Ooh La La: How to Do Paris Right

Bonjour from Paris! 🇫🇷

I spent just 48 hours in Paris — but it was enough to fall in love. Here’s how I made the most of my weekend in the City of Love.

Quick Overview

Paris is the capital of France, located in mainland Europe — and it lives up to the hype. Nicknamed the “City of Love,” it’s also a global hub for art, fashion, food, and culture.

From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral to cozy cafés and wide boulevards lining the River Seine, Paris blends timeless charm with big-city energy. Whether you’re here to museum-hop, window shop, or just eat your weight in pastries (guilty), there’s something for everyone.

Explore the City

Climb the Eiffel Tower

It’s touristy, but it’s iconic for a reason! I booked a ticket to the summit (€29.40) and watched the sun set over the Seine. Pro tip: Book in advance to skip the long lines, and go at golden hour if you can.

Arc de Triomphe

Located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. I saw it from street level at night, and it was even more striking than I expected — beautifully lit and full of energy. You can also climb to the top for sweeping views of the city if you have time. Either way, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re already in the area.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Even though it’s currently under restoration after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame is still a must-see. The gothic architecture is breathtaking from the outside, and the surrounding square has a magical energy. I walked along the Seine nearby, stopped for photos, and soaked in the history — it’s one of those places that just feels powerful.

Admission is free, but you can reserve your entry online to avoid long wait times at the entrance.

I was lucky enough to visit the inside back in 2017, and it was absolutely stunning — the stained glass windows, the vaulted ceilings, the quiet hush of the cathedral. Experiencing it before the fire felt really special, and I can’t wait to return once it reopens.

Fun fact: Notre-Dame’s iconic bell towers inspired Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame — and the novel actually helped save the cathedral! After it fell into disrepair in the 1800s, Hugo’s story sparked so much public interest that it led to one of its first major restorations.

Sainte-Chapelle

This lesser-known chapel has the most stunning stained glass I’ve ever seen. It’s small, quiet, and a peaceful break from the crowds. Tickets are just €19 (around $22 USD).

Bike Along the Seine

Paris has great public bikes (look for “Vélib’” stations). Riding along the river is a beautiful way to take in the city — especially at dusk!

Dive Into the Arts

The Louvre

Okay, confession: I didn’t make it to the Louvre this time — but it’s absolutely at the top of my list for next visit. It’s the world’s largest art museum and home to some of the most famous works in history, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Even if you’re short on time, you can hit the highlights in a few hours. Entry is €17 (around $20 USD), and it’s free on the first Friday of the month for visitors under 26.

Musée d’Orsay

I absolutely loved the Musée d’Orsay. The building itself — a former train station — is stunning, and the views from inside were just as impressive. This museum is a must for impressionist fans. I saw works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh up close — seriously breathtaking.

Paris Must-Eats

Croissants & Pastries

No trip to Paris is complete without a flaky croissant or pain au chocolat.

Fun fact: Pain au chocolat means chocolate bread in French

Picnic by the Eiffel Tower

I grabbed a baguette, cheese, and strawberries from a local market and had a DIY picnic at Champ de Mars. Cheap, delicious, and so picturesque.

Crêpes on the Go

There are street crepe stands all over the city! I got a Nutella-banana crepe near Notre-Dame for just €5, and it made my whole afternoon.

Escargot

Escargot means snail in French — and yes, I actually ate one. Hear me out though: it’s way better than it sounds. It’s served hot, drenched in garlic and herb butter, and honestly? Kind of delicious. I was nervous to try it, but it ended up being one of those “when in Paris” moments — and I’m so glad I did. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a go. You might surprise yourself!

What I Missed (But You Shouldn’t!)

Even with a packed weekend, there were a few iconic spots I didn’t get to—but you definitely should if you have the time:

• The Catacombs – An underground ossuary that holds the remains of more than six million people. It’s known for its haunting tunnels lined with bones and a chilling atmosphere. Tickets are about €29 with an audio guide — definitely worth considering if you’re up for something spooky and unique.

• Musée Rodin – A beautiful sculpture museum and garden that’s a favorite among locals.

• Wander Montmartre – This artsy hilltop neighborhood is known for its charming streets, sweeping views of Paris, and creative spirit. From street artists in Place du Tertre to the iconic steps of Sacré-Cœur, it’s the kind of place made for wandering without a plan.

• Palace of Versailles – If you can, you must go — it’s absolutely gorgeous. Located about 45 minutes from Paris by train, Versailles is a former royal residence and one of the most opulent landmarks in France. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” the palace is famous for its Hall of Mirrors, sprawling gardens, and jaw-dropping architecture. I didn’t have time to go this trip, but it’s high on my list for next time.

• Luxembourg Gardens – The perfect place for a relaxed picnic or a morning stroll.

• Rue Cler Market Street – A charming little street filled with bakeries, flower shops, and open-air markets.

• Wine Tasting Class – I wish I’d had time for one of the local tasting workshops!

Hopefully, these make it onto your itinerary—because they’re definitely on my list for next time.

The Easiest Way to Travel to Paris

Getting to Paris is surprisingly easy, especially if you’re already in Europe. I took the Eurostar train from London to Paris, and it was smooth, quick, and scenic.

The Eurostar high-speed train departs from St. Pancras International Station in London and arrives at Gare du Nord in Paris. The journey takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between the two cities.

Tickets can be found for around $65, with options for different classes depending on your budget. You can book directly through the Eurostar website here.

Travel Tips

Start with “Bonjour”

Parisians can come across as a little reserved, especially compared to American friendliness — but don’t take it personally. A polite “Bonjour” before asking a question or placing an order makes a huge difference.

Learn a Few Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent in French, but knowing basics like merci (thank you), s’il vous plaît (please), and parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?) really helps — and people will appreciate the effort.

Heads-Up: Everyone Smokes

Okay, not everyone, but way more people than you might expect. Smoking is super common in Paris, especially at outdoor cafés and along the sidewalks. If you’re sensitive to smoke, just be aware — you’ll probably be around it more than you’re used to.

Use the Metro

Paris has one of the best public transit systems in the world. It’s fast, safe, and cheap (a single ride is around €2.10). Google Maps works well for navigating it, and most stations have ticket machines in English.

Solo Travel Tip

I felt safe in Paris overall, but like in any big city, trust your instincts and stay aware — especially in crowded areas like metro stations and touristy spots. I kept my crossbody bag zipped and in front of me, avoided walking alone late at night, and made sure someone always knew my general itinerary. Just be smart, and you’ll be fine!

Download These Apps

• Citymapper: Best for navigating the metro

• Google Translate: Helpful for menus and signs

• Too Good To Go: Get discounted food from cafés and bakeries at the end of the day — great for budget travelers! (English United States Version)

When in Doubt, Slow Down

Paris isn’t a city to rush. Take time to wander, sip your espresso, and watch the world go by. Some of my favorite moments were unplanned — just walking along the Seine or stumbling into a hidden bookshop.

Final Thoughts

Paris completely lived up to the hype — and then some. Between the buttery croissants, sunset views from Montmartre, and slow walks along the Seine, it’s a city that invites you to savor every moment. Even as a solo traveler, I never felt alone here. Paris has this way of making you feel like the main character, even when you’re just sipping espresso at a corner café.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fifth, there’s always something new to discover. I already can’t wait to go back.

Have you been to Paris or are you planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear your favorite spots (or what’s on your bucket list) — drop a comment below or send me a message!