There’s so much to see and do in Paris – it can be a little overwhelming! Here’s a list of what I wish I knew BEFORE I went: the 9 best things to do on your first trip to Paris.
1. Enjoy a French Tradition – the Macaron
Did you know the macaron was originally an Italian pastry? They were brought to France by Italian Catherine de’ Medici, who married King Henry II of France in 1533. Initially reserved for nobility, the macaron became popular for all during the French Revolution.
Today, anyone can enjoy macarons at a number of shops throughout Paris. I visited Pierre Hermé, founded by an award-winning, fourth-generation pastry chef. There are multiple locations throughout Paris, serving unique flavors like rose, litchi & raspberry and passion fruit, to name a few. Below is the flagship location:
Pierre Hermé
72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
2. See One of the Best Art Collections in the World
The Louvre houses one of the best art collections in the world, and can be explored solo or with a group. Can’t-miss pieces include the Winged Victory of Samothrace, pictured above, a Greek statue depicting the goddess Nike (Victory), dating back to 190 BC. The Mona Lisa is much smaller than you’d imagine – but absolutely worth seeing if you’re there – and the Great Sphinx of Tanis, dating back perhaps as far as the 26th century BC, was incredible to see in person.
3. Get Lost in the 1st Arrondissement
If you’re short on time, the first arrondissement is where you’ll want to spend some time to see Paris’ highlights. Charming and walkable, it’s a great place to just start walking and enjoy the views. Notable sights in this arrondissement include the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens and Sainte-Chappelle, a stunning chapel featuring Gothic architecture.
4. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Seine
The Seine river runs through the heart of Paris, and my best advice for the City of Lights is to book a sunset cruise on your first evening in Paris. It’s a great way to get the “lay of the land” and see the city’s highlights, such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. It’s very touristy but it’s one of my favorite things I did in Paris. Here’s a preview of what you’ll see along the way:
5. Stroll Avenue Montaigne
The Champs-Élysées gets all the love, but don’t sleep on the elegant Avenue Montaigne! Located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, this avenue is home to the Hotel Plaza Athénée, pictured above, a 5-star luxury hotel that’s welcomed Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. Steps from the hotel you’ll find Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and others. Adjacent to Dior is La Galerie Dior, a three-story museum featuring some of the designer’s best work throughout the decades.
6. Enjoy a Parisian Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate (in French: chocolat chaud) has been a French tradition since Princess Anna of Spain brought the practice to French court upon marrying King Louis XIII.
…But you have to promise not to drink it like I did above. What I really should have done was enjoy it from a mug, topped with fresh whipped cream, in a beautifully decorated Parisian teahouse. Angelina is the most well-known option in Paris – I also loved Carette.
7. See How the French Royalty Lived
Versailles is an easy train ride from Paris’ city center. Buy tickets online in advance, and plan to do A LOT of walking. Between the main palace, gardens and country estates, there’s so much to see. I think we walked nearly 20k steps that day and still left things unseen. Here’s my full guide to take a day trip from Paris to Versailles.
8. Visit a Lebanese Restaurant
Ironically, our favorite meal in Paris wasn’t French. The best food, and warmest hospitality, was at Le Loubnane, a Lebanese restaurant; reservations recommended. You’ll also find great Lebanese street food in the Marais district. You can also find cuisines from all over the world in Paris, including African, American, Asian, European, Middle Eastern and more.
9. Explore Paris’ Secret Passageways
A great thing to do on a rainy day in Paris is explore the city’s covered walkways. Paris has over 10 passageways, developed in the late 18th century. Today, they’re home to restaurants and shops, such as Librairie Jousseaume, the bookstore pictured above. Librairie Jousseaume is located in Galerie Vivienne, one of the most beautiful passageways in Paris. Built in a neo-classical style, Galerie Vivienne features glass ceilings and mosaic floors.
Galerie Vivienne
4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris, France
I hope you enjoyed this post on the 9 best things to do on your first trip to Paris!
