I get it: When you travel to France, you want to make the most of your time in Paris, and that means not waiting in super-long lines and getting stuck behind a million selfie stick-toting tourists. But I also know you don’t want to miss out on the things to do in Paris that are actually worthwhile. So after going to the City of Lights (for the first time!), I’m here to share the touristy attractions in Paris that you do not want to miss out on.

What’s more, I’ll share tips on how to hit the highlights of Paris without dealing with the most obnoxious parts of the tourist attractions. That way you can truly enjoy your time, leaving more hours in the day for sipping red wine on sidewalk cafes. Right? Right.

So when you’re planning a trip to Paris, don’t skip out on these activities just because other tourists are going there. These touristy attractions in Paris truly are worth it.

The 5 tourist attractions in Paris you don’t want to miss

Whether you’re making an itinerary, pinning things to do in Paris on a google map or creating a Pinterest board, here are the touristy things to do in Paris you should definitely add.

1. Ride a Seine cruise at night

When I’m traveling, any tourist activities that involve someone handing out flyers and trying to get me to do it gets a hard pass from me. These tourist attractions tend to be overrun with people, and there’s generally an upsell somewhere in there. But I made an exception for a Seine cruise at night, precisely because three trusted friends told me it was one tourist attraction in Paris that was actually worthwhile.

So on my last night in Paris, I followed my google map to where the Seine cruise boats launch and climbed aboard. I didn’t really know what to expect. A guide spoke about the important buildings we passed in both English and French, making jokes along the way. Then I gasped: We made it to the Eiffel Tower just in time for its nighttime light show.

Eiffel Tower light show from the Seine from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower’s light show from the Seine was pure magic. The twinkle lights reflected off the dark water, and all of us passengers oohed and awed the whole time. I’m so glad I got over my aversion to tours to take a Seine cruise.

Level 10 travel tip: If you go to the Notre Dame Cathedral during the day, there is always a person handing out flyers with discounts for a Seine cruise. Pick one up—you’ll save a few Euros—and take a picture of the boat launch schedule on your phone so you won’t have to look it up on the internet later.

2. Hang out at the Eiffel Tower

Ok, this is one tourist attraction in Paris you probably never intended to skip. And for good reason! The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable landmark in Paris, and visiting it is free. Why not go?

One of my favorite things to do in Paris was hang out on a bench next to the Eiffel Tower and people watch. While I sat and sketched in my travel journal, I happened to see a young man go up to a light pole, pry open a compartment in the metal pole, and stash a bottle of champagne inside. What was he doing? Was he planning a surprise toast or even a proposal for later? I have no idea—and I’d never have spied his secret shenanigans if I had been rushing all over the place, trying to see everything. So for this tourist attraction in Paris, take your time: You never know what you’ll witness!

Level 10 travel tip: If you want to minimize the time you wait in lines in Paris, skip going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Yes, you’d get a great view from up there, but you do have to wait a long time (not to mention spend the money).

3. Drink champagne in a park

If you like wine, drink wine. If bubbly is your thang, pop a bottle. If you’re sober, drink some eau pétillante (that’s sparkling water in French—I googled it so it must be true).

Buy some baguette with cheese or a hot crepe from a food cart and make a picnic out of it!

I did this with several friends in the Jardin du Luxembourg one day in Paris, and I felt only slightly dorky. And you know what? Hanging out in the sunshine with friends and a bottle of champagne was one of my best memories in France. I also came to realize it doesn’t actually count as touristy if most of the people around you doing the same thing are actually French.

4. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral

Yes, this touristy thing to do in Paris can get crowded, and you have to wait in line to enter the Gothic cathedral. But once you get inside, everything is hushed, and your jaw will drop.

Notre Dame took 200 years to construct, and the dedication shows: Every detail is perfect. Take your time while you walk through Notre Dame: Get close, crane your head to look up, turn around and look behind you. There is something awe-inspiring to see from every perspective. You won’t regret visiting this touristy attraction in Paris!

Level 10 travel tip: A short tour will take you to the tower of the Notre Dame Cathedral, where you’ll get a closer look at gargoyles and a view of the Siene. But waiting in line to get a ticket only to get a return time might not fit in your plans to see the most of Paris! Instead, download the free Jefile App to select a time to do the Notre Dame tower tour that day.

5. Eat all the pain au chocolate

The pastries! everyone squealed when I told friends I was going to Paris for the first time. I sort of rolled my eyes internally. But it turns out their breathless love for pastries is totally right on.

It seems like every tourist in Paris takes an Instagram photo with their croissant. That’s ok. Whether you take pictures of pastries or not, do not miss eating a delicious pain au chocolate (that’s a chocolate-filled croissant) from a good Parisian bakery. And if you don’t want any #fomo regrets, eat (at least) one every day.

What to do on your first trip to Paris

Those were the five attractions in Paris I originally thought would be cliched and lame but actually turned out to be some of my best memories from my trip to France.

Remember: When you do the touristy things in Paris, make them your own. You don’t have to explore a landmark the same way as everyone else, and you definitely don’t always have to wait in line!

With these tips, I know you’ll make the most of your trip to Paris.

Tell me: What did I miss? What tourist attractions in Paris did you love? Comment below!