If I Had It to Do Over, I Would Change These 5 Things About My First Time in Paris
On my first time in Paris, I didn’t know what to expect! I did a bit of research, but we truly played it fast and loose with a few planned sights to anchor our days. We had a fantastic time, but I came away from the experience wanting more, so much so that Paris became my favorite city to visit. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can offer to you the 5 things I wished I’d done a bit better on my first time in Paris.
1: For your first time in Paris, only commit to 2 or 3 major sites.
The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame are likely on your list, and they absolutely should be! While I recommend eventually exploring some of the smaller museums and hidden gems, world treasures like these can’t be missed.
However, heed this advice: only commit to 2, or at most 3, major attractions for your first time in Paris. It’s not that they aren’t worth seeing; it’s just that they can be overwhelming! Between the crowds, the wait times, and the sheer amount to take in, Paris’ main sights can leave you feeling exhausted.
So, here’s how to handle it: buy your tickets well in advance, regardless of where you’re going. The lines you see out front aren’t just for entry—they’re also for ticket purchases. So, be sure to visit the official websites for tickets at least 2–3 months ahead. If possible, aim to visit early in the morning or later in the evening, no matter which sight you’re seeing. Surprisingly, the Eiffel Tower is often less crowded after 5 PM, even though the sparkling night view is arguably more magical than during the day.
Once you’re at the attractions, take your time. Don’t rush from one spot to another—savor the experience like a long lunch. Since you’re not trying to cram in more than one major sight a day, there’s no need to hurry around like the other selfie-stick-armed tourists experiencing Paris for the first time.
After you’ve enjoyed the sights and seen all you want to, take a break! This goes for nearly any major attraction, but especially museums. Even for amateur art lovers like myself, appreciating art and history can be exhausting. Not to mention the crowds, which are, in a word, present. So, once you’re done with your visit, grab a snack, a drink, and enjoy some quiet time.
And make sure to use the restroom before you leave. I know I sound like your mother here, but bathrooms in Paris (and many other European cities) can be hard to come by. That restroom in the Orsay Museum will seem like a five-star luxury compared to the one you won’t be able to find later when it’s too late.
Greet the heroes of France at the Panthéon during your first time in Paris
2: Incorporate smaller museums and sights during your first time in Paris
Don’t get me wrong—you’ll absolutely want the big museums like the Orsay and the Louvre on your first-time Paris itinerary. But on a recent trip to the Musée de l’Orangerie, I had a realization: I wished I had made time for some of the smaller and more niche museums during my first visit to the City of Light!
As mentioned earlier, it’s a great idea to limit your visits to a manageable number of major sights during your first time in Paris. But take time to fill in the gaps with smaller museums and attractions. This not only encourages you to explore different parts of the city, but you’ll also be rewarded with smaller crowds, incredible exhibits, and often, free admission!
Museums like the Carnavalet, Musée d’Art Moderne, and the excellent temporary exhibits at the Petit Palais are all worth visiting, and entrance is free. Other museums, like the Orangerie, Musée Rodin, and the Musée Cluny, do require a ticket, but the cost is manageable and helps preserve the art and history you’re there to enjoy.
While we’re on the topic of Paris’ smaller museums, it’s worth mentioning a few larger, but slightly less popular, locales that deserve your attention. Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides or a visit to the Panthéon to pay homage to France’s heroes are both worthwhile stops. While not as famous as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, they are still large enough that you’ll want to plan your visit carefully and not try to fit too many in one day.
Long story short, see the big museums, but make time to appreciate some of Paris’ smaller, lesser-known attractions. You’ll likely save some money and definitely save your nerves by avoiding the massive crowds.
3: Spend more time exploring neighborhoods and wandering
You’ve probably seen a lot of travel blogs encouraging you to “get off the beaten path” or “find hidden gems.” Yes, this blog is one of them. But honestly, it gets repeated because it’s true. See the big sights, as we discussed, but make sure to spend time exploring the neighborhoods on your first visit to Paris.
Get familiar with the word Arrondissement. These are the 20 administrative districts that divide up Paris and function as neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor and personality. You’ll quickly notice the contrast between the cosmopolitan 8th Arrondissement and the more bohemian, academic 5th. And even within the arrondissements, you’ll find smaller neighborhoods and villages!
This is why it’s important to get off the beaten path. While the phrase is cliché, it literally means to step off the main road you’re walking on. Paris’ grands boulevards make it easy to navigate the city, but they can also cause you to overlook some great slices of Paris.
Here’s how to find your own hidden gems: after leaving a major attraction or scheduled event, commit to walking a few minutes down a smaller side street. Then, zigzag your way around in the general direction you need to go. Keep your eyes open, and take a leisurely pace (the French have a word for this: flâneur).
This way, you’ll stumble upon hidden squares, unique shops, covered passages, and—most importantly—fewer crowds! Slowing down and wandering like this will make your trip feel more relaxed and personal.
If you’d like to cheat a bit, do some research ahead of time to find places that match your interests and plan a route around them. For example, I enjoy finding small clothing stores and obscure historical landmarks, so I research those ahead of time and meander my way to them. This way, I see what I came for but often discover something else that’s just as memorable.
A wander through Monet’s water lilies at the Orangerie is a worthy addition to your first time in Paris
4: Skip the day trip during your first time in Paris, but still go to a special event
During my first time in Paris, I broke this rule and attended the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Likewise, I agree that Versailles is worth visiting when you’re in Paris. However, after my first trip came to a close, I felt like I had missed out on too much of the city itself.
I had a great time, but when we returned to Paris, I was much happier that we chose to stay within the city limits and didn’t venture beyond the Périphérique (the ring road that surrounds Paris). If you do the same, you’ll find you can experience more of Paris and appreciate the different areas without feeling rushed.
Sticking close to the city also allows you to attend a special event, which is one of the most enjoyable activities on any trip. Take some time before your trip to research what’s happening in Paris while you’ll be there. Or, plan your entire trip around a major event that interests you!
Having done this several times for concerts, I can say it’s become one of the main factors I consider when planning a trip. If a band I love isn’t coming to my hometown, or if a French Touch artist like Justice is touring, I plan my trip around being in Paris for that show.
So, take some time to research events that will be happening during your first time in Paris. And unless that event takes place at Versailles or it’s REALLY what’s drawing you to France, save the day trips for another visit.
5: Before your first time in Paris, study up and do your research
Your high school self might laugh, but you’ll be glad if you study a bit more before your first trip to Paris. I don’t mean memorizing facts—I mean researching cool things you’re already interested in and how they relate to Paris.
For my first trip, it was also my first time traveling outside the country, so my inexperience led to many of the mistakes I’ve already shared. Still, I was interested enough to research the oldest bar in Paris before arriving. That led us to Harry’s New York Bar, which has since become a must-visit every time we’re in town.
So, think about your personal interests and research how they connect to Paris before you go. Go down some Wikipedia rabbit holes to give the things you’ll see greater context. Read a book or watch a movie set in Paris to spark some “Hey, I’ve seen that!” moments. Consider your favorite hobbies, and explore how you can enjoy them during your first trip to Paris.
For example, before one trip, I started a new playthrough of Pokémon X, a game heavily inspired by Paris and France. It gave me a unique way to experience the city through the lens of one of my favorite video games!
Small things like this add up, making the memories you create on your first time in Paris even more meaningful. In the end, those are the most valuable things you’ll take home once your trip ends.
That’s 5 simple tips to help make your first time in Paris a memorable one.
Paris is a truly wonderful city, and if you’re about to experience it for the first time, you’ll want to make the most of it. The key is to take your time, be curious about things beyond the usual tourist spots, and allow yourself the freedom to just “be.”
If you can keep that in mind, and avoid trying to do too much, you’ll have an unforgettable time—and you’ll be eager to return!
