Some would say Paris is the best city in the world but even if I disagree with this statement I’ll admit that Paris has A LOT to offer. It is definitely one of the biggest cultural center in the world. Paris is an open air museum and everywhere you look you can witness the beauty of the past.
However this is not the reason why I like the city of lights. The thing is, you will ALWAYS find something to do in Paris. It means that from museums, parcs, festivities, restaurants, cafés, concerts, and so much more you can live your entire life in the city and you wouldn’t have seen everything. As a tourist it can be difficult to select what you want to do. So let me share with you my parisian’s must see !
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Museums & Galleries
Let’s start with the museums. There are plenty of museums in Paris and lots of them are HUGE. The most famous ones are the Louvre or the Orsay’s museum. Here is my non-exhaustive of the charming Parisian museums.
Musée de l’Orangerie
My personal favourite is the Orangerie’s Museum (picture 1). It holds some famous paintings of Claude Monnet which is one of my favourite paint. (Actually you can also visit his house outside of Paris. I will let you the link just here.) In the museum you can discover temporary exhibition and their usual gallery. It is located in one of the most beautiful garden of Paris in my opinion. To get all the informations about the Musée de l’Orangerie you can click here.
Le Palais de Tokyo
This museum exhibit contemporary art. Actually it is the biggest art center in Europe. Even if you don’t know much about contemporary art I would recommend paying a visit there. I loved the temporary exhibitions I’ve seen there and the location is beautiful. Did you know that from the Café inside the center you have a nice view of the Eiffel Tower ? Click here for more informations.
Le Louvre
It’s a classic and for good reasons. You may already know but you can see the famous « Joconde » or Mona Lisa in it. That’s why it can be very crowded at every time of the day… The complex is actually huge and I’m not sure that you can see everything in a day. If you don’t want to spend the day there I would at least recommend to pay a visit even if you just look at the outside. Click here for more informations.
Musée D’Orsay
Even I haven’t been there yet it will be the first thing on my list when I’ll be back! The building is beautiful and it holds a lot of great and famous paintings.
La Fondation Louis Vuitton
If you want to experience the « modern Paris » you should definitely have a look at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. It is a culture center that holds a beautiful gallery. Honestly I haven’t been there yet but it is definitely on my list as the architecture of the building is a must see in my opinion. Click here for more informations.
Le Musée Carnavalet
The Carnavalet museum share the history of Paris. It is a very interesting museum but more than that the building is beautiful from the outside and the inside ! In addition it is an amazing spot for pictures as well and even if you don’t want to visit the museum you can grab a coffee inside the patio of the building. The best part is that this museum is FREE !
Book your tickets
Monuments
Le Palais Garnier
This is one of the most famous national theater in France. The building is absolutely stunning and it is possible to visit it during the day! However I would advise to take your ticket online to be sure to save your spot. Furthermore if you are into Opera you can also book tickets for the current representation.
Pont Alexandre III
Since its construction the bridge continues to be one of the emblem of the capital. This historical monument represents the success of Arts, Sciences, Commerces and Industry and its location offers a beautiful panoramic view.
Le Panthéon
It is one of the most famous historical monument in Paris and it is located in the Latin neighbourhood. I recommend paying it a visit if you visit this part of Paris.
Père Lachaise cemetery
It is an interesting place to visit. Actually it is one of the most famous cemetery in the word and you can find a lot of famous people’s graveyard. If you fancy paying a visit to Piaf, Jim Morrison or Chopin, this is your chance.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
You can find this Basilica in the Montmartre neighbourhood. It actually overlook the landscape of Paris and this is where you can find a good panoramic view of the whole city. I recommend you paying a visit to the artistic neighbourhood and pass by this place at the sunset ( but expect a lot of people.)
L’Arc de Triomphe
This one is so famous that I even don’t know what to say. But check it out it’s beautiful and it’s impressive to see the traffic around it.
Le Jardin des Tuileries
In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful garden in Paris. Walk around, sit on a bench and observe what you see around, read a book under the sun, look at the antique’s statues or just admire the oldest garden of Paris. Inside the garden you can find the Musée de l’Orangerie so you can coupled these activities.
The Eiffel Tower
I feel I shouldn’t even talk about it as I doubt that you discover today this monument. Let me just say that if you go to Paris The Eiffel Tower is a must see ! If you want to walk up I advise you to book your ticket in advance. Instead of talking about the Eiffel Tower let me share with you the best photogenic spot to this beautiful monument.
Popular tours
Sights & Photogenic spots
Le Pont de Bir-Hakeim
If you go under this bridge you will have a beautiful view over the Eiffel Tower and it’s a nice spot for a picture.
La Rue de L’Université
Another cool spot to get a picture of the Eiffel Tower without all the crowd.
Le Pont d’Iena
Walk around this bridge to get the best view of the Eiffel Tower with the Seine.
Avenue de Camoëns
Last but not least, this spot is one of the best to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
Le Palais Royal
A beautiful Palace with a lot of photogenic’ angles.
Pop up Shops around the Seine
Walk around the Seine and look at the beautiful and authentic little shops around.
Areas & things to see
Le Marais
- La Place des Vosges – It is the oldest square in Paris
- Le Centre Pompidou
- The best area for bars and restaurants.
- The best area to find authentic little shops.
Le Quartier Latin
- Jardin des Plantes
- Le Panthéon
- Shakespeare and Company
- Palais du Luxembourg
- Emily in Paris locations
Montmartre
- Sacré-Coeur Basil
- La Maison Rose
- Le Moulin Rouge
- Take the Funicular
Trocadéro & around
- Effeil Tower
- Palais de Tokyo
- Trocadero Square
Where to stay in Paris
Haven’t try many hotels in Paris to be honest. So I tried to look around on different websites and these recommendations is what I would have personally choose for my stay.
To have a view on the Eiffel Tower
For small Budget (keep in mind that accommodations in Paris are expensive)
For a fancier experience
- Hôtel Astra
- Novotel Paris Les Halles : I’ve personally stayed in this hotel a long time ago and it was a pleasant experience. It also has a very good location.
- Maison Mère : I haven’t been to this hotel yet but it’s on my list of the Parisian hotels I want to try.
This list is non exhaustive and hopefully after my next trip to Paris I’ll be able to give you even more new hidden gems. In the meantime if you are interested in European cities I’d recommend you have a look at my Bristol guide.