Paris for First-Timers: What to See (and What You Can Skip)
Published May 8, 2025
You've finally booked that dream trip to Paris! Your Instagram is about to be filled with Eiffel Tower shots, pain au chocolat close-ups, and Seine sunset stories. But with only a few precious days in the French capital and seemingly endless "must-sees," how do you separate the truly unmissable Paris attractions from the tourist traps?
As a Franco-American couple who've guided countless friends through their first Paris experiences, we have developed strong opinions about what deserves your limited time in the City of Light. Here's our honest guide to what's worth it. And what you can comfortably skip without regret.
The Big Monuments: Which Ones Actually Deliver?
Worth It: Eiffel Tower, But Plan Ahead
While seeing the Eiffel Tower is non-negotiable, showing up without tickets means facing potentially sold-out time slots or extremely long lines.
Jessica: "If going up the tower is on your must-do list, set your alarm for exactly 60 days before your planned visit date. That's when new tickets are released on the official website (https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times), and they often sell out within hours. Buying from the official site saves money and guarantees entry. Ticket prices range from €11.80 for stairs access to the 2nd floor to €29.40 for elevator access to the summit."
Jean-Paul: "Another great view of the tower is from Trocadéro Plaza at sunset, when the light turns golden and the hourly sparkling light show begins after dark. It's free and more photogenic. The sparkling light show happens for 5 minutes at the top of each hour from sunset until 11pm (1am in summer)."
Better approach: Visit Trocadéro in the early morning (around 7-8am) for empty plaza photos, or evening for the ambiance. For an up-close experience without tower tickets, walk through Champ de Mars park during the day, then enjoy dinner at nearby Rue Cler neighborhood.
Skip: Going Up the Arc de Triomphe
While the Arc itself is impressive from the street level, the observation deck isn't worth the climb for most visitors.
Jessica: "Most people don’t know about the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store (free, open 9:30am-7:30pm daily) or Montparnasse Tower (paid, €18, open 9:30am-11:30pm, but no lines and it's the only panoramic view that includes the Eiffel Tower)."
Worth It: Notre-Dame—Newly Reopened
The majestic cathedral has finally reopened after years of reconstruction following the 2019 fire, and it's more magnificent than ever.
Jean-Paul: "Notre-Dame is now open to visitors, but requires free advance reservations through the official website (https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/). Book as early as possible as slots fill up quickly. The cathedral is open daily from 8:30am to 6:45pm, with shortened hours on Sundays. After your visit, walk one minute to the back of the cathedral to discover Square Jean XXIII, a peaceful garden where you can sit and admire the flying buttresses. It's where I used to eat lunch when I worked nearby."
Understanding Parisian Culture: The Importance of Politesse
Jean-Paul: "In France, we operate on a principle of politesse (poh-lee-tess), or formal politeness. What usually comes across as coldness or rudeness to Americans is actually our cultural preference for maintaining a certain formality with people we don't know well. We view it as respect. Once that barrier is crossed, often through proper greetings and basic etiquette, you'll find Parisians quite warm."
Jessica: "Like many Americans, my first trips to Paris left me thinking everyone was rude. When I realized that saying a proper 'Bonjour Madame' with eye contact was necessary, it transformed every interaction. This simple greeting signals respect for the cultural code and opens doors to genuinely friendly exchanges. Remember, in French culture, politeness isn't just being nice, it's following specific social protocols."
Paris Museums: Beyond the Mona Lisa
Worth It (With Strategy): The Louvre
With 38,000 objects on display, the Louvre can be overwhelming. Don't try to see it all.
Our joint advice: Pick one or two wings that match your interests (Ancient Egypt? French paintings? Greek sculpture?). Arrive Wednesday or Friday evening when the museum is open late (until 9:45pm) and significantly less crowded. Book tickets online in advance at www.louvre.fr to skip the main ticket line. Standard admission is €22. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and its jour de fermeture (zhoor duh fehr-muh-toor) or closing day is a crucial detail many visitors miss.
Jessica: "Skip the Mona Lisa unless seeing it is personally meaningful. The painting is small, kept behind bulletproof glass, and you'll spend your visit seeing it over the heads of a massive crowd."
Worth It: Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a former train station, this human-sized museum features Impressionist masterpieces in a manageable setting.
Jean-Paul: "Go upstairs to the old station restauran for one of the best views in Paris through the giant clock face. Most visitors miss this completely. Admission is €16 online (€14 in-person), and like most national museums, it's closed on Mondays. Hours are 9:30am-6pm (9:45pm on Thursdays)."
Skip: The Catacombs (If You Hate Lines)
While fascinating, the Catacombs often involve a 2-3 hour wait for a brief underground tour.
Jessica: "If you're determined to go, book tickets online well in advance. Otherwise, consider the Sewer Museum (yes, really!) for an equally unusual underground Paris experience with no wait."
Best Paris Neighborhoods: Where to Wander
Worth It: Le Marais
This historic neighborhood combines medieval architecture, Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+ culture, and trendy shopping.
Our recommended walk: Start at Place des Vosges (Paris's oldest planned square). Wander north on Rue des Francs Bourgeois, exploring the small side streets. Stop for falafel on Rue des Rosiers, then continue to Centre Pompidou for modern art and the city's best street performers.
Jean-Paul: "Sunday is a special day in Le Marais as it's one of the few neighborhoods where shops open on Sunday, when most of Paris observes le jour du repos (luh zhoor dew ruh-poh), the day of rest. This makes it lively when other areas feel quiet."
Skip: Champs-Élysées
Once elegant, now it's mostly international chain stores you can find anywhere.
Jean-Paul: "For a true Parisian shopping experience, try Rue du Commerce in the 15th arrondissement. It's got everything from independent boutiques to French chains that tourists rarely discover."
Worth It: Canal Saint-Martin
This is where young Parisians love to hang out, especially on summer evenings.
Jessica: "Buy cheese, bread, and wine from nearby shops and join the locals for a canal-side picnic. It's one of my favorite Paris experiences and costs almost nothing."
Paris Food: Authentic Eating Without Breaking the Bank
Worth It: Market Streets
Nothing captures Parisian daily life like its market streets and outdoor food markets.
Jean-Paul: "Visit Rue Montorgueil near Les Halles, Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter, or Rue Daguerre in Montparnasse. These pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with fromageries (froh-mazh-ree) (cheese shops), boulangeries (boo-lahn-zhuh-ree) (bakeries), flower vendors, and cafés. Buy ingredients for a picnic or just enjoy the atmosphere."
For traditional open-air markets: "Don't miss Marché Bastille (Thursdays and Sundays, 8am-2pm) or Marché d'Aligre (every day except Monday, 8am-1pm) for a great Parisian food shopping experience with local producers selling everything from fresh seafood to regional specialties."
What to Know About Meal Times
Parisians eat lunch around 1-2pm and dinner starts at 8pm. Many restaurants won't even be open before these times.
Jessica: "If you're hungry outside these hours, look for a 'service continu' sign meaning they serve all day. Otherwise, cafés always offer simple sandwiches and salads."
Skip: Saint-Germain-des-Prés for Coffee
While historically significant as the heart of intellectual Paris, today's Saint-Germain cafés charge €8 for coffee in a tourist setting.
Jean-Paul: "For the real café experience, find a random neighborhood café away from attractions where locals are reading newspapers. Order 'un café' (espresso) at the counter for about €1.50 or 'un café crème' (like a small latte) for around €3.50."
How to Identify Tourist Traps vs. Authentic Restaurants
Jean-Paul: "Be wary of restaurants with large picture menus outside in multiple languages or staff trying to draw you in from the sidewalk. Authentic places often have a small, handwritten menu or daily specials (ardoise) and are usually full of French people having animated conversations."
Jessica: "Look for the menu formule (muh-new for-mewl) or prix fixe options, typically offering an appetizer, main course, and dessert for a set price. It's usually the best value and showcases the chef's specialties. Expect to pay €15-25 for lunch formules and €25-40 for dinner formules at mid-range restaurants."
Tipping Culture
Jean-Paul: "In France, service is included in the price by law—look for service compris on your bill. Unlike in America, our waitstaff receive full wages and don't depend on tips for income. Leaving a few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but never required or expected."
Jessica: "I struggled with this at first because in America we're conditioned to leave 18-20%. In Paris, I now leave small change for average service and perhaps 5-10% for truly outstanding experiences. As an American, it felt strange walking out without leaving anything extra, but it really is the norm here."
Transportation in Paris
Worth It: Walking + Métro Combo
Paris is smaller than most visitors realize. It’s just 6 miles across and much of central Paris is walkable.
Our strategy: Walk between nearby sights, then use the Métro for longer distances.
Jessica: "Download the official RATP app for real-time Métro information and the Citymapper app for walking directions that include hidden passages and shortcuts. For Métro novices, remember that the final station in a line's direction is displayed on platforms and trains to help you navigate."
Getting from the Airports
Jean-Paul: "From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B train directly to central Paris (about 45 minutes). From Orly, the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau (about 30 minutes). Both run from approximately 5am until midnight."
Jessica: "Taxis have fixed rates: €56 from CDG to Right Bank/€65 to Left Bank, and €36 from Orly to Right Bank/€45 to Left Bank. Book official airport shuttles in advance if you have early/late flights when public transportation isn't running."
Worth It: Seine River Walk
The riverside walkways called "quais" are free from traffic and offer spectacular views of many Paris landmarks.
Jean-Paul: "Start at Pont Neuf, then walk east along the Left Bank past the bouquinistes (bookstands). Cross back over at Pont de l'Archevêché for the classic Notre-Dame view. For a magical experience, visit the recently renovated Berges de Seine on the Left Bank, with floating gardens, restaurants, and recreational areas right on the river."
Skip: Overpriced Seine River Cruises
While seeing Paris from the water is enchanting, the standard tourist boats can be crowded and expensive.
Jessica: "If you want the same views, take the Batobus instead. It's a hop-on, hop-off river shuttle service with eight stops at major attractions. You'll get the same views for less money and more flexibility. Or go ultra-local and take a Vélib' bike along the riverside paths for free panoramic views."
Bathroom Situations
Jessica: "Always carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as some public toilets lack basics. Look for toilettes publiques (twah-let poob-leek) or use cafés and department stores where facilities are cleaner. Be prepared to pay €0.50-€1 for public facilities. The free gray street toilets (sanisettes) automatically self-clean between users."
Jean-Paul: "Unlike in America, restrooms in restaurants and cafés are usually for customers only. If you need a reliable free option, major department stores like Galeries Lafayette and BHV have decent facilities, as do museums you're visiting. The basement levels of large train stations also have paid facilities that are generally well-maintained."
Hidden Gems Worth Finding in Paris
Rue Crémieux
This short, colorful street in the 12th arrondissement looks more like Notting Hill than typical Paris. The rainbow-hued houses make for charming photos, but be respectful as this is a residential street.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jean-Paul: "This is where Parisians love to go for picnics and relaxation. The park features dramatic cliffs, a suspended bridge, and a Temple de la Sibylle with panoramic views of Montmartre and the Paris skyline. Visit around sunset for the most magical atmosphere."
Marché des Enfants Rouges
The city's oldest covered market (dating from 1615) in the 3rd arrondissement now houses food stalls serving dishes from around the world. Perfect for lunch when you can't agree on what cuisine to eat. Try the Moroccan stand for excellent couscous or the Italian deli for fresh burrata. Open Tuesday-Friday 8:30am-7:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-8pm, Sunday 8:30am-5pm.
Passage des Panoramas
Jessica: "This is Paris's oldest covered passage (from 1800) and has a wonderfully preserved 19th-century atmosphere with vintage stamp shops, small restaurants, and boutiques. It's especially magical in the evening when the old-fashioned lighting creates a timelessly Parisian ambiance."
Essential French Phrases: Words That Open Doors
Just a few French phrases will significantly improve your Paris experience and interactions with locals:
"Bonjour Madame/Monsieur" (bon-ZHOOR ma-DAM/muh-SYUH) – Always start interactions with this greeting
"Merci beaucoup" (mehr-SEE boh-KOO) – Thank you very much
"Excusez-moi" (ex-koo-ZAY-mwah) – Excuse me/Sorry
"Je ne parle pas français" (zhuh nuh parl pah frahn-SAY) – I don't speak French
"Parlez-vous anglais?" (par-LAY voo ahn-GLAY) – Do you speak English?
"C'est où...?" (say OO) – Where is...?
"L'addition, s'il vous plaît" (lad-ee-see-OHN, seel voo PLEH) – The check, please
Jessica: "Starting with 'Bonjour' before asking questions, even if you continue in English afterward, transforms your interactions from potentially frosty to genuinely warm. This simple cultural courtesy makes all the difference in how Parisians respond to you."
Jean-Paul: "When entering any shop or restaurant, 'Bonjour' is non-negotiable. End transactions with 'Merci, au revoir' (Thank you, goodbye). These two phrases show respect for French cultural norms and will immediately set you apart from less informed tourists."
The "Emily in Paris" Effect: Fan Sites vs. Reality
Unless you've been living under a croissant, you've probably seen or heard of Netflix's "Emily in Paris." The show has created a whole new category of tourism, with fans flocking to filming locations across the city.
Worth It (With Context): Terra Nera ("Gabriel's Restaurant")
This real bistro in Place de l'Estrapade doubles as "Les Deux Compères" in the show and has embraced its newfound fame.
Jessica: "The restaurant is charming and the square is genuinely lovely, but come with perspective. It's a neighborhood spot, not a culinary destination. Enjoy a coffee or simple meal, take your photo, but don't expect Gabriel to emerge from the kitchen!"
Skip: Emily's Apartment Building
While the building exterior (at Place de Valois) is picturesque, it's a private residence with frustrated neighbors who've endured fans taking selfies on their doorstep for years now.
Jean-Paul: "If you must see it, take one quick photo from across the square and move along. Instead, explore the surrounding Galerie Vivienne, one of Paris's most beautiful covered passages that appears in several episodes."
Worth It: Jardin du Luxembourg
This stunning garden features in multiple episodes and happens to be a legitimate Parisian highlight regardless of the show.
Our recommendation: Visit on weekend afternoons when Parisians come out to play chess, sail miniature boats on the pond, and relax in the iconic green chairs. It captures the authentic Paris atmosphere that the show occasionally gets right.
Jean-Paul: "I find the show's portrayal of Paris entertaining but largely fantasy. But if these locations inspire you to visit Paris, use them as starting points to discover the authentic neighborhoods around them rather than just checking off filming sites."
Paris Safety Tips
Jessica: "Paris is generally safe, but like any major city, be aware of your surroundings. The most common issue is pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on the Métro. Keep valuables secure in an inside pocket or front-facing bag."
Notable scams to avoid:
The "gold ring" scam: Someone "finds" a gold ring near you and offers to sell it
The "petition" scam: People with clipboards ask you to sign a petition, then demand money
The "friendship bracelet" trick: Someone ties a string bracelet on your wrist, then demands payment
Emergency numbers:
General emergencies: 112
Police: 17
Ambulance: 15
Best Time to Visit Paris
Jean-Paul: "For the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds, aim for April-May or September-October. Summer brings the most tourists but also outdoor events and extended daylight hours. Winter offers magical holiday decorations and significantly shorter lines at most attractions."
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Unexpected
Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries.
Paris reveals itself best to those who don't rush from attraction to attraction but instead take time to absorb the city's unique rhythm. So put down the checklist occasionally, find a café terrace, order "un verre de vin" (a glass of wine), and simply watch Paris unfold before you.
We hope this guide helps you experience the authentic Paris beyond the postcard views.
Bon voyage et à bientôt!