5 Things to See Your First Time in Paris

Many people will go to Paris during their lifetime. It is a location that is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. If you are planning for your first trip to the city soon, here are some things you should try to fit into your schedule:

5 Things to See Your First Time in Paris

1. See the Arc De Triomphe

One of the most famous monuments in Paris, you’ll want to make sure to check this off during your first trip. Traffic is very heavy in the roundabout, so please don’t try to cross the road to get to the arc. You can use one of the two underpasses to gain access, located at the Champs Élysées and one at the Avenue de la Grande Armée.

2. Visit The Louvre

The Louvre is absolutely stunning, inside and out. When you go to purchase tickets, you can either go to the counter or use the self-service machines on the side. This museum holds some famously stunning pieces, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and the Liberty Leading the People painting. If you want to, you would have no problem spending an entire day in this museum.

3. Pont Alexandre III Bridge

Known as “one of the most beautiful river crossings in the world,” this bridge is not something to miss. Even if you simply take the time to walk over it, you will see what is thought of as Paris’ open-air museum. This spectacular array of sculptures are sure to grab your attention.

4. The Eiffel Tower

This one is probably obvious, but it is something you want to take time to see. You can see the tower from many vantage points in the city. If you have time, you can walk up the stairs (or take the elevator) and get some spectacular views of the city. You can see my tips for the best time to view the tower here.

5. Notre-Dame Cathedral

You’ve undoubtedly heard of Notre-Dame, so once you’re here you should definitely make the time to visit! Construction started in this french gothic style building in 1163. The cathedral is free to visitors, and you can simply walk into the entrance and show yourself around every day of the year.

While there are, of course, many, many, other things that you should see in Paris, I have compiled this list for first-time visitors, especially for those visiting for only a short period of time. Taking a tour throughout the city is also an amazing idea for first time or returning visitors. You could spend a lot of time in each of these locations, and you’ll also want to experience Parisian restaurants, bakeries, and shops.

What is the one thing you want to see the most in Paris?

-Haley

20 thoughts on “5 Things to See Your First Time in Paris”

  1. kagould17 – Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
    kagould17 says:

    The best part of l’Arc de Triomphe is the view of the traffic chaos from the top. It is like watching a fireplace or a fish tank. It is mesmerising. 2 more must sees are Musée d’Orsay (easier to get into and see and has great sculptures and impressionist paintings) and Palais Garnier opera house (WOW).

    Reply

  2. A very lovely city. I only had one day to do it all.

    Reply
  3. Sheree – Cote d'Azur – I'm a sports mad Englishwoman, now living (thank goodness) in France, who developed a passion for cycling rather late on in life. I started the blog to keep my friends and family up-to-date with my adventures on two wheels, my recipes, my travels and my wonderful life in France. The title of my blog refers to when I first started cycling with my local club. I was always at the back of the bunch, until I slid off it on the first incline! On short climbs I could always catch back up on the ascent but on long climbs......I just used to bid them farewell and continue at my own speed. My cycling’s now much improved but I still get dropped!
    Sheree says:

    Good list if you’re only going to pick 5 out of all the wonderful things to see in Paris.

    Reply
  4. Nawab Tanweer Ahmad – Born on 10th of March in 1974 at Karachi, the business capital of Pakistan. A Computer Systems Engineer by Education and working in eCommerce and Online Shopping Industry for more than 14 years. Born on the 10th of March in 1974 at Karachi, a business capital of Pakistan. A Computer Systems Engineer by Education and working in eCommerce and Online Shopping Industry for more than 14 years. Since love travelling and nature, hence have visited many places including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [Riyadh, Diriyah, Ab-qaiq, Dhahran, Dammam, Al-Khobar, King Fahd Causeway, Al-Jubail, Unayzah, Buraydah, Al-Bukayriyah, Uglat Asugour, Madinah Al Munawwarah, Al-Badar, Jeddah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Taif], United Arab Emirates [Dubai, Al-Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Airport], Bahrain Airport, Malaysia [Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Airport], Sri Lanka Airport, India [New Delhi, Agra, Budaun, Bareilly], Pakistan [Karachi, Hyderabad, Makli, Thatta, Haleji Lake, Larkana, Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Naudero, Mohen-jo-Daro, Ranikot Fort, Sann, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Qasba Gujrat, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Fort Monroe, Taunsa Barrage, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Muree, Ayubia, Patriata, Peshawar, Mardan, Rawalakot, Toli Pir, Banjosa, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Kaghan, Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Lalazar, Batakundi, Jalkhad, Lalusar Lake, Babusar Pass, Dalain, Chillas, Tata Pani, Confluance of River Indus & Niver Gilgit, Junction point of Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalyas, Nanga Parbat View Point, Gilgit, Karimabad (Hunza), Bharpo Hopper Nagar, Altit, Baltit, Aliabad, Gulmit, Passu, Sost, Khunjerab]. Hobbies include Travelling, Reading, Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting. In a path to learn about different countries and their people the hobbies that helped in this regard are Stamp and Coin Collecting. Having a large collection of stamps dated back to 1947. Reading books and material related to countries and places also play a major part of learning that fulfills traveling zeal. And the travelling also created love for plants, flowers, trees, full moon, and water/rain well basically anything that had to do with nature. Love sitting under a tree, or lay down under the open sky watching starts and sky. Having a strong desire to visit every city in the world and learn about their culture. As said by Vera Nazarian “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door opens to allow in more light”. In a desire to have more and more light love reading either in hardcopy or e-books. Loves different books related to Technology, Travel, Nature, Research but the most favorite book is “Readers Digest” an American general interest family magazine that includes topics from all aspects of life including Technology, Travel, Stories, Health and many more. This love of learning, collecting, researching and developing new skills has proven useful in career and also just to relish. Love watching & playing Football. Another sport loved, is Golf but never played it at Golf Court, but played many times on PC and Xbox. As of friendly nature and love people, have many friends at both in personal and professional life. Enjoy sitting with them and having chit chat. Hobbies include Travelling, Reading, Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting. On a path to learn about different countries and their people the hobbies that helped in this regard are Stamp and Coin Collecting. Having a large collection of stamps dated back to 1947. Reading books and material related to countries and places also play a major part of learning that fulfills traveling zeal. And the travelling also created love for plants, flowers, trees, full moon, and water/rain well basically anything that had to do with nature. Love sitting under a tree or lay down under the open sky watching stars and sky. Having a strong desire to visit every city in the world and learn about their culture. As said by Vera Nazarian “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door opens to allow in more light”. In a desire to have more and more light love reading either in hard copy or e-books. Loves different books related to Technology, Travel, Nature, Research but the most favorite book is “Readers Digest” an American general interest family magazine that includes topics from all aspects of life including Technology, Travel, Stories, Health and many more. This love of learning, collecting, researching and developing new skills has proven useful in career and also just to enjoy. Love watching & playing Football. Another sport loved, is Golf but never played it on Golf Court but played many times on PC and Xbox. As of friendly nature and love people, have many friends at both in personal and professional life. Enjoy sitting with them and having a chit chat.
    Nawab Tanweer Ahmad says:

    Reblogged this on My Liked Blogs.

    Reply
  10. vhealing – Perth, Western Australia – You are now entering the magic portal of the "Words Witch" Life, in the Lines, Aren't you tired of those old stories? i've gathered and scattered smidgeons of hope about life, magic, mysteries, myths and following dreams This is my rebellion against the old ways of thinking and the taboo's of not talking. Park your broom, for a spell... Hey Momma and Justsaying.wordpress.com warns that unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Hey Momma at Justsayins [ with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
    vhealing says:

    Thanks for visiting my blog, I only wish I had seen yours before I visited Paris many years ago. Love your photo’s wow, did you snap these?
    I should start thinking about following your lead and recommending the best places to visit in Western Australia, but how can I narrow it down, everything is worth seeing.

    Reply
  11. caroline56b – Hi, I grew up in Hillsborough, NC and attended Carolina Friends School. I'm an ESL teacher. Some of my favorite things are traveling, reading, writing, cooking, trips to the beach, and shopping. I also love to garden. I worked as a gardener for about a year and loved it, even if it was the hardest job I've ever had. Well, now that I'm teaching I don't think I can say it was the hardest job... I hope everyone enjoys my blog.
    caroline56b says:

    I have never been to Paris at Christmas, so I would like to go back and see the decorations.

    Reply

  12. I would love to go to Louvre Museum first thing of all ….. and then the rest of the places offcourse 🙂 thanks for the informative piece

    Reply

  13. This is a wonderful guide for first-time Paris visitors, you really got some amazing shots of the Eiffel Tower.
    My favorite part of Paris is definitely Montmartre though for all the art and culture in it’s history. 🙂

    Reply

  14. I’m heading to Paris next week, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the beautiful culture, delicious food, and have a photo in front of the famous Musee d’Orsay Clock! Or try the Rue Mouffetard, great piece

    Reply

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