The Perfect Guide for Your First Time in Paris

Museums of Paris

Paris is a city for museum buffs. I say it might even rival DC. If you love art and history, you’ll feel right at home in the city. Whether the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, or Versailles—you won’t be disappointed.

OG sightseeing

I’m not going to tell you to skip the Eiffel Tower, Galleries de Lafayette, Jardin de Luxembourg, or Arc de Triomphe. That’d be hypocritical. My first full day I called “basic sightseeing” where I started at the Louvre, then walked the Tuileries and Champs Elysees (plus a metro to save my feet) to the Arc de Triomphe before bussing to the Eiffel Tower.

All the major sights, one day. Was it exhausting? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Fotoautomat

If you want the most stunning vintage photobooth strips, you have to find a Fotoautomat. They have real vintage photo booths using silver printing to get the perfect aesthetic black-and-white photo set. They are around the city, but a pro tip: we went to the one in Palais de Tokyo (also worth a stop to hang out) where there was no line.

Wine tasting

If you went to France and didn’t drink French wine, you did it wrong. If you have the time, take a day trip out to Champagne to try the sparkling wine at the source. If that isn’t your speed, take a wine tasting class in a traditional French cave. I did the one at O Chateau and couldn’t recommend it more.

People watching

When in Paris, do as the Parisians do. Everywhere there are bistros and cafes with tables and chairs on their patios facing the street. Take a break, grab a glass of wine or coffee (or cigarette, if you want to feel very Parisian), and just watch the world go by. This was my favorite way to end the nights out in the city.

Shopping

If you’re like me with a love for cute things and no self-control, your wallet will hurt. I am not a shopper in my regular life, but something possessed me in Paris.

• I loved the iconic Officine Universalle Buly for body products and custom engraved goodies.

• The pharmacy for all the beauty products I couldn’t get at home.

• Le Labo for the Vanille 44 Paris-only scent (trust me, it’s amazing).

• RSVP handbags with only 500 of each bag ever being made and each stamped with their serial number.

• And don’t get me started on Grande Tuileries or the Bon Marche Rive Gauche (featuring the one and only La Grand Epicerie).

If you are a shopper, you’ll be in heaven here.

River walks & picnics

Paris is so romantic at night. It really felt like the city came to life at night, and walking Pont Neuf or along the Seine was just magical. It felt like the little girl in me who always dreamed of going to Paris had one of those “I made it” moments. I highly recommend two picnics.

• Junk Smashburgers on the Seine under Pont Neuf. After you’re done, head to a jazz club for a nightcap.

• Get a coffee, baguette, cheese, and jam and set up a little picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens. It’s less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and still iconic.

• Chez Janou: You’ve probably seen this place on TikTok and wondered if it’s worth the hype. It is. We went on a Saturday night, no reservation (brave). The wait was 2 hours, but thankfully our hotel was a 4 minute walk away so we took a quick nap and rallied for a late dinner. The food was great, but the star was the chocolate mousse scooped from a bowl and plopped onto our plate. Soooooo good.

• Robert et Louise: A steak and potatoes meal (literally). Unassuming from the outside, this place cooks their steak in an open kitchen over a flame and has a hidden cave in the basement. Great meal with intimate dining scene.

• Junk Smashburgers: Is it French? No. Was it great? Yes. If you want a no-frills good burger, this was the perfect bite before a night out. (Pro tip: Take your burger for a walk down to the Seine under Pont Neuf for primetime vibes.)

• Little Red Door: We went here on a whim. No reservation, just a dream of trying this award-winning bar. Going late on a weekday was in our favor as we were seated right away. With a moody ambiance and fun permaculture-themed drinks, this was a perfect nightcap.

• Carette: Another TikTok hotspot. Is it worth the hype? Maybe. I wouldn’t go and wait in line. But we went to do hot chocolate and dessert at the end of the night with their famous Chocolate Carette. Very yummy, but only do if there is no line.

• Les Papilles: This little French bistro is no frills. It is a very French menu, pre-set each night. It was phenomenal. From picking our wine off the wall to the actual food, I was so happy. We risked no reservation (you see the theme) and ended up having a great meal, super friendly, and left very full.

• Any random boulangerie: I will stand 10 toes down and promise you, the most life-changing sandwich will come when you are hungry and wander into a local, not-famous boulangerie. Walk in, order a jambon et beurre (ham and butter) sandwich with a Coke Zero, and you will be revived.

• Treize au Jardin: Southern cooking in Paris? Their buttermilk biscuits are a must-try. This cute little shop next to Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect brunch place to start your day in the city.

• Cafe d’Arbre: Literally the best cup of coffee we had in Paris (we had a lot). We went back four times in 36 hours to the point the owner was worried. Their classic flat white was the perfect pick-me-up for a coffee connoisseur.

• Chapon et la Chocolaterie: Chocolate mousse by the pound. You heard me correctly. Pick your flavor and they scoop you up as much or as little as you want. It was delicious and indulgent but so yummy.