Paris needs no introduction. Most people come to see this beautiful city at least once in their life; many keep returning, rediscovering old favorites and always finding something new. Whatever your reason for visiting, it is quite certain that you will fall in love with Paris.
One of the issues with visiting Paris during most times of the year is the crowds. Tourists seem to be ever-present and just about everywhere you want to be. So, visiting Paris takes a bit more planning than traveling to most other places, and ultimately, if you accept that the crowds will be there, you can enjoy the history, architecture, beauty, food, and everything else that Paris offers. It’s a perspective you must adopt if you want to love your visit.
Our recommendations are based on many trips to Paris during different times of the year and aim to maximize the enjoyment of visiting this most desirable location. We have provided one way to organize a 4-day visit, but keep in mind that you can reshuffle the sites and days, adding or removing stops, and still have a great trip.
Where to stay in Paris
Like any big metropolitan city, Paris offers a number of different lodging options to choose from. If you are visiting for the first time, stay closer to the city center. This will enable you to walk to many points of interest. Keep in mind that the transportation options are very good, and you can navigate Paris with ease even if you choose to stay further away from the center of the city.
Luxury Paris hotel recommendations
- Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme – located in the heart of Paris, this elegant hotel has been our top choice for years. The rooms and suites are beautiful, the Michelin star restaurant is superb, the Le Spa is absolutely exquisite, and the hotel staff has always been outstanding. Despite its location, the hotel feels very secluded and perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
- Hotel de Crillon, Rosewood hotel – right across the Place de la Concorde, the Rosewood Paris is a stylish and very comfortable hotel. We love the understated simplicity of the rooms and suites, beautiful architecture, and plentiful restaurant options. If you are looking for a serene place to stay, the Rosewood is a great option.
- Shangri-La Paris – if money is not a concern, the Shangri-La Paris offers a superb location with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. The suites and rooms are very, very elegant and service is top notch.
Better priced hotel recommendations
- Terrass Hotel Monmartre – located in the Montmartre district of Paris, this hotel provides great views from the 7th floor rooftop terrace. The rooms are clean and you can enjoy the hotel spa and yoga club.
- Hotel Leopold – located in the Montparnasse area near Jardin du Luxembourg, this hotel is a hidden gem and reasonably priced. The rooms are nice and comfortable, and the location is easily accessible. You can enjoy many dining options around, as there are a number of brasseries and cafés nearby.
- Legend Saint Germain – located in the popular Saint Germain area, this hotel offers elegant and comfortable accommodations. The rooms are not very spacious but have everything you might need, and Saint Germain is a very sought-after neighborhood. The hotel is also easily accessible by public transportation.
Day 1
Start at the Louvre Museum
If you have never visited Paris before, we suggest that you start at the Louvre Museum. This will put you in the center of this great city and will enable you to immerse yourself in its historical context. You will be in the 1st district (1st arrondissement) on the Right Bank of the River Seine. Do not go inside immediately; rather, walk around the complex and see if you can transport yourself back in time and appreciate what this palace (and now museum) meant for Paris and France.
Construction and history of the Louvre, Paris
The construction of the Louvre palace began in the 12th century under King Phillip II, but it wasn’t until the 14th century that what was a military building was converted to residences by Charles V. Later, in the 17th century, after Luis XIV decided to move his residence to Versailles, updates and expansions to the Louvre slowed down significantly. This move transformed the palace into a residence for artists and, during the French Revolution, the Louvre was finally turned into a museum. You can read a lot more about the history of the Louvre here.
Visiting the Louvre, Paris
Keep in mind that the Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. As such, you can expect it to be busy no matter when you decide to go. However, the crowds should not stop you from experiencing this brilliant museum and appreciating what it means to France and the world in general.
Allow at least a half a day for the Louvre. It is massive and you will need to choose what to see, but it is so worth going. You can plan your visit and purchase tickets here.
Returning visitors to Paris
No matter how many times you have been to Paris, returning to the Louvre and its grounds is always a pleasure. We strongly recommend that you check to see the list of current exhibitions and make plans to spend at least a few hours at the museum. A very enjoyable thing to do (if you have been to Paris before) is to come to the Night Openings of the museum and experience it with reduced crowds and under the evening light. You can book your tickets here.
Walk the Tuileries Gardens
The Tuileries Gardens, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, are public gardens created by Catherina di Medici in the 16th century as the gardens of the Tuileries palace. After the French Revolution, these became public gardens and are beautifully maintained to this day. A great place to bring a picnic, walk, and relax after the long museum visit.
Visit Square du Vert-Galant and Notre Dame Cathedral
Head towards Pont Neuf, one of the many bridges on the river Seine, and the Ile de la Cité. Ile de la Cité is the island on which the Notre Dame Cathedral is located. While the cathedral is still under construction after the big fire of 2019, you can walk and admire it from the outside. It is simply magnificent!
On the tip of Isle de la Cite lies a small but beautiful park named Square du Vert, popular with tourists and locals alike. It is a great place to sit on the edge of the river and watch the boat traffic go buy. You can also bring a picnic and share a bottle of wine or some champagne with a significant other or friends, and just relax and take in the city views. 💗
Day 2
Climb the Montmartre hill and visit Sacré Coeur
Located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Sacré Coeur is an iconic white church built at the beginning of the 20th century. It sits on top of the Montmartre hill and, on a clear day, provides excellent views of the city. Sacré Coeur is considered a national historic monument. After the Eiffel Tower, it is the most visited place in Paris, so do a little planning and get to it as early in the day as possible if you would like to avoid the crowds.
Stroll through Montmartre
Take time to stroll through the charming Montmartre district. For years, it was an artistic village. Many world-renowned artists have called it home, including Picasso, Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Renoir. Winding streets, charming buildings, small restaurants and brasseries make Montmartre one of the most loved and visited districts of Paris.
Wall of Love
If your visit is on the romantic side, be sure to stop by the Wall of Love (Square Jehan Rictus, Pl. des Abbesses, 75018 Paris). The wall was created in 2000 by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito and features hundreds of tiles on which the words “I love you” are written in 250 languages. Can you find yours?💗
Place Pigalle and Moulin Rouge
Stop by the legendary Place Pigalle and the nearby Moulin Rouge cabaret. You can book tickets to see a lunch or dinner performance at this historic venue here.
Montmartre Vineyard
If you are a wine enthusiast, stop by the Montmartre Vineyard (situated along the rue Saint-Vincent and the rue des Saules on the north side of the Montmartre hill). Did you know Paris was a wine producing region back in the day?
For excellent walking maps of Montmartre, take a look at the Montmartre Artists’ Studio maps. There is much to see in this very charming part of the city. Just walk around and enjoy!
See a more modern side of Paris – Centre Pompidou
If you are a long-time reader of the Styled Traveler, you know our love for modern art. The Centre Pompidou is one of our most favorite modern art museums in the world. A visit to Pompidou is a must. It will show you, through art, a different side of Paris. You can get some excellent views of the city from the museum terraces or by riding the exterior elevators. We recommend that you purchase your tickets online here.
Day 3
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No visit to Paris is complete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower. An icon symbol of the city, Gustave Eiffel’s iron tower has graced the city of Paris since 1889. Due to its popularity, we advise that you: (1) check ahead to make sure that the Tower is open to visitors at the time of your visit and (2) get your tickets online to avoid waiting in line. You can purchase tickets here.
Be sure to catch some glimpses of the Eiffel Tower at night as it shines above the city. It is simply breathtaking 💕!
Visit the Rodin Museum
Inside the Rodin Museum
Take time to visit this less popular museum, as it is a true gem of the city. This was the hotel where the sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked, and it houses a great number of his works, including sculptures, drawings, objects he owned and used, and more.
The Rodin Museum Gardens
Stroll the beautiful museum gardens. You will find many famous works of art, including The Thinker, The Monument to Balzac, The Three Shades and many more. Can you spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance while in the gardens?
If you happened to be in Paris on Valentine’s Day, the museum typically organizes a special event dedicated to Valentine’s couples, including longer hours, champagne tastings and more. Be sure to visit with your significant other. The museum is all about love and makes for a special visit on Valentine’s Day, but also on any day of the year. The Rodin Museum has become one of our favorites in the city and we highly recommend it! 💗
You can purchase tickets online here.
Day 4
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
Place de la Concorde
Another iconic and beautiful structure in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories. You can buy tickets to climb the Arc here.
Visit Musée d’Orsay
Paris is a city of museums. There is so much to see; if you are an art lover, visiting Paris provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in world class art. Musée d’Orsay is certainly on our list of favorite museums in Paris, but also one of our favorites in the world. It is housed in the old Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station finished at the beginning of the 20th century. The building itself is beautiful and the 19th and 20th century French art housed in it is very much worth seeing.
Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time as this museum is quite popular and you would want to avoid waiting in line for tickets. You can buy your tickets online here.
Take a walk to the Pont des Arts Bridge
Paris lives up to its name as a City of Love. Many people from around the world come and declare their love for each other by placing a padlock on the Pont des Arts Bridge and throwing the key in the Seine River. If you would like to partake in this quirky tradition, it is best to bring your own padlock, but if not, you can find one in some of the pharmacies or hardware stores. There are also people willing to sell you a lock on the bridge, but it will cost you a bit more.
The city of Paris has a love-hate affair with the locks placed on the Pont des Arts Bridge. It periodically removes the locks, as their weight impacts the safety of the bridge. So, if you leave a lock, it may not be there the next time you visit Paris. 😊 Nevertheless, this is still a fun tradition. 💗
What else to do in Paris
If you have more time or need additional ideas, here are some extra suggestions from us:
- Enjoy the oldest planned square in Paris – Place des Vosges (Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris). Bring a picnic and sit in the park.
- Walk by Paris City Hall – Hôtel de Ville (Pl. de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris). It is a very architecturally beautiful building.
- Take in some spectacular view of the city from the Montparnasse Observation deck. You can buy tickets here.
- Visit some of the Paris smaller museums like Musée Carnavalet or Maison La Roche. Here is a list.
- If you are a fashion lover, be sure to visit the Louis Vuitton Foundation, a modern and contemporary art building. There is always something interesting going on there. You can buy tickets here.
- Do some shopping at the Grand Magazines – Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche.
- Visit the magnificent Palais Garnier opera building to learn about its history. You can buy tickets online here.
- See the Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde (75008 Paris).
- See an opera at the Bastille Opera House, a modern theater with excellent acoustics.
- See 8 of Monet’s water lilies murals at the Musée de l’Orangerie.
- Visit some of the city’s Covered Passages. Our favorites are Galerie Vivienne (4 rue des Petit-Champs, Paris 2), Galerie Colbert (1 Pass. Colbert, 75002 Paris), and Passage du Grand Cerf (145 rue de Saint-Denis, Paris 2).
- Book tea service at the Ritz Paris for an exceptional tea time.
- Take a 1-day trip to Versailles (Stay tuned for our post on Versailles coming soon!).
Stroll through a Paris food market
Take some time to walk through one or more of the many food markets. Go early in the day when there are fewer people. There is always so much to see and taste; it makes for a very enjoyable start of any day. Each neighborhood has their own market, so based on where you stay, find out where the market is and be sure to visit. For a good list, take a look here.
Where to eat and drink
The list of bakeries, restaurants and bars to try in Paris is very, very long and could be overwhelming even for the experienced traveler. Here are some recommendations for places that we keep returning to every time we visit. In general, if a place looks good to you as you stroll by, stop and try it as there are many, many excellent options.
Bakeries and cafes
- Thierry Marx Bakery (83P Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris) – fantastic bakery for breakfast or lunch. Great croissants and excellent coffee.
- Eryc Kayser Boulangeries – many different locations that you can choose from, excellent baked goods and picnic items. We love the Vendome location.
- Angelina – a historic and very beautiful tearoom which offers refined pastries, teas, hot chocolate and more. It is worth just going to see this historic venue, open since 1903, but the pastries are sooooo delicious and true works of art. You need to make a reservation to avoid waiting. You can also just get some pastries to go. However, there is often a line. Be patient; you will not be disappointed.
Bistros and brasseries
- Dame Tartine – one of our very favorite bistros next to the Centre Pompidou which serves excellent food. We prefer to visit for lunch and to sit outside, even on a cloudy day. We make it a point to stop by on every trip. 😋
- Creperie Manoir Breton – in the heart of the Montparnasse district, this is another longtime favorite restaurant for lunch or dinner. The focus is on serving delicious savory and sweet crepes😋! Their wines by the glass are also pretty good and reasonably priced. Sit inside and enjoy the rustic French ambiance or sit outside and enjoy the neighborhood feel.
- La Coupole Brasserie – a storied brasserie also located in the Montparnasse district. Try the beef tartar with knives or be adventurous and go for the roast calf’s liver. Sit inside and enjoy the art deco features of this beautiful brasserie or sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go by while having a nice glass of wine.
- La Taverne de Montmartre – a very small and unique restaurant in the heart of Montmartre. Excellent traditional French food – fondue, snails, beef bourguignon, and more. Super energetic and pleasant staff. Cozy fireplace which adds to the ambiance of this small tavern. It is super lively in the late evening.
A little more fancy
- Le Potager de Charlotte – a fantastic vegan restaurant and definite favorite in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. The food is outstanding, and the service is welcoming and great. Following your meal, you can easily walk to the Arc de Triomphe and see it lit (and oh, so beautiful).
- Père et Fils burger par Alléno – a new find added to our list, this is a great and very elegant restaurant for lunch or dinner. The food was exceptionally good and the setting is very chic Parisienne. Additionally, their wine cellar contains over 350 wines.
- Pierre Hermé Café-Restaurant – excellent pastries, macaroons, chocolates and coffee by renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Pierre Hermé. Located in the 6th arrondissement in the beautiful Beaupassage. Nice outdoor area.
- Legrand Filles et Fils at the Galerie Vivienne – another favorite of ours; we visit once or twice on every trip to Paris. Excellent place to sample wines, enjoy appetizers, lunch or a full dinner. Cozy and very romantic!
Michelin stars
There are so many Michelin star restaurants in Paris that choosing just a few is really hard, as most offer excellent food and ambiance. Below are just a few of the places we like. In most, you will need a reservation ahead of time so a bit of planning before you leave on your trip is very important.
- Pur’ by chef Jean-François Rouquette. Excellent and very creative take on French food in a beautiful setting. We like Pur’ because it seems a bit more accessible than other choices in town.
- Arpège by chef Alain Passard is a vegetables-only luxury restaurant. Super creative, very tasty food, and excellent service. The vegatables are the stars of Arpège’s menu!
- Le Meurice by chef Alain Ducasse. A supremely elegant restaurant overlooking the Jardins des Tuileries. The food, presentation, and service are all of the highest quality. Of note is that the restaurant was restored by renowned French architect and designer Philippe Stark. It is elegant, romantic and a bit whimsical. Something to see!
What we love about Paris
- A great city to visit with so much to offer during any time of the year!
- There is always something happening – concerts, performances, art events, fashion shows and more
- World class museums worth revisiting and rediscovering
- Easy to navigate city; excellent transportation options
- Excellent food and so many places to try – old and new
- A very fashionable city. People look so well put together
- Many beautiful city parks to enjoy and picnic at or simply relax
- The beauty of the river Seine can be enjoyed easily by locals and tourists alike
- Multiple airports and many connecting flights from most world destinations
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking
- Stylish clothes – long coat, scarves, gloves and anything that makes you feel well put together
- An umbrella as the weather can be quite varied. We like this one for travel – but Amazon has many reasonably priced options.
- Your most favorite sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
In closing, Paris continues to be a favorite European city to visit. We always look forward to revisiting places we love and discovering new venues, restaurants, neighborhoods, trends in art, food, fashion and more.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
You may also like
- How to Visit Paris in Just 1 Day
- Discover 5-Star Luxury at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme – Hotel Review
Additional resources and inspirations
Here are some links to additional resources you might find useful and inspirational for your trip to Paris:
Exploropia
Chad and Claire
- For a very personalized travel itinerary, consider Paris Perfected by Meghan Donovan. A long time Paris traveler, Megan will curate a one-of-a-kind trip plan based on your needs and knowledge of Paris.
- The Lonely Planet Guide to Paris
- The Condé Nast Paris Travel Guide
- Food and Wine’s List of The Most Iconic Paris Restaurants
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