In this Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris City Center, we provide a route that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the City of Light.
We have long been enamored by the remarkable beauty of the City Center of Paris. The 1st and 2nd arrondissements are highlighted by opulent architecture and historic places.
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While The Louvre is the most famous landmark, we have found plenty of reasons to wander deeper into the district!
From gorgeous shopping venues to marvelous squares, this journey through the city is an exquisite way to experience Paris.
About our Self-Guided Walking Tour Paris City Center
We created this free, self-guided Paris walk to help fellow travelers navigate the streets of the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. We also feature this area on Day 5 of our One Week in Paris Itinerary.
To get directions, we have provided a pin drop for each sight. If you don’t have an international data plan or an unlocked phone, consider buying a Pocket Wifi Device. We have used GlocalMe and found it worked great!
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Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour
Ready to set off on one of our favorite Free Paris Self-Guided Walking Tours? Great, grab your camera and lace up your travel shoes!
The walking route is about 3 miles long. However, with a visit to The Louvre, the tour could fill an entire day of sightseeing.
#1 Galeries Lafayette Rooftop View
Free | Map
A high-end Paris department store, Galeries Lafayette began as a small fashion outlet in 1895. In 1912, the owners commissioned the Art Nouveau building on Boulevard Haussmann, which the store still occupies today.
Even those not seeking retail therapy should take in the scene under the central dome and ride the escalators to the rooftop for outstanding Paris city views. It’s one of the fun free things to do in Paris!
#2 Palais Garnier Opera
Ticket Required | Map
Designed by Charles Garnier, the Paris Opera House was built in the late 1800s as a centerpiece of the city. The architectural gem features an exquisite façade, complete with arches, columns and sculptures.
It’s free to gaze at the grandeur from the outside, but the interior (which requires a ticket) is even more spellbinding.
Like the Palace of Versailles, but on a smaller scale, it’s a fairytale of Baroque design. The lavish theater is the setting for the musical, The Phantom of the Opera.
Do note that Palais Garnier is not to be confused with the modern Opera Bastille, which opened in 1989 and houses the Paris National Opera. Palais Garnier is now mostly used for ballet performances and tours.
#3 La Madeleine Church
Free | Map
The Neo-Classical, 52-column La Madeleine Church resembles a Roman temple. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a temple and military monument by Napoleon on the site of a former church (the Old Church of the Madeleine).
After the fall of Napoleon, it was transformed back into a traditional place of worship. The interior is lavishly decorated with frescoes, statues and bas-reliefs.
#4 Colonne Vendome
Free | Map
A Historical Monument of Paris, Colonne Vendome stands at the center of Place Vendome – a 17th century ‘Royal Square.’
The column, which is topped with a statue of Napoleon, is 145 feet tall. It was built to celebrate Napoleon’s victories and was designed in the style of Trajan’s Column in Rome.
The square itself, bearing a classical style, is quite striking. Dating to 1685, the space is home to high-end jewelers and the Hotel Ritz – one of the poshest hotels in the world.
#5 Angelina Paris
Free | Map
A tearoom that epitomizes the decadent and luxurious Parisian cafe scene, the Angelina Rivoli Tea Room is an institution. Opened in 1903, the café is known for its decadent hot chocolate and picture-perfect pastries.
There will likely be a line to get a seat, but there shouldn’t be a wait to get a hot cocoa and chocolate treat for take away. Just go inside and order one up!
#6 Tuileries Garden
Free | Map
Open to the public since 1667, the Tuileries Garden is one of our favorite places to savor the enchanting atmosphere of Paris.
The impeccable and regal gardens pop with color in the spring and summer, but the grounds – which are dotted with statues – are gorgeous year-round.
Soak in the splendor of the garden, rest in one of the green chairs and then make your way to the Musee de L’Orangerie terrace, which faces west toward the Eiffel Tower.
If time allows, go inside the museum to see Monet’s Water Lilies (Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Map)
#7 The Louvre
Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Map
Perhaps the most magnificent and recognized museum in the world, The Louvre is a superb place to see – both inside and out. It is without a doubt a Must-Visit Paris Museum!
Housed in the Louvre Palace – which is where the French royal family resided prior to moving to Versailles – the majestic venue displays a collection of more than 35,000 items.
The most famous artwork is Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, but it’s far from the only piece worth seeing.
If you don’t want to detour from the walking tour to go inside now, at least make your way to the courtyard, where you can see the striking Glass Pyramid.
#8 Palais Royal
Free | Map
Dubbed a ‘Village in the City’, the Palais Royal became a royal residence in 1642. Today, the inner courtyard and 18th century gardens are open to visitors for free.
Decorating the Cour d’Honneur courtyard is the Les Deux Plateaux art installation, which is made up of black-and-white stripped columns of differing heights. The artwork is fun for photo ops, but was actually quite controversial when it debuted!
The tree-lined paths and shaded arcades in the gardens provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, there are plenty of benches where tired tourists can rest.
Note that the building itself is now luxury retail space – and houses the offices of the Ministry of Culture and Constitutional Council.
#9 Paris Covered Passages
Free | Map
Designed with glass ceilings to filter in the sunlight and lined with boutique shops and chic restaurants, the covered passages in Paris are both functional and charming.
The Paris passageways can be used as shortcuts to avoid long walks around city blocks. However, visitors seeking the ambiance of 19th century Paris will find appeal in simply strolling the length of the covered lanes.
The most opulent passageway is Galerie Vivienne – a gorgeous Paris Hidden Gem! Dating to 1823, the luxury covered shopping lane boasts mosaic floors and elegant tea rooms. In fact, Bistro Vivienne is a classic French restaurant (with classic Parisian service). Try the onion soup!
We also recommend venturing further north to Passage des Panoramas (the oldest existing Paris passageway, built in 1799 – Map) and Passage Jouffroy (a ‘modern’ passageway, built in 1845 – Map).
#10 Rue Montorgueil
Free | Map
The bustling Rue Montorgueil shopping street has a lively, real-life Parisian atmosphere – and is one of our favorite streets in all of Paris.
The (mostly) pedestrian street features a mix of spots that fit a range of budgets. Among the everyday shops and cafes are specialty stores (like fish, wine, bread and cheese shops).
It’s worth popping into Patissier Stohrer for something sweet. The bakery ranks as Paris’ oldest pastry shop and is credited with creating Baba au Rhum, a delectable rum-saturated, bite-sized cake.
As Rue Montorgueil is the last stop on this Self-Guided Paris City Tour, we recommend snagging a sidewalk seat at one of the many bistros. Order a glass of wine (or your favorite Parisian beverage) and enjoy the scene!
Alternatively, find your way to one of the iconic restaurants. L’Escargot Montorgueil specializes in buttered snails and Au Rocher de Cancale is known for their oysters.
Self-Guided Walking Tour Paris City Center Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour Map below.
More Paris City Walks
We believe walking in Paris is the ideal way to get acquainted with this splendid city. Find all of our Best Paris Self-Guided Walking Tours – or choose from the list below.
Paris Trip Planning Resources
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- Craft Beer Bars in Paris
- Trip to London, Paris, Rome
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