Paris – Our Top 10
If you’re planning to visit soon, here’s our TPOP Paris Top 10 to help you enjoy the world’s city of lights!
As one of the world’s top cities, France’s capital never disappoints. Whether you go in the spring or brave cooler days for the Annual Paris Cocktail Week, you will never be short of fun things to do in Paris.
Oh, and did we mention the awesome boulangeries, patisseries, fromageries? Delicious fresh foods are everywhere along with incredible high-end top chef offerings.
We have made numerous trips to Paris and around France as it’s as easy hop from Scotland or England. We know it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start when you land in such a big city, so here’s our tips to enjoy a Paris Top 10 from the major sights to well a macaron scavenger hunt 🙂 Enjoy!
How to Get to Paris, France
We’ve travelled many times to Paris using Eurostar from London. As a major destination, flights are plentiful so shop around for best prices.
Accommodation. We’ve found hotels in Paris can be a bit on the expensive side and rooms can be very small and facilities basic. Despite some of ‘worn looks’ in older accommodation, the atmosphere can be great, especially if you’re in a central neighborhood.
Check the Parisianer Hotel, 2 mins from Gare de Lyon metro station and found it well appointed and reasonably priced.
At the top end, if you want to stay in luxury, where better than the Four Seasons George V.
When’s the Best Time to Go To Paris
Paris is a year-round destination with an abundance of things going on, beyond the sights we all want to see.
Our only caveat is don’t visit in August; most businesses close for holidays and the city is hot and in our opinion, miserable.
If you want to cheap deal, January and February are the best months but a warning it will be chilly for walking around. Ideally, Spring and late summer are the best times to visit this stunning city.
How to Get Around Paris
A carnet (book of 10 metro tickets) is the easiest way to navigate around the city quickly and cheaply, especially if you’re only in town for a few days.
Paris is a city for walking and wandering around, so pack good shoes and let yourself get lost a bit as you explore. You’ll never be far from a metro station.
Also, we love free walking tours. Please check here for details of Paris walking tours and don’t forget the Hop On-Hop Off buses too.
First Time Visitors – Our Top 10 Paris Must Do
1. Climb to the top of Eiffel Tower
Start with the Eiffel Tower – see it by day and night! It might be touristy but it’s worth getting to the top at least once. As you leave the Trocadero metro station, you immediately see the familiar structure surrounded by the Champs de Mars gardens. Just walk up towards the Tower.
We recommend you climb up (or take the lift) during the day for far reaching views of the city. By night, the tower transforms into a sparkling icon of France.
2. Stroll along the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triumph
Dress up and walk the elegant, classic Champs Elysees which is just under 2km long. It’s fun checking out designer shops like Chanel, Christian Dior and Hermes. “Bonjour, we’re just looking!” Even the dogs here are pure chic!!
Take a leisurely pace and stop off at one of the many cafes en route to the majestic Arc de Triumphe. Centered perfectly on the Place Charles de Gaulle, you can also climb up to the top.
The Arc was commissioned by Napoleon although he didn’t live to see it completed. It’s also the site of the eternal flame, which has burned here for over 100 years – a nightly ritual keeps the fires burning.
3. Visit The Louvre Museum
Even if museums are not your passion, go visit The Louvre. It is closed on Tuesdays but otherwise open daily from around 9am to 6pm.
You can buy tickets in advance on line directly from the Louvre Museum Site and sign up for guided tours. At the time of writing, a ticket costs 17 Euros.
The museum site also has some suggested self guided ‘tours’ to help you enjoy the highlights of 1000s of artifacts.
After you have had your fill of history, head outside to the Tuileries Garden, part of the Louvre estate. If contemporary art is more your thing, don’t miss the Pompidou!
4. Eat Your Picnic Lunch in a Palace Park
If the weather is good, why not pick up a fresh baguette, cheese and a bottle of wine, and head to Jardin de Luxembourg for lunch. You’ll find yourself mixing with Parisians also enjoying the green spaces of their home city. Check out the Palace too!
Another great park area (although busy) is the Champs de Mars – tie this one in with visiting the Eiffel Tower.
5. Sip A Morning Coffee in Montmartre
Make your way by metro to the 18th arrondissement. Then head up hill (walking or with the funicular) to quaint, artistic Montmartre.
On top of the hill is the stunning white church of Sacre Coeur visible from many parts of the city center. The surrounding narrow streets are full of cafes, working artists and lots of unique shops. This area is particularly fun on a Sunday morning.
6. Cross the Seine to the Latin Quarter
Head to the Latin Quarter. This part of the city dates back to Roman inhabitants but is probably better known for it’s scholarly reputation.
Crossing over the Seine to the ‘left bank’ walk along Saint Germain Blvd following the footsteps of literary giants. Book stores offer a glimpse into how life might have been at the height of this period and it’s also a great part of the city to pause (again!) for a cafe coffee or a crepe.
7. Notre Dame – Check the Restoration Progress
The River Seine flows through the heart of Paris. Stroll along its banks and cross over to the Ile de la Cite, the site of Notre Dame.
Repairs continue following the terrible fire in 2019 with the hope that we can once again admire its interior. It is now partially open but full restoration work will continue for a little longer.
8. Indulge in a romantic river cruise on the Seine
Take a cruise on the Seine at night. Book dinner trip on one of the Seine cruise boats and enjoy a romantic evening with the bright lights of Paris shining on you. Book your cruise with our favourite Seine Cruise Operator Bateaux Mouches.
9. Kick your heels up at the Moulin Rouge
Have a night out on the town! Be entertained at the Moulin Rouge, the top show in the city, located in the Pigalle district.
Ever popular over 125 years since it started, the can-can dancers and many other artists entertain audiences from around the world. It is definitely worth seeing and you can find all the details at the Official Moulin Rouge Site.
Another great night spot is the Marais area with its countless bars and restaurants off cobbled streets. It’s where you will mingle more with locals rather than hoards of tourists. Highly recommended!
10. Enjoy French Cuisine
You can’t go wrong having dinner in a small bistro which locals frequent Ask then afterwards them where to find live music and sip a glass of everyday French wine like a Parisian!
More Fun Things to Do in Paris
Consider a few of the other things we have loved when we have spent time in Paris, including:
- Watching a French film at a cinema on Champs Elyses with sub-titles.
- Taking a train to Versailles. If you have longer, head out of Paris for a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. It’s easy to catch a train from central Paris or if you prefer book an organized tour with your tickets included. This World Heritage site, and home of past French royal families is only around 16 km south of Paris. When it was built, it was in the countryside but with the growth of Paris, its now really more a suburb.
- Getting on the Metro to the Flea Market of Paris at Marche aux Puces which has been operating for centuries and is the biggest in Paris.
- Attending a top sport or music event from Rugby to Tennis to a top show at L’Olympia or the Accor Arena.
Wrap Up – Fun Things to Do in Paris
Paris has everything. A food lovers dream as you go macaron hunting to some of the worlds most iconic sights (which are great to see by river cruise).
If you are a big football fan your list should include seeing one the richest sports teams in the world – Paris saint Germain.
Paris is perfect, something for everyone on every budget, one of the very few citys where you just need to stop and soak it in (for me this usually includes a wine!) Pigalle, home of Moulon rouge is a touristy but fun place to socialize.
Make sure to check out two fantastic restaurants for meat lovers and French cuisine! For the most amazing steaks and delicious, famous chocolate soufflé in Paris go to Beefbar!
For snails, fondue and some of the tastiest French food I’ve ever had, take a trip to La Taverne de Montmartre.
Oh, and if you do have, why not combine Paris with a trip to the Champagne Region of France. It’s a short train or bus ride and we have curated a perfect Guide of 12 Things to Do in Reims, Champagne for your first visit to this fascinating French city.
