Are you traveling to the French capital and looking for a rough guide to Paris to make the most of your trip? Stop searching and start reading! Here, you will find the 7 most important places to add to your Paris itinerary. Thank me later!
Ah, Paris! The city of lights, the city of love, the city of fashion… There are so many reasons to visit the beautiful French capital. But with everything there is to do and see, it can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are short on time or have to stick to a strict budget.
So, if you are wondering how to spend 3 days in Paris — or more — here is the best Paris travel guide you could find out there!
Growing up in the French Alps, Paris has always been a dream, but between finding free time to visit and sticking to a budget, I’ve never had the chance to spend more than a few days there. If you are anything like me, don’t worry! With this rough guide to Paris and the 7 essentials places to add to your Paris itinerary, you will be able to make the most of your short trip!
This blog post highlights the best rough guide to Paris and the 7 most important places for you to see if you are short on time!
My Rough Guide To Paris And The 7 Most Important Places To See If You Are Short On Time!
Eiffel Tower: A Must-See in Any Rough Guide TO Paris
How could I possibly create the best Paris travel guide without mentioning the Eiffel Tower? More than just one of the world’s most famous monuments, it is the emblem of France, and I believe everyone knows it. But if you are still looking for reasons to fly to Paris and see it, I’ve got a few for you!
Visiting the Eiffel Tower means discovering the national symbol of this beautiful country that is France. If you’re brave enough—and have the time—to climb to the third floor, you’ll enjoy the most impressive views over the city!
I promise, your experience won’t be boring. Between the views, the restaurants at the top (make sure to reserve beforehand), and the multitude of souvenirs you can buy around there, you’re in for a blast!
If you want to learn everything about the Eiffel Tower, you can also book a guided tour. But while you’re waiting to visit Paris, here are 5 Eiffel Tower facts that I’m sure you don’t know!
5 EIFFEL TOWER FACTS
- There are more than 20,000 light bulbs on the Eiffel Tower, and every night they shine for a few minutes, offering a piece of magic to the thousands of daily visitors.
- The Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years to ensure it always looks its best, and the color is called “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
- The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a pretty structure; it used to be used for scientific experiments and now houses several transmission antennas for radio and television.
- The Eiffel Tower is 324m high. It’s made of more than 18,000 pieces of metal and weighs approximately 10,000 tons.
- When the Eiffel Tower was first built for the Universal Exposition of 1889, many Parisians thought it was hideous and useless.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the Champ de Mars. As one of the top attractions in Paris, it’s really easy to get there. Whether you’re walking, taking the bus, or the metro, you won’t have any problems. Just in case, let me sum it up for you.
Getting there by metro:
- Line 6: Get off at “Bir-Hakeim”. It’s the closest station to the monument.
- Line 8: Get off at “École Militaire”. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk.
- RER C: Get off at “Champs de Mars — Tour Eiffel”. It’s relatively close to the Eiffel Tower.
Getting there by bus:
- Line 42: You can get off at “Tour Eiffel”, “Champs de Mars”, or “Gustave Eiffel”.
- Line 69: The view you’ll get on your ride is one of the best you can experience on public transportation in Paris! Just get off at the stop you want, you’ll be really close!
- Line 82: Get off at “Tour Eiffel” or “Quai Branly”.
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
You can visit the Eiffel Tower every day of the year from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm (midnight during summer). Prices vary depending on whether you want to climb by foot or take the elevator, and also depending on whether you want to go to the 2nd or 3rd floor.
To give you an idea, prices range from approximately €15 to €35. I know, it’s a huge difference… But check their prices here to properly plan your budget before visiting Paris.
Two pieces of advice to save you time and enhance your experience visiting one of the top attractions in Paris: Book your tickets beforehand from the website I just shared with you, so you won’t have to wait—sometimes for hours—in line! And if possible, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy the views more peacefully.
TO DO THERE AND IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Earlier in this blog post, I mentioned some activities you can do at this site: Climbing to the top, dining at the restaurant, buying souvenirs… But that’s not all!
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford a restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower—or just prefer relaxed plans—why not have a picnic on the Champ de Mars?
Imagine… Eating fresh baguette and French cheese while admiring one of the top attractions in Paris? I don’t think it can get any better than that…
And after your picnic, why not head to a nearby museum? Very close to the Eiffel Tower, there’s the famous Musée du Quai Branly — Jacques Chirac, dedicated to arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It’s a great experience to learn about different cultures while you’re in France! After all, France is a multicultural country!
The Louvre: An Essential of Your Paris Guide Blog
If you only have time to visit one museum in Paris, it has to be the Louvre! Not only is it one of the top attractions in Paris, but it is also home to the famous “Mona Lisa,” or “La Joconde” as it is known in French. Definitely one of the most important of all Louvre museum highlights, but wait, there’s more!
From Egyptian antiquities to Renaissance works of art, each room of the Louvre is like walking through the history and life of humanity across the centuries. Believe me, whether you are an art enthusiast or not, you will find at least one piece of work you will fall in love with.
And if, after a day there, you are still not convinced, just take a look at the architecture of the museum itself. It is a piece of art, truly. Between the different rooms and the glass pyramid, the Louvre is the perfect combination of classic and modern architecture.
To learn a bit more about the museum before visiting, take a look at these 5 facts about the Louvre, and make sure to add this top attraction to your Paris itinerary.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE LOUVRE
- Did you know that the Louvre hasn’t always been a museum? It used to be a fortress, then a royal palace, and finally became a public museum in 1793 after the French Revolution.
- The glass pyramid, used as the general entrance of the museum, was initially very controversial. Nowadays, it has become a symbol of the museum, and even one of the symbols of Paris.
- The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, with more than 380,000 pieces of art!
- Experts can’t accurately estimate the price of the Mona Lisa painting. Approximations range between $1 and $2 billion. But, it could be worth much more due to its invaluable status.
- There is a second Louvre museum in the world! Located in Abu Dhabi, it opened in 2017.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Louvre Museum is located in the very heart of Paris. In the 1st arrondissement. As one of the top attractions in Paris, it’s really easy to get there. Whether you’re walking, taking the bus, or the metro, you won’t have any problems. Just in case, let me sum it up for you.
Getting there by metro:
- Line 1: Get off at “Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre”.
- Line 7: Get off at “Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre” as well.
Getting there by bus:
- Line 21: Get off at “Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre”.
- Line 24: Get off at “Pont des Arts” or “Louvre – Rivoli”.
- Line 27: Get off at “Pont des Arts” or “Louvre – Rivoli” as well.
- Line 39: Get off at “Louvre – Rivoli”.
- Line 68: Get off at “Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre”.
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
The museum is open every day except on Tuesdays from 9 am to 6 pm, and until 9:00 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Regarding the tariffs, Louvre tickets generally costs €22 online and €20 if you buy it at the entrance. But there are a few exceptions. Entry is free for people under 18, EU residents under 26, and for everyone on the first Saturday of the month after 6 pm and on the 14th of July.
Even though you will be charged €2 more by buying Louvre tickets online, I highly suggest you pay the difference. If you don’t, first you will have to wait for hours in the queue to get your ticket and enter the museum, and second, you are not even sure you will be able to get in!
So honestly, just pay the extra €2, and book your ticket here. After all, you are not in Paris every day!
TO DO THERE AND IN THE SURROUNDINGS
You’ll be happy to know that in addition to the permanent exhibition, the Louvre Museum highlights temporary exhibitions too! So before visiting, make sure to check what’s going on and see if you’d be interested in the ongoing temporary exhibition as well. Who knows, you might kill two birds with one stone.
Now, another one of my favorite Louvre Museum highlights? The Jardin des Tuileries. A gorgeous park located right next to the museum. Make sure you take some time to visit these gardens. They are lovely and, I believe, the perfect representation of French-style gardens.
Don’t forget to add it to your Paris itinerary or you might regret it!
Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Cultural Highlight in the Best Paris Travel Guide
Unfortunately, since the fire that happened on the 15th of April 2019, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and its surroundings are still closed to the public. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a place in this rough guide to Paris.
One way of seeing one of the top attractions in Paris, even though it’s closed, is by taking a cruise on the Seine. I promise, it still is an architectural beauty and you’ll be the happiest when you see it!
To make up for the fact that you won’t be able to visit it, take a look at these few facts about the Notre-Dame Cathedral. And who knows, maybe when you go back to Paris, it will finally be open to the public again and you will have the privilege to visit Notre-Dame!
5 FACTS ABOUT THE Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Notre-Dame became famous thanks to the novel published by Victor Hugo in 1831. You probably know the famous story of Esmeralda and Quasimodo. The popularity of this novel clearly influenced the popularity of the cathedral, which helped secure funds to keep it in good shape and renovated throughout the years.
- The construction of this Gothic jewel took almost 200 years, starting in 1163 and finishing in 1345.
- The cathedral was the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation as Emperor of the French in 1804.
- During the fire of 2019, the cathedral’s structure was gravely damaged, which is why, up to this day, it is still closed to the public. But don’t worry, renovations are being made to hopefully open it as soon as possible!
- There are 10 different bells in the cathedral, each with a specific history and a name. The biggest of them all is called Emmanuel and weighs more than 13 tons.
To make sure you are the first one to know when the cathedral opens and you can finally visit Notre-Dame, check their website right here!
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: One of the Top Attractions in Paris
Honestly, you can’t possibly take a trip to the French capital and not add the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe to your Paris itinerary… Even if you wanted to! You will inevitably end up on the Champs-Élysées just by walking around the city.
But why is it so important to add it to this rough guide to Paris? If you understand French, listen to this song and you will quickly be convinced. Otherwise, just keep reading and let me convince you!
Between luxurious boutiques, historic cafés and restaurants, cinemas, and the famous Arc de Triomphe… you won’t know where to look when you get there. Just walk around, take a look at the shop windows – especially if you are visiting Paris during winter – and follow the wind… There is a word we use in French, “flâner,” which means – more or less – walking without caring or thinking… That’s what you need to do on the Champs-Élysées, just enjoy the moment.
Soon you will get to the Arc de Triomphe! Not only is this place full of history and an important cultural heritage of France, but from up there you will get an incredible panoramic view over the city. Tour Eiffel, Tour Montparnasse, and so much more!
Still not convinced to add it to your Paris itinerary? Well, keep reading and discover 5 facts about the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe that will change your mind!
5 FACTS ABOUT THE Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
- Did you know that the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is also called “the most beautiful avenue in the world”? Well, there must be a reason…
- If you are in Paris on the 14th of July, head to the Champs-Élysées! Every year, the French national day parade takes place there. It’s been a tradition since 1880.
- For every important celebration, not only on the 14th of July, events take place on the Champs-Élysées. Sporting events, New Year’s celebrations, the end of the Tour de France, and much more! Just check if something special is happening when you are in Paris!
- The Arc de Triomphe was built at the request of Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate his various military victories. Thirty years later, this impressive monument, 50 meters high and 45 meters wide, stood there!
- Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the tomb of the “soldat inconnu” or unknown soldier, to commemorate all soldiers who died during WWI. Since 1923, an eternal flame has been lit there every night in their honor.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Champs-Elysées and the Arc de triomphe are located between Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle. In the 8th arrondissement. As one of the top attractions in Paris, it’s really easy to get there. Whether you’re walking, taking the bus, or the metro, you won’t have any problems. Just in case, let me sum it up for you.
Getting there by metro:
- Line 1: Get off at “Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau”, “Franklin D. Roosevelt” or “Georges V”. This line cross the Champs-Elysées, just get off at one of the station located on the avenue!
- Line 13: Get off at “Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau”.
- Line 9: Get off at “Franklin D. Roosevelt”.
Getting there by bus:
- Line 22, 28, 32, 42, 52, 73, 80, 83, 93: All these lines have bus stops on the avenue or at proximity. Don’t be shy and ask the driver for the most convenient station to get off at.
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Walking on the Champs-Élysées is completely free, unless you want to do some shopping or have a drink, of course. That’s up to you and depends on the budget you have for your trip to Paris!
However, if you want to visit the Arc de Triomphe and not just see it from the outside, there will be a fee. It costs €16 per adult, but the entrance is free for people under 18 or EU residents under 26. It is also free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month between November and March.
The Arc de Triomphe is open every day, but times can vary depending on the day and season you are visiting. Check out their website here and buy your Arc de Triomphe tickets in advance to avoid the queue!”
TO DO THERE AND IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Apart from walking the avenue, shopping, having a drink or something to eat, and visiting the Arc de Triomphe, there are a few things to do around the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe that you might want to add to your Paris itinerary.
I highly suggest you take time to visit the Place de la Concorde and its bridge, as well as the Champs-Élysées Park and the Tuileries Garden. Also, add to your Paris itinerary the Pont Alexandre III, the Grand Palais, and the Petit Palais.
All these monuments and parks are more beautiful than the next, I promise. Thanks to this Rough Guide to Paris, you are going to have a blast visiting the City of Love!
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica: My Rough Guide to Montmartre
Ah, Montmartre! Without a doubt, my favorite neighborhood in Paris. The atmosphere there is just different from the rest of the city, and here are a few reasons why I had to add it to this Rough Guide to Paris!
Aside from the bohemian and artsy vibe floating around this district – which makes it the best Paris’ art district – Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica also offer a panoramic view over the city! Soak in the views, walk around and discover new artist shops and galleries exhibiting unique works of art, learn about the cultural heritage, and history of the place… There are so much to do and see there!
And when you get tired, just stop at one of the numerous terraces to have a drink or a quick snack.
I promise you, you will fall in love with this place in a second… And if you are still hesitating about adding it to your Paris itinerary, here are 5 facts about Montmartre and the Basilica that will give you the urge to visit!
5 MONTMARTRE AND SACRé-Cœur Basilica FACTS
- Numerous famous artists have lived in Montmartre throughout the years, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and more. That explains why it became Paris’s art district!
- The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was built as a sign of faith after France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.
- The most famous cabaret in the world, the Moulin Rouge, is located in the district of Montmartre. Adding a visit to the Moulin Rouge to your Paris itinerary would be such a unique experience!
- The most famous place in Montmartre, Place du Tertre, used to be the place to be for famous artists in Paris. Nowadays, many artists sell their work to tourists there.
- Did you know that there is a vineyard in Montmartre? I know, crazy, right! A vineyard in the center of Paris… If you are visiting in October, don’t miss the Fête des Vendanges, celebrating the grape harvest.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. The Basilica is at the top of the hill of Montmartre. As one of the top attractions in Paris, it’s really easy to get there. Whether you’re walking, taking the bus, or the metro, you won’t have any problems. Just in case, let me sum it up for you.
Getting there by metro:
- Line 12: Get off at “Abbesses” or “Pigalle”. Abesses is one of the closest station to the Sacré-Cœur.
- Line 2: Get off at “Anvers” or “Pigalle”.
Getting there by bus:
- Line 30, 31, 54, 80: All these lines have bus stops in the heart of Montmartre or at proximity to the Basilica.
- Montmartrobus: This special bus will take you to the heart of Montmartre, showing you the principal tourist attractions of the district along the way.
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Walking around Montmartre is totally free, but if you want to visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, there are a few things to know!
The Basilica is open every day from 6 am to 10:30 pm. However, it attracts a lot of visitors, so if you want to experience this architectural masterpiece in peace and quiet, I suggest you go there as early as possible.
For the best city view, climb up to the domes. There is a €6 fee to access this area, so it depends on your budget for your trip to Paris. But if you decide to pay for it, I assure you that you won’t regret it.
For more information about one of the top attractions in Paris, check out the official website right here!
TO DO THERE AND IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Other than walking around Montmartre, enjoying the artsy vibe, visiting the Basilica, and indulging in a drink or delicious French food at one of the famous cafés in the district, there are three major things to do in the area.
Firstly, and probably the most famous of them all, is attending a cabaret. Prices and opening hours vary, so check beforehand and make a reservation. The most famous cabaret is Le Moulin Rouge. I promise you won’t regret adding this experience to your Paris itinerary.
As mentioned earlier, there is a vineyard in the heart of Montmartre. I still find it unbelievable—a vineyard in the middle of a city! You can visit the vineyard and learn all about urban viticulture.
Lastly, if you’re into museums, visit the Montmartre Museum! You’ll discover everything about the history of the district and the famous figures who once lived there. There’s no better way to learn about the history of Paris’s art district!
Seine River Cruise: A Must for Any Paris Guide Blog
Whether you are looking for a relaxing or a romantic experience, taking a cruise on the Seine River is an unmissable addition to your Paris itinerary.
By day or by night, the cruise will give you a unique perspective of Paris. You might even see monuments that you wouldn’t have time to visit otherwise. It’s a double win—having a lovely experience and seeing the most of the City of Love.
There are many different boat tours available in Paris, ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive, with various points of departure. Take a look at the different options before booking so you can plan your Paris itinerary effectively while sticking to your budget!
If you’re still wondering whether or not Seine River cruises deserve a place in this Rough Guide to Paris, take a look at these few facts to understand why it’s a must while visiting Paris!
5 FACTS ABOUT SEINE RIVER CRUISES
- Did you know that originally, navigating on the Seine River was used for commercial purposes? It is only since tourism has developed that tourist cruises have been put into place!
- The famous “Bateau Mouche,” the most renowned type of cruise boat in Paris, was actually first created in the city of Lyon, in the southeast of France.
- If you choose a nighttime cruise, you will be able to see all the major Parisian monuments illuminated! Nothing is more romantic or magical than that…
- If you have the budget for it, did you know that you can enjoy a gastronomic dinner with live music on the cruise?
- The Seine River, and therefore the cruise you will go on, crosses the center of Paris, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If that’s not proof of its historical and cultural importance…
HOW TO GET THERE?
As there are a few embarkation points around the city, I’ll let you check for directions after booking your Seine River cruise tickets. But here is some information about the main points of departure:
- Bateaux-Mouches: Alma Bridge, Right Bank.
- Bateaux Parisiens: Close to the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.
- Vedettes de Paris: Port de Suffren, next to the Eiffel Tower.
- Vedettes du Pont Neuf: Pont Neuf, Île de la Cité.
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Timetables for the cruises depend on the company and the type of cruise you choose, but there is generally a departure every 30 to 60 minutes, whether you are going during the day or in the evening.
The same applies to prices. Commented tours of the city cost approximately between €15 and €20 per adult. If you choose a lunch or dinner cruise, prices can range from €50 to more than €200 per person, depending on the options you select and the menu of your meal.
Make your own research and find which of the options will be the best river cruise in Paris for you!
Palace of Versailles: The Best of all Day Trips from Paris
Last but not least in this Rough Guide to Paris: the Palace of Versailles!
You can’t possibly take a trip to Paris without visiting the Palace of Versailles and learning a bit more about French history. Even if you aren’t interested in history, you will still love it there. Sumptuous gardens, impressive architecture, and true works of art—what else could you possibly want?
Still not convinced? Take a look at these facts about Versailles and get your curiosity teased… Chances are, you won’t resist adding it to your Paris itinerary!
5 FACTS ABOUT THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES
- The Palace of Versailles, the gardens, and the domain of Trianon have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Why, you might ask? Simply because of their historical, cultural, and architectural importance!
- The Versailles gardens cover 800 hectares. Yes, 800! More than enough space to take a walk and enjoy a sunny day.
- Did you know that the Palace of Versailles has not always been a palace? It was originally a simple hunting pavilion built under Louis XIII. His son, Louis XIV, transformed it into the palace it is today to showcase the power and importance of the French monarchy.
- The famous Hall of Mirrors, decorated with 357 mirrors, has played a significant role in numerous historic events. Among them? The signing of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I in 1919.
- From 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789, Versailles was the center of French political power.
HOW TO GET THERE?
It might be a shocker, but the Palace of Versailles isn’t located in Paris proper. It’s in the city of Versailles, 20 km southwest of Paris. Don’t worry, it’s easy to get there, but it might require a bit more organization to plan this day trip from Paris! Here is all the information you need to get to Versailles:
Getting there by RER:
- RER Line C: Get off at “Versailles Château – Rive Gauche” and then walk for 10 minutes to the entrance of the site.
Traveling there by train:
- From Montparnasse Train Station: Get off at “Versailles Chantiers” and then walk for 20 minutes to the entrance of the site.
- From Saint-Lazare Train Station: Get off at “Versailles Rive Droite” and then walk for 20 minutes to the entrance of the site.
Getting there by bus: There are a few bus lines that can take you to Versailles, but I highly suggest taking the train or RER. It will be much quicker!
PRICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Now that you know how to get there, it’s time to get your Palace of Versailles tickets.
You’ll be happy to know that if you are on a strict budget, entrance to the Versailles gardens is completely free – except on days of specials events. It’s a great way to enjoy the place without breaking the bank!
For more in-depth visits, there are multiple options for Palace of Versailles ticket fees. To find the option that suits you best, take a look at their official website right here.
To give you a general idea, the basic ticket, giving you access to the palace, costs €21 per adult, and the passport ticket, giving you access to the entire domain, costs €32.
The palace is open every day except Mondays. Nevertheless, book your Palace of Versailles tickets beforehand to ensure you can get in when you plan to visit!
TO DO THERE AND IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Obviously, the main attractions at Versailles are visiting the palace, exploring the domain of Trianon, and walking around the sumptuous Versailles gardens. But you’ll be happy to know there is more to do in Versailles.
The city itself deserves a visit! So why not take a little tour after your day at the palace? Wander around the streets, admire the architecture, stop for a drink or get something to eat, and visit the Versailles market!
Oh, and I almost forgot! Don’t miss out on special events taking place in the city or at the palace. You might make your day trip from Paris even more memorable!