Top Things to Do in Paris, France

Discover the best things to do in Paris for first-time visitors. Explore the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Montmartre, and more with this perfect 4-day itinerary.

Paris was one of the first capital cities I visited in Europe, and somehow it keeps pulling me back. I have now visited Paris three times: first as a solo traveler in 2018, then as a couple in 2022, and most recently with a group of friends in 2024. Each trip felt completely different, yet every time I left feeling there was still so much more to discover.

The first time, I spent almost an entire day inside the Louvre. On my second visit, I became obsessed with the incredible architecture of Palais Garnier and spent far longer there than planned. During my latest trip, I finally dedicated a full day to Versailles and quickly realized that one day still was not enough.

What impresses me most about Paris is not only the famous landmarks. Of course, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe are all spectacular. But the real magic of Paris is the atmosphere: the elegant architecture, café culture, beautiful boulevards, world-famous cuisine, and the constant energy of a major capital city.

If this is your first time visiting Paris and you have around four days, this guide covers what I believe are the best things to do in Paris. It includes the iconic attractions, a practical itinerary, and some of my favorite food spots gathered over three separate trips.

Why You Should Visit Paris at Least Once

There is a reason Paris consistently ranks among the most visited cities in the world. Few destinations offer such a beautiful combination of history, culture, art, architecture, food, and atmosphere.

One moment you can be admiring masterpieces inside the Louvre, and an hour later you can be sitting at a café terrace watching everyday Parisian life unfold around you. The city manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time.

Paris is also surprisingly walkable. Some of my favorite memories involve simply wandering between attractions, crossing bridges over the Seine, discovering small bakeries, and stumbling upon beautiful streets that never appeared in any guidebook.

For first-time visitors, Paris offers enough attractions to fill weeks of travel. However, four days is enough to experience many of the highlights and understand why so many travelers fall in love with the city.

How to Get to Paris

Paris is one of the easiest cities in Europe to reach thanks to its excellent transportation connections.

Most international visitors arrive via Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports. From there, trains, buses, and taxis provide easy access to the city center. Orly Airport is another popular option, especially for European flights.

If you are already traveling around Europe, high-speed trains are often the most convenient choice. Paris is connected to major cities including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Zurich.

Once in the city, the Paris Metro is one of the easiest ways to get around, but also one of the most complicated metro systems I have ever used. To be honest, I got lost no fewer than five times during my trips to Paris, but looking back, it was part of the experience.

Some stations can feel old, crowded, dirty, or even a bit smelly, while others are beautiful and full of history. The Metro is still very useful and affordable, so it is worth using, especially when traveling between major attractions. You can check the latest ticket prices on the official transport website before your trip.

That said, I still recommend walking whenever possible. Paris is a city best experienced on foot, and many of my favorite moments came from simply wandering between attractions.

Where to Stay in Paris

Le Marais

Le Marais is one of the best areas for first-time visitors. It combines historic streets, beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants, and easy access to many major attractions. The atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. It is filled with cafés, bookstores, historic streets, and plenty of affordable restaurants. Staying here also puts you within walking distance of Notre Dame, the Panthéon, and Luxembourg Gardens.

Around the Eiffel Tower

If seeing the Eiffel Tower from your hotel is a priority, this area is hard to beat. Accommodation tends to be more expensive, but waking up near one of the world’s most famous landmarks can be worth it.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Elegant, charming, and full of classic Parisian atmosphere, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is ideal for travelers looking for beautiful streets and excellent cafés.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit Paris.

Between April and June, the weather is pleasant, gardens begin to bloom, and outdoor cafés become lively. This is one of the most beautiful times of year for photography.

September and October are also excellent months. Temperatures remain comfortable, while crowds are generally lower than during peak summer season.

Summer brings long days and a lively atmosphere, but popular attractions can become extremely crowded. Winter is quieter and often more affordable, although temperatures can be cold.

Personally, I enjoy Paris most during spring and early autumn, when the city feels vibrant without being overwhelming.

Top Things to Do in Paris

Visit the Eiffel Tower

No first trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Even after visiting Paris three times, I still get excited whenever I catch my first glimpse of it. It is one of those landmarks that somehow lives up to the hype.

While many visitors head directly to the observation decks, some of my favorite views actually come from outside the tower. Trocadéro and Jardin de la Tour Eiffel offers the classic postcard perspective, while Pont d’Iéna, Pont de l’Alma and the nearby riverside paths provide excellent photography opportunities. During my most recent trip, I spent an evening sitting along the Seine watching the tower sparkle after dark.

During my most recent trip, I spent an evening sitting along the Seine watching the tower sparkle after dark. If possible, visit both during the day and at night. Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated against the Paris skyline is one of the city’s most memorable experiences.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe

Standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. While it is impressive from street level, the rooftop terrace is the real highlight.

From the top, you can admire the famous avenues radiating outward from the monument and enjoy one of the best panoramic views in Paris. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, this viewpoint actually includes the Eiffel Tower in the skyline.

I highly recommend visiting around sunset when the city begins to glow in golden light. It is one of the most underrated viewpoints in Paris.

Walk Along the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world and a must-see for first-time visitors. Stretching between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, it combines shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

I enjoy walking the entire avenue rather than focusing only on the stores. Along the way, you will find cafés, luxury boutiques, and interesting architecture. One of my favorite stops is 86Champs by Pierre Hermé, which serves excellent pastries in a stylish setting.

Even if shopping is not your priority, the atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting.

Discover Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is one of the most important landmarks in Paris and remains a highlight of any visit. The cathedral’s Gothic architecture, detailed façade, and rich history make it one of the city’s most impressive sights.

What I love most is the surrounding neighborhood. The area around Notre Dame is perfect for wandering, with beautiful bridges, charming streets, and riverside views.

Every time I visit Paris, I find myself returning to this part of the city.

Visit Shakespeare and Company

Just across from Notre Dame is Shakespeare and Company, one of the most famous bookstores in the world. Its narrow rooms, packed bookshelves, and cozy atmosphere make it feel completely different from a modern bookstore.

I first visited because of its reputation, but I ended up loving the atmosphere more than anything else. It feels like stepping into a different era.

Even if you are not a book lover, it is worth stopping by while exploring the area.

Wander Through the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. It combines beautiful architecture, student life, lively cafés, bookstores, and excellent restaurants.

This is the perfect area to slow down and simply wander. Some of my favorite memories of Paris come from getting lost among its small streets and discovering hidden corners.

It is also a fantastic place to stop for lunch or dinner between attractions.

Visit the Panthéon

The Panthéon is another beautiful landmark to include while exploring the Latin Quarter. Its grand neoclassical architecture makes it stand out immediately, and the area around it is also lovely for walking.

You can admire the building from outside or visit the interior if you have more time. Since it is close to Luxembourg Gardens and many cafés, it fits naturally into a relaxed first-day itinerary in Paris.

Relax in Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens offers a peaceful break from the busy streets of Paris. With fountains, flower beds, statues, and shaded walking paths, it is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.

I always enjoy spending time here with a pastry and coffee after exploring the Latin Quarter. The atmosphere feels local and relaxed compared to many of Paris’ more famous attractions.

It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy everyday Parisian life.

Explore the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the world’s greatest museums and deserves a place on every Paris itinerary. During my first visit in 2018, I spent almost an entire day here and still did not manage to see everything.

Inside are some of the most famous artworks in history, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Even the building itself is worth visiting, combining centuries of history with the modern glass pyramid.

Book your tickets in advance and allow plenty of time for your visit.

Visit Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier was one of the biggest surprises of my second trip to Paris. I expected a quick visit but ended up spending several hours admiring the architecture.

The grand staircase, lavish decorations, and magnificent auditorium make it one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. Fans of The Phantom of the Opera will also recognize many parts of the building.

If you appreciate architecture and history, this attraction should not be missed.

Take a Day Trip to Versailles

Versailles is one of the best day trips from Paris and absolutely worth the journey. During my latest visit, I spent a full day here and still wished I had more time.

The Hall of Mirrors is spectacular, but the gardens impressed me even more. The estate is enormous and filled with fountains, sculptures, and beautiful walking paths.

Plan for a full day and wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot to explore.

Watch Sunset from Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris and the perfect place to finish your trip. Located on a hill above the city, it offers some of the best views in Paris.

The highlight is Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the panoramic viewpoint in front of it. I recommend arriving in the late afternoon, exploring the area, and staying for sunset.

For me, Montmartre captures the romantic side of Paris better than anywhere else in the city.

Enjoy Food & Drinks in Paris

One of the best things to do in Paris is simply eat your way through the city.

For croissants and pastries, I highly recommend La Maison d’Isabelle and Chez Meunier. If you want something more luxurious, 86Champs and Angelina are excellent choices. You can get all the addresses I have collected here: the top boulangeries in Paris

For traditional French cuisine, Bouillon Pigalle and Bouillon Chartier are both popular and affordable. Vietnamese travelers (including me) should also visit the 13th arrondissement, where restaurants such as Phở Tài, Phở Bờm, and Phở 13 offer authentic flavors from home.

Suggested 4-Day Paris Itinerary

Arrival Day: Eiffel Tower at Night

After checking into your hotel, head straight to Trocadéro for one of the most famous views in Paris. Sunset is particularly beautiful here, and the Eiffel Tower looks even more impressive once the lights come on.

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seine and around Pont des Arts. This is a wonderful introduction to the atmosphere of Paris.

Day 1: Historic Paris & Latin Quarter

• Hôtel de Ville
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Shakespeare and Company
• Seine River walk
• Panthéon
• Latin Quarter
• Luxembourg Gardens

This day combines many of Paris’ historic and cultural highlights while allowing plenty of time for cafés and food stops.

Day 2: Arc de Triomphe & Eiffel Tower

• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs-Élysées
• 86Champs by Pierre Hermé
• Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées
• Eiffel Tower
• Jardin de la Tour Eiffel
• Pont de l’Alma

This day is perfect for seeing some of the most iconic views of Paris. Try to save the Eiffel Tower area for late afternoon or evening so you can enjoy both daylight photos and the sparkling lights at night.

Day 3: Louvre & Central Paris

• Louvre Museum
• Place de la Concorde
• Tuileries Garden
• Cédric Grolet

This day can be as relaxed or as museum-heavy as you want. If you love art and history, spend most of the day inside the Louvre. If not, combine a shorter museum visit with a walk through Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde.

Day 4: Versailles & Montmartre

• Palace of Versailles
• Hall of Mirrors
• Versailles Gardens
• Montmartre
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Sunset viewpoint

Versailles deserves a slow visit, so start early and give yourself enough time to explore both the palace and gardens. After returning to Paris, head to Montmartre for sunset if you still have energy. It is a beautiful way to end your Paris trip.

After three visits to Paris, I still feel like I have only scratched the surface. Every trip has introduced me to new neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, and viewpoints that I had somehow missed before.

For first-time visitors, four days is enough to experience many of the city’s highlights, from the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to Versailles and Montmartre. However, do not be surprised if you start planning your next trip before you even leave. Paris is one of those cities that keeps calling you back, and after visiting three times, I completely understand why.

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