My list of the most beautiful spots in Paris after living here for a year

When I first moved to Paris, I knew almost nothing about the city. I didn’t know how many arrondissements there were (20), whether the Seine divided the city vertically or horizontally (the latter), and to be embarrassingly honest I couldn’t even confidently locate Paris on a map of France. I knew there was the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, but not much beyond that.

A year later, I know the city much better and so I feel like it is the right time to reflect on my favourite spots. If a visiting friend or family member asked me for recommendations, this is the actual list that I would proudly share. Coincidentally, everything on this list happens to be free of charge so they are friendly to all budgets. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

1. Pont des Arts

Among the more than 30 bridges in Paris straddling the Left and Right Banks, the Pont des Arts is my favourite. The bridge is lined abundantly with wooden benches, where people can sit and enjoy the live music of local artists who often busk there. The glass side panels give pedestrians an unobstructed view of Seine and the river cruises that pass underneath. Look toward the south end of the bridge and your attention will be squarely captured by the historic Institut de France (home to several academic institutions) and its exquisite domed rotunda. Face north and you’ll see the beginnings of the majestic royal palace that houses the Louvre Museum. For all that Paris has to offer, I think there are few things that can top a musical, magical sunset on the Pont des Arts.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: connects I and VI
• Time to spend: Sit and enjoy for as long as you’d like.

2. The terrace at the Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is a multi-level complex housing museum exhibits, a library, and more. It is easily recognizable by its escalators, which are futuristically suspended on the exterior by what resemble giant pneumatic tubes. From the terrace, you can enjoy an expansive view of Montmartre, the la Défense business district, and the Eiffel Tower. This is probably my favourite rooftop view of Paris because you are high enough to see the city from above, but still close enough to the ground to appreciate the details of the picturesque Haussmannian buildings that have become synonymous with Parisian architecture. On the first Sunday of every month, admission to the permanent collection and the rooftop is free, but online reservation of tickets is strongly recommended (up to about a month in advance) as spots are limited.

• Cost: Free on the first Sunday of every month
• Arrondissement: IV
• Time to spend: 1-3 hours, depending on how much time you spend in the museum.

3. Esplanade des Invalides

Standing at the centre of the Esplanade des Invalides, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. At one end of the lush green fields you’ll see the formidable Hôtel des Invalides and its skyline-defining golden dome. Turn yourself 180 degrees and you’ll be greeted by the head of the most prestigious bridge in Paris: the Pont Alexandre III. Adorned in gold and lined with ornate lamps, it is named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia. Then walk onto the bridge for a closer view of the grand convex glass ceilings of the Grand Palais, which was originally built to house the 1900 Paris Exposition. There are few places in the city that offer so much beauty concentrated into so few steps. If I had to describe it in four words: gold, green, glass, go.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: VII
• Time to spend: 1 hour to walk around the area.

4. Inside the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette is a department store selling clothing and other goods. They have multiple locations, but their most iconic one is the Haussmann location. On the second and third floors, the stunning interior opens up in a way that still takes my breath away. Admire the large stained glass dome supported by a ring of intricate shimmering arches. During Christmas time, they also hang a giant artistic rendition of a Christmas tree directly beneath the dome, accompanied by a dazzling light show. Afterward, make your way up to the rooftop terrasse for an impressive view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. This address is absolutely no secret to tourists, so try to go on weekday mornings to avoid large crowds.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: IX
• Time to spend: 30-60 minutes, or longer if you want to browse the shops.

5. Place de la Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is a well known landmark in both tourism and French history. It was an important setting in the Révolution française and so even to this day, public demonstrations often march through this symbolically significant public square. What is less known about it is the best way to get a good view of the July Column that sits in the middle. Take the line 5 metro after dark and get off at the Bastille station. Then, take the Bastille exit (not any other exit) to leave the station. As you walk up the stairs, you will find yourself greeted by the July Column softly illuminated against the night sky. Right beside you will also await the Opera Bastille, one of the two major opera houses of Paris (the other being the more traditional Opera Garnier). It will be hard to resist the urge to pull out a camera.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: XI
• Time to spend: 10 minutes

6. Coulée verte René-Dumont

The Coulée verte René-Dumont is a raised linear promenade stretching from Bastille to Vincenne. Once used as a railroad, it has since been transformed into a verdant walkway perched in the sky where locals jog, stroll, and walk their dogs. Those who have been to the High Line in New York will see a striking resemblance – Manhattan meets Paris, if you will. Nestled above the hum of everyday life and flanked on both sides by buildings old and new, this promenade offers unique views of the city that remain a secret to most tourists (until now, oops).

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: XII
• Time to spend: 30-60 minutes, depending on how much you want to walk.

7. Place du Trocadéro across the Eiffel Tower

Place du Trocadéro is a raised plaza that directly faces the Eiffel Towel, which stands imposingly just across the Seine River. The plaza attracts countless tourists and for good reason: its views are magnificent. I recommend going at night because after dark, the Eiffel Tower lights up until 1am. At the top of every hour, it also sparkles for 5 minutes. Place du Tracadéro is an amazing place to witness the splendor of this architectural crown jewel up close. Having already gone many times, I can confidently say that the Eiffel Tower still hasn’t lost its charm on me.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: XVI
• Time to spend: 10 minutes

8. The lake at Bois de Boulogne

Bois de Boulogne is a large urban park on the west side of Paris. During warmer months, it is the perfect getaway to experience some quiet and nature. Public transportation will take you to the edge of the park, from where I recommend walking toward the lake located in the middle. While strolling along the perimeter of the lake, perceptive visitors may even catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower. There are also two small islands on the lake that seem to be only accessible by rowboats, which can be rented from a little shop on the north end of the lake. Whether you’re visiting as a group, a couple, or solo, this park has got you covered.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: XVI
• Time to spend: I recommend budgeting at least 2 hours for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

9. Atop the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Perched on a hill, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the only parks in Paris that marry lush greenery with sweeping views. It’s not huge, so it won’t take long to reach the top. Bring a picnic blanket, a book, and sunglasses. Relax on the grass, and for a moment in time, forget that surrounding you is one of Europe’s busiest metropolises.

• Cost: free
• Arrondissement: XIX
• Time to spend: 1 hour

10. The Panthéon

Standing imposingly in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is a neoclassic-style mausoleum where some of the greatest men and women of French history are interred. The front of the grandiose building is supported by stone columns reminiscent of ancient times. Turn around to be greeted by the beautiful city hall of the 5th arrondissement to your left and the prestigious University of Paris Law Faculty to your right, symmetrically situated on each side of an elegant boulevard lined with shops and cafes. At the end of this walkably short boulevard is the famous Luxembourg Garden, and in the distance beyond that is the omnipresent Eiffel Tower. Every direction you look, there is a picture perfect shot.

• Cost: free (if you don’t enter the Panthéon)
• Arrondissement: V
• Time to spend: 2 hours if you also walk to and explore Luxembourg Garden (free). Otherwise 30 minutes.