Paris Must Dos for First Timers

[Anonymous]

No one's mentioned the Orangerie? As long as you have the museum pass to skip the line it's definitely worth a quick visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We only have three days, so we planned a food tour, a bike tour, the Catacombs, dinner at a nice bistro.

Are there any museums that we must visit? Any other places? Is the night Seine cruise worth it?

OP, what are the names of the food tour and bike tour you have planned? We are planning a trip for next year and those sound like something we would like to do.

[Anonymous]

Skip the Louvre, it's not that great and go to the Musee Dorsay.

- Lived in Paris

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Rodin is my favorite museum in Paris.

I mean, IDK - I would think for first timers, you'd want to maybe do all the touristy stuff but it doesn't sound like it. The first time i went, I did the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacre-Couer, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees, etc.

This, plus the Rodin (the sculpture garden is neat), Luxembourg Gardens/Park and the Promenade Plantee is a nice little stroll (it's an elevated garden like the high line in nyc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Rodin is my favorite museum in Paris.

I mean, IDK - I would think for first timers, you'd want to maybe do all the touristy stuff but it doesn't sound like it. The first time i went, I did the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Sacre-Couer, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees, etc.

This, plus the Rodin (the sculpture garden is neat), Luxembourg Gardens/Park and the Promenade Plantee is a nice little stroll (it's an elevated garden like the high line in nyc).

These are good suggestions.

I absolutely roll my eyes at people who say "the Eiffel Tower? Eh, pfffft." It is the most famous landmark in the world, and you are right there. Don't miss the opportunity to experience it from inside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We only have three days, so we planned a food tour, a bike tour, the Catacombs, dinner at a nice bistro.

Are there any museums that we must visit? Any other places? Is the night Seine cruise worth it?

OP, what are the names of the food tour and bike tour you have planned? We are planning a trip for next year and those sound like something we would like to do.

Paris by Mouth is the food tour. I have not booked the bike tour, but looking at something called blue bikes, I think

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I was only there for three days, I'm not sure I would do the Louvre. It is huge and time consuming. You might pick one or two things inside and just do a quick trip to see those, unless you are a museum fanatic, then by all means.

For something low key, we really enjoyed Musee de Cluny, which has medieval and ancient roman history, including roman baths.

You have to do the Eiffel Tower. I would get tickets in advance and try to time them for around sunset so you can see the view at daylight and then when things darken and all the lights come on.

Other musts would be spending as much time as possible aimlessly walking the city and sitting at cafes enjoying a drink and people watching.

Oh, and I always love getting up early and going by myself to get a coffee and chocolate croissant. Eat lots of those. Also, buy a large and sturdy bag to fill with croissants and other pastries to bring home to pass out to your friends.

I'm your friend, right?

+1

That's a joke, right?!

[Anonymous]

Skip the Eiffel and the Louvre - vastly overrated! Love Musee d'Orsay, Orangerie, Rodin, Sacre Couer just for the views alone, Notre Dame - especially early in the morning when no one is there, and for kitschy fun - visit Père Lachaise Cemetery where Jim Morrison and many, many other famous people are buried. But, then I love cemeteries.

And as many have said - the best thing to do is just walk around. I used to take an overnight train into Paris, spend the day wandering the streets and then take an overnight train somewhere else just to soak in that city. Love it.

[Anonymous]

I love the cluny. Plus Just walking along the seine, the Latin quarter, the ile de la cite and Montmartre are really great. I second the PP who suggested getting good pastries - breakfasts in Paris are just the best.

[Anonymous]

Don't overplay your days....be sure to leave time to wander and enjoy a cafe or two. Absolutely do a river cruise at night.