Visiting Paris for the First Time? Unlock the City’s Allure

Ah, Paris! The city of romance, art, and croissants! Visiting Paris for the first time? I know that it can be overwhelming to start planning. I remember how I felt before my first trip to this magical city.

Whether you’re drawn to the glitter of the Eiffel Tower, the call of historic neighbourhoods, or the allure of its incredible cuisine, Paris has a special kind of magic that’ll sweep you off your feet. However, there are definitely some things you should know before visiting Paris for the first time.

Let me help you unlock its secrets with everything you need to know—from the best ways to get around and where to stay to the places you can’t miss and a few hidden treasures along the way.

Everything you need to know before your trip to Paris

Arrival & Getting Around Paris

Paris is a breeze to navigate—well, after a little guidance! If you’re flying in, you’ll likely land at either Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). CDG, being the larger, is well-connected by the RER B train, which gets you to the city center in about 35 minutes. From Orly, the Orlyval light rail connects to the RER B at Antony station, which takes about 30 minutes. Both options are affordable and offer beautiful city views right from the start.

Once you’re in the city, the Metro is your best friend! It’s extensive, affordable, and quick. Paris has 16 lines (yes, 16!), so you’ll get anywhere you need to go with ease. Journeyintheclouds can even set you up with a Paris Visite Pass, which gives unlimited travel across Metro, buses, and the RER. If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a bike or hopping on an electric scooter is also a fun way to see Paris from a different angle—especially along the Seine.

Where to Stay: The Best Neighborhoods for visiting Paris

Paris is full of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here are some top spots for first-timers that give you the best of Paris without the tourist overload.

1. Le Marais – Known for its narrow streets and chic boutiques, Le Marais is bohemian and effortlessly cool. Stay at the charming Hôtel du Petit Moulin, Haute Couture hotel by Lacroix for that Parisian touch, and you’ll be steps away from vibrant bistros, hidden courtyards, and the impressive Place des Vosges.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Known for its rich intellectual history, this neighborhood is the home of iconic cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. For an elegant stay, check out Relais Christine—a classic Parisian hotel.
3. Montmartre – If you want old-world charm with a dash of artistry, Montmartre is perfect. Opt for Terrass’’ Hotel, with a rooftop that offers sweeping views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Plus, you’ll be right by Sacré-Cœur and the cobbled streets of Place du Tertre.
4. Latin Quarter – Perfect for history buffs, the Latin Quarter offers a bustling atmosphere near Notre-Dame and Luxembourg Gardens. Stay at Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles for a cozy, picturesque setting that feels like a home away from home.
5. The 1st Arrondissement – If proximity to major landmarks is your top priority, this area near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden is ideal. Treat yourself to a stay at Le Meurice, a luxe spot with views over Place Vendôme or Hôtel du Louvre, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Where to Eat: Must-Try Spots in Each Neighborhood

Let’s be real, one of the top reasons to visit Paris is the food. The city has more cafés, bakeries, and bistros than you could ever imagine, but here are some tried-and-true spots that’ll give you the authentic Parisian culinary experience.

• Le Marais – Start with brunch at Le Pain Quotidien, where the people-watching is almost as good as the food. For dinner, head to Les Philosophes for French classics like coq au vin and crème brûlée.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés – You can’t skip Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Both are great for people-watching and a classic Parisian café au lait. For dinner, L’Avant Comptoir is a local favorite, serving delicious small plates and wines.
• Montmartre – Grab a croissant at Le Grenier à Pain (trust me, it’s award-winning!), then wander up to La Maison Rose for a picture and head to Place du Tertre. Try the crêpes at Carette or Chez Eugène. For dinner, Le Consulat is a cozy gem that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a painting.
• Latin Quarter – Satisfy your sweet tooth with crepes at La Crêperie des Arts and grab dinner at Bouillon Pigalle, a budget-friendly spot known for its no-nonsense French comfort food.
• 1st Arrondissement – For a sweet treat, pop into Angelina for their famous hot chocolate. Nearby, Le Grand Véfour offers a gourmet dining experience for those seeking something extra special.

Planning a trip to Europe? Check out these day guides for other cities:

• Czechia: How to spend 24 hours in Prague
• Austria: One day in Vienna- what to visit
• Hungary: Reasons to visit Budapest

Safety and Common Scams to Be Aware Of

Paris is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.

Common Scams: Watch out for people offering “friendship bracelets” or asking for donations in busy areas like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. Politely decline and keep walking if approached.

Tip: Always keep your valuables secure, preferably in a crossbody bag with zippers, and avoid carrying passports or large amounts of cash.

Book Tickets in Advance for your trip to Paris

If you’re planning to visit Paris for the first time, you’ll likely have some iconic spots on your list—such as the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, or even a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. For these popular attractions, booking tickets ahead of time is essential.

These sites frequently sell out, especially during the peak summer season. When I booked for myself the tickets for the Louvre and Versailles, I did it about a week in advance, and even then, the first morning slots were already gone.

Booking in advance also saves you from dealing with long ticket lines. Most attractions have separate lines for those who’ve pre-purchased tickets versus those buying on the spot. Without a pre-booked ticket, the wait can be exhausting! For example, at the Arc de Triomphe, I saw a line with hundreds of people waiting to buy tickets—thankfully, I could skip it by having mine already.

Paris: A Few Fascinating Facts

Before we dive into the itinerary, here are some fun facts about Paris to set the mood:

• Paris has 37 bridges: The most famous, Pont Neuf, is ironically the oldest. Each one offers unique views of the Seine.
• The city is divided into 20 arrondissements: These spiral out from the city center, and each has its own distinct personality.
• The Eiffel Tower was controversial: When it was first built for the 1889 World’s Fair, Parisians hated it. Now, it’s the city’s most iconic landmark.

Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: A Classic Parisian Experience

Morning: Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler

Start your day early at the Eiffel Tower, before the crowds arrive. Even if you’ve seen it in a hundred photos, nothing compares to seeing it in person. If you’re up for it, climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator—it’s a workout but worth it for the views.

From there, stroll to Rue Cler, a charming market street I always recommend. Stop at Café du Marché for breakfast. Their croissants? Absolute perfection. Pick up some cheese and fruit from the local vendors if you’re in the mood for a little picnic later.

Midday: Musée d’Orsay

Continue your first visit to Paris. After a short walk along the Seine you will arrive at Musée d’Orsay. In my opinion one of the must visit museums. The Impressionist paintings here are breathtaking, and the setting—a former train station—adds a layer of grandeur. Don’t miss the clock on the upper floor—it’s iconic.

Lunch: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

For lunch, head to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte in Saint-Germain. They serve one thing and do it well: steak frites with a secret sauce. Just make sure to have a reservation before, otherwise you will stay in a queue for a while.

If you feel like trying something sweet while you are in the area head to Pierre Hermes. You must have some macarons, I really enjoyed the vanilla and raspberry ones.

Afternoon: Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis

Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral (though you can’t enter due to ongoing renovations, it’s still stunning from the outside). Cross the bridge to Île Saint-Louis, a quaint island with picturesque streets. Don’t miss ice cream at Berthillon!

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg. The beautiful gardens are perfect for a rest, and if the weather is nice, sit by the fountains and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

If you are considering good places to have dinner you can try Les Deux Magots. Tip: one thing to consider while in Paris is the fact that most restaurants are closed between 3 and 5:30 pm. This is something you should know when visiting Paris for the first time.

Day 2: A Stroll Through Parisian Elegance

Morning: Louvre Courtyard

Start your day with a relaxing stroll through the Louvre Courtyard, admiring the iconic glass pyramid. You definitely have to go inside, it’s an attraction that you can’t miss in Paris, even if you are not an art enthusiast. After you leave the museum head into the gardens nearby. From there, wander into the Jardin des Tuileries. This sprawling garden is perfect for a slow morning, whether you’re people-watching or enjoying coffee from one of the kiosks.

Continue to Place de la Concorde, the grand square connecting the gardens to the Champs-Élysées. The fountains and historical significance make it worth a stop.

Midday: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

Take a leisurely walk along the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also quintessentially Parisian. Pop into boutiques or grab lunch at Le Fouquet’s, a Paris institution. Or if you don’t really feel hungry stop at Ladurée for some macarons. You won’t regret it.

At the end of the avenue, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Paris—it’s well worth the effort.

Evening: Dinner by Opéra Garnier

For your final evening, indulge in dinner at Café de la Paix, located right next to Opéra Garnier. It’s elegant, historic, and the perfect place to end your Paris adventure.

Afterward, take one last stroll around the opera house, savoring the city’s night lights and the memories of the past few days. And if you feel like doing a bit of shopping don’t forget that the Lafayette Galleries are right across the street.

This article covers everything you should know before your trip, so that visiting Paris for the first time should be exciting and not stress you. If you have any questions relating planning your trip send us a message here on the blog or at journeyintheclouds.com