One of the biggest challenges when planning a first trip to Paris isn’t finding things to do – it’s narrowing down everything you want to see.
Before visiting, we spent a lot of time researching Paris travel tips, where to stay, and which attractions were must-sees (and a few add-ons if we had time).
From iconic landmarks and museums to charming neighborhoods and scenic walks along the Seine River, Paris is full of memorable experiences.
If you’re planning your first visit, this guide shares helpful Paris travel tips, top landmarks, where to stay, and an easy 1-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Paris.
Understanding the Layout of Paris
Before you go, it helps to understand how Paris is organized.
- The city is divided into 20 neighborhoods (arrondissements). The lower-numbered arrondissements (1st-9th) are located in the center of the city.
- The Seine River splits the city into:
- Right Bank
- Left Bank
Some of the top neighborhoods you’ll hear about:
- Louvre/Palais Royal – central, close to Louvre Museum (1st arrondissement)
- Saint-Germain – left-bank, central and charming (6th arrondissement)
- Le Marais – historic and trendy (3rd/4th arrondissement)
- Latin Quarter – lively, student area (5th arrondissement)
Where to Stay in Paris
One of the best decisions we made was staying in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Because we knew that for our first trip we wanted to see many of the classic and historic Paris landmarks – we researched neighborhoods near the The Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral area and kept seeing Saint-Germain recommended as a great place for visitors to stay.
Located on the Left Bank of the Seine River, it’s a great base for first-time visitors thanks to its walkability, central location, cafés, and classic Paris atmosphere.
This area is:
- Walkable
- Central to major attractions
- Full of cafés, shops, convenient grocery markets, and classic Paris charm
From here, we could easily walk to nearby attractions or across the bridges to:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- The Louvre
- Musée d’Orsay
- The Seine riverbank
It was the perfect mix of convenience and atmosphere for a first trip.
We chose to stay in one of the many charming boutique hotels in this area.
Because the boutique hotels are often in historic buildings, the rooms may be smaller and you might have to walk up some stairs if the hotel doesn’t have an elevator – just something to check when booking.
Is Saint-Germain a Good Area to Stay in Paris with Kids?
Yes – Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also a great option for families, especially for a first visit.
- It’s very walkable, which makes getting around easier with kids
- There are plenty of cafés and casual dining options
- It’s close to open spaces like Jardin du Luxembourg, which is perfect for a break
- Attractions like Musée d’Orsay are nearby and easier to fit into your day
It’s a nice balance of being central without feeling too busy or overwhelming.
Arriving in Paris
Most visitors arrive in Paris through one of the city’s airports, but we actually traveled from London to Paris on the Eurostar train, which arrived at Gare du Nord station.
From there, we used the Paris Metro to reach the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area where we were staying. We took the Metro to Odéon station, which was a convenient stop for walking to our hotel and exploring the neighborhood.
The Paris Metro is an easy and affordable way to get from the train station or airport into the city. If you have a lot of luggage you may want to take a taxi or rideshare since many of the Metro stations do not have elevators.
Getting Around Paris with the Metro
The Metro makes it easy to get around the city, and the many stations are usually just a short walk away from most areas in the city.
Tip: Many stations do not have elevators – so be prepared for stairs.
- Purchase a Navigo Découverte pass for unlimited rides
- Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper
- Pay attention to the end station for direction
Top Landmarks & Things to Do in Paris
If it’s your first trip, these are the classic highlights worth prioritizing:
- Eiffel Tower – Visit during the day and again at night when it sparkles
- The Louvre – Book tickets in advance
- Arc de Triomphe – You can climb to the top for incredible views (do not cross the busy traffic, use the pedestrian tunnels that lead to the base of the monument)
- Sainte-Chapelle – Stunning stained glass (go early)
- Sacré-Cœur – Great views over the city
A Simple 1-Day Paris Itinerary
Morning: Historic Paris (Walkable Start)
Start your day at historic Île de la Cité – a small island in the Seine River. This area is compact and easy to explore on foot.
- Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior)
- Walk to Sainte-Chapelle (go early)
- Stroll through Place Dauphine (a public square)
🚇 Closest Metro:
Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B & C) – short walk
Cité (Line 4) – right on the island
Midday: Seine Walk + Saint-Germain
This is a perfect slow, scenic stretch no Metro needed.
- Walk along the Seine riverbanks
- Cross at Pont des Arts
- Head into Saint-Germain for lunch
This is a perfect slow, scenic stretch – no Metro needed.
🚇 Nearby Metro:
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4)
- Odéon (Lines 4 & 10)
Afternoon: Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe
Visit the Louvre courtyard, then head to the Arc de Triomphe (on the Metro).
Louvre visit: If you have more time in Paris, you can book a tour of the Louvre in advance and skip the lines. We booked our semi-private Louvre tour through Viator that lasted about 3 hours and it was an excellent experience.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🚇 Metro Route:
For traveling from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe, it is best to use the Metro.
From Louvre area:
- Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 7)
→ Take Line 1 (direct) to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile
This is easy – no transfers.
Evening: Eiffel Tower & Sunset
- Head to see the Eiffel Tower
- Walk along the Seine or nearby bridges
- Stay for the sparkle at night (at the top of the hour for 5 minutes)
🚇 Metro Options:
From Arc de Triomphe:
- Line 6 → Bir-Hakeim (great views on this line!)
OR - Line 1 → transfer to Line 9 → Trocadéro
The Trocadéro across from the Eiffel Tower is the best first view spot of the Eiffel Tower.
Optional: Seine River Cruise (Add-On Experience)
If you have time, add a cruise on the Seine River – it fits perfectly into your evening. Many cruises depart near the Eiffel Tower area, so it’s an easy addition without extra travel.
Or, if you have more days in Paris add it to your itinerary for another day. Our river sightseeing cruise started at Pont Neuf – and for us, seeing the Eiffel Tower (and other classic landmarks) from the Seine was one of our Paris Favorites!
Pro tip: Some boats have open decks and may be chilly depending on when you visit.
Don’t Miss the Simpler Experiences
Some of the best moments in Paris aren’t planned.
- Walk along the Seine riverbanks
- Explore Île de la Cité
- Stop in small cafés
- Wander through neighborhoods like Montmartre near Sacre Coeur Basilica
These slower-paced moments often become the most memorable.
Quick 1-Day Paris Itinerary (Easy Copy & Paste Version)
Morning
- Start at Île de la Cité
- See Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior)
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle
- Walk through Place Dauphine
Midday
- Walk along the Seine River riverbanks
- Cross Pont des Arts
- Lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Afternoon
- Visit or walk through The Louvre courtyard
- Metro to Arc de Triomphe
- Go to the top for city views
Evening
- Head to the Eiffel Tower area
- Walk near the Seine or Trocadéro
- Stay for the nighttime sparkle show
Optional Add-On
- Evening Seine River cruise near the Eiffel Tower area
🚇 Helpful Metro Stops
- Cité (Line 4)
- Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER B & C)
- Odéon (Lines 4 & 10)
- Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 7)
- Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Lines 1, 2 & 6)
- Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9) for Eiffel Tower views
Helpful Paris Tips to Know Before You Go
- Say Bonjour first (or Bonsoir in the evening) when entering shops or restaurants
- Order coffee correctly:
- “Un café” = espresso
- “Un café crème” = coffee with milk
- Water tip:
Ask for “une carafe d’eau” for free tap water - Book ahead:
Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre
Paris Restaurant Tips
Dining in Paris is a big part of the experience, but one thing that surprised us was how restaurant hours can vary depending on the type of restaurant.
- Lunch hours are typically limited (around 12:00–2:00 p.m.)
- Many restaurants close in the afternoon and reopen for dinner
- Dinner often starts later, around 7:00–7:30 p.m.
Types of Restaurants
Brasseries
These are a great option if you’re looking for flexibility. Brasseries are usually open throughout the day, making them perfect if you’re between typical meal times or just want something casual.
Bistros
Bistros tend to be smaller and more traditional, often with set lunch and dinner hours. They may close between meals, so timing matters more here—but they’re great for a more classic Paris dining experience.
Helpful Tips
- If you’re hungry outside typical meal times, look for a brasserie or café
- Reservations are a good idea for popular spots, especially at dinner
- Even casual places can take dining seriously—meals are meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace
Bon voyage!
Paris is one of those cities that feels both iconic and easy to explore once you know a few basics.
By choosing a central neighborhood, planning a few key landmarks, and leaving time to simply walk and explore, you can experience the best of Paris – even on a short trip.
See more of our Paris Favorites: Best Views, Must-See Spots & What Surprised Us
