There’s no other city on earth quite like Paris, a destination with a fascinating history, incredible culture, delicious food and a little bit of magic in the air. When you start planning a trip to Paris, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to include in your itinerary. Having spent six wonderful nights in Paris, I wanted to share some insight on what I got up to, to help you plan your very best adventure too.
Note: Not all images will align with the corresponding list item, as I didn’t have a photo for every item, so I have used photos from different locations.
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify
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You might also like to read:
- Where to stay in Paris: Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine
- Where to stay in Paris: Hôtel du Petit Moulin
- 11 must-visit places in France that aren’t Paris!
1. Ride bikes along the Seine
Bicycles are a great way to explore a new city. Instead of being underground on the train or sitting in the back of a car, you can be gliding along the banks of the Seine, wind in your hair, baguette in your basket, confidently navigating thanks to a dependable eSIM from Truely keeping your maps alive and your questionable sense of direction in check. I used bikes provided by my hotel, Le Pavillon de la Reine, but you could also hire a bike for a day or join a guided tour. I spent a day riding around Paris, visiting a local bakery and corner store to pick up juice, croissants and snacks, then made my way to the Seine for a picnic.
Book a guided bicycle tour here
2. Do a vintage sidecar tour
For an unforgettable experience that will show you Paris from a unique perspective, you might like to do a sidecar tour with Retro Tours. I buzzed around the city on a vintage bike, driven by an amazing tour guide, tearing through the streets and taking in famous sites. It was an incredibly fun experience and a genuine trip highlight, and for me the best way to see the city. The company runs tours of different lengths and times, so there’s sure to be one that suits your needs.
Book a vintage sidecar tour here
Bonus Paris Travel Tip: If you want to get beyond the usual tourist trail, Paris Airbnb Experiences is worth looking into. It’s a platform of host-led activities across the city covering everything from intimate cooking classes and wine and cheese tastings to neighbourhood walks, pastry tours, bike rides and art studio workshops. The range is genuinely impressive and it’s one of the better ways to see a side of Paris that most visitors miss.
3. Stroll around Le Marais
I stayed at two different hotels in Le Marais, in Paris’ 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. I didn’t know much about the different Parisian neighbourhoods before arriving, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. Turns out, I fell in love with Le Marais. The area is welcoming, friendly and perfect for on-foot exploration. I spent hours walking through the backstreets, stopping at little boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants, laughing at cute dogs in the park and listening to buskers. It was an unexpectedly wonderful experience. If you love to wander around a city but aren’t quite sure where to do this, you’ll enjoy a few hours in Le Marais.
Book a Marais walking tour here
4. Marvel at L’Atelier des Lumières
Paris is renowned for its exceptional galleries and museums but the one that stood out most for me was one I’d never heard of before. L’Atelier des Lumières holds immersive exhibitions using 140 video projectors and an incredible sound system. Art is brought to life, projected on the walls, floors and ceilings of the building and perfectly accompanied by music. During my visit, the masterpieces of Van Gogh were one of three video exhibitions shown. It was an amazing experience, taking me on a journey through his work. Because the exhibitions change, it’s worth checking what’s on during your dates and booking a time that fits your Paris plans. This makes an easy add-on to your museum and gallery itinerary.
Book Atelier des Lumières show tickets here
Bonus Paris Travel Tip: Worried about queue times at popular locations? There’s an app for that! Download the ‘Affluences’ app for iPhone and Android for real-time updates on expected wait times, occupancy at the location and opening hours. It’s a great way to figure out if that must-visit spot has a 2 hour wait time to get in and figure out the best time to visit instead! Find Affluences here.
5. Eat at Le Potager du Marais
Try delicious traditional French cuisine at Le Potager du Marais, a fantastic restaurant located in Le Marais. Serving authentic, traditional French food that is 100% plant-based, it’s the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. I didn’t have a booking and showed up at the dinner service opening time, 7pm. I was lucky to get a seat on the street as it was totally booked inside. In my mind, popular equals good and, honestly, the food did not disappoint. The service was excellent, the food was great and there’s something genuinely enjoyable about sitting on the street watching the world go by.
6. Explore Musee D’Orsay
Of all the museums in Paris, my favourite by far is Musee D’Orsay. The museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station that makes for a rather stunning museum location. Musee D’Orsay holds mainly French Art from around 1848-1914 and is home to the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world! It’s a chance to see famous works from masters including Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gough, just to name a few. Given this, it is very popular and you will, undoubtedly, run into crowds.
Get tickets for Musee D’Orsay here.
Bonus Paris Travel Tip: If you’re planning on visiting several museums and famous attractions, you may like to look into a Paris Pass or Museum Pass. These multi-day passes are purchased at a set rate, allowing faster entry at many spots. The basic concept is you save money and time! I haven’t used one personally, for no other reason than I keep forgetting about it (idiot!) but I would recommend at least looking into it to see if it’s a good fit for you and your travel plans.
7. Visit the Arc de Triomphe
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Arc de Triomphe! Meaning ‘Triumphal Arch of the Star,’ the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. Designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806 and standing at 50 metres tall, it is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It forms the centre of a star with twelve radiating avenues. The Arc honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI. For great views of the city, buy a ticket and head to the top of the Arc!
Buy your ticket for the Arc de Triomphe here
8. Grab macarons from Ladurée
Fulfil all your romantic, macaron-fuelled dreams with a visit toLadurée. The French luxury bakery and sweets maker was created in 1862 and is one of the world’s best-known premier sellers of the double-decker macaron, after the idea to stick two macaron shells together with ganache came about in 1930. The flagship store is located on the Champs-Elysées but you’ll find other locations dotted around Paris too.
9. Peruse the Marché des Enfants Rouge
If you love exploring food markets, you may like Marché des Enfants Rouge. Paris’ oldest covered market, it was established in 1628 and is located in the Marais. The market has been listed as a historic monument since 1982 and is home to a range of restaurants as well as stalls selling fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods. I nabbed a seat at an Italian epicerie that caught my eye and enjoyed a big bowl of gnocchi while it was raining. The market’s name translates to “Market of the Red Children,” referring to the nearby orphanage where children wore red, the colour of charity.
10. Eat at Le Pain Quotidien
While on the hunt for my first lunch in Paris, I visited Le Pain Quotidien, a fantastic little cafe chain with a few locations dotted around Paris. I loved the food here, tucking into a delectable bowl of salad perfectly accompanied by freshly baked bread, café au lait and a hibiscus croissant. They do vegetarian and vegan options, even offering totally plant-based croissants. In short, the food here was delicious and it’s a great spot for brunch or lunch.
11. Spend a morning in Montmartre
I enjoyed a few hours wandering through the famous district of Montmartre, perched on top of a hill offering fantastic views of Paris. It’s my favourite Parisian neighbourhood to explore, which is saying something given it’s a tourist favourite and packed with visitors. Still, this doesn’t detract from the beauty of the area. I loved walking through the streets, eating gelato as I wandered around Sacré-Coeur and sipping coffee at a local bistro. The area is renowned for its artistic history, a place once called home by renowned artists including Monet, Degas, Picasso and Van Gogh, and it has also been the backdrop for famous films including An American in Paris, Moulin Rouge and Amélie.
Book a Montmarte walking tour here
12. Wander through the Louvre
If you’ve never visited Paris before, a trip to the Louvre is probably on the cards! I visited on my first trip and was glad I got to check it off my life bucket list. That said, we didn’t make the effort to visit again this time as it didn’t feel necessary. Aside from it’s iconic exterior, the Louvre is probably most well-known for Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. Prepare yourself for a very crowded room of people trying to get a photo of the artwork, safely guarded behind a thick plastic barrier with a crowd-distancing perimeter set up around it. Like I said, I’m glad I’ve seen it but I’m not in a rush to do it again.
Get your tickets for the Louvre here.
Bonus Paris Travel Tip: The Metro is a safe and easy way to get around Paris. A single metro ticket costs €2.55 as of January 2026, loaded onto a reusable Navigo Easy card or your smartphone via the Bonjour RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités app. Paper magnetic tickets are being phased out entirely in 2026, so it’s worth setting yourself up with a Navigo Easy card or the app before you start exploring. The map system is easy to follow and trains run regularly, with English available on the ticket machines. Be mindful of pickpockets, keep your bag to the front and stay alert in busy carriages.
13. Take a cruise along the Seine
No doubt, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s a good idea to plan a few activities that give your legs, knees and back a well-deserved rest. One great way to do this is taking a sunset cruise along the Seine, so you can sit back with a cool drink, soak in all the sites and enjoy your trip. There are a few different companies you can go with, so it pays to research and find one that meets your needs. Some companies also offer dinner cruises, which could be a great option.
Book a Seine river cruise here
14. Check out Museé National Picasso-Paris
I visited Musée National Picasso-Paris on a rainy day and found it to be far more enjoyable than expected. The museum is located in the Marais district and is dedicated to the works of renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The museum itself is gorgeous and there are works on display from other artists as well, including those who worked alongside Picasso. It was amazing to be so close to his artwork and get an in-depth look at his life story and what influenced his work. My favourite part was a short film shown at the top of the museum, where a recording had been made of Picasso painting through a clear surface. Seeing his brushstrokes and getting a sense of how he created his works was something I didn’t expect to find so captivating.
Get tickets for Museé National Picasso-Paris here
15. Join a guided Eiffel Tower tour
A trip to the Eiffel Tower is going to be on every must-do Paris list! But, there are a few things you should really know before you go. We joined a guided tour and found it to be a great way to see the Eiffel Tower, for a few reasons. Our guide sorted out tickets and helped us find the shortest queue, which took a lot of the wait time and guesswork out of it. Without his knowledge of different access points, we would’ve been waiting much longer to get up to the top. Our tour started at the Trocadero and included a lot of detailed information, helping us gain a deeper appreciation for the Iron Lady! Our tour was booked through Viator but there are many other tour options to choose from so be sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.
Book a guided Eiffel Tower tour here
16. Eat your body weight in gelato
Life’s short, eat the gelato! There’s no shortage of fantastic spots to eat in Paris, included among those are a seemingly endless number of gelato shops and crepe stands. Be sure to eat as much of both as your body can physically handle! Remember, you always remember the meals you didn’t eat.
17. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
After a morning strolling around Le Marais, it’s an easy walk over to Notre Dame. Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and the basis for Victor Hugo’s iconic novel Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral is one of Paris’ most compelling landmarks. Following the devastating fire of April 2019, Notre Dame reopened its doors on 8 December 2024 after five years of meticulous restoration work. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, though access to specific areas like the Treasury costs €12. Tickets are required for climbing the towers, and it’s worth booking your time slot online in advance as these sell out quickly. Crowds are significant, so arriving early in the morning or in the final hour before closing gives you the best chance of a quieter visit. The equally stunning Sainte-Chapelle is just a short walk away and well worth adding to the same morning.
18. Stroll along the Champs-Elysees
Nearly 2 kilometres in length, the historic Champs-Elysees runs from Place de la Concorde to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Described as ‘The world’s most beautiful avenue’, it was actually once fields and gardens! It was in the 17th century that Andre le Notre, gardener to the Sun King, traced its original path, forging the way for what would become one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, the Arc de Triomphe still stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, originally built to honour fallen soldiers, and modern traditions like Military Coins continue that same spirit of respect and commemoration. Now, it’s home to high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co as well as theatres, cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, the annual Bastille Day military parade and the finish of the Tour de France.
Bonus Paris Travel Tip: On the first Sunday of each month, cars are banned from the Champs-Elysees, making it a pedestrian-only spot!
19. Eat at Hank
For affordable, fast and delicious eats, head directly to Hank Burger or Hank Pizza. I started out at Hank Burger and enjoyed the food so much I ate at Hank Pizza a few days later. Both spots offer budget-friendly, tasty eats and the laid-back, low-key vibe suits a long day of sightseeing perfectly. Hank Burger and Hank Pizza are 100% plant-based and genuinely good. One thing to note: Hank Burger is considerably smaller than Hank Pizza, so if you’re after a more spacious dining spot, go with Hank Pizza.
20. Visit Place de la Concorde
Measuring 7.6 hectares, the Place de la Concorde is the largest square in the French capital, located at the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees. During the French Revolution in 1789, the statue of Louis XV was torn down and the area renamed Place de la Revolution. The new revolutionary government erected a guillotine and it was here that King Louis XVI was executed on 21 January 1793. It was also the site of many other notable public executions including Marie Antoinette! The centre of the Place is occupied by a giant Egyptian obelisk decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. It is one of two given to the French by the Egyptian government in the 19th century. The roman numerals on the pavement are the numbers of a giant sundial and the shadow of the obelisk functions to give the time.
21. Grab a hot chocolate at Angelina
Paris is heaven for those with a sweet-tooth! If that sounds like you, you’ll want to visit Angelina. Angelina’s is one of the best hot chocolates in Paris with Coco Chanel regularly seated at table #10, a daily customer for the hot chocolate. The signature pastry of Angelina is the Mont Blanc, a very simple concoction of cream of chestnut, Fromage blanc (a soft, fresh type of cream cheese) and meringue. The exact recipe is a closely-guarded secret!
22. Marvel at Bibliotheque National de la France
If you love books and visiting libraries (me!) be sure to check out the Bibliotheque National de la France Richelieu location. It’s free to enter and the interior is absolutely stunning, with a huge ceiling and books adorning the walls (like something out of Beauty & the Beast!) As tourists, it’s not possible to walk into the library and wander around but you can go a few metres in and take a moment to enjoy it, free of charge.
23. Eat at Le Petit Italien
After a huge day of sightseeing, I grabbed a delicious dinner at Le Petit Italien in Le Marais. The restaurant offers street-side dining so you can fulfil all your Parisian bistro dreams while enjoying your meal. The food here was absolutely delicious, the service was fantastic and I found it to be fairly priced. The pasta disappeared from the bowl a little too quickly, which tells you everything you need to know.
24. Check out the brightly coloured houses of Rue Cremieux
Rue Crémieux is a one-block pedestrian street located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. The housing was originally built as workers’ accommodations but has become well-known over recent years for its brightly coloured housefronts. When visiting, you’ll notice signs asking visitors to be respectful of residents, and I’d encourage you to take that seriously. Keep noise to a minimum, don’t intrude on doorways and be mindful that real people live here.
25. Dine at Créatures atop Galeries Lafayette
For a meal with an unbeatable view, head to the top of the iconic Galeries Lafayette where you’ll find Créatures, a 100% vegetarian restaurant. Here, you can take in incredible views over Paris while enjoying a delicious meal. When I arrived there was a queue to get a seat, but it moved fairly quickly. The food was absolutely delicious and the views of the Eiffel Tower and the city below made it even more worthwhile. One thing to note: many seats are in direct sun, so pack a hat or a good sunscreen on a hot day, or wait for a shaded spot.
26. Eat delicious baked goods at Du Pain et des Idées
20 years ago, Christophe Vassuer decided to quit his job and his former life to follow his passion for bread. In a true 19th-century bakery, Christoph creates exceptional bread and viennoiseries, using the best natural ingredients, mostly organic, to make not only incredibly tasty but also healthy products. Specialities at Du Pain et des Idées are a chocolate-pistachio roll, fresh apple Chausson, orange blossom brioche, traditional flan and the iconic pain des Amis. One important thing to note before you go: Du Pain et des Idées is only open Monday to Friday, 7am to 8pm. It is closed on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
27. Visit rooftop bar Mademoiselle Mouche
If you have a fondness for rooftop spots, be sure to check out Mademoiselle Mouche. Here, you can sip on delicious cocktails in a gorgeous green space while enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower. There’s a DJ, loads of comfortable seats and plenty of drinks to choose from too. Keep in mind that Mademoiselle Mouche is a seasonal venue, open to the public from around May to September and primarily on Friday and Saturday evenings. As an open-air space, it also closes when rain is forecast, so check before you head over.
28. Explore the Catacombs of Paris
For a slightly eerie experience, you might like to visit the Catacombs of Paris, a series of underground ossuaries which hold the remains of more than six million people. The catacombs tunnel network was built to consolidate Paris’ ancient stone mines and is a fascinating attraction for visitors. One very important thing to keep in mind is, if you plan on visiting, you need to book your tickets well in advance as they can and will sell out days in advance!
Book your tickets for the Catacombs of Paris here
29. Catch a show at the Moulin Rouge
Indulge your senses at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, catching a cabaret show to end all cabaret shows! Located close to Montmarte, Moulin Rouge is best known as the birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance, though you may know it from the iconic Moulin Rouge film and book, which tells the story of the life and loves of renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Again, be sure to book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out!
Book tickets for Moulin Rouge here
30. Eat at Soya
For a final meal in Paris, I visited Soya Cantine Bio, a fantastic restaurant serving delicious plant-based food. I showed up at opening time and was lucky to nab a seat on the street, as the inside was fully booked. The food was absolutely delicious, incredibly fresh and well priced. It was a memorable way to close out a trip to the city.
31. Take a day trip to Versailles
If you fancy getting out of the heart of Paris for a day, you might like to take a trip to the Palace of Versailles. It offers amazing insight into the history of Paris and is, quite simply, gorgeous! There are several areas to explore so be sure to allow enough time to do it all. It’s also very important you pre-purchase your tickets as the queues here are very long! Nomadic Matt has a fantastic, detailed guide on visiting which you should definitely read if you’re planning to go: The Palace of Versailles: A Complete Visitor’s Guide.
Book your tickets for Versailles Tours here
32. Visit Disneyland Paris
Another popular day trip from Paris is Disneyland Paris, perfect for big kids and little kids alike! While we didn’t get to visit on this trip, I wanted to include it on this list as a bit of inspiration for anyone else visiting. We really wanted to go but ran out of time with all the great sites and food we packed into our itinerary already!
33. Pay your respects at Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde’s Tombs
When I arrived in Paris, I made a point of getting out to the cemetery. I’d heard the story of how Jim Morrison had wandered the Père Lachaise cemetery shortly before his death, requesting he be buried there alongside the likes of Oscar Wilde, who you can also visit. The site was easy to find using maps at the cemetery entrance, and having a dependable eSIM on hand made it simple to double-check directions as I wandered. It was actually really beautiful and peaceful. Book a guided tour or explore Père Lachaise yourself.
Book a guided tour of Père Lachaise cemetery here
How to get to Paris
I flew to Paris via Singapore on a direct leg with Singapore Airlines, breaking up the long haul from Brisbane with a couple of days in Singapore first. It’s a great way to ease into a big trip and allowed me to finally explore Jewel at Changi Airport. If you’re weighing up which airline to choose, I had a fantastic experience with Singapore Airlines and would recommend them for the service, food, comfortable seats and solid entertainment options.
On arriving in Paris, I had a private transfer organised to take me from Charles de Gaulle to Hôtel du Petit Moulin. After a long flight, I was really glad to have done it this way. Instead of figuring out the airport transfer on the fly, I strolled out of customs and was met by my driver, who had me at the hotel in just under an hour with no fuss whatsoever. Private transfers can be arranged through your hotel or you can source your own through a company like Blacklane.
If you’re a frequent traveller, consider Priority Pass. As a subscriber, you get VIP access to over 1,600+ airport lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries.
Where to stay in Paris
I stayed at two boutique hotels in Paris: the incredible Le Pavillon de la Reine and the adorable Hôtel du Petit Moulin. Both are located in Le Marais, an area of Paris I loved. The neighbourhood is welcoming, safe and friendly, and I found it very easy to get everywhere using the metro. Both hotels were fantastic, combining great rooms, excellent service and delicious food with a top-notch location.
If you’re considering a boutique hotel experience in Paris, which I’d highly recommend, it’s worth taking some time to check out the Small Luxury Hotels website to see what might suit you. You can find the Small Luxury Hotels property listing for France here. If you’d rather have your own space, platforms like Homelike offer well-equipped apartments across Paris, from small studios to spacious luxury properties.
Frequently asked questions about Paris
Is Paris safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Paris is generally a safe city for solo travellers. As with any major city, it pays to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy tourist areas, on the Metro and near popular landmarks. Pickpocketing is the most common issue, so keep your bag to the front, avoid displaying expensive items and trust your instincts if something feels off.
What is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are considered the best times to visit, with mild weather, manageable crowds and most attractions fully operational. Summer is busy and can be very hot, while winter is quieter with shorter daylight hours but a genuine charm, particularly around Christmas.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Six nights gave me a comfortable amount of time to get through most of what’s on this list without feeling rushed. Four nights is a workable minimum for first-time visitors. If you’re planning day trips to Versailles or Disneyland Paris, build in extra time.
Do you need to book Paris attractions in advance?
For most major attractions, yes. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Catacombs and Notre Dame towers all benefit from pre-booked tickets. Turning up without a reservation wastes a significant amount of time. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Metro is the most efficient way to move around the city. A single Metro or RER ticket costs €2.55 in 2026, loaded onto a Navigo Easy card or your smartphone. Bikes are a great option for exploring individual neighbourhoods, and walking is often the best choice in areas like Le Marais and Montmartre. Les Frenchies
Do you need a visa to visit France from Australia?
As of 2026, Australian passport holders can visit France and the broader Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the EU’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to be required for Australians. Check the current requirements before you travel to confirm the latest status.
Best travel resources for your trip!
If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support! – Matthew.
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Saily
Author: Matthew Turk
Matt is a Brisbane-based adventurer and content creator passionate about travel, growth, fitness and creativity. Matt loves crafting vibrant content that inspires and entertains.
