Paris: Quick Travel Guide To The City of Love
Paris, the City of Love, is where timeless elegance meets modern vibe. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the romantic cobblestone streets of Montmartre, this city captivates travelers from all over the world. Wander through lively neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sip a coffee at a French café, indulge in a freshly baked croissant, or lose yourself in the city’s world-famous art museums. Paris isn’t just a romantic escape – it’s a destination full of culture, history, and style. In this Paris Quick Guide, I’ll walk you through the city’s must-visit sights and experiences.
Paris Quick Guide: Tips & Overview
- Where to stay: Veryste Hotel, Hotel Beige, Hotel Joe M, Seven Hotel
- Best Months to Visit: I’d recommend April – June and September – October, December also offers a unique charm with holiday decorations (though it’s great all year round)
- Must-Dos: Eiffel Tower, Le Marais, Saint Germain des Pres, Latin Quarter, Montmatre
- Best Places to Eat: Pink Mamma, Brasserie Des Pres
- Quick facts: 11.3 million people – French – Euro
Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.
How to get there
Getting to Paris is rather simple, especially with the major Charles de Gaulle Airport nearby. After landing, we hopped on the RER B train, which took us straight into the city center in about 45 minutes. For all the details on routes and tickets from Charles de Gaulle, check out this page. Alternatively, Paris-Orly Airport is another option – you can find information on transportation to and from Orly right here.
How to get around
It’s a very walkable city, and public transport is also efficient and easy to use. We found that a mix of walking and using the metro worked best—though be prepared to walk quite a bit! Instead of a multi-day pass, we chose to buy a pack of 10 single-use tickets, which gave us the flexibility we needed.
Where to stay
We chose the 9th arrondissement for our stay, which offered a great balance of charm and convenience. If budget isn’t a concern, I’d personally recommend Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a more classic Parisian experience. Staying near the Eiffel Tower is also an option if you want to go for the classic “View of the Eiffel Tower” experience. Each area has its unique vibe, so you can pick what best suits your trip!
Things to see
While there’s an endless list of things to see and do here, I’ve curated some of the highlights based on my personal experience and some insider tips to help you make the most of your time. Here’s what I recommend:
Eiffel Tower + Trocadero gardens
No Paris trip is complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower! We climbed the stairs to the second floor (around 700 steps), and the experience was great. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too exhausting, and the views as you ascend offer a unique perspective of the tower and the city below.
For incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens is ideal, especially during sunrise or sunset. Other great viewpoints include along the Seine, Avenue de Camoëns, and Rue de l’Université. You have probably seen videos and photos of the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night. Be aware, that this magical view only happens at specific times – every evening after sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour for five minutes—a magical sight you won’t want to miss.
If a picnic is on your agenda, Rue Cler is the perfect spot to pick up fresh food and snacks. This charming street is lined with bakeries, cheese shops, and fruit stands, offering everything you need for a delightful meal under the Eiffel Tower.
Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité is home to several historical landmarks. Start with Notre Dame, one of the most famous cathedrals globally, (reopens in December 2024) and continue to Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece renowned for its stunning stained glass. The Conciergerie, once a prison during the French Revolution, is another must-visit. Don’t miss Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the Seine, offering beautiful views of the river.
Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House)
A beautiful 19th-century opera house with magnificent architectural details. A true Parisian gem for lovers of architecture and culture.
Panthéon
Built as a tribute to French heroes, the Panthéon sits proudly in the Latin Quarter. Behind it, there’s a charming square with iconic filming spots from Emily in Paris, including her apartment, SAS Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau, and Gabriel’s restaurant, known in real life as Terra Nera. Definetely a fun stop for fans of the show.
Place des Vosges
In the heart of the Marais, Place des Vosges is one of the oldest and prettiest squares in Paris. Perfect for a quiet stroll or a quick break, the square is surrounded by arcades, art galleries, and cafes. The architecture and ambiance make it one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
The Historic Passages
For a touch of old Paris, head to the Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy, and Passage Verdeau. These historic, covered arcades are filled with unique shops, antique bookstores, and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and discover some hidden gems.
Hôtel de Ville
Paris’s city hall, Hôtel de Ville, is a architectural landmark that often hosts exhibitions. It’s a sight worth seeing even if just to admire it from the outside.
Moulin Rouge
Famed for its iconic red windmill, Moulin Rouge is the birthplace of the French can-can dance. A stop here offers a glimpse into Paris’s nightlife and its cabaret history.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
A walk along the Champs-Élysées is quintessentially Parisian, filled with countless shopping opportunities and cafes. Climb the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic view of the city.
Pont Alexandre III
Considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, Pont Alexandre III is known for its Art Nouveau style lined with classic lanterns and golden statues. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll or photos.
Grand Palais & Petit Palais
These two architectural masterpieces stand opposite each other along the Champs-Élysées and host various exhibitions.
Paris Neighborhoods:
Montmartre
Montmartre – one of the most romantic neihbourhoods in Paris with its picturesque streets and artistic landmarks. Key spots include the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, the historic Eglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, the quaint Place du Tertre, the charming La Maison Rose, and Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Don’t miss the Wall of Love, where “I love you” is written in numerous languages—a sweet photo spot.
Le Marais
Le Marais combines old-world charm with a trendy vibe. Start at Hôtel de Ville and walk along Rue Vieille du Temple to discover boutique shops and cozy side streets. My favourite part of this neighborhood is Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest planned square, perfect for a break or café stop.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Latin Quarter
Wander the cobblestone streets, explore famous cafés like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, and step into literary history at the Shakespeare & Company bookstore. Cour du Commerce Saint-André is also nearby, offering a variety of dining options tucked along a cozy, historic lane.
Canal Saint-Martin
This canal-side area is buzzing with dining options and is especially popular for food tours. It’s a great place to experience a laid-back, local vibe along the water. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to visit on our trip, but it’s definitely on the list for our next visit to Paris.
Paris Parks:
- Champ de Mars: A large park in front of the Eiffel Tower, ideal for picnics or leisurely strolls with iconic views.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: A vast park where locals relax and exercise – also great for people-watching.
- Jardin du Palais Royal: A peaceful garden featured in Emily in Paris, known for its famous black-and-white striped pillars, perfect for photos.
- Jardin des Plantes: A green oasis for plant enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape from the city.
- Coulée Verte René Dumont: Inspired by New York’s High Line, this elevated park turned a railway track into a lush walking path, offering unique city views—highly recommended even though we unfortunately did not have a chance to squeeze it into our trip.
Museums:
While we’re not particularly into art, we still recommend checking out these iconic museums:
- Louvre: Home to thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa, this world-famous museum is a must-see.
- Musée d’Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, this museum features an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Shopping:
- Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: Known for its stunning architecture and a viewing terrace offering panoramic city views.
- Printemps Haussmann: Another iconic department store, perfect for shopping and dining.
- Champs-Élysées: Famous for its flagship shops, this iconic avenue is a great place for both high-end and popular brands.
- Polène Paris & Fleuron: Ideal stops for Paris designer bags
Day Trips from Paris
- Versailles
Visit the Palace of Versailles, famous for its stunning gardens and rich history. Just a short train ride from the city, it’s perfect for a day of exploring the royal history. - Disneyland Paris
Enjoy a magical day at Disneyland Paris, where you can experience thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney, all just a short train journey away from the city.
How long to stay in Paris?
I recommend taking your time and spend 4 days. This allows enough time not only for the Paris Essentials and must-see attractions, but also for exploring different neighborhoods, trying out the best food spots and maybe even a (half-) day-trip to Versailles.
Where to eat & drink
Bakeries:
- Union Boulangerie – a must-visit for delicious pastries (the best croissant I had) and freshly baked bread.
- La Maison d’Isabelle – known for its excellent croissants
Café:
- Noir – a cozy coffee spot with delicious coffee (also oat milk available) with several locations around the city
Restaurants for lunch/dinner:
- Pink Mamma – a vibrant Italian restaurant with a lively ambiance and delicious dishes.
- Brasserie des Prés – a classic French brasserie offering a refined dining experience.
- Francette – A charming boat restaurant on the Seine, perfect for an affordable meal by the Eiffel Tower
Quick lunch:
- La Baguette du Relais – great for grabbing a quick and tasty sandwich on the go (the to-go version of Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, though we did find the baguette a bit to oily)
- L’As du Fallafel – famous for its delicious falafel, this spot is a must for a quick bite.
- Chez Alain Miam Miam – A popular spot for delicious sandwiches and affordable too.
I hope this Paris Quick Guide provided you with a great overview on all must-dos, must-sees as well as food spots. Do you have more tips? Let me know in the comments below.
