Paris was never on my vision board. In 2018, a friend and I were casually talking about a girls’ trip, and New York City was at the top of the list. Then we started playing around with flights and realized that, thanks to Norwegian Airlines, we could fly to Paris for only about $100 more. The catch? We’d have to drive to San Francisco to catch the flight. Still, it felt adventurous—and just impulsive enough to say yes.
I was hesitant, but curiosity won. After landing at Charles de Gaulle, we took the train into the city center, a choice I don’t particularly recommend—especially if it’s your first time in Paris. You travel through residential areas, the train is crowded, and locals aren’t exactly thrilled about tourists taking up space with luggage, even if it’s carry-on only. Add in the fact that we’d flown overnight from the West Coast, and we were exhausted, rumpled, and desperate to just arrive. While the train is the cheapest option, it wasn’t worth the savings for me. In hindsight, I would have gladly paid more for a taxi—CDG has fixed rates to the Right and Left Bank—and been dropped directly at our door, ready to begin falling in love with the city.
Our Airbnb host was wonderful—warm, welcoming, and exactly the kind of first impression you hope for in a new city. She walked us through the apartment, shared a few helpful pointers about getting around Paris, and even stocked the fridge with a couple of beers. It was such a small gesture, but after a long travel day, it felt like luxury.
With a few hours to spare before our 5:30 p.m. Eiffel Tower tickets, we decided to freshen up and get our bearings. If you’re new to Paris, one of the first things to understand is how the city is laid out. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, which begin with the 1st and spiral outward to the 20th. The 1st arrondissement sits on the Right Bank of the Seine and is home to the Louvre. From there, imagine the city unfolding like a nautilus shell, moving clockwise around the river until you reach the 20th. Once you understand this simple layout, navigating Paris suddenly feels far less intimidating—and far more charming.
Let’s look at the first half of the Parisian arrondissements to give you a better feel for the city.
The 1st arrondissement is anchored by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries. Strolling through the gardens, you’ll also come across the Arc du Carrousel and the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s famous Water Lilies. The 1st is also where you’ll find Sainte-Chapelle, a breathtaking Gothic church known for its stained glass, as well as the elegant Palais Royal.
If Paris has a true heart, this is it—rich with history, culture, and the kind of beauty that instantly makes you understand why the city has captivated travelers for centuries.
The 2nd arrondissement is one of Paris’s smallest, yet it quietly delivers some of the city’s most authentic charm. Tucked just north of the 1st, this neighborhood feels local, lived-in, and effortlessly Parisian.
It’s best known for its historic covered passages, a collection of glass-roofed arcades dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Choiseul are the standouts—lined with boutique shops, bookstalls, cafés, and wine bars that invite you to linger. Walking through them feels like slipping into a Paris that existed long before Instagram.
Historically, the 2nd arrondissement was the heart of Parisian commerce and finance, and that legacy still shapes the neighborhood today. Fashion showrooms, textile houses, and small businesses coexist alongside cozy bistros, buzzy lunch spots, and some of the city’s best no-frills dining. This is where Parisians actually eat, shop, and gather.
The 2nd doesn’t rely on grand monuments to impress. Instead, it offers something more subtle—and arguably more special: a glimpse into everyday Paris. It’s perfect for slow mornings, aimless wandering, and travelers who want to experience the city beyond the obvious landmarks.
The 3rd arrondissement marks the beginning of Le Marais, one of Paris’s most beloved and character-rich neighborhoods. If the city has a place where history, creativity, and everyday life effortlessly collide, this is it.
Often quieter and more residential than its neighbor, the 4th, the 3rd arrondissement feels intimate and lived-in. Its narrow streets are lined with 17th-century hôtels particuliers, many of which now house museums, galleries, and cultural spaces. The standout is the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris itself and set within two beautifully restored mansions. Best of all, it’s free—making it an easy and enriching stop as you explore the area.
The 3rd is also known for its design-forward boutiques, vintage shops, and small ateliers that reflect the neighborhood’s creative spirit. You’ll find thoughtful fashion, independent labels, and home goods that feel distinctly Parisian without trying too hard. Tucked between these shops are charming cafés, bakeries, and wine bars that reward wandering without a plan.
What truly defines the 3rd arrondissement is its balance. It honors Paris’s past while embracing modern life, offering visitors a quieter, more authentic experience of Le Marais. It’s a neighborhood to stroll slowly, notice details, and savor—proof that some of Paris’s best moments happen when you’re not chasing landmarks, but simply letting the city reveal itself.
The 4th arrondissement is where Paris feels both historic and vibrantly alive. Sharing the spotlight as the heart of Le Marais, this neighborhood blends medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and a youthful buzz that makes it one of the most magnetic areas in the city.
At its center stands Notre-Dame Cathedral, an enduring symbol of Paris and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Just beyond it lies Île de la Cité, where the city itself was born, and Île Saint-Louis, quieter and more residential, known for its elegant facades and some of the best ice cream in Paris. Wandering here feels timeless, especially along the Seine’s edge as bookstalls open and the light shifts across the water.
The 4th is also known for its lively streets and cultural richness. Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, offers a perfect pause—symmetrical, serene, and steeped in history. Nearby, the neighborhood’s role as the center of Paris’s LGBTQ+ community brings an inclusive, celebratory energy, reflected in its cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.
What makes the 4th arrondissement so special is its contrast. It’s grand yet approachable, historic yet modern, energetic yet romantic. Whether you’re visiting world-famous landmarks or simply people-watching from a café terrace, the 4th captures the essence of Paris in a way few neighborhoods can.
The 5th arrondissement, known as the Latin Quarter, is one of Paris’s most intellectual and soulful neighborhoods. Anchored on the Left Bank, this is where centuries of learning, literature, and lively debate have shaped the city’s cultural backbone.
Home to the Sorbonne and several prestigious universities, the 5th hums with academic energy. Bookshops spill onto the sidewalks, cafés feel made for long conversations, and history is layered into every street. One of its most striking landmarks is the Panthéon, a neoclassical monument that honors some of France’s greatest minds, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie.
The arrondissement is also rich in remnants of ancient Paris. The Arènes de Lutèce, a Roman amphitheater tucked quietly among residential buildings, offers a surprising glimpse into the city’s past. Nearby, the Jardin des Plantes provides a peaceful escape, blending botanical gardens, museums, and winding paths perfect for an unhurried afternoon.
The 5th arrondissement invites curiosity. It’s a place to wander without rush, to sit with a book and a coffee, and to feel Paris as generations of students, writers, and thinkers have before you. Less polished than some neighborhoods and more poetic because of it, the 5th is Paris at its most thoughtful.
The 6th arrondissement is the Left Bank at its most iconic. Elegant yet effortlessly lived-in, this neighborhood has long been a gathering place for writers, artists, and thinkers—and it still carries that creative legacy today.
At its heart is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a name synonymous with Parisian café culture. Legendary cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots once hosted literary greats such as Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and while their fame draws visitors, the neighborhood retains a timeless sophistication. Nearby, Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, quietly anchors the area with centuries of history.
The 6th is also home to the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most beloved green spaces in the city. With its manicured lawns, fountains, and iconic green chairs, it’s a place to pause—whether that means people-watching, reading, or simply soaking in the rhythm of Parisian life.
What defines the 6th arrondissement is its balance of culture and calm. It’s polished without feeling pretentious, lively without being loud. For many travelers, this is the Paris they imagined—romantic streets, café terraces, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
The 7th arrondissement is Paris at its most refined and picturesque. Set along the Left Bank of the Seine, this neighborhood is synonymous with classic beauty, wide boulevards, and postcard-worthy views.
Of course, the arrondissement’s most famous resident is the Eiffel Tower, rising gracefully above the surrounding streets and gardens. Nearby, the Champ de Mars stretches out beneath it, offering one of the best places in the city for an early morning stroll or an evening picnic as the tower begins to sparkle. But the 7th is far more than its most recognizable landmark.
This arrondissement is also home to some of Paris’s most important cultural institutions, including the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station, and the Musée Rodin, set within a peaceful garden that feels worlds away from the crowds. Elegant architecture, stately apartment buildings, and a distinctly residential feel give the area a quiet sophistication.
What makes the 7th arrondissement special is its sense of calm. Despite its fame, it remains graceful and understated—a neighborhood where Paris unfolds slowly. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate beauty without bustle, and who want to experience the city at its most timeless.
The 8th arrondissement is where Paris exudes power, elegance, and a touch of glamour. Stretching from the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, this neighborhood combines world-famous landmarks with luxury shopping and grand boulevards that showcase the city’s refined architecture.
At its center is the Champs-Élysées, arguably the most famous avenue in the world. Lined with boutiques, cafés, and theaters, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a little window shopping. Nearby, Place de la Concorde impresses with its neoclassical monuments and the obelisk that’s been standing since the 19th century.
Culture and history also define the 8th. The Grand Palais and Petit Palais offer rotating exhibitions in stunning Beaux-Arts buildings, while the Élysée Palace, the official residence of France’s president, adds a layer of political prestige to the area. Elegant streets, chic cafés, and luxury hotels ensure that even a simple walk feels distinctly Parisian.
The 8th arrondissement is Paris at its most polished. It’s perfect for travelers seeking iconic sights, high-end shopping, and grand boulevards—but it’s also a place to pause and admire the city’s sense of style and scale. Here, Paris doesn’t just impress; it makes a statement.
The 9th arrondissement is Paris at its most theatrical and eclectic. Nestled on the Right Bank, this neighborhood combines grand boulevards, historic theaters, and hidden passages, making it a perfect mix of culture, shopping, and everyday Parisian life.
At the heart of the 9th is the Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and one of the city’s most opulent landmarks. Whether you take a guided tour inside or simply admire its gilded façade from the street, it’s impossible not to be impressed. Just nearby, the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores offer not only luxury shopping but stunning rooftop views over Paris—ideal for a photo with the city as your backdrop.
Beyond the grand landmarks, the 9th is filled with charming streets, bustling cafés, and covered passages like Passage Verdeau and Passage Jouffroy, where you can explore bookstores, antique shops, and cafés tucked under glass roofs. This arrondissement balances the glamour of the stage and fashion with the warmth of neighborhoods where Parisians live, work, and wander.
The 9th arrondissement is lively, stylish, and endlessly fascinating. It’s perfect for travelers who love culture, architecture, and the thrill of discovering both iconic sights and hidden gems tucked just off the main boulevards.
The 10th arrondissement is Paris at its most vibrant and approachable. Located on the Right Bank, this neighborhood pulses with energy, thanks to its bustling train stations, lively canals, and streets lined with cafés, markets, and shops.
One of its defining features is the Canal Saint-Martin, a favorite among locals for leisurely strolls, picnics, and people-watching. The iron footbridges, tree-lined banks, and waterside cafés make it feel like a small, intimate escape within the city. On sunny afternoons, you’ll see Parisians lounging along the canal, making it one of the most authentic spots to soak in everyday Parisian life.
The 10th is also home to Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, two of the city’s major train stations, which lend a cosmopolitan, international energy to the neighborhood. Street markets, hidden courtyards, and affordable bistros make the area feel less polished than central Paris—but in the best possible way.
The charm of the 10th arrondissement lies in its balance of bustle and calm. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a lively, lived-in neighborhood that feels genuinely Parisian, where the city’s rhythm is fast enough to excite but slow enough to enjoy.
Back to the good stuff after our arrondissement tour! Our Airbnb was perfectly situated in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, just a few blocks from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Being the planner that I am, I had booked all of our essential tickets in advance—a move I can’t recommend enough. I recommend booking direct from the official website when you can (for the Eiffel Tower: https://ticket.toureiffel.paris/en). Many third-party resellers will sell you a ticket only to later cancel your scheduled time, which is the last thing you want while in Paris.
After freshening up, we strolled over to the Eiffel Tower for our summit ticket. You have the option to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor or take the lift; from there, the only way to reach the summit is by lift. Pro tip: book your summit ticket well in advance to ensure you get the full Eiffel Tower experience. When purchasing, you can even prepay for champagne at the summit—a treat we absolutely couldn’t resist, especially as it was our first visit to Paris.
Ascending in the lift, the anticipation built with every floor, and a bit of anxiety! By the time we reached the 2nd level, the city of Paris stretched out before us—its rooftops, boulevards, and the winding Seine creating a picture-perfect tapestry.
From the 2nd floor, the lift to the summit is an experience in itself. Be prepared for about 90 seconds of climbing, when you feel that the top MUST be right there. But it’s not, and you keep going, and going, and going. Once at the top, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. Paris unfurls in every direction: the golden dome of Les Invalides, the historic spires of Notre-Dame, the Champ de Mars below, and, of course, the River Seine glinting in the sunlight. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and just breathe, realizing why this city captures the hearts of travelers from around the world.
And yes, the champagne was worth every sip. Standing there with a glass in hand, looking out over the City of Light, it felt like a celebration of everything Paris represents—history, beauty, and a sense of wonder that never fades. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, seeing Paris from the summit of the Eiffel Tower is a memory that stays with you long after you descend. This was the moment that I realized that Paris might not be what I expected, and that I might fall in love with the city.
After our Eiffel Tower adventure, we followed up with a Sunset Champagne Cruise along the Seine—again, with tickets pre-purchased. We purchased through Get Your Guide, who I do find to be a reliable source of ticketing (https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/paris-live-guided-cruise-with-champagne-t748169/?partner_id=U8XXG9G&utm_medium=online_publisher). Gliding along the river felt like the perfect way to get our bearings and see the city from a completely new perspective. Iconic landmarks passed by effortlessly: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, and so many elegant bridges that make Paris feel like a dream in motion.
After our cruise, we wandered to a nearby café and indulged in a classic French ritual: a charcuterie board paired with a glass of wine (or a beer in my case). The combination of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and the gentle hum of Parisian evening life was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day. With our appetites—and our hearts—full, we called it a night, already excited for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
I’m tired from writing and I’m sure you’re tired from reading. Come back later for more of our Parisian adventure. I’ll share with you the wonderful things I learned about the city that now holds my heart. The do’s, the dont’s, and the in-betweens.
XOXO
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