Things to do in Paris

Things to do in  Paris

Eat, pray, Louvre

Even first-time visitors experience a sense of familiarity when they arrive in Paris, with its instantly recognizable monuments, tightly packed bistro terraces, and chic boutiques. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum are three attractions rarely left off any itinerary—and for good reason. For more, add on a Seine River cruise, Montmartre walking tour, Moulin Rouge dinner show, and day trip to the Palace of Versailles. But for all its iconic scenery and artistic treasures, there’s something to be said for discovering the City of Light like a Parisian, with leisurely visits to cafés, boulangeries, and the narrow alleyways of ‘arrondissements’ (neighborhoods).

Top 15 attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower isn't just a symbol of Paris but a symbol for all of France. Erected by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, the 1,050-foot (320-meter) tower once held the title of the world's tallest structure. Despite having been dwarfed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and The Shard in London, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. View the architectural icon from afar, or stop in at the three observation levels for stellar city views.More

Louvre

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Primarily associated with the steady gaze of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa, Paris' Louvre museum is home to a 35,000-strong collection of paintings and sculptures considered one of the greatest in the world. The contemporary glass Louvre Pyramid heralds the museum's entrance, which millions of tourists flock to every year to feast their eyes on masterpieces that span from antiquity to the 20th century.More

Notre Dame Cathedral

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Second only to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) is one of Paris' most iconic attractions, a marvel of medieval architecture that was immortalized in Victor Hugo's classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Today, the Gothic grandeur and stained-glass windows of the UNESCO World Heritage site continue to reign supreme from Ile de la Cite, an island in the middle of the Seine River.(UPDATE: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently off-limits due to fire damage.)More

River Seine

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The lifeblood of Paris, the River Seine acts as a dividing line between Paris’ historically sophisticated and bohemian halves, while providing transportation via riverboat and plenty of opportunity for romantic strolls. The banks of the famous river are a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with the city’s top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Louvre.More

Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay)

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Rivaling the Louvre as Paris' favorite art museum, the Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay) is known for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and art nouveau works from 1848 to 1914. Equally impressive as what’s inside the museum is its exterior: a former Beaux-Arts railway station with an enviable location on the banks of the Seine River. Both architecture and art buffs will want this museum on their Parisian itineraries.More

Montmartre

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Crowned by the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, historic Montmartre in Paris’ 18th arrondissement is famed for its cobblestone streets, artsy past and present, and central hill. Visitors flock here to imagine what life was like during the Belle Epoque—when artists such as Dalí, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso lived and worked in Montmartre—as well as get their portrait sketched in Place du Tertre.More

Place de la Concorde

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Situated on the right bank of the Seine River and flanked by the idyllic Tuileries Garden and the grand boulevard of Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. The infamous guillotines of the French Revolution were located here, but today the square is best known for striking monuments, elegant hotels, and elaborate fountains.More

Arc de Triomphe

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An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, commemorates French soldiers and military victories. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.More

Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

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Paris’ Latin Quarter is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.More

Pont Alexandre III

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One of many bridges that cross the Seine, Pont Alexandre III was officially unveiled in 1900. Widely considered the city’s most beautiful and opulent bridge, it connects the Champs-Élysées and Grand Palais on the Right Bank with Invalides on the Left, making it a popular thoroughfare for tour groups and amblers.More

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

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The Arc de Triomphe looks down upon the grand tree-lined boulevard that is Avenue des Champs-Élysées: one of Paris’ most memorable sights and one of the world’s most famous avenues. It’s not just the striking architecture that captivates visitors—the shopping street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine restaurants.More

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

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Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre—whose other creations include the Palace of Versailles gardens—in the mid-17th century, the UNESCO-listed Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is Paris’ most visited public park, with a spectacular setting between Champs-Elysées Avenue and the Louvre, on the banks of the Seine River.More

Grand Palais

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The Grand Palais is one of Paris’ most beautiful and recognizable structures. Debuted in 1900 in time for the World’s Fair, the architectural marvel is famed for its colossal nave, Beaux-Arts architecture, and immense glass roof. Today, the Grand Palais houses several gallery areas and also hosts tournaments, Chanel fashion shows, and other major events.More

Palais Garnier

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Home to the Opera de Paris, ballet performances, and the fictional Phantom of the Opera, the grand 19th-century Palais Garnier—also known as Opera Garnier—recalls the splendor of France’s Second Empire, an era synonymous with elegance and extravagance. Beyond its opulent exterior and foyer, the 2,000-seat auditorium is a riot of red velvet, gold, and bronze, with a massive chandelier and a colorful ceiling painting by modernist master Marc Chagall.More

Le Marais

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With its maze of cobbled lanes and medieval buildings sprawling along the banks of the Seine River, the historic district of Le Marais is one of Paris’ most atmospheric, with a lively Jewish Quarter, a great selection of museums and art galleries, and a thriving LGBTQ community.More

Trip ideas

The Do's and Don'ts of the Paris Catacombs

The Do's and Don'ts of the Paris Catacombs

Top activities in Paris

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
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Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Summit with Host
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Skip-the-Line: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Fully Guided Tour
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Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches
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Versailles Palace & Garden Tour w. Skip The Line Entry from Paris
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Paris Eiffel Tower Guided Tour with Access via Lift
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Louvre Museum Paris Exclusive Guided Tour With Reserved Entry
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Eiffel Tower Reserved access Tour with Summit Access by Elevator
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Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting
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Versailles Palace Priority Access Guided Tour - Pickup from Paris
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All about Paris

When to visit

It’s hard to beat springtime in Paris. While flowers blossom in public parks like the Luxembourg Gardens and picnics and outdoor café meals become inviting once more, a busy festival calendar kicks off with things to do like the Fête de la Gastronomie and the French Open. Stick around for early summer to attend Paris Pride, the Fête de la Musique, and Bastille Day—just leave before August, when much of the city shuts down for a month-long vacation.

Getting around

Served as it is by three airports—Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais—Paris is easy to get to. It’s also easy to explore from there, thanks to its extensive public transportation options, including numerous metro lines, RER commuter trains, buses, and low-cost bike rentals. To hop from Paris to other French or international cities, you can use one of the city’s six major train stations.

Traveler tips

To venture beyond the typical Parisian stereotypes and to see a side of the city that many tourists miss, head to the city's northwest. There, the Belleville neighborhood boasts a diverse community (including one of the city's primary Chinatowns), vibrant street art, trendy coffee shops and restaurants, and an edgy ambiance that doesn't feel like it came from a postcard—and is all the better for it.

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A local’s pocket guide to Paris

Jade Broggio

Jade worked in Paris’ La Défense neighborhood many moons ago and had an amazing time living in Ménilmontant, between the 11th and the 20th arrondissements (districts).

The first thing you should do in Paris is...

immerse yourself in the typical Parisian atmosphere. Order a coffee on the terrace of a bistro in Les Halles and contemplate the bustle of the city.

A perfect Saturday in Paris...

starts with brunch at Shouk, a Mediterranean restaurant in the 10th arrondissement. Then, follow Amélie’s footsteps down the Canal Saint-Martin, before meeting friends at Prune for a glass of wine (or two).

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Montmartre. Escape the crowds in the Place du Tertre and get lost a little further down the cobbled streets for a more local experience.

To discover the "real" Paris...

visit the 19th arrondissement. I like to stroll along the Buttes Chaumont and the Canal de l'Ourcq, before stopping by La Paname, an incredible brewery that overlooks the canal.

For the best view of the city...

go to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre or leave Paris for nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye for a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense from the Saint-Germain Castle.

One thing people get wrong...

Parisians are not always on strike, but make sure to check the local news before planning your day.

People Also Ask

What should you not miss in Paris?

Paris is home to many unmissable attractions, from iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to world-class museums including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. No visit is complete without strolling through atmospheric neighborhoods like the Marais and the Latin Quarter, or indulging in French baguettes, cheeses, and wine.

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What should I do on my first trip to Paris?

See Paris' top attractions on your first visit to the City of Light: Go on a Seine River cruise to admire many highlights, including the Eiffel Tower, and plan a visit to the Louvre. Ascend to Montmartre for impeccable city views, and visit the iconic Moulin Rouge for an unforgettable cabaret show.

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What are the local specialties in Paris?

Paris is known for its decadent culinary specialities, from croissants and freshly baked baguettes, to colorful macarons, hearty croque-monsieur sandwiches, and other timeless bistro fare. The best of French gastronomy is available in the City of Light, including hundreds of cheeses, exceptional wines (including Champagne), and cured meats.

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What entertainment is there in Paris?

Paris offers an enormous range of entertainment options, from rarified opera and ballet performances to racy cabaret revues at iconic venues such as the Moulin Rouge. Its theaters host a range of plays, comedy nights, and concerts throughout the year, while the Stade de France hosts soccer and rugby games.

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What do locals do for fun in Paris?

Paris locals often bypass touristy neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter in favor of the Canal Saint-Martin district, where they picnic along the water and share bottles of wine in trendy bars. Other locals-frequented destinations include the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the hip Belleville district, and the boutiques of the Marais.

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Is Paris expensive?

Yes, Paris is expensive. It ranks among the world's most expensive cities, and luxury—from high-end department stores to Michelin-starred meals—is present at every turn. But there are cost-effective ways to explore the city: Enjoy panoramic views from Sacré-Coeur Basilica, window-shop on the Champs-Élysées, and see the cultural attractions of the Parc de la Villette.

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Frequently Asked Questions