First-Time Visit to Paris: Tips, Neighborhoods & Must-See Attractions

Planning your first trip to Paris? In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim talk about Kim’s first visit to the City of Light — and what first-time visitors need to know before they go. From choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in and navigating the arrondissements to tips for visiting top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, this episode is filled with practical advice and insider tips for making the most of your Paris experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a mother-daughter adventure, this conversation will help you fall in love with Paris from the very start.

Episode Highlights:

• Kim shares her first impressions of Paris and what surprised her most about the city

• Why five days is the ideal length for a first visit to Paris

• Tips for understanding Paris’s arrondissements and how to choose the best neighborhood for your stay

• Favorite areas for first-time visitors, including Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and the Latin Quarter

• Why staying near the Seine makes exploring Paris so much easier

• French pharmacy finds — what to buy and why La Roche-Posay products in France are different from what’s sold in the U.S.

• Eiffel Tower advice: when to book tickets, how to choose between levels, and the best viewpoints to see the tower sparkle at night

• River cruises in Paris — from budget-friendly sightseeing options to the luxurious Alain Ducasse dinner cruise experience

• Why Tamara and Kim both recommend skipping the large public boat tours and opting for a smaller or more premium experience

• Visiting the Louvre: how much time to plan, ticket and tour advice, and why a guided tour helps make the most of your visit

• Kim’s favorite galleries and sculptures in the Louvre and tips for avoiding crowds around the Mona Lisa

• Other museum recommendations for art lovers, including the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Rodin Museum

• Updates on Notre Dame’s reopening and how to reserve a free timed-entry ticket

• Tips for visiting Notre Dame, including how to use the free app for an audio-guided tour

• Why Paris lives up to its bucket-list reputation and how to balance sightseeing with time to simply enjoy being in the city