Hi, I’m Erin, and I’ve always loved traveling and seeing what makes each destination different. Through The Next Destination, I’m sharing places I’ve visited and helping different types of travelers figure out which trips might be the best fit for them.
When most people think about Paris, they probably picture famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. These sites are a huge part of what makes Paris so special, but they are only the beginning of what the city has to offer. I think Paris is a really good destination for someone who likes history, architecture, art, and just walking around and taking everything in. In this blog post, I am going to go over some of the places worth seeing and what kind of traveler would probably enjoy Paris the most, as well as some tips to make the trip enjoyable and accessible.
Paris is a good fit for the sightseer traveler because of its remarkable landmarks that are known to draw in millions of visitors every year. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe are key parts of the city and are definitely worth seeing. At the same time, the streets and atmosphere of the city are just as special and enticing.
The Eiffel Tower is probably the most recognizable landmark in Paris and it is one of those places that really does feel different in person. Even if you have seen it in pictures, actually standing near it is a totally different experience.
If you want to go up the tower, I would look into tickets ahead of time because they can sell out quickly in busy seasons. If not, there are still plenty of places nearby where you can get a good view and take pictures, you can see it from almost everywhere!
Official Eiffel Tower visitor information! You can get tickets and general information here to prepare you for your visit.
The OFFICIAL Eiffel Tower website: tickets, news, info...
Notre Dame Cathedral is a magnificent landmark in the heart of Paris and holds so much history as one of Paris's oldest landmarks. For travelers who love history, this site is a must see! The details on the cathedral attract art and history lovers because of its scale and uniqueness. This landmark’s interior is free to the public when booked ahead of time, but is still easily accessible to see from the outside.
Official Notre Dame visitor information!
The Arc de Triomphe is also worth adding to the list. It is another landmark that makes Paris feel so recognizable and historic. There is a good chance you will come across it while walking on the streets of Paris!
The Louvre is another major stop, especially for someone who likes art or history. It is huge, so I would recommend deciding what you want to see before going in instead of trying to cover everything in one visit, you might be there for hours!
Links for both official websites for more information!
Welcome to the Arc de triomphe
Musée du Louvre Official Website
If seeing the famous sites are the most important thing to you, I would research each ahead of time so you can time your visit to each at your own pace. Paris is a very big city and can feel endless! It helps to know where each site is beforehand so you can spend more time at each place and less time figuring out how to get there. That being said, the charm of Paris is its atmosphere, so don’t forget to take it all in!
Getting Around Town
Paris has a Metro and train system, so getting between major landmarks is pretty manageable without a car. Uber is also a great option if you want to skip the metro and go somewhere a bit out of walking distance.
It is a good idea to look at a map before the trip and have a general plan for each day. You will also probably do a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are important. Walking is one of the best ways to see the city, you can access a lot of unique places on foot! Some of my favorite spots were The Catacombs, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.
Here is a great video by thetourguy that can help you navigate the city!
Food and Culture
The landmarks are a huge part of visiting Paris, but food and culture also make the city special. Cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are everywhere so it is easy to make food part of the experience of visiting Paris. Trying something from a local bakery or sitting at a café can be a nice break between sightseeing and gives you a great first hand experience with French cuisine. If I had to recommend one bakery, try Boris Lumé! Paris also has a strong culture around art and fashion embedded into everyday city life. Outside of museums and attractions, even the most common things have a distinct French culture. Try and see how many things you can point out!
Next Destination
Paris is definitely worth considering if you are a sightseer, someone who loves art, architecture, and history. Our next destination will be for the adventurers, those of you who love nature, wildlife, beaches, and tropical delights! Next stop, Costa Rica!
Want a little more travel inspiration between posts? I’ll also be sharing photos, ideas and destination inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest.