Why Visit Paris?
Paris, the City of Love, is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. Forget the overpriced croissants and museum lines — there’s so much charm (and cheese) to be found in the backstreets, canal-side corners, and crumbling rooftops of this beautiful city. Whether you’re here for a few days or passing through on a longer trip, Paris has something to offer every kind of traveller.
How to Get Around in Paris
Paris is super walkable and has one of the best metro systems in the world. For the best value:
🚇 Metro: Grab a “carnet” (10-ticket booklet) to save money if you’re staying more than a day or two.
🚶 Walk: You’ll stumble on magic by wandering — think hidden gardens, ivy-covered buildings, and vintage stores galore.
🚲 Vélib bikes: Cheap and fun, especially along the Seine or through quieter neighbourhoods like the 11th and 20th.
Top Things to do in Paris:
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Take the elevator or climb the stairs for breathtaking views of the city. My personal favourite views of the Eiffel Tower are from the following locations:
29 Avenue Rapp in the 7th arrondisment (this is the address of a famous house that won the best Façade in Paris in 1903). You can check out the stunning architecture of this house and then when you turn around you get a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower between the streets. The best thing about this view is I visited in the middle of the day and there wasn’t a single other tourist around taking photos.
On the corner of the bridge near the Flame of Liberty. This spot gives you a great view of the tower with the Seine in the foreground.
You can always do a tour and climb the Eiffel Tower also book the experience here.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This historic cathedral, with its stunning stained-glass windows and famous gargoyles, is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
Nearby to the Notre Dame is one of my personal favourite buildings in Paris. Sainte Chapelle is a stunning building, and I could honestly spend hours in here looking at all the characters in the stained glass. This is definitely a must-do whilst in Paris. Book your tickets here.
Take a book to the Petite Palace and read in the gardens.
Not only does this building have stunning architecture and an art museum, but there is also a garden courtyard inside where you can enjoy nature and sit for a coffee or read your book.
Visit the Musée du Louvre
Home to the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It does get busy though so be sure to book your timeslot early. Book a timed entry here.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
for a 360 view of Paris which includes the Eiffel Tower. Personally, I would recommend this over climbing the Eiffel Tower. Pictures just do not give the Arc the merit it deserves. This thing is huge!! And like all of the other architecture in Paris the detail is breathtaking. You can book a ticket online here.
Take a cruise on the Seine River
The best time is in the late afternoon/ evening about an hour or two before sunset. The cruise will take you down the river passing a number of historical landmarks and attractions. Going at twilight gives all of the buildings this magical glow. Plus, if you pack some picnic supplies and a bottle of wine you can sit in the park near the Eiffel Tower and enjoy whilst the sun finally sets and hopefully get to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle before heading back to your accommodation. Book a ticket here.
🏛️ Skip-the-Line? Try Skip-the-Crowds
You don’t need to spend your whole trip queuing for the Eiffel Tower. Instead:
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Steep hills, waterfalls, and skyline views with zero tourists.
Père Lachaise Cemetery – Wander cobbled paths to find Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde’s resting places.
Canal Saint-Martin – Sit by the water with a €3 wine and watch Parisians at play.
🎨 Free Museums & Cheap Culture
Musée Carnavalet – This gorgeous, free museum is all about the history of Paris.
Petit Palais – Stunning art + architecture — and entry is free.
First Sundays – On the first Sunday of the month, big museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are free. Expect crowds, but hey, free is free.
Unique Experiences to Add to Your Paris Itinerary
•Rue Crémieux – Paris’s rainbow-coloured secret street.
•La Recyclerie – An old train station turned into an eco-café, thrift shop, and urban farm.
•Underground bars – Try Lavomatic, hidden behind a laundromat wall.
Where to Eat in Paris:
Paris is full of world-class dining, but that doesn’t mean you have to splash out on Michelin stars to eat well. If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers character over white tablecloths — and would rather eat a €4 falafel in the street than a €40 soufflé in silence — these spots are for you.
🧀 Chez Alain Miam Miam (Marché des Enfants Rouges)
Why you’ll love it: Giant gourmet sandwiches grilled to order and filled with French cheese, ham, and vegetables from the market. Bring patience — and napkins.
📍 26 Rue Charlot
💰 €10–12
🌀 Tucked inside Paris’s oldest covered market
🍝 Pasta Oro (Canal Saint-Martin)
Why it’s quirky: Italian soul food served out of a teeny-tiny pasta shop with outdoor seating by the canal. Watch the locals picnic and drink wine as the sun sets.
📍 14 Quai de Jemmapes
💰 €8–10
🌞 Great spot for solo travellers or chill canal-side hangs
🥞 Crêperie Brocéliande (Montmartre)
Why go: Classic Breton crêpes — both sweet and savoury — served in a cosy, unpretentious setting far from the tourist traps.
📍 15 Rue des Trois Frères
💰 €6–9
🎨 Bonus: You’re just around the corner from the “Amélie” filming locations
🥐 Boulangerie Utopie (11th Arrondissement)
Why it’s a must: One of the best bakeries in Paris for croissants, pain au chocolat, and creative twists like black sesame rolls.
📍 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud
💰 €1.50–3 per pastry
⏰ Get there early — the good stuff goes fast
✨ Bonus Tip: Picnic Like a Parisian
Grab some goodies from a local Franprix (or a market like Marché Bastille) — think baguette, brie, fruit, and a €3 bottle of wine — and head to the Seine, Canal Saint-Martin, or Buttes-Chaumont Park for a dreamy DIY dinner.
🧺 Budget Picnic Spots
Square du Vert-Galant – Tiny island at the tip of Île de la Cité.
Parc de la Villette – Less touristy and full of locals.
Montmartre steps at sunset – Bring a snack and watch the city glow.
Where to stay in Paris:
(Budget-friendly & Solo Traveler Approved)
Whether you’re after a rooftop view, a cheap bed, or a social vibe, Paris has some great options for budget-conscious and adventurous travellers.
🛎️ St. Christopher’s Inn (Canal)
A lively backpacker hostel with a bar on site and views of Canal Saint-Martin. Perfect for solo travellers looking to socialize.
Highlights: Daily events, female-only dorms, comfy pods.
🛎️ The People Hostel (Nation or Belleville)
Modern design, rooftop views, great for meeting fellow travellers, and solid beds at a fair price.
Location: Belleville is artsy, diverse, and well-connected to the metro.
🛎️ MIJE Hostels (Le Marais)
Affordable and super central, these hostels are housed in historic buildings right in the heart of the Marais district.
Great for: First-timers who want to stay close to major sights but off the main tourist drag.
🛎️ Bonus: Budget Airbnbs
If you want more privacy, look for a private room in the 11th or 20th arrondissement — often cheaper and more local than a hotel.
Travel Tips for Paris
Say Bonjour! – Even if it’s all you know, start every interaction with a friendly “bonjour” or “bonsoir.”
Pickpockets – Be extra careful around tourist hubs and on the metro.
Tap Water – Totally safe and delicious — refill your bottle at public fountains.
Timing – Many things close on Sundays or Mondays, so double-check hours before heading out.
Daily Budget for Paris
Travel Tips for Every Budget:
Budget: Stick to free walking tours, stay in hostels with kitchens, and grab €1.50 croissants to-go. Paris is made for wandering — and that’s always free.
Mid-Range: Mix it up with affordable bistros, a few splurges like a Seine cruise or museum pass, and enjoy a central stay with character.
Bougie: Think rooftop cocktails, boutique hotel balconies, and booking a photographer at the Eiffel Tower — treat yourself, Paris is your runway.
Most Instagrammable Locations in Paris:
- The Seine River – With its stunning bridges, iconic architecture, and romantic boat rides, the Seine is a prime location for Instagram photos.
- Place des Vosges – This historic square, with its elegant buildings and lush greenery, is a popular spot for romantic walks and photos.
- Montmartre – With its charming cobblestone streets, bohemian atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the city, Montmartre is a must-visit for photographers.
- Luxembourg Gardens – With its beautiful gardens, stunning fountains, and historic palaces.
Paris is waiting for you! With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere, there’s no better time to visit the City of Love. So book your trip today, and get ready to fall in love with Paris. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, Paris is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t wait – start planning your dream trip to Paris now!
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The Comments
Gay
The Saint Chappell looks amazing
amy_w
GayIt’s such an underrated gem in Paris. Definitely one i recommend to anyone