Tourist Spots in Paris: A Simple Plan for First-Time Visitors

Paris is one of those cities that almost everyone dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime. It is filled with history, art, fashion, and culture. But with so many tourist spots and so little time, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do and how to do it without wasting precious hours. This guide will walk you through some of the top places you should visit in Paris and nearby areas, with tips to maximize your time and effort. Think of it as a plan you can save and use whether you are preparing for a trip or already walking the streets of France.

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Whether you are seeing it from the Champ de Mars lawn, crossing the Seine River for a view, or climbing it yourself, this landmark deserves a spot in your schedule. Many people line up for hours to go up the tower, so the first useful tip is to book your tickets online ahead of time at the official website toureiffel.paris. Choose a time slot early in the morning or late in the evening when the crowds are thinner.

If you want the full experience, go up to the top floor and see the city stretching out below. But if you are short on time or money, the second floor offers an excellent view too. Try to come back in the evening when the tower sparkles every hour after sunset. You don’t even need to go up again, just stand in the Trocadéro area for one of the best free views in Paris.

Bring snacks or water with you because food around the Eiffel Tower can be expensive. Another tip is to pair your visit with a Seine River cruise that departs nearby. Many boats give you a different angle of the tower and other landmarks without extra effort.

Montmartre is one of the most photographed neighborhoods in Paris, often seen on Instagram with its steep hills, cobblestone streets, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on top. It is a must-visit area, but be ready for crowds. Some travelers love it, others find it too touristy. Even if you are not a fan of busy spots, Montmartre still gives you a good look into Parisian life mixed with art and history.

Start by climbing or taking the funicular up to Sacré-Cœur. The church itself is free to enter, and the steps outside give you a wide view of the city. From there, walk into the small streets filled with cafés and art studios. Place du Tertre is where artists set up their easels, and you can even get a quick portrait drawn if you like.

If you want to escape the crowds, explore the side streets. Rue de l’Abreuvoir, with the famous pink café called La Maison Rose, is quieter but still very picturesque. Another hidden gem is the vineyard of Montmartre, one of the few left in Paris. A helpful tip is to go early in the morning when the streets are calmer, especially if you want to take photos without dozens of people in the background.

The Louvre is not only the largest art museum in the world, but it is also a former royal palace. Many people come just to see the Mona Lisa, but there is so much more inside. If you try to see everything in one day, you will quickly get overwhelmed. A practical tip is to plan your visit around a few sections. Decide whether you want to focus on Egyptian antiquities, Greek statues, or European paintings.

Tickets are best booked online at louvre.fr to skip long lines. If you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will avoid the worst crowds. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so keep that in mind when planning. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot, and bring a small water bottle.

The glass pyramid entrance is beautiful and worth a photo, but if the line is long, use the underground Carrousel du Louvre entrance. If you are short on time, focus on highlights like the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. For a deeper experience, consider taking a guided tour that gives you the stories behind the artworks instead of just walking through endless halls.

The Palais Garnier is one of the most stunning buildings in Paris, even if you are not an opera fan. It is famous for its grand staircase, chandeliers, and Marc Chagall’s painted ceiling in the main auditorium. Some people know it as the setting of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The opera house is located in the busy 9th arrondissement, close to shopping spots like Galeries Lafayette. You can visit during the day by buying an entry ticket for a self-guided tour, or you can book a guided tour to understand the architecture better. The building itself feels like a museum, with gold decorations, marble columns, and velvet-covered seats.

If you want a special experience, check the schedule on operadeparis.fr and see if there is a ballet or opera performance during your trip. Even if you do not understand French, the atmosphere of being in such a historic building makes it worth it. A tip is to dress neatly if you attend a show, as most locals make it a formal night out.

Mont Saint-Michel is not in Paris but is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Located in Normandy, this island with a medieval abbey looks like something out of a fairytale. The abbey rises above a small village, and when the tide comes in, the whole place is surrounded by water.

Getting there takes around four hours by bus or train, so it is best to join a day tour or stay overnight nearby. The official website ot-montsaintmichel.com has practical visitor information. When you arrive, shuttle buses take you from the parking area to the island, or you can walk if you prefer.

The main attraction is the abbey at the top, which you can reach by climbing narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants. Wear comfortable shoes because the walk is steep. The view from the abbey is breathtaking, especially at sunset. A helpful tip is to check the tide schedule before you go, since high tide completely changes how the island looks.

For a full itinerary and more details, you can check our blog here. 

The Palace of Versailles is another must-do day trip from Paris. It is about an hour away by train. Inside the palace, the most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors, where 17 huge mirrors face tall windows, creating a dazzling effect. This is also where important historical events took place, like the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Tickets often sell out, so book in advance at chateauversailles.fr. The palace is enormous, and if you want to make the most of your time, join a timed-entry tour that gives you access to the main rooms, including the King’s and Queen’s apartments. Once inside, expect crowds, especially in the Hall of Mirrors, so try to go on a weekday morning if possible.

For photos, stand at either end of the room to capture the reflection of chandeliers and windows. Do not rush—take your time to appreciate the detail in the ceiling paintings and golden decorations. An audio guide helps you understand the history behind what you are seeing.

After the palace, do not skip the Gardens of Versailles. They cover almost 2,000 acres and are filled with fountains, sculptures, and neatly designed hedges. Entry to the gardens is free on most days, except when there are fountain shows or musical garden events.

The gardens are so large that it is impossible to cover everything on foot in a short time. A practical way to explore is by renting a bike or golf cart, which are available inside. Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot near the Grand Canal to relax. If you visit during the summer, the musical fountain show is worth watching, but check the schedule ahead of time.

Another tip is to combine your palace visit with Marie Antoinette’s Estate, a separate area inside the Versailles grounds where you can see her private retreat and a small village she used to escape royal life.

Visiting Paris and nearby spots like Mont Saint-Michel or Versailles can be an incredible experience if you plan smartly. The key is to book tickets early, know the best times to visit, and allow yourself enough breaks in between to avoid travel fatigue. Each place has its own character, from the busy Eiffel Tower to the quiet gardens of Versailles.

Save this guide and use it as a starting point for your itinerary. If you want to check updates, schedules, and ticket information, make sure to use the official websites linked throughout this post. Paris is full of surprises, but with the right plan, you can maximize your time and effort and make memories that will last a lifetime.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo