The Best Things To Do in Paris 2025

Updated February 2025

My tour in Europe was coming to an end, but I couldn’t return to America without visiting the coveted city of love—or should I say, the city of cigarettes and rats (just kidding!). Paris had always been a dream destination. A french barrette, a freshly baked baguette, with the picturesque Eiffel Tower in the background—this trip had been a lifelong aspiration. With only three days and two nights to explore, here’s my Paris itinerary for first-timers– hitting the iconic spots and more!

Where to stay in Paris

No matter where you stay in Paris, be prepared for small and sometimes cramped rooms. If you want to maximize your potential for space you’ll have to either pay the premium at a hotel or consider booking a residence through Airbnb.Your ideal location will depend on whether you want to be close to shopping boutiques, restaurants, landmarks, or public transportation.

For my trip, I prioritized affordability and accessibility, booking stays in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr.) and Montmartre (18th Arr.) districts. Since my time in Paris was short, I wanted to minimize my time commuting to key attractions. Here are the top 5 neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Paris:

Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arr): This neighborhood embodies the Paris you picture in your head — narrow medieval streets, stunning mansions, and a bustling atmosphere. Le Marais is home to Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square, and the well known Picasso. Le Marais is the place for you if you want to explore the fashion scene, dabble in the chic cafes, browse the various art galleries, and hop from bar to bar.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arr): If you consider yourself an intellect, intrigued by literature, history, and art then this district is for you. Once a gathering place for great thinkers, this district hosts iconic cafes like Cafe de Flore and Les Deux magots, Saint-Germain-des-Pres. There’s a plethora of antique boutiques, art galleries, and shops to peruse through.
The latin Quarter (5th Arr): The latin quarter is lively and youthful thanks to its proximity to Sorbonne University. This area is filled with bookstores, cafes, and streets filled with history. Notable spots include the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden perfect for an evening stroll, and the infamous Shakespare and Company bookstore. If you’re looking for youthful energy, history, and great dining-this district is the right place for you.
Champs-Elysees (8th Arr): For luxury, bright lights, and high-end shopping stay near Champs-Elysees. Home to the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysees and unforgettable Arc de Triomphe, this neighborhood is lined with world-famous attractions. There’s a healthy mix of Michelin star restaurants, exclusive night clubs, and major exhibitions. Don’t be fooled, this neighborhood hosts a lot of touristy attractions, but you’d be in the heart of the coveted shopping, attraction, and luxury scene.
Montmartre (18th Arr): Cobblestoned pathways, bohemian decor, and chic restaurants– Montmartre still has the spirit of what I’d imagine 18th century Paris to look like. This neighborhood is home to famous artists Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, and has work of painters today. The village-like atmosphere, art history, and city-views make this area worth the crowds.

What to eat in Paris

I won’t lie—eating in Paris was a challenge for me. I’m a picky eater—so escargot was definitely off the list— and to be frank I don’t typically consume French cuisine. Here are some restaurants I wish I visited during my stay!

Breakfast
- Cyril Lignac
  - Everything here looks so delicious! But if I had to choose, I’d buy Pain au chocolat, rum baba, and a lemon cake. Calories don’t count when you’re on vacation!
- Maison Lendemaine
  - Craving something savory? The cheese ham croissant is right up your alley. I couldn’t stop myself from getting the garnished focaccia topped with bacon mental cheese– imagine the flavor!
- Holybelly
  - This spot is perfect for my savory breakfast lovers.Try the infamous savory stack— two stacked pancakes, bacon, two sunny side up eggs, bourbon butter and maple syrup.
  - If you prefer something lighter, they have a chia seed pudding with Cardamom and vanilla pods (queue to my mouth watering). I’d pair this with their bread, butter, and strawberry jam.
- Hotel Plaza Athenee
  - For an upscale experience this hotel offers a prefix menu with continental and American options. I’d order the Le Montaige prefix menu which includes a basket of homemade pastries, a hot drink of choice, jam, honey, or marmalade, and freshly squeezed fruit juice. To be honest, I’d visit this place just for the gorgeous interior.
- Chez Gaston
  - If you’re not a morning eater but still like breakfast foods, why not have breakfast for lunch? Very American of me I know. This restaurant serves all day brunch with a simple list of sweet, salty, and drink category sections. Best of all, all the items are available for a fixed price of 25 euros.

Lunch/Dinner/Bar
- Relais de l’Entrecôte
  - A simple yet delicious menu—green salad with walnuts, sirloin steak and fries, and a secret house-made sauce. For dessert try their Vacherins, a layered treat of meringue, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sorbet tower topped with Chantilly cream.
- Maison Souquet(Salon Bar)
  - Once a pleasure house, now an intimate and luxurious cocktail bar. The space is adorned in red velvet curtains, wood paneling, and Belgian marble creating an elegant ambiance. This bar sets the precedent for intimacy and luxury.
- Fifty fifty
  - If you’re looking for a cozy corner to grab excellent drinks, then this is the right place for you. Customers applaud the bar for its custom cocktails without the frills. Note, if your party is larger than 2, make reservations to ensure you can be seated.

Things to do in Paris – beyond the Eiffel Tower

Paris Walking Tour
- Free walking tours are a great way to view famous monuments, meet other travelers, and get tips and tricks from a local. Remember to tip your tour guide, it’s the kind thing to do!
Tour Palace of Versailles
- Be prepared for a long queue. While the wait is long, the artworks and craftsmanship inside make it worth the wait. There will be loads of tour groups and other travelers here, so be prepared for the crowds. If you visit in the spring or summer time, visit the beautiful hedges in the garden too!
Fontainebleau Palace
- The Palace of Versailles is stunning, but if you want to explore similar architecture/history without the crowds consider Fontainebleau Palace. This sprawling property offers the Chateau, gardens and 130 hectares of park for guests to explore.
Explore Paris’ Gardens
- There are a multitude of sprawling gardens. Get lost in the beautiful hedges and have a walk or setup a picnic and relax.
Visit the Musée Carnavalet Museum
- A museum that presents the history of Paris through the ages – the oldest City of Paris museum. The collections walk you through Prehistoric Paris and the 16th century though to present day Paris.
Catch a show at the Palais Garnier Opera
- Don’t miss the opportunity to dress up and attend a ballet of classical music show. The interior is a spectacle of its own, so save time to admire the building.
THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE
- Offers great views of the Eiffel tower and overlooks one of the most impressive avenues in Paris. Feel free to buy tickets in advance or buy them in person! I recommend visiting at night to see the Eiffel Tower light up.
Seine River Cruise
- The sunset cruise is one of the best ways to view the eiffel tower. The lines to get aboard can seem daunting, but the wait is well worth the views. You cannot leave Paris without booking this cruise. There’s the option of indoor and outdoor deck seating, I highly recommend heading to the top deck for undisrupted views of the city.

I only recommend day-trips outside of the city if you’re staying for one week or more. There’s lots to see in Paris in such a short amount of time, so an extended commute may not be the best. Nevertheless, if you want to see as much of the country as possible here are some options.