Things to Do in Paris: A Practical Guide to the City of Light
There are so many places to visit in Paris checklists on the Internet that it can be overwhelming. Most of them list forty-plus attractions to see, but don't help with planning or organizing your trip. The reason most visitors get exhausted after two days and find themselves standing in the wrong line at the Eiffel Tower, wondering where their entire day went, is that they spent half their day taking the subway from one site to another.
Our guide takes a different approach. We made a list of things to do in Paris by neighborhood and distance on foot, so your day makes sense as you travel through the city. This guide was created with FREETOUR.com’s local guides’ knowledge. They know what to do in Paris and how to navigate the streets, views, and other points of interest while walking.
Take a look at some of the best Paris highlights in this section before going into full detail:
That is about it, but all the information below provides a more detailed look. By the way, it is worth checking the itinerary before traveling to Paris with kids. Some of the locations mentioned may have been easier to visit than others, depending on the age of your child.
Not everyone needs to do the same route, and attempting to see every single location is usually how a great vacation becomes a bad one. So, be honest about what type of experience you truly desire; it will save you from wasting time walking back and forth.
Regardless of which path you take, doing a guided walk first can really help. Locals running free walking tours in Paris can assist you in learning your way around in approximately two hours (that would normally take you several days if you do it alone).
Another factor to consider before planning your route is which airport you arrive at. Travelers arriving through CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) typically face a long commute to central Paris, whereas travelers arriving by train to Gare du Nord find themselves close to many locations. Regardless of which airport you travel through, don’t plan anything too extensive for the late afternoon of your arrival date, as jet lag has a way of ruining even a well-planned-out day.
This is one of the most photographed Paris attractions. And you don't really have to climb the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel), since you will spend most of your time waiting in line. It is actually much better viewed from a distance as opposed to a close-up view of the metal beams. The view from the Trocadéro (the opposite side of the Seine) provides a beautiful postcard image, especially during the hour before sunset.
Also, a better spot to view the tower would be from the park area called Champ de Mars, which sits directly under the Eiffel Tower and allows you to sit while eating a snack and looking up at it.
What is more, the view from atop the Arc de Triomphe is an excellent alternative to viewing it from afar. And if you do want to go all the way up, it may be beneficial to purchase a ticket in advance.
Trying to see everything at the Louvre is going to wear you out quickly. So, pick three or four pieces you really want to see and just enjoy all of the other stuff if you have time. By the way, the Mona Lisa isn't nearly as big as most people think it is, and it is also usually super crowded, so even a few minutes there is enough. Take some time to look around the Venus de Milo and the Napoleon III Apartments because nobody seems to stop at those. Such a tour is good for anybody who loves art, and it will take about 2-4 hours.
By the way, buying a Paris Museum Pass will help save both time and money waiting in lines if you plan to visit multiple museums. For more helpful ideas like this one, we recommend reading about how to save money while visiting Paris.
You don’t need to visit both unless you are going to be in Paris long enough. The Musée d'Orsay, located inside a former train station, has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in Paris — Monet, Degas, Renoir, etc. All of these paintings can be viewed from underneath a large single glass ceiling that was created during the construction of this building.
The Musée de l'Orangerie is much smaller than the d’Orsay, quicker to view, and only contains Monet’s Water Lilies. They were painted by Monet for his home, and he asked that they be hung in two oval-shaped rooms that would allow the changing light of the day to shift across the paintings.
If you are short on time, the Orangerie will take about an hour to get through, while the d’Orsay should take at least two or three hours if you plan to spend time viewing how the Impressionists worked alongside other early modernist artists. It doesn’t require reservations.
The Île de la Cité is where Paris was born, and Notre-Dame de Paris is still one of the best viewpoints.
For a solid dose of Paris sightseeing, take a walk over Pont Neuf — one of the most ancient bridges in Paris, although the name means "new" bridge. On your way there, you will see the Conciergerie. It is an old palace built for royalty and later used as a prison during the French Revolution.
Then take a visit to Sainte-Chapelle — a tiny Gothic chapel with very little appeal from the outside, but it totally transforms when you are standing inside and gazing upward at the stained glass windows while watching the sun shine through them. You can cover a good deal of what to see in Paris by walking for less than 15 minutes.
The Arc de Triomphe offers one of the best views of the city. Looking down from atop the Arc, you will see twelve streets radiating outward (as if with spokes) as far as the eye can see. So, you will be able to visually understand the layout of the city, and there are fewer tourists here than at the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, you won't have to fight your way through crowds.
There are approximately two hundred stairs to reach the top. If possible, try to get to the Arc de Triomphe during or just before sunset. As the lights begin to turn on throughout the city, you will witness the entire scene transform over the course of about twenty minutes.
Arrive in Montmartre by 9:00 AM (or earlier). It will feel like an entirely different world than you read about. The white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop this large hill. The stairway leading to the entrance offers spectacular and free views of Paris’ entire skyline.
Then continue your descent down into Place du Tertre, where once upon a time, many actual working artists lived. Today, you will mostly find tourists getting their portraits sketched by local artists. But it is still worth taking the short stroll through, simply to experience the ambiance.
By the way, there is a free walking tour available from FREETOUR.com. Montmartre has much local and artistic history that will easily pass you by. But when you have a professional guide by your side, the overall atmosphere of the area will quickly shift.
Getting a bit lost here is actually good because you won't find many of the charming little shops, falafel places, and quiet courtyards just by looking at a map. Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest square that was actually planned, is a nice shady spot to rest from the hustle and bustle. You can sit and read a book or just watch people.
Right through these streets runs the old Jewish Quarter. Picasso Museum is just a few blocks away. And if you want to learn more about this neighborhood itself, the Carnavalet Museum traces history from the beginning to now, and admission is free.
While walking, you will go past Pont Alexandre III, which many believe to be the prettiest bridge in Paris, decorated with gold statues and other ornaments. It is the type of bridge that you would want to stop on and take pictures.
If after a long day of walking you can’t seem to put your feet down, then a small boat ride along the Seine is another great option. You will see the same sights, but instead of standing while seeing them, you will have the chance to sit back and enjoy the views. It is actually one of the best things to do when you are on a tight budget. Plus, it is a great ending to the day, especially as the sun begins to set and the lights begin to shine through the windows of the buildings along the river.
You can slow down while in Paris. Just sitting on a bench sipping a cup of coffee is a great way to rest your feet after spending the entire day running from one museum to another. For example, the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is located directly between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. It is also a very quiet spot, as well as very shaded because it is surrounded by trees.
On the other side of the Seine River, you will find the Luxembourg Garden. This garden has a much quieter feel than Tuileries, is less crowded, and many students from the University of the Sorbonne come here to either study or simply relax.
Also, when traveling through this area, stop at the Palais-Royal courtyard for a few minutes. A lot of people travel a long distance to visit this location.
In addition to those locations mentioned above, consider Buttes-Chaumont when traveling outside of the central city. While this location may be somewhat far from the central city, the hillside views and lake offer a unique experience.
None of these parks requires admission fees, nor do they take longer than one hour.
The pace of life is considerably slower as you explore this particular section of Paris. Above all other buildings in this area is the dome of the Panthéon. Inside, you will find many famous people interred there, such as Marie Curie and Victor Hugo. Rue Mouffetard, which is lined with cheese stores and small vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, is excellent for strolling through markets.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its somewhat scholarly nature — older bookstores line the streets along with cafes that have been around for decades.
In general, the neighborhood is most active during the late afternoon. It changes dramatically from a relatively quiet area to a lively neighborhood, yet always at a leisurely pace.
This isn't really about finding the best restaurant in Paris. It is more about treating food as part of the actual day, not just something you do in between visiting main attractions. In the morning, grab something from a boulangerie (they are all great). The lunch option would be to find a bouillon, which is an older style of eating in France that has made a comeback recently.
If you have some extra time, Marché d'Aligre is a market off the beaten path but very nice for a stroll around to pick up fruit or cheese.
If you are near the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler is a market street with a few more polished options.
And don't pass on the croissants. Get them from a random bakery and walk down the street enjoying them. Even though it may seem like nothing, spending 1-2 hours at a cafe sipping coffee and watching people walk by is also one of the nicer aspects of this trip.
What about visiting something unusual and fun, rather than some of the big monuments?
This is how to realistically divide your time if you have only one day in Paris:
While many travelers associate Paris with high prices, much of what makes this place so amazing is available to anyone without spending an extra dime. And many of these things are arguably better than the big-ticket attractions that bring most tourists to town.
What are the top 10 things to do in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, Le Marais, a walk along the Seine, one Impressionist museum, the Latin Quarter, and something different than the above, such as a covered passage or Canal St. Martin.
What should I not miss in Paris?
Sainte-Chapelle is a big surprise for first-time visitors. Many people miss this site simply because it isn't as well known as the other attractions in the area. Another experience is taking a leisurely walk along the Seine River.
What's the best thing to do in Paris if it's your first time?
Begin with the historic center of Paris — Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle. Then spend the next couple of days at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
What are some unusual things to do in Paris?
The Coulée Verte, Canal Saint-Martin, covered passages, and the Arènes de Lutèce are all relatively far away from where tourists normally go, but don't require too much additional planning to reach.
What can you do in Paris for free?
You can walk along the Seine, explore Montmartre, sit down anywhere in one of Paris' many parks or gardens, and view the Louvre's courtyard.
Is Paris an easy city to see on foot?
Absolutely, most of what you want to see is within walking distance of everything else. The metro covers the remaining areas when your legs get tired.
Do I need to book tickets ahead of time for the big attractions?
Yes, pre-book your ticket to both the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Smaller sites, such as Sainte-Chapelle or the Arc de Triomphe, are easier to access, but they still may require you to book a specific time slot online in advance.
Paris is not about packing as much as possible to see. It is about organizing what you want to see so that you can walk through the neighborhoods and enjoy the sights. So, before creating your "to-do" list for Paris, it is great to start with a FREETOUR.com walking tour. A local guide will help you understand how the Seine River, Île de la Cité, Le Marais, Montmartre, and the many major tourist attractions are connected. After taking the walking tour, you can return to those areas you enjoyed most and spend additional quality time at each location.
Our guide takes a different approach. We made a list of things to do in Paris by neighborhood and distance on foot, so your day makes sense as you travel through the city. This guide was created with FREETOUR.com’s local guides’ knowledge. They know what to do in Paris and how to navigate the streets, views, and other points of interest while walking.
Quick Answer: Top Paris Highlights at a Glance
Take a look at some of the best Paris highlights in this section before going into full detail:
- The views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero gardens or the Seine are often better than the view from the top of the tower itself.
- Plan your visit to the Musée du Louvre so that you don’t lose yourself wandering through the building.
- Choose either the Musée d'Orsay or the Musée de l'Orangerie as your impressionist choice (you can’t go wrong with either).
- Wander the area of Île de la Cité and view Notre-Dame de Paris to see how old Paris looked.
- Go inside Sainte-Chapelle — a must-see in Paris, as photographs can’t fully express the beauty of stained glass windows in this chapel, but it is certainly worth visiting.
- Visit the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top for an amazing view, which many travelers miss.
- Explore Montmartre very early in the day to avoid the large crowds.
- Get a bit lost in Le Marais and visit Place des Vosges.
- Either take a stroll along the Seine or take a short boat ride down the river after night falls.
- Lastly, add an unusual little attraction such as Canal Saint-Martin, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, or one of the covered passages.
That is about it, but all the information below provides a more detailed look. By the way, it is worth checking the itinerary before traveling to Paris with kids. Some of the locations mentioned may have been easier to visit than others, depending on the age of your child.
How to Choose Your Perfect Itinerary
Not everyone needs to do the same route, and attempting to see every single location is usually how a great vacation becomes a bad one. So, be honest about what type of experience you truly desire; it will save you from wasting time walking back and forth.
- If it is your first time. Stick with the best things to do in Paris if you have never visited it: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, a stroll along the Seine river, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and a morning spent in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. They are popular for a reason.
- If you want it to feel more local. Spend more of your time exploring the neighborhoods of Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, local markets, the covered passageways located near the Grands Boulevards, and take a walk or bike ride along the Coulée Verte. These are the places where the true essence of the city comes alive.
- If you only have one day. Don’t try to do everything at once. Plan to spend your entire day exploring the historic area of the old city center, taking a leisurely walk along the Seine River, and enjoying at least one amazing view from above.
Regardless of which path you take, doing a guided walk first can really help. Locals running free walking tours in Paris can assist you in learning your way around in approximately two hours (that would normally take you several days if you do it alone).
Another factor to consider before planning your route is which airport you arrive at. Travelers arriving through CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) typically face a long commute to central Paris, whereas travelers arriving by train to Gare du Nord find themselves close to many locations. Regardless of which airport you travel through, don’t plan anything too extensive for the late afternoon of your arrival date, as jet lag has a way of ruining even a well-planned-out day.
12 Unforgettable Experiences & Places to Visit
1. See the Eiffel Tower, But Choose the Right View
This is one of the most photographed Paris attractions. And you don't really have to climb the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel), since you will spend most of your time waiting in line. It is actually much better viewed from a distance as opposed to a close-up view of the metal beams. The view from the Trocadéro (the opposite side of the Seine) provides a beautiful postcard image, especially during the hour before sunset.
Also, a better spot to view the tower would be from the park area called Champ de Mars, which sits directly under the Eiffel Tower and allows you to sit while eating a snack and looking up at it.
What is more, the view from atop the Arc de Triomphe is an excellent alternative to viewing it from afar. And if you do want to go all the way up, it may be beneficial to purchase a ticket in advance.
2. Visit the Louvre Without Trying to See Everything
Trying to see everything at the Louvre is going to wear you out quickly. So, pick three or four pieces you really want to see and just enjoy all of the other stuff if you have time. By the way, the Mona Lisa isn't nearly as big as most people think it is, and it is also usually super crowded, so even a few minutes there is enough. Take some time to look around the Venus de Milo and the Napoleon III Apartments because nobody seems to stop at those. Such a tour is good for anybody who loves art, and it will take about 2-4 hours.
By the way, buying a Paris Museum Pass will help save both time and money waiting in lines if you plan to visit multiple museums. For more helpful ideas like this one, we recommend reading about how to save money while visiting Paris.
3. Choose One More Art Museum: Musée d'Orsay or Musée de l'Orangerie
You don’t need to visit both unless you are going to be in Paris long enough. The Musée d'Orsay, located inside a former train station, has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in Paris — Monet, Degas, Renoir, etc. All of these paintings can be viewed from underneath a large single glass ceiling that was created during the construction of this building.
The Musée de l'Orangerie is much smaller than the d’Orsay, quicker to view, and only contains Monet’s Water Lilies. They were painted by Monet for his home, and he asked that they be hung in two oval-shaped rooms that would allow the changing light of the day to shift across the paintings.
If you are short on time, the Orangerie will take about an hour to get through, while the d’Orsay should take at least two or three hours if you plan to spend time viewing how the Impressionists worked alongside other early modernist artists. It doesn’t require reservations.
4. Walk Around Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité and Sainte-Chapelle
The Île de la Cité is where Paris was born, and Notre-Dame de Paris is still one of the best viewpoints.
For a solid dose of Paris sightseeing, take a walk over Pont Neuf — one of the most ancient bridges in Paris, although the name means "new" bridge. On your way there, you will see the Conciergerie. It is an old palace built for royalty and later used as a prison during the French Revolution.
Then take a visit to Sainte-Chapelle — a tiny Gothic chapel with very little appeal from the outside, but it totally transforms when you are standing inside and gazing upward at the stained glass windows while watching the sun shine through them. You can cover a good deal of what to see in Paris by walking for less than 15 minutes.
5. Go to the Arc de Triomphe for a Classic Paris View
The Arc de Triomphe offers one of the best views of the city. Looking down from atop the Arc, you will see twelve streets radiating outward (as if with spokes) as far as the eye can see. So, you will be able to visually understand the layout of the city, and there are fewer tourists here than at the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, you won't have to fight your way through crowds.
There are approximately two hundred stairs to reach the top. If possible, try to get to the Arc de Triomphe during or just before sunset. As the lights begin to turn on throughout the city, you will witness the entire scene transform over the course of about twenty minutes.
6. Explore Montmartre Before the Crowds Arrive
Arrive in Montmartre by 9:00 AM (or earlier). It will feel like an entirely different world than you read about. The white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop this large hill. The stairway leading to the entrance offers spectacular and free views of Paris’ entire skyline.
Then continue your descent down into Place du Tertre, where once upon a time, many actual working artists lived. Today, you will mostly find tourists getting their portraits sketched by local artists. But it is still worth taking the short stroll through, simply to experience the ambiance.
By the way, there is a free walking tour available from FREETOUR.com. Montmartre has much local and artistic history that will easily pass you by. But when you have a professional guide by your side, the overall atmosphere of the area will quickly shift.
7. Walk Through Le Marais and Place des Vosges
Getting a bit lost here is actually good because you won't find many of the charming little shops, falafel places, and quiet courtyards just by looking at a map. Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest square that was actually planned, is a nice shady spot to rest from the hustle and bustle. You can sit and read a book or just watch people.
Right through these streets runs the old Jewish Quarter. Picasso Museum is just a few blocks away. And if you want to learn more about this neighborhood itself, the Carnavalet Museum traces history from the beginning to now, and admission is free.
8. Take a Seine Walk or a Short River Cruise
While walking, you will go past Pont Alexandre III, which many believe to be the prettiest bridge in Paris, decorated with gold statues and other ornaments. It is the type of bridge that you would want to stop on and take pictures.
If after a long day of walking you can’t seem to put your feet down, then a small boat ride along the Seine is another great option. You will see the same sights, but instead of standing while seeing them, you will have the chance to sit back and enjoy the views. It is actually one of the best things to do when you are on a tight budget. Plus, it is a great ending to the day, especially as the sun begins to set and the lights begin to shine through the windows of the buildings along the river.
9. Slow Down in Paris Gardens and Beautiful Public Spaces
You can slow down while in Paris. Just sitting on a bench sipping a cup of coffee is a great way to rest your feet after spending the entire day running from one museum to another. For example, the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is located directly between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. It is also a very quiet spot, as well as very shaded because it is surrounded by trees.
On the other side of the Seine River, you will find the Luxembourg Garden. This garden has a much quieter feel than Tuileries, is less crowded, and many students from the University of the Sorbonne come here to either study or simply relax.
Also, when traveling through this area, stop at the Palais-Royal courtyard for a few minutes. A lot of people travel a long distance to visit this location.
In addition to those locations mentioned above, consider Buttes-Chaumont when traveling outside of the central city. While this location may be somewhat far from the central city, the hillside views and lake offer a unique experience.
None of these parks requires admission fees, nor do they take longer than one hour.
10. Explore the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain Area
The pace of life is considerably slower as you explore this particular section of Paris. Above all other buildings in this area is the dome of the Panthéon. Inside, you will find many famous people interred there, such as Marie Curie and Victor Hugo. Rue Mouffetard, which is lined with cheese stores and small vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, is excellent for strolling through markets.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its somewhat scholarly nature — older bookstores line the streets along with cafes that have been around for decades.
In general, the neighborhood is most active during the late afternoon. It changes dramatically from a relatively quiet area to a lively neighborhood, yet always at a leisurely pace.
11. Add a Food Market, Bakery or Classic Café Stop
This isn't really about finding the best restaurant in Paris. It is more about treating food as part of the actual day, not just something you do in between visiting main attractions. In the morning, grab something from a boulangerie (they are all great). The lunch option would be to find a bouillon, which is an older style of eating in France that has made a comeback recently.
If you have some extra time, Marché d'Aligre is a market off the beaten path but very nice for a stroll around to pick up fruit or cheese.
If you are near the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler is a market street with a few more polished options.
And don't pass on the croissants. Get them from a random bakery and walk down the street enjoying them. Even though it may seem like nothing, spending 1-2 hours at a cafe sipping coffee and watching people walk by is also one of the nicer aspects of this trip.
12. Try One Unusual or Cool Thing in Paris
What about visiting something unusual and fun, rather than some of the big monuments?
- Coulée Verte René-Dumont. A park that was created on top of an old rail line, years before New York created the High Line.
- Canal Saint-Martin. A relaxed stretch of water, lined with cafes where locals hang out, offering a break from the usual tourist crowds.
- Covered passages. Old glass-covered shopping arcades from the 1800s, hidden away near the Grands Boulevards.
- Arènes de Lutèce. An ancient Roman amphitheater that is located in plain sight on a typical residential street can be a wonderful surprise.
- Petite Ceinture. An old, disused rail loop that has transformed itself into a unique, wild, and overgrown area of natural beauty.
What to Do in Paris in One Day
This is how to realistically divide your time if you have only one day in Paris:
| Time | Activity |
| Morning | Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame exterior, Sainte-Chapelle, Palais Garnier |
| Midday | Louvre courtyard and Pyramid, a walk through Tuileries, riverside |
| Afternoon | Arc de Triomphe or an Eiffel Tower viewpoint |
| Evening | A slow Seine walk, then either Montmartre or Le Marais |
Beautiful Sights and Activities on a Budget
While many travelers associate Paris with high prices, much of what makes this place so amazing is available to anyone without spending an extra dime. And many of these things are arguably better than the big-ticket attractions that bring most tourists to town.
- Walk along the Seine River at any time of day. It is free.
- Go to the Montmartre stairways and side streets before climbing up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for its stunning views of the city.
- Meander through Le Marais and see what catches your eye.
- Sit in either the Luxembourg or Tuileries gardens for as long as you wish.
- Take a look at the Louvre Pyramid from inside the museum’s courtyard. No entrance fee required!
- Go to the roof of Galeries Lafayette using their elevator and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris.
- Explore the covered passageways simply for curiosity’s sake.
- It is worth booking a tip-based walking tour. It will allow you to save a lot of money when you get to Paris.
Paris Attractions: Worth It or Skip?
| Attraction | Is it worth it? | Better approach |
| Eiffel Tower | Yes | A view of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero (or the Arc de Triomphe) is better than taking a trip up to it |
| Louvre | Yes | Use a list of places you want to visit so you don’t waste time wandering |
| Montmartre | Yes | Get there as soon as possible when opening |
| Champs-Élysées | Maybe | Better for seeing the Arc de Triomphe than for doing some shopping |
| Seine cruise | Yes | The best time is in the late afternoon or early evening |
| Viral cafés | Maybe | Choose where you go to eat based on your taste, not just because something has become viral on social media |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 things to do in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, Le Marais, a walk along the Seine, one Impressionist museum, the Latin Quarter, and something different than the above, such as a covered passage or Canal St. Martin.
What should I not miss in Paris?
Sainte-Chapelle is a big surprise for first-time visitors. Many people miss this site simply because it isn't as well known as the other attractions in the area. Another experience is taking a leisurely walk along the Seine River.
What's the best thing to do in Paris if it's your first time?
Begin with the historic center of Paris — Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle. Then spend the next couple of days at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
What are some unusual things to do in Paris?
The Coulée Verte, Canal Saint-Martin, covered passages, and the Arènes de Lutèce are all relatively far away from where tourists normally go, but don't require too much additional planning to reach.
What can you do in Paris for free?
You can walk along the Seine, explore Montmartre, sit down anywhere in one of Paris' many parks or gardens, and view the Louvre's courtyard.
Is Paris an easy city to see on foot?
Absolutely, most of what you want to see is within walking distance of everything else. The metro covers the remaining areas when your legs get tired.
Do I need to book tickets ahead of time for the big attractions?
Yes, pre-book your ticket to both the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Smaller sites, such as Sainte-Chapelle or the Arc de Triomphe, are easier to access, but they still may require you to book a specific time slot online in advance.
Conclusion: Build Your Trip Around Walkable Neighborhoods
Paris is not about packing as much as possible to see. It is about organizing what you want to see so that you can walk through the neighborhoods and enjoy the sights. So, before creating your "to-do" list for Paris, it is great to start with a FREETOUR.com walking tour. A local guide will help you understand how the Seine River, Île de la Cité, Le Marais, Montmartre, and the many major tourist attractions are connected. After taking the walking tour, you can return to those areas you enjoyed most and spend additional quality time at each location.
