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What Should I See in Paris? A Historian’s Guide to Planning Your Trip

Amy French the Roaming Historian

Planning a trip to Paris can be overwhelming. There are world-famous museums, historic neighborhoods, iconic monuments, endless restaurants, and enough tours to make choosing what to book feel like a full-time job.

But Paris doesn’t have to be complicated.

As a historian, I look at Paris a little differently. The city is an extraordinary historical record: Roman ruins, medieval churches, royal palaces, revolutionary sites, and Haussmann’s grand boulevards all exist within the same city.

You don’t have to avoid the famous sights to experience the real Paris. You simply need to know what is worth your time, what needs to be booked ahead, where to stay, and how to navigate the city. This guide covers the essentials I recommend for planning a first—or next—trip to Paris.

Plan Your Paris Trip

  • How many days do you need in Paris? Plan on at least three full days in Paris, but four or five days will give you a much better experience. With three days, you can see the major highlights, explore a historic neighborhood, and experience Paris beyond the major monuments. With four or five days, you can slow down, visit more museums, explore neighborhoods, and take a day trip to Versailles. If you have less time, don’t try to see everything. Choose a few priorities and enjoy them rather than spending your entire trip rushing from attraction to attraction.
  • When is the best time to visit Paris? There isn’t one perfect season for Paris. Spring and fall generally offer a good combination of pleasant weather and sightseeing conditions. Summer brings long days but also high demand and crowds. Winter can mean fewer tourists, although daylight hours are shorter and some attractions have seasonal schedules. Whenever you visit, book the major attractions before you arrive rather than assuming you can buy tickets when you get there.
  • How far in advance should I plan a trip to Paris? Start planning at least three to six months ahead, especially if you are traveling during spring, summer, or the holidays. Major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre use timed entry, while popular hotels and tours can also fill during busy periods. If your dates are flexible, you’ll have more choices; if they’re fixed, book the major pieces of your trip first.

What Are The Best Things to Do in Paris?

Paris has enough museums, monuments, neighborhoods, gardens, and experiences to fill several trips. These are the sights I would prioritize on a first visit.

  • Visit the Eiffel Tower Yes, it is touristy. Yes, you should still go. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris—and seeing it in person is different from seeing it in photographs. If you want to go up the tower, book your ticket through the official Eiffel Tower website, if possible. The official site currently releases elevator tickets up to 90 days in advance and stairs tickets up to 60 days in advance, although booking windows and availability can change. What if Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out? Don’t give up. Check the official site for another date or time, and remember that the Eiffel Tower may sell a limited number of tickets at its on-site ticket offices for immediate use, depending on attendance. You can also consider a guided Eiffel Tower experience that includes admission. That’s a particularly useful option when you want someone else to handle the logistics while providing historical context. Browse Eiffel Tower tours and experiences on Viator: https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=eiffel+tower&pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
  • Explore the Louvre The Louvre isn’t simply a place to see the Mona Lisa. It is a former royal palace containing one of the world’s greatest art collections. Don’t attempt to see everything. Choose the works and galleries that matter most to you and give yourself time to appreciate them. What should you expect when you visit? Your ticket has a specific date and time. Allow several hours for the museum, and arrive a little early for security and entry. Once inside, you’ll find the Louvre’s enormous collection spread across three wings, so having a plan can save you considerable time. If you’d rather have an expert guide you through the highlights, The Tour Guy, LivTours, Viator, and GetYourGuide offer guided Louvre experiences with admission included. My detailed guide: How To Buy Louvre Tickets
  • Visit Notre-Dame & Ile de la Cite Notre-Dame de Paris reopened to the public in December 2024 following its restoration after the 2019 fire. Admission to the cathedral itself remains free, although visitors can reserve a free time slot to make their visit easier. The towers are a separate, ticketed experience. While you’re on Île de la Cité, don’t miss Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its spectacular 13th-century stained glass, and take some time to explore the island itself—the historic heart of medieval Paris. Read more: Notre-Dame Cathedral Guide
  • See the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is an amazing museum. Its collection includes major works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and other 19th- and early-20th-century artists.
  • Wander Montmartre Montmartre is famous for Sacré-Cœur and its artistic history, but don’t stop at the basilica. Wander the neighborhood and look for the traces of the artists who made this hilltop district famous. A guided walking tour can be particularly worthwhile here because so much of Montmartre’s history is hidden in its streets.
  • Cruise the Seine A Seine cruise may sound like the quintessential tourist activity—and it is. It is also one of the best ways to see Paris. From the river, you can see the city’s historic bridges, Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the grand architecture that developed along the Seine. For the best atmosphere, consider a cruise around sunset. Secure a spot on an intimate, small-boat tour or a historical dinner cruise via Viator’s Seine River Cruises to watch the city light up in style.
  • Explore the Paris Catacombs For a completely different side of Paris, head underground to the Catacombs (embed Viator), where the remains of more than six million Parisians were moved into former limestone quarries in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The 1.5-kilometer visitor route takes you through a fascinating—and admittedly eerie—chapter of Paris’s history. Tickets are timed and often sell out, so book ahead. If you want to understand the history behind what you’re seeing rather than simply walk through the tunnels, consider a guided Catacombs tour like LivTours Semi-Private Paris Catacombs Underground Tour. (save 10% off 2+ tours with code AMYRH10 and my link) For regular entry, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
  • Check out some of my favorite lesser-known sites. Paris has plenty of famous attractions, but some of my favorite experiences are found away from the biggest crowds. Explore the Musée de Cluny and its medieval treasures, have a drink at Le Procope, step into the fascinating history of the Conciergerie, wander the gardens and sculpture at the Musée Rodin, or visit the Panthéon to discover the stories of the people buried beneath its magnificent dome. Want to go beyond the usual Paris itinerary? These are the kinds of places where you’ll find some of the city’s most fascinating history. See about tour or book the Paris Museum Pass to have access to theses museums and much more.This 2-, 4-, or 6-day pass includes admission to dozens of museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, Musée de Cluny, the Panthéon, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the Arc de Triomphe, Invalides, L’Orangerie, and Palace of Versailles.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, and choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference in your experience.

  • The Marais – 3rd & 4th Arrondissements. The Marais combines one of Paris’s most enjoyable modern neighborhoods with an extraordinary architectural history. Unlike much of central Paris, it retained many older streets and 17th-century private mansions (hôtels particuliers). It is a particularly good choice if you want to walk to many attractions while staying in a lively neighborhood. Best for: history, shopping, restaurants, and walking.
  • Latin Quarter – 5th Arrondissement The Latin Quarter takes its name from the Latin once spoken in the area’s medieval schools and remains one of the oldest parts of Paris. The Panthéon, Musée de Cluny, Luxembourg Gardens, Sorbonne, and Roman ruins at the Arènes de Lutèce are all nearby. Best for: history, cafés, gardens, and central location.
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés – 6th Arrondissement Saint-Germain is the neighborhood for travelers who picture themselves lingering at a historic café with a book. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots became famous gathering places for writers, artists, and philosophers including Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Best for: classic Paris, cafés, shopping, and literary history. Other areas to consider The 1st arrondissement puts you near the Louvre and the historic center. The 7th arrondissement is convenient for the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. Montmartre offers a very different atmosphere, although its location on the hill can mean more walking.

Now that you know which Paris neighborhood is right for you, it’s time to find your home base. I use Hotels.com to compare hotels by location, price, amenities, and guest reviews, making it easier to find the right fit for your trip. Search Paris hotels on Hotels.com.

Essential Paris Travel FAQs

Do you need to book Paris attractions in advance?

For the major attractions, yes. The Eiffel Tower and Louvre are particularly important to plan ahead. Timed-entry systems mean that arriving without a reservation can leave you with limited choices or no admission at all. This is especially important during busy travel periods.

For attractions that are sold out, a guided tour with reserved admission may still be available. That’s one reason I often recommend tours rather than simply buying an admission ticket: you’re getting both access and historical context. I highly recommend The Tour Guy’s Skip-the-Line Louvre Tour or LivTours’ Private Louvre Experience. They secure your entry ticket and ensure you actually understand the art rather than wandering aimlessly through nine miles of overwhelming corridors.

What if Louvre tickets are sold out?

First, check the official Louvre ticket site again and consider changing your date or time. If your dates are fixed, look at reputable guided tours that include reserved museum admission. Two options I recommend are:

The Tour Guy: Their Paris offerings include several Louvre tours with timed admission and expert guides. The Tour Guy’s Louvre Tours

LivTours: LivTours offers semi-private experiences with a maximum of six participants. Their Mona Lisa First Viewing tour provides early entry and an expert guide-led visit to the Louvre’s major highlights. Use code AMYRH10 and my link for 10% off when you book two or more LivTours tours. LivTours Paris Tours

What if Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out?

Start with the official Eiffel Tower ticket office and check other dates or ticket types. Be cautious about websites advertising a special “skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket.” The Eiffel Tower itself warns that there is no special skip-the-line ticket; official e-tickets already provide timed access and help you avoid the ticket-office queue.

If you would like a guided experience, reputable tour companies may offer Eiffel Tower tours that combine admission with a guide or another service. Check the ratings and options available through LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

Is a guided tour of the Louvre worth it?

For many first-time visitors, yes. The Louvre is enormous, and a good guide turns a potentially overwhelming museum visit into a manageable experience. Instead of wandering through galleries wondering what you should see, you’ll have someone explaining the history and significance of the works in front of you. This is particularly useful if you have limited time in Paris. I recommend tours from The Tour Guy, LivTours, Viator, and GetYourGuide. Also, check out the Paris Museum Pass, which includes the Louvre.

Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it?

It depends on how many participating museums and monuments you plan to visit. If you’re planning a museum-heavy trip, calculate the admission fees for the places you want to visit before purchasing a pass. Don’t buy one simply because it sounds like a good deal. The Paris Museum Pass is 2-, 4-, or 6-day pass that includes admission to dozens of museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, Musée de Cluny, the Panthéon, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the Arc de Triomphe, Invalides, L’Orangerie, and Palace of Versailles.

Is Versailles worth a day trip from Paris?

Yes—if you have at least four days in Paris. Versailles is more than a palace. The enormous complex illustrates the political and cultural world of Louis XIV and the French monarchy. You can reach Versailles by regional train, but you’ll want to plan your visit in advance because the palace and grounds are extensive. You can check schedules and book your regional train tickets ahead of time using Omio. However, if you want to bypass the transit logistics entirely and get an expert breakdown of Louis XIV’s court gossip, consider a fully guided day trip via The Tour Guy—which includes private transport and palace entry. Palace of Versailles with Gardens Day Trip from Paris: https://tidd.ly/4rpBqtT

What is the best small-group tour for French Revolution history in Paris?

If you’re especially interested in the French Revolution, look for a small-group walking tour that focuses specifically on the Revolution rather than simply including it as one stop on a broader Paris history tour. The best tours take you to places such as the Place de la Bastille, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries, and the Conciergerie while explaining how the events unfolded and why they mattered. Browse French Revolution small-group tours: Viator French Revolution Tours

GetYourGuide also has fascinating options: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Paris+French+Revolution+tours&searchSource=8&src=search_bar&adults=1&partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

What to Eat in Paris

You don’t need to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant every night to have a memorable food experience in Paris. My favorite meal is a jambon beurre—a French baguette with ham and butter. It’s simple and perfect.

Look for a neighborhood boulangerie for a fresh croissant au beurre. Seek out a French bistro and try classic French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, duck confit, or a traditional tart. 

And save room for sweets. While Pierre Hermé or Ladurée macarons are iconic, don’t skip classic French patisserie items like an Éclair au Chocolat or a Paris-Brest (a choux pastry filled with praline cream, originally created in 1910 to celebrate a bicycle race between Paris and Brest!).

One of my favorite ways to experience Parisian food is with a food tour. A good guide lets you sample several foods while explaining the history and culture behind them. Browse Paris food tours on LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is one of the easiest major European cities to navigate without a car. The Metro is the backbone of the city transportation system. The RER is the regional rail network you’ll use for destinations outside central Paris, such as Versailles.

For occasional travelers, the Navigo Easy pass is a convenient option. The reusable card costs €2 and can hold several types of transport tickets. Current fares and ticket options change, so check Île-de-France Mobilités before your trip.

And wear comfortable shoes. Paris is a city best experienced on foot, but you’ll often combine walking with public transportation. If you’re traveling elsewhere in Europe by train, I use Omio to compare train, bus, and flight options in one place.

Which Paris Tour Companies Should You Use?

I use several travel partners for different types of Paris experiences. I recommend comparing the itinerary, group size, inclusions, cancellation policy, and meeting location before booking rather than choosing based on price alone. Browse my recommended Paris tour companies:Browse LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and GetYourGuide below.

LivTours – Semi-private or private tours with a maximum of six participants and local expert guides. Use my link plus AMYRH10 for 10% off two or more tours.

The Tour Guy – A wide range of guided Paris experiences, including Louvre and Versailles tours.

Viator – A large selection of Paris tours, attractions, food tours, and cruises.

GetYourGuide – Another extensive marketplace for Paris attractions and guided experiences.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Paris?

I recommend traveling with travel insurance for an international trip. Flights, hotels, tours, and other prepaid travel expenses can add up quickly. A comprehensive policy can provide coverage for certain trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, and other covered problems. I recommend comparing policies through Travel Insurance.com rather than automatically purchasing the policy offered by your airline, tour company, or hotel. Compare Paris travel insurance: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

Final Thoughts

Paris is one of those cities where the more you learn, the more you discover. There are many things to see in this City of Lights with over 2,000 years of history. I have older Paris articles covering specific museums, attractions, shopping, tours, and historical sites, so use this guide as your starting point and then dig deeper into the subjects that interest you. For more Paris resources, check out my Travel Guides and Travel Tips pages.

Happy travels! Amy

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

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