The 21 Best Things to do in Paris
Paris – the city of love. Not only is is one of the most romantic places in the world, but it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to people interested in art, history, and food.
Paris seems to be one of those cities that people seem to either adore or absolutely despise. In fact, the top thing I heard about Paris before visiting was that it’s ‘totally overrated’. But I promise, the trip is well worth it.
Of course, the city does have its dirty spots and dodgy places, but I dare you to name any city that doesn’t. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of it.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
Obviously, the first thing on my (and probably everyone else’s) Paris guide is visiting the Eiffel Tower. On top of being one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower has an amazing view of the entire city.
If you want to go to the top of the tower, you’ll need tickets. I’d highly recommend booking online on the official website as early as you can. If you have the option, pick a skip-the-line pass, because (as you may expect) it is always absolutely packed with tourists. Alternatively, you can choose a guided tour on GetYourGuide.
Remember not to miss the iconic sparkling of the Eiffel Tower lights. At night, the tower is illuminated and every hour (on the hour), it sparkles for 5 minutes. It’s a spectacle you’ll only ever be able to see in Paris.
For a full guide to planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower, visit my blog post here.
2. Spend a magical day at Disneyland
If you’re anything like me… you probably feel a bit like a child stuck in a grown-up’s body sometimes. And what better way to make that inner child happy than by spending a day in Nostalgia Land – sorry, I meant Disneyland?
Disneyland Paris is one of only 6 Disney parks in the world, and the only one in Europe. Now, if you’re used to Disneyland in Orlando, maybe don’t set your expectations too high. But it made me so happy to live out my Disney dreams.
At Disneyland, you’ll be able to meet your favourite characters, go on themed rides, go through a maze, eat overpriced, mouse-shaped foods, and so much more! Don’t miss the giant afternoon parade featuring all the characters and the firework show in the evening.
Make sure to book your tickets online ahead of time, because the park sells out quickly. I also recommend downloading the official app, on which you can check live waiting times at the different rides as you’re exploring the park. Try to go on a weekday, and don’t go on school holidays if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
Find my in-depth guide to planning a trip to Disneyland Paris here.
3. Go for a boat tour
Photo by Polina Chistyakova
The Seine River runs straight through the centre of Paris. It is a great way to see different sights all around the city from a unique angel.
There are a wide variety of different boat tours available. You can book anything from an hour-long boat ride with or without commentary, to a private boat tour with food options. Check out GetYourGuide to see all the different options.
4. Drink hot chocolate
One of the things you absolutely cannot miss when visiting the city is drinking a decadent cup of Parisian hot chocolate. It’s much thicker and richer than a regular hot chocolate, and made with high-quality dark chocolate instead of ingredients like cocoa powder.
The best way to have your hot chocolate is to have it along with a croissant or a pain au chocolat. Almost all cafés in Paris serve it, but some, like Café Angelina and Café de Flore, really are famous for theirs. Just make sure to make a reservation ahead of time or arrive as soon as it opens to avoid waiting in long queues.
5. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Arguably the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa is a must-see artwork when visiting Paris. It may be especially interesting if you’re an art enthusiast.
Of course, you can see more than just the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum. Some of the most recognizable art is here, including Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The museum also often has temporary collections and events, so make sure to check the website before your visit if something like this interests you.
You can buy tickets on the official website. If you are a citizen of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, or are under 18 years old, admission is free – you just need to bring a proof of ID. On the first Friday of every month except July and August, admission is free to everyone after 6pm.
There are also guided tours and audioguides available to take you through the gallery. For guided tours, I’d recommend you check on GetYourGuide.
6. See the Notre Dame Cathedral
Photo by Ali Müftüoğulları
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most significant landmarks in all of Paris. Unfortunately, because of the fire in 2019, the cathedral is still being renovated. This means that no interior visits are currently possible.
I still think it’s worth it to just visit the cathedral square, from which you can see the crypts and the entrance to the church.
If you’re visiting Paris after December 2024, though, you’re in luck! The doors are set to open again, so if you’re there around Christmas, you might be one of the first ones to see it restored.
7. Find Speakeasy Bars
One of the most exciting, fun things I did when I visited Paris with my friends was taking a tour to several Speakeasy bars.
A speakeasy bar is an establishment that illegally sells alcohol. They came into being when certain countries outlawed alcohol. They became particularly common in the USA during the 1920s.
Don’t worry, speakeasies are pretty much all completely legal now! Nowadays, the term ‘speakeasy’ refers more to bars that are designed like the historical bars. They’re usually hidden, often requiring a password to enter. You can find them anywhere, from alleys to aisles of supermarkets.
You can either check out some blogs to find speakeasy bars or book a private tour that will show you a few of them.
8. Go to the Moulin Rouge
Photo by Pixabay
One of my dreams is to see the Moulin Rouge in Paris. And though I’ve visited Paris, I wasn’t able to go to a show – I guess that’s just an excuse to plan another trip.
In case you’re wondering; no, it’s not the musical. The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret show in the world. It is the birthplace of the can-can and is known for its elaborate costumes and headpieces.
Tickets aren’t cheap, as they start from 109€. This type of ticket just allows access to the show, but you can buy tickets including a 3-course dinner and/or champagne as well. There are also tickets combining it with another activity in the city, like a Paris city tour or a Seine River Cruise. Buy tickets on the official website in advance, because they sell out very quickly!
Keep in mind that the show is not appropriate for children, so skip it if you’re on a family trip.
9. Eat a macaron
Paris is known for its patesseries, and particularly famous are the macarons. Because it’s a signature food of the city, there are countless macaron makers all over Paris that offer both traditional and more modern, creative versions.
Here are some of the most well-known patisseries to try:
- Ladurée: Probably the most famous macarons in Paris, located on the Champs-Élysées. It has the elegant style that you would expect from a classic French patisserie.
- Pierre Hermé: Serves more innovative and out-of-the-box flavours of macarons, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Café Pouchkine: The macarons draw inspiration from both French and Russian cooking, and are considered to be very luxurious.
- Jean-Paul Hévin: Though this is a chocolatier, the macarons are also fantastic, made with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
- Fauchon: A gourmet food store and patisserie that is famous not only for its macarons, but also other French delicacies.
- Carette: The perfect place to go for afternoon tea and macarons with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Sadaharu Aoki: A Japanese pastry chef who incorporates the flavours of Japan, like matcha and yuzu, into delectable macarons.
- La Maison du Chocolat: Another chocolatier, most of the macarons at this shop are focused around chocolate.
- Dalloyau: One of the oldest patisseries in Paris that serves some of the best traditional macarons.
- Angelina: A beautiful, elegant tea room, perfect for enjoying a macaron and a cup of Parisian hot chocolate.
10. Eat a croissant
Did you even really visit Paris if you didn’t eat a croissant? Here are some of the best spots for croissants in Paris:
- Du Pain et des Idées: A bakery that is known to have some of the most flaky and buttery croissants.
- Blé Sucré: Known for both their croissants and pain au chocolat.
- Pierre Hermé: Though famous for its macarons, Pierre Hermé also makes fantastic croissants. A great opportunity to try both in one go!
- Maison Pichard: Has won multiple awards for its delicious croissants.
- La Parisienne: The winner of the ‘Best Croissant in Paris’ award in 2016, La Parisienne is a must-try.
11. See the Arc de Triomphe
Photo by Chait Goli
The Arc de Triomphe is another one of those super-famous Parisian landmarks. It is pictured in just about every movie set in the city, isn’t it?
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. You can join a guided tour, or visit it on your own. It is open until late at night, which is one of the best times to see the city, when it’s all lit up.
Right underneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every evening at 6:30pm, the eternal flame is lit in a special ceremony, which is a great experience if you’re a bit of a history nerd.
It also has one of the best panoramic views of Paris, which you can enjoy after your 284-step climb to the top. There is no elevator, so if you have physical restrictions, maybe skip this one.
12. Visit the Sacre Coeur
If you want the best sunset view of Paris, visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica. In the dome, you can see almost everything in the city.
It is a great place to combine with a visit to Montmartre, which is great to experience the local culture.
The basilica is one of the most famous sights in all of Paris, but keep in mind that it is still an active church. You’ll have to wear modest clothing (cover your shoulders and knees) and remember that no photography is allowed inside. Be quiet and respect that it is a place of worship.
The best part of visiting the basilica – it’s completely free! So there’s not really a reason not to visit. It is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm 365 days of the year. Try to come early or late in order to avoid the crowds though.
13. Visit Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is one of the most famous art galleries in Paris. If you’re an art lover, it is a must-visit spot.
Some of the most well-known artworks in the world are here, like Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’ and Monet’s ‘Blue Water Lilies’.
As the museum gets quite crowded, I’d suggest booking tickets on the website ahead of time. If you want to save some money, visit after 6pm, but keep in mind that you might not be able to see every part of the galleries.
14. Wander through the streets of Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most famous Arrondissements (districts) in Paris. It is known for its bohemian vibe, with lots of opportunities to view art and try a traditional French café.
One of the top spots to visit in Montmartre is Place du Tertre. It is a famous square, which is ideal for people-watching from a café. There are also many local artists here that will paint your portrait. Start or end your visit at the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
Montmartre is perfect for just exploring without too much sense of where you’re going – try finding some hidden gems.
Unfortunately, as one of the busier and more tourist-filled areas in Paris, it is often a hotspot for pickpocketers and scammers. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
15. Tour the Opéra Garnier
The Opéra Garnier, is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Its interior reminds me of the Beauty and the Beast ballroom and, fun fact, it is the original setting of the musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.
The Opéra Garnier has two parts: the Palais Garnier and the Bastille Opera. The Palais Garnier is the part that you can visit on your own and it may have restricted access at certain times of the day, because it is where performances take place. To visit the Bastille Opera, you’ll need to join a guided tour, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre.
Though it is an opera house, it is also, more famously, home to the Paris Opera Ballet. If you’re a ballet fan, this is a great place to see one of the most notable companies in the world.
You can simply tour the opera house, or you can see a performance. Book tickets for both on the official website.
16. Go Shopping
Paris has one of the most renowned shopping scenes in the world. You can find everything from luxury boutiques to local markets in the city. If you are interested in high-end fashion, you’ll find that many brands are cheaper in Paris than they are in, say, the United States.
Some of the best shopping spots in Paris are:
- Champs-Élysées: This is one of the most famous streets in the city. The shops range from Louis Vuitton and Cartier to Apple and Nike.
- Galeries Lafayette: The most well-known department store in France with stunning architecture and fantastic shopping and food options.
- Printemps: Another beautiful department store that also has a rooftop with panoramic views.
17. Find souvenirs at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is one of the biggest and most famous flea markets in the world. It is a great place to find just about anything.
You can go thrift shopping for clothes or antiques, and I think it’s the best place to find little gifts to bring back home for the people you love. You’ll find much more unique souvenirs here than at some tourist shop near the Eiffel Tower.
The market also has a couple of cafés and food stalls, so you can take a break in between shopping.
Tip! Make sure to bring cash, because most vendors do not have card facilities.
18. People-watch from a Parisian café
Though it sounds odd, a lot of us have a similar picture in our minds of a trip to Paris: Sipping a hot chocolate outside a local café while wearing a beret, watching the fabulous people of Paris go about their days.
It sounds really cliché, because you see it in every single movie set in Paris. But (minus the beret, maybe), it actually is kind of fun.
If you’re grabbing a coffee (and croissant) with a friend, why not sit outside and soak up the culture of the busy city? There’s a reason Paris is such an attractive city, and I’d argue that it’s not just because of the landmarks. There is a certain air around Parisians that no one else in the world seems to have.
19. Explore the Catacombs of Paris
If you’re a history buff, the catacombs of Paris are a great place to visit. Of course, if you’re easily freaked out, keep in mind that it is a bit creepy and dark down there.
If you plan to visit, book your tickets online ahead of time. Though tickets are also sold on-site, there is a limit of 200 people allowed at once, so you may have to wait long if you haven’t booked online.
Remember to bring a jacket, because it often gets quite cool in the catacombs. Also wear comfortable shoes, because there’ll be a lot of walking, especially on uneven surfaces.
20. Take a day trip to Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the former residence of the royal family of France. It has some of the most stunning gardens, and the palace interior is breathtaking.
By train, it is situated only 30 to 40 minutes from Paris, so it’s a perfect day trip destination. Take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.
I’d recommend arriving as early as possible and booking tickets online to avoid crowds. After exploring the palace, have a picnic in the garden before going to the small town of Versailles. Explore the local shops and charming streets, have a late lunch at a French bistro, then head back to Paris.
Tickets to the palace and audio-guided tours can be bought on the website.
21. Visit Musée Rodin
Musée Rodin is a museum that almost exclusively displays the works of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. Some of the most famous sculptures include The Thinker and The Kiss. It does, however, also have some paintings by Vincent van Gogh.
What makes it unique is that many of the sculptures are displayed in the garden, rather than in a building. Of course, you can also explore the mansion, which was once the residence of Auguste Rodin.
