Paris is overflowing with things to see and do—but in this guide, I’m sharing a mix of experiences that Parisians genuinely love. Think picnics along the Seine, sunset views from Sacré-Cœur, and nightlife that goes beyond the usual tourist shows. That said… the Moulin Rouge is iconic. I completely appreciate its splendour. But personally, I’ll take the more intimate, artful atmosphere of the Crazy Horse any day.
Without further ado here are my Top 10 things to do in Paris.
1. Go to a museum or gallery
If you do one museum in Paris, make it the Musée CarnavaletIt tells the story of Paris beautifully—and if you love Art Nouveau (especially Alphonse Mucha), you can even step inside a boutique he designed for jeweller Fouquet.
For photography lovers,Jeu de paumeis a must. Exhibitions rotate, so it depends what’s on—but I’ve been lucky enough to see Diane Arbus and Claude Cahun there.
A few more worth adding to your list:
- Musee d’Orsay – home to The Origin of the World by Gustave Courbet, plus countless iconic works that you probably learned about in school
- Le Petit Palais – come for the exhibitions, stay for the architecture. The real reason to go there is for the mind-blowing architecture, gorgeous interior courtyard, and gardens. Not to mention the impressive gold gate at the entrance. It is, in general, very Instagrammable.
2. Sample the Nightlife
- Le Crazy Horse de Paris – Très risqué. Bold, sensual, beautifully choreographed (not one for my mum… but I love it 😉)
- Le 1905 – Old-school Paris, Art Nouveau décor, excellent cocktails, seafood-leaning menu
- Opera at The Palais Garnier — Whether opera is your thing or not, it’s absolutely breathtaking
3. Restaurants
Food is a huge part of any Paris trip—but knowing where to go makes all the difference. Most Parisian bistros offer similar menus, with similar quality food and pricing. My best tip would be to find one away from the tourist routes – even a few minutes’ walk can make a difference. Places around the Eiffel Tower are sometimes DOUBLE the price.
- Bellefeuille (Saint James Hotel). For fine dining, Bellefeuille (1 Michelin star) is exquisite. A full sensory experience.
- Bouillon Julien Classic, no-fuss French food in a historic, beautiful setting. My fave place to take friends for a catch-up when they’re visiting Paris.
- Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’s oldest covered market, sells fresh produce and has food stalls including Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, and classic French dishes all under one roof. It’s lively, a little chaotic, and perfect for grabbing something delicious and eating at a shared table, just like the locals do. Closes around 8.30 pm.
I’ve also saved a wide variety of restaurants, bakeries, and cafés—everything from gluten-free spots to fine dining—in an Instagram archive.
Click Here to explore.
4. Get to Know Sweet Paris
- The best croissant:Maison Landemaine
- The best macaron: Pierre Hermé
- The best Hot Chocolate: Angelina’s or Carette Les Vosges. Yes, they’re a little touristy—but sometimes you just have to try the places everyone is talking about.
5. Vintage and Antique Shopping
If you love a treasure hunt, this is your moment:
- Les puces de St Ouen. If your idea of a good time is rummaging through old boxes of vintage postcards, admiring authentic Louis IV furnishing and shabby chic deco, then the St Ouen Flea markets will be a little corner of paradise. The surrounding areas can be a little intimidating and be prepared to search a little for the actual antique shops.
- Les puces de la Porte de VanvesSmaller but equally charming. I waited 20+ years to go… then went twice in one weekend.
- Les Bouquinistes on the banks of the river Seine sell classic vintage and antique books, postcards and posters. This is my idea of a souvenir and a way to support this timeless part of Parisian culture.
Alicija Kissa posts daily about her flea market finds and lists the locations of many Parisian local “vide grenier”. Follow her on Instagram
6. Have a Picnic!
On a sunny day, there is nothing the local Parisians love more than picnic-ing aux bords de Seine. Grab a bottle of red wine, a stinky cheese, a fresh baguette (mais oui), and a picnic blanket and hit the ‘quais’ of the Seine with a group of friends. Anywhere between ile Saint Louis and Pont des Arts will provide a picturesque, memorable moment. There is also a great picnic spot behind the Eiffel Tower called the “Champs de Mars”. Highly recommended in Spring! Pro tip: Don’t forget your bottle opener.
7. Watch the Sunset from the Sacré-Cœur
Sunset at Sacré-Cœur is a classic for a reason—expect a lively, youthful crowd soaking in the view.
Or go at sunrise, when the city feels softer, quieter, almost yours.
Take time to wander Montmartre while you’re there—cobblestone streets, artist history, and that slightly dreamy Paris atmosphere.
And yes—stop by La Maison Rose. Take the photo. It’s part of the experience.
8. Go Shopping!
There are so many famous shopping districts in Paris.
- Le Marais — for trendy, contemporary Parisian style
- Rue Saint-Honoré — perfect for luxury window shopping (Dior, Miu Miu, Louboutin, Alexander McQueen…)
- The department stores are an experience in themselves: Galleries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, La Samaritaine.
- Skincare — Skincare shopping in Paris is a must, and the city’s parapharmacies are where the magic happens. These no-frills beauty havens are stocked with trusted French brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, and Bioderma—the kind Parisians actually use. The most famous is Citypharma in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its great prices and slightly chaotic charm. It’s the perfect place to stock up or discover a new favourite.
And for the love of old Paris, make sure to seek out La Gallerie Vivienne, a registered historical monument that was built in 1823 in the style of neoclassical architecture.
Protip: Unless you are visiting the Arc de Triomphe, you can avoid the Champs Élysées
9. Track down Emily in Paris
Love it or hate it, it’s undeniably fun—and yes, my (French) husband and I watch it too 😄
“Savoir,” Emily’s agency, is near Passage de la Vérité in the 1st arrondissement, close to the Louvre and Palais Royal.
I wrote an entire blog post dedicated to Emily in Paris filming locations.
10. Book a photoshoot (with a pro 😉)
You might skip going up the Eiffel Tower—but being photographed with her in the background? Completely different story.
I’ll never tire of the “Iron Lady.” Every time I see her, it still feels a little magical—and I love capturing that feeling for the women I work with.
From hidden corners to grand landmarks, Paris is the perfect backdrop for something personal and unforgettable.
If you’re curious about a bespoke VIP photoshoot, feel free to get in touch—no pressure, no obligation.
I invite you to browse my websites and particularly my blogs to inspire ideas of your own.
If you are curious about your own bespoke VIP photoshoot in Paris, I welcome you to contact me – with no obligation to book.
Coming to Paris for the first time?
My blog post for Solo Travellers in Paris is a great place to start.
