Places to See in Paris: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Paris, the city of love, culture, and romance. The City of Light has something for everyone—from its monuments and museums to its grand boulevards, gardens, and parks. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or if you’ve been there many times before, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

About Paris

Paris has been a world-renowned city since the Middle Ages, when it was the largest in Europe. It is now the capital of France and home to more than 2 million people. It is known for its art, fashion, cuisine, and culture, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. From its famous cafes to its awe-inspiring architecture, there is something for everyone in Paris.

Paris is home to many iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. It is also renowned for its fashion, food, and nightlife. From romantic restaurants to lively bars and clubs, Paris is a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Must-See Attractions

When visiting Paris for the first time, there are certain sights that are absolute must-sees. These include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Élysées.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and is symbol of the city itself. Standing at 324 meters tall, it was built in 1889 for the 1889 World’s Fair and is now one of the most visited attractions in Paris. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower via lifts or stairs and admire stunning views of the city from the viewing platform.

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic churches and is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Built in 1163, it features a stunning gothic design and is home to some of the city’s most treasured relics. Visitors can take guided tours of the church or climb to the top of its towers and enjoy panoramic views of Paris.

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest and most popular art galleries. Home to some of the world’s most famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, it is one of the most visited attractions in Paris. Visitors can explore its many galleries and admire its collection of artwork spanning centuries.

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’s most famous boulevards. Home to luxury boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and more, it’s a great place to shop and people watch. At night, it comes alive with people out enjoying the nightlife.

Activities & Experiences

In addition to its iconic attractions, there are plenty of activities and experiences that visitors can enjoy in Paris. From river cruises down the Seine to guided tours through the city’s hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to explore the city.

One popular activity is a river cruise down the Seine. Visitors can take a cruise through Paris’s beautiful river and admire stunning views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and The Louvre Museum. Cruises usually last around an hour and some even offer dinner or drinks onboard.

Another popular activity is a guided tour through some of Paris’s hidden gems. These tours usually last around two hours and take visitors off the tourist trail to explore some of Paris’s lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions. Visitors can explore art galleries, markets, local cafes, and more with an experienced guide who will share stories about the city’s history and culture.

Day Trip Ideas

Paris is also a great destination for those looking to explore beyond the city limits. There are plenty of day trips that visitors can take from Paris such as visiting the Palace of Versailles or exploring some of France’s beautiful countryside.

One popular day trip from Paris is a visit to Versailles Palace. Located just outside of Paris, this former royal residence was built in 1623 and is home to many stunning historic rooms and gardens. Visitors can explore its grand halls, wander through its gardens, or even take a guided tour with an experienced guide who will share stories about the palace’s past residents and those who lived there during the French Revolution.

Another popular day trip from Paris is a visit to Giverny, home of Claude Monet’s famous gardens. Visitors can wander through his famous garden which served as inspiration for some of his most iconic paintings. They can also visit his home which was transformed into a museum after his death in 1926.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore some of Paris’s hidden gems or take a day trip outside of the city, then booking a tour can be a great option. Here are two popular tours that you can book through Viator:

Paris City Tour & Boat Cruise Combo

This tour gives visitors the chance to explore some of Paris’s most iconic sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre Museum, and more. It also includes a cruise down the Seine where visitors can admire stunning views of some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks from the water. The tour lasts around 3 hours and includes an experienced guide who will share stories about Paris as well as insight into some of its hidden gems. Book this tour here.

Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris

This tour takes visitors on a day trip from Paris to Versailles Palace where they can explore this former royal residence with an experienced guide who will share stories about its past residents as well as insight into its history and culture. The tour also includes free time for visitors to explore the palace at their own pace or wander through its gardens. The tour lasts around 6 hours including travel time from Paris to Versailles. Book this tour here.

Giverny Day Trip from Paris

This tour takes visitors on a day trip from Paris to Giverny where they can explore Claude Monet’s famous garden as well as his home which was transformed into a museum after his death in 1926. The tour also includes free time for visitors to explore Monet’s garden at their own pace or wander through his home which was transformed into a museum after his death in 1926. The tour lasts around 5 hours including travel time from Paris to Giverny.Book this tour here.

Conclusion

Paris is one of the most popular cities in Europe and has something for everyone—from its iconic monuments and museums to its grand boulevards, gardens, and parks. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or if you’ve been there many times before, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. From romantic river cruises down the Seine to day trips outside of the city limits, there are plenty of activities and experiences that visitors can enjoy in Paris during their stay. It’s easy to book tours through popular websites such as Viator or GetYourGuide so visitors can make sure they get the most out of their visit without having to worry about planning everything themselves!