I absolutely loved my time in Paris.
I know that some people will say they didn’t like it, and it can feel like a lot of people are saying negative things about the city just for views.
But if you plan it out, go in with the right mindset, and are open to changes in your schedule, Paris is probably going to be one of the best trips you ever take.
My husband and I had a local friend who showed us around the different parts of the city and helped us experience it the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
And while it was great to see the normal tourist attractions (and they should be seen), it was also great to get suggestions from a real local.
So scroll to check out what we thought was worth the time and ideas from other people who also enjoyed Paris. I guarantee you that they’re probably going to make your trip so much more enjoyable.
Opéra Garnier
Is it a tourist attraction? Yes. Is it worth it? Also yes.
I honestly had no idea what it was, so when my husband took me, I was more than a little surprised.
The Opéra Garnier is an incredibly beautiful opera house that opened up in 1875, and you feel like you’re on a movie set once you enter.
In fact, one of the main rooms inspired a set in the movie, Phantom of the Opera.
It really is a great place to just spend some time looking at the interior and taking in the atmosphere.
Have a French Breakfast
The French breakfast is simple.
You have coffee, really good bread from a local boulangerie, some jams and butter, and relax.
It’s simple and it’s fun to experience at least once even if you’re into heartier breakfasts.
Our friend had woken us up a bit early before he headed off to work so we could have (as he put it) a very “authentic French experience.” So we headed out to make our bakery run and head back to his place.
You also have the option to grab other tasty French pastries to sample and pair with your coffee (which I highly recommend doing).
Check Out Paris’ Little Tokyo
If you love really good Japanese food, then make a quick stop over in Little Tokyo. It’s a cute neighborhood with some great options!
We loved the tonkotsu ramen over at Hakata Choten and enjoyed some really nice sweets at an Asian bakery.
Head to Galeries Lafayette for Shopping & Great Views
If you love architecture, shopping, and pretty views, then Galeries Lafayette is the perfect spot.
The stained glass dome really is picture perfect, and if you head up to the rooftop, then you’re going to get some amazing views of the Eiffel Tower and Palais Garnier.
It’s a nice place to relax after a bit of walking and maybe grab a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Panthéon
Paris’ Panthéon is an amazing spot to visit if you love history.
In the Latin Quarter, it was modeled after Rome’s Pantheon and is a mausoleum for “the remains of distinguished French citizens.“
The architecture really was beautiful, but it was also amazing to see such incredible paintings of historic figures like Joan of Arc.
Eat at HolyBelly
It you love really good food and really good service, then this Holybelly needs to be on your list.
The owner prides himself on making every customer feel welcomed and enjoying well done dishes.
I can personally attest to this (they put Trader Joe’s employees to shame) and it was a great spot for breakfast.
Can’t wait to go back!
Walk Around Montmartre
Whether you’re heading into Sacre Coeur or just walking around the streets, I highly recommend just spending a few hours here.
It’s a great place to take in the beautiful architecture, shops, and good eateries. Also, just spending time in Sacre Coeur is a great way to slow down and take in the meditative atmosphere.
And if you want a good place to eat, then try out La Brasserie Thaï. It’s a great place for dinner!
Night Walks by the Seine
“I’ve lived in Paris for a few years now, and biking along the Seine and past the Louvre at night when there’s no one around still makes my heart melt every time I do it.” – Theamazinglulu
I can second this! Our friend took us on a night walk by the Seine and we made it all the way down to the Louvre and then headed back to his place.
It’s relaxing, peaceful, and it’s so beautiful seeing all of the building lit up at night!
Saint-Sulpice
“Saint Sulpice church has free art and architecture tours in English every Sunday after mass (around 12:15-30, depending). It is the second biggest church in Paris after Notre Dame and there is a lot of interesting history there surrounding the Revolution. Great paintings by Delacroix and a world famous organ too. It’s in the 6th, close to a lot of other great things to see.” – Excellent-Potato-502
Place des Vosges
“Place des Vosges in the Marais is a favorite of mine. Victor Hugo used to live there, his former home is now a museum. There’s beautiful architecture, the buildings frame a grassy square with fountains and benches. Plenty of art studios, cafes with indoor or outdoor seating, and sometimes entertainment. One day I had lunch, sitting outdoors at Ma Bourgogne. I was seated at a long table full of Parisiens, everyone speaking that beautiful language. I ordered all typically French food, plus a champagne cocktail. A violin band played in the center of the square. I hope heaven is this good.” – Eiffel-Tower777
Flea Markets
“I love the flea markets. St. Ouen has literally everything from furniture to fashion to a whole stand of old coffee grinders! For smaller, affordable items Marche Vernaison is best. Marche Biron has a lot of furniture and Paul Bert/Serpette is high end. Marche Dauphine has art, retro vinyl, fashion and more!! If you go, plan a whole day, it’s 3000+ dealers.
Vanves is a lot of crockery, tons of silverware, a good amount of vintage clothes and linens, books and older jewelry. Plan maybe 1-2 hours?” – TrumanChipotle17
Sampling Pastries
I know this one sounds obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway.
If you’re in France, then you need to be sampling their pastries on a near daily basis.
They’re pastry experts and they are so incredibly good!
I highly recommend either just doing a bit of research and trying some of the top famous French pastries, or just randomly going into a patisserie and getting whatever looks good.
The Catacombs
“For me, the catacombs were the absolute favorite place we visited. There was a power outage while we were down there part way into the tour, so our guide was telling us historical anecdotes by the flashlights on our cell phones, so it was extra spooky, lol.” – SneakyLinux
Notre Dame
Is this tourist attraction worth your time? Yes.
It’s a quiet and meditative experience and the interior is ridiculously beautiful.
The purple stained glass, pillars, and Gothic architecture is stunning, and the surrounding neighborhood is so much fun to explore.
Definitely make time for this when you visit!
Just Explore
Before you read other people’s answers, just know that I completely agree with every one of them! Whether it’s a night walk or exploring during the day, just taking in the city and stopping at random sidewalk cafes and shops really is a fun experience.
“Walk. I take the metro alot but my friend came w me last time and wanted to walm everywhere – 1 hour long walks. It was great! We meandered and I found so many beautiful sights, lovely stores and architecture I’d never seen before. We’d pop into a Cafe on a whim, stop in cute shops, and just enjoy the sights.” – Power_17
“the best thing to do in Paris, is to walk, find surprises, and enjoy yourself in cafes. Forget the ‘you have to do this’ lists, and just discover. If you get tired of walking, take buses, great views. There are castles, medieval monasteries, world class museums (I like to walk through and try to figure out what one thing I’d really like to take home if I could, and I never spend more than two hours in one), food from around the world, and the cafes. Get some cheese, bread, and wine and go sit on the riverbanks and have a picnic when the weather allows. it’s legal and wonderful.” – Pour-spelling
“IMO Paris is so multilayered that checking off the things we’re supposed to see frees us to discover what the city is all about. Being able to stop and look around, park in a cafe and people watch or stroll by the Seine unlocks a vacation that doesn’t just change the scenery, it relaxes and engages us. We go to Paris to relax and recharge. To eat things we love. Take off walking a different route and discover new patisserie, cafes and shops. The more we visit, the more we want to return. That started when we stopped doing the expected to discover the unexpected.” – Ride_4urlife
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.