What to do in Paris on Your Second Visit

Paris has always been one of my favorite places in the world to visit. It is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do, it’s impossible to do it all in one visit. I’ve been to Paris about half a dozen times so far. If you’re anything like me, one visit will not be enough for you either.

So how do you get the most out of Paris on your second visit? As great as Paris is, it can be a little overwhelming for the first-time visitor. On my first visit I knew I had just scratched the surface and had committed to a return visit as soon as I had arrived back home.

For this list I’m going to assume you’ve seen most of the obvious tourist attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, river cruise, ride on the Metro, Versailles, Montmartre, Musee d’Orsay, Napoleon’s Tomb & Invalid, Moulin Rouge, etc., etc., etc.

That being said, I know most of you have not done all of those things on your first visit. So, on your second visit, hit what you’ve missed and then consider the suggestions below.

I’ve listed four suggestions of how to experience Paris on your second visit. It’s how I’ve seen the city on subsequent visits, making it seem almost like a second home. I hope they do the same for you.

1. Don’t Take the Metro, Walk Instead

Walk instead of taking the Metro. I know, the Metro is a highly efficient, and cheap way of getting across Paris from one attraction to the next. However, crisscrossing Paris underground in a subway kind of misses the point of being there.

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s not so because of the most popular attractions. Every part of the city is amazing. Only by walking can you really take it in.

Allow time in your schedule to walk from one destination to the other. And for destinations that are too far, yes you can take the Metro or an Uber. That also goes for when you’re exhausted at the end of the day.

But since you are not going to be standing in long lines at the major attractions on your second visit, you’ll have more energy for walking and taking in the scenery.

2. Spend the Afternoon Picnicking in the Jardin Luxembourg

Spend an afternoon having a picnic in the Jardin Luxembourg (or Luxembourg Gardens in English). It’s surprising that something that is seemingly such a common thing to do in Paris is rarely done by first timers. There’s too much to see and do to slow down and spend several hours relaxing with some wine and cheese in a garden.

In Paris they use the term garden loosely. Luxembourg Gardens is massive and lush with lawns, wooded areas and fenced off flower beds. There’s a small pond where you can rent toy sailboats. There are pony rides for the little ones. There are racket courts.

There’s even a fenced in play area with all of the playground activities any small child could want, if you wanted the kids to blow off some steam with a few dozen other kids while you and your significant other relax and sip your wine. The fenced in playground charges a nominal fee but it’s a great way for the kids to run around in a safe enclosure.  

There are several locations throughout Paris that are suitable for a picnic. Luxembourg Gardens just happens to be one of my favorites.

3. Get Dining Recommendations from Trip Advisor

On my first trip to Paris, I was so intimidated by the culinary reputation that I did not venture forth and explore. I ended up having a lot of my meals at those picturesque corner cafés.

Those cafés are amazing for a snack, a coffee and people watching. But they are not where you should eat most of your meals. Suffice it to say I had a lot of croque monsieur (grilled ham & cheese), croque madame (grilled ham & cheese with a fried egg on top) and niçoise salad (salad with canned tuna on top). That is a lot of what these cafés serve.

Avoid my mistakes and download the Trip Advisor app onto your phone and use it liberally when making meal decisions. No guidebook in the world can cover all of Paris. Trip Advisor however can find you your desired cuisine near your current location, no matter where you are.

And let me tell you, with over 16,000 restaurants to choose from, there’s something very satisfying to know you’ve spent your whole trip effortlessly selecting among the top 300 restaurants in Paris for every meal. There is no guidebook that can help you do that.

4. Rent an Apartment and Live Like a Local

I have lived in an apartment on two of my visits to Paris. I’d still be doing it but thanks to travel hacking, I stay in hotels for free. But the apartment experience is unique. And now that there is Air B&B, it’s easier than ever.

Living in an apartment allows you a little taste of what it would be like to live in Paris. You can go to the local store for your groceries. After several visits, the local shop keepers will recognize you. Cook some meals at home, saving money on eating out. Do laundry if necessary, which means you can bring fewer clothes and pack lighter.

It may even save you money over a hotel.

There are few better ways to get a real taste of Parisian living that to rent an apartment or home there.  

Conclusion

If you find yourself already hankering for a return trip to Paris before your first trip has even ended, take some of my suggestions. You’ll get a much better feel for the city beyond their popular tourist attractions and have a much richer experience overall.