28 Best Things To Do In Paris

Are you planning a trip to Paris and looking for the finest things to do there? We’ve got you covered! Paris, often known as the “City of Love,” is a classic destination that never ceases to enchant travelers with its beautiful aura, rich history, and cultural appeal.

From the renowned Eiffel Tower to the charming alleyways of Montmartre, Paris has something for everyone’s interests and hobbies. In this post, we’ll look at must-do activities in Paris to make the most of your vacation.

28 Best Things To Do In Paris

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1. Experience the Eiffel Tower

Experience the Eiffel Tower: Europe’s unique voyage to the top of its kind, where emotions take you away. From the esplanade to the peak, you will feel a range of emotions.

Enjoy the goosebumps as you traverse the glass floor on the first floor, the spectacular ascent by stairs or elevator, and the ineffable wonder at the tonnes of iron over you as you stand on the esplanade. Do you want to skip the line? Check out our post on the Best Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Tickets.

The Eiffel Tower is additionally one of the world’s most frequented pay-to-enter monuments, with about 6 million tourists each year. Because it’s so popular, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead, especially if you’re coming from afar, so that your visit to this beautiful icon of Paris and France goes as comfortably as possible for both kids and adults.

2. Visit Arc de Triomphe

The most grandiose of all triumphal arches, the Arc de Triomphe Paris, was completed between 1806 and 1808. Despite many changes from the initial blueprints, the Arch preserves the core of the original vision, which was a powerful, unifying emblem for France.

As a monument, the Arc de Triomphe provides tourists with stunning views of Paris from its spectacular terrace, as well as an exhibition detailing the arch’s history and symbolic significance both in France and beyond.

Its placement at Place Charles de Gaulle puts it in the center of the capital and marks the western end of the Champs-Elysees. Does the Arc De Triomphe catch your interest? Read our post on Interesting Facts about Arc De Triomphe.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

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The Notre Dame Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral in Paris’s fourth district. Unlike older Romanesque construction, the Notre Dame Cathedral’s sculptures as well as stained glass windows exhibit a strong influence of realism. It served as one of the first Gothic cathedrals, which means it was built during the Gothic period.

Notre Dame de Paris was founded in the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, together with the Paris Banks of the Seine, and is one of the most beloved landmarks in the world, with over 12 million visitors each year prior to the fire.

Over the last few years, Notre Dame has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. Following the devastating fire, there was rapid global support and financial commitments to reconstruct it, confirming its significance to France and the globe.

4. Musee d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is internationally recognized for its extensive collection of Impressionist paintings, although it also exhibits all Western cultural accomplishments. Its collections include everything from painting to design, as well as sculpting, art for decoration, and photography.

The splendor of the location will undoubtedly take your breath away: a train station designed to seem like a palace opened for the 1900 Universal Exposition. Free entrance without reservation for those who qualify for free admission and provide the appropriate paperwork.

Except for owners of a Carte Blanche or just a Paris Museum Pass, reservations are necessary on the first Sunday of each month. If you want to learn more about Musee d’Orsay, check out our post Interesting Facts about Musee d’Orsay.

5. Join a Montmartre Food Tour

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Experience a taste of Paris from real Parisians who are enthusiastic about French food. On Paris food tours, we enjoy nothing more than sharing our passion for French cuisine with you, whether it’s a pastry as well as a chocolate tour of Paris, a Montmartre tour, or another type of food as delectable.

Lose yourself in a gastronomic exploration of artistic Montmartre, which will take you into the slopes of the 18th arrondissement and reveal its best-kept food secrets along the way.

Can’t decide which food tour to take? Check out this Montmartre Food Tour, which includes the following highlights:

• Understand how to shop for groceries like a true Parisian.
• Discover a side of Montmartre that few people are aware of.
• Try charcuterie, fresh pastries, and other treats!
• Dine at one of the local restaurants.
• 10 meal sampling and 2 beverages at 7 family-run restaurants

6. The Wall of Love

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Even the most cynical person can’t help but be enchanted by the charming sight and the loved-up lovers that seem to be sprinkled about it, known as Les Mur des Je t’Aime in French.

Whether you’re searching for an Instagram backdrop or a nice date place with your other half, this creative work has been visited by all of Paris’s and the world’s well-traveled couples and remains a popular draw. Monday through Friday, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the wall is open for viewing.

The closing times vary according to the season, and the nearest subway stop is Abbesses. There are a lot of seats strewn throughout the area, so have a seat and spend a good twenty minutes allowing the weight of the world’s love to sink in and the words run off your tongue. Do you want to know how to say “I love you” in French? Click here to read our article.

7. Explore Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin is a trendy district populated by young Parisians drawn to the lower rents, the restaurant scene, and especially the canal itself. The Canal Saint-Martin, lined with hundred-year-old delicious chestnuts and crossed by magnificent footbridges, inspires romance and introspection.

The Parc de la Villette, located at the Canal’s northern end, is a favorite spot for Parisians to relax, enjoy some activities, and go for a walk. It is an interdisciplinary area with a wide range of leisure activities.

8. Pont de l’Archeveche

The Pont de l’Archeveche links the island of Ile de la Cite, although it is better known for being the Lovers Bridge over the Seine, wherein lovers affix padlocks to its railings.

The Pont de l’Archevêché, which connects the Ile de la Cité with the 5th arrondissement, is also a lovely spot to walk.

The parapet has been changed over the years with more durable and secure ones than what was initially constructed out of cast iron, but the Pont de l’Archeveche remains only 11 meters wide, with a 2-meter path on each side, making it Paris’s narrowest road bridge over the Seine.

9. Seine River Cruise

A Seine river cruise is a popular way to explore Paris that we constantly suggest to guests. These brief river excursions allow you to see many of the city’s sights while floating along the Seine River.

Want to make the most of your Seine River Cruise tour? This 1-Hour River Seine ride will take you on a roundtrip ride down the Seine River, beginning at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Glide beneath Paris’ bridges and gaze at a series of gorgeous landmarks along the river while listening to comments on Paris and the places you pass by.

This tour’s highlights include:

• As you travel along the Seine River, you’ll get a new view of Paris.
• Take in stunning panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other landmarks.
• Learn from engaging commentary on your smartphone or via an audio guide.

10. Learn Different Languages at Mundolingua

A linguistics museum that covers everything from how newborns learn to communicate to endangered as well as extinct languages. Mundolingua is the creation of linguist Mark Oremland, who began working on the concept in 2010 in order to share his passion for languages. 

The museum launched in 2013 after a few years of planning. It is divided into two floors, each of which explores a distinct aspect of language. The museum can be visited from 10 a.m. on Saturdays through Tuesdays. to 7 p.m. By appointment, other days and hours may be available.

11. Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower was the first office structure constructed in the heart of Paris. It sparked much debate since many Parisians thought the skyscraper contrasted with the rest of the city’s architecture.

Because the tower is only open on specific days of the week–more on that later–you’ll want to schedule your visit ahead of time, especially if you only have a few days in the city and need to arrange your time wisely.

The Paris Montparnasse Observatory provides a unique perspective of the city and its landmarks. When you book online, you can skip the wait at the cash register. Tickets may be scanned instantly on your mobile device, eliminating the need to print them. Would you want to learn more about the Montparnasse Tower? Read our post on Montparnasse Tower’s Interesting Facts.

12. Visit the Catacombs of Paris

An ossuary housing the bones of many million Parisians can be found twenty meters down in a tangle of passageways. This one-of-a-kind location recounts the history of these Parisians and encourages you to go on a timeless adventure.

The Paris authorities picked a readily accessible location situated beyond the capital at the time: the disused Tombe-Issoire quarries beneath the plain of Montrouge.

These quarries, which had been in business since at least the fourteenth century before being abandoned, were a minor section of the labyrinth that spread beneath the city for roughly 800 hectares.

The above-ground trek into the Paris Catacombs begins at Place Denfert-Rochereau. The entrance to the location is marked by a tiny green pavilion.

The catacombs only admit 200 guests at a time, therefore it’s not uncommon to see a queue that wraps around the plaza. Do the Paris Catacombs pique your interest? Read more on our Interesting Facts about the Paris Catacombs article.

13. Visit Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company is an English-language bookstore located on the banks of the Seine, directly across from Notre Dame. Since its inception in 1951, it has served as a gathering place for anglophone authors and readers, establishing itself as a literary institution on the Left Bank.

The bulk of the bottom floor is accessible via wheelchair. The Antiquarian bookstore and Café are also there. Please contact a member of staff if you require any extra support.

Shakespeare & Company, located in a crooked vintage structure on the banks of the Seine opposite Notre Dame, has an almost whimsical, lost-in-time ambiance, enticing you to walk in and become absorbed in the pages of a fine book.

Remember that you are not permitted to photograph the interior of the establishment. Put your phone aside and enjoy perusing the books.

14. Pantheon

The Pantheon is difficult to ignore, with its tall spire and antique Roman pillars creating a beautiful change of scenery among the Parisian skyscrapers. Its labyrinthine hallways are always packed with tourists searching for a glimpse into the past, thanks to strong links to Paris’ stormy history and France’s greatest symbols.

Join in the Panthéon’s lecture tours to learn more about this iconic landmark of the Republic. The decision is yours, from the general tour through French and English to their specialty excursions on women and science.

15. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier, an architectural marvel completed in 1875 at Napoleon III’s behest, is without a doubt one of Paris’ most spectacular landmarks.

A trip to the Palais Garnier is to step into a world of grandeur and elegance, where Charles Garnier’s poetry, daring, and brilliance have created a unique harmony of sculpture, art, and architecture.

The Opera Garnier is located in Paris’s bustling 9th arrondissement, on the crossroads of Scribe and Auber streets. It is appropriately located in the middle of the Place de l’Opéra.

Persons with limited mobility or with visual problems have secure access to the Palais Garnier. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of days having afternoon performances and unusual closures. If you want to learn more about The Palais Garnier, check out our complete post All the Things you Need to Know about Palais Garnier.

16. Wander at Pere Lachaise Cemetery

The Pere-Lachaise cemetery combines a Parisian monument, a large 44-hectare recreation area, and an open-air museum. A walk around the grounds usually reveals something fresh. Every year, around 2 million individuals visit the cemetery.

Pere-Lachaise is both the most frequented and the most sought-after burial place in Paris. Many renowned persons have their last resting place there. A walk around the cemetery is a unique and fascinating study of French and worldwide cultural heritage.

Pere Lachaise, like most other areas of interest in Paris, is best reached by metro. To get to Philippe Auguste, take the metro. The main entryway is only one block away from here. There are so many famous people buried in Pere Lachaise that it would be hard to mention them all.

17. Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a great Parisian department store famed for its luxury clothes, gourmet cuisine, Art Nouveau architecture, and in-store events. It has long been a famous tourist destination in Paris, with hundreds of Parisians and foreigners passing through each day.

its 65-store network may be found all over the world, but its flagship location is on the Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. The business is no longer only a retail complex, but also a tourist attraction in and of itself.

There are 3 buildings: one for housewares and food, one for men’s apparel, and the main “Coupole” structure, which has the famed Art Nouveau dome with a rooftop outlook. The main structure has eight stories and over 2,000 brands.

18. Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou, which opened in 1977 amid one of Paris’s oldest districts, was a groundbreaking contemporary architectural masterpiece. The building’s brilliantly colored tubes contrast with the dreary buildings around it.

Everything you need to enjoy a delightful half-day, or even a full day, at the museum is available: dine at Le Georges, discover more at the public data library, and browse the shelves of the museum gift store.

The Atelier Brancusi, located at the foot of the Centre, houses a one-of-a-kind collection of works by this creator, who played a significant part in the development of contemporary sculpture.

The outside of the Centre Pompidou building contains tubes, lifts, air ducts, and vividly colored escalators, making it one of the most spectacular in Paris. Its facade is so distinctive that we encourage visiting the museum even if you are not a lover of current or modern art.

19. Join a Paris Wine Tour

A wine tour in Paris is an excellent opportunity to learn about the city’s rich wine culture and legacy. Paris is famed not just for its famous sites, but additionally for its world-class vineyards and wines.

The wines made in Paris are modestly priced regional wines. On 11 acres of vines, the region presently produces 33,000 bottles per year. The wines of Ile-de-France are primarily whites and reds. The famed Chardonnay, Semillon, as well as Sauvignon grapes are utilized.

If you want to take your wine trip to the next level, check out the Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting. In the center of Paris, you will partake in a one-of-a-kind French wine experience. The event takes place just near the Louvre, in spectacular 18th-century wine cellars originally utilized by King Louis XVI.

The experience is very engaging, and acquiring knowledge about wine becomes simple and enjoyable. Choose and drink three wines of your choosing at the end of the trip.

The sommelier will guide you through the tasting process and explain the peculiarities of French grapes. Every week, the wine list is updated.

20. Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villette is a large urban park in the heart of Paris that has green space as well as entertainment options that range from art installations to an outdoor cinema and music stage.

It is one of Paris’s largest parks, measuring 55 hectares and housing one of the city’s most dense concentrations of cultural facilities.

Over a fifteen-year period, the project included the planning and building of over 25 buildings, promenades, shaded walkways, roadways, and landscaped gardens.

A network of distributed “points” the red enameled steel folies supporting various cultural and recreational activities is layered atop a network of lines that emphasizes mobility around the park.

21. Eat at Passerini Restaurant

Italian chefs have created an increasingly assertive impression on the Paris cuisine scene in recent years. In 2017, Giovanni Passerini was selected Best Chef by Le Fooding. After leaving Rino, he started his namesake trattoria on rue Traversiere, a quiet neighborhood behind Bastille.

His meals are both rustic and elegant, reimaginings of Italian classics that effortlessly include French ingredients. The menu varies on a regular basis, but customers can expect a smart mix of pasta, meat, and seafood.

22. Enjoy the Nightlife at the Bastille

If you’re searching for variety, try staying in Bastille, which is recognized for having a wide range of pubs and clubs. This contemporary district is famous for music fans and is tourist-friendly, so if you prefer a musical ambiance while drinking or dining, be sure to visit the Bastille while in Paris.

The nightlife in this city is a mix of traditional cafés, upscale nightclubs, dive pubs, and music venues. A nice spot to start is bar hopping down the busy Rue de Lappe. Dancing the Salsa or Merengue is also recommended.

Head to The Lab for a multitasking evening out, where you can get a haircut while sipping a martini. The classic Café Charbon along with wine restaurant Aux Deux Amis stand out among the pavement-occupying restaurants and diners on Rue Oberkampf.

23. Relax at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Buttes-Chaumont Park, located in the north-east of Paris, serves as one of the city’s largest and most unique green areas, spanning 25 hectares.  Visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the city from this steep location, particularly in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its layout adds to its allure: caverns and waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and a commanding outlook.

The man-made lake built during the period winds around a mountainous center island. The lake is supplied with fish and attracts ducks and other species. Students and researchers investigating the lake will frequently be spotted with nets and other apparatus.

The garden offers a lot of lush grass that the public may walk on. It’s a terrific spot for picnics as well as outdoor gatherings during summertime or on hot days all year.

Despite its less-than-ideal position, the park is worth a visit, with hundreds of water fountains, a few cafés, and unlimited opportunities for exploring, running, strolling, and playing.

24. Explore the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest museums, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, which was once a castle erected in the late 12th century.

Except on Tuesdays, the museum can be visited daily. The last entrance is one hour before closing. Visitors are urged to leave the exhibition rooms for thirty minutes before the doors close.

People with impairments and their helping person get priority access and can bypass the line. If necessary, disabled visitors can be escorted from the museum information desk to the Touch Gallery or the nearest taxi stand.

Tickets are valid for both the long-term collections and the temporary exhibitions. Booking time slots is advised, even for free-admission guests.

25. Spend time at Disneyland Paris

If visiting all of the Disneyland parks is at the top of your list, or if you simply enjoy theme parks, Disneyland Paris will undoubtedly fill your day with exciting rides and interesting activities. It takes roughly an hour to get there from the city center.

Seasonal offers at Disneyland Paris are usually popular in addition to the rides and attractions. Annual events include Disney’s Halloween Festival and Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, as well as themed festivities like the Legends of the Force.

The 4D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure is one of the must-see attractions. It lets visitors put themselves in the shoes of Remy the rat while riding a trackless mouse-shaped rollercoaster.

Consider staying at one of Disneyland Paris’s 16 affiliated hotels to make the most of your visit. The majority of hotels are either on-site or within 25 minutes of the park.

Some even provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the park’s entrance. Check out our Disneyland 1-Day Ticket Tour if you want to make the most of your break to Disneyland Pars.

26. Pay a Visit to Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge experience is memorable. This world-famous cabaret theater in Montmartre scandalized Paris with the creation of the can-can, which is being performed today.

 This renowned entertainment establishment, located in the center of Montmartre, provides magnificent shows, seductive dances, and a mesmerizing environment that will leave you with memorable memories.

The Moulin Rouge has been an iconic emblem of Parisian nightlife since its debut in 1889. Its distinctive red windmill has drawn people from all over the world who want to experience the thrill and romance of the Parisian atmosphere.

Today, audiences are captivated by the Moulin Rouge’s thrilling performances, seductive atmosphere, and creative tradition. Shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, as well as sports shoes, are not allowed when visiting an evening at Moulin Rouge.

27. Check out the Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Paris houses 250 works by Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter who spent most of his time in France.

The museum is located in the famous Le Marais area and is situated in a 17th-century palace. The museum, which opened in 1985, quickly established itself as one of the city’s leading art museums, alongside the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou.

Picasso Museum Paris is located in the trendy Le Marais area and is situated in Hotel Salé, a magnificent 1656 city townhouse that underwent a 10-year renovation from 1975 to 1985.

The important eras of Picasso’s creative career are portrayed, from his Blue Period’s Self-portrait along with La Celestina through his final years’ Kiss, Matadors, as well as Musicians. Whether you appreciate Pablo Picasso’s work or not, the vibrant masterpieces on exhibit will impact you.

28. Participate in a Walk Tour

Walking tours are usually guided by competent and enthusiastic instructors who are well-versed in Paris’ history, culture, and hidden jewels. They can supply you with insights and knowledge that guidebooks cannot.

Check out this Marais District Jewish History Guided Walking Tour if you want to take your walking tour to the next level.

You’ll begin at the Hotel de Ville with your professional guide and learn about the diverse background of the Jewish community from prehistoric times to the present. You’ll discover where they initially resided and why they relocated to the Marais.