The Perfect Paris Bucket List

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason. Whether it’s your first time to the City of Light or your 100th… there are so many things to do and see. It has everything from gorgeous architecture and incredible food to rich history and amazing museums. Paris has something for everyone.

You may have seen my tips on the top 10 attractions you need to see in Paris, but below is everything you should have on your Paris bucket list!

  • Arc de Triomphe :: The Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and honors those who fought and died in the French Revolution. The view from the top is one of my favorites in the city! {See it here, here, here, here and here}
  • A Marché visit :: Even if you don’t plan on picking anything up, the farmers markets are worth a visit! Their produce is incredibly fresh and their cheese selections are divine! Grab some treats for a picnic or a meal at home {if you rented a vacation rental}
  • Berthillon :: Even in the dead of winter, this ice cream is a MUST! Their original store is located on the Île Saint-Louis and I highly recommend the visit.
  • Café de Flore :: Okay, so it’s very touristy- but the people watching is amazing and I love imagining the conversations Ernest Hemingway may have had here back in the day. {seen here}
  • Ca :: Whether you are looking for a meal or just a glass of wine and cheese plate, be sure to grab a seat outside at a little café. It’s the perfect place to people watch and let your feet rest for a little while. {seen here, here, here, here and here}
  • Crêpes :: This is my favorite afternoon pick-me-up! You can get a sweet or savory crêpe. You can find them all over the city, but be sure they are made to order!
  • Croissants :: Be sure to visit a local bakery and get fresh, warm croissants! Many places are closed Sunday mornings, so plan accordingly!
  • Doors :: Paris doors are just as dreamy as the rest of the buildings. Be sure to take pictures of some of your favorites! {here, here, here}
  • Eiffel Tower :: Lade Eiffel is gorgeous from every angle. I DO actually recommend going to the top and enjoying a glass of champage. But if you don’t have time to go up, at least make the time to see her from a few different views. See my suggestions on where to get the best views & photos of the Eiffel Tower here. {Seen here,
  • Île Saint-Louis :: This charming island gets me every time! Be sure to grab an ice cream from Berthillon while here.
  • Jardin des Luxembourg :: This is likely my favorite garden in Paris. The garden was created in 1612 and is located by both the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain.
  • Jardin des Tuileries :: Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Tuleries Garden is a must-visit location. Cayson LOVED chasing the pigeons and I love people watching here. The gardens were created in 1564.
  • Laduree :: Their macarons are some of my favorite- specifically the rose macaron {and the lavender, if it’s in season!}
  • Le Bon Marché :: A stunning department store on the Left Bank. Even if you don’t plan on shopping, it’s worth a visit!
  • Le Foodist baking class :: We loved their croissant making class and want to go back and take another class with them! {seen here}
  • Louvre :: Even if you don’t plan on going in the museum, you definitely want to visit the Louvre. It was originally built it 1190, but reconstructed in the 16th century. The pyramid was added in 1984. {seen here, here, here & here}
chloe b arnold Paris bucket list beyond blessed blog
  • Merci Concept Store :: Both the store and neighborhood are worth visiting! They have a little bit of everything and you can even grab a coffee or meal inside!
  • Musée de l’Orangerie :: My favorite museum in Paris. If you’re a big Monet fan- you will adore this smaller museum. The building was originally built in 1852 as a winter shelter for orange trees and became a museum in 1921. {seen here}
  • Musée d’Orsay :: This museum is located in an old railway station that was built in 1898 and it holds art dating back to 1848. {seen here}
  • Musée Rodin :: Musée Rodin opened in 1919 and is primarily dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin.
  • Notre Dame :: The foundation was laid is 1163 and was completed in 1345. The fire in 2019 did burn down the spire and roof, but the building is still worth seeing while they do repairs. {seen here & here}
  • Palais Garnier :: Also known as the Opéra Garnier, it was built in 1861. It is stunning!
  • Palais Royal :: Get here earlier in the day so you can enjoy it before the crowds. Cayson LOVED climbing all over the pillars. {Seen here, here, here}
  • Picnic :: By the Seine, by the Eiffel Tower, in a park or just about anywhere in Paris! Grab a bottle of wine, a baguette and some cheese!
  • Pierre Hermé :: Be sure to pick up macarons, croissants and chocolates!
  • Place Dauphine :: One of my favorite squares in Paris located on the Île de la Cité between the Pont Neuf and the Sainte-Chapelle. { here}
  • Place de la Concorde :: The largest square in Paris, located in the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.
  • Place des Vosges :: A beautiful square in the Marais. Grab a pastry or a book and relax for a while!
  • Place Vendôme :: Home to some of the most luxurious shops in the world. It is absolutely stunning- especially during the Christmas season.
  • Pont Alexandre III :: My favorite bridge in Paris! It was completed in 1900 and was built for the World Fair. {here, here, here, here and here}
  • Pont des Arts :: This once was the love lock bridge. There are still some locks on it, but it’s a beautiful bridge to walk- with or without locks.
  • Pont Neuf :: Considered the oldest stone bridge in Paris. Built between 1578 – 1607. It has become a new love lock destination.
  • Sacré Coeur :: Located at the highest point in Paris, you will love the gorgeous views of the city. If you enjoy watching local artists work, there are plenty of them in the area!
  • Sainte-Chapelle :: This stunning church was built in 1242 and has some of the prettiest stained glass I’ve ever seen. Get there early to avoid crowds. {seen here}
  • Seine :: Stroll alongside it or take a river cruise. Or even better- do both! Or just grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy while watching the boats go by. {here & here}
  • Trocadero {here, here, here, here, here, here and here}

Is there anything else you would add to you Paris bucket list?

chloe b arnold Paris bucket list beyond blessed blog

blazer :: top :: jeans :: sneakers

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11 Comments

  • Reply
    Chelsea
    July 23, 2021 at 9:31 am

    SUCH a good list! And now I’m dreaming of Paris again. I would add exploring/getting lost in Montmartre & the Marais!

  • Reply
    Raksha
    July 24, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    I have Paris on top of my list. I have never been to Paris but that will surely be my dream destination. The crepes and the cafes are something that I will surely eat and visit. And of course the Eiffel tower, I want to see it at all times of the day especially at night when it is all lit.

  • Reply
    Trisha Velarmino
    July 26, 2021 at 2:38 am

    Can I just say I love your outfit on these photos? Perfect for the abundance of landmarks and museums to visit! I’m craving now for an all-butter croissant, crêpes, and macarons because of this post.

  • Reply
    Natascha
    July 26, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Great bucket list for a first (or second) visit to Paris. Good, that you also included some cafes and shops. And right now – thanks to your post – I am craving for some crepes sprinkeled with sugar!

  • Reply
    Linda (LD Holland)
    July 26, 2021 at 11:06 am

    It has been far too long since our last visit to Paris. Your bucket list has many of our favourite Paris activities – cafes for people watching, great food and iconic sites. A baking class sounds fun but I am sure I would never make the most perfect croissants with just one lesson! Sadly we have missed Saint Chapelle and the stunning stained glass on every visit. Just one of the many reasons to go back.

  • Reply
    Clarice
    July 26, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    Loved this list! I totally agree with you that ice cream is a must. Well, we did visit Berthillon during our last Paris treat. Too bad we missed Café de Flore but we’ll make sure to include this in our itinerary next time.

  • Reply
    Manjulika
    July 27, 2021 at 10:18 am

    Wow, this list. It was fun to spot places which I covered in my visit there and those which must be seen in the next visit, whenever it happens. The mention of icecream, crepes, croissants made me hungry. Notre Dame, Eiffel tower, Arc de triomphe, Louvre are unmissable in Paris.

  • Reply
    Ambica
    July 27, 2021 at 11:00 am

    That’s one list that takes us beyond L’Effiel Tower. I need a month’s holiday to see Paris like a local. You have added so much to my bucket list–ice cream, crpes, cafes. In brochures, we only know major tourist attractions, but your recommendations add character to a holiday.

  • Reply
    Renee
    July 28, 2021 at 6:10 am

    Paris is my favourite place to visit! I’m Paris obsessed you might say. I’ve been several times and always long to return. I’m still making my way through the museums, but for the other places you’ve listed, I’ve been. Paris is always a good idea.

  • Reply
    Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication
    July 28, 2021 at 11:57 am

    This is an amazing list! It makes me miss Paris! We took a trip outside of the city to Versailles when we were there. Definitely worth the day trip!

  • Reply
    Jennifer Prince
    July 29, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Ok, can I just say that the organizer in me loves that this is an alphabetical list? I also love that it includes specific locations and general things to do. That way it leaves it open to the traveler to try crepes and such wherever they want. Such a fun list!

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