There are so many beautiful places in Paris to visit that it’s hard to even know where to start – after living in the oh-so-romantic city for five years, I ended up knowing of a lot of very instagrammable spots you just cannot miss.
If you’re traveling to Paris for the first time and aren’t really sure where to start, this guide will show you some of the best free things to do in Paris, including museums, magical gardens… and much more!
16 Beautiful Places in Paris to Visit For Photos and Views
I started my makeup artist career in Paris, after studying at the Make Up For Ever Academy, and worked in many different makeup shops in town, which allowed me to roam around the city quite often.
However, how strange is it, isn’t it, that it’s always when you’re not a local anymore, that you actually start discovering the city you live in?
Lack of time and motivation, I guess.
Indeed, it’s only once I moved out of Paris and started living in London and Rome that I started appreciating the importance of its history, hidden gems and all its beautiful neighborhoods.
In this guide, I’ll share with you some of the places in Paris I consider to be perfect photo spots, as well as a couple of coffee shops and places to go window-shopping.
You’ll hopefully find a lot of new places to include in your Paris bucket list, and honestly, you shouldn’t miss any of them!
Most Beautiful Places in Paris: 19th Arrondissement
The 19th arrondissement offers some of the prettiest streets in Paris, all paved, with old school street lamps and secret alleys hiding huge villas.
Since I used to live in Boulogne-Billancourt, I didn’t usually hang around the 19th arrondissement, but there are some incredible photo spots in this area.
If you’re ever in this arrondissement, I would recommend eating lunch at the Danube bistrot, colorful and rustic at the same time, where you’ll try some proper French specialties.
Read: The Most Beautiful Bookstores in Paris
And I mean, if you’re in France, wouldn’t you like to know about some of the best places to eat in Paris?
That’s what I thought.
But before you sit down for a proper lunch and a strong coffee to chase it down, by all means, visit the beautiful paved streets and enjoy some completely free Parisian views!
Read: The Best Free Secret Gardens in London
Best Places in Paris to Visit: La Comédie Française and Conseil Constitutionnel
The Comédie Française is one of the Paris’ most famous attractions, and one where many a French actor saw their career bloom.
The Conseil Constitutionnel, just around the corner, is another beautiful building you won’t want to miss if you’re looking for really French photo spots.
While it’s completely free to enjoy the views on the posh buildings around, we’re here in one of the most sophisticated areas of Paris.
The outside of the metro station itself, Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, is a hidden gem full of color, with artistic shapes that also make for a great spot for pictures.
It also shows how posh the area is, though.
That means that if you’re living in Paris on a budget or are backpacking, you might want to avoid the quite expensive coffee shops surrounding the Comédie Française – just a local tip!
Best Free Things to Do in Paris: Colonnes de Buren
If you’re looking for Parisian hidden gems, the Colonnes de Buren are, well, not so secret anymore and you’ll probably find many influencers and tourists snapping shots of the incredible columns.
We’re still in the Palais Royal area, and you can see from the Greek-Roman inspired buildings, well-preserved over time, that the area is one of the richest in Paris.
Whichever the angle, the Colonnes de Buren make for one of the most beautiful places in Paris, and there are many ways to get amazing pictures when you’re there.
However, I’d recommend popping by early in the morning or at sunset so as to avoid the crowds in the background!
Read: Unlocking London’s Free Historical Hidden Gems
Most Beautiful Places in Paris: Petit Palais
The Petit Palais is one of my favorite free museums in Paris, and one you won’t want to miss out on if classical and neo-classical art is your jam.
Located just off the Champs-Élysées, close to Concorde and Rue de Rivoli, the Petit Palais is one of the most beautiful places you’ll find in Paris.
Everywhere you turn your head, classical statues and paintings à la Michelangelo welcome your eyes, so much so that you actually don’t want to leave when you’re visiting.
The Petit Palais also boasts one of the most magical gardens in Paris, with a hidden coffee shop and absolutely astonishing views – the fact that it’s completely free to visit is still a shock to me, even years later.
Read: London’s Secret Royal Palaces & Castles To Visit
Best Places in Paris for Photos: Pont Alexandre III
When it comes to finding the best places in Paris for photos, I doubt you’ve never heard of the Pont Alexandre III, especially if you’ve already made some research for your trip.
With a straight view on the Seine river and the Eiffel Tower, this architecturally stunning bridge is one of the most beautiful in the city, especially at sunset.
If you’re ever looking for another kind of photo spot, like places to see autumn colors in Paris, the Pont Alexandre III is always a place you can count on as it provides angles fit for any season.
Read: The Best Free Views in London
Best Free Things to Do in Paris: Le Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is not a completely free museum, but if you’re looking for free views of Paris, it’s indeed one of the most popular places to visit in the city.
There are several different Pavillon buildings which are part of the Louvre, all with that classical structure we all know looks incredible as a background for pictures.
Now, if you do have the budget and would love to visit some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, I would definitely recommend paying for the Louvre.
The Egyptian art section, in particular, is one I’ve always been very fond of.
It takes you back in time instantly, and if you’ve been here before, you know how crazy I am about historic places!
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Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Paris: Tuileries Garden
On one side of the Tuileries Garden, you have amazing views of the Concorde, and on the other side, the park extends all the way to the Louvre, providing some pretty immaculate photo spots.
The Tuileries Garden has always been one of my favorite places in Paris as it’s just so beautiful and filled with Italian sculptures, vases and ponds.
If you’re ever looking for great places to read in Paris, or write, or relax or have a picnic, the Tuileries Garden is where you should go.
Read: The Best Photo Spots in London
During the summer, Parisians love to gather here to catch up with friends, and a walk around the garden always makes me feel brand new for some reason.
In addition, scattered around the Tuileries Garden, you’ll find many different sculptures, from classical to contemporary art, which are a joy to come across, especially when you don’t expect to see them.
Read: The Prettiest Secret Churches in the City of London
Best Places in Paris to Visit: Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel de Ville is one of my favorite stations to get out of when I’m in Paris because it mixes the best of both worlds; the hipster vibe of the Marais, and the posh atmosphere of Rue de Rivoli.
The Hôtel de Ville (in English, city hall) is in itself one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, and while it’s often crowded with locals and tourists, it makes for a great passageway between Rue de Rivoli and Notre-Dame.
You’re right in the center of the city here, and if you’re looking for super cool shops in Paris, or places to buy souvenirs, that’s a great starting point as both Rivoli and Châtelet are filled with shopping streets.
Read: The Most Beautiful Churches & Temples in London
Best Free Things to Do in Paris: Jardin du Luxembourg
Now, for those specifically looking for gorgeous places in Paris to take photos, the Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the very spots you should never, ever miss – especially when it’s sunny outside.
It’s that kind of magical garden filled with colorful flowers and Italian statues and Medici vases that would almost make you think you’re actually visiting a Roman garden, not a Parisian one.
The Medici Fountain is one of my absolute favorite places in Paris to take pictures – not even of myself but landscape pictures… It’s indeed that beautiful.
For art lovers such as myself, the sculpture of mythological Polyphemus surprising Acis and Galatea, at the bottom of the Medici Fountain, is one we could observe all day, draw, paint, and reimagine with brand new eyes every time we visit.
Definitely pop by if you’re near the Sorbonne Nouvelle or the Pantheon, as the Jardin du Luxembourg is close to both landmarks!
Read: The Prettiest Medieval Sites in London
Most Beautiful Places in Paris to Visit: Le Marais
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, Le Marais is hipster, young, historic, and there’s not a day where something doesn’t happen there.
It also happens to be one of the best street art spots in Paris, if you wish to take street art pictures.
Over my time living in Paris, I discovered lots of amazing places to eat in Le Marais, a lot of which are either independent coffee shops or Jewish bakeries, since in addition to being a gay area, Le Marais is also a historically Jewish neighborhood.
Read: The Most Secret Church Gardens in London
If you make your way to the Rue des Archives, you will find Les Marronniers, a pretty good spot to have a proper Parisian breakfast if you come early enough.
Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue du Temple are also two great Parisian streets to explore, if only to enjoy Haussmannian architecture.
All around Le Marais, you’ll find some of the best shops in Paris for fashion and makeup – for instance, Kryolan near Saint-Paul station for professional makeup, and couture brands closer to Rue des Archives.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in London
Best Places in Paris to Visit: Incandescent, Le Marais
Incandescent in the Marais might look like a concept store, but it’s actually a beautiful hair salon where fashion and home decor are also sold – handpicked items, gorgeous, with a very edgy French vibe.
I thought I’d include it in this guide if you’re walking around the Marais, as some of the pieces I’ve found there really are incredible, and it’s in my opinion one of the best shops in Paris.
From jewelry to sunglasses and even some clothes, it’s one of those secret shops you only really come across when you get lost (as I did) – and a really beautiful place to get inspired!
Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London
Best Free Things to Do in Paris: Châtelet Neighborhood
As an ex-Parisian, I can’t really say I love hanging around Châtelet, as it’s one of the places in Paris where you really need to pay attention to your belongings.
However, when you stray away from the commercial center and Châtelet station, you’ll come across many cool restaurants and cafes, as well as streetwear shops.
When I think of Châtelet, I immediately get the vibe of London’s Soho, with all kinds of streetwear fashion and tiny coffee shops.
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Some of Paris’ best vintage shops are located around Châtelet, as well as secondhand bookshops and, well, it’s also one of the places in Paris where you’ll find beautiful buildings and secret courtyards.
Châtelet, like the Marais, is another spot to check out street art, so if you’re looking for free things to do in Paris, do pop by the area.
On the plus side, Châtelet is located really close to Rue de Rivoli – if you decide you actually want to go for a more sophisticated day in the end, just walk a few minutes and you’re there.
Read: The Prettiest Villages in London
Most Beautiful Places in Paris to Visit: Opéra Neighborhood
Well, if there’s a passion that never truly let go of my heart, it’s that of beautiful doors and windows.
Parisian doors, with their Italian influence, are one of the most unusual photo spots you could find in town, and a lot of these are located around posh areas.
Opéra, near Pyramides and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, is one such posh area in which you’ll find not only high-end coffee shops, but all kinds of stunning doors.
You just need to keep roaming around beautiful Parisian neighborhoods to enjoy views of old doors, heavy, engraved, with skillful ironwork…
If I may, that type of artsy view is something that, as a person who used to live in Paris, is not highlighted enough when we prep a Parisian bucket list.
Read: The Most Beautiful Streets in London
Best Free Things to Do in Paris: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
There’s not one Parisian park I love more than the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – maybe the Jardin du Luxembourg, but they’re really not the same.
When it comes to really beautiful places in Paris, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is on a whole other level, with a grotto, waterfalls, sculptures, historic buildings and nature for days.
There are many layers to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which means I’d recommend you pack your sneakers to visit it, as you’re going to walk a lot – the park is indeed one of the biggest in Paris.
Those of you planning a romantic date in Paris would do well to visit when it’s spring time, as that’s when the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is at its prettiest.
It’s also a great place to study in Paris if you don’t really need your laptop and was, at some point, an amazing spot to play Pokemon Go (wink, wink).
Read: The Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in London
Best Cafes in Paris: Aki Boulangerie, Pyramides
The Pyramides neighborhood of Paris is known as the Japanese quarter, and one of my favorite in town – everything you eat there is authentic, delicious, both subtle and strong in flavors.
A while back, when I told you about the best bakeries in Paris, I mentioned Aki Boulangerie and if you’re looking for really amazing places to eat in Paris, Aki is a must-visit.
The matcha latte at Aki Boulangerie is, in a word, otherworldly, as is every single pastry I’ve ever eaten there.
We’re still quite close to Palais Royal and Opéra, surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in Paris.
If you’re lucky enough to find a seat outside, you’ll be able to enjoy great views of the bustling life in the neighborhood.
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Best Cafes in Paris: Café Tranquille, Gare du Nord/Gare de l’Est
Café Tranquille is an instagrammable cafe located between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, and one I only discovered a few months ago while walking from one station to the other.
If you’re ever looking for cafes to work in Paris, I’ve seen quite a few people on their laptops there, even if the coffee shop is actually not that big.
Vegan pastries are available there, and the chai latte I tried exceeded all my expectations.
I’m used to trying to find the best chai latte in London, as it’s really a drink that defines the city in my opinion – much less in Paris.
If the kind of beautiful Parisian places you’re looking for include coffee shops, Café Tranquille is a really, really cool spot to visit.
I’d recommend arriving early if you’re planning to stay for a while and would like to plug in your laptop, as there are only a few tables there, though!
Read: The Best Coworking Spaces in Paris
16 Beautiful Places in Paris to Visit For Photos and Views
There you have them, all the coolest and most beautiful places in Paris to visit if you’re traveling there for the first time!
I’ve decided to include only places that offer beautiful views and coffee shops I’m sure of, so that you can plan your trip to the best.
Now, if you’re looking for something else, like free Parisian museums to complete that bucket list of yours, there are quite a few you will want to discover.
This magical city is filled with amazing streets, neighborhoods and gardens that give off vibes for days – all that’s left to do is actually visit them!