Paris Bucket List | Guide to Seeing the City of Lights

As you all know by know, we are crazy about Paris. We are head over heels in love with possibly everything about it. The food, the wine, the lavish hotels, oh and did I mention the food? There is nothing I love more than walking across hidden cobblestone streets and small neighborhoods to find a small boulangerie where I can sit, have a Café Gourmand and sit and people watch all day.

However, for first timers, there is a whole mirage of things to see and do. So to help you out, I’ve listed a few of my Paris musts for those seeing and exploring the city of lights.

Take a leisurely boat ride on the Seine river cruising along famous Paris Landmarks.
Watch the Eiffel Tower illuminate at night
Wander around the trendy neighborhood of Montmartre
Go shopping at Galeries Lafayette
Go on a leisurely boat ride by Canal St. Martin
Climb the Arc de Triomphe and watch the world from above
See the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum

Go up to the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral and take in the sights and sounds of the city
Take a long leisurely stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries
Go shopping at the famous Champs Elysees boulevard
Enjoy a picnic at The Champ de Mars while gazing at the iconic Eiffel Tower
Wine and dine in a Michelin starred restaurant
Indulge in as many macarons as possible from either Pierre Hermé or Ladurée

Try out a typical French meal of escargo or frogs
Act like a true Parisian and have long meals topped up with wine
Visit the Palace of Versailles on a day trip
Explore the ancient catacombs of the city on a tour
Go on a 2CV or a horse drawn carriage tour of the city
Walk under the Arc de Triomphe to look at the intricate designs

Visit the Musee de l’Orangerie do see over 250 of Monet’s famous oil paintings
Take a day trip to see the gardens of Money in Giverny
Peruse through a book from Shakespeare Company Bookshop
Enjoy a hot cup of hot chocolate at Angelina (the BEST hot chocolate ever)
Stroll around the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg
Go for an afternoon picnic break at the The Place des Vosges
Taste the famous L’as Du Fallafel by the Jewish Quarter for a quick meal
Watch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge

Pay a Visit to the Musee Picasso to see some original works of art
Splurge on afternoon tea at Four Seasons George V hotel
Admire the stain glass art in Sainte-Chapelle
Take a Day Trip to Champagne which is only 45 minutes away by TGV
Indulge in a wine tasting tour
Watch a Film at Le Louxor Cinema
Watch the Eiffel Tower light up for sunrise.
Have a drink at the Printemps rooftop which offers stunning views of the city
Indulge in as any pan au chocolat croissants as you want

Wondering where to stay? Take a look at this article featuring where to stay in Paris plus (with info on the best areas to stay in!)

Treat yourself to a tin of eclairs from l’eclair de genie
Walk along the famous love lock bridge
Wander to the Square du Vert Galant in the tip of the Ile de la Cité for beautiful views of the city
Savor the sweet and delicate taste of a French crepe
Drink tea at Café de Flore
Visit the Pere Lachaise Cementary to pay tribute to greats like Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison
Walk up the stairs of the Sacre Coeur Basilica

Visit Palais de Tokyo, a popular modern arts museum.
Climb the Tour Montparnasse, the tallest building in Paris after the Eiffel Tower
Order a cup of coffee in French: “Un expresso s’il vous plaît”
Wander around or shop in the impressive Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville
Visit the Maison Victor Hugo museum, home to author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Pay a visit to the second largest church in Paris, Saint-Sulpice
Climb the top of the Eiffel Tower and fall in love with this fabulous city

So there you have it! 50 of my favorite Paris MUSTS for first timers. If you’re looking for something a little bit more detailed, check out this 4-day Paris itinerary.

Offering everything from romance, charm, culture, and art, Paris is one of those cities that just has a little bit of something for everyone. Whatever you do, come to Paris with no expectations and I promise you will leave this city completely enthralled by its endless possibilities.