The Best Things to Do in Paris

Paris captivates visitors with its timeless charm, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to this magical city, Paris offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide unveils the most rewarding things to do in Paris to create memories that will last a lifetime. We’ve curated this list based on local insights and traveler favorites to help you experience the very best of the City of Light.

Paris is home to some of the world’s most recognizable monuments. These iconic landmarks should be at the top of your Paris bucket list, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most emblematic structure. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this architectural masterpiece offers breathtaking views of Paris from its three observation levels. You can admire it from below at the Champ de Mars gardens, enjoy a picnic with a view, or ascend to the top for a panoramic vista of the city.

Home to thousands of works of art spanning centuries and civilizations, the Louvre is the world’s most visited museum. While the Mona Lisa draws crowds, don’t miss other masterpieces like the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the vast Egyptian antiquities collection. The museum’s stunning architecture, including the iconic glass pyramid, is worth admiring even if you don’t venture inside.

Following the devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral has undergone extensive restoration and has partially reopened to visitors. This Gothic masterpiece has stood on the Île de la Cité since the 12th century. While interior access remains limited, you can admire the exterior architecture and learn about the ongoing restoration efforts. The cathedral’s flying buttresses, intricate sculptures, and rose windows exemplify French Gothic architecture at its finest.

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues converge, this monumental arch offers spectacular views of the Champs-Élysées and beyond from its rooftop terrace. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the arch, with an eternal flame commemorating the unidentified soldiers who died in both World Wars.

Paris is a cultural treasure trove with world-class museums and artistic venues. These cultural experiences offer insight into French history, art, and innovation.

Housed in a former railway station, Musée d’Orsay showcases the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, and Cézanne fill this magnificent space. Don’t miss the giant clock face on the top floor, offering a unique view of Sacré-Cœur across the Seine. Many visitors find this museum more manageable and equally rewarding as the Louvre.

Musée de l’Orangerie houses Claude Monet’s breathtaking “Water Lilies” series in two oval rooms designed specifically for these panoramic paintings. The natural light illuminates these masterpieces, creating a serene, immersive experience. The museum also features works by other artists including Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse. Located in the Tuileries Gardens, it’s the perfect complement to a visit to the nearby Louvre or Place de la Concorde.

With its distinctive inside-out architecture, Centre Pompidou houses Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a work of art, with its exposed structural elements and colorful pipes. Inside, you’ll find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Warhol, and many other 20th and 21st-century artists. The rooftop offers spectacular views of Paris, and the surrounding plaza is often filled with street performers and artists.

Descend into the eerie underground ossuary that holds the remains of more than six million Parisians. Created in the late 18th century when the city’s cemeteries were overflowing, the Catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into Paris’s history. The 1.5-kilometer labyrinth of tunnels features walls lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls, along with informative displays about the site’s creation and purpose. This unique experience provides a stark contrast to the city’s aboveground splendor.

One of the best ways to experience Paris is to wander through its distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. These areas offer authentic Parisian experiences beyond the major tourist sites.

Perched on a hill in northern Paris, Montmartre retains the village-like atmosphere that once attracted artists like Picasso, Modigliani, and Van Gogh. Cobblestone streets wind past historic windmills, vineyards, and the stunning white Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Visit Place du Tertre to watch artists at work, explore the Salvador Dalí exhibition, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of Paris from the basilica steps. For a less touristy experience, venture down the hill to discover local cafés and shops.

Le Marais spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is one of Paris’s oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods. Once the city’s aristocratic district, it now blends medieval architecture with trendy boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Explore the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, visit the Picasso Museum, or browse the shops along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. The area is also home to Paris’s Jewish quarter and LGBTQ+ community, adding to its diverse character.

On the Left Bank of the Seine, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long been associated with intellectuals, writers, and artists. The neighborhood is home to historic cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, where Hemingway, Sartre, and de Beauvoir once gathered. Browse the independent bookshops, art galleries, and designer boutiques, or simply enjoy people-watching from a café terrace. Don’t miss the beautiful Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris.

For a glimpse of local Parisian life away from the tourist crowds, head to Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. This picturesque waterway is lined with trendy boutiques, hip cafés, and artisanal food shops. On sunny days, locals gather along the canal’s edge for picnics and socializing. Take a boat tour through the canal’s locks and tunnels, or simply stroll along the tree-lined banks and iron footbridges that inspired scenes in the film Amélie.

Paris’s beautiful green spaces offer peaceful retreats from the urban bustle. These parks and gardens are perfect for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying nature within the city.

Created in the 17th century for Marie de Medici’s palace, the Luxembourg Gardens blend French and English landscaping styles. This beloved park features manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, and the stunning Medici Fountain. Parisians come here to read, play chess, sail model boats on the central pond, or simply relax in the iconic green chairs. The garden also houses an orchard, apiary, and numerous sculptures, including a miniature Statue of Liberty.

Stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden was once the royal garden of the Tuileries Palace. Today, it’s a public park featuring formal French landscaping, fountains, and sculptures by artists including Rodin and Giacometti. In summer, the garden hosts a carnival with a Ferris wheel offering views over central Paris. The garden’s terraces and tree-lined alleys provide perfect spots for a rest between museum visits.

For a less touristy experience, visit this dramatic park in the 19th arrondissement. Built on a former quarry, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont features steep hills, a lake, waterfalls, and a suspended bridge. The Temple de la Sibylle, perched on a cliff above the lake, offers panoramic views of the city and Sacré-Cœur. Popular with locals, especially on weekends, this park provides a refreshing alternative to the more manicured central Paris gardens.

Also known as Coulée Verte René-Dumont, this elevated linear park was built on an abandoned railway line – predating New York’s High Line by nearly 15 years. Beginning near Bastille and extending for 4.5 kilometers, the walkway takes you above the streets through lush greenery, with occasional views into apartment windows and courtyards. Below the viaduct sections, the Viaduc des Arts houses artisan workshops and boutiques in the former railway arches.

Paris is a paradise for food lovers. From classic French cuisine to innovative modern dishes, these culinary experiences will delight your taste buds and introduce you to French gastronomic traditions.

Experience local life at one of Paris’s many open-air markets. Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement offers a authentic experience with its mix of covered market hall and outdoor stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, bread, and flowers. Marché Bastille, one of the city’s largest markets, operates on Thursdays and Sundays along Boulevard Richard Lenoir. For a gourmet experience, visit Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais, Paris’s oldest covered market, where you can sample dishes from around the world.

Learn the secrets of French cuisine by taking a cooking class in Paris. Many culinary schools offer half-day workshops where you can master classics like croissants, macarons, or soufflés. For a more comprehensive experience, sign up for a market tour followed by a cooking class, where you’ll shop for ingredients before preparing a multi-course meal. These hands-on experiences provide skills you can take home as a delicious souvenir.

For an authentic Parisian dining experience, visit a traditional bistro serving classic French dishes. These neighborhood establishments typically offer a fixed-price menu with seasonal specialties like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or steak frites. Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain, Bistrot Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement, and Chez Georges near Place des Victoires are excellent choices for experiencing traditional French cuisine in a convivial atmosphere.

Combine sightseeing with fine dining on a Seine River dinner cruise. As you glide past illuminated monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, enjoy a gourmet meal with wine pairings. These cruises typically last 2-3 hours and offer a romantic way to experience Paris from a different perspective. Choose from various options ranging from casual to haute cuisine depending on your preferences and budget.

Beyond the famous attractions, Paris is filled with lesser-known treasures that offer unique experiences away from the crowds. These hidden gems provide authentic glimpses into Parisian life and culture.

Often overshadowed by Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic masterpiece hidden within the Palais de Justice complex on the Île de la Cité. Built in the 13th century to house religious relics, this royal chapel features 15 stunning stained glass windows depicting over 1,000 biblical scenes. When sunlight streams through these 15-meter-high windows, the effect is magical. Visit early in the morning or on a sunny day for the most spectacular experience.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the 9th arrondissement, this charming museum occupies the former home of painter Ary Scheffer. The small villa and its garden transport visitors to the Romantic era of the 1830s, when George Sand, Chopin, and other artists gathered here for salons. The museum displays paintings, furniture, and memorabilia from this artistic period. After exploring the collections, enjoy tea in the peaceful garden café – one of Paris’s most tranquil spots.

Paris’s covered passages are 19th-century shopping arcades that provide sheltered shortcuts between streets. The oldest, Passage des Panoramas, dates from 1800 and retains its original charm with mosaic floors, glass ceilings, and vintage shops. Browse the stamp collectors’ stores, antique boutiques, and small restaurants that line this atmospheric passage. Other notable arcades include Galerie Vivienne, Passage du Grand Cerf, and Passage Jouffroy, each with its own distinct character.

This sprawling cemetery in eastern Paris is the final resting place of numerous famous figures, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Chopin. Beyond its celebrity graves, Père Lachaise is a peaceful park-like setting with tree-lined paths, elaborate tombs, and beautiful funerary art. Pick up a map at the entrance to locate specific graves, or simply wander the grounds to appreciate the serene atmosphere and historical monuments.

While Paris offers endless attractions, the surrounding region is rich with historic sites and natural beauty. These day trips provide a perfect complement to your Parisian adventure.

Just 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, the magnificent Palace of Versailles stands as a testament to the opulence of the French monarchy. Tour the lavish State Apartments, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and Marie Antoinette’s private estate. The palace’s formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, feature fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured parterres. On summer weekends, the Musical Fountains Show brings the gardens to life with water displays choreographed to music.

Visit the source of inspiration for Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series at his home and gardens in Giverny. Located 75 kilometers from Paris, this picturesque property features two distinct gardens: a flower garden with archways of climbing plants and beds of vibrant blooms, and the water garden with its iconic Japanese bridge, weeping willows, and water lily pond. Monet’s house, with its yellow dining room and blue kitchen, has been preserved with the artist’s collection of Japanese prints.

Just an hour from Paris by train, Chartres is famous for its magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral’s mismatched spires, intricate sculptures, and world-renowned stained glass windows make it an architectural masterpiece. After touring the cathedral, wander through the well-preserved medieval old town with its half-timbered houses and picturesque bridges spanning the Eure River.

Less crowded than Versailles but equally impressive, Château de Fontainebleau has been a royal residence for over eight centuries. Located 55 kilometers southeast of Paris, this UNESCO World Heritage site features a blend of Renaissance and French artistic styles across more than 1,500 rooms. Highlights include the ornate State Apartments, the Gallery of Francis I, and Napoleon’s throne room. The château is surrounded by English and French gardens, as well as a large park perfect for picnics.

Make the most of your Paris experience with these practical tips that will help you navigate the city like a local and avoid common tourist pitfalls.

Paris has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to explore the city. The Métro is fast and comprehensive, with 16 lines covering most attractions. For a scenic journey, take Bus 42, which passes many major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited travel on public transportation, or use the Vélib’ bike-sharing system to explore at your own pace. For a unique perspective, take a Batobus water shuttle along the Seine with hop-on, hop-off service at major attractions.

To avoid the longest lines, visit popular attractions early in the morning or in the evening, particularly during peak tourist season (June-August). Many museums stay open late one night per week – the Louvre on Wednesdays and Fridays, Musée d’Orsay on Thursdays, and Centre Pompidou on Thursdays. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for the Eiffel Tower and Catacombs. For a more relaxed experience, visit Paris in the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

Paris hosts numerous events throughout the year that can enhance your visit. In spring, enjoy the Paris Marathon and outdoor art exhibitions. Summer brings Bastille Day celebrations (July 14), Paris Plages (temporary beaches along the Seine), and open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette. Fall features the Nuit Blanche art festival and fashion weeks, while winter showcases Christmas markets and festive illuminations. Check the official Paris tourism website before your trip to discover what special events might coincide with your visit.

Paris can be expensive, but there are many ways to enjoy the city on a budget. Take advantage of free museum days (first Sunday of each month for many museums), and free attractions like Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame (exterior), and Père Lachaise Cemetery. For affordable dining, try the set-price lunch menus (formules) offered by many restaurants, or create your own picnic with fresh bread, cheese, and wine from local markets. Consider staying in neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin or Belleville for more affordable accommodation options with a local feel.

Paris offers an inexhaustible array of experiences that cater to every interest and travel style. Whether you’re drawn to world-class art, culinary delights, historic landmarks, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a sidewalk café, the City of Light promises unforgettable memories. This guide highlights just a selection of the many things to do in Paris – the city rewards exploration and serendipitous discoveries. As you plan your visit, remember that some of the most memorable experiences come from wandering without a strict itinerary, allowing yourself to be captivated by Paris’s timeless charm and beauty.