With world-famous landmarks, centuries of art and history, legendary cuisine, and enchanting neighborhoods around every corner, deciding on the best things to do in Paris can feel wonderfully overwhelming. If you’re still in the planning stages, check out our complete Paris trip planning guide. Whether you’re standing beneath the Eiffel Tower for the first time or returning for your tenth visit, the City of Light always has something new to discover.

This comprehensive guide covers 101 of the absolute best things to do in Paris — from iconic must-see attractions and hidden local favorites to unforgettable food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural immersions, and seasonal events. We’ve organized everything by category so you can quickly find activities that match your travel style, budget, and interests. Consider this your definitive Paris activity checklist for 2026 and beyond.

Iconic Landmarks and Monuments

No list of things to do in Paris would be complete without the city’s most celebrated landmarks. These monuments define the Paris skyline and embody centuries of French history, architectural innovation, and cultural pride. While some are famous worldwide, experiencing them in person remains genuinely awe-inspiring.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel’s iron masterpiece, built for the 1889 World Exhibition, remains the most visited paid monument on earth. You can reach the second floor by stairs (674 steps) or elevator, and continue to the summit at 276 meters for breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris. The tower sparkles with 20,000 light bulbs every evening on the hour — a sight best enjoyed from the Trocadéro esplanade across the river. Book timed-entry tickets online at least two months in advance, as slots sell out quickly. For a less crowded experience, visit at sunset when golden light bathes the city below.

2. Walk Beneath the Arc de Triomphe

Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France during the Napoleonic Wars. Climb 284 steps to the rooftop terrace for one of Paris’s best panoramic views — you can see all twelve avenues radiating outward in a perfect star pattern. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the arch, where an eternal flame has burned since 1923. Visit the rooftop at dusk to watch the city lights ignite while the Eiffel Tower begins to sparkle.

3. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

After five years of painstaking reconstruction following the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame de Paris has reopened to visitors and looks more magnificent than ever. The restored 12th-century Gothic masterpiece features new stained glass, a rebuilt oak spire, and cleaned limestone facades that reveal the cathedral’s original golden hue. Located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame remains one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Free entry to the cathedral is available, though timed reservations are recommended to avoid long waits.

4. Admire the Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Perched atop the highest point in Paris at 130 meters, the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur Basilica dominates the Montmartre skyline. The Romano-Byzantine basilica, completed in 1914, is built from Château-Landon travertine that exudes calcite when it rains, keeping the stone perpetually white. Entry to the basilica is free, but the real draw is the panoramic view from the dome — climb 300 steps for a vista that stretches up to 40 kilometers on clear days. The steps leading up to the basilica are a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, especially at sunset.

5. Explore the Panthéon

Originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the Panthéon became a secular mausoleum honoring France’s greatest citizens during the Revolution. Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas rest in the atmospheric crypt. The building’s neoclassical dome is itself an engineering marvel, and a replica of Foucault’s Pendulum swings from the ceiling, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation just as the original did in 1851.

6. Stand Atop the Tour Montparnasse

Often overlooked by visitors, the Tour Montparnasse observation deck at 210 meters offers what many locals consider the best view in Paris — partly because it’s the only high viewpoint from which you can see every other landmark, including the Eiffel Tower, without the Montparnasse tower itself blocking the skyline. The open-air rooftop terrace on the 59th floor provides an unobstructed 360-degree panorama, and the recently renovated interior includes an immersive multimedia experience documenting Paris’s history.

7. Cross the Pont Alexandre III

Widely regarded as the most ornate bridge in Paris, the Pont Alexandre III spans the Seine between the Champs-Élysées quarter and the Invalides. Its Art Nouveau lamp posts, gilded bronze sculptures, and sweeping arches make it a photographer’s paradise — and one of the most romantic spots in the city. Walk across at twilight when the ornamental gas lamps cast a warm golden glow over the water.

World-Class Museums and Galleries

Paris is home to over 130 museums, more than any other city in Europe. From Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary installations, the city’s cultural institutions are among the most important in the world. Here are the essential museums to add to your things to do in Paris list.

8. Spend a Day at the Louvre

The world’s largest and most visited art museum houses over 35,000 works spanning 9,000 years of human history. Beyond the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre contains entire departments dedicated to Egyptian antiquities, Near Eastern art, and the French Crown Jewels. Allocate at least three to four hours, focus on two or three departments per visit, and arrive either first thing in the morning or Wednesday and Friday evenings when the museum stays open until 9 PM with significantly smaller crowds. The glass pyramid entrance designed by I.M. Pei is an icon in its own right.

9. Marvel at the Musée d’Orsay

Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 World Exhibition, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Monet’s water lilies series, Renoir’s dance scenes, Degas’s ballerinas, Van Gogh’s bedroom at Arles, and Cézanne’s card players are all here. The building itself is breathtaking — don’t miss the view through the giant clock face on the fifth floor, looking out over the Seine toward Montmartre.

10. Discover the Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou’s radical inside-out architecture — with its color-coded pipes and escalators on the exterior — was controversial when it opened in 1977 but has since become an icon of modern Paris. Inside, the Musée National d’Art Moderne holds Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol. The rooftop terrace provides a stunning view over Paris’s zinc rooftops. Note: The Centre Pompidou is currently undergoing major renovation and is scheduled to reopen with expanded galleries — check their website for the latest reopening date.

11. Wander Through Musée de l’Orangerie

Tucked in the southwest corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the Orangerie is home to Monet’s monumental Water Lilies murals — eight enormous curved panels displayed in two purpose-built oval rooms exactly as the artist intended. The experience of being surrounded by these immersive canvases is meditative and profoundly moving. The lower level houses the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, featuring works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.

12. Explore the Musée Rodin

Set in the elegant 18th-century Hôtel Biron and its surrounding gardens in the 7th arrondissement, the Musée Rodin displays the sculptor’s most famous works. The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell are displayed both inside the mansion and throughout the rose-filled gardens — making this one of Paris’s most atmospheric museum experiences. Visit on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the sculptures against the backdrop of manicured hedgerows and the gilded dome of Les Invalides.

13. Visit the Musée de Cluny (National Museum of the Middle Ages)

Recently renovated, the Musée de Cluny occupies a 15th-century Gothic mansion built atop Gallo-Roman thermal baths in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The star attraction is the exquisite Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series — six medieval masterpieces depicting the five senses plus a mysterious sixth panel. The underground Roman baths, dating from around 200 AD, are among the best-preserved ancient ruins in Paris.

14–17. More Must-Visit Museums

• Musée de l’Armée at Les Invalides — One of the world’s great military history museums, housed in a complex that also contains Napoleon’s ornate tomb beneath the golden dome
• Palais de Tokyo — Paris’s premier contemporary art space with ever-changing experimental installations, open until midnight most evenings
• Musée Carnavalet — The free museum of Paris’s own history, housed in two stunning Renaissance mansions in Le Marais, chronicling the city from prehistoric times through the present
• Musée Jacquemart-André — A sumptuous 19th-century mansion showcasing Italian Renaissance masterpieces and an opulent tea room under a Tiepolo ceiling

Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

One of the greatest things to do in Paris costs nothing at all — simply walking through its neighborhoods. Each arrondissement has its own distinct character — see our guide to where to stay in Paris for detailed neighborhood profiles., architecture, and atmosphere. Comfortable shoes and a willingness to wander are all you need.

18. Get Lost in Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)

Le Marais is one of Paris’s oldest and most atmospheric quarters, with narrow medieval streets, elegant 17th-century mansions (hôtels particuliers), independent boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best falafel on Rue des Rosiers. The neighborhood is home to the Place des Vosges — Paris’s oldest planned square, built in 1612 — as well as the Jewish quarter, the LGBTQ+ community hub, and a vibrant café culture that spills onto every sidewalk. Le Marais is one of the few neighborhoods where shops remain open on Sundays.

19. Wander Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Once home to Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Van Gogh, Montmartre retains its bohemian village atmosphere despite being one of Paris’s most popular tourist destinations. Beyond the Sacré-Cœur, explore the vineyard at Clos Montmartre (the last remaining vineyard in Paris, with roots dating back to Roman times), watch portrait artists at Place du Tertre, discover the quirky Dalí exhibition, and find quiet cobblestone streets that feel worlds away from the city below. Walk down the northern slope toward the authentic bistros of Rue Lepic, far from the tourist traps around the basilica.

20. Discover Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

The intellectual heart of Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés was the stomping ground of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and the existentialist movement. Today it’s known for prestigious art galleries, antique dealers along Rue de Seine, upscale boutiques, and legendary literary cafés — Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore still attract writers and thinkers. Browse the Shakespeare and Company bookshop nearby (technically just across the Seine in the 5th), then wander the narrow streets between Boulevard Saint-Germain and the river.

21. Explore the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter takes its name from the medieval scholars who spoke Latin at the Sorbonne University, founded here in 1257. Today the neighborhood buzzes with student energy, independent bookshops, jazz clubs, and affordable bistros. Stroll through the winding Rue Mouffetard — one of Paris’s oldest market streets — and explore the ancient Arènes de Lutèce, a remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheater hidden behind apartment buildings. The area around Place de la Contrescarpe is perfect for an evening aperitif.

22–25. More Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

• Canal Saint-Martin (10th) — Iron footbridges, tree-lined quays, independent coffee roasters, and vintage shops line this photogenic waterway. Sunday mornings, when the road closes to traffic, are especially charming
• Belleville (20th) — Paris’s most multicultural neighborhood blends Chinese, North African, and hipster cultures with stunning street art, rooftop park views at Parc de Belleville, and some of the city’s best couscous restaurants
• Batignolles (17th) — A village-within-the-city with an organic market, a beautiful Martin Luther King park, independent bookshops, and craft beer bars — all without a single tour group in sight
• Île Saint-Louis (4th) — The smaller of Paris’s two river islands feels frozen in the 17th century, with aristocratic townhouses, Berthillon’s legendary ice cream, and serene Seine views from every bridge

Food and Drink Experiences

Paris is the undisputed culinary capital of the world, and experiencing its food culture is one of the most rewarding things to do in Paris. From Michelin-starred restaurants to corner bakeries that have been perfecting croissants for generations, every meal in Paris can be an event.

26. Take a Guided Food Tour

A food tour is one of the best ways to experience Paris’s culinary culture, especially if it’s your first visit. Knowledgeable local guides take you through neighborhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, or Saint-Germain, stopping at artisan fromageries, family-run charcuteries, traditional boulangeries, and hidden wine bars. You’ll learn to distinguish between a pain au chocolat and a chocolatine, understand the etiquette of a French cheese plate, and discover neighborhood gems you’d never find on your own. Most tours last three to four hours and include generous tastings at six to eight stops.

27. Master the Art of the Parisian Bakery

Every neighborhood in Paris has bakeries competing fiercely for the title of best baguette and best croissant. The annual Grand Prix de la Baguette awards the winning baker the honor of supplying the Élysée Palace for a year. Seek out bakeries displaying this prize, but also follow your nose — the best croissant is often the one baked closest to you. Look for a deeply golden, shattering exterior with visible layers of laminated butter dough. A truly great Parisian croissant is an almost spiritual experience. Try bakeries like Maison Landemaine, Du Pain et des Idées (famous for their pain des amis), and Poilâne (whose sourdough loaves are legendary).

28. Browse an Open-Air Food Market

Paris has over 80 open-air markets operating on rotating schedules throughout the week. These aren’t tourist attractions — they’re where Parisians actually shop for seasonal produce, aged cheeses, cured meats, fresh fish, and flowers. Marché d’Aligre (12th) is one of the most authentic, with both covered and open-air sections and prices that reflect a real neighborhood market. Marché Bastille (11th) is enormous and runs along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. The Marché Saxe-Breteuil (7th) is smaller but offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower between the market stalls.

29. Dine at a Classic Parisian Bistro

The Parisian bistro is a cultural institution — a small, unpretentious restaurant serving hearty French comfort food at reasonable prices. Classic dishes include steak-frites with béarnaise sauce, duck confit with potato sarladaises, coq au vin, and crème brûlée or tarte Tatin for dessert. Seek out places where the menu is handwritten on a chalkboard, the wine list favors natural producers, and the patron greets regulars by name. Neighborhoods like the 11th and 5th arrondissements are rich with authentic bistros that haven’t changed their formula in decades.

30. Take a French Cooking Class

Learning to make classic French dishes from a Parisian chef is a memorable experience that you can bring home with you. Schools like Le Cordon Bleu, La Cuisine Paris, and Cook’n With Class offer classes ranging from two-hour macaron workshops to full-day market-to-table experiences. You’ll shop for ingredients at a local market, then prepare and sit down to enjoy a multi-course French meal. Many classes accommodate various dietary restrictions and skill levels.

31–35. More Culinary Experiences

• Wine tasting in a cave à vin — Visit a natural wine bar like Le Verre Volé or Septime La Cave for expertly curated glasses of small-producer French wines with knowledgeable staff who love sharing their passion
• Chocolate and pastry tour — Paris has more chocolatiers per square kilometer than anywhere else. Visit masters like Patrick Roger, Jacques Genin, and Pierre Hermé, whose ispahan macaron (rose, lychee, raspberry) is legendary
• Picnic along the Seine — Buy a fresh baguette, aged Comté cheese, saucisson sec, and a bottle of Côtes du Rhône, then spread a blanket on the Quai de la Tournelle with Notre-Dame as your backdrop
• Experience a Michelin-starred meal — Paris has more Michelin stars than any other city. While three-star establishments require deep pockets and reservations months ahead, many one-star restaurants offer lunch menus at surprisingly accessible prices (€40–70 for multiple courses)
• Try a galette and crêpe in Montparnasse — The area around Rue du Montparnasse is known as Little Brittany, where crêperies serve authentic buckwheat galettes with fillings like ham, egg, and Gruyère, washed down with cold Breton cider

Seine River Activities

The Seine is the living heartbeat of Paris, and some of the most magical things to do in Paris happen on or beside its waters. The river flows through the center of the city for 13 kilometers, passing beneath 37 bridges and alongside many of Paris’s greatest landmarks.

36. Take a Seine River Cruise

A river cruise is the most relaxing way to see Paris’s major landmarks in a single hour. As you glide past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and the gilded Pont Alexandre III, an audio guide provides historical context. The major operators include Bateaux Mouches (the classic choice since 1949), Bateaux Parisiens (departing from the Eiffel Tower), and Vedettes du Pont Neuf (smaller boats, more intimate). For a premium experience, book a dinner cruise and enjoy a multi-course French meal while the city lights reflect off the water.

37. Walk Along the Berges de Seine

The pedestrianized riverside promenades on both banks of the Seine have transformed Paris’s waterfront. The Left Bank Berges run from the Musée d’Orsay to the Pont de l’Alma, with floating gardens, outdoor fitness equipment, and temporary art installations. On warm evenings, thousands of Parisians gather along the banks with wine, cheese, and friends — an authentic slice of daily life. During summer, the Paris Plages program transforms sections of the riverbank into temporary beaches, complete with sand, palm trees, deck chairs, and free swimming areas.

38–40. More River Experiences

• Kayak or paddleboard on the Canal Saint-Martin — Several outfitters offer guided paddling tours through the canal’s locks and under its iron footbridges, a uniquely local perspective on the city
• Browse the bouquinistes — The green riverside bookstalls along the Left Bank are a UNESCO World Heritage tradition dating back to the 16th century, selling vintage books, antique prints, and postcards
• Swim in the Seine — Following the 2024 Olympic water quality improvements, designated swimming zones along the Seine now welcome swimmers during summer months, an experience that hasn’t been possible for over a century

Parks, Gardens, and Green Spaces

Paris’s 400-plus parks and gardens are integral to the city’s charm and daily life. From formal French-style gardens with geometric precision to wild, romantic English landscapes, these green spaces are essential things to do in Paris, especially on sunny days.

41. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens

Created in 1612 for Marie de’ Medici, the Luxembourg Gardens remain the most beloved park in Paris. Locals come to read on the famous green metal chairs, jog along the gravel paths, play chess under the chestnut trees, or sail miniature boats on the octagonal Grand Basin. The park features over 100 statues, a Medici Fountain dating from 1630, manicured flower beds that change with the seasons, a puppet theater, pony rides, and free tennis courts. Grab a crêpe from a nearby vendor and settle into one of the sun-dappled lawns — this is Parisian leisure at its finest.

42. Stroll Through the Tuileries Garden

Stretching from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries is Paris’s oldest public garden, designed by André Le Nôtre in 1664 in the formal French style. Grand tree-lined allées, fountain pools, and sculptures by Rodin and Maillol create an elegant promenade. In summer, a temporary funfair sets up near the Place de la Concorde with Ferris wheel rides offering Eiffel Tower views. The garden also houses the Musée de l’Orangerie at its western end and the Jeu de Paume photography gallery.

43. Discover Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Paris’s most dramatically landscaped park was built in 1867 on the site of a former gypsum quarry. Artificial cliffs, waterfalls, a suspended bridge, and a Roman temple perched atop a 30-meter rocky island in the center of an artificial lake create a landscape unlike anything else in Paris. The park is a favorite of local families and rarely sees tour groups. Bring a picnic blanket and find a spot on the sweeping lawns, or hike up to the temple for panoramic views stretching from Montmartre to the towers of La Défense.

44–48. More Green Spaces

• Jardin des Plantes — Paris’s botanical garden since 1635, home to a natural history museum, tropical greenhouses, an Alpine garden with 2,000 mountain plants, and a small zoo (the Ménagerie, one of the oldest in the world)
• Bois de Boulogne — At 845 hectares, it’s nearly 2.5 times the size of Central Park. Row a boat on the lake, visit the stunning Fondation Louis Vuitton art museum by Frank Gehry, or explore the Jardin d’Acclimatation amusement park
• Bois de Vincennes — The eastern counterpart to the Bois de Boulogne, featuring a medieval château, a Buddhist temple, the Paris Zoo, and the Parc Floral, which hosts free jazz concerts in summer
• Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte) — The original elevated park built on a disused railway viaduct, predating New York’s High Line by a decade. Walk among roses and lavender 10 meters above street level in the 12th arrondissement
• Parc Monceau (8th) — An elegant garden with whimsical follies including a colonnade ruin, a pyramid, a Dutch windmill, and an ornate Renaissance-style gate. Marcel Proust’s childhood playground and a favorite spot for Parisian nannies and their charges

Shopping and Markets

From haute couture flagships to bric-a-brac flea markets, shopping is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Paris. The city invented the modern concept of the department store and remains the global capital of fashion and luxury.

49. Browse the Galeries Lafayette & Printemps

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is more than a department store — it’s a monument to Belle Époque grandeur. The 43-meter stained-glass dome soaring above the main hall is one of the most photographed interiors in Paris. Even if you don’t buy anything, the free rooftop terrace offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Opera Garnier and the Paris skyline. Next door, Printemps Haussmann has been its elegant rival since 1865, with a focus on contemporary fashion and a rooftop restaurant with Eiffel Tower views.

50. Hunt for Treasures at the Marché aux Puces

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen — also known as the Clignancourt flea market — is the largest antique and secondhand market in the world, spread across 14 specialized sub-markets and 2,500 stalls. You’ll find everything from 18th-century furniture and vintage Hermès scarves to Art Deco light fixtures and rare vinyl records. Serious bargain hunters should arrive early on Saturday morning. The smaller Marché aux Puces de Vanves on the southern edge of the city is less overwhelming and favored by Parisian antiquers for its fair prices and friendly vendors.

51–55. More Shopping Experiences

• Le Bon Marché & La Grande Épicerie — Paris’s oldest department store (opened 1852) specializes in avant-garde fashion, while its adjacent food hall, La Grande Épicerie, is a temple of gastronomy with over 30,000 products from around the world
• Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré — The most prestigious luxury shopping street in Paris, home to Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, and the Élysée Palace itself
• Concept stores in the Haut Marais — Merci (donating profits to charity), The Broken Arm, and Centre Commercial showcase curated fashion, design, and lifestyle objects in beautifully designed spaces
• Rue de Rivoli souvenir shopping — For those classic Eiffel Tower keychains, postcards, and berets, the stalls and shops along Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre offer competitive prices (don’t be afraid to negotiate at the street stalls)
• Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseaux — The flower and bird market on the Île de la Cité has operated since 1808, with stalls overflowing with orchids, seasonal flowers, garden plants, and on Sundays, singing birds in ornate cages

Nightlife and Entertainment

When the sun sets, Paris transforms into one of the world’s great nightlife cities. Whether you prefer a sophisticated cocktail bar, a legendary cabaret, an underground jazz club, or a lively dance floor, the City of Light truly earns its name after dark.

56. See a Show at the Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge has been thrilling audiences with its spectacular cabaret revues since 1889. The current show, Féerie, features 60 Doriss Girls performing elaborately choreographed numbers with dazzling costumes, dramatic sets, and the iconic can-can. While it’s undeniably touristy, the production values are genuinely impressive, and the experience is a quintessentially Parisian night out. Book well in advance and opt for the dinner-and-show package for the full experience, or choose the late-night show-only option for a more affordable evening.

57. Discover Paris’s Jazz Scene

Paris has been a world capital of jazz since the 1920s, when African-American musicians like Sidney Bechet and Josephine Baker found a more welcoming audience in France. That tradition continues today in intimate clubs throughout the city. Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter has hosted nightly jazz and swing dancing in a 16th-century cellar since 1946. New Morning in the 10th arrondissement attracts international headliners. Sunset/Sunside in the 1st arrondissement runs two separate venues — Sunset for electric and fusion, Sunside for acoustic jazz.

58. Enjoy Drinks with a View

Paris’s rooftop bar scene has exploded in recent years. Le Perchoir (multiple locations) pioneered the urban rooftop concept with views over the eastern Paris skyline. Bar Panoramique at the top of the Concorde Lafayette hotel offers a slowly revolving 360-degree view. For something more intimate, the tiny rooftop terrace at Hôtel Grands Boulevards looks directly at the Sacré-Cœur. In summer, many museum and department store rooftops open pop-up bars — the Galeries Lafayette rooftop serves cocktails with an Eiffel Tower backdrop.

59–63. More After-Dark Experiences

• Attend a performance at the Opéra Garnier — Even if ballet or opera isn’t your usual entertainment, the building’s gold-leaf interiors, Marc Chagall ceiling painting, and grand staircase make it an unforgettable experience. Standing-room tickets start from around €10
• Catch a film at a historic cinema — Le Louxor, a 1920s Egyptian-themed movie palace in Barbès, and Le Grand Rex, with its Art Deco auditorium seating 2,700, offer cinematic experiences impossible to find elsewhere
• Dance until dawn in Oberkampf — The streets around Rue Oberkampf and Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the 11th arrondissement are the beating heart of Paris nightlife, packed with cocktail bars, dive bars, and clubs catering to every musical taste
• Experience the Lido de Paris or Crazy Horse — The Lido on the Champs-Élysées and the Crazy Horse near the Alma bridge offer alternative cabaret experiences, each with their own distinct style and spectacle
• Night photography walk — Paris is called the City of Light for good reason. A self-guided evening stroll from the Eiffel Tower along the Seine to Notre-Dame, with the illuminated bridges, monuments, and golden streetlamps reflecting off the water, is an unforgettable visual feast

Unforgettable Day Trips from Paris

While you could spend months exploring Paris itself, several extraordinary destinations are easily reachable within one to two hours. These day trips are among the most memorable things to do in Paris and provide wonderful contrast to the urban experience.

64. Tour the Palace of Versailles

The grandest palace in Europe, Versailles was the seat of French royal power from 1682 until the Revolution in 1789. The Hall of Mirrors alone — 357 gilded mirrors reflecting light from 357 windows overlooking formal gardens — is worth the trip. But Versailles extends far beyond the main palace: the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces, Marie Antoinette’s rustic Hameau (mock village), and 800 hectares of gardens with 1,400 fountains could easily fill an entire day. Take the RER C train from Paris (40 minutes) and arrive when the gates open to beat the crowds. On summer weekends, the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain show sets the gardens to baroque music.

65. Visit Monet’s Garden at Giverny

Claude Monet lived and painted in the village of Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926, and his gardens are the living inspiration for some of the world’s most beloved paintings. The water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies is instantly recognizable, while the Clos Normand flower garden explodes with color from April through October. Visit in late May or June when the water lilies are in bloom and the wisteria drapes the Japanese bridge in purple. The house, preserved with Monet’s original furnishings and his collection of Japanese woodblock prints, is equally fascinating. Trains from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon take about 45 minutes, followed by a shuttle bus.

66. Explore the Champagne Region

The Champagne wine region is just 90 minutes by train from Paris, and several towns make excellent day trips. Reims offers tours of legendary houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger (whose cellars occupy 4th-century Gallo-Roman chalk mines), plus the magnificent Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned for 800 years. Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne is lined with grand champagne houses — Moët & Chandon alone has 28 kilometers of underground cellars. Many houses offer tastings and tours, and smaller grower-producers in surrounding villages provide more intimate experiences.

67–70. More Day Trip Destinations

• Château de Fontainebleau — Less crowded than Versailles but equally magnificent, this UNESCO-listed palace was home to French sovereigns from Louis VII to Napoleon III. The forest surrounding it is a favorite rock-climbing destination for Parisians
• Mont Saint-Michel — Though it’s a long day trip (3.5 hours by TGV to Rennes, then shuttle), this tidal island crowned by a medieval abbey is one of France’s most extraordinary sights. Guided day tours from Paris handle all logistics
• Chartres Cathedral — Just one hour by train, this UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral houses the largest surviving collection of medieval stained glass. The labyrinth on the nave floor dates from 1205
• Disneyland Paris — Located just 35 minutes from central Paris via the RER A, Disneyland Paris draws families and theme park enthusiasts year-round, with two parks, Disney Village entertainment district, and themed hotels

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Beyond the famous landmarks, some of the best things to do in Paris are discoveries that most visitors never find. These hidden gems reward curious travelers who are willing to venture beyond the guidebook highlights.

71. Descend into the Paris Catacombs

Beneath the streets of Paris lies one of the world’s most unusual and eerie attractions. In the late 18th century, the remains of six million Parisians were transferred from overcrowded cemeteries into abandoned limestone quarries. Today, you can walk through 1.5 kilometers of underground tunnels lined with carefully arranged skulls and femur bones. The atmosphere is simultaneously solemn and fascinating. Online tickets are essential — the daily visitor cap means long queues for walk-ins. The entrance is in the 14th arrondissement near Denfert-Rochereau.

72. Find the Sainte-Chapelle

Tucked inside the Palais de Justice on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most breathtaking interiors in the world. Built in just seven years (1241–1248) by King Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorns, the upper chapel features 15 soaring stained-glass windows depicting over 1,100 biblical scenes, flooding the interior with kaleidoscopic light. Despite being just steps from Notre-Dame, it receives a fraction of the visitors. Come on a sunny morning when the light pours through the 13th-century glass at its most luminous.

73. Explore the Covered Passages

Paris’s hidden arcades, or passages couverts, are remnants of early 19th-century shopping culture — the ancestors of the modern shopping mall. About 20 of the original 150 survive, and walking through them feels like stepping into a time capsule. Galerie Vivienne (2nd arrondissement) is the most ornate, with mosaic floors and neoclassical columns. Passage des Panoramas is the oldest, dating from 1800, and now houses excellent small restaurants. Passage Jouffroy connects to Passage Verdeau across the boulevard, creating a chain of covered walkways perfect for a rainy afternoon.

74. Visit Père-Lachaise Cemetery

The world’s most visited cemetery is a 44-hectare open-air museum of funerary art set among ancient trees and cobblestone lanes. Over 70,000 burial plots include the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Proust, and Molière. Beyond the celebrity tombs, Père-Lachaise is a hauntingly beautiful green space where Parisians come to jog, walk their dogs, and enjoy the tranquility. Free maps at the entrance show the locations of famous graves, or join a guided tour for the stories behind the stones.

75–80. More Hidden Discoveries

• Rue Crémieux (12th) — Often called the most colorful street in Paris, this pedestrian-only lane features pastel-painted houses with flower-filled window boxes, creating an almost Mediterranean scene steps from Gare de Lyon
• Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (3rd) — A quirky, thought-provoking museum in a Le Marais mansion that reframes the relationship between humans and animals through contemporary art installations mixed with historical hunting artifacts
• La Petite Ceinture — Sections of this abandoned 19th-century railway line circling Paris have been converted into wild urban nature trails, accessible at several points including the 15th and 16th arrondissements
• Shakespeare and Company’s second floor — While the ground-floor bookshop is famous, the upstairs reading room with its antique typewriters, handwritten notes from visiting authors, and cozy beds for the bookshop’s writer-in-residence program is its secret soul
• The Arènes de Lutèce (5th) — A remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheater seating 15,000 spectators, hidden behind apartment buildings in the Latin Quarter. Today locals play pétanque on the ancient arena floor
• Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge (19th) — One of Paris’s least-known parks with sweeping views over northeastern Paris, mature trees, and zero tourists

Free Things to Do in Paris

Paris has a well-deserved reputation as an expensive city, but many of the best things to do in Paris are completely free. From world-class museums to stunning architecture, the city rewards budget-conscious travelers generously.

81. Free Museum Days and Free Museums

Several major museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. Year-round free museums include the magnificent Musée Carnavalet (Paris history), Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (contemporary art in a stunning Art Deco building), Petit Palais (fine arts in a Beaux-Arts masterpiece), and the Mémorial de la Shoah (Holocaust memorial and museum). EU citizens under 26 enjoy free entry to all national museums every day — bring your passport.

82–88. More Free Experiences

• Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle — Every evening on the hour (from nightfall until 1 AM), 20,000 lights shimmer across the tower for five magical minutes. The best free viewing spots are the Trocadéro esplanade, Champ de Mars lawn, and Pont d’Iéna bridge
• Explore Paris’s street art — The 13th arrondissement has one of Europe’s largest open-air street art galleries, with towering murals covering entire building facades. Belleville and the Canal Saint-Martin also feature exceptional urban art
• Attend a free concert — Churches throughout Paris host free organ recitals and choral performances. Saint-Eustache near Les Halles has one of the largest pipe organs in France, and Sunday afternoon concerts are a cherished tradition
• Walk the Coulée Verte (Promenade Plantée) — This elevated park on a former railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement is free to walk and offers a unique perspective on eastern Paris
• Browse the bouquinistes — The 900-plus green riverside bookstalls along the Seine are a UNESCO-listed tradition dating back to the 16th century. Browsing vintage books, antique maps, and old postcards costs nothing
• People-watch at a Parisian square — Bring a book and settle into Place des Vosges, Place Dauphine, or the Luxembourg Gardens for an afternoon of quintessentially Parisian leisure
• Join the Fête de la Musique (June 21) — Every year on the summer solstice, all of Paris becomes a stage as amateur and professional musicians perform free concerts on every street corner, in courtyards, parks, and cafés throughout the city

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Paris transforms with each season, and timing your visit to coincide with a major event can elevate an already extraordinary trip. Here are some of the most exciting seasonal things to do in Paris.

89. Bastille Day (July 14)

France’s national day is celebrated with a spectacular military parade on the Champs-Élysées (the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe), followed by concerts, street parties, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. The Bals des Pompiers — open-air parties at fire stations across the city — are a beloved tradition where locals and visitors dance together until dawn.

90. Paris Fashion Weeks

Paris hosts four major fashion weeks annually (January, March, June, and September), and even if you don’t have front-row seats, the energy transforms the city. Spot celebrities outside the Grand Palais, browse the pop-up showrooms open to the public, and enjoy the elevated window displays at every department store and luxury boutique.

91–95. More Seasonal Highlights

• Christmas Markets (November–December) — Twinkling markets pop up across the city, with the Tuileries Garden market being the largest. Sip vin chaud (mulled wine), browse artisan crafts, and ice-skate at the Hôtel de Ville rink
• Nuit Blanche (October) — Paris’s annual all-night contemporary art festival transforms public spaces, museums, churches, and swimming pools into free art installations from sunset to sunrise
• Paris Plages (July–August) — Temporary beaches along the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette, complete with sand, palm trees, deck chairs, outdoor fitness, and free swimming areas
• Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (October) — Montmartre’s annual grape harvest festival celebrates the neighborhood’s last remaining vineyard with five days of parades, tastings, concerts, and fireworks
• Tour de France Finale (July) — The world’s most famous cycling race ends with a dramatic sprint finish on the Champs-Élysées, free to watch from the roadside. Stake out your spot hours in advance for the best views

Unique Experiences and Practical Activities

96. Take a Bike Tour

Paris has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, and a guided bike tour is one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to cover ground. Operators like Fat Tire Bike Tours and Paris à Vélo offer day and night tours covering major landmarks and hidden neighborhoods. Alternatively, the Vélib’ bike-sharing system has stations every 300 meters — grab a bike and follow the Seine cycle path or explore Canal Saint-Martin at your own pace.

97. Catch a Performance at the Philharmonie de Paris

Designed by Jean Nouvel and opened in 2015, the Philharmonie de Paris in the Parc de la Villette is an architectural marvel with acoustics ranked among the finest concert halls in the world. The programming spans classical orchestras, world music, jazz, and contemporary compositions. Even if you don’t attend a concert, the building’s exterior — clad in 340,000 aluminum birds — and the rooftop terrace with panoramic views are worth the trip to the 19th arrondissement.

98. Explore the Palais Royal Gardens

This elegant enclosure of gardens, galleries, and arcades adjacent to the Louvre is one of Paris’s most serene surprises. The 260 striped columns by Daniel Buren in the inner courtyard have become one of Paris’s most Instagrammed spots, while the surrounding covered arcades house rare bookshops, vintage jewelry stores, and one of the city’s oldest restaurants. The garden itself, with its perfectly aligned linden trees and central fountain, feels like a hidden courtyard removed from the city’s bustle.

99. Visit the Paris Sewers Museum

For something truly offbeat, descend into the Musée des Égouts de Paris beneath the Quai d’Orsay. The tour follows a section of the city’s 2,600-kilometer sewer network — an engineering marvel designed by Baron Haussmann’s engineer Eugène Belgrand in the 1850s. It’s cleaner and less dramatic than you’d expect, and the exhibits explaining how Paris manages its water are genuinely fascinating.

100. Take a Sunrise Walk

Set your alarm early and experience Paris at its most magical — dawn, when the streets are empty, the light is golden, and the city belongs to you alone. Start at the Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower views at first light, walk across the river through the quiet Champ de Mars, then follow the Seine east past the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, arriving at Notre-Dame as the bells ring for morning mass. Stop at an early-opening bakery for a warm croissant and café crème. You’ll have seen most of Paris’s greatest landmarks in two hours with barely another tourist in sight.

101. Simply Sit at a Café and Watch the World Go By

Perhaps the most essentially Parisian activity of all requires nothing more than a table, a café crème, and a willingness to slow down. Choose a terrace with a good view — the corner of any busy boulevard will do — and spend an hour watching Paris flow past. The fashion, the gestures, the arguments, the lovers, the dogs, the delivery cyclists, the light shifting on stone facades. This is what Parisians mean by the art of flânerie, and it costs you nothing but the price of a coffee. In a city that has given the world so many grand experiences, sometimes the simplest one is the most unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Paris

How many days do you need to see Paris?

Most first-time visitors should plan for at least four to five full days to see the major highlights comfortably. This allows time for the big-name museums (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay), iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur), at least one neighborhood walking day, a Seine river cruise, and dedicated time for food experiences. If you want to include day trips to Versailles or other destinations, add a day for each. Returning visitors who want to dig deeper into specific neighborhoods, museums, or food experiences could easily fill two weeks without repeating themselves.

What is the best time of year to visit Paris?

Each season has its appeal. Spring (April–June) offers mild weather, blooming gardens, and manageable crowds — many seasoned travelers consider May and early June ideal. Summer (July–August) brings warm weather and events like Paris Plages and Bastille Day, but also peak crowds and higher prices. Autumn (September–October) features pleasant temperatures, golden light, grape harvest festivals, and Nuit Blanche. Winter (November–February) is the quietest season, with Christmas markets, cozy bistros, and museums free of queues, though temperatures drop to 2–7°C.

Is Paris safe for tourists?

Paris is generally very safe for tourists, comparable to other major European capitals. Standard urban precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas (especially the Metro, Eiffel Tower area, and Sacré-Cœur steps), keep valuables in zippered bags close to your body, and be wary of common scams like the friendship bracelet trick or petition signers near major landmarks. Neighborhoods that tourists typically visit — including Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre, and the Champs-Élysées — are well-patrolled and safe at all hours. The Metro is safe to use at night, though like any public transit system, it’s sensible to stay alert.

How much money do you need per day in Paris?

Budget travelers staying in hostels, eating at bakeries and street food stands, and using free museum days can manage on €70–100 per day. Mid-range travelers enjoying a mix of sit-down restaurants, paid museum entries, and comfortable hotels should plan for €200–350 per day. Luxury travelers with Michelin-star meals, premium hotel rooms, and private tours should budget €500 or more per day. Regardless of budget, a Paris Museum Pass (2, 4, or 6 days) offers excellent value — the 4-day pass at €62 covers over 60 museums and landmarks, paying for itself in two visits.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

Paris offers an exceptional range of free experiences: exploring neighborhoods on foot (Le Marais, Montmartre, Saint-Germain), watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, visiting year-round free museums (Musée Carnavalet, Petit Palais, Musée d’Art Moderne), browsing the Seine’s bouquinistes bookstalls, picnicking in the Luxembourg Gardens or along the river banks, attending free church concerts, walking the Promenade Plantée elevated park, and people-watching from any park bench. The first Sunday of each month, major museums including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay open their doors for free.

Do I need to speak French in Paris?

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, making an effort with basic French phrases goes a long way. Always start interactions with a polite Bonjour (or Bonsoir after 6 PM), and know essentials like s’il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you), and l’addition, s’il vous plaît (the check, please). Parisians genuinely appreciate the effort, even if they quickly switch to English. Most museum signage and audio guides are available in English, and the Metro system is straightforward to navigate without French. Translation apps on your phone handle any tricky restaurant menu situations.

What should I pack for Paris?

Comfortable walking shoes are the single most important item — you’ll average 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day. Parisians dress stylishly but practically, with a preference for neutral colors, well-fitted clothes, and layers. A light waterproof jacket is essential any time of year, as Paris weather can change quickly. In spring and autumn, bring layers for temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C. Summer visitors need sunscreen and light clothing, plus a cardigan for air-conditioned museums. Winter requires a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof boots. A crossbody bag with zippers helps deter pickpockets while keeping your essentials accessible.