This list is a comprehensive guide on must-dos of Paris, and Paris travel tips along the way to make your trip to Paris unforgettable.<\/p>\n Don’t miss this Paris Travel Tip:<\/strong><\/p>\n One of my biggest Paris travel tips is to book your sightseeing tickets in advance<\/strong>, especially if you are traveling during the high season (Spring through Fall).<\/p>\n Iconic sights like the Louvre Museum, or Versailles can sell out for your preferred time.<\/p>\n When I visited Versailles in April, those without tickets had to wait 7 hours for the next available time slot. Instead of spending hours in line for a ticket, book tickets in advance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I use GetYourGuide<\/strong><\/a> to book all my activities in advance, and with the app, you can see all your tickets in one place- no more printing out confirmations. Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if you can\u2019t make your tour.<\/p>\n See top Paris attractions here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n First time in Paris?<\/strong><\/p>\n If this is your first time in Paris, I recommend purchasing the Paris Pass<\/strong><\/a> to get deals when visiting the most iconic attractions. On average you can save up to 42% when using the Paris Pass vs. individual bookings.<\/p>\n Check out the Paris Pass<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Now in no particular order, here are the top 27 things you need to do in Paris<\/strong> from iconic sights to hidden gems.<\/p>\n A great way to see a different perspective of Paris and to see iconic sights is by taking a Seine River Cruise<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n This popular tourist attraction is an hour long and you\u2019ll see panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Cath\u00e9drale Notre-Dame de Paris Louvre Museum, and pass under many bridges. <\/p>\n This river cruise is available all year round from 10 AM to 10 PM and has both outdoor seating and indoor seating.<\/p>\n I recommend this to any first-time visitors and for those who love taking in iconic Parisian Views.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for something romantic?<\/strong><\/p>\n I would suggest the Seine River Dinner Cruise<\/a><\/strong>, which has a 3-course dinner and a longer 2.5 You get to take in the same iconic sights, but you\u2019ll have a romantic view of the city of lights at night, and even catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.<\/p>\n Also, you\u2019ll find the dinner cruise to be more comfortable with plush seating, cozy candlelight interiors, and opportunities for beautiful photos.<\/p>\n If you love to get lost and wander cobblestone streets with plenty of charm, you need to spend an afternoon in the trendy neighborhood of Le Marias<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Located in the 3rd & 4th arrondissements this neighborhood is filled with hip boutiques, shopping, cafes, museums, and galleries.<\/p>\n Just by wandering around you will get the essence of this neighborhood which was once the Jewish quarter, but still hosts many kosher restaurants, and bakeries.<\/p>\n One place not to miss is L’As du Fallafel<\/strong><\/a>, a famous falafel sandwich hot spot that serves delicious oversized falafel and shawarma sandwiches. Expect a line during lunch for both the inside restaurant and takeaway.<\/p>\n More Places to see when in Le Marais:<\/strong><\/p>\n Now you can fully explore Le Marais on your own by wandering the streets, shopping at the boutiques, and snagging a seat at an outdoor cafe to observe the crowds.<\/p>\n But, to even get a better understanding and learn more about this neighborhood, I highly suggest taking a guided walking tour<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n I took a guided tour and I learned so much about the neighborhood and was shown secret passageways and gardens throughout. I highly recommend a guided tour<\/strong><\/a> you enjoy learning history and discovering new places.<\/p>\n The Arc de Triomphe<\/strong><\/a> is a monument dedicated to French soldiers and is home to one of the best views of Paris.<\/p>\n Located in the center of 12 radiating Avenues – the most famous being Champs Eleysses, you\u2019ll catch 360-degree views of Paris and have a direct view of the Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n While the top area can get a little crowded, you do get an unbeatable view of Paris. And an optimal time to visit would be a sunset to get dreamy hues over Paris.<\/p>\n The top of the Arc de Triomphe<\/a><\/strong> is reachable by climbing 284 steps through a round staircase, which can take 5 minutes. Thankfully there are two sets of stairs so there\u2019s no foot traffic while coming down.<\/p>\n Open every day from 10 AM to 10:30 PM (11 pm during summer).<\/p>\n Book your tickets in advance<\/a><\/strong> to avoid waiting in line (a must for spring\/ summer travel). <\/p>\n If you have a sweet tooth or love freshly baked bread, Paris is the city to be in. You\u2019ll find gourmet patisseries<\/strong> and boulangerie<\/strong> nearly on every corner serving delicious fresh baked breads, croissants, french chocolates, Macaroons, cakes, and more!<\/p>\n Sometimes they look so beautiful, you don\u2019t even want to take a bite!<\/p>\n Now the difference between a boulangerie and a patisserie<\/strong> is that to be called a boulangerie, bread must be made on the premises making fresh loaves of bread, croissants, and sweets with bread as a base. Whereas, a patisserie is known for specialties like chocolates, tarts, and cakes. <\/p>\n Get a fresh croissant or pan au chocolat in the morning at a boulangerie (trust me they taste better fresh out of the oven), and end the evening with something sweet from a Patisserie. <\/p>\n And when I spent a full month in Paris, it was my mission to find the best croissant,<\/strong> and here were my favorite boulangeries<\/strong> worth waiting in line for. <\/p>\n And here are some delicious Patisserie to get your sweet tooth on:<\/strong><\/p>\n While I have traveled to many places around the world, the shopping in Paris is truly unmatched.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find plenty of small boutiques, antique shops, perfumeries, leather goods stores, thrifts, luxury stores; as well as well-known brands found in the U.S.<\/p>\n And you\u2019ll find these shops all over Paris, tempting you wherever you go.<\/p>\n Some of my favorite stores & places to shop when in Paris are:<\/strong><\/p>\n Before you shop in Paris:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are a U.S. citizen, take advantage of the VAT tax refund when shopping in Paris for purchases over 100 euros. <\/p>\n There is a 20% tax <\/strong>on merchandise purchased in Paris, which sticker shocked me when shopping at Zara. You’ll get your tax refunded when you have receipts in 3 consecutive days and make purchases over 100 euros in one transaction.<\/p>\n Just bring your passport when shopping, and the sales associate will give you a special receipt for you to scan at the airport when leaving Paris. <\/p>\n Another village you must wander around is Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement. <\/p>\n This hilltop village was where famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and many more lived, and worked in studios in Montmartre.<\/p>\n You can sense this artistic charm throughout the winding cobblestone streets that fill the surrounding area. Plus because Montmartre is a hilltop village, you get incredible views of the city.<\/p>\n Take an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in the views, and having lunch at an outdoor cafe to people-watch.<\/p>\n Places in Montmarte you can\u2019t miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n Tip for Visiting Montmartre<\/strong><\/p>\n The village of Montmartre is located on top of a hill, so that means you\u2019ll be walking up a lot of stairs to reach the top by the Sacre Cour Church.<\/p>\n You can take a Funicular tram to avoid the steps, which costs as much as one metro ride. (You can use your Navigo Easy Pass)<\/p>\n Additionally, if you get off at the Abbesses metro stop, the deepest metro stop in Paris- be sure to take the elevator up to the street level. Otherwise, you\u2019ll be climbing a 176-step spiral (feels like a never-ending) staircase.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t want to miss a thing in Montmartre?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to experience the highlights of Montmarte, I highly suggest taking a guided walking tour<\/a><\/strong> to learn more about this artistic neighborhood and cover all the highlights.<\/p>\n Book Montmarte Walking Tour<\/a><\/p>\n Want to know something about the French? They can do wine and cheese like no other.<\/p>\n And why not have an ideal French afternoon tasting 5 kinds of wine from 5 different regions of France, paired with delicious cheeses?<\/p>\n This wine & cheese tasting<\/a> <\/strong>was one of the highlights of my Paris trip because I learned so much about wine and cheese pairing. Plus if you can\u2019t make it out to the wine regions of France, this tasting tour will make you feel like you did!<\/p>\n If you are a foodie, you have to visit La Grande \u00c9pierie de Paris<\/strong><\/a>, the most luxurious and famous grocery store spanning multiple levels.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a luxury store, but for everything food, cooking, and home accessories!<\/p>\n Here you can find quality food products from around the World plus it’s a great place to take souveniers home like sauces, spices, quality French butter (which can be vacuumed sealed for transport), wine and so much more.<\/p>\n Wander the gourmet aisles and levels, and bring back some Parisian staples!<\/p>\n Things to take with you:<\/strong><\/p>\n There are two locations in Paris:<\/strong><\/p>\n One of my favorite things to do is have a seat at a cafe at an outdoor table and just people-watch.<\/p>\n While you can do this at any cafe in Paris, why not do it at one of the most famous ones; Cafe de Flore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Located in the Latin Quarter, Cafe de Flore is one of the oldest coffee houses in Paris<\/strong>, known for its celebrity and artist clientele throughout the years.<\/p>\n And if you’re a foodie like me, these were my favorite restaurants in Paris<\/a> <\/strong>that I tried when I lived there for a month!<\/p>\n Head there for a nice brunch or lunch after sightseeing to rest your feet and indulge in French pastries and coffee. I ordered an omelet and cappuccino here, and it was very tasty even though it\u2019s priced higher than other cafes. It\u2019s a bucket list cafe to check off your list!<\/p>\n Be sure to head upstairs to check out the merchandise available. While pricy, you can come home with Cafe du Flore cappuccino cups, coffee cups, plates, and servewear.<\/p>\n Dating back to the 18th & 19th centuries, covered passageways (Les Passages Couverts de Paris in French) served as covered passages housing shops, boutiques, and restaurants filled with ornate decor, stained glass, and beautiful tiles, taking you back to the time of the Belle Epoque.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, not many are left in Paris, and are lovely to discover. Plus they are free to visit and offer handy shelter from rain.<\/p>\n The most famous covered passageway is the Galerie Vivienne<\/strong> (4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris<\/a>), located in the 2nd Arrondossement home to the oldest bookshops in Paris, Librairie F Jousseaume<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Other beautiful passageways include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Want to learn more?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you love architecture, and history, and need a rainy-day activity? You can take a guided tour of the Covered Passagways<\/a><\/strong> that cover the most famous ones, and provide a look into hidden gems of Paris. <\/p>\n Book Covered Passage Guided Tour<\/a><\/p>\n If want to search for hidden gems, I highly recommend checking out a Brocante, also known as a flea market. You\u2019ll find local vendors selling everything from mostly home decor, furniture, tableware, and vintage fashion.<\/p>\n These happen every week in different locations throughout Paris. Some are larger than others, but it\u2019s a great local activity that you can do while in Paris.<\/p>\n To find a Brocante during your visit to Paris, look at this website<\/a><\/strong> where they map out different brocantes happening throughout the week. <\/p>\n I visited a few flea markets during my time in Paris and I bought a vintage ornate gold framed picture for 35 \u20ac, two vintage scarves from Chloe and Salvatore Ferragamo (60 \u20ac & 70 \u20ac), and vintage posters of kitchen herbs for 5 \u20ac each.<\/p>\n If you are limited on time or want a more unique way to see Paris, renting a bike is a great way to see more and get around like a local.<\/p>\n Now this is not for the faint of heart. Biking in Paris is not like the U.S. and you\u2019ll find narrow cobblestone streets and different traffic patterns.<\/p>\n So to get the experience, without having a panic attack, I recommend a guided bike tour of Paris<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n There is a fantastic 3-hour guided bike tour that takes you through flat, less trafficked areas where you\u2019ll learn more about the city, and cover way more ground than you would walking! Plus it\u2019s a great spring\/summer activity! https:\/\/gyg.me\/UWoXTs1L<\/p>\n Book Guided Bike Tour of Paris<\/a><\/p>\n A visit to the Louvre<\/strong> is any history lover’s dream. It\u2019s home to famous artwork like the Mona Lisa<\/strong> by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana, and Venus de Milo to name a few.<\/p>\n The location was previously a royal palace, now hosts over 35,000 pieces of artwork inside spanning 9 miles of corridors within its three wings.<\/p>\n So no, you won\u2019t be able to see everything in one visit. In fact, it would take many visits to truly see everything.<\/p>\n Now a visit to the Louvre can be overwhelming if you don\u2019t plan properly. It\u2019s the most visited museum in the world with 15,000 visitors a day<\/strong>, (purchasing tickets in advance<\/a> <\/strong>is a must for smooth entry) and mostly everyone heads straight to see the Mona Lisa.<\/p>\n While the Mona Lisa is something to see, the room that houses the Mona Lisa is incredibly crowded with tourists. Have a look and take time to spread out throughout the many corridors of the museum.<\/p>\n One of my favorite parts of the Louvre is the Napoleon III apartments<\/strong> that boast stunning royal French interiors and almost intact settings from 1861.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t make it to Versailles, this part of the Louvre gives you a similar setting.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Napoleon III apartments are being renovated. <\/em><\/p>\n Tips for visiting the Louvre Museum:<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/arc-de-triomphe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSeine River Cruise<\/h2>\n
![\"seine](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/seine-river-dinner-cruise.jpg\")
hour cruise on the water.<\/p>\nWander the Le Marais Neighborhood <\/h2>\n
![\"Place](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Place-de-Vosages.jpg\")
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Climb the Arc de Triomphe<\/h2>\n
Indulge in French Pastries & Croissants<\/h2>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/best-croissant-paris.jpg\")
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Shopping in Paris<\/h2>\n
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Wander the Montmartre Neighborhood<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/things-to-do-in-paris-montmartre.jpg\")
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Cheese & Wine Lunch<\/h2>\n
La Grande \u00c9picerie de Paris<\/h2>\n
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People Watch at Cafe De Flore<\/h2>\n
![\"Cafe](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Cafe_de_Flore.jpg\")
![\"Cafe](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Cafe-de-Flore-Paris.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDiscover Covered Passageways<\/h2>\n
![\"Galerie](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Galerie_Vivienne.jpg\")
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Shop at a Brocante (Flea Market)<\/h2>\n
![\"Paris](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Paris-Flea-Market.jpg\")
Explore Paris by Bike<\/h2>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/things-to-do-in-paris.jpg\")
Louvre Musuem<\/h2>\n
![\"Louvre](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/things-to-do-in-paris-Louvre-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Louvre](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/louvre-museum-2.jpg\")
![\"Louvre](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/things-to-do-in-paris-louvre.jpg\")
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![\"Eiffel](\"https:\/\/danaberez.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Best-Things-to-do-in-paris.jpg\")