If you’re looking for my list of “must-see, must-do, & must-eat” in Paris— this isn’t it. Instead, this is my personal guide on how to approach and really enjoy a visit to the city. I personally don’t feel I need to add to the hundreds and thousands of existing Paris guides that you can find online, and in my experience here, I feel what stands out in making a place great has much more to do with the mood I’m in and the company I’m with. (Was that the most Parisian thing I’ve ever said? Maybe.)

My thoughts on Paris were only developed recently, as it was just two years ago (2021) that I visited for the first time. Prior to ever stepping foot in Paris at the age of 32, I had already traveled extensively through 54 countries (and even two other areas of France!). I knew that Paris had so much in store, and I was honestly quite intimidated and overwhelmed that I wouldn’t be able to see enough or do the city justice if I didn’t plan a long-enough trip. I eventually gave in, and when planning an eight-week trip through Europe and the Middle East in the fall of 2021, I decided I would schedule my return flight to California out of Charles de Gaulle airport, and give myself five days in Paris to end the trip.

Upon arriving in Paris, I was immediately enamored and what I remember feeling the strongest was a sense of relief— I knew in that moment that I would certainly return, and any pressure that I had felt to do absolutely everything just vanished. I decided then that I would take things slowly to be able to really appreciate my experience. That first five-day visit was then extended to ten days, and ever since then I never left Paris without having a return flight to visit again. And now as I write this exactly two years later from my own Parisian apartment, I’ve never felt more at home.

How to Enjoy a Visit to Paris

1. Do less

There are a countless museums, shops, landmarks, and viewpoints that are all worth visiting across Paris— but you must accept the fact that you won’t be able to do it all in a single trip. Plan only one to two things to see in a day, and allow yourself to have free time. Tell yourself you can get to the rest on your next visits to Paris!

2. Eat less

Restaurants and meals are great in Paris, but they are best enjoyed if you take the time to appreciate and savor them. I know for some there can be a tendency to fill a travel schedule with as many top restaurants as possible, but I personally have a hard time enjoying “second lunch” when we’re soon out the door and on our way to “first dinner”. I prefer to eat less and savor more, which also happens to be more aligned with the Parisian way. I think a good rule-of-thumb is to plan for one big restaurant meal or experience per day, and enjoy snacks or light meals the rest of the day. And if possible, make reservations ahead of time.

3. Take it slow

This point is worth repeating— slowing down gives yourself more time to be mindful and appreciative. I’ve heard from so many who have rushed through their visits to Paris and admit it feels like a whirlwind while constantly bouncing from one place to the next. Being realistic with your time and giving yourself a decent buffer between activities will make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Reading a book beside a fountain in the Jardin de Tuileries, Paris

4. Prioritize sitting around

Sometimes taking a moment to pause and reflect could be the most productive thing you do. Paris is the best place for people-watching and admiring architecture, and has countless beautiful parks, charming cafes, and lovely bookstores. Grab a book and a seat in a park or a cafe, and consider it one of the most Parisian things you can do during your visit.

5. Walk between places

While Uber and the metro are readily available and convenient, you miss discovering the beauty of the city. In my personal experience, the most memorable places I’ve visited in Paris were those that I stumbled upon by chance. The city is relatively small but very dense, with each block seemingly lined with gems just waiting to be discovered. If the weather permits, allow yourself time to walk between activities so you can make your own discoveries. And if the weather doesn't permit, then bundle up for the cold or bring an umbrella for the rain, and walk anyways. Paris is beautiful in any climate.

6. Visit in any (and every) season

When I first visited Paris at the end of November 2021, my Parisian friends told me that it was too dark and rainy, and that I needed to come back in the spring when the trees turn green and the flowers bloom. Then when I came in the spring, my friends told me I needed to come back in the summer when the days are long and everyone is out enjoying the parks and terraces. Then by the time I came back that summer, I was already set on making Paris my home. Every season in Paris has its appeal, and my recommendation is to experience all of them. In fact— the cold, dreary, and rainy days of November in Paris make me the most nostalgic as that was the season I first fell in love with the city.

A note about visiting Paris in August— while it’s true that many Parisians leave and some businesses close, I personally think it’s still a wonderful time to visit the city as a tourist. Museums and large retailers remain open, and it becomes much easier to find reservations at some of the top terraces and restaurants throughout the city. Additionally, fewer commuters means less traffic across the city in general.

7. Stay in different arrondissements

Just like every season having its own appeal, every arrondissement of Paris also has its own charm. A wonderful way to experience Paris is to stay in a different arrondissement every time you visit, to get a better sense of what you really love about each neighborhood.

8. Choose a hotel over an Airbnb

Though I have personally had great Airbnb experiences for monthly stays in Paris that were managed by professionals, I’ve heard from others that standards were a bit mixed when booking apartments on the platform. Expectations for hotels are generally more standardized, and there are countless beautiful hotel options to choose from in Paris. And one very important point: hotels also have air conditioning!

Did any of these tips catch you by surprise? Let me know in the comments below!

Even though I now live here, I still feel as though I discover something new about Paris every day. I had a wonderful first impression of this city and am having a great experience as I continue to feel more and more at home. I’ve come to terms with the fact that even a lifetime isn’t enough time to discover everything this city has to offer, but as long as I’m slowing down and savoring, I feel like I’m doing it right.