First Trip to Paris: 8 Must-Do Experiences for First-Time Visitors
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If it’s your first trip to Paris, you don’t need to see everything to have an amazing trip. After my first visit, these are the eight experiences I’d prioritize—from iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to wandering Montmartre and simply getting lost in the city.
If you only have three days in Paris, you definitely won’t see everything—and that’s okay. Paris is a city that keeps you coming back for more!
One quick tip before you start: Paris is one of those cities where I recommend combining the Metro with walking. The Metro will get you across town quickly, but some of my favorite Paris moments came from simply getting off at an unfamiliar stop and wandering.
Don’t Try to See Everything! Three days is definitely not enough to see all of Paris. Pick your must-dos (don’t try to cram in five museums or multiple day trips outside the city) and leave yourself time to just wander. Most importantly, accept the fact that you will be back since there’s so much to see in Paris!
The Eiffel Tower
Did you even go to Paris if you didn’t see the Eiffel Tower? To be fair, you can see it from various points in the city, but I suggest heading to the Tower just before sunset so you can see it in daylight, watch the city change as the sun goes down, and then stick around for the sparkle.
Will it be crowded? Yes. But if you’re blessed with a good sunset, the photos will be magical! Stick around for the sparkle, which begins at nightfall and lasts for five minutes at the start of each hour.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
With its rich artistic history and Sacré-Cœur basilica, Montmartre is worth spending a few hours visiting. Stop by Place du Tertre and have your portrait drawn by a local or purchase a piece of artwork fresh off their easels. Eat your weight in crepes, visit local shops, and if you’re feeling loved up, visit the Wall of I Love You, an art piece that features the phrase “I Love You” in 250 different languages. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Sacré-Cœur, which houses France’s largest mosaic and offers stunning views of the city. Keep in mind that Montmartre is hilly—here are 176 stairs to get out of the Abbesses metro that brings you to the area as well as a series of staircases in the area.
The Louvre
You could spend entire days wandering the Louvre but a lot of people go simply to see the Mona Lisa. And what you’ve heard is true: it’s a small painting and there’s such a mass of people that you get pushed by it in two seconds. For me, I like to spend time with art to appreciate it, so that was a disappointing experience. However, I spent several hours wandering the museum and getting to enjoy other pieces of art there. Don’t go to the Louvre thinking you’re going to “see the Louvre.” Do a little research and go knowing what you want to see.
The Louvre can sell out, especially during busy travel periods—so be sure to book your timed entry in advance!
Notre Dame Cathedral
I went to Paris in January 2025, shortly after Notre Dame reopened following the 2019 fire. At the time, I was trying to get one of the free entry reservations released online the night before and wasn’t successful I walked by, hoping the standby line would be reasonable, but it was longer than I had time since I had a ticket booked for the Louvre just two hours later. Which means that visiting Notre Dame (and actually getting inside) is high priority for me on my next trip to Paris!
Things have changed since my visit. Notre-Dame is still free to enter, however, reservations are now optional and are released only shortly before your visit. If you want to minimize your wait, check the official reservation system shortly before you plan to visit.
Pro tip: Don’t buy a “Notre-Dame ticket” from a third-party site. The cathedral itself says entry is free and warns about fake paid tickets.
Arc de Triomphe
Do you like stairs? The Arc de Triomphe is for you! I’m kidding. Kind of. But if you want to go to the top, you’re going to climb 284 stairs to get there. The views are worth it though and it’s a great way to get an overview of the city, particularly if you’re unable to get a ticket to go up the Eiffel Tower. The Arc is your Plan B—and arguably a pretty great Plan A. Dedicated to the glory of all French armies, the arc is the center point of a chaotic intersection with 12 boulevards radiating from it, which makes for some epic views!
The Catacombs
When I told a friend I was heading to Paris, he said I couldn’t miss the Catacombs. I’ll start with the caveat that this isn’t for you if you’ve got trouble in small spaces. I’m 5’3” and at points, I could touch the ceiling or reach my arms out and touch both walls at the same time. But if you’re cool with that, it’s a fascinating tour! Public health problems tied to Paris cemeteries led officials to transfer remains to an underground site in the late 18th century. The site was the abandoned Tombe-Issoire quarries, which are part of an underground labyrinth under Paris. There’s something oddly beautiful in the way the bones and skulls are arranged and the whole site is a respectful tribute to those laid to rest there.
Moulin Rouge
Take in a cabaret show in the birthplace of the famous French Cancan, the Moulin Rouge. The colorful show is a mix of singing, dancing, and stunning costumes! Even if cabaret isn’t normally your thing, seeing a show at this iconic Paris landmark is one of those experiences that feels very different from simply sightseeing. Book yourself a ticket that includes a bottle of champagne if you’re feeling extra fancy and be mindful of the dress code when you’re packing for your trip (though I saw people who definitely weren’t up to code being admitted with no issues!)
Just Wander: A Walking Tour
And the eighth thing to do in Paris is to stop prioritizing things and just experience the city. One of the most fun things to do in Paris in my opinion, is to just wander! With the city’s stunning architecture and endless cafes and shops in the different neighborhoods, there is something interesting around every corner. Hop on the metro and head to an arrondissement far from where you’re staying and spend the day wandering back, stopping into cafes and shops and soaking in the atmosphere.
By prioritizing these experiences, you’ll get a great introduction to Paris without trying to see everything on your first trip. Bon voyage!
More Paris Travel Tips
- Planning your first trip? → Paris Travel Guide
- Rain in the forecast? → 14 Things to Do in Paris in the Rain
- Want to get excited before your trip? → 13 Must-Read Books About Paris
- Heading to Disneyland? → Guide to Disneyland Paris
- Looking for where to stay? → Where to Stay in Paris
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
