Paris: 10 Essential Things to Do on Your First Visit

Paris is compact, well connected, and layered with history. Major landmarks sit within walking distance of residential neighborhoods, museums are integrated into daily life, and food culture shapes the rhythm of the city. For first time visitors, balancing famous sites with simple local moments makes the experience more complete.

Here are 10 essential things to do in Paris that provide a solid overview of the city.

Paris at a Glance

Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower remains the city’s most recognized landmark. Visiting early in the day or near sunset helps manage crowds. Even viewing it from nearby streets or parks gives a clear sense of scale.

Explore the Louvre

The Louvre Museum houses an extensive collection covering centuries of art and history. Planning specific sections in advance helps make the visit manageable.

Walk Through Montmartre

The hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre offers narrow streets, cafés, and views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. It remains one of the most distinct areas of the city.

Take a Seine River Cruise

A cruise along the Seine River provides context for how landmarks relate geographically. It also offers a relaxed way to see major sites in a short period.

Visit Notre Dame and Île de la Cité

The area around Notre Dame Cathedral is historically central to Paris. Even while restoration continues, the surrounding island and streets remain important to understanding the city’s layout.

Spend Time in a Local Café

Café culture is not just for visitors. Sitting at a neighborhood café, ordering simply, and observing daily routines offers insight into how Parisians structure their day.

Explore Le Marais

The district of Le Marais combines historic architecture, boutiques, and museums. Walking here gives a sense of older Paris integrated with modern retail and dining.

Visit a Market

Open air markets across the city provide fresh produce, bread, and prepared foods. Visiting one shows how food shopping remains part of daily life.

Walk Along the Canal Saint Martin

The Canal Saint-Martin area feels more residential and less formal. It offers a break from the busiest tourist areas.

See the City From a Different Perspective

Climbing viewpoints such as the Arc de Triomphe or walking through neighborhoods beyond the central attractions helps create a more balanced understanding of Paris.

Experience Paris Like a Local With HomeExchange

Paris becomes easier to navigate when you stay in a real neighborhood rather than near only major attractions. With HomeExchange, travelers can stay in local apartments across different districts, allowing daily routines to shape the trip. Shopping at nearby bakeries, walking to markets, and returning to a lived in space provides a clearer sense of how the city functions beyond sightseeing.

Staying in a real home encourages slower exploration and better understanding of the surrounding area. It helps turn Paris from a checklist of sites into a place experienced through daily life.