Growing up, I dreamed of Paris. Even before Emily in Paris became popular, I couldn’t think of a more romantic place on earth. In my head, it was all balconies and croissants and impossibly chic women carrying tiny handbags (and wine).
When I moved to Europe (Amsterdam, Netherlands) and realized Paris was only a three-hour train ride away, I finally had my opportunity to experience the city. I visited three times last spring, and, each time, it felt different.
If you’re using TripGoGo or simply Googling “best places to visit in Paris,” you’ll likely find the same attractions recommended over and over again… The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. The Palace of Versailles. For some travellers, the popularity of these landmarks makes them skippable.
So, if you’re planning your first trip to Paris and wondering which of the famous landmarks are genuinely worth your time and live up to the hype in your head, here’s my honest take.
The Eiffel Tower (Best View in Paris)
The Eiffel Tower might be the most recognizable structure in the world. The thing is, it’s not particularly beautiful. It’s made up of more than 18,000 iron pieces, and that much is completely evident when you visit the attraction. It’s just a bunch of metal.
Aside from the interesting history behind the tower — that it was built to honour the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution for the 1889 World Exhibition and that it was originally supposed to be temporary until the city realized it could be used for radio communications — the real reason the Eiffel Tower is remarkable is because of its view of the city.
There are a few ways to get to the top, but I would recommend walking up to the second floor (and stopping there). The view from here is, in my opinion, better than the very top. And walking up gives you a real grasp of the enormity of the structure. You feel it. Your legs feel it. It makes the experience more earned.
Pro Tip: I recommend booking tickets in advance online, especially during spring and summer when lines can exceed two hours.
The Louvre (Is It Worth Visiting?)
If you’re an art lover like me, the Louvre is probably one of the first places on your list. And I can confirm that the museum is absolutely remarkable. I visited twice in one month, spending two full days wandering through sculptures and paintings, and I still can’t wait to go back.
They say it takes seven full days to see the entire museum. I believe it.
But the reason I put it on this list is because during both of my visits, I went with people who are not art lovers…and they loved it too. My cousin couldn’t get enough of the white marble sculptures. My sister loved the classical paintings of women. My boyfriend was weirdly fascinated by the ancient walls themselves.
What surprised me most is that the Louvre genuinely has something for everyone. And if you genuinely think that can’t be true, there’s a Starbucks inside. Everyone loves Starbucks.
Pro Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit and enter early in the morning to avoid peak crowds.
The Famous Hot Chocolate
I’ll admit, even I didn’t think I would enjoy this. My sister booked us a reservation at Carette, one of the most popular spots for Parisian hot chocolate, and I was skeptical. I typically stay away from TikTok-famous restaurants and cafés. They’re usually overhyped.
But this one surprised me.
It was the beginning of April. We sat on the terrace in the sun, drinking the smoothest, richest hot chocolate I’ve ever had, topped with an almost unnecessary amount of whipped cream (but in the best way).
Is it overpriced? Yes.
Would I go again? No.
Was the experience worth it once? Absolutely.
Walking Along the Seine in Paris
It’s a bit of a shame that the Seine has had such a bad reputation in recent years (the 2024 Paris Olympics didn’t exactly help), because it is such a monumental river.
Paris exists because of the Seine. It has been instrumental in the creation of the city’s infrastructure and central to countless historical moments for centuries. The riverbanks are even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sure, the water isn’t crystal clear. But it has come a long way since the Middle Ages.
On a warm day, there’s nothing more beautiful than walking along the Seine, watching boats drift by, passing couples sitting with wine and baguettes, and feeling the energy of the city all around you. There’s something grounding about knowing that hundreds of thousands of people before you have walked those same paths. It makes you feel small in the best possible way.
Palace of Versailles (Best Day Trip from Paris)
Not technically in Paris, but if you’re spending more than a day or two in the city, you should absolutely venture out to Versailles.
Yes, the inside of the palace is stunning. The Hall of Mirrors is impressive. The ceilings are detailed beyond comprehension. But if I’m being honest, the interior resembles many other grand European palaces I’ve visited.
The gardens, however, are something else entirely.
They are excessive. Symmetrical in a way that feels almost theatrical. Perfectly manicured in a way that makes you wonder how it was ever maintained before modern machinery. And, when you think about the fact that these grounds were once simply the daily backdrop for royalty, it becomes even more surreal.
It’s hard to comprehend that what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime visit for us was once just… Tuesday for someone else.
Pro Tip: It’s about a 45-minute train ride from central Paris and easily accessible by RER.
The Bread
Need I say more?
I have never consumed so much bread and butter in my life. It was divine. Every café, every dinner, every “we’ll just have a light snack” somehow turned into another basket of warm baguette.
And the butter. The French butter deserves its own paragraph.
There is something about sitting at a tiny table, slightly sunburnt, slightly tired from walking 20,000 steps, tearing into fresh bread while the city hums around you. It feels simple. It feels indulgent. It feels very, very Paris.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, don’t be afraid to embrace the popular attractions. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine, and even Versailles are famous for a reason. Paris tourism can feel overwhelming, but sometimes the attractions everyone talks about really do live up to the hype.