15 Best Things To Do In Paris – France

Paris isn’t just a city—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifteenth, the City of Light offers an incredible mix of iconic landmarks, hidden neighborhoods, and authentic experiences that make every trip unforgettable.

I’ve put together this complete guide to help you navigate the best Paris has to offer, from the must-see attractions to the charming spots locals love. Let’s dive into the experiences that make Paris one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

Iconic Landmarks You Can’t Miss

The Eiffel Tower Experience

The Eiffel Tower delivers everything you’ve imagined and more. This iron masterpiece stands as Paris’s most recognizable symbol, and seeing it in person creates a moment you’ll remember forever.

Here’s what makes the experience truly special: arrive either early morning (around 9 AM when it opens) or during the evening sparkle shows that happen every hour after sunset. These five-minute light displays transform the tower into a glittering beacon that perfectly captures Paris’s magic.

Book your tickets online at least two weeks in advance—this simple step saves you hours of waiting in lines that can stretch for blocks.

The second level offers the best combination of views and accessibility, giving you sweeping panoramas of Paris without the vertigo-inducing heights of the summit.

If you want photos without crowds, the Trocadéro Gardens across the river provide the ultimate vantage point, especially at sunrise when the light hits just right.

Notre-Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle

Notre-Dame’s 2019 fire broke hearts worldwide, but you can still appreciate this Gothic masterpiece from the outside while restoration work continues.

The cathedral’s façade, flying buttresses, and iconic towers remain breathtaking. Walk around the entire structure to see the architectural details that make Notre-Dame a triumph of medieval engineering.

Just a short walk away, Sainte-Chapelle stands as one of Paris’s most underrated treasures. This 13th-century chapel houses the most stunning stained glass windows you’ll ever see—15 massive panels that fill the space with colored light. Visit on a sunny afternoon when the light streams through the glass, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.

Yes, there’s usually a line, but the 30-minute wait proves absolutely worth it. The chapel is small, so your visit takes about 20-30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your morning.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

The Arc de Triomphe offers one of Paris’s most impressive viewpoints. Climb the 284 steps to the top (there’s no elevator, so wear comfortable shoes) for 360-degree views that stretch across the city’s grand boulevards.

From here, you’ll see how Baron Haussmann designed Paris with the Arc as the centerpiece of 12 radiating avenues—a perspective that makes you appreciate the city’s thoughtful urban planning.

The Champs-Élysées stretches nearly two kilometers from the Arc to Place de la Concorde. While it’s become quite touristy, the avenue still deserves a stroll.

Hit Ladurée for their famous macarons, browse the flagship stores, and grab a café au lait at one of the sidewalk cafés. Pro tip: Use the underground passage to reach the Arc safely—don’t attempt to cross that traffic circle on foot!

World-Class Museums & Cultural Treasures

The Louvre Museum Made Simple

The Louvre overwhelms even seasoned museum-goers with its 35,000 works of art spread across 652,000 square feet. Here’s the proven strategy that works: pick two or three specific sections and explore them thoroughly rather than trying to see everything. Focus on what genuinely interests you—whether that’s Egyptian antiquities, Italian Renaissance paintings, or French sculptures.

Everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa, and you should. But arrive right when the museum opens at 9 AM and head straight there before the crowds build.

Spend your remaining time exploring less crowded wings like the Decorative Arts section or the stunning Napoleon III Apartments. The Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo deserve just as much attention as Leonardo’s famous portrait.

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (the underground shopping mall entrance) instead of the main pyramid. This simple choice cuts your entry time significantly. Book your tickets online and plan for at least three hours—though you could easily spend an entire day here.

Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist Art Lovers

This former railway station turned museum houses the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

The building itself creates an incredible backdrop—the original Beaux-Arts architecture with its massive clock and arched glass ceiling makes the art viewing experience even more special.

You’ll find masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, and Cézanne throughout the galleries. Don’t miss Monet’s water lily series, Van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône,” and Renoir’s “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette.” The top floor offers the best lighting and views through the station’s original clock face—a perfect spot for photos.

Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM. The crowds thin considerably after 6 PM, giving you a more peaceful experience with the art. The museum café on the fifth floor serves excellent pastries with a view—perfect for a mid-visit break.

Unique Museums Worth Your Time

The Musée Rodin combines sculpture with beautiful gardens that make the visit feel more like a peaceful retreat than a museum trip. Rodin’s famous works, including “The Thinker” and “The Kiss,” are displayed both inside the elegant mansion and throughout the outdoor spaces. The gardens alone justify the visit—grab a bench and soak in the atmosphere.

The Catacombs of Paris offer something completely different: an underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people. This eerie yet fascinating experience takes you through tunnels lined with carefully arranged bones and skulls. Book tickets well in advance—they strictly limit daily visitors. The tour takes about 45 minutes and involves climbing stairs, so it’s not suitable for everyone.

The Palace of Versailles deserves a full day trip from Paris. This opulent royal residence showcases the absolute peak of French luxury and power. The Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the expansive gardens create an unforgettable experience. Take the RER C train from central Paris (about 40 minutes), book skip-the-line tickets online, and arrive when it opens at 9 AM. Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the massive gardens—they’re too large to cover on foot.

Charming Neighborhoods & Local Experiences

Montmartre: The Artist’s Quarter

Montmartre captures the bohemian spirit of old Paris. This hilltop neighborhood has inspired artists from Picasso to Van Gogh, and you’ll understand why as you wander its cobblestone streets and hidden staircases. Start at the base and work your way up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, taking time to explore the winding paths that branch off the main routes.

Sacré-Cœur’s white domes dominate the Paris skyline. The basilica itself is free to enter, and the views from its steps stretch across the entire city. Inside, the golden mosaics create a stunning visual experience. Visit early morning (before 9 AM) to see Montmartre at its most authentic, before the tourist crowds and street artists fill Place du Tertre.

The neighborhood’s cafés and bistros offer genuine Parisian atmosphere. Grab a croissant at one of the small bakeries, watch street artists work in the square, and explore the quieter streets where you’ll find vintage shops and local galleries. The wall of “I Love You” in 250 languages at Square Jehan Rictus makes for a unique photo stop.

Le Marais: The Ultimate Trendy District

Le Marais blends history with contemporary cool. This neighborhood’s narrow medieval streets now house cutting-edge boutiques, vintage shops, and some of Paris’s best food. The Jewish Quarter along Rue des Rosiers serves the city’s best falafel—L’As du Fallafel consistently draws lines, but the wait moves quickly and the food delivers.

The architecture here tells centuries of Parisian history. Beautiful Renaissance mansions (hôtels particuliers) stand alongside modern galleries. The Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, offers a perfect spot to relax under the arcades. Sunday afternoons bring out locals for picnics and people-watching.

Shopping in Le Marais means discovering unique pieces you won’t find elsewhere. Vintage clothing stores, independent bookshops, and artisan workshops line the streets. The area also hosts Paris’s best bakeries—Du Pain et des Idées serves pastries that rival any in the city. Take your treats to one of the small parks and eat like a local.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

Canal Saint-Martin offers a completely different Paris vibe. This waterway lined with trees and iron footbridges attracts young Parisians who gather for picnics and drinks along the banks. Grab supplies from a nearby shop, find a spot along the canal, and spend an afternoon watching boats pass through the locks. The neighborhood’s cafés and restaurants offer more affordable prices than touristy areas.

Belleville showcases Paris’s multicultural side. This working-class neighborhood climbing up a hill offers incredible street art, diverse restaurants, and authentic local atmosphere. The Parc de Belleville at the top provides panoramic city views that rival Montmartre’s but with zero crowds. The area’s Chinese, North African, and Middle Eastern restaurants serve some of Paris’s most flavorful and affordable meals.

La Promenade Plantée (also called Coulée Verte) is Paris’s original elevated park—built decades before New York’s High Line. This 4.7-kilometer green walkway runs along a former railway viaduct, offering a unique perspective on the city. The path takes you through different neighborhoods, past gardens and art installations, creating a peaceful escape from street-level hustle.

Essential Parisian Activities & Experiences

Seine River Cruise

A Seine River cruise provides the perfect way to see Paris’s most famous landmarks from a completely different angle. The boats glide past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and dozens of beautiful bridges while you relax and take in the views. Multiple companies offer similar routes, but the experience varies by time of day.

Day cruises work best for sightseeing and photos—the hour-long trips typically include audio commentary that explains what you’re seeing. Evening cruises, especially around sunset, offer magical lighting as Paris transitions from day to night. Dinner cruises provide a full meal with wine, but they cost significantly more and the food quality varies. For the best value, take a standard evening cruise and have dinner at a restaurant afterward.

Book directly with companies like Bateaux-Mouches or Vedettes de Paris, or use your Paris Museum Pass if it includes river cruises. The boats depart from several locations along the Seine, with the most convenient being near the Eiffel Tower. A cruise makes an excellent first activity in Paris—it helps you get oriented and identify landmarks you want to visit on foot.

Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Spaces

Jardin du Luxembourg embodies the Parisian art of relaxation. This 55-acre park offers everything that makes Paris parks special: manicured gardens, tree-lined paths, a large fountain where kids sail toy boats, and hundreds of the famous green chairs where you can sit anywhere you like. Parisians come here to read, chat with friends, or simply watch the world go by. Join them—buy a sandwich from a nearby boulangerie, claim a chair with a good view, and spend an hour doing absolutely nothing.

Monet’s gardens in Giverny make an incredible day trip from Paris (about 90 minutes by train and bus). These are the actual gardens where Monet painted his famous water lily series. Visit between April and October when everything blooms, and try to arrive early before tour groups flood in. The Japanese bridge, the lily pond, and the riot of flowers create scenes that look exactly like his paintings—a surreal experience for art lovers.

The Tuileries Garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde offers another classic Parisian green space. It’s perfect for a stroll after museum visits or as a shortcut between neighborhoods. The garden’s sculptures, fountains, and symmetrical design showcase French formal garden style at its finest.

Unique Cultural Stops

Shakespeare and Company bookstore represents literary Paris at its most charming. This English-language bookshop near Notre-Dame has hosted writers since the 1920s (the current shop opened in 1951). The cramped, book-stuffed rooms invite hours of browsing, and the store still offers beds to traveling writers in exchange for help around the shop. Grab a book, head upstairs to the reading library, and soak in the atmosphere where Hemingway, Joyce, and countless others found inspiration.

Père Lachaise Cemetery transforms the typical cemetery experience into a peaceful park walk through history. This massive burial ground hosts the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Chopin, and hundreds of other notable figures. Pick up a map at the entrance to find specific graves, or simply wander the tree-lined paths and discover beautiful sculptures and monuments. The cemetery’s size and layout make it feel more like a garden than a burial ground—locals jog and picnic here.

Paris flea markets offer treasure hunting at its best. The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Porte de Clignancourt) ranks as one of the world’s largest antique markets. Spend Saturday or Sunday mornings browsing vintage clothing, antique furniture, old books, and quirky collectibles. Prices are negotiable—don’t pay the first asking price. The Marché Bastille on Thursday and Sunday mornings offers fresh produce, cheese, and prepared foods where locals shop for their weekly groceries.

Conclusion

Paris rewards both careful planning and spontaneous wandering. The experiences I’ve shared give you a solid foundation—iconic landmarks that live up to their reputation, world-class museums that showcase humanity’s artistic achievements, charming neighborhoods where authentic Paris reveals itself, and activities that create lasting memories.

The key to an amazing Paris trip is balance. Book tickets in advance for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles—this simple step saves hours of waiting and reduces stress. But also leave room in your schedule for unplanned discoveries. Some of my best Paris moments happened when I got lost in a neighborhood, stumbled into a perfect café, or found a hidden courtyard that wasn’t in any guidebook.

Don’t pressure yourself to see everything. Paris isn’t going anywhere, and trying to cram too much into each day leaves you exhausted rather than enchanted. Pick the experiences that genuinely excite you, whether that’s spending an entire afternoon in the Musée d’Orsay or picnicking by Canal Saint-Martin with fresh bread and cheese.

The City of Light works its magic differently on everyone. Some visitors fall in love with the grand monuments and museums, while others connect more deeply with neighborhood cafés and local markets. Both approaches are perfectly valid—Paris offers enough variety to satisfy any travel style.

Start planning your Paris adventure today. Make a list of your must-see attractions, book those advance tickets, and then leave space for the unexpected moments that make travel truly transformative. Paris is waiting to share its beauty, history, and joie de vivre with you. Trust me—this city will exceed even your highest expectations and leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even left.