleon III, and Napoleon's brothers, Jérôme Bonaparte and Joseph Bonaparte, and prestigious military chiefs such as Maréchal Foch and Maréchal Lyautey
Palais de la Découverte

​Located within Le Grand Palais, this science museum is very similar to SF's exploratorium. It has many different interactive exhibits for people of all ages to experience and enjoy. Had I been to this museum earlier, I would have been much more interested in becoming an electrical engineer, since they have a whole section dedicated to electromagnetics and electricity.
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Another highlight is the Observatory, located on the second floor. For an extra 3€, one can watch the fantastic show in the hemispheric dome and learn about the galaxy (fair warning: it is all in French). There are also many other shows included in the ticket, where people specialize in different topics and have interactive programs.

PROTIP: If you go on a weekday past 3 PM and show a student I.D., tickets are only 3€ to enter.
Musée de l’Orangerie
​This impressionist and post-impressionist museum is best-known for Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, which take up two very large rooms.

On the lower ground floor, there are also paintings from other famous 20th cnetury painters such as Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Soutine, for instance.
Atelier des Lumières
This animated art gallery showcases art in a never-before seen way. Using the same artistic styles of famous artists, it creates video compilations where the art seems to come to life. For more information, you should see the videos on their website, because the exhibits change from time to time. When I visited in November 2019, there was a compilation of Van Gogh, whose earlier works are truly a sight to behold, Japon Rêvé, a take on the Japanese stylistic artwork, and Verse, an exploration from the quantum level to outer space
​Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
French presidents have a tradition to build a museum as a representation of their time in office. Thus, Jacques Chirac, created the Musée du quai Branly in 2006. As a cultural museum, it hosts artifacts and art from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

The layout within the museum is separated based on different regions, but there is no straightforward path. One can simply wander around to see all the art. This museum did not really resonate with me, but perhaps I enjoy more classical art museums better.
Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine
This architectural museum has molds of French architecture (churches and cathedrals) from the 12th to 18th century, copies of murals and stained-glass windows from these sites, and a gallery of architectural models from the 1850s to today. 

It has three galleries:
  • Galerie des Moulages: Monumental French architecture from the 12th to the 18th century throughout the country were cast in the early 20th century. There are over 350 casts that show the beautiful architecture of chapels, churches, and other historic sites. It is really interesting to note that some of the casts have headless saints and people, supposedly post-French revolution
  • Galerie des Peintures Murales et des Vitraux: Murals and stained-glass windows were copied from French Romanesque and Gothic churches by a private collector. They were then donated later to this museum.
  • Galerie Monderne et Contemporaine: This open-space exhibit showcases different architectural models in France and internationally from the late 19th century to the modern day. ​
There is a lot to process, but is more interesting for people with an architectural background.
NOTE:
There are tons of museums in Paris to visit, and I, unfortunately, have not been to all of them. Here are a few on my bucket list that I would recommend as well:
  • Musée Rodin: Located in the 18th-century hotel (Hotel Biron), the museum holds works by Rodin and his circle of friends.
  • Musée Marmottan Monet: In a 19th-century mansion, it boasts the 2nd largest collection of Impressionist paintings in Paris, after the D'Orsay.
  • Musée national Eugène Delacroix: Housed in the Romantic painter's last apartment, it displays his work and life throughout his career.
  • Maison de Victor Hugo: Next to the beautiful Place des Vosges, the house shows where the famous French writer lived from 1832-1848 and where he created some of his major works like Les Misérables.
  • Centre Pompidou: Collection of modern and contemporary art in a modern art building.
  • Musée du Parfum-Fragonard: A perfume museum dedicated to the history of perfume.

Viewpoint Plan

If you're someone who wants to just see the city in all its glory, here are a few places to add to your list (outside of the Tour Montparnasse, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower).
La Sacré-Cœur
PictureTicket machine by the side of the entrance
PROTIP: While there are incredible city views at the base of the Sacré-Cœur, I'd recommend heading to the top for one of Paris's most beautiful skylines. To the left of the entrance (when you're facing it), there are a set of stairs that lead down. For 8€, you can climb up 300 steps of stairs for a picturesque view. You can buy your ticket at the counter, but there is also a ticket machine that can help you skip the line right outside.

NOTE: Entering the museum is free, but you should get there half an hour before closing to be let in. The stairs to the top close around sunset.

Situated at the summit of Montmatre (which apparently is a butte), this is the highest point in the city, with lots of stairs to reach the base of the Sacré-Cœur. Surprisingly, it was built after the Eiffel Tower (1887) in 1919, following the end of World War I. It is dedicated to the soldiers lost in the Franco-Prussian War, but others dictate that it is to make amends for the crimes committed by the Commune—a revolutionary government that ruled Paris for 2 months (March through May of 1871) that failed to recognize the true French government’s authority. The building emulates a Romano-Byzantine architecture that went against the neo-Baroque style during the time. 
Walk/Boat Along the Seine
The Left Bank of the Seine is otherwise known as the South side of the river. Taking a nice stroll along the cobbled steps along the riverbank is a fun way to see the city, or one could also walk along the Quais and see all the beautiful bridges that cross the Seine. This is more of a relaxing trip to see what one would prefer. The Pont des Arts is the most famous bridge, known for all the locks that lovers would attach to the bridge to secure their relationships onto the cast iron gate; however, the weight from all these locks was so heavy that they had to cut them all off. Now, there is a resurgence of locks appearing on other locks and back onto the Pont des Arts.

Bateaux Mouches are one of the oldest-running boat tours. They offer a great experience to see the sites along the Seine. It will be quite crowded aboard and it'll be hard to hear what they're saying, but just sitting back atop the deck and enjoying the view is a great time.

The ride is about 1.25 hours and it starts by the Pont de l'Alma. I recommend going around sunset to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the water. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online, then give the code to the person at the ticket office, and the tickets will be valid for up to a year.
Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier)
The Palais Garnier or Opéra Garnier is an opulent opera house. Originally sponsored by Napoleon III in the mid-1800s, the opera house is named after its architect, Charles Garnier. Its claim to fame occurred due to Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera, which had its setting in the Palais Garnier.

One can enter the opera house by either purchasing a ticket to the show or by booking a tour of the inside. The Baroque style is on display with gold-leaf and velvet everywhere.
Ballon de Paris
A not as well-known method for a good view is to go up in a hot air balloon. As long as it's good weather, one can go up in the tethered balloon up to 150 meters. It's important to check their website before heading there as they post daily updates, and the good news is that their tickets last for 2 years to account for weather conditions.

Other Notable Attractions

Parks
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Bois de Boulogne
This park has one of the coolest origin stories, although none of it is technically natural. Napoleon III decided to build a park on this bare hill that was unable to grow vegetation due to its poor soil composition from hanged criminals lying to rot (1200-1700s), refuse dumped, sewage, and horse carcasses post French Revolution.  Another part of the site was a gypsum and limestone quarry that was exhausted by 1850. The same architect who designed Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, Jean-Charles Alphand, worked on this park, which only took 3 years to complete.

To grow plants on such a toxic site, they built a railroad track just to move topsoil (>1000 cubic meters), the lake was dug by hand, and explosives were used to create the cliffs, grottos, and arches. 

​Today, it is a beautiful park to visit that offers views of the Montmartre, a very scenic park, and in summer, people sprawl across the sloped lawns and enjoy the nice sun. It has its own suspension bridge designed by, you guessed it, Gustave Eiffel, and the “suicide bridge” (they officially named it this after multiple people committed suicide from it) that leads to the belvedere and the Temple de la Sibylle designed after the Tivoli near Rome.
The left “lung of Paris”, this park is the second largest park (after Bois de Vincennes) and is 2.5x larger than New York’s Central Park. It is composed of multiple different parks: two botanical gardens, several ponds, English gardens, Île aux Cedres, an amusement park (Jardin d’Acclimation), two horse racing tracks, a tennis stadium for the French Open, and the Foundation Louis Vuitton (housed in a very interesting looking building).

Originally an oak forest, it was home to the royal residence of King Francis I of France who used it for hunting and other festivities. During the Renaissance, it was a dangerous place for travelers with many thieves residing in the woods. After Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat in 1814, British and Russian troops camped in these woods, cutting many of the trees for shelter and firewood. This is how it remained until 1852, when Napoleon III decided to create the park that lies here today.

​The best place to visit is the Parc de Bagatelle which has a spectacular rose garden, the Château de Bagatelle, a small waterfall, and strangely, peacocks strutting around the lawn. About a five-minute walk way is the Jardin du Pré-Catelan and the Jardin Shakespeare, which offers a nice place to stroll and these really cool Monkey Puzzle trees!
Jardin des Plantes
Originally created as a medicinal garden for Louis XIII in 1635, this botanical garden now has a ménagerie (zoo) which is one of the oldest in the world, a hedge labyrinth, a rose garden, an alpine garden, and the natural history museum. There are also some glasshouses and greenhouses that one should visit.
Religious Sites
Église Saint-Sulpice
A Roman Catholic church in the Latin Quarter with a Baroque interior. It is the second largest church in Paris, slightly smaller than the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Since the Notre-Dame is still under repair, locals head to Saint-Sulpice as their new place of worship.
Shopping
Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Les Puces) - Flea Market
The Paris Flea Market, endearingly termed “Les Puces” is the largest of its kind in the world! With over 2500 vendors, it covers 17 acres (about 15 football fields)! From knockoff brands to records, antiques, and even furniture, this market has everything and anything someone might be searching for. It has been operating for almost 150 years, but it has its origins since the Middle Ages. Don’t let the name “Flea Market” confuse you. In fact, most things were actually quite pricey; however, if you happen to be very lucky, you can find a great deal. Just don’t stay too long, or you’ll feel overwhelmed by all the options!

The market is held every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10 AM - 6 PM.
Westfield Forum des Halles
Formerly Paris's central fresh food market, it has now become a mostly underground shopping mall. There is nothing too special about the mall, as it mainly boasts clothing stores and boutiques. However, it is a fun gateway into one of Paris's largest metro stations, Châtelet–Les Halles, which can be accessed from the bottom floor.
Galeries Lafayette
For those of you seeking more luxury, Galeries Lafayette is one of the places to go. Besides a beautiful rooftop view of the Palais Garnier, the shopping center has designer collections, renowned fashion brands, perfumes, and beauty products.

The main building has the glass Coupole (steel and glass dome), which visitors can stand underneath. This is also where Paris Fashion week is held. Even if you don't buy anything, you can still appreciate the ambiance and decorations.
Champs-Élysées​
This is where the Tour de France race ends, where the Bastille Day military parade occurs, and where to stand for a New Year's countdown. But of course, it is also where many luxury shops are located. Originally serving as fields and kitchen gardens for Louis XIV, the ​Champs-Élysées​ was an extension of the Jardin de Tuileries. Eventually, merchants came together to form a committee to promote commerce along the street.

Known as "the most beautiful avenue in the world", the Champs-Élysées​ continues to change as more global chain stores have shifted the composition of the area and there are a lot of affordable retail stores instead of just luxury brands. Strolling down this street is quite a fun experience. 

Dining in Paris

Dining in Paris is an unbelievable experience, as the food there has the right proportions, the perfect flavors, and impeccable wine pairings. Most French meals can last from 2-3 hours, but since servers are accustomed (for-the-most-part) to foreigners, the eating time can be reduced. However, servers will never rush you to finish faster (if they do, that isn't a good French restaurant).

There are plenty of options to choose from, but my advice is to avoid areas around the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements since many restaurants here are catered towards tourists and can be pricier. 

Tips for Choosing a Restaurant:
  • If you are visiting during a busy time or Friday/Saturday evening, call the restaurant ahead of time to make a reservation.If you haven't, eat earlier, around 5 or 6 PM and they might be able to squeeze you in.
  • Most restaurants offer "formules" which are combined courses. This means that you can order an appetizer, a main entree, and a dessert for a set fee. This is quite common and most lunch-time formules are cheaper than dinner.
  • A lot of restaurants are closed on either Sunday or Monday, so make sure to check they are open before going there for dinner.

Tips while Dining
  • At restaurants, ask for "un carafe d'eau" (kah-raf doe) for free tap water. Otherwise, you'll be paying for still or sparkling.
  • The tax, service fee, and tip is all included in the price shown on the menu, so what you see is what you get. This is standard throughout most of the EU.
  • Most servers in Paris speak English, but they do appreciate it when people speak French. However, if you don't speak a lick of French, I'd recommend you speak English rather than butcher the language. They appreciate that.
Boulangeries
I don't have a favorite place to go to for those fresh baguettes or croissants, so I'd recommend going to any one that is near you. All boulangeries are delicious and have their own twist to it.
Restaurants
It's hard to choose a favorite restaurant in Paris, especially since they all serve different types of foods. Instead, I'll refer you to some of my favorite dishes at an assortment of restaurants:
​
  • Le Petit Marché: Caramelized Duck with Bananas, Gratin de Mangue, Crème Brûlée
  • Café des Arts: French Onion Soup, Boeuf Bourguignon, Profiteroles
  • Bistrot Victoires: Poisson du Jour (fish of the day)
  • Café de l'Empire: French Onion Soup, Tartare, Croustillant de Banane
  • Gloriette Café: La Joue de Boeuf (beef cheek)
  • Le Gramont Paris: Poitrie du Porc (marinated pork belly in tea)
  • Le Valois: Raclette
  • Le Petit Chatelet: 

For a VERY traditional French experience (can spend 3-4 hours here), head to La Coupole. It is mainly known for their seafood dishes. 
Crêpes and Galettes
The difference between a crêpe and a galette is that crêpes are sweet while galettes are savory. There's plenty of places to find them throughout Paris, especially at food carts, but here are two places I'd recommend:
  • Culture Crêpes: A hole-in-the-wall joint that combines Emmental and Comté cheese for that delicious flavor combo.
  • Kasha: Crêpe restaurant that has a good weekday lunch deal.
Bars
Paris has a lot of great places to drink, especially after a long hard day of walking. Here are a few recommendations:
  • ​Terrass Rooftip Bar: Lines here tend to be quite long, but it provides a cool panoramic view of the city.
  • Le Pantalon: Dive bar that is a popular destination for Sorbonne college students, but cannot beat the low prices for 3€ beers and 5 shots for 10€.
  • Aux Folies: A pint of beer for 4€.
  • Combat: Cocktail bar with rotating drinks.
Dessert
Berthillon: The name whispered on every Parisian's lips about some of the best sorbets/ice cream in Paris. While their sit-down cafe and parlor is located on Île Saint-Louis (the island next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle), most restaurants boast about stocking ice cream from Berthillon. However, if you're in the mood for a beautiful sundae, I'd head to the cafe.
Pierre-Hermé and Ladurée are both known for their macarons but also have high-quality pastries. Pierre-Herm​é has some more beautiful cafés (with one that goes through the "Beau Passage") while Ladurée is known for their double-decker macarons and green tea rooms. Of course, there are lots of macaron shops throughout Paris, and Gerard Mulot is another great shop to check out.

There are multiple locations, so find the one that would work the best for you!
For the chocolate lovers, Maison Georges Larnicol is infamous for their incredible chocolate sculptures. Wander in and just admire the beautiful artwork that is on display!

Wander Within a Day
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If you have any questions or would like to contact me!