Europe

10 Things You Must Do In Paris

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

I just had to do a 10 Things You Must Do in Paris post. I have two very good friends that are leaving for their first trip to Paris soon. Rather than inundate them with the hundreds if not thousands of things to know and reasons that I love Paris, I’ve decided to create my “short-list” of the things they must do.

Some of them are what most might consider “touristy” and some are not. So indulge me as I journey back to Paris, stroll down the Champs-Élysées munching on a baguette and enjoy my tour of the city of light.

10 Things You Must Do In Paris

Eiffel-Tower-Wait-Line-Food-Travelist-10-Things-You-Must-Do-In-Paris

Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower Yes, there’s a line, sometimes a really long one, but the views of Paris and just the thought that you’re in one of the world’s most iconic buildings should be enough to get you up there. The wonders of technology let you buy a ticket or tour of the Eiffel Tower ahead of time to avoid the lines. Once you’re in, you’ll forget about anything but being there.

Every bistro is a find in Paris

Walk Everywhere Seriously, it truly is the best way to see the city. Go down the little streets off the big boulevards. Explore the courtyards. This is where you’ll find that little bistro or boulangerie you will talk about for the rest of your life. Plus, the more you walk the more you can eat & drink! Forget the FitBit. I’m pretty sure Parisians would laugh at it anyway. They walk everywhere too. Wear comfortable but stylish shoes. You don’t have to wear 3-inch heels like Parisian women but NO, I repeat NO gym shoes or “trainers” as they call them. Tres faux pas!

Musee-Rodin-10-Things-To-Do-In-Paris-Food-Travelist

Visit the Musee Rodin Even if you’re not that into art you’ve got to visit at least a few of the world-famous museums in Paris. The Louvre and the Musee de Orsay are amazing art museums but the Musee Rodin is in the midst of lovely gardens that you can stroll through and admire the Rodin sculptures while being outdoors. Pick up some goodies to eat – this is a great spot for a picnic. Go inside the museum too. There’s lots to see.

Live-music-at-Sainte-Chapelle-in-Paris-Food-Travelist-10-Things-You-Must-Do-In-Paris
Live music at Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Visit Sainte-Chapelle There are many churches you’ll want to visit in Paris but the one not to miss is Sainte-Chapelle. It’s kitty-corner from Notre Dame on the Île de la Cité. The stained glass windows are simply the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. You’ll need to walk up a skinny steep stone spiral staircase (say that fast five times) to get up there but it’s worth it and makes it that much more special. I’ve yet to see any photos that do the windows justice. Go in the morning or early evening on a sunny day for the best view. We’ve also gone to evening concerts in Sainte-Chapelle, which are marvelous because you are so close and the acoustics are amazing. We heard Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Sacre-Coeur-from-Musee-dOrsay-Paris-Food-Travelist

Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur Whether you take a cab or climb the hill yourself (which I recommend if you are able) you won’t be disappointed. The views alone from the highest point in Paris are worth it. I love to stroll among the working artists selling their wares. Careful for the ones who will draw your portrait and chase you down the street trying to sell it to you. But do keep your eyes open for a piece of art you like and you can bring home a treasure and a great memory. This area once housed the studios of Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Monet, and more. Get past the souvenir and t-shirt shops and really enjoy the artist vibe.

Delicious Treats Tempt On Every Parisian Corner

Foodie Heaven: Ladurée, Maison Mulot, and E. Dehillern This is more than one spot, but while you’re in Paris and you’re walking you’ll see a zillion bakeries, boulangeries, and patisseries. You’ll definitely want to try Parisian macarons. Don’t get into a debate about who is the best. Try them all and decide for yourself! We love Maison Mulot but also have a fondness for Ladurée as well. While you’re in a tasty mood, stop by E. Dehillern the best kitchen supply in Paris if not the world. Julia Child shopped there as did Anthony Bourdain, and many others. Bring back a souvenir for your kitchen from E. Dehillern and you’ll be transported back to Paris every time you use it.

Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris Food Travelist

Musée de l’Orangerie This museum houses the giant panoramic Monet paintings of his famous water lily gardens in Giverny.  If you can’t make the day trip to Giverny – also very high on my recommendation list – this is almost like being there. If you do go to Giverny, come back to Paris and see these magnificent works of art. They will simply take your breath away. There’s also a robust art collection in the Musée de l’Orangerie. It’s fun to walk through the Tuileries Gardens and have a picnic or just relax by one of the fountains on your way in or out of the museum. One of the best things about Paris is experiencing all the wonderful art.

Extra Pita Greek Gyros in The Latin Quarter In Paris Food Travelist 10 Things You Must Do in Paris
Extra Pita Greek Gyros in The Latin Quarter In Paris

The Latin Quarter The Left Bank (or Rive Gauche) of the Seine River is known for its universities and lively fun style, full of bistros and cafes and fun. Former home of so many famous writers and artists, this supposedly is the less glamorous side of the river. But we always feel quite at home in these crooked streets and alleys full of wonders to discover. Stop by the Shakespeare and Company bookstore and imagine bumping into Hemingway or Gertrude Stein. The many food venues offering everything from “Extra Pita Greek” (gyros sandwiches with fries inside) to fondue to tasty gelato will insist you arrive hungry and taste your way through The Latin Quarter.

The Cafes of the Left Bank in Paris Food Travelist

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Also on the Left Bank is home of the famous cafés Café de Flore and Café Les Deux Magots.  Great for a coffee or brief repast, don’t end there. The other many cafés, boulangeries, chocolatiers, and quaint boutique shops will have you window shopping and people-watching for hours. What is Paris famous for? Sitting on a sidewalk cafe sipping a coffee or glass of wine and just watching the world go by. Try it. It’s relaxing and lots of fun.

Realais-Le-Entrecote-In-Paris-France-Food-Travelist

Le Relais de l’Entrecote Admittedly we stumbled upon this Paris classic on one of our first visits to France. We wandered a bit from our hotel and got hungry. We spotted this bistro with a long line and figured it must be good. Little did we know at the time but it is just one famous food in Paris. We were about to taste the best steak frites we’d ever had. There are several Relais de l’Entrecote restaurants in Paris as well as several others throughout France.

I’ll leave you with the thought that although I’m just listing 10 things there are so many, many more things to do, see, eat, and experience in Paris places, we could devote an entire site to it. Perhaps when you go and find your top ten, you can share them with us as well.

If you have time to get out of the city, great day trips are Champagne/Reims, Normandy, Giverny, Versailles, and Mont Saint- Michel are all well worth exploring.

THE QUICK BITE: Paris, the city of light, is one of the most visited destinations in the world, and for good reason. Here’s our list of the 10 Things You Must Do In Paris.

Pin It For Later

Co-founder of Food Travelist. I love to explore the world and love learning about new places. I'm an eater and I've got a smile for everyone I meet.

12 Comments

  1. suereddel

    Thanks for the tip Janice! 😀

  2. Perfect list. And to make one’s trek even easier in locating good patisseries, check out David Lebovitz’s app, “Paris Pastry”. It’s really useful!

  3. suereddel

    I love the idea of bicycling through the city it certainly would help for those of us always trying to increase our calorie burning. Thanks for stopping by!

  4. suereddel

    Hi Vicki! That sauce on the steak was so incredible it would be worth it just to ask for it on the side (gasp) to give it a little try. Thanks for stopping by.

  5. suereddel

    Totally agree Suzanne. I love art and can go over and over again to any of these museums in Paris. The Musee Picasso has just reopened after renovation and I can’t wait to go back and see that again. Thanks for stopping by!

  6. suereddel

    Paris is always a great idea! Thanks for stopping by.

  7. I pretty much agree with your recommendations. I notice you mentioned the Louvre and Musee de Orsay, but did not say to visit them. If someone had to choose between the two, I’d recommend the Musee de Orsay. Just the building itself (the old train station), is worth seeing. Isn’t it true that French calories are only half as caloric as US calories—-you know, the metric system or something. 😉

  8. Wow, I thought we had covered Paris fairly well, but we missed several of these. Oh well, guess we have to go back.

  9. My friend Laurie lives in Paris 6 months out of the year. I’ll have to show this to her. I’m not crazy about the SUPER SAUCY looking food, but everything else looks stunning! Especially the CHEESY sandwich. YUM!

  10. What a great list – it makes me want to go back to Paris right now! I too, love Ladurée and croissants and eating my way through the city. It’s surprising to me that even though I walk until I literally drop, I still manage to gain weight. One of the activities I enjoyed most, ( in addition to many you’ve listed such as Musée de l’Orangerie) is renting a bicycle and pedaling my way through the city. They used to close the streets to traffic on Sundays in the heart of the city and hopefully they still do that. It’s very scenic and another way to wear off those calories!

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.