Paris for Beginners

Note: Paris is currently locked down, and I have no idea when they will reopen. Many of the sights I suggest here are currently closed. This post is intended to help you dream of a future trip to Paris. Let’s hope we will all be able to head to Paris soon.

I’m not a Paris expert. I’ll just say that right from the start.

But I have been to Paris a few times, and I spend inordinate amounts of time reading travel websites. And I’ve been a Paris beginner, just like you might be, so I do have a bit of expertise in that area.

In fact, I’d say that the first two or three times I visited Paris I felt like a beginner. For me, Paris is not a city I warmed to quickly. I enjoy Paris now, but it took me a while to even begin to understand the layout and the culture of the city.

So if you’re planning your first (or second) trip to Paris, let me offer a few suggestions.

Before You Go

You’ll need to do some pre-planning. Whenever I’m planning a trip, one of the first things I do is study a map. I’m a visual learner, and I tackle a city best when I have a general lay of the land. Besides, consulting a map will help you plan to see sights that are closest to each other, rather than running across the city and back again all day long.

Consulting guide books and spending some time on travel websites like TripAdvisor are also really helpful for planning your trip.

(And if you REALLY hate trip planning, get in touch with me! I offer bespoke travel plans based on your interests and needs.)

Your Paris Adventure

If you’re new to Paris, there are certainly some things you’re going to want to do. Here are some of the top Paris sites, plus a few extra adventures that you might not think about doing that I’ve really enjoyed.

The Eiffel Tower. Obviously. You’d kick yourself if you went to Paris and didn’t experience it. Trust me. Whether you go to the top or not (if you want to go up on the elevator, get your tickets ahead of time), doesn’t matter. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

The Louvre. Also obvious. Just know that this place is HUGE. If you’re a true art lover, you could spend the entire day here. But if you’re just going to say you’ve seen the most famous woman in the world with the mysteriously crooked smile, plan it out ahead of time, find the Mona Lisa, and head out. It will still take you a couple of hours to do that.

Stroll down the Champs-Elysees, ending at the Arc de Triomphe. This walk will expose you to some of the most famous (and expensive!) shopping in the world. (Also, the craziest traffic.) Stop at Ladureé for a hot chocolate of some of their famous macrons. And, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, trek to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for some amazing views.

Notre Dame Cathedral. You won’t be able to go inside anytime soon because this famous landmark was destroyed by fire in 2019, but definitely pay homage by walking around the outside. It’s gorgeous. And just across the river you’ll find Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, which is definitely worth a look.

After Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Company, take a stroll along the Seine, enjoying the artists and vendors who have set up their booths there. You may find a treasure to take home with you.

Take a tour. I know, I know, purists don’t bother with tours. But I guess I’m not a purist, because some of my most fun Paris memories have taken place on tours—either on bicycle, on foot, or, most memorable of all, on a Segway. (I have a very funny story that involves one of my friends, a segway, a sidewalk cafe, and a bollard. Maybe even a baby. So, yes, it was a memorable event.) Paris is huge, and you can’t see it all at once, so if time is short, consider a tour.

Versailles. It’s definitely worth a day (or a portion of a day) to go see this incredible palace and gardens.

Eat all the things! Paris is a wonderful food city (although Lyon is considered the gastronomical center of France), so this is not a time to be on a diet. Macrons, croissants, baguettes, pastries of all kinds. Just eat them! And definitely make sure you try steak frittes with Roquefort sauce—it’s a lick-your-plate-clean kind of meal, for sure.

Added Adventures

Here are some things you don’t necessarily have to do on your first trip to Paris, but that you might enjoy on a second or third trip:

Flea Markets. Oh, those famous Paris flea markets! You have to travel a bit outside of the city to find them, but if you like antiques and interesting finds, you’ll really enjoy these. And if you’ve seen Midnight in Paris, you’ll know what I mean.

Rue Cler. If you love shopping, this is the place. Lots of great boutiques, food stores, and cafés along this famous street. It’s a great place to wander.

The Catacombs. I have to say, I haven’t personally done this, but my daughters did a couple of years ago and said it was “creepy but interesting.” Plus, it’s such a famous Paris landmark. If skulls and bones are your thing, definitely head here.

Museé de L’Orangerie. If you’re an art lover, especially of the Impressionists, this is the place for you as it features ONLY Impressionist art.

Palais Garnier. This is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Its ornate interior is reknowned, and you can tour it (when Covid ends). Also featured in Midnight in Paris.

Visit the Galaries Lafayette. This is a department store, but even if you’re not into shopping, go there to see the architecture. It’s an imposing Art Nouveau structure with a huge glass and steel dome in the center, overseeing it all. Plus, every week they host a fashion show there, so for something different, why not check it out?

Le Deux Magots. In September 2019, I enjoyed a memorable lunch here, sitting outside with my daughter. This iconic restaurant (yes, somewhat touristy, but I saw lots of locals there) is best known as the place where Sartre and Hemingway spent their days writing. But today it’s just known for being famous (kind of like Paris Hilton!).

So there you have it. Your beginner’s guide to Paris. This should keep you busy for days, if not weeks!

If you use this guide to help plan your trip, won’t you leave me a comment and let me know what you enjoyed the most? I’d love to hear from you!