After spending 5 months in Paris I have created a list of my personal tips to travel and get around Paris. This list includes some things to do in Paris and some tips.
To do: Saint Chapelle
Especially now that Notre Dame will be closed, another beautiful cathedral you must go to Saint Chapelle. It is very small and very unlike many of the typical cathedrals in Europe. There is a fee to get in but it's definitely worth it to see the beauty of the wall to wall stained glass.
If you're 18-25 with a Visa you can get into most places free
This is the for people studying abroad or living abroad with a visa. Most of the museums and attractions are free if you show your visa so have your passport or a picture of your passport on you!
Buy Skip the Line for the Catacombs
The catacombs was a very unique and interesting thing to see in Paris that I would definitely recommend. The downside is the lines can be extremely long. If you plan on going it's worth it to pay the extra money to do the skip the line to avoid 2+ hour lines.
To Do: Des Caves du Louvre
If you're looking for a cheap and fun wine experience in Paris this is the place. These caves used to connect to the Louvre as the wine cellars for royalty and are now a wine museum and tasting that are open to the public for under 30 euros! An app takes you through the 5 senses of wine in the museum and ends with a tasting of 3 delicious wines.
Meals and Cafes Take a Long Time so Plan Accordingly
Meals in France often take longer than expected so plan ahead for that!
To Do: Open Air Market
Paris is filled with open air markets around the cities open on different days. Find one near you and explore. Even if you don't buy any food it's interesting to see all of the delicious food and see the local way of grocery shopping.
Don't book a flight too early out of Charles De Gaulle
If you are tight on money the early flight out of CDG might not be the best option. The train (RER B) that runs to the airport only starts running around 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning so if you have too early of a flight an expensive cab or uber is the only option.
To Do: Versailles-Marie Antoinette's Village
If you are going to Versailles make sure you make your way around the whole property. Further away from the main palace is Marie Antoinette's estate and a little village she created. The village is quite a walk but it's worth it. It feels like you're in a fairytale or at Disney Land it's incredible.
Buy Souvenirs from the Book Stands Along the Seine
Along the Seine there are these green book stands full of vintage books and souvenirs. I personally preferred to get some of my souvenirs here as these book stands have been passed down in families for centuries and is a unique part of Paris' history. You also can find a lot of the same things found in big souvenir stores as well as unique art, prints and books.