Hey there, beautiful soul! I totally get it – planning a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve helped so many people navigate this exact challenge. After years of diving deep into everything Paris has to offer and helping dozens of friends and clients plan their dream trips, I’ve discovered exactly which things to do in Paris will give you those pinch-me-I’m-really-here moments.
I’m Lily, and I’ve made it my mission to help fellow travelers experience Paris the way it deserves to be experienced – not rushed, not stressed, but with that perfect blend of must-see magic and hidden local gems. Let me share the 10 spots that have consistently blown people away.
What Makes These Paris Experiences So Special?
Here’s what I’ve discovered: the best things to do in Paris aren’t just about checking boxes on a list. They’re about those moments that make you fall in love with the city’s soul. Some are world-famous for good reason, others are tucked-away treasures that smart travelers seek out.
What makes my recommendations different? I know which spots consistently give people goosebumps, which ones photograph beautifully at golden hour, and which ones provide those quiet moments to just breathe it all in.
Your Essential Paris Toolkit
Before we dive into the magical spots, here’s what you’ll need:
- Comfortable walking shoes (seriously, your feet will thank you)
- Portable phone charger for all those Instagram-worthy shots
- Small crossbody bag – pickpockets are real, but don’t let that scare you
- Metro day pass – it’ll save you money and time
- Light scarf or cardigan – Parisian weather can be moody
- Reusable water bottle – there are beautiful fountains everywhere
Your 10 Must-Experience Paris Adventures
1. Eiffel Tower – But Make It Magical
I know, I know – you’re thinking “obviously!” But here’s the thing: most people do the Eiffel Tower wrong. Instead of just snapping a quick photo during the day, the smartest travelers come back at sunset and stay for the hourly sparkle show. The best spot is Trocadéro Gardens just before 8 PM. The crowds thin out, the light is dreamy, and you’ll get that perfect shot without the chaos.
What makes this experience truly special is the different perspectives you can get. Walk along the Seine River for romantic waterside views, or head up to the second floor for breathtaking panoramas of Paris stretching in every direction. The iron lattice work up close is absolutely stunning – you’ll understand why it’s considered an architectural masterpiece. Evening visits offer something magical: as darkness falls, the tower transforms into a glittering beacon that literally takes your breath away.
Pro tip: Bring a picnic blanket and some cheese from a nearby market – it’s absolutely magical.
2. Palais Royal – Your Secret Parisian Garden
This is where I send people when they tell me they want to feel like a local. The Palais Royal gardens are this incredible oasis right in the heart of the city that somehow most tourists skip. The black and white striped columns in the courtyard are Instagram gold, but the real magic happens in the gardens. I’ve helped so many people discover this peaceful retreat where you can escape the city chaos without actually leaving the center.
The Daniel Buren columns in the main courtyard create this fascinating optical illusion that photographers absolutely love. The contrast between the contemporary art installation and the classical 17th-century architecture is striking. Inside the gardens, you’ll find perfectly manicured tree-lined pathways, elegant French formal gardens, and charming café terraces where you can sip coffee and watch well-dressed Parisians stroll by. The surrounding covered galleries house luxury boutiques, antique shops, and designer stores that offer some of the most sophisticated shopping in Paris.
The boutique galleries surrounding the gardens are perfect for window shopping luxury goods you can’t pronounce but desperately want.
3. La Favorite – Where Parisians Actually Eat
Okay, this one’s my little secret that I’m sharing with you because I genuinely want your Paris experience to be authentic. La Favorite isn’t in most guidebooks, but it’s become the place I recommend when people want to eat where locals actually go. It’s this charming neighborhood bistro tucked away from the tourist crowds, where the atmosphere feels genuinely Parisian rather than performed for visitors.
What makes La Favorite special is its intimate, unpretentious vibe. The seasonal menu changes based on what’s fresh at the market, featuring classic French comfort food prepared with real care. Think coq au vin, perfectly prepared steak frites, and seasonal vegetable dishes that showcase traditional French cooking techniques. The wine list focuses on small French producers, and the staff actually knows about each bottle they’re serving. The lighting is warm and flattering, the conversations flow in gentle French murmur, and you’ll find yourself lingering over dinner much longer than planned – which is exactly the point.
4. Opéra Garnier – Architecture That’ll Make You Weep
Even if you’re not an opera person (most people aren’t!), this place will change you. The Opéra Garnier is pure architectural poetry – every surface tells a story of 19th-century French artistry and ambition. The grand staircase with its marble columns and bronze sculptures creates this dramatic entrance that makes you feel like royalty. The Marc Chagall ceiling in the main auditorium is breathtaking, contrasting beautifully with the building’s classical Belle Époque style.
What really sets this apart is the attention to detail everywhere you look. The crystal chandelier weighs over six tons and casts the most romantic light imaginable. The foyer with its golden mirrors and ornate decorations feels like stepping into Versailles. Even the red velvet seating and gilt boxes transport you to another era entirely. Whether you catch a ballet performance, an opera, or just take the daytime tour, you’ll understand why this building inspired Phantom of the Opera. The rooftop offers stunning views of Paris that most visitors never discover.
The gift shop has the most beautiful opera-themed souvenirs I’ve ever seen.
5. Montmartre – Romance and Artists’ Dreams
This is Paris at its most romantic and bohemian. Yes, it’s touristy around Sacré-Cœur, but venture into the winding streets and you’ll find working artists, cozy wine bars, and views that make you understand why everyone falls in love with this city.
My favorite time? Early morning when the light hits the cobblestones just right, and you can have Place du Tertre almost to yourself.
6. Angelina – Hot Chocolate That Changed My Life
I’m not exaggerating – their hot chocolate is life-changing. This isn’t just a café recommendation; it’s a Parisian ritual. The Angelina hot chocolate is basically drinking happiness, and their pastries are works of art. Yes, there’s usually a line, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of waiting.
7. Tuileries Garden – Your Parisian Breathing Space
When Paris starts feeling overwhelming (and it will, in the best way), this is where you go to reset. The Tuileries Garden is this perfect blend of manicured beauty and peaceful space. I love grabbing a crêpe from a nearby stand and finding a bench to watch the world go by.
The seasonal flowers here are incredible, and it’s the perfect connecting point between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
8. Louvre Museum – But Do It Smart
The Louvre can be overwhelming, so here’s how I approach it: book your timed entry ticket online, enter through the less crowded Carrousel du Louvre entrance, and don’t try to see everything. Pick three things you really want to see (yes, go see Mona Lisa, but also explore the Egyptian collection and the sculpture galleries).
My trick? Visit on Wednesday or Friday evenings when it’s open late and feels completely different.
9. Avenue de Camöens – Hidden Gem Alert
This is my secret weapon for when people want those perfect Paris photos without the crowds. Avenue de Camöens offers one of the most stunning, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, and hardly anyone knows about it. It’s this quiet residential street that feels like you’ve discovered something special.
Bring your camera and prepare for magic hour shots that’ll make your friends think you hired a professional photographer.
10. Gustave Moreau Museum – For Your Creative Soul
This one’s for when you want to see something uniquely Parisian that most visitors miss entirely. Gustave Moreau’s house-museum is this incredible preserved artist’s studio that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The symbolist paintings are mesmerizing, and the house itself tells such a beautiful story about artistic dedication.
It’s perfect for those quieter moments when you want to connect with Paris’s creative spirit.
Different Paris Experiences for Different Travelers
- If you’re a first-timer: Start with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre, then add in Angelina and Tuileries Garden for those quintessential Paris moments.
- If you’re returning: Focus on Palais Royal, La Favorite, Gustave Moreau Museum, and Avenue de Camöens for a deeper, more local experience.
- If you’re on a budget: Many of these experiences are free or low-cost. The gardens, window shopping, and neighborhood wandering cost nothing but give you everything.
- If you’re traveling with kids: Tuileries Garden, the Louvre’s family workshops, and the outdoor spaces at Montmartre are perfect for little attention spans.
Common Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)
- Mistake #1: Trying to do everything in one day. Paris deserves to be savored, not rushed. Pick 2-3 things per day max.
- Mistake #2: Only visiting during peak hours. Early mornings and late afternoons often offer better experiences with fewer crowds.
- Mistake #3: Not making reservations where needed. Some restaurants and museum tours book up quickly, especially during peak season.
- Mistake #4: Carrying too much stuff. Paris involves lots of walking and stairs. Pack light and smart.
Making Your Paris Magic Last
The secret to a truly memorable Paris experience isn’t just what you see – it’s how you approach it. Give yourself permission to linger, to get a little lost, to sit in sidewalk cafés longer than feels productive. Some of my most magical Paris moments happened when I wasn’t rushing to the next thing on my list.
Keep a travel journal or use your phone’s notes to jot down little details – the smell of fresh croissants, the sound of street musicians, the way the light looks different here. These details are what’ll transport you back to Paris long after you’re home.
Your Paris Adventure Awaits
Beautiful human, you’re about to embark on something truly special. Paris isn’t just a destination – it’s a feeling, an experience that changes you in the most wonderful ways. I’ve shared my absolute favorite spots with you, the ones that have consistently created those “I can’t believe this is my life” moments for me and everyone I’ve guided here.
Remember, the best things to do in Paris are the ones that speak to your soul. Use my list as your starting point, but don’t be afraid to follow your curiosity down those winding cobblestone streets. Some of the most magical discoveries happen when you least expect them.
I’d love to hear about your Paris adventures! Drop a comment below and tell me which of these spots spoke to you, or better yet, share any hidden gems you discover along the way. There’s nothing I love more than hearing how these recommendations helped create someone’s perfect Paris moment.
Now go fall in love with the City of Light – I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely magical! 💕
