Give yourself a few days in Paris if you can. The first time I went, I was completely taken in by how elegant and atmospheric it felt, with beautiful streets, glowing landmarks, and little corners that seemed made for wandering.

There is plenty to do in Paris, but enjoying it does not have to mean spending heavily. Some of the best moments are free, like wandering through neighborhoods, relaxing in the gardens, people-watching from a park bench, or standing along the Seine and taking it all in.

The Seine is beautiful in the daytime, but it feels just as special at night when the lights reflect on the water. Even the food can be part of the experience without costing too much, and picking up something from a patisserie is one of the nicest ways to enjoy the city. I still have fond memories of a chocolate croissant I got near the Eiffel Tower.

Do not be so careful with your budget that you miss what makes Paris feel special. My first visit left such an impression on me that I returned in the years that followed, first with my mom and later with my husband. Paris has that kind of pull, and it never really leaves you.

I recommend 3+ full days to take in Paris.

Sights

• Eiffel Tower. Free to view / expensive to go up. ⭐⭐⭐
  • The most iconic sight in Paris, and even if you do not pay to go up, seeing it from around the city still feels special.
• Arc de Triomphe. Free from the exterior / moderate to go up. ⭐⭐⭐
  • A must-see Paris landmark that is especially worth it for first-time visitors, whether you admire it from below or pay for the rooftop view.

• Champs-Elysees. Free to walk. ⭐⭐⭐
  • One of the most famous streets in Paris, and a good one to experience at least once for the atmosphere, shops, and big-city energy.
• Sainte-Chapelle. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐⭐
  • One of the best places to splurge on in Paris if you love beautiful interiors, because the stained glass is what makes it so memorable.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral. Free from the exterior. ⭐⭐⭐
  • Still one of Paris’s most famous landmarks, and worth visiting even if you only see it from the outside. If interior access is available during your visit, reserve ahead if you can.

• Sacre-Coeur Basilica and Montmartre. Free. ⭐⭐
  • One of the best free sights in Paris, with a beautiful setting in Montmartre and one of the loveliest viewpoints in the city.
• Les Invalides. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐
  • A striking historic complex with a grand golden dome that stands out as one of Paris’s most recognizable sights.
• Opera Garnier. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐
  • A good pick if you want to see one of Paris’s most elegant buildings, with an interior that feels especially memorable.
• Pont Alexandre III. Free. ⭐⭐
  • This ornate bridge is one of the prettiest spots in Paris and a lovely place for a stroll or photos without spending anything.
• Place de la Concorde. Free. ⭐⭐
  • A famous square that is easy to see while exploring central Paris and worth a stop for its history and grand setting.
• Moulin Rouge. Free from the exterior. ⭐
  • A fun quick stop if you are in the area, especially because the famous windmill makes it such a recognizable Paris sight.

Worth-the-Splurge Experiences

• Seine river cruise. ⭐⭐⭐
  • One of the best splurges in Paris, especially if you want to see the city from a different angle and enjoy the views without doing a lot of walking.
• Paris by night tour. ⭐⭐⭐
  • A great pick if you want to see Paris all lit up, because the landmarks, bridges, and river feel especially beautiful after dark.
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour. ⭐⭐
  • A worthwhile splurge for first-time visitors who want an easy overview of the city without relying as much on the metro.
• Walking tour. ⭐⭐
  • A great way to get your bearings in Paris, especially at the start of a trip, and it can help bring the neighborhoods and history to life.
• Seine dinner cruise. ⭐⭐
  • A memorable splurge if you want an evening that feels a little more special, with dinner and Paris views combined into one experience.

• Moulin Rouge show. ⭐⭐
  • A classic Paris splurge if you want one big evening out, especially for the atmosphere and iconic cabaret experience.
• Food tour or pastry tour. ⭐⭐
  • A fun splurge if you want to experience more of Paris through its food and try a few things you might not have found on your own.
• Wine tasting. ⭐⭐
  • A nice splurge if you want a more relaxed experience and would enjoy sampling French wines in a setting that feels a little special.
• Catacombs tour. ⭐⭐
  • A memorable pick if you want something a little different, with a darker side of Paris history that feels very unlike the usual sightseeing stops.

Museums

• Louvre Museum. Price: Expensive. ⭐⭐⭐

  • The classic Paris museum for first-time visitors, especially if you want one major art stop right in the heart of the city.

• Orsay Museum. Price: Expensive. ⭐⭐⭐

  • One of the best paid museums in Paris if you love Impressionist art, and an easy choice thanks to its central riverside location.

• Orangerie Museum. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐

  • A great smaller museum for visitors who want something central and manageable, especially for seeing Monet’s Water Lilies without committing to a huge museum.

  

• Rodin Museum. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐
  • A lovely paid museum if you want art in a quieter setting, with the sculpture garden making it feel especially enjoyable on a nice day.
• Carnavalet Museum. Free permanent collection. ⭐⭐
  • A good pick if you want a museum that helps bring Paris’s history to life, especially since it is easy to pair with time in the Marais.
• Picasso Museum. Price: Moderate. ⭐
  • A strong choice for art lovers who want something more focused than the Louvre, in a central area that is easy to visit while exploring the Marais.
• Cluny Museum. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐
  • A compelling paid museum for history lovers, especially if medieval Paris interests you and you want something close to the Latin Quarter.
• Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb. Price: Moderate. ⭐⭐
  • A worthwhile paid museum for military history fans, particularly if you want to pair it with one of Paris’s most striking historic landmarks.

Historical Parks

Parks are a great place to have a picnic. Pick up a few things at a local grocery store, then slow down and enjoy the people-watching.

• Luxembourg Gardens. Free. ⭐⭐⭐
  • A lovely place to slow down, enjoy a picnic, and take in one of Paris’s most beautiful garden settings.
• Tuileries Garden. Free. ⭐⭐⭐
  • An easy scenic stop between major sights, with a central location that fits naturally into a day of exploring.

Day Trips

• Fontainebleau. ⭐⭐

  • A worthwhile near-Paris trip if you want a beautiful palace day without the same level of crowds or cost that often comes with Versailles.

• Versailles. ⭐⭐⭐

  • One of the most worthwhile day trips from Paris, especially if you want to see something grand and iconic without planning an overnight stay.

• Giverny. ⭐⭐
  • A lovely choice if you want something quieter and more scenic, with beautiful gardens and an easy change of pace from the city.
• Disneyland Paris. ⭐⭐
  • A fun splurge if this is high on your list, especially for Disney fans or anyone wanting a full day that feels completely different from central Paris.
• Mont Saint-Michel. ⭐⭐
  • A very memorable splurge if this is high on your list, but it is a long day from Paris and makes more sense if you really want one big bucket-list excursion.