A Beginner’s Guide to Paris

Consider this your official guide to Paris, whether you’re planning your first or next trip to Paris.

Ahhh, Paris. The city that’s been romanticized in movies, books, and daydreams.

It’s at the top of many people’s bucket list, and I’m here to tell you—it’s even better in person.

I first visited Paris back in 2018 when I visited my best friend in London and we took the train to Paris. We stayed at a tiny boutique hotel, enjoyed French wine and fresh cheese and fresh-baked baguettes on bistro patios, and fell in love with the city. (And oddly never felt bad, bloated, or unhealthy.) There’s just something magical about strolling through the charming streets, sipping coffee or wine at a bistro, and enjoying the je ne sais quoi of the city.

I’ve now been four times, so whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited before, here are all of my best tips for getting the most out of your trip to Paris.

Like any big city, Paris can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Between the different arrondissements (neighborhoods), knowing what to wear, and figuring out where to go, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help make your first visit to Paris as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Trust me, with a little planning, you’ll feel like a local in no time.

I also want to add that there is so much to do in Paris that it’s impossible to put everything in one post. This guide to Paris aims to help you get started, and I’ll keep writing more as we go there often. You’ll also want to read my post “Where to Eat in Paris,” and if you have been and have any great tips or places to add, please share with our community in the comments below.

Let’s get started…

Understanding the Arrondissements in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. Each arrondissement operates like a mini-neighborhood, with its own town hall, postal code, and distinct feel.

They spiral out from the city center, with the lower-numbered arrondissements closer to the center of the city.

Fun Fact: Many historic European cities like Paris, London, Rome, and Madrid were built using a radial system, where the city’s center is often marked by a key landmark that serves as the starting point, usually a palace or castle. From this center, roads and districts radiate outward like spokes on a wheel. This design allowed for centralized control and easier defense from invaders. Hence, why the map of the arrondissements spirals out from the center. Ancient Romans used the grid system, but later European cities (Paris, London, Madrid, Rome after the fall of the empire) switched to radial system. Philadelphia, then famously Manhattan, NY, switched back to the grid. Barcelona is also famous for its strict grid system.

Back to my Guide to Paris…

Arrondissements are often called by their number, like “That bistro in the 1st,” or “We’re staying in the 4th.”

Here’s a quick breakdown of a few key arrondissements to help you get started:

• 1st Arrondissement: The true heart of Paris, home to the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors. My recent post about Where to Eat in Paris focuses mostly on the 1st. If you only have a few days, it’s good to stay here to walk to the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and more.
• 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais): This trendy area is full of boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries. It’s also where you’ll find the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral.
• 7th Arrondissement: The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th, along with plenty of great parks and museums.
• 8th Arrondissement: If you’re into luxury shopping, head to the Champs-Élysées here. You’ll also find the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the street.
• 18th Arrondissement (Montmartre): Known for its bohemian vibe and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre is one of my favorite places to wander. Moulin Rouge is located in the 18th, specifically in the Pigalle district at the base of Montmartre. It’s one of the most famous cabarets in the world and a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Guide to Paris: What to See

Now that you’ve got a feel for the different areas, let’s talk about the top sights. Of course, no guide to Paris is complete without the Eiffel Tower, but there’s so much more to discover. I link to tours and attractions here; none of them are sponsored.

1. The Louvre Museum

Even if you’re not a huge art fan, the Louvre is worth a visit just for the sheer grandeur of it. If you’re pressed for time, prioritize seeing the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Niké of Samothrace; yes, the brand Nike was named after her, and the swoosh was inspired by her wings!).

Also, I can’t more highly recommend a 2-tour Louvre tour with this company when you visit the Louvre. You get to skip the line and I was blown away with what I learned in 2 short hours. The first time I visit the Louvre, my friend and I just walked around. It was nice but overwhelming, and we waited in line for a while. With this tour, you skip the line and an art historian shows you the most iconic and famous pieces with stories, context, and details that would be impossible to know without a guide.

The Cheval Blanc hotel concierge recommended the tour to my husband and me a few years ago, and we loved it so much that we booked it again with the girls on this last trip (ages 12 and 14)—they loved it! The concierge at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal also said it’s their top choice. Just book it (again, not sponsored), you won’t regret it! You can also get a Paris Museum pass on that site, and if you plan to go to a lot of the places listed, it would be completely worth it.

2. Seine River Cruise

A 1-hour boat ride along the Seine, the river that runs through the center of Paris, is inexpensive (less than $20 the last time I went) and the perfect way to see many of the city’s landmarks in one go. I recommend doing this in the evening when everything is lit up, although it would be good any time of day. If you can time it, try to do it at dusk so you can see the Eiffel Tower light up (it sparkles the first five minutes of every hour from nightfall) as you return to the dock. Here’s a photo I snapped on my last visit:

The concierges at all the hotels I’ve stayed at recommended the Bateaux-Mouches 1-hour tour. It’s an inexpensive ticket, and you can hop on at any time of day. You’ll get a good view of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower, among other Paris highlights. You can bring a snack and wine or beverage (so long as you’re respectful and clean up after yourself), and enjoy the sights.

Depending on the time of year, it departs every 30 minutes or 60 minutes, so check their website (not sponsored!) for specific details. (BTW, always look at tour & location websites, don’t rely on blogs like this for times and details as things change all the time ;))

3. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

No first visit to Paris is complete without a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. At the end of the boulevard, you’ll find the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city—a perfect spot to take in the beauty of Paris from above.

If you can snag a seat, sit on the patio of Ladurée and have a croque monsieur, salad, fries, and glass of wine or coffee. If you arrive to Paris in the afternoon, head to the Champs-Élysées and walk down to the , this can be a 15-20 minute walk, then have dinner on the patio of Ladurée. You’ll get 3 big attractions (Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and the bakery Ladurée) done your first evening there. Here’s a photo from last time we did that:

4. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

This hilltop neighborhood is full of charm with awesome views of the city. You’ll find people sitting on the large staircase in front of Sacré-Cœur (Church of the Sacred Heart), taking in the sights.

Sacré-Cœur is in the 18th, so if you’re in central Paris, you’ll want to take a taxi or Uber. A great time of day is to arrive here an hour or so before sunset to see an incredible sunset over Paris. The neighborhood is full of little shops and cafes, so sit on the steps and take in a Paris sunset, then head to a cafe for a bite to eat. Or, go early in the day so you can come back to the center of Paris to enjoy another sight.

After visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, spend some time getting lost in the narrow streets of Montmartre. You can also visit the Moulin Rouge close by if that’s your thing.

5. Jardin des Tuileries

The Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is one of Paris’s most iconic green spaces and it’s right in the center of Paris. It’s a peaceful spot to sit down, grab a snack, and people-watch. Parisians enjoy a leisurely pace, and you’ll often see people relaxing, chatting, reading, and simply loving life in the gardens.

The tree-lined paths are dotted with sculptures, and the perfectly manicured lawns invite you to sit and people-watch—one of the best pastimes in Paris! There are also a few lovely cafés where you can grab a coffee or a glass of wine. You can also grab some cheese and bread and have a little picnic. I often see people enjoying wine as well, though it’s technically not allowed, I’ve noticed many people do it. Most people say that as long as you are respectful and clean up after yourself, it’s generally okay to enjoy wine or champagne while picnicking in Parisian parks if that’s your thing.

6. Palais Royal

Walk through the courtyard and gardens of the Royal Palace (Palais Royal), a hidden gem in the heart of Paris with great photo ops in the black and white circles.

The beautifully manicured garden is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment to sit and soak in the elegance of Parisian life. You don’t need to go out of your way to go there, but walk through it if you’re in the area.

7. Eiffel Tower

This is my guide to Paris, so I’m going to be honest with you. For me, I like to see the beauty of the Eiffel Tower from all of the places in Paris and don’t feel the need to spend time inside it. I currently live in Seattle and feel the same way about the Space Needle! It’s an iconic landmark in the city, and it’s best viewed as part of the skyline (this is my opinion; I know other people may not agree!) 🙂

The base of the Eiffel Tower is a cool park, but it is busy. If you have time to go there, it’s neat, but if I were pressed for time, I’d do the Seine River cruise mentioned above because you’ll get a great view of it, plus so much more. If you go on the 1-hour river cruise and have time, you can walk to the base of the Eiffel Tower. I also write about eating in the restaurant on the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower in my Where to Eat in Paris post (it’s cool, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to do it).

More Guide to Paris Activities:

There is so much to do in Paris! Pick what calls to you. Here are some of the other things I’ve loved:

• Take a Food Tour: My friend and I did this top-rated food tour and loved it
• Take a croissant-making class or other food class
• Find a perfumery and make your own scent
• If you’re into luxury shopping, Paris has every store imaginable
• Sit on a bistro patio and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine and people watch
• Get a Paris Museum Pass and enjoy one of the dozens of museums the city has to offer
• The Pont Alexandre III is one of the most beautiful and ornate bridges in Paris. It connects the Champs-Élysées and the Invalides and is a great place to walk and sightsee.

Palace of Versailles

Versailles is a half-day trip or day trip from Paris, and I’m giving it it’s own section in my guide to Paris because I loved it so much and think it’s very worth the trip if you can do it.

Just a short train or car ride from Paris, it’s the perfect half-day trip to explore the famous palace and stunning gardens and learn more about French history.

The sheer grandeur of Versailles is worth the trip out there—it’s an incredible glimpse into French history that you don’t want to miss. Originally home to Louis XIV, the Sun King, it’s a symbol of the opulence and power of the French monarchy.

The “Hall of Mirrors” is one of the most famous rooms in the world, and it actually houses one of the first mirrors in history. (Some historians say it the first mirror ever created with the intention of seeing what you look like. Imagine that, the first mirror ever!). Here’s a photo of me in front of that mirror:

During the French Revolution, the monarchy was overthrown, and King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, who once resided in the grandeur of Versailles, were executed, marking the end of centuries of royal rule in France. The Palace of Versailles is now a cultural monument that is absolutely worth visiting.

What to Wear

Parisians are known for being effortlessly chic. They are unfussy. People in Paris are polished yet relaxed. A nice shirt and jeans with sneakers or comfortable shoes are always appropriate.

I always say you do you when traveling, but if you’re anything like me, you want to fit in and be part of the culture. Here are a few tips for what to pack for Paris:

• Comfortable shoes: Paris is a walking city, and those cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet. Bring a stylish but comfortable pair of flats or low boots. I often opt for white sneakers.
• Layers: Paris’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. A classic trench coat or cardigan sweater is perfect for spring or fall, and a scarf is nice if you want to use it as a shawl.
• Neutrals and simple outfits: Parisians tend to favor neutral colors and understated outfits. Think simple dresses, black pants, nice jeans, a nice sweater, or a chic jacket. White sneakers or any comfortable, clean shoes work. Here are a few outfit combos I like in Paris:
  • An oversized white button-up with black bottoms (in the photo above, black linen shorts).
  • White or light blue button-up, jeans, white sneakers.
  • Black sweater dress with white sneakers.
  • White or grey t-shirt, black stretchy ponte pants, white or neutral sneakers with a solid colored cardigan draped over shoulders.
  • Linen pants with a tank or sweater.
  • Parisians don’t wear a lot of shorts, but nice black shorts or white shorts get by when it’s really hot in summer. I’ve found these white shorts to work well all over Europe because they’re comfy, not see-through, and go with everything.
  • Again, you do you! These are simply some suggestions. See my Paris clothing essentials here.
• Avoid: You’ll want to avoid flashy logos or overly trendy pieces. Overly sporty clothes like logo t-shirts or bright prints aren’t often found. You’ll never see Parsieans in flip-flops. And my general rule is to avoid open-toe shoes or sandals for a long day of walking in any big city. If you’re walking a block or going to a fancy dinner, heels or sandals are fine, but not good for a full day out.

Here are some of the things I always pack for Paris:

And don’t forget—less is more. You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe. Keep it simple, and you’ll feel effortlessly put together, just like a Parisian.

Where to Stay

There are a ton of options for hotels and Airbnb. My personal stance is that I like to choose a hotel in Europe because the kitchen in an Airbnb can be unreliable; they may not have staples, and you’ll end up spending more on groceries if you need to buy every single ingredient. Plus, you’re there for the food! Enjoy bistros and little shops, and don’t spend your time cooking (and this is coming from someone who cooks for a living). Use TripAdvisor and other reviews to pick a good one.

The last two times I was in Paris we stayed at Cheval Blanc—arguably one of the nicest hotels in the world, such a treat!—and at Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal next to the Louvre. I’m at a point where we can stay in hotels like this, but the first few times I went I stayed in small boutique hotels I found online.

There are a ton of great options at all budgets. Rely on reviews and choose one that is near the things you want to see. I suggest staying in the 1st or 4th arrondissement to be able to walk to many things.

Where to Eat in Paris

If you’re wondering where to eat, check out my full post on Where to Eat in Paris. It has my food guide to Paris and all my favorite spots, from casual bistros to incredible bakeries and fancy sit-down restaurants.

Ok, I hope this guide to Paris gave you a good start! Paris is a city that captivates you from the moment you arrive. With a little bit of planning, you’ll feel more at ease and get the most out of your first visit.

If you have visited Paris and have anything to add, please let us know in the comments below!

xx, Elizabeth