5 places to visit in paris france

Paris   Travel Guide

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32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

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Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

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Champs-Élysées Champs-Élysées free

Musician Joe Dassin once sang "Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Élysées," which translates to "There's everything you could want along the Champs-Élysées." And he's right. Paris' most famous boulevard – stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe – is a shopper's mecca. Along its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, you'll find such luxury stores as Louis Vuitton and Chanel rubbing elbows with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Zara.

While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées , the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is adorned with several impressive, intricately carved sculptures. Underneath the arch, travelers will find the names of the battles fought during the first French Republic and Napolean's Empire, as well as generals who fought in them. Travelers will also find the famous tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The unknown soldier currently buried there is meant to represent all the unidentified or unaccounted for soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The flame that was lit when the soldier was laid to rest has not extinguished since it was initially lit in the 1920s, and is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by a member of the armed services.

Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout.

Latin Quarter Latin Quarter free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

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Seine River Seine River free

You won’t have much trouble finding the Seine, as it flows directly through the heart of Paris. The river is perhaps one of the most famous waterways in the world and an attraction in itself. It's also useful for more practical reasons: It flows from east to west, dividing the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Knowing where you are in relation to the Seine can help you find your way around during your trip.

For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry (when it’s also free to enter the Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Rodin, Musée Picasso and several other attractions). – Laura French

Housed in a former railway station along the Left Bank, the Musée d'Orsay is regarded for its rich collection of impressionist works. You'll see paintings by French artists like Degas, Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh, among many, many others. The museum also houses a number of sculptures, as well as photography and even furniture displays. And if you climb to the museum's top balcony, you can catch a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica through the museum's massive transparent clock.

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Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer's market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day).

Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

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Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

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Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

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Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades.

Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences.

Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

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31 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether sunshine is sparkling on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain, or melancholy mists of the Seine River are shrouding Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris has a way of romancing visitors. The love affair might begin with a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, then continue with strolls along the wide tree-lined avenues and in lavish formal gardens.

The city is seductively beautiful. Each neighborhood ( quartier ) reveals its unique personality. The Latin Quarter is a small cluster of pedestrian streets and narrow medieval alleyways where bookshops vie for space with university students' cafés and eateries. The fashionable Champs-Élysées buzzes with energy. Outside the city center, Montmartre still feels like a country village and flaunts its bohemian past.

After seeing the museums and monuments, you will want to seek out the small surprises, like family-run bistros with handwritten menus; cobblestone lanes full of quaint shops; secluded squares adorned with flowing fountains; and elegant tea salons, where dainty jewel-like desserts beckon from glass-covered pastry cases.

In every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, Paris casts a spell of enchantment. One visit may inspire a lifelong passion.

Discover what makes the City of Light so captivating and learn about the best places to explore with our list of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

See also: Where to Stay in Paris

Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel) ranks high on the list of places to visit in France and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the world. So it's hard to believe that the structure was originally dismissed as a monstrosity. The innovative metal structure shocked Victorian-era audiences when it was unveiled by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889 .

Whether loved or hated, the Eiffel Tower has always impressed. Reaching a height of 324 meters, the tower is comprised of 18,000 sturdy iron sections held together by 2.5 million rivets. Although no longer the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower has achieved the status of an icon.

For first-time visitors, seeing the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival at the esplanade, the sight of the four massive pillars that support this 10,100-ton monument leaves many awestruck.

Author's Tip : Purchase your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance online. You first choose a specific date and during the online process, you will reserve a specific time slot for the visit. (You must arrive on time.) Tickets sell out during high season (July and August), so you should purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible.

When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, you will first walk through the esplanade gardens. Then you will look for the correct queue (which will be labeled "Visitors with tickets"). The recently renovated gardens feature leafy trees and pedestrian pathways with close-up views of the Iron Lady.

To arrive at the Eiffel Tower's 1st floor (at 57 meters) requires an elevator ride or a walk up the 360 steps. This level has public restrooms, a gift shop, a cafeteria, a brasserie restaurant, and an open-air terrace space for admiring the views.

The 2nd floor (at 125 meters) of the Eiffel Tower is reached from the 1st floor by a staircase of 344 more steps or an elevator ride. This level has similar amenities as the 1st floor, except the viewing platforms offer a perspective onto more of the Paris monuments (such as the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur).

A highlight of the 2nd floor, the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne delivers exceptional haute cuisine in a dreamy setting. The restaurant's dining rooms feature expansive windows, which provide a peak of the Eiffel Tower's structural beams and glimpses of Paris cityscapes. You'll also find a buffet-style cafeteria and the Pierre Hermé macaron boutique.

To arrive at the top floor (276 meters in elevation) requires an exhilarating elevator ride from the 2nd floor. The staircases only go up to the 2nd floor, so climbing up to the top is not an option.

Visiting the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most thrilling things to do in Paris , but it's not for the faint of heart. When you walk out onto the compact viewing platform at this level, you are overwhelmed by the far-reaching views and strong gusts of wind. Up this high, it feels like another world, and you can no longer hear the noise of street traffic below.

You definitely will want to spend some time taking photos of the Eiffel Tower. From either the Jardins du Trocadéro (a short walk across the Seine River) or the Parc du Champ de Mars (the lawns in front of the tower), there is just the right distance for picture-perfect photo-ops.

Address: La Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris (Métro: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Iéna, or Passy station)

The Louvre is the most prestigious of Paris' museums and the crème de la crème of the city's cultural attractions. Besides its exceptional art collection, the building has a regal past: The Louvre was formerly the residential palace of France's kings.

Today, the Musée du Louvre displays thousands of artworks, many of which are considered masterpieces, from antiquities to European paintings of the 15th to 19th centuries.

It is impossible to see it all in one visit, but you can focus on a particular gallery, such as classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings, or take a self-guided tour to cover the Louvre Museum's highlights.

Of course, you will want to get a look at the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (or La Joconde in French) painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503-1505. Many tourists breeze through the museum just to glance at this one piece, but there are other must-see works of art to admire even if time is limited.

Other masterpieces of the Louvre include the ancient Vénus de Milo sculpture; the monumental Victoire de Samothrace of the Hellenistic period; the immense Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese (1563); Sandro Botticelli's Venus and the Three Graces fresco; and Liberty Leading the People (1831) by Eugène Delacroix, depicting the Parisian uprising of July 1830.

To get the most out of a visit to the Louvre, join a guided tour. The museum offers tours in multiple languages. These focus on the highlights and provide information on the palace.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tour is another option that also takes you straight to the museum's most famous artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa . On this three-hour tour, a guide (who is an art historian) provides in-depth commentary about the masterpieces.

Author's Tips : Most visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the Pyramid du Louvre , the glass pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1917. This entrance almost always has long lines. The wait is especially long without a timed entrance ticket. (See tips below for alternative entrances to the museum.)

Avoid the lines of the Pyramid entrance by going to one of the lesser-known entrances. If you already have a Louvre museum ticket or a Paris Museum Pass, head to the Carrousel entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli) where you likely can walk right in without waiting in line. You may save some time at this entrance if you haven't reserved a specific time slot for admission.

Purchase a museum pass : If you plan to visit multiple museums, you can save money and time by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass . The savings depends on how many museums you visit. The advantage is that you don't have to purchase a ticket at each museum. However, you still need to reserve a specific time slot (free of charge) to visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and Château de Versailles (otherwise you may have to wait in line).

If you have not already purchased a ticket or Paris Museum Pass, you may use the Porte des Lions entrance on the 4 Quai François Mitterrand.

Address: Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Brimming with fancy boutiques and dining terraces, the Champs-Élysées epitomizes the fashionable panache of Paris.

You'd never guess that the most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate swamp. The marshland was converted into an avenue by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Two centuries later, the city planner Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann added the grey stone Mansard-roofed buildings that give the boulevard its classic Parisian look.

The Champs-Élysées is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées as its intersection.

The lower part of the Champs-Élysées, bordering the Place de la Concorde , includes a spacious park, the Jardins des Champs-Élysées , and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians.

The Champs-Élysées is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a pâtisserie boutique and tea salon that offers exquisite French pastries (macarons are the house specialty), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Élysées).

For fine dining , the top choices are the legendary brasserie Fouquet's (99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) and the swanky gastronomic restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile (133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), which has one Michelin star.

Although the Champs-Élysées has an image of refinement, there are many affordable places that cater to tourists and students on a budget, such as Starbucks, Quick, Burger King, and McDonald's.

Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris (Métro: Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station to visit the Jardins des Champs-Élysées and Petit Palais, Franklin d. Roosevelt station for Ladurée, George V station for the main shopping area).

You haven't seen the best of French art until you visit the Musée d'Orsay . The Musée du Louvre may hold the most masterpieces of European painting, but the Musée d'Orsay focuses on works by celebrated French artists including Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

If you love Impressionist art , this is the place to go. The Musée d'Orsay displays a splendid collection of 19th- and 20th-century art (created from 1848 to 1914).

Although the museum's inventory begins with 19th-century Realist paintings and landscape paintings, the highlight of the museum is the Impressionism collection. Also on display are Post-Impressionist works by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, and bohemian artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Some of the museum's famous paintings include Claude Monet's The Magpie , Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Field , and Luncheon on the Grass ; Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait and Starry Night ; and Renoir's Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which depicts a festive party scene in Montmartre.

You may rent an audioguide to take a self-guided tour. The commentary (available in English and French) covers over 300 works.

The museum also has a bookstore/gift shop, two casual cafés, and a fine-dining restaurant, which is worth the splurge. Formerly the Hôtel d'Orsay (a luxury hotel within the original Gare d'Orsay) and listed as a Monument Historique , the Musée d'Orsay Restaurant features gilded ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

On the square in front of the museum, there is a kiosk that sells sandwiches and falafel.

Address: Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris (Métro: Musée d'Orsay, Assemblée Nationale, or Solférino station)

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1860, the Palais Garnier Opera House was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Garnier worked tirelessly on the project for over a decade, from 1862 to 1875. Today, this show-stopping landmark is a symbol of Napoleon's Imperial regime.

Upon entering the building, you are dazzled by the lavish 11,000-square-meter interior. Much of the building's space is dedicated to the main foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier , marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps, and the Salon du Glacier , a sumptuous Belle Époque hall decorated with mirrors, Corinthian columns painted gold, colorful mosaics, and music-themed ceiling paintings.

The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has an intimate feel, although it can accommodate 2,105 people in its plush velvet seats. Gilded balconies, an enormous crystal chandelier, and a Chagall ceiling painting add to the theater's marvelousness, creating the perfect dramatic backdrop for ballet, opera, and music performances.

The Opéra Garnier hosts a prestigious calendar of events in addition to galas. Attending a performance is one of the most exciting things to do in Paris at night. It's a wonderful way to see the building's interior while enjoying a glamorous evening. Another option is to visit (entry ticket required) on a self-guided tour or take a guided tour during the daytime.

Connoisseurs of fine dining will be delighted to discover CoCo, a chic restaurant within the Opera House (entrance is at 1 Place Jacques Rouché) that serves contemporary French cuisine prepared from seasonal ingredients. CoCo offers lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch (every Saturday and Sunday) featuring musical entertainment. The garden terrace is open Tuesday through Saturday during summertime. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Palais Garnier, Place de l'Opéra, 8 Rue Scribe (at Auber) 75009 Paris (Métro: Opéra, Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette or Havre-Caumartin station)

Despite the damage done by the 2019 fire, it is still worth seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This awe-inspiring medieval monument stands at the heart of Paris on the Île-de-la-Cité, an island in the Seine River. To get here from the Latin Quarter , simply cross the Petit Pont bridge.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in the Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style.

Note: A large fire in April of 2019 caused considerable damage to the cathedral: The medieval roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. However, the monument was partly saved thanks to the work of hundreds of firefighters.

A project to repair the structure is underway. The city plans to rebuild the cathedral and restore it to its previous state. Restoration work is ongoing.

Currently, the interior of the cathedral (including the towers) and the space immediately in front of the cathedral (on the Parvis Notre-Dame) are closed to the public. A few steps away from the cathedral's facade, a section of the Parvis Notre-Dame (square) is now used for educational exhibits about the cathedral.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral anticipates reopening in December 2024. A project to redesign the landscaping around the cathedral is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Until the reopening, the Notre-Dame de Paris congregation will celebrate Mass at the Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois (2 Place du Louvre) in the 1st arrondissement.

Address: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

The Place de la Concorde stands at the heart of Paris both literally and figuratively. The square was created in 1772 by the architect of King Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the Place de la Concorde was the scene of state-ordered executions , including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, among other victims of the guillotine. The square was also part of Napoleon's triumphal route.

One of the largest and most central squares in the city, the Place de la Concorde offers a sensational perspective of the city's landmarks. In one direction, you can admire the Arc de Triomphe and in the other, the Louvre, while the Eiffel Tower can be seen in the distance.

Two ornately decorated fountains and an Egyptian obelisk are found in the middle of the square. However, it's a bit of a hassle to get up close because you have to walk through heavy traffic. The Place de la Concorde is one of the busiest intersections in Paris.

Tip for Pedestrians : You will notice cars circulating the square at high speeds. French drivers don't always pay attention to pedestrians. Make sure to get out of the way of oncoming cars!

During summertime , the Place de la Concorde adopts a fairground ambiance, with a Ferris wheel gracing the square from June through August. The neighboring Jardin des Tuileries also has amusement park rides and fairground treats during summertime.

To arrive at the Place de la Concorde, walk from the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Rue de Rivoli, or follow the Quai des Tuileries along the Seine River. Alternatively, you may take the Métro to Concorde station.

Nothing says capital city grandeur quite like a triumphal arch. Paris' Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon I commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836.

The monument was modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome. The massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.

Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by François Rude on the Champs-Elysées-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 , also known as La Marseillaise , illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and over a hundred battles.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, presiding over a circular intersection (the Place de l'Étoile).

From the top of the monument, a viewing terrace affords a panoramic outlook onto the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l'Étoile, including the route from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It's also possible to see all the way to La Défense, the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , dedicated in 1921 as a memorial to an anonymous soldier (symbol of the many other unknown soldiers who valiantly died for their country during World War One without ever receiving recognition).

The Flame of Remembrance was ignited at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11th, 1923, and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Every evening at 6:30pm , a ritual takes place to rekindle the memorial flame at the tomb.

Throughout the year, events to honor national holidays are held at the Arc de Triomphe, including the November 11th (anniversary of the Armistice of 1918) ceremony commemorating those who perished in the war; the May 8th Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) celebrating the end of WWII, and the liberation from Nazi occupation; as well as festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Admission requires an entrance ticket. You may reserve a ticket in advance online. Free admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass (no reservations required). Guided tours are available.

For visitors with reduced mobility and young children, there is an elevator to reach the viewing terrace. Otherwise, you must take the stairs (284 steps).

Address: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris (Métro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Kléber or Argentine station)

A fascinating glimpse of ancien régime (old regime) splendor awaits you at the Hôtel de la Marine . During the reign of Louis XV, this Neoclassical palace housed the apartments of the Intendants du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the King's Furniture Storage Intendants). The intendant had an important job: procuring and maintaining the furnishings for the king's elaborate palaces.

The Hôtel de la Marine opened to the public in 2021 after several years of painstaking restoration work. This monument is one of the newest tourist attractions in Paris.

You enter the Hôtel de la Marine through a cobblestone courtyard off the Place de la Concorde. Then walk up the massive marble staircase and into the reception rooms, where you feel like you have stepped back in time. The interior decor has been restored to a state of perfect preservation.

Adorned with gilded moldings and crystal chandeliers, the Salons d'Honneur salons resemble the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles . Other rooms in the Intendant's Apartments reveal the refinement of the Age of Enlightenment.

During this period, aristocratic residences were lavishly decorated with exquisite furnishings, wallpaper, curtains, and paintings. You'll also see precious antiques such as a desk created by Jean-Henri Riesener , a renowned 18th-century cabinetmaker.

The dining room of the Intendant's Apartments, with its floral-patterned porcelain dinnerware, appears ready to welcome guests. On the guided tour, you will learn that the host placed servings of sugar (a precious commodity at the time) on the table to show off his wealth, along with bread, oysters, and bowls of fresh apricots, grapes, figs, and apples.

Be sure to step out onto the Hôtel de la Marine's Loggia , a colonnaded balcony that overlooks the Place de la Concorde. From this privileged spot, you can admire views of the Eiffel Tower, the gold-domed Hôtel National des Invalides, and the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Historical Notes : The Hôtel de la Marine is found on the Place de la Concorde, the square created in 1748 to display an equestrian statue of Louis XV and originally called Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the statue of the king was removed and the Crown jewels were stolen from the Hôtel de la Marine. In 1795, the square was renamed the "Place de la Concorde."

Treat yourself to some time relaxing and wandering the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. After visiting the Hôtel de la Marine, the Place de la Concorde, or the Louvre Museum, you should spend some time wandering the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. This French formal garden was designed by celebrated landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century.

Today the garden offers an escape from the hustle and bustle in central Paris, but the ambiance was not always so idyllic. This garden is the site of the Palais des Tuileries where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were essentially imprisoned during the French Revolution. The palace was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century; all that remains is the gorgeous garden.

The leafy grounds feature perfectly manicured trees, statues, and pathways. You can relax on the wooden park benches or on individual green chairs which may be moved around. Find the spot that appeals to you and lounge there for a bit, while listening to birds chirp. You'll see locals having a picnic lunch or reading a book in the sunshine.

For snacks and quick meals, head to La Terrasse de Pomone , a kiosk where you can order crepes and sandwiches to-go or for dining at the outdoor tables; the Petit Plisson kiosk that sells quiches and sandwiches for dining at shaded tables; or Petit Farmers , a purveyor of artisanal ice cream.

The park's two café-restaurants, Le Pavillon des Tuileries and the Café des Marronniers offer casual meals in a tranquil setting beneath the leafy chestnut trees.

Tips : Check the opening hours of the café-restaurants and food kiosks as the hours change during different seasons. You will only find the Petit Farmers ice cream truck & stand at the Jardin des Tuileries from April through October.

Soak up the scenery of Paris on a Seine River cruise. You'll have a chance to see the sights from a different perspective. The Seine River bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.

While a daytime cruise allows you to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city's landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.

For a cruise that includes dinner, try the Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches. This luxurious riverboat cruise departs at the Pont de l'Alma (a short walk from the Eiffel Tower) and treats you to a romantic four-course meal. If you prefer a more casual boat ride, a good choice is the Seine River Direct Access Guided Cruise by Vedettes de Paris which includes commentary from a knowledgeable guide and breakfast or lunch.

Gourmands will be tempted by the Ducasse sur Seine restaurant boat, which departs from Port Debilly. This dining cruise offers a haute cuisine experience. Options include a lunch (two, three, or four-course meal) or dinner (four or five-course meal). Menus focus on contemporary-style French dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Sainte-Chapelle is considered a rare jewel among medieval houses of worship and is certainly one of the most exquisite churches in Paris . The ravishing 13th-century chapel is tucked away on the Île-de-la-Cité , just a few blocks (about a 10-minute walk) from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture was built from 1242 to 1248 for King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house the precious relics he had acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The altar displays a relic of the Crown of Thorns.

An expanse of 13th-century stained-glass windows sets this chapel apart from any other church in the world. The windows' beauty and brilliance are best appreciated on a sunny day and in the morning. If possible, try to schedule your visit accordingly.

The chapel's over 1,000 stained-glass windows (covering 600 square meters) depict scenes from the bible, both Old Testament and New Testament stories. The colors and light symbolize divinity and the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Only used for church services on rare occasions, Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public as a museum (entrance tickets are required). For an additional fee, audioguides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese) provide one hour of commentary to help visitors appreciate the art, architecture, and history of Sainte-Chapelle.

To truly experience the serene ambiance of Sainte-Chapelle, attend one of the classical music concerts held here. In the iridescent glow of the sanctuary, performances of Baroque chamber music, sacred music, or Vivaldi string quartets have a sublime quality. A regular program of concerts is held at Sainte-Chapelle year-round, with events scheduled several times a week.

Sainte-Chapelle is located in the Palais de la Cité. To find the chapel, enter the iron gate of the Palais de Justice and walk through the inner courtyard.

Another attraction nearby is La Conciergerie (tourists may purchase combined entry tickets), the prison where Marie-Antoinette was detained during the French Revolution.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Châtelet station)

A visit to the City of Light is not complete without spending time on the sidewalk terrace or bustling interior of a famous café. It's the ultimate Parisian people-watching scene and a chance to imagine the historic rendezvous that occurred here.

To discover the legendary Paris cafés, the best place to start is the Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. This broad tree-lined boulevard features an enticing array of storefronts: designer fashion boutiques, prestigious cafés, and old-fashioned brasseries.

The most celebrated cafés are the Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés), which was the meeting place of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés), once the haunt of poets, authors, and artists, including Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Across from Les Deux Magots is the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the most important churches in Paris .

At both Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you will get the classic Parisian café experience, complete with waiters wearing bow ties. Although the waiters have a reputation for their brusque service, their formality adds to the authentic ambiance.

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés area also has excellent pâtisserie boutiques, boulangeries, and chocolate shops such as the Ladurée tea salon (21 Rue Bonaparte), the Maison Le Roux Chocolatier & Caramélier (1 Rue de Bourbon le Château), and Debauve & Gallais (30 Rue des Saints-Pères), a boutique founded in 1779 that supplied Marie-Antoinette with chocolates.

Join the Paris Sweet Tooth Stroll small-group tour to sample the neighborhood's finest sweet treats.

The brasseries of Boulevard du Montparnasse were also frequented by artists and writers during the early 20th century. Le Dôme in Montparnasse is a Paris institution (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) that has attracted luminaries including Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Picasso. In its glittering Art Deco dining room, the restaurant serves exceptional seafood.

Another atmospheric French brasserie with a mythical past, La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has, since the 1920s, been visited by artists such as André Derain, Fernand Léger, Man Ray, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall as well as the novelist Albert Camus and the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

La Rotonde Montparnasse (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has been a gathering place for painters and writers since 1911 and still attracts cinematographers and artists today.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the best-known park in Paris after the Tuileries. The 25-hectare park features a formal French garden, similar to the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as an English garden with shady groves of overgrown trees.

On a nice day, it's fun to grab a baguette sandwich at a nearby bakery and then find a chair in front of the garden's duck pond. This is the Paris version of going to the beach when the weather is pleasant. You'll notice many local residents taking a lunch break or simply soaking up some sunshine at the park. It's an especially popular spot among students of the Latin Quarter.

You can also visit a rose garden, apiary, Orangerie (orangery), and greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, as well as an orchard where heirloom varieties of apples flourish.

Artistic treasures are found throughout the gardens, such as the picturesque 17th-century Fontaine Médicis , a fountain basin nestled under trees opposite the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg , which today is used by the French state as the seat of the Senate.

Steps away from the Fontaine Médicis is La Terrasse de Madame , a little café-restaurant in a charming setting. You may dine at outdoor tables beneath the leafy chestnut trees. The menu includes coffee and croissants for breakfast and bistro meals for lunch, such as steak, Croque Monsieur (sandwiches), quiche, grilled fish, charcuterie, and salads. Also on the menu are traditional French desserts like profiteroles and crème brûlée .

Children love the playground, which features swings, slides, a sandpit, a games area, and pony rides. A favorite activity for the youngest visitors at the Jardin du Luxembourg is steering miniature sailboats around in the octagonal pool (the boats can be hired at a kiosk by the pond).

For French-speaking kids, watching a puppet show at the Théâtre des Marionnettes is not to be missed. The Théâtre des Marionnettes is a modern venue, in the southwest area of the park near the tennis courts, that accommodates an audience of up to 275 children and adults (which makes it the largest puppet theater in France).

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Vaugirard/Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg or Odéon station)

Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname).

If you walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica from the Métro station, you must walk up the Esplanade, a staircase of over 200 steps, to arrive at the Basilica.

Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. In keeping with the somber ambiance, the Basilica's sanctuary is quite dark except for a plethora of flickering candles.

The atmosphere outside the church is quite a contrast, with Parisian joie de vivre in full swing. Locals like to hang out on the grass lawns of the Esplanade while listening to street musicians. You'll see tourists taking selfies, couples embracing, and kids playing on the grass. Below the Esplanade is an old-fashioned carousel, adding to the sense of festivity.

You can spend time on the terrace in front of the Basilica admiring the views of Paris or climb (300 steps) up to the Basilica's Dome for an even higher perspective with unobstructed panoramas. Admission to the Dome requires an entrance fee, but you may visit the Basilica free of charge .

After visiting the Sacré-Coeur, be sure to explore the enchanting neighborhood of Montmartre . This medieval country village (once considered outside of the city) has been incorporated into the city of Paris as the 18th arrondissement.

Montmartre exudes old-fashioned charm along with an avant-garde edge. Winding cobblestone streets and pedestrian staircases lead to small locally owned boutiques and restaurants, art galleries that evoke the quarter's bohemian past, and quiet squares filled with outdoor cafés .

During the Belle Époque, the village of Montmartre began to attract artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. The bohemian creative spirit of Montmartre is still found here, especially around the Place du Tertre and the Carré Roland Dorgelès .

Montmartre has several excellent art museums, where you can admire the creations of artists who resided here in the late 19th and early 20th century (the Belle Époque). During that era, the quarter was famous for its cabarets and artists' studios.

The Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) occupies a historic house where Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, Suzanne Valadon, and other artists once lived and worked. Tucked away within the museum's gardens, you'll find the Café Renoir , which features outdoor seating in the delightful space where Renoir painted several masterpieces.

If you are intrigued by Surrealist art, be sure to visit the Dalí Paris museum (11 Rue Poulbot). This innovative museum displays more than 300 works created by Salvador Dalí. The exhibits are presented in a way that reveals the symbols and motifs used in his artworks.

Address: Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, 75018 Paris (Métro: Abbesses)

The Panthéon is the national mausoleum of France's greatest citizens. You get a sense of the important heritage just by glancing at this grand monument. The colonnaded facade and enormous dome were modeled after the ancient Pantheon in Rome.

The architecture of the Panthéon marks a clear break from the fanciful Rococo style of the Louis XV era and instead presents a simpler and more somber Neoclassical style. The inscription on the Panthéon's facade reads " Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante " (" To the Great Men Recognized by Their Country ").

Many famous men (75 in total) are buried here, including philosophers Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and René Descartes; and the writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and André Malraux. Although the monument was originally dedicated exclusively to France's male citizens, this has changed recently.

Since 1995, several of France's most esteemed female citizens have been buried in the Panthéon including the physicist Marie Curie, a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize. Five other women are buried at the Panthéon. In November 2021, Josephine Baker (the famous Black American expatriate dancer and singer) became the sixth woman to receive the honor of being inducted into the Panthéon.

When you step inside the Neoclassical sanctuary, you will be awed by the spacious domed interior, the floor-to-ceiling paintings that depict scenes of Christian saints, and the enormous sculpture that celebrates French Revolution deputies ( La Convention Nationale ).

Beneath the monumental rotunda is an unusual centerpiece: a science experiment rather than a work of art. Foucault's pendulum , created by French physicist Léon Foucault, was installed in 1851 to demonstrate his theory that the Earth rotates. The brass pendulum hangs from the dome on a steel wire and constantly oscillates in a circular trajectory.

To find the famous citizen's monuments and tombs, you will need a map (available on-site). The underground crypt is arranged in a geometric fashion, but it is easy to get lost.

Entrance to the Panthéon requires an admission fee, unless you have a Paris Museum Pass and except for the first Sunday of every month from November through March.

From April through September (for an additional entrance fee), you may ascend to the Panthéon's dome, where a colonnaded balcony provides a sensational view of the city's landmarks. You can see the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre.

Address: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg station)

In the charming Marais district, the Place des Vosges is Paris' oldest public square. With its uniform red-brick architecture, this elegant square provided a model for other squares such as Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde.

The Place des Vosges was constructed between 1605 and 1612 (called Place Royale at the time) for King Henri IV. The buildings originally housed aristocratic residences.

The Place Royale offered a splendid setting for festive occasions in the 17th century, such as tournaments, state receptions, and court weddings. It was also a favorite spot for duels, in spite of Cardinal Richelieu's ban on dueling. The celebrated courtesan of Louis XIII's reign lived at number 11, and the future Madame de Sévigné was born in 1626 at number 1 on the square.

Victor Hugo rented an apartment at number 6 on the Place Royale between 1832 and 1848. Today this apartment is a museum, the Maison de Victor Hugo (6 Place des Vosges) which is devoted to educating visitors about the life and work of Victor Hugo.

The Place des Vosges is at the heart of Le Marais, a medieval quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, grand Renaissance palaces, and hôtels particuliers (mansions) of the 16th and 17th centuries. Several of these stately old buildings have been converted into museums.

A fascinating glimpse of France's history awaits you at the Musée des Archives Nationales (Museum of the National Archives) in the 17th-century Hôtel de Soubise (60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois). The museum presents historical exhibits including the Edict of Nantes, French Revolution objects, Marie-Antoinette's last testament, and a letter written to Napoleon.

The most important museum of the quarter is the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris. This recently renovated museum illustrates the history of Paris from antiquity through the French Revolution and the Belle Époque until the present day.

In the Hôtel Salé (a 17th-century aristocratic mansion), the Musée National Picasso-Paris (5 Rue de Thorigny) wows you with its incredibly extensive collection (over 5,000 pieces) of Picasso's artwork, including some of his most iconic masterpieces.

More than just an open-air museum filled with historic monuments, Le Marais has become a trendy quarter full of fashion boutiques, cute cafés, and unique shops. Spend some time wandering the Rue de Sévigné and its cross street, the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . This area brims with youthful energy and is a fun place to visit for a stroll or a coffee break.

Another interesting fact about Le Marais is that it has a significant Jewish community. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme (71 Rue du Temple) presents the 2,000-year history of France's Jewish communities, along with educational programs about Jewish culture and exhibitions of artwork by Jewish artists such as Chagall and Modigliani.

Nearby, the Jardin Anne Frank offers the tranquility of a secluded garden. This quiet, leafy green space features benches, shady trees, and an orchard. One of the chestnut trees in the garden was grafted from a tree that Anne Frank could see from the window of the annex where she lived in Amsterdam.

For those in search of a refined Parisian experience, the Mariage Frères (30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg) is the place to go. This tea salon serves its aromatic tea with savory and sweet delicacies in a French colonial-style dining room; its adjoining shop sells a wide selection of scented teas in distinctive tins.

Many tourists wait in line to try the authentic falafel at L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers), considered one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris. This area has several kosher restaurants and kosher bakeries.

Tip : Keep in mind that L'As du Fallafel and other Jewish-owned shops in the Marais are closed on Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday during the daytime).

Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris (Métro: Saint-Paul or Bastille station)

The Musée Rodin is a hidden gem in the posh 7th arrondissement. This peaceful haven of refinement occupies the Hôtel Biron , an 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked for many years. The property includes a seven-acre Sculpture Garden that blooms with flowers throughout the year.

In 1908, Auguste Rodin began to rent several rooms on the ground floor of the Hôtel Biron to use as an atelier. Rodin later took over the entire Hôtel Biron, which became his place of residence for the rest of his life. In 1916, Rodin donated his artworks and collection of antiquities to the French state, and the museum was established soon thereafter.

The Musée Rodin displays a remarkable assortment of Rodin's sculptures, as well as the works of Camille Claudel. Rodin masterpieces presented in the Hôtel Biron include Danaïd , an expressive marble sculpture depicting a mythological character (created in 1890); The Age of Bronze (created in 1877); The Cathedral , a stone sculpture of two intertwined hands (created in 1908); and The Kiss , one of Rodin's most sensual works (created around 1882).

Several monumental Rodin sculptures preside over various corners of the Sculpture Garden. The Thinker , Rodin's most iconic work of art , sits on a pedestal overlooking the perfectly manicured formal garden. The expressive Monument to Balzac stands in a shady spot beneath leafy trees, while a bronze statue of Adam is sheltered behind dense shrubbery.

Adding to the romance of the garden are the park benches and the café-restaurant, L'Augustine , where you may relax on an outdoor terrace. The café-restaurant also has a casual indoor dining space. Here you can savor a classic French meal, complete with dessert supplied by the renowned Maison Lenôtre pâtisserie.

This graceful 17th-century square was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart , one of the leading architects of Le Grand Siècle (during the reign of Louis XIV). Originally, the square was called Place Louis le Grand and was intended to house royal establishments.

The charm of the Place Vendôme is that it has retained the consistency of the overall design, which combines regal ostentation with civic simplicity. Following careful restoration in the early '90s, it has been restored in all its splendor.

The square is known for its upscale jewelry boutiques including Boucheron, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier. Another luxury establishment here is the Ritz Hotel , which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.

Coco Chanel made the Ritz Paris her home for 34 years; she decorated her suite in her signature style with velvet-upholstered sofas, lacquered furniture, and gilded mirrors. The Ritz Paris still has a suite named after Coco Chanel that exemplifies her vision of Parisian chic.

At the center of the Place Vendôme stands a landmark of historic importance, the Colonne de la Grande Armée (replacing a statue of Louis XIV that was removed in 1792). Built between 1806 and 1810, the 42-meter-high column is dedicated to Napoleon and his Grande Armée (army) who fought heroically and victoriously in the Battle of Austerlitz (in December 1805).

The column's facade is crafted from bronze plaques embossed with 108 spiraling bas-relief friezes (similar to Trajan's Column in Rome), which tell the story of the glorious events that took place during Napoleon's campaign of 1805.

Address: Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris (Métro: Tuileries or Opéra station)

In the charming Le Marais quarter, the Centre Pompidou is a cultural center devoted to modern art. The building itself features shocking modern architecture, sometimes described as an "inside out" design because the architectural details of staircases and elevators appear on the exterior.

The main attraction of the Centre Pompidou is the Musée National d'Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art), which displays iconic works of art chosen from an extensive collection of over 100,000 pieces. The collection focuses on contemporary art created from 1905 to the present.

The collection covers all the movements of modern art, beginning with the Post-Impressionist "Fauves" and "Les Nabis" movements (André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, and Marc Chagall) and continuing with the famous movement of Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Robert Delaunay).

Each room highlights a specific time period or artistic movements such as Expressionism, Constructivism (Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian), Surrealism (Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte, and André Masson), Abstract Expressionism (Mark Rothko, Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung, and Serge Poliakoff), Informal Art (Jean Dubuffet), New Realism, and Pop Art (Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg).

Several masterpieces of the collection are not to be missed : Avec l'Arc Noir by Wassily Kandinsky, Manège de Cochons by Robert Delaunay, Portrait de la Journaliste Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix, The Frame by Frida Kahlo, Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel by Marc Chagall, La Blouse Roumaine by Henri Matisse, New York City by Piet Mondrian, and Les Loisirs-Hommage à Louis David by Fernand Léger.

The center has two bookstores, a casual café, and a boutique that sells gift items inspired by contemporary art.

For a special dining experience, head to the Centre Pompidou's restaurant on the museum's top floor. Restaurant Georges features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular panoramic views of the Paris cityscape. Tables on the terrace look out directly onto the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Address: Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet or Rambuteau station)

Louis XIV founded the Hôtel Royal des Invalides in the late 17th century as a home for disabled soldiers. The building was constructed between 1671 and 1676 under the direction of the architect Libéral Bruant and centered on the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which was later redesigned by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1706.

Today, the Hôtel National des Invalides still has a hospital (Institution Nationale des Invalides) that provides medical care for disabled veterans.

The monument also includes several tourist attractions: three museums and two historic churches. You could easily spend hours here, and luckily the site has excellent amenities: a café-restaurant, the Angelina tearoom (famous for its hot chocolate and pastries) in a tree-shaded courtyard, and a bookstore/gift shop.

Founded in 1794, the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) presents a large collection of military equipment and uniforms, weapons, prints, and armor from various historical periods. The museum covers the military history of France from the 13th century (the Crusades) to the 17th century. There are also paintings of Napoleon and well-known generals, as well as maps that depict the French campaigns.

The Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération honors the soldiers who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1945. This museum also educates visitors about the deportation of Jews from France, the Resistance, and life in France during the war.

The military strategy of the 17th century comes to life at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (Museum of Relief Maps). The museum displays 97 detailed (1 to 600 scale) relief maps of France's fortified towns (citadels) and fortresses that date from 1668 to 1871. Louis XIV's Minister of War (and later ministers) used the maps for military planning purposes.

A gold-domed Neoclassical church, the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides was built in 1677 as a royal chapel for Louis XIV but is most famous for being the site of Napoleon's Tomb , installed here in 1861 by the orders of King Louis-Philippe. The imperial tomb stands beneath a magnificent cupola, which was painted by Charles de la Fosse.

Designed for veterans to worship, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides (constructed around 1676) connects with the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides. This chapel was built in keeping with the etiquette of the 17th century and has a separate entrance from the Eglise du Dôme. The Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides still serves as the cathedral for the French army.

Address: Hôtel National des Invalides, Esplanade des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Just steps away from the Louvre Museum, you will find a welcome retreat amid the bustle of Paris' 1st arrondissement. Visiting this secluded spot feels like a secret getaway, even though it's right in the center of the city.

The Palais-Royal was created as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, during the reign of Louis XIII. Richelieu later bequeathed the palace to the royal family, and it became the childhood home of Louis XIV.

Exemplifying classical French architecture, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is made up of 60 pavilions surrounding a courtyard and a garden, the Jardin du Palais-Royal . This peaceful enclosed space has the feeling of being its own little village within the city.

After wandering the busy streets of Paris, you will be delighted by the lush tree-shaded grounds. You might be surprised to see that the courtyard features a contemporary sculpture installation, a striking contrast to the historic architecture.

The buildings are connected by a colonnaded pathway and arcaded galleries (verandas) filled with high-end boutiques . There are fancy cafés with pleasant outdoor terraces and two gastronomic restaurants: the haute-cuisine Palais Royal Restaurant (two Michelin stars); and Le Grand Véfour in an 18th-century dining room featuring ornate " art décoratif " design motifs.

The Palais-Royal area has two theaters: the Théâtre du Palais-Royal (38 Rue de Montpensier), which dates back to 1783 and continues to present theater performances in French; and La Comédie-Française (1 Place Colette), a theater known as the " La Maison de Molière " because it has staged so many of the famous playwright's works. The Comédie-Française was inaugurated in 1790 and is still in use during its theater season.

A lovely place for a stroll, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is open every day, free of charge. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux offers guided group tours.

Address: Domaine National du Palais-Royal, 8 Rue Montpensier, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Now, only the name of this square is a reminder that the notorious state prison known as the Bastille, the much-hated symbol of absolutist power, once stood here. After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the prison was completely demolished.

In the center of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne de Juillet , topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty ( Génie de la Liberté ). The monument commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew King Charles X and brought Louis-Philippe d'Orléans to power.

Four Gallic cocks and a lion relief on the base of the column symbolize the free people of France. A spiral staircase of 283 steps inside the column leads to a viewing platform.

On the site of the Bastille prison is the new Opera House, the Opéra Bastille , inaugurated by President Mitterrand on July 13, 1989. This immense modern theater has seating for 2,745 people. Both the view of the stage from the auditorium and the acoustics are superb.

The Opéra Bastille presents a calendar of events that includes opera and ballet performances by the Opéra National de Paris and the Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris.

For a memorable evening in Paris, attend one of the performances at the Opéra Bastille and then dine in the Bastille area. This trendy neighborhood is brimming with quirky boutiques, hip clothing shops, stylish restaurants, and happening cafés.

Address: Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris (Métro: Bastille)

The Place du Châtelet stands at the very center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, overlooking the Seine River. The Pont au Change (bridge) provides access from the Île de la Cité to the Place du Châtelet.

Tip : It's just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie on the Île-de-la-Cité to the Place du Châtelet, so it would make sense to visit these tourist attractions at the same time.

Two theaters grace the Place du Châtelet. The opulent Second Empire Théâtre du Châtelet (1 Place du Châtelet) presents a wide variety of music concerts, as well as dance and theater performances. A listed Monument Historique where Sarah Bernhardt once directed shows, the Théâtre de la Ville (2 Place du Châtelet) stages a diverse program of dance, music, and theater performances.

The area around Place du Châtelet is also worth exploring. Continue towards the Rue de Rivoli, past the Boulevard de Sébastopol, and wander through the small park to find the Tour Saint-Jacques . The 16th-century Flamboyant Gothic clock tower is all that remains of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (the patron saint of butchers), the town's old parish church.

The Saint-Jacques Tower is also famous as the place where Blaise Pascal conducted one of his barometric experiments, which showed the effect of altitude on the height of a column of mercury.

Never mind the inviting name, this imposing medieval fortress was an infamous place of detention and a courthouse (from 1793 to 1795) during the French Revolution. Here, prisoners including Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre were kept in dank cells while awaiting their fate.

The Conciergerie is a remnant of the Palais de la Cité , the royal residence of France's kings in the 13th and 14th centuries until the royal residence was moved to the Louvre. During the Restoration (return of the Bourbon monarchs to the throne), the Conciergerie was no longer used as a prison and Marie-Antoinette's cell was converted into a commemorative chapel.

Today, the Conciergerie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum. It's possible to purchase a combined entry ticket for the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Admission to the Conciergerie is included with a Paris Museum Pass.

During your visit, you will have a chance to walk through the Prisoners' Corridor which includes a replica of French Revolution-era prison cells. An evocative exhibit, the Salle des Noms lists the names of more than 4,000 people who were put on trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal and includes their biographies.

Of course, you must visit the expiatory chapel of Marie-Antoinette (the commemorative chapel). Look for the motif of tears painted on the walls.

Other highlights of the visit include the Salle des Gardes which exhibits artifacts from the bloody Reign of Terror, including a guillotine blade, prison regulations, and a copy of Marie-Antoinette's last letter.

The Salle des Gens d'Armes is a 14th-century vaulted Gothic hall of awesome proportions. In this forbidding room, the condemned prisoners were handed over to the executioner.

For an exceptional view of the building's Neo-Gothic facade, stand on the opposite side of the Seine River on the Quai de la Mégisserie. From this distance, with its three round towers and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), the fortress resembles a fairy-tale castle rather than a penitentiary.

Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

Formerly royal hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is now home to a surprising modern landmark. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton was commissioned by Bernard Arnault, chairman of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy corporation.

Acclaimed American architect Frank Gehry designed the striking building, using 3,600 glass panels and more steel than the amount in the Eiffel Tower. The museum features 3,500 square meters of exhibition space with 11 different galleries illuminated by natural light.

In keeping with the museum's modern theme, the permanent collection focuses entirely on 20th-century and 21st-century art organized into four different categories: Expressionism, Contemplative Art, Pop Art, and Music & Sound.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton offers a year-round calendar of events and temporary exhibits. Cultural events and music performances are presented in a 1,000-seat auditorium.

Not to be missed are the four outdoor terraces on the rooftop, which afford sweeping views of the Bois de Boulogne, La Défense district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. You may also shop at the bookstore and enjoy a snack or meal at Le Frank Restaurant .

A tourist attraction in itself, the 850-hectare Bois de Boulogne has walking paths, gardens, bicycle rentals, picnic areas, and a lake for boating. Three upscale restaurants, including La Grande Cascade , the Auberge du Bonheur , and the three Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pré Catelan , offer traditional French fine dining. At the park's hippodrome used for horse races, La Brasserie Paris Longchamp serves casual sit-down meals.

Within the Bois de Boulogne is the Parc de Bagatelle with picnic tables, a snack bar, and a rose garden. The 18th-century Château de Bagatelle is open on Sundays and for temporary exhibitions. The Orangery of the Parc de Bagatelle hosts a Chopin Festival every year from mid-June until mid-July.

Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris (Métro: Pont de Neuilly or Avenue Foch)

Covering 55 hectares, the Parc de La Villette is the largest landscaped green space in Paris. The park is brimming with attractions, including children's playgrounds and the Cité de la Music .

The park is also home to 400-seat La Géode IMAX theater; the Zénith Paris - La Villette concert hall; the Philharmonie de Paris performance venue; and Le Trabendo , which stages rock, rap, and hip-hop music concerts.

During summertime, Parisians (and a few tourists) enjoy attending cultural events at the Parc de La Villette. For several days at the end of May, the Villette Sonique festival draws huge crowds to outdoor music concerts. Other festivals include Jazz à La Villette held from late August through early September and an outdoor film festival ( Cinéma en Plein Air ), which takes place in the park from mid-July to mid-August.

The park features a variety of themed gardens with walking paths, footbridges, and bright red architectural "follies" designed by Bernard Tschumi. The area around the Canal de l'Ourcq is embellished with ponds and fountains.

Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris (Métro: Porte de la Villette)

Planning to visit Paris during summertime? Be sure to pack your swimsuit! Even though the city is far from the sea, you can still find "beaches" for sunbathing.

From early July through late August, the Seine River becomes a beach destination. The riverbanks along the Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire are transformed into little resorts, complete with lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and palm trees. Recreational opportunities include table football, tai chi, and petanque.

Other summertime recreational opportunities (in July and August) include swimming at the Bassin de La Villette , which has three swimming pools with lifeguards, and sports activities at the Jardins du Trocadéro .

Outside of central Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement is the city's most famous and most visited cemetery. This 44-hectare space is the final resting place of many famous men and women, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.

Some of the tombs and graves of the most admired personalities attract a cult following, with flowers and tributes left by visitors on a daily basis.

Address: Cimetière du Père Lachaise, 21 Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris (Métro: Père Lachaise or Philippe Auguste station)

Locals escape to this peaceful oasis when they need a break from urban life. Among Parisians, this park is a favorite place to go for picnics and basking in the sunshine on warm days.

The 25-hectare park has the feeling of an untamed pastoral landscape, in contrast to the typical Parisian formal French gardens, with their orderly rows of flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

This romantic English-style garden features caves, waterfalls, and an artificial lake. Large shady trees and spacious grassy areas invite visitors to pull out a blanket and relax. Some areas of the park offer panoramic city views.

The convivial Rosa Bonheur café serves Mediterranean cuisine on an outdoor terrace. Rosa Bonheur is also known for its musical entertainment and evening dances.

For a gourmet lunch or brunch, Le Pavillon du Lac delights you with its lake views and garden patio. Le Pavillon du Lac is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays.

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

The Grande Arche de la Défense is found in a business district at the end of Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle. This area just outside the city limits of Paris is named La Défense, which recalls the bitter resistance by French forces in this area during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Designed by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, the Grande Arche makes a striking impression. This huge 110-meter-high rectangular triumphal arch is faced with glass and granite.

The monument was inaugurated in 1989 on the bicentenary of the French Revolution, and the contemporary structure symbolizes France's national value of fraternity. The arch was originally called " La Grande Arche de la Fraternité ".

Address: La Grande Arche, 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92040 Paris (Métro: La Défense)

Deciding where to stay in Paris depends on your taste in hotels and travel preferences.

An abundance of quaint small hotels are scattered throughout the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements, which is also known as the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Tourists appreciate this area for its central location, excellent restaurants, and lively sidewalk cafés.

The Marais quarter (4th arrondissement) on the Right Bank rivals the Left Bank for old-world charm and trendy ambiance. This neighborhood is filled with magnificent historic palaces and mansions, while enticing boutiques, cozy restaurants, cafés, and tea salons line the quarter's cobblestone streets.

Many luxury hotels are found on the boulevards near the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, in an area of the 8th arrondissement known as the Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle) because of its designer fashion boutiques and upscale gourmet restaurants.

Montmartre is farther from most tourist attractions but has a special atmosphere thanks to its bohemian heritage, excellent art museums, and atmospheric pedestrian alleyways. Some of the hotels in this hilltop neighborhood offer sweeping city views.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in these areas of Paris:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the fashionable 8th arrondissement near the Jardins des Champs-Élysées is the five-star Le Bristol Paris . This legendary hotel epitomizes Parisian elegance with sumptuous guest rooms featuring Louis XV or Louis XVI furnishings and tailor-made bed linens. Guests enjoy the courtyard garden, spa, rooftop swimming pool, tea time at Café Antonia, and fine dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant or Michelin-starred brasserie.
• La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa is another ultra-luxurious accommodation in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées. The five-star hotel occupies a palatial 19th-century mansion decorated in a classical style, yet has the intimate ambiance of a private home. Guests appreciate the top-notch amenities: spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and two gourmet restaurants including a dining room with two Michelin stars.
• Art Deco interiors create an inviting feel at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the 8th arrondissement. This opulent five-star hotel occupies a landmark building that dates to 1928 and has been beautifully maintained. Guests are pampered by the hotel's amenities: an upscale spa, swimming pool, and three fine-dining options including a vegetarian restaurant. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Le Cinq, boasts three Michelin stars.
• The Hôtel Plaza Athénée graces the tree-lined Avenue Montaigne, a prestigious boulevard lined with haute couture boutiques. Housed in a stately Haussmann-style building near the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, this five-star hotel features plush guest rooms with Art Deco furnishings. Amenities include the Dior Spa, and three dining options, including a garden courtyard restaurant and La Galerie, a salon that serves afternoon tea.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Latin Quarter steps away from the Panthéon, the impeccably maintained Hôtel Résidence Henri IV exudes old-fashioned Parisian charm with its traditional interior decor and balconies overlooking the street. The spacious guest rooms have flat-screen televisions and updated bathrooms; the apartments have kitchenettes. This four-star hotel has a hammam and offers spa treatments. The breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes artisanal and organic products.
• The Relais Christine has a quiet and cozy ambiance, which makes it feel like a family home. This five-star hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is surrounded by cafés, bistros, and restaurants. The tastefully adorned guest rooms feature garden, courtyard, or street views and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities include an upscale spa, fitness center, breakfast for an additional charge, and room service.
• Near the legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain cafés and a short walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the boutique three-star Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés occupies an 18th-century building on an ancient street where Molière had a residence. The hotel's suite has a living room with windows that look out onto Notre-Dame Cathedral. A continental breakfast with croissants, café au lait, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is available.
• The charming Relais Médicis is tucked away on a quiet street near the Luxembourg Gardens. This four-star hotel is a welcome retreat from the busy streets of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. The guest rooms blend old-fashioned French country decor with modern amenities. Breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes yogurt, cheese, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea, and croissants from a neighborhood bakery.
• Montmartre is considered Paris' most enchanting neighborhood, although it is a Métro ride to the main tourist attractions. A few steps away from the Métro station in the heart of the quarter's narrow, winding streets is Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre . This four-star hotel has quaint guest rooms with vintage-inspired decor. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet (generous for the price) that includes croissants, yogurt, charcuterie, cheese, and fruit.

Budget Hotels:

• The Legend Hotel by Elegancia is conveniently located in the Montparnasse district of the 6th arrondissement (Rive Gauche) and about a 10-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens. This cozy three-star boutique hotel has chic contemporary-style rooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, buffet or continental breakfast (for an additional charge), and concierge services.
• In the Latin Quarter (Rive Gauche) near the Panthéon, the family-run Hôtel Diana has stylish modern rooms with renovated bathrooms and courtyard or city views. Considering the central location and 24-hour front reception desk, this hotel provides excellent value for the price. A continental-style breakfast buffet is available for a small charge.

Paris Sightseeing Overview:

• For first-time visitors, the Paris Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a good choice. You can decide which monuments you would like to see, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Musée d'Orsay. The tour provides commentary while you're on the bus and includes an entrance ticket to the Arc de Triomphe as well as a short Seine River Cruise.

Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour:

• The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour covers the city's highlights by cruising down the Seine River. This self-guided tour allows you to stop at eight different places on the Seine River over a one-day or two-day period. You will have a chance to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musee d'Orsay, the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, and the Hôtel National des Invalides.

Visit the Normandy Battlefields:

• History buffs will want to see the famous World War II battlefields, about a three-hour drive from Paris. One recommended day trip is the Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour . Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, tourists will see the Omaha and Juno Beaches, and the American Cemetery. The tour also includes a visit to the Arromanches harbor.

Must-See Sights Outside of Paris :

• Another popular outing from Paris is the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip . This full-day excursion explores the vibrant gardens of Giverny, which Monet depicted in many paintings, and the Château de Versailles, Louis XIV's extravagant palace. The tour includes a gourmet lunch at the Moulin de Fourges riverside restaurant, which is housed in an 18th-century mill inspired by Marie-Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

Many seasoned travelers say the best months to visit Paris are in the spring (April, May, June), the summer (especially June and the first half of July), and early autumn (September and October) . As a general rule, this is also the best time to visit France.

April is in the off-season , and hotel prices are reduced. The drawback is that the weather is capricious and can be quite chilly or rainy . Average low temperatures are mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit. With some luck, the weather could be refreshingly crisp and sunny. Average highs are low-60 degrees. On the upside, April offers the chance to experience the magic of early spring. Trees begin to bud their first leaves in the parks and lining the avenues. Daffodils and tulips bloom in the gardens.

In May , the weather is still fickle , with a mix of sunny days and chilly or rainy days. The temperature averages range from high 60 degrees to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit. By early May, trees, burgeoning vegetation, and colorful flowers enliven the leafy grounds of the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Bois de Boulogne, and the Buttes-Chaumont. On warm days, café terraces come back to life.

June is a delightful time to visit Paris because of the balmy weather and long days . Daytime temperatures are comfortable, with high temperature averages in the low 70 degrees. Thanks to Paris' northern latitude, the sun sets at almost 10pm in June. It seems that the entire city is out and about to celebrate the beginning of summer. The sidewalk café scene bustles and there is a sense of joie de vivre in the air.

The first two weeks of July are the most exciting time to visit Paris, with Parisians' anticipation of vacation just around the corner. Plus, the weather starts to feel like summer. The entire month of July is a great time to visit because of warm days with average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Paris. August also has average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, travelers should keep in mind that many shops and restaurants close in August when Parisians leave for summer holidays after the Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) on July 14th.

September is a marvelous time to visit Paris because the weather is still pleasant , yet it is in the off-season , so hotels are more affordable, and tourist attractions are less crowded. Similar to the springtime, September promises a mix of weather, with some sunny days and some rain. The average high temperatures are low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and average low temperatures are mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another good time to visit is October which is in the off-season . October weather can be chilly. The daytime high-temperature averages start to dip into the 60s Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 48 degrees.

Tips for What to Wear : For a Paris vacation in April, May, September, or October, travelers should pack layers and bring sweaters, a jacket, raincoat, boots, and an umbrella. In June and July, the weather is warm enough for summer dresses and short-sleeve shirts. Packing requirements during the late fall and winter months (November through March) include heavy coats, scarves, wool hats, gloves, warm socks, and boots.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Easy Paris Day Trips: There are many wonderful places to visit within easy reach from Paris . Just outside the Paris metropolitan area is a tranquil rural landscape that is rich in cultural treasures: lovely little villages, historic castles, splendid churches, and interesting medieval towns. A must-see destination is the Château de Versailles , the 17th-century palace of Louis XIV (the "Sun King").

For those who prefer cities to the countryside, several worthwhile destinations are just a one- to two-hour train ride away: the elegant and cultured city of Lille (one hour by TGV train) with its distinct Flemish character, the delightful town of Amiens (about one hour and 30 minutes by train), and Lyon (two hours by TGV train) known as the gastronomic heart of France.

Adored by tourists for its perfectly preserved medieval ambiance, picturesque canals, and enticing chocolate shops, atmospheric Bruges (two hours 30 minutes by train) is simple to visit even though the train crosses the border into Belgium.

Historic Sites in Normandy: The scenic Normandy region wows visitors with its natural beauty and fascinating history. Along its dramatic coastline are the Landing Beaches of World War Two, and nearby are military cemeteries and memorial museums. One of the top attractions of France and Normandy's most visited site is Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO-listed medieval pilgrimage site with a sublime 12th-century abbey church. Tourists will also enjoy discovering the historic town of Rouen , with its marvelous cathedral, handsome half-timbered houses, and abundance of Gothic churches.

Gorgeous Castles and Pastoral Landscapes: The fairy-tale Loire Valley landscape is home to the most magnificent Renaissance châteaux in France. With a lush natural environment of woodlands and rivers, this enchanting region is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The naturally beautiful region of Brittany boasts a wild, rugged coastline, with many idyllic fishing villages and an unspoiled countryside with medieval castles. The Burgundy region is dotted with historic towns such as Dijon , quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and Romanesque churches.

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Top Paris Attractions

• See & Do
• Top Attractions

Top 10 Paris Attractions

Planning your first visit to Paris?   If so, start with these top 10 attractions and legendary sightseeing destinations.  

These are the historical, cultural, and famous places everyone associates with Paris - the top sites to see in Paris for many visitors.

Don't feel you need to see all of them in one visit, especially you are here for just a few days. 

Several of these top Paris attractions, such as the soaring Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous Seine River, the monumental Arc de Triomphe, and even the gleaming white Sacre Coeur set high on a hilltop, are part of the Paris skyline and easy to spot from many places in the city, whether or not you actually visit.

Consider a quick day trip to one of the famous destinations just beyond the city, such as the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

But also take time to stroll through an iconic neighborhood such as the Latin Quarter or Montmartre.  Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Garden.  Take sunset cruise along the Seine.

Spend a few moments admiring Notre Dame Cathedral.   Right now, you can now view only the exterior due to the tragic 2019 fire.  But thanks to the massive restoration underway, part of the magnificent cathedral may be open to the public by 2024. 

And plan a visit to at least one of the most famous Paris museums  and experience their masterpieces in person.  See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, Van Gogh's Starry Night at the Orsay, or cutting-edge contemporary art at Pompidou . 

Finally, save some time to see other less famous and even "hidden" attractions in Paris, even if it means skipping some of the places on this page.  You can always visit on your next trip to Paris, and meanwhile, you'll have a variety of wonderful memories.

Because as Ernest Hemingway famously said, " . . . wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Top photo:  Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris's Montmartre neighborhood, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  Eiffel Tower ( Tour Eiffel ) - The Number 1 Attraction in Paris

Soaring high above the Paris landscape, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris - and gives you spectacular city views from three levels.  For many visitors, going to the highest level of the Eiffel Tower tops their "essential sites to see in Paris, France" list, and for good reason.

Popular Ways to Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Entry TIcket with Optional Summit Access - Skip the ticket line & use a faster "groups only" security line
• Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets - Skip the ticket line
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator - Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner while enjoying views of the Paris skyline

Although you view see the famous landmark from many points in the city, nothing beats the thrill of going up to the observation platforms and watching Paris landmarks get smaller and smaller below you.

To capture a lifetime memory of your visit, book a professional photoshoot in front of the iconic monument.

Just want to view this famous Paris attraction?  A Seine River cruise or a guided bike tour of the city gives you the perfect way to see it plus lots of other famous monuments and museums located on the riverside.

More to Enjoy:  Restaurants and a champagne bar, a seasonal ice skating rink during some years, fascinating views through the transparent floor on the 1st level.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be massive and waiting in line to get tickets can take up to 4 hours or more during peak months - get a skip-the-line priority entrance ticket:

More Ways to See the Eiffel Tower

2.  louvre museum ( musée du louvre ) - the most visited museum in the world.

The enormous Louvre Museum receives over 10 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited museum and a top Paris attraction.

Much of this popularity stems from the Louvre's three famous masterpieces, Leonardo di Vinci's Mona Lisa and two ancient Greek statues, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samot hrace (also known as the Winged Nike - yes, the inspiration for the popular athletic shoe brand).

Popular Ways to Visit the Louvre

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

But the Louvre offers you so much more to see, including a magnificent Egyptian collection complete with mummies, gallery after gallery of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, and dazzling rooms of exquisite furniture, tapestries, crown jewels, and ornamental objects.

The sumptuous Second Empire apartments used by Napoleon III in the 1860s are reason enough to visit the Louvre, and the perfect place to spend an hour or two on a rainy afternoon.

Outside, shimmering 20th century glass pyramids by I. M. Pei and a reflecting pool contrast with the ornate Renaissance architecture of the former royal palace.

Book a Louvre Museum guided tour with skip-the-line entrance:

More to Enjoy:  At basement level, you can view excavations of the original 12th century fortress that once stood in the Louvre's Paris location.

• See popular Louvre guided tours and skip-the-line tickets from Get Your Guide
• Find out what to expect on a guided tour of the Louvre

3.  Versailles Palace - The Most Visited Royal Palace in France

With more than 700 rooms, Versailles Palace is one of the largest in the world.   Famous for its royal occupants  from King Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, lavishly decorated rooms, and priceless art, Versailles Palace gives you an unforgettable glimpse of royal life when you visit. 

You can easily spend much or all of a day here.

More to Enjoy:   Magnificent gardens filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tree allées , and walking paths. 

• Top things to see & do at the Palace of Versailles
• Best guided walking and bike tours of Versailles from Paris
• How to get to Versailles from Paris: 6 options
• Where to stay near Versailles Palace

Paris Discovery Tip:  Versailles attracts huge numbers of visitors - in fact, the enormous chateau is the most-visited palace in France and one of the most famous in Europe.

Slow security check lines before you enter mean a 2-4 hour wait in line during most months of the year.  Although  skip-the-line tickets won't save you from every delay (you still have to go through security, although those lines ususally move quickly), they can certainly speed up your entry. 

But here's our "insiders" tip and strong recommendation:   Choose a guided tour if you want to save time and if your budget allows it.  Why?  Guided tours get to access a separate, much faster security line.

Choose one of these excellent guided tours and avoid the long wait in lines:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Half-Day Tour & Hotel Transfer  - Experience the lavish palace and gardens enjoyed by French kings and queens as an expert guide shows you the famous Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, King's Bedroom, Marie Antoinette's chambers, and more.  Find out more 
• Versailles by Train Escorted Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Tickets - A guide meets you at a designated spot in Paris, escorts you on the RER train to Versailles, and whisks you through the tour guide entrance.   You'll tour the Palace and Tardens, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's private estate. 
• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch - You'll travel with a guide in an air-conditioned luxury coach from Paris to Versailles, where you'll quickly pass through the guided tour entrance.  In addition to giving you a tour of Versailles Palace and its most important rooms, your guide will also take you through the Grand and Petit Trianon, the two smaller castles the French royalty usually prefered to spend their time.  You'll have a wonderful lunch at an onsite restaurant, and will have plenty of time to stroll through the magnificent gardens.

Want to risk Versailles without a skip the line ticket?   For example, if you plan to come after most people have entered - for example, mid-afternoon - lines usually move much faster. 

In that case, you can save money by getting the Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket, which comes with an audio guide.  "Full access" means you also get entrance to Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon palace and her "Hamlet" village, which are worth seeing.  

But if you're really short on time, you can save about 3 dollars with a Palace and Gardens-Only ticket.

Find more spectacular day trips from Paris

4.  Latin Quarter ( Quartier Latin )

To experience an older Paris, spend some time discovering the charms of the Latin Quarter.

First settled by Romans in the 1st century, this famous Left Bank neighborhood has long attracted bohemians, scholars, and political protest.  Look closely, and you'll see traces of medieval Paris in the narrow, winding streets and older buildings.

Have a drink at the brasseries along Boulevard Saint Germain where Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus hung out during the 1920s, visit the tombs of French heroes and intellectuals at the Pantheon, and gaze at the timeless beauty of The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny Museum.

More to Enjoy:  Explore the narrow winding side streets filled with old bookstores, tiny bistros, and quirky boutiques.  Visit the beautiful old churches filled with artistic treasures, including Saint Julien le Pauvre, dating back to the Middle Ages. 

Go back even farther in time and visit a 1st century Roman arena, one of the Latin Quarter's "hidden treasures."  (If you're into Roman ruins, don't miss the baths and other excavations t Musée de Cluny.)

Sip freshing mint tea and savor Tunisian pastries in the Grand Mosque of Paris's tea room. Admire the cherry blossoms in Jardin des Plantes.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you love shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, avoid pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette - explore the quieter side streets instead.

Find fun ways to explore the Latin Quarter

5.  Seine River - Beaches, Cruises, & More

The Seine River flows through central Paris, defining the city's Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank on the south.  Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the middle, is the historic heart of Paris with world-famous medieval masterpieces, hidden parks, and lovely 17th century enclaves.

You can enjoy the Seine in many different ways.  Walk along the banks and admire the beautiful bridges.  Check out les bouquinistes , the river-side booksellers along both sides of the Seine.  

Explore the Parc Rives de Seine, the pedestrian-only (plus cyclists and skaters) green spaces devoted to relaxation, games, and ecology from Pont des Arts to the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank and the Senghor Foot Bridge (Passerelle Senghor) to Place de la Bastille on the Right Bank.

Take a Seine River cruise to to see Paris's most beautiful historic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective.  Or spend a day hopping on and off Batobus  to explore nearby neighborhoods.

Dine and dance on a river-side barge.  Cool off in a floating swimming pool.

More to Enjoy:   From mid-July to mid-August, Paris Plages transforms the Right Bank plus other parts of the city into a sandy beach.

Paris Discovery Tip:   From the Seine, cruise up through the 15th century Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq through the newly-trendy northeast part of the city.

Popular Seine River Cruises

Notre dame ( cathédrale notre-dame de paris ).

Built during the Middle Ages at the historic heart of Parison Île de la Cité , Notre Dame Cathedral embodies the splendors of Gothic architecture from its site overlooking the Seine River.

The devastating 2019 fire means you can no longer go inside to admire the hundreds of statues, sculptures, paintings, spectacular stained glass windows or climb up to the roof for closeup views of gorgoyles and sweeping city views. 

However, the ongoing repairs and restoration work is fascinating to see from the outside, plus you can also admire the high towers, flying buttresses, and other features from a safe distance.  

And there is good news:   The famous cathedral is now expected to partially reopen by December, 2024.

Best viewing location:  Left Bank of the Seine River.

6.  Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

Once a separate village, Montmartre has been part of Paris since 1860 but its winding lanes, many trees, and picturesque hillsides still make it seem like a place apart.

You can stroll past the neighborhood's many cafes and cabarets, and imagine the artists, musicians, and writers who made it their home 100+ years ago when rents were cheap.

The most famous sight is the gleaming white Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, built in Italian Byzantine style and visible from most points in Paris.

Tourists often pack the areas around Sacré Coeur and the Moulin Rouge theater in Pigalle - but miss the most interesting parts of the neighborhood where you can find small art museums and parks, pedestrian-only lanes, and a couple of old-fashioned windmills.

More to Enjoy:   Go inside Sacré Coeur to see the beautiful mosaics.

Paris Discovery Tip:  If you're visiting in October, come to the harvest festival in Montmartre's still-producing vineyard

Discover the hidden gems of Montmartre

7.  Musée d'Orsay

Occupying a former train station, Musée d'Orsay contains a magnificent collection of world-famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.  

Crowds pack the galleries holding the best-known masterpieces, especially those by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, whose Starry Night painting attracts the largest crowds of all.

More to Enjoy:  Sweeping views of Paris from the almost-hidden rooftop terrace.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you are visiting during the slow months of the winter, join a guided tour if you want to get a look at the most famous paintings unobstructed by massive crowds.

What to see & do at the Orsay Museum

8.  Arc de Triomphe

The massive Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable Paris attractions, commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to honor his army's victories across Europe, although he was exiled and dead by the time of its completion 30 years later.

The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by a busy traffic rotary where 12 major streets, including the western end of Champs Élysées, converge.  Although you can easily see it at a distance, you'll get the best views and experience when you're close to it.

Best Time to View:   On the first Sunday (a.k.a. "car-free Sundays) of each month when Champs Élysées bans cars and becomes pedestrian-only.

More to Enjoy:   Get a  ticket and climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top for 360 degree views of Paris.  At the base of the monument, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame to honor the unidentified French soldiers killed in World Wars I and II.  You can see its daily re-lighting every evening at 6:30pm.  Elaborate statues and bas relief carvings depicting Napoleon's battles cover large portions of the monument.

Get your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets now:

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are in Paris on Armistice Day (November 11), Bastille Day (July 14), or New Year's Eve (December 31), don't miss the parades and celebrations on Champs Élysées that start at the Arc.  The Paris Marathon in April also starts and ends at the Arc, and the Tour de France also ends there in July.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe

9.  Pompidou Center ( Centre Pompidou )

In a city filled with traditional architecture, Pompidou Center's edgy design featuring exterior walls of brightly colored tubes and exposed mechanical systems brought howls of derision when it first opened.  Half a century later, the building's design by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers still stands out in the cityscape.

But inside (get a skip the line ticket before you go to save time), revolving exhibitions of top-notch contemporary paintings, sculptures, and video and sound installations account for the museum's immense popularity.

More to Enjoy:   A wonderful rooftop deck, reflecting pool, and restaurant overlooking the city

Paris Discovery Tip:  After your visit, walk around to the back of Centre Pompidou's right side to see Stravinsky Fountain, named after the composer and filled with 16 water-spraying moving sculptures that represent his music.  You can also see it if you look straight down from the rooftop deck.

Some bad news:  Centre Pompidou's structure needs critical major repairs that will require closing to the public, and the work is expected to take about 5 years.   Estimated closure currently is expected during summer or fall of 2025. 

So if you want to visit this unique and wonderful contemporary art museum, go now!!! 

Buy your Pompidou skip the line entrance ticket

10.  Luxembourg Garden ( Jardin du Luxembourg )

Towering chestnut trees, a tranquil pool where children (and teens and adults) float toy sailboats, and many benches for sitting among lush flowers and beautiful statues make Luxembourg Garden Paris's most popular park. 

And with 448 other city parks and 2 great forests to choose from, that's quite a distinction! 

Despite its number of visitors, Luxembourg Garden seldom seems crowded because its 60 acres are divided into many distinctive areas.  You can even play tennis here.

More to Enjoy:   A drink or lunch at the open-air cafe.

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are traveling with children, check out the pony rides and puppet theater.  If you're not, snag one of the green metal chairs next to the reflecting pool at the Medici Fountain and enjoy a few tranquil moments of total relaxation.

Where to Stay in Paris near Top Attractions

Wondering which neighborhood to choose as your "home base" for your Paris visit?  See our recommendations based on the attractions you want to visit.

More Top Paris Attractions to See & Explore

Rodin museum (musée rodin).

Perhaps the most romantic museum in Paris and a top attraction because of its lush sculpture garden, location in a spectacular 18th century rococo mansion, and, of course, the sensual sculpture of two lovers in "The Kiss, the Rodin Museum gives you the opportunity to view the breadth and depth of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's boundary-breaking path from naturalism to modernism.

Plan to spend more time than you might expect in the beautifully designed garden, where flowers bloom almost year-round, lime trees scent the air with their leaves, and masses of roses burst into a riot of color in May and June, with some continuing to bloom through fall.  

The garden is also where you'll see Rodin's most monumental and evocative creations:  "The Thinker," "Walking Man," "The Gates of Hell," to name only a few. 

More to enjoy:  The onsite cafe/restaurant.

Tickets:   Get your ticket in advance, or use your Paris Museum Pass for admission.

Monet's Garden at Giverny & Other Day Trips from Paris

In addition to the Palace of Versailles, Monet's famous water lily ponds and garden at Giverny, the medieval abby at Mont Saint-Michel, Disneyland Paris, Normandy D-Day beaches, special Champagne-tasting tours, and gorgeous castles and chateaux are just a few of the other top attractions you can see on day trips from Paris.

You can even leave Paris in the morning and spend the day enjoying famous sights in  London,  sampling delicious wines and food at a château surrounded by  vineyards  near the city of  Bordeaux , or cruising along the picturesque canals of  Bruges, Belgium  - and still return to Paris in time for a late dinner.

Find out more about the best day trips from Paris.

Paris Food Tours, Wine Tastings, & More Culinary Adventures

Want to combine enjoying Paris's food culture - without a doubt, one of the city's most popular attractions - while exploring an iconic neighborhood, cruising down the Seine River, learning how to make macarons, visiting a street market, or sampl ing wine and cheese? 

We highlight 15 of the best tours, cruises, and classes devoted to food and wine (and even one on Paris's thriving craft breweries).  Check them out!

Disneyland Paris

Whether you're a huge Disney fan yourself or traveling to Paris with kids who are, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be hard to resist, especially since it's only about a 45-minute train ride from the city and super-easy to reach. 

Especially if you have already visited Disneyland in the U.S., you may be wondering: "Is Disneyland Paris worth going to?"

Best ways to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris

Of course that's an individual decision, especially if you have a long list of things to do and you have only a few days here, but many people have visited Disneyland Paris would tell you, "Yes!"

The Paris parks are lot of fun and even though the amusement park attractions may seem familiar, there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" that's distinctly Parisian.  Plus, the on-site food is much better.  So think of it as a cultural experience - and go! 

Pro Tip:   To get the most from your Disneyland Paris experience, consider spending a night or two at one of the fun nearby hotels with free shuttles to the Parks.  Many offer lower rates than comparable Paris hotels - so your savings may cover your Disney tickets plus meals.

Book your Disneyland Paris tickets:

Almost-Hidden Covered Passages

With spectacular glass roofs, elaborate Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and even Art Deco decor , and luxury boutiques and cool cafes , Paris's 21 remaining late-18th and 19th-century covered passages give you a unique place to shop for artisan gifts, enjoy a casual meal, and soak up the historical details.

Each passage has its own personality, attractions, and ambiance - perfect for exploring on a rainy afternoon, or for discovering more about this fascinating layer of Paris urban history.

Find out more about the best covered passages remaining in Paris today

The Paris Skyline

Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame silhouetted against city rooftops and the sky make the Paris skyline one of the city's most memorable attractions.   But what are the best places to see it?

Some, such as the viewing platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself and the rooftop terrace at the Arc de Triomphe, will not surprise you.   But others fall squarely into the "insider secret" category - out-of-the-way places to view the Paris skyline that you may not discover on your own.

Find the best places to view the Paris skyline

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery ( Cimetière du Pere Lachaise ) in eastern Paris may not be quite as famous as the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe but its celebrity graves, haunting statues, and photo-worthy cobblestone lanes make it a top Paris attraction.

Part burial ground and part beautifully landscaped garden, this "City of the Dead" is also similar to an open-air museum, with funerary sculptures of every size and shape imaginable:  plump winged cherubs, macabre skulls flanked by what appear to be bat wings, scantily clad women sprawled across tombstones, disembodied heads of famous men.  

But if you're like most first-time visitors here, you may be most fascinated by the graves of famous people buried here. 

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris

Where to stay near top paris attractions.

First, check out our guide to where to stay on your first trip to Paris  to find the best neighborhoods and districts based on your interests and what you want to see and do.  We suggest hotels for each area at different price points:  luxury, mid-range, and budget.

To find even more hotels, use this handy  hotel map from Booking.com to find available accommodations near top attractions for your travel dates, see lowest rates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Related Articles about Paris Attractions 

• Sainte Chapelle - See the famous medieval stained glass windows and enjoy candlelight concerts 
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - How to visit Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland, London, Bruges, & more places in just one day
• Why Visit Paris - Paris is always a good idea - but here are even more reasons to visit
• Your First Day in Paris - What to Do & See While Jet Lagged
• Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• December Weather in Paris - What to Expect
• September Weather in Paris - What to Expect
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris
• 101 Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

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• Day trips - Versailles, Giverny, Disney, & more
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The 48 Best Things to Do in Paris

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

On any visit to the City of Lights, the question isn't what to do in Paris, but rather how to decide. With more than 100 museums, countless historic landmarks, and 20 arrondissements brimming with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, it’s almost impossible to fit everything into your itinerary. Perhaps this is why the French capital is among the world’s most-visited cities. With the 2024 Summer Olympics pushing the city to clean and put on special exhibitions at many of its top monuments and sights, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Grand Palais, now is a perfect time to see the icons in a new light. Whether it’s your first time or fifth, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Paris, including new highlights and locally loved favorites that will make you feel like a true Parisian in the making. Pack your most comfortable shoes and brush up on your bonjour and merci . These are the best things to do in Paris on your next visit.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Jardin du Luxembourg Arrow

Located in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting green oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics, or just to admire the mash-up of English, Italian, and French landscaping influences. If you're feeling athletic, join the early-morning joggers or stake out one of the tennis and pétanque courts.

La Galerie Dior Arrow

Spanning over 100,000 square feet, Dior’s flagship at 30 Avenue Montaigne is an extravagant celebration of the legendary fashion house’s past, present, and future. The storied address, where Christian Dior set up shop in 1946, underwent a massive revamp in 2022, ushering in a new, immersive way for design lovers to interact with the brand. Even if you’re not in the market for spendy saddle bags and floral-printed porcelain, you’ll still find plenty of value in visiting La Galerie Dior, a multi-level museum tucked within the maison’s labyrinth of buildings. The exhibit rooms are designed to encourage a natural flow throughout the space. So once you’re in, you won’t have to deal with any lines or bottleneck moments.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening later this year. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais will host the fencing and taekwondo competitions at the Paris Summer Olympics before officially reopening to the public in October 2024.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France - Richelieu Arrow

The historic home of France’s national library, this 18th-century heritage site in the heart of the Louvre-Opéra district dazzles architecture lovers with its grand reading rooms, mosaics, and 22 million documents. After more than a decade of restoration work, the library reopened to the public in 2022, allowing bibliophiles free access to its striking Salle Ovale (Oval Room), garden, terrace, Rose Bakery café, and bookshop. Upstairs, a museum houses the Baroque-era Mazarin Gallery. The Richelieu Library is a perfect stop for travelers with limited time and/or budget. There’s so much history in this Oval Room alone, which is free to enter, but you can also see a good portion of the site in less than an hour.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre Arrow

Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside.

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try.

Palais Garnier Arrow

The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Le Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. Inside, make sure to channel your best "Phantom of the Opera" moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it—walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Merci Arrow

Merci is an independent concept boutique, spread out over three loft-like floors in the Marais. The well-curated selection of clothes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else you might want, draws savvy shoppers from around the globe. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming designers and labels especially in the central space that houses themed pop-ups, or go for Merci’s own affordable in-house brand. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Arrow

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is housed in a private mansion that served as the legendary fashion designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002. The museum opened in 2017 alongside its Moroccan counterpart, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, and hosts retrospectives and temporary exhibits. With a focus on Saint Laurent’s creative process rather than the brand’s history, the small museum is a treasure trove of iconic haute couture designs, as well as illustrations, photographs, sketches, and films. Spread out over 4,800 square feet, the museum was designed to recreate the intimate feel of the original couture house. Highlights include the reception rooms where the designer met with clients, as well as the studio, where all of the collections were designed.

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it only opened to the public in 2021, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Le Bon Marché Arrow

Dating back to the 1850s, Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris, and certainly the most iconic. The elegant Left Bank institution is as celebrated for its airy layout as for its top selection of the world’s best designers. If it’s luxe, you can probably buy it here. Before your shopping spree is done, peek in at La Grande Épicerie, Le Bon Marché’s fine-foods emporium in an adjoining building.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS Arrow

Did Paris need another department store? Certainly not. But this one has a legacy that laid dormant for 16 years: The 19th century landmark reopened in 2021 after a $900 million restoration by LVMH, and swapped the utilitarian focus for one decidedly more upscale. Locals used to shop here for everything from light bulbs and garden supplies to dresses, but now it's a gallery of sorts for designer clothes, beauty brands, and a handful of food and Champagne concept spaces throughout the shop. It's also an Art Deco and Art Nouveau wonder, which is the primary reason to visit. Approximately 215,000 square feet are devoted to retail space in this complex, which includes the Cheval Blanc hotel, office space, and housing, making it the smallest of the city’s department stores (the others are Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette). The spaces it does occupy covers the usual terrain: streetwear and luxury ready-to-wear which includes pieces exclusive to La Samaritaine, clean beauty and classic perfumers, handbags and fine jewelry, and several rooms used for rotating thematic installations.

Arc de Triomphe Arrow

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some of the best views of Paris, with clear vistas straight down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre. You'll need a ticket purchased online or at the entrance to go inside and up to the viewing platform, but anyone can come to admire the ornate façade for free.

Palais-Royal Arrow

The Palais-Royal complex is in some ways Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy, and spectacular gardens for people watching. And since it's all right across the street from the Louvre, you likely won't need to make a special trip. Don’t miss the Insta-famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard.

Panthéon Arrow

There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Arrow

Historic department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann isn’t just one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture. The French chain's flagship location in the 9th arrondissement features a striking domed roof with stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Gruber. And with over 750,000 square feet of retail space, beautifully designed window displays, and special events, it's easily one of the best places to shop in Paris . You’ll find almost every major luxury brand under Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s roof but the department store also makes a point of spotlighting emerging designers. Some labels, like Ester Manas (a sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brand) offer exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth floor, one of the broadest shoe selections in the world boasts over 200 brands ranging from Veja Shoemakers to Maison Margiela. Beyond the luxury goods, a highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Eiffel Tower Arrow

Gustave Eiffel's controversial wrought-iron lattice tower has been polarizing Parisians since it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable landmarks in the city—and the world. The structure anchors one end of the expansive Champ de Mars and provides an orientation point for the city. Jules Verne, the second-floor restaurant, is a Michelin-starred (and pricey) institution, as is the tiny Champagne bar at the tippity-top.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Arrow

If visiting a cemetery sounds morbid and dreary, rest assured: It is, but in the best possible way. Death is an inescapable part of French life, and the layers on layers of Parisian history on display at Père Lachaise Cemetery are a fascinating peek into how the city has evolved over time. Visitors flock to the A-list graves here, with Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among the most-visited. But one of the great delights is to walk away from the crowds and get lost wandering among the lesser-known, less-visited ones, which are all in various states of repair. Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find some other noteworthy names buried here, from composer Frédéric Chopin to writer Marcel Proust and painter Eugène Delacroix.

Café de Flore Arrow

Stepping into Café de Flore is like stepping into a time capsule, into an era when the Left Bank was a bohemian enclave for the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. The interior—red booths, mahogany, polished brass railings—has changed little since the Art Deco period, but anyone who is anyone knows that the best seats in the house are actually out on the sidewalk (and thankfully the famous terrasse is open at full capacity again), where the people watching can't be beat and the city's café iconic culture is at its finest. Although afternoons are best for perching on a table outside and enjoying the pulse of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there's also a vibrant after-dark scene. In other words, there's no wrong time to visit.

Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet (The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum)

The oldest museum dedicated to the history of Paris itself originally opened in a historic mansion in the Marais in 1880, but a recent renovation completed in 2021 has thoroughly brought the space into the modern era. The layout of the building has been redesigned, highlighting the beauty of the mid-16th century mansions as much as helping you to discover the paleolithic origins of the city through the present with 3,800 works now on display. Additionally, the museum is even easier to navigate now for everyone, with a new approach to accessibility including elevators and ramps. Don’t miss the newly added restaurant on the gardens as well for a post-visit refreshment.

Philharmonie de Paris Arrow

The Philharmonie de Paris is a striking contemporary building, designed by Jean Nouvel (not without controversy) and opened in 2015. Located within the Cité de la Musique complex in the Parc de la Villette, in the underexplored 19th arrondissement, the building breaks with all the design conventions of traditional symphony halls, instead favoring pod-like boxes inside the theater, a stage in the round, and a complex, undulating metal façade.

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Arrow

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is perhaps best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. The modern structure stands in sharp contrast with the treasures housed inside: ancient art and artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations (with a specific focus on non-European cultures). Be sure to check out the museum's continuous calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.

Deyrolle Arrow

Deyrolle is a cabinet of curiosities. The Left Bank institution has specialized in taxidermy and entomology since 1831, but in 2008 a fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of the collection, creating the need for a radical restoration project. Today you can hardly tell that the shop is, in fact, a replica of its former 17th-century iteration, right down to the wood cabinetry, parquet floors, and painted walls.

Les Bouquinistes Arrow

Walking along the banks of the Seine is an activity as beloved and ancient as the city itself. Along both sides of the river, roughly from Île Saint Louis to the Louvre, are the city's Bouquinistes, independent sellers of used and antiquarian books, old maps, postcards, and all sorts of mementos. It's an activity that rewards patience—you just might find a vintage movie poster or first-edition book to bring home.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Arrow

Nestled on a prime slice of real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The roster of authors who have lingered among the shelves here reads like canon of 20th-century literature, including Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporaries like Zadie Smith. Every inch of the space oozes history, from the leaning antique bookshelves to the resident cat to the well-worn piano, which is tucked away upstairs. The café is a great place for people watching—and maybe eavesdropping on a conversation or two while you sip on a café au lait. It still serves original proprietor George Whitman's famous lemon pie, as well.

Le Train Bleu Arrow

It's hard to believe one of Paris' most serene, picturesque and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon's hustle and bustle. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. It won't be your cheapest meal in Paris, but it might be your most memorable—or at least your most photographed.

National Museum of Natural History Arrow

Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont Arrow

Originally known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. Opened in the late 1980s, the lush garden path stretches for three miles, with landscapes ranging from modern and manicured to wild and natural. This greenway, which for many will recall New York City's High Line, provides an unusual panoramic view over the 12th arrondissement—and since this crosses through less-touristy neighborhoods, you'll get a sense of the real quotidian Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris Arrow

Albeit closed until late 2024 for its high-profile restoration following a fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the finest example of French Gothic architecture on earth. For 800 years its towers have dominated the Île de la Cité, an island in the heart of central Paris. Despite heavy crowds, you’ll feel awed in the soaring, cavernous nave, looking out through the famous stained glass. Even if you don’t have time to wait to go inside, stop by for a look at the iconic exteriors; the façade is especially beautiful in the evening, once it's all lit up. If you have the time (and energy), climb all those spiral steps to the top for gargoyle-framed panoramas of all Paris.

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The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

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Classic cabaret meets avant-garde performance art at Crazy Horse, a contemporary burlesque show tucked inside a former wine cellar just steps away from the Champs-Elysées. Created in 1951 by artist Alain Bernardin, the tantalizing show has evolved throughout the decades, pulling inspiration from pop art, fashion, and current events. Celebrities including Dita von Teese, Pamela Anderson, K-Pop icon Lisa have graced its stage as guest stars, while fashion designer Christian Louboutin has directed a few of its meticulously crafted acts. Striking visual effects illuminate the dancers, making the show feel more artistic than salacious. And the intimate venue, dressed up with velvet carpet, plush couches, and cozy tables topped with bottles of Champagne, helps create a sophisticated atmosphere.

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A quintessential Parisian bistro, Le Bon Georges beckons diners with its chalkboard menus, extensive wine list, and unpretentious approach to classic French comfort food (read: steak frites). Despite opening In 2013, the restaurant has a lived-in, classic feel. This is the place to come for a long (and hearty) lunch starring seasonal ingredients from the top local producers, whether you nab a well-worn wooden table inside or a sidewalk spot under the blue awning for people-watching in the 9th arrondissement. Come for a leisurely lunch (even better if it’s a rainy day) so that you can savor the experience, from bread and butter to dessert. Tucked away and casual, it’s the perfect place to bring a friend for a tête-à-tête over wine, cheese, and charcuterie—or a more elaborate multi-course affair.

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There are plenty of old things in Paris—some more original than others—but for over 160 years, Au Lapin Agile has managed to maintain its bohemian character. Nestled on a quiet street in Montmartre, this venue feels like a step back in time—and into a cabaret where the likes of Picasso and Modigliani used to haunt before they were, you know, Picasso and Modigliani. It's the perfect stop for an after-dinner drink with a side of entertainment.

Maison Victor Hugo

Since reopening in 2021 after a two-year renovation, Maison Victor Hugo has become a must-visit spot for fans of the 19th-century writer. You can discover the home he moved into the year following the publication of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is recreated to show the periods of his life pre-exile, in-exile at his home in Guernsey and post-exile along with special exhibitions of his works, including his drawings. A new feature of the renovation is the addition of a garden with a cafe at the exit of the tour.

La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Launched in 2021, one of Paris’s newest spaces for contemporary art was commissioned by Francois Pinault to house part of his vast personal collection, amassed over 40 years. Designed by Tadao Ando, the revitalized commodities exchange building is located just blocks from the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement. With 10,000 works from the Pinault Collection to be displayed across the 32,000 square feet space, you can expect to see works from the 1960s to the present with artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, and Rudolf Stingel.

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Many come to Fouquet's to see and be seen, but the seasonal menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire makes it a worthy stop for more than just a cocktail. The atmosphere is chic and retro, without the pretentiousness you would expect from a celebrity-frequented haunt. It’s easy to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of the warm and cozy dining room, which is usually filled with a mix of well-to-do Parisians, film industry veterans, and travelers with an appreciation of classic French gastronomy. Since opening in 1899, the classic brasserie has been a meeting place for those in the arts and culture industry, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jackie Kennedy, and Liza Minnelli. It still hosts the gala dinner for the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and has maintained a strong link to the film industry. The restaurant itself has been protected as a historical French monument since 1990 and the classic interiors—complete with warm mahogany wood paneling by Jean Royère—are beautifully preserved.

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Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

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Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

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If you’ve strolled through the Tuileries gardens, you’ve seen L’Orangerie right on the edge, which is visible from the Place de la Concorde and set up in a former greenhouse. The more intimate scale belies the astonishing art housed within. Among the most well-known works are Monet’s "Nymphéas," the water lily paintings he donated to the state in 1918. Also on display: a strong selection of Post-Impressionist works, including Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso.

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Flea market lore holds that Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest antiques and second-hand marketplace in the world. Even if it weren't, the sheer surface area (seven hectares) and number of vendors (around 1,700) suggests it should have its own ZIP code. And it certainly helps explain the 5 million visitors who descend each year in search of rare treasures, everything from home goods to textiles—although bargains are harder and harder to come by.

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Top 13 things you can only do in Paris

Jun 17, 2024 • 12 min read

From dining on the Seine in a floating restaurant, to finding your favorite view of the Eiffel Tower, here are the best things to do in Paris © Neirfy / Shutterstock

Rooksana Hossenally is one of the authors of the new  Lonely Planet Paris guidebook . Here she shares her suggestions for the top things to do in Paris.

Paris has retained its place as the leading city destination in the world, according to Euromonitor International’s latest report , and it’s not hard to see why. Being a Paris local, I may be biased, but the French capital really does have it all, from centuries-old architecture and fascinating history to dynamic food and art scenes and a multicultural population pushing the boundaries of creativity.

What really draws crowds, though, are the things you can only do in Paris. From Michelin-star dining on the River Seine to flea-market shopping on the outskirts of the city, here are some of the top things to do on your next visit to Paris.

1. Have dinner on the Seine imagined by Michelin-star chefs

The range of dinner cruises on the Seine is overwhelming and it can be hard to choose between them. If you want to splash out, failsafe options include the floating restaurants led by the three-Michelin-star chefs Frédéric Anton and Alain Ducasse.

For a more intimate experience, go for the Don Juan II , overseen by Frédéric Anton. Belonging to the Yachts de Paris , the restaurant only has a handful of tables but has itself earned a Michelin star under Anton's leadership. Inside, mahogany paneling, thick carpets and opulent Pierre Frey fabrics give the space a homely feel. The boat leaves at sundown, and guests get to gaze out at Paris’ most magical highlights, from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower lit by hundreds of little lights, as they tuck into a five-course seasonal menu, with highlights such as creamy stracciatella with lashings of caviar, and fleshy langoustine.

The other, livelier option is a table on board the shiny-steel-and-glass Ducasse sur Seine , which takes the same route and serves four- to six-course menus designed in conjunction with Alain Ducasse.

You can go up on deck on both boats, which is the best spot for watching the Eiffel Tower dazzle on the hour.

Planning tip: Do make reservations as far in advance as possible as both dinner cruises tend to get booked up. The ports can be tricky to find, especially when you’re not familiar with the quays, so allow for plenty of time to arrive because the cruises won't wait.

2. Enjoy a picnic with a view of Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is (rightfully) a major highlight in all the guidebooks, but it has become a victim of overtourism. The interiors are beautiful, but if you don't want to queue up to visit, you can see it from a different perspective instead.

Pack a picnic – perhaps a baguette, salted butter, ham and cheeses – and set up on the small stretch of the Seine riverbank west of the Port de Montebello. From here, you can see the cathedral’s wooden lattice structure known as the “forest” because it was made using oak trees. Before the roof was destroyed in the 2019 fire, it was one of the oldest frameworks in Paris and it is slowly being rebuilt. The 16 statues of the Apostles and Evangelists, which were staggered on the roof of the cathedral, eerily looking down from above, were spared from the fire and will be replaced in time for the Olympics.

Planning tip: As with any outdoor activity, make sure to check the weather conditions before you put together your picnic and set off.

3. Renew your appreciation for croissants

Croissants might be an everyday staple in France, but the painstaking work that goes into making the buttery viennoiseries  (breakfast baked goods) is sometimes taken for granted. However, after taking a croissant-making class at the Seine-side La Cuisine Paris cooking school , I learned that it takes several days to make croissants. They have no less than 81 layers of pastry and butter that are lovingly kneaded, delicately rolled together and plaited before they can go in the oven. That was just one of many interesting facts we learned from taking the class, making it a novel way of getting to know about French food and culture.

Planning tip: Book in advance as the classes are very popular. La Cuisine also does gift vouchers, which could make good presents for friends and family traveling to Paris in the near future.

4. Dive into Paris’ contemporary art scene with your own guide

Swap Paris’ overcrowded museums for some gallery hopping across the city, from the chic Marais to bohemian Belleville. It’s here that you’ll catch much of the art scene’s latest emerging talent and you won’t need to queue – in fact you’ll often get the chance to be alone in a room to take in the works. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet the artists as they stop by to check in on their show.

If you don’t know where to start, get in touch with Paris art guide Alexandra Weinress , who will take you on a tailor-made tour in English or French, based on your interests. She can also include fun pit stops like a lunch at one of her favorite modern brasseries.

5. Explore a mass grave below ground

First and foremost, a word of warning that this isn’t for the fainthearted. But head 20m (66ft) below ground, and you'll enter the maze of galleries that make up the Catacombs of Paris , containing the remains of several million Parisians. During the 18th century, the rise in public health risks linked to the city’s cemeteries led to bones and skulls being exhumed and transferred here, arranged several meters high along the walls in underground galleries. Today, you can listen to an audio guide of the giant tomb, which brings to light yet another fascinating and offbeat part of Parisian history.

Planning tip: Be warned that the Catacombs are accessible via stairs only, including on the way out, which may not be suitable for some visitors.

6. Visit the largest museum on Earth

If you guessed the Museé du Louvre , then you guessed right. Yes, it may be firmly on the well-beaten tourist track, but it’s there for good reason, one being its size. Once the royal palace that housed none other than Napoleon, the Louvre has borne witness to centuries of history since it was founded in 1793. The largest museum in the world, it has almost 73,000 sq meters (785,765 sq ft) of exhibition space, 403 rooms, and 14.5km (9 miles) of corridors, where 33,000 artworks out of nearly 500,000 held by the museum are showcased. The works span several thousand years and continents, from the Americas to Asia, with the Egyptian wing being a favorite.

Head-spinning facts aside, for visitors who aren’t fans of the museum experience, it’s also possible to get a sense of the Louvre’s size, importance and beauty by walking the full length of its exterior from the rue de Rivoli to its interior courtyards, which are accessible for free throughout the day.

Planning tip: The museum is open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, when it tends to be less crowded. Like many museums in Paris, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Check the latest timings on the Louvre website beforehand, as they can vary from season to season.

7. Travel back in time to bohemian Montmartre

Montmartre is a village with bohemian artistic roots. Perched on the highest hill of Paris, it's crowned by the gleaming white Sacré-Coeur Basilica , which opened in 1910. One of the last villages to join the arrondissements of Paris proper, it has retained its village atmosphere, with narrow lanes that wind down the hillsides, lined with stone houses, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. This was once a stomping ground for artists including Pablo Picasso, who would hole up at Le Bateau Lavoir – an artists’ residency that to this day seldom opens its doors to visitors – and party at the numerous nightlife spots.

The village was scattered with windmills that once ground flour and crushed grapes, giving rise to debauched nights in the area’s cabarets and guinguettes (popular outdoor taverns where there is dancing). Some of these have survived, like Chez Michou and Le Lapin Agile . Today, there is only one functioning windmill left, the Blute-Fin windmill , which is not accessible to the public. The Radet windmill you see as part of the Moulin de la Galette restaurant on rue Lepic once stood next to the Blute-Fin and was moved here in the 1920s. The Clos Montmartre vineyard still exists and there is an annual grape harvest festival in October, which is worth coming to the city for.

Planning tip: The best way to see Montmartre is by taking one of our itineraries in the latest Lonely Planet Paris guidebook . Alternatively, take the Promotrain or Montmartrain , which carry visitors around Montmartre to the main sites. It’s about an hour’s round trip, and they're especially good for people with restricted mobility, families with young children, and visitors short on time.

8. Soak up the magic of the Latin Quarter at sundown

The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ oldest districts, with some parts dating back to Roman and Medieval times. Some vestiges from the Roman period are still visible to this day, like the Arènes de Lutèce , a former amphitheater, and the baths inside the Cluny Museum; and from the Middle Ages too, such as the Church of Saint Séverin as well as La Sorbonne  university, founded in 1253.

While the Latin Quarter is one of the most atmospheric areas of the city, it’s also one of the busiest. A way around that is to visit at sundown, when most visitors go back to their accommodations. One of the highlights of Paris in general is strolling at nightfall because the buildings are lit up in such a way that it brings out lots of small details you might miss in the daytime. The Latin Quarter is no exception. Stop at the Bombardier pub for a drink on the terrace, right across from the regal Panthéon , where some of the country’s greatest thinkers have been laid to rest, including Simone Veil and Victor Hugo.

9. Get under the surface of France’s food scene

France's food scene is a major draw for visitors, and in Paris there are over 80 fresh produce markets, hundreds of delis and bakeries, and thousands of restaurants and cafes to try. To really understand the locals’ love of food, the history behind its national importance, and to taste some local favorites too, book a tour with a guide.

Food guide Neil Kreeger ( [email protected] ) puts together bespoke itineraries based on your preferences and unpacks the mysteries behind every major French classic, from macarons and croque monsieur to the numerous cheeses and wines, as well as the more recent food trends. Experiences last about three hours in one neighborhood.

10. Ponder the lives of luminaries departed

A great way of seeing another side of Paris is through some of its beautiful cemeteries. The most famous is Père-Lachaise in the 20th arrondissement, which spans 44 hectares (108 acres) and contains no less than 70,000 burial plots. Created in 1804, it’s halfway between a leafy park and a huge shrine, where the style of the graves ranges from Gothic mini chapels to impressive Haussmannian burial chambers and great big mausoleums for whole families.

Some of the cemetery’s most famous “residents” include Oscar Wilde, Molière, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin and Jim Morrison, whose graves are popular tourist spots for visitors from all over the world – three million a year descend on the cemetery, to be exact.

11. Find your favorite view of the Eiffel Tower

Of course, it’s obvious that Paris is the only place you can see the Eiffel Tower . But where’s the best vantage point? That’s the million-dollar question that could keep locals debating all night long. Catching glimpses of the Grande Dame from all over the city is half the fun. For visitors who want the real, full-size, unobstructed view, then the Trocadero is the number one spot. For a 360-degree view from the skies, then the Montparnasse Tower rooftop observation deck has to be it. And for more fleeting glimpses, catch the metro line 6 between the stops of Passy and Bir-Hakeim. Otherwise, there are several rooftop restaurants and bars where you can dine while gazing at Paris’ most popular monument, like at Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette department stores, and many five-star hotel rooftop restaurants like the Peninsula’s L’Oiseau Blanc , the Cheval Blanc’s Tout-Paris or Le Jardin , or the Shangri-La ’s champagne garden in summer.

12. Resurrect the Phantom of the Opera

You can book to see a show at the Palais Garnier , Paris’ world-famous opera house. Built in 1875, it was named after Charles Garnier, its architect. It’s an Italian-style auditorium known for its celestial ceiling fresco by artist Marc Chagall, and can hold up to 2054 visitors in one sitting. Possibly the most famous opera house in the world, it was immortalized in the novel The Phantom of the Opera , keeping the legend of terrifying ghostly happenings alive.

It’s possible to visit the incredibly opulent opera house, with its heavily gilded interiors and grand marble staircases. You'll walk the maze-like corridors of dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces, behind and under the stage, and even see the underground lake that flows below the opera house.

Planning tip: There are a number of ways to  visit the opera house , including self-guided visits, guided tours, through an immersive game based on the story of the 1905 fictional thief and master of disguise Arsène Lupin, and via games for children.

13. Lose yourself in the world’s biggest flea market

While it is true that most of Paris' blockbuster sights are found within the city center, it’s worth venturing a little further afield  to visit St-Ouen flea market, the Puces de St-Ouen . One of the biggest markets in the world, it’s actually made up of 15 markets selling all sorts of wares, from antique jewelry to furniture, clothing and records. Hidden in the markets are also restaurants and cafes that make great pit stops to sit and watch life go by. Start on rue des Rosiers in St-Ouen, which isn’t in Paris proper, and wander through the markets that sprawl out on either side in warehouse spaces. You could easily spend a whole day exploring.

This article was first published Jul 1, 2019 and updated Jun 17, 2024.

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35 Top Attractions in Paris: Must-See Sights and Landmarks

Discover 35 top attractions in Paris in this concise guide. From historic landmarks to breathtaking parks, we’ve curated the must-visit sights for an unforgettable Parisian experience. Dive in and make the most of your journey in the City of Light.

The Top 35 Attractions in Paris based on Traveler Reviews and bookings are as follows: 

Each attraction varies in terms of hours of operation, crowd levels, and accessibility, so it’s always best to consider booking in advance or hiring a guided tour to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Paris!

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, a globally renowned structure, was originally a temporary exhibit for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.

From its top, you can see all of Paris, and its iconic silhouette is visible from most parts of the city.

The tower boasts a glass floor from 2014, a champagne bar on the third floor, a brasserie, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Eiffel Tower sparkles hourly at night, reminiscent of a fairy-lit Christmas tree.

Experience dining at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne by Alain Ducasse on the second floor.

Visit the Eiffel Tower with this complete post.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is an iconic landmark in Paris and the world’s most famous museum, boasting an enormous and diverse collection that spans various eras and styles.

To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to plan ahead by purchasing tickets online in advance, arriving early or later in the afternoon to beat some of the crowds, and prioritizing what truly captivates your interest.

The museum itself is a work of art with stunning architecture and grandeur at every turn, and sometimes, the unexpected discoveries make the experience truly special.

However, navigating through the crowds can be challenging due to its popularity and the sheer volume of visitors.

To make the most of your time: Plan your Louvre visit by buying tickets online and considering off-peak hours for a peaceful experience.

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by taking your time and prioritizing specific artworks. Pre-visit research can help you curate a personal list of must-sees.

Visit the Louvre Museum with this complete post.

3. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe at the Champs-Élysées commemorates France’s war heroes and offers panoramic city views.

The Arc de Triomphe impresses with its size, detailed reliefs of French history, and architectural grandeur.

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe rewards with panoramic Paris views, showcasing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe at various times for diverse views: bustling daytime, enchanting sunset, and illuminated nights.

Check the Arc de Triomphe’s opening hours before visiting and consider purchasing tickets online to avoid queues. Use the underground tunnel for safe and easy access to the Arc de Triomphe due to the busy traffic circle.

Visit the Arc de Triomphe booking online.

4. Champs-Elysées 

The iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris symbolizes elegance, sophistication, and a shopping hotspot, stretching from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe.

Start at Place de la Concorde, an impressive Parisian square, and admire the grand Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, surrounded by stunning architecture.

Despite claims of over-commercialization, Champs-Elysées remains a symbol of Parisian glamour, boasting tree-lined paths, historical sites, and landmarks like the Théâtre Marigny.

Champs-Elysées offers a blend of elegance and modernity, allowing visitors to experience its vibrant energy, shop, or simply stroll.

As we bid adieu to Champs-Elysées, let’s continue our journey through Paris’ other must-see sights and landmarks.

5. Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

Montmartre, once an independent village, became part of Paris in 1860. However, its charming winding lanes, abundant greenery, and scenic hillsides continue to give it a distinct character.

Stroll through Montmartre’s cafes and cabarets to relive its past as a hub for artists drawn by affordable rents.

The most iconic landmark is the radiant white Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, designed in the Italian Byzantine style, a prominent sight visible from various points across Paris.

Tourists often overlook Montmartre’s hidden gems, like its small art museums, peaceful parks, pedestrian lanes, and historic windmills, focusing mainly on Sacré Coeur and Moulin Rouge.

Step inside Sacré Coeur to admire its breathtaking mosaics.

If visiting in October, experience the unique harvest festival in Montmartre’s active vineyard.

Visit the best things to do in Montmartre with this complete post.

6. Moulin Rouge

Since its inception in 1889, Moulin Rouge, the world’s most famous nightclub, has hosted countless showbiz icons, despite a six-year halt from a 1915 fire.

More than a tourist attraction, Parisians cherish Moulin Rouge for its cabaret, vibrant club scene at The Machine, and rooftop haven, Bar à Bulles.

The ‘Féerie’ show, originating from the iconic 20th-century dance, presents 60 synchronized can-can dancers, captivating audiences for two hours.

Flamboyant costumes, high kicks, and playful intermissions paired with champagne define the ultimate French night at Moulin Rouge.

A must-visit: Explore the rooftop’s hidden gem, Le Bar à Bulles, an unmissable tapas spot.

Learn how to visit the Moulin Rouge with this complete post.

7. Seine River

The Seine River’s medieval-rich Île de la Cité at its center offers numerous attractions. Stroll its banks, visit booksellers, or walk the promenade from the Bastille to the Eiffel Tower.

Enjoy a river cruise for landmarks , dine on a barge, or use a floating pool. In summer, the Left Bank’s Les Berges bustles, while Paris Plages creates city beaches.

For a unique experience, cruise the 15th-century Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq in the trendy northeast.

8. Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Garden, with its chestnut trees, serene pond, vibrant flowers, and statues, is Paris’s most treasured park among its 448 parks and two forests.

Despite its popularity, Luxembourg Garden’s 60 acres ensures it rarely feels crowded. It’s divided into distinct zones and offers tennis courts.

Further Pleasures Await: Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or a leisurely lunch at the open-air cafe.

Traveling with children? Enjoy pony rides and puppet theater at Luxembourg Garden. For peace, relax by the Medici Fountain’s pool.

Visit the beautiful gardens and parks of Paris with this complete post.

9. Palace of Versailles

The Château de Versailles, once a modest hunting lodge, is now France’s most opulent residence, with 2,300 rooms.

Much of Versailles’ expansion was directed by Louis XIV in 1678, who added landmarks like the Hall of Mirrors.

During peak hours, the crowds can be overwhelming, so it’s wise to secure a skip-the-line ticket in advance and arrive early.

If you visit in summer, don’t miss the musical fountain shows on selected days.

Learn how to visit Versailles from Paris with this complete post.

10. Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a French Gothic masterpiece. The construction started in 1163 and took nearly two centuries, blending various styles and craftsmanship.

The cathedral’s majestic façade, filled with sculptures and details, captivates visitors. The interior, illuminated by stained glass depicting biblical scenes, inspires awe.

The cathedral’s renowned rose windows are visually stunning and symbolically significant. For centuries, they’ve inspired both worshippers and visitors.

A visit to Notre Dame’s towers offers panoramic views of Paris. Despite the challenging climb, the views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River are rewarding.

While exploring Notre Dame, you can appreciate its expertise and dedication. It’s a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking beauty in Paris.

Note : After the 2018 fire, you can now visit the  archaeological crypt . The  reopening  of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is announced  for the 8th of December 2024 . A Te Deum is planned for 15 April 2024, exactly 5 years after the fire. 

11. Sainte-Chapelle

In the 1240s, King Louis IX, later St. Louis, obtained what he believed to be Christ’s Crown of Thorns. He commissioned the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle to enshrine it.

Its 15-meter windows showcase hundreds of biblical scenes, climaxing in the Apocalypse depicted in the rose window.

Don’t miss the occasional concerts held here, adding a poignant ambiance to this remarkable venue.

Get Your Ticket in Advance here , a partir de 11,50€ con audioguía

12. Latin Quarter

To immerse yourself in the historical essence of Paris, dedicate some time to the enchanting allure of the Latin Quarter.

Established in the 1st century by the Romans, the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank is a hub for bohemians, scholars, and political voices. Its streets hide traces of medieval Paris.

Visit the brasseries on Boulevard Saint Germain, frequented by Hemingway and others in the 1920s. Honor French legends at the Pantheon and admire the “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries at the Cluny Museum

Discover the Latin Quarter’s winding alleys filled with unique bookstores, bistros, and boutiques. Marvel at historic churches like Saint Julien le Pauvre and visit a hidden 1st-century Roman arena.

Paris Exploration Tip : Unless you relish large crowds, steer clear of the pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette.

Learn about the best things to do in the Latin Quarter , with this complete post.

13. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a historic neighborhood in Paris’s 6th arrondissement known for its intellectual and artistic contributions.

Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés were centers for thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its cobbled streets and historic landmarks, is a vibrant cultural hub featuring art galleries, antique shops, and lively cafes, making it essential for Paris explorers.

14. Jardin des Plantes

During the tumultuous period, many ownerless pets were left behind. This issue led to an unconventional solution in 1794.

The humane response to the upheaval led to the creation of the ménagerie, sheltering the homeless animals.

Today, the collection grows compassionately, housing diverse animals like vultures, monkeys, orangutans, and even a century-old turtle.

The ménagerie hosts a red panda, spiders, and snakes, a petting zoo for children, and a Microzoo for older visitors.

A must-see: Don’t miss the ‘spot the oldest tree’ game in the botanical gardens, especially the black acacia planted in 1636.

15. Orsay Museum

Originally the world’s first electrified train station, the Musée d’Orsay was transformed by the French government into a leading art gallery due to its inability to accommodate larger trains.

Art lovers visit the Musée d’Orsay to admire renowned Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works and decorative art pieces representing Art Nouveau.

The café behind the iconic clock, designed by the Campana brothers, features submarine-themed décor inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus.’ It’s a must-visit for a unique experience.

Learn about the best way to visit Musee d’Orsay with this complete post.

16. Le Marais 

The Marais, once home to French aristocracy, transformed dramatically during the French Revolution.

Once historically significant, the Marais district in Paris is now a trendy hub for LGBTQ+ spots, vintage boutiques, and top art galleries.

A must-try: L’As du Fallafel , the renowned falafel haven, should be your destination if you’re craving a flavorful pitta-based delight for your taste buds.

17. Fun at Disneyland Paris

If you’re traveling to Paris with family or simply want to indulge your inner child, a visit to  Disneyland Paris  is an absolute must. Located just outside the city, this magical theme park offers a world of enchantment and excitement for all ages.

Step into Disney’s immersive world on Main Street, U.S.A., reminiscent of early 20th-century America. Continue your journey through diverse lands filled with unique experiences and attractions.

Dive into Adventureland’s thrills like Indiana Jones’ roller coaster and Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride. In Fantasyland, discover iconic attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Castle and Peter Pan’s Flight.

Head to Discoveryland for thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. Beyond rides, Disneyland Paris also captivates with its shows and parades.

Catch the vibrant parade featuring beloved Disney characters dancing throughout the park, or enjoy the stunning fireworks display illuminating the night sky.

Disneyland Paris is a dreamlike realm where imagination takes center stage, creating cherished memories.

Disneyland Paris guarantees a magical day, whether you’re cherishing family moments or reconnecting with your inner child.

18. Tuileries Garden

Located in the heart of Paris, the Tuileries Garden is a historical public garden that once graced the Tuileries Palace. Its manicured lawns, statues, and ponds provide a serene escape in the bustling city. A stroll here offers picturesque views, especially of the distant Eiffel Tower.

If you visit Paris during Christmas, The Tuileries Garden is a must! It’s beautiful with the Christmas market and the festive atmosphere.

19. Pantheon de Paris

The Pantheon in Paris stands as a mausoleum housing the remains of notable French figures. With its Neoclassical architecture, it dominates the Latin Quarter’s skyline . Inside, its intricate frescoes and the Foucault pendulum captivate visitors.

20. Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier, often simply referred to as the Paris Opera, is a 1,979-seat opera house renowned for its opulent Baroque-style architecture. Its marble grand staircase, chandeliers, and Marc Chagall-painted ceiling are highlights. It’s not just an opera house but an emblem of Parisian art.

21. Musée de l’Orangerie

In the Tuileries Garden, Musée de l’Orangerie is best known for housing Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. These large panels envelop visitors in the artist’s impressionist world. The museum also showcases works by renowned artists such as Cézanne and Picasso.

22. Musée Rodin

Dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, Musée Rodin boasts sculptures like “The Thinker” and “The Gates of Hell.” Located in the 7th arrondissement, the museum and its gardens provide an intimate look into Rodin’s genius.

23. Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is Paris’s most prominent public square. Rich in history, it was once the execution site during the French Revolution. Today, its Luxor Obelisk and the surrounding neoclassical architecture draw admiration from visitors.

24. Île de la Cité

Nestled in the Seine’s heart, Île de la Cité is one of Paris’s two natural islands. Home to Gothic marvels like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the medieval Sainte-Chapelle, it’s a hub of history and architectural grandeur.

25. Les Invalides

Les Invalides, with its iconic golden dome, is a complex of buildings that once catered to war veterans. Today, it houses the Army Museum and Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb, making it a nexus of French military history.

26. Catacombs of Paris

Delve beneath Paris to the Catacombs, an underground ossuary holding the remains of millions. This labyrinthine network provides a somber yet fascinating glimpse into the city’s history and its handling of past epidemics.

27. Palais Royal

Adjacent to the Louvre, Palais Royal boasts a rich history, having housed royalty and being a hub of power. Today, its gardens, courtyards, and Colonnes de Buren art installation attract both locals and tourists.

28. Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou, with its avant-garde architecture, stands as Paris’s home for modern and contemporary art. Its external escalators and tubular structures make it distinct, while inside, works by artists like Duchamp and Kandinsky await.

29. Musée Picasso

Housed in the Hôtel Salé, Musée Picasso showcases an extensive collection of Picasso’s works, spanning his paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. It offers a deep dive into the artist’s life and evolution.

30. Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges, in the Marais district, is Paris’s oldest planned square. Flanked by symmetrical red-brick houses, its fountains and greenery make it a popular relaxation spot.

31. Canal Saint Martin

Meandering through Paris’s 10th arrondissement, Canal Saint Martin is known for its iron footbridges and vibrant atmosphere. With its waterside cafes and boutiques, it’s a favorite among locals for picnics and strolls.

32. Fondation Louis Vuitton

Designed by Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum in Bois de Boulogne. Its sail-like glass structure is as much an attraction as the art pieces it houses, from Basquiat to Hockney.

33. Opera Bastille

Opera Bastille, with its modern architecture, serves as Paris’s main facility for opera and ballet. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and expansive stage make it a significant cultural venue in the city.

34. Leisure in Le Bonbon-Lilas

Nestled in the vibrant city of Paris, Le Bonbon-Lilas offers a charming and leisurely escape from the bustling streets.

Located in the 20th arrondissement, this picturesque neighborhood is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its relaxed atmosphere and unique attractions. Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets with colorful cafes, boutiques, and cozy bookshops.

The air is filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting from the nearby patisseries.

Le Bonbon-Lilas is known for its dynamic arts scene, making it a haven for creatives and those seeking cultural immersion.

Le Bonbon-Lilas boasts a lively arts scene with galleries like Galerie des Lilas displaying diverse contemporary pieces.

For nature enthusiasts, Le Bonbon-Lilas’s Parc de Belleville offers stunning Paris views and natural beauty, ideal for relaxation and picnics.

Le Bonbon-Lilas teems with culinary options, from traditional French dishes to international flavors.

35. Visit to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Paris with stunning landscapes. From Avenue de la Villette, visitors are welcomed by cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

The park features the Temple de la Sibylle on an island in a lake connected by a suspension bridge. It offers panoramic views, winding paths, picnic spots, and architectural sites like Pavillon Puebla and Cavea Theater.

The park offers jogging, cycling, pétanque, Tai Chi, playgrounds, puppet theater, and summer dance performances. It showcases Paris’s dedication to merging nature with urban living.

36. Strolling in Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villette, situated on the grounds of a former slaughterhouse, offers a unique blend of greenery, culture, and modern design. It’s an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll enriched with art, architecture, and nature.

One standout feature is La Géode, a striking spherical building housing an IMAX cinema with an enormous dome-shaped screen that transports you to immersive worlds. 

The park also features themed gardens, each offering a distinct ambiance inspired by landscapes worldwide. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, an interactive science museum, is a must-visit, providing engaging exhibits for all ages.

Parc de la Villette hosts various cultural events year-round, creating a vibrant hub of creativity and diversity.

Most Visited Places in Paris

• As per TripAdvisor’s analysis, the Eiffel Tower, one of the most renowned landmarks in the world, annually attracts more than 7 million visitors.
• The Louvre Museum, according to its 2021 annual report, reported an estimate of over 9.6 million visitors before the global pandemic, making it the most visited art museum globally.
• France’s Centre for National Monuments said the Arc de Triomphe witnessed around 1.3 million visitors in 2019.

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47 best things to do in Paris right now

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For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 47 best things to do in Paris.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best things to do in Paris

1. Sip Champagne at a stylish pop-up

Join Moët & Chandon and chef Yannick Alléno have teamed up to present Paris' hottest pop-up for summer 2024. Moët in Paris by Allénos is a celebration of French culture, fashion, and conviviality – perfectly timed while all eyes are on the City of Light for the Olympic Games. Expect a season-long soirée in the restaurant, bar and event space on Rue de Grenelle, where cellar master Benoît Gouez curates the sparkling offerings and interiors are the vision of fashion designer and illustrator Charles de Vilmorin.

Address: Beaupassage, 53-57 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris Website: moetinparis.com

2. Feast on falafel

As well as being home to some of the coolest concept stores and cultural corners in the city, the Jewish Quarter is where you’ll find the very best falafel in Paris. Stroll through Le Marais to uncover some delicious restaurants – particularly along Rue des Rosiers, where hotspots like L'As du Fallafel, Chez Hanna, and Mi-Va-Mi compete to win over crowds with their vegetarian delights. Long queues flooding out of doors in this area are common, but don’t let them daunt you - many of the owners have been in the falafel business for more than 40 years, so they have mastered the skill of efficient service. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris

3. Visit some of the city’s prettiest parks

Located in the 8th arrondissement, Parc Monceau and its winding paths make for one of the most charming walks in Paris. Look out for the Renaissance-style arches, serene duck ponds and sculptures of famous French figures, from Frederick Chopin to Guy de Maupassant. The scenery is picture-perfect, making it a popular spot for artists (even Monet was known to stop and paint here). The Marais district’s Place des Vosges is smaller yet equally beautiful, a well-kept square garden surrounded by traditional townhouses, many of which are now galleries. Spend the morning soaking up the artwork before heading to the park for your next post-exhibition picnic to unwind amongst the greenery and admire the stunning architecture. Layla Quaedvlieg

Address: Parc Monceau, 35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris; Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris

4. Attend a concert by candlelight

What better way to experience the city of lights than by witnessing live music at night by candlelight? This unique concert series offers up a range of genres and locations, from tributes to Hans Zimmer or Vicaldi performed in grand music halls, right through to a performance of Queen in a historic auditorium and even Taylor Swift, taking place in a modern art centre. All performances are beautifully illuminated by candlelight and feature professional musicians in a range of ensembles, including string quartets to brass bands and vocals with guitar.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France

5. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

6. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

7. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

8. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

9. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

10. See Saint-Eustache Church come alive in an immersive show

The imposing church in the 1st arrondissement has a storied history dating back to the 13th century, one that is engagingly recounted in LUMINISCENCE, an immersive show featuring live music, theatre performances and 360-degree video mapping. Via projections on the building along with choir and organ performances, audiences follow the church’s story through the Middle Ages through to the Baroque and Renaissance periods, learning about the building’s influential figures including Molière, Lully, the Queen of Hungary and the Duchess of Orléans.

Address: Église Saint-Eustache, Châtelet-les-Halles: 2, Rue du Jour, 75001 Paris

11. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

12. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china.

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

13. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

14. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

15. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

16. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

17. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

18. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

19. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

20. Channel your inner fashionista at Fondation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

21. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

22. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

23. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

24. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

25. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

26. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

27. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

28. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

29. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

30. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

31. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

32. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

33. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

34. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

35. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

36. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

37. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

38. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

39. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

40. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

41. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

42. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

43. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

44. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

45. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

46. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

47. Go on a shopping spree

When in Paris, one must shop – it’s the rule. Spend the day working your way down Boulevard Haussmann, one of the city’s most famous shopping streets. The tree-lined boulevard is home to traditionally Parisian apartment blocks, but the main attractions are the department stores. Galeries Lafayette is one of the most famous (and largest) department stores in Europe, home to more than 50 shops, from Armani and Balenciaga to Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Don’t forget to look up – the glass cupola is 100 years old. Follow up with a stop by Printemps, another historic department store which first opened 160 years ago. Olivia Morelli

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51 unmissable attractions in Paris: including free attractions

From iconic architecture to artisan food markets, here's everything you need to see in Paris

Paris : the food, the fashion, the fromage, the fantasy. No matter how many times we visit the French capital, its charms never ever grow old. And we’re not alone in thinking that. Paris is a major tourist destination that attracts thousands upon thousands of enthusiastic travellers with heads filled with images of Breton jumpers, tiny dogs, and decadent pastries - the kind you can dip in your hot chocolate. But how do you enjoy this gorgeous city without just succumbing to the age-old clich é s (as much as we do love all of them)?

We’ve compiled a list of the 51 best attractions in Paris, from the big-name ‘must-see’ paris attractions to something a little bit more bespoke and  treasured  locally. So whether you’re looking for lesser-known museums , late-night live music , or the best places for shopping , we’ve got plenty of ideas - and they’re all as tasty as a Ladur é e macaron.

Time Out tip:  If you want avoid taxing, RATP App and Citymapper will be essential for getting around Paris like a local. 

RECOMMENDED: 🇫🇷See our full guide to the best things to do in Paris 🥖Check out  the best food tours in Paris 📍Here's where to head for  the best tours in Paris 🛏 Stay in the best airbnbs in Paris 🚍The best Paris bus tours

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Paris attractions

1.  eiffel tower.

Well come on, you know what it is. Very probably the single most famous man-made structure in the entire world, the Eiffel Tower was originally erected as a temporary exhibit for the Exposition Universelle of 1889 (it was due to be taken down in 1909). From its summit, you can enjoy heart-stopping views over all of Paris – and conversely, its iconic form is visible from most vantage points in the city. Aside from the new glass floor that was installed in 2014 – which is a real trip if you’re brave enough to walk across it – there’s also a panoramic champagne bar on the third floor, a brasserie and a Michelin-starred restaurant. At night, the Eiffel’s girders sparkle like fairy lights on a Christmas tree (every hour, on the hour). Though, perhaps the best part about this structural beauty is that it's free and incredibly photogenic, making it a popular attraction for couples - especially when it comes to popping the big question, that is, where to head for dinner. 

Don’t miss:  A meal at Alain Ducasse’s Michelin-starred Jules Verne on the second floor. 

2.  The Seine river cruise

In a city where there is so much to do (just see this list, eh), it can be hard to check it all off without succumbing to serious blisters, Metro fatigue or taxi hell (or, all three). Consider instead the lazy-luxe option of a cruise down the river Seine, wine glass in hand as you peacefully gaze upon Les Invalids, the Parliament of Paris, the Musée d’Orsay etcetera etcetera… Basically, it’s the thinking person’s version of whistlestop tourism and it’ll still leave you feeling as chic and unruffled as the city you’re staying in.

Don’t miss: Take your river-riding experience to the next level with a three-course lunch (trad French cuisine, naturellment ).

3.  Disneyland Paris

• Attractions
• Theme parks
• price 3 of 4

There are actually two parks to explore here: one is Parc Disneyland – aka the erstwhile EuroDisney – which has the big pink castle in it; and then there’s the SFX-oriented Parc Walt Disney Studios, which is more themed around Disney’s films. And then there’s Disney Entertainment Village, which is filled with places to eat, drink and party. Europe’s premiere themepark can seem rather vast and intimidating. But remember it’s all meant to be good fun, and it’s broken down into easy to digest zones: Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, et al. There’s absolutely no way you’re going to run out of stuff to keep you and the nippers occupied.

Don’t miss: Disney Premier Access. Sure, you’re paying more, but it gets you right past the queues for the most sought-after attractions.

4.  Château de Versailles

• Things to do
• Paris et sa banlieue

Once just a modest hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles can surely now lay claim to the title of the most sumptuous pad in France. It’s grown with each resident and now has an astonishing 2,300 rooms that have housed numerous members of the French royalty over the years. The majority of the lavish work was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1678. The Sun King is virtually synonymous with Versailles: he’s responsible for adding the wondrous Hall of Mirrors, as well as the elegant and expansive grounds. It can get busy at peak times, so book a skip-the-line ticket beforehand and arrive early.

Don’t miss:  If you’re visiting during summer, there are magnificent musical fountain shows on select days of the week .

5.  Arc de Triomphe

Commissioned by Napoleon but not actually finished until 1836, Paris main attraction,  Arc de Triomphe is the mother of all war memorials.  Give your legs a workout and climb the 284 steps to the top, where the views sweep in geometric splendour between the arc of La Défense and the Louvre. Although you may be more distracted by observing the remarkable Parisian driving techniques in evidence around the unmarked traffic island below: in fact, hire car drivers have to pay extra on the insurance if they’d like it to cover the roundabout. When you get back down to the ground, do spare a thought for the Unknown Soldier whose grave sits solemnly in the centre of the arch.

Don’t miss:  The bronze plaque that features a transcript of Charles de Gaulle’s famous 1940 radio broadcast from London: his rallying cry was seen as the beginning of the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. 

6.  Musée d’Orsay

• Art and design
• 7e arrondissement
• price 2 of 4

If you're looking for things to do near the Eiffel Tower, so you tick off a bunch of sights all in one day, your next stop should be none other than, Musée d’Orsay.  Before it became a world-leading art gallery, the Musée d’Orsay was a major train station (the first electrified train station in the world, actually). But despite being a lovely building it couldn’t accommodate the ever-increasing size of trains, leading the French government to the ingenious idea to fill it with art instead. This is where art fans go for a full-on dose of the biggest and best names in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Lap up all that colour, light and scenic views before also exploring the decorative art collections for Art Nouveau glamour. Lovely.

Don’t miss:   The superb coffee shop/café tucked behind the clock (designed by the Campana brothers). It’s submarine-themed, in homage to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.

7.  The Louvre

It would of course be ridiculous to visit Paris without at least dipping into the world’s largest museum. The Louvre’s maze of corridors, galleries and stairways constitute a city within a city – especially when you take into account the sheer numbers that visit (a record 10.2 million people back in 2018). It’s undeniably somewhat intimidating: with 35,000 works on public display, split across eight departments and three wings, there is zero chance you’re going to see it all in a single day. The best bet is to pick the parts you want to see beforehand, be patient and make your way steadily through the crowds. If you want a few starter tips, we recommend a trip to the impressive Islamic arts galleries, which opened in 2012. For the Mona Lisa –yes it’s a cliché, but why wouldn’t you want to see it? – head to the Salle de la Joconde.

Don’t miss:  If the crowds sound like too much to bear, try the Louvre’s extended-hour evenings on Fridays – open until 9.45pm, it’s significantly quieter.

8.  The view from Montparnasse Tower

At 209 metres, this steel-and-glass colossus isn’t quite the height of the Eiffel Tower, but it boasts far better views – for starters, they actually include the Eiffel Tower! Built in 1974 on the site of the Metro station with the same name, you ascend to the top of the Tour Montparnasse via a super-fast lift that sends you soaring skyward to the fifty-sixth floor, where you’ll find a display filled with aerial pics of Paris, plus a café and souvenir shop. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles away. If you want to go all the way, a second lift will take you up to the building’s roof.

Don’t miss:  T he ice rink that’s installed near the tower in winter.

9.  Moulin Rouge

Surely the most famous nightclub on the planet, the Moulin Rouge has seen all manner of showbiz stars, musicians, actors and stately names pass through its doors (which first opened in 1889, interrupted for six years when the original building burned down in 1915). And, tourists aside, this cabaret venue also remains beloved by Parisians, who go more for the club scene at The Machine and rooftop Bar à Bulles that lie within. The birthplace of one of the twentieth century’s best-known dances, on stage 60 can-can dancers cavort with faultless synchronisation for two hours in the ‘Féerie’ show. Costumes are flamboyant, legs kick higher than you’d think possible and the ‘half-time’ acts are funny. Just add champagne and you’ve got the ultimate French night out. 

Don’t miss:   A trip to tapas joint  Le Bar à Bulles , which you’d be forgiven for missing since it’s on the roof.

10.  Les Catacombes

• Walks and tours
• Denfert-Rochereau

Until you’ve actually been to them, it’s almost impossible to believe that ‘Les Catacombes' actually exist. This 300km (185-mile) network of tunnels runs under much of the city, and very publically contains the bones of some six million people, including many who perished during the Revolutionary Terror. In these claustrophobic corridors, you’ll find the bones of Marat, Robespierre and their comrades, packed in with wall upon wall of fellow citizens. It’s a remarkable and deeply macabre sight. And get your jackets at the ready – the Catacombes are chilly, both literally and spiritually. 

Don’t miss: The entrance to the ossuary, where there’s a sign which says: ‘Stop! This is the empire of death.’ Eek!

11.  Le Marais

Once upon a time, the Marais was where you found the movers and shakers of the French aristocracy. Then the French Revolution happened and… yeah. Anyway, since then this Parisian district has found a new lease of life as one of the most trendy, go-to parts of the capital. Head here for LGBTQ+ friendly venues, vintage boutiques and the best collection of art galleries in the city.

Don’t miss:  The legendary falafel outlet  L’As du Fallafel , if you want to put a pitta something in your stomach.

12.  Canal Saint-Martin

• Canal Saint-Martin

Next on our list of Paris highlights is The Canal Saint-Martin.  Built between 1805 and 1825 during Napoleon’s day, it was initially intended to bring drinking water and merchandise to the Imperial capital; from the late nineteenth century, it housed factories and industrial warehouses. It’s all changed now: many of those factories have become lofts for Paris’s ever-growing bobo (Bohemian-Bourgeois) population, and dozens of bars, restaurants and shops line its quayside. Its sturdy iron footbridges and picturesque locks are coveted spots for weekend picnics and hikes – especially on Sundays and public holidays when cars are banned and the roads are reserved solely for walkers and cyclists. 

Don’t miss:   The canal stalwarts,   Point Ephémère   and   Chez Prune .

13.  Palais Garnier

• Music venues
• Chaussée-d'Antin

Trips to the theatre don’t get more splendid than an evening spent at the Palais Garnier. Located at the Place de l'Opéra, this opulent-and-then-some theatre is luxury writ large. We come here to see the Paris Opera Ballet, but to be honest the building itself is (almost) as much an attraction as the dancers on stage. Check out the insane array of mirrors, marble, velvet and satin, and positively swoon at the Grand Escalier. The Palais Garnier is open to the public most days unless there’s a matinee performance. It’s best to check the schedule ahead of time and reserve tickets online.

Don’t miss:  The Paris Opera Ballet’s regular shows. 

14.  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

• Parks and gardens
• Buttes-Chaumont

Centrepiece of the north-eastern Belleville neighbourhood, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is perhaps a little less formal than other green spaces in Paris. But it’s really worth the uphill stroll to get there, because this nineteenth arrondissement beauty is one of the city’s most magical spots, and often missed out by weekend visitors who don’t get off the usual tourist trail. The park, with its meandering paths, waterfalls, temples and cliffs, was designed by Adolphe Alphand for Haussmann, and was opened as part of the celebrations for the Exposition Universelle in 1867.  This park is where locals head to sunbathe, or find shade during a heat wave.

Don’t miss:  A  drink at either  Rosa Bonheur or Pavillon Puebla , the park’s two buzzing, eternall jam-packed bars. 

15.  Place des Vosges

When it first opened in the early 1600s, Place des Vosges quickly became a place to see and be seen for the city’s burgeoning young, single and bourgeois class (think of them as the original hipsters). It was designed so all the buildings surrounding the park were uniform in style, and the iconic red brick facades haven’t changed in 400 years. The ground floor of the buildings, once storefronts for textile manufacturers, now host small art galleries and cafes. Today, the city’s oldest public park is filled with students on their lunch break and young families picnicking. It’s the perfect spot to eat a sandwich or read a book in the sun.

Don’t miss: A coffee or chocolat chaud at Carette , a chic cafe under the vaulted arcades bordering the park.

16.  Galeries Lafayette

• Department stores

Modern malls of the world should look to Galeries Lafayette and shudder in shame. This majestically beautiful department store started life with the modest aim of being a small fashion haberdashery. It then expanded to become one of the world’s most breathtaking shopping destinations. The wrought iron ceiling domes and latticed glasswork are well worth seeing, but this is more than a museum piece. Along with excellent brands to shop from, Galeries Lafayette is also a mouthwatering destination for foodies and oenophiles.

Don’t miss:  The rooftop, which boasts one of the most splendid views of Paris you can imagine, looking out onto the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. 

17.  Jardin des Tuileries

• 1er arrondissement

Every great city has a great city park. And Paris is no different with the Jardin des Tuileries, a manicured stretch of greenery just off the Place de la Concorde. The charm of the park lies in its quintessentially French approach to gardening. Expect perfectly maintained shrubs, walkways and flowers with none of the oh-so-English lackadaisical approach to nature. This urban oasis somehow always feels calm, despite how many people flock here. Added cultural points if you can identify all the artists who made the sculptures without having to google.

Don’t miss: Each summer, a funfair sets up along the Rue de Rivoli side of the gardens,  and every winter a Christmas market and carnival is set up along the park’s north side .

18.  Sacré-Coeur Basilica

• price 1 of 4

Work on this enormous mock Romano-Byzantine edifice began in 1877: it was commissioned in response to defeat in the Franco-Prussian war, the logic being that God must have been cross with the French and needed appeasing, sharp. Paid for from the public purse and completed almost half a century later, in 1914, it was consecrated in 1919, by which time a jumble of architects had succeeded Paul Abadie, winner of the original competition. The results are impressive, especially given its prominent position atop the hill of Montmartre, and the interior is covered in lavish mosaics.

Don’t miss: The views of the city from the lawns outside. Just be very wary of the hawkers trying to sell you bracelets. Make sure they don’t put one on your wrist – because once it’s there, you’re paying for it!

19.  Musée de l’Orangerie

If the words ‘French art’ immediately conjure up scenes of lily pads, then you’re probably already familiar with the Musée de l’Orangerie. This Monet-centric museum does feature other artists, but its big selling point is surely the eight super-sized paintings the impressionist master completed in his Giverny garden. Brave the queues at least once - we promise they are genuinely worth seeing in the flesh.

Don’t miss:  Okay, it’s not just Monet: don’t forget to seek out works by his French masters Cézanne, Renoir, Rousseau and Derain, as well as Picasso and Modigliani.

20.  Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Markets and fairs

For a city with a seriously gastronomic reputation, Paris rarely disappoints. Since 2000, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been a charming (and delicious) urban food market that brings together a phenomenal array of international cuisines. Think fondly upon the poor orphans in their red coats who gave the market its name as you scoff your way through North African, Asian and European delicacies.

Don’t miss:  T he giant tagines at Le Traiteur Marocain. Simply fantastic.

21.  Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

• Ile de la Cité

If you want to take mass here, you’ve got a bit of a wait: as you’re doubtless aware, an inferno tore through this magnificent Gothic icon in April 2019, and you’ll be waiting until April 2024 for Notre-Dame to reopen (it may or may not be fully restored by then, but the government is determined to have it up and running in time for that summer’s Olympics regardless). Nonetheless, you can’t keep down a cathedral that almost lives in the popular imagination as much as the real world: after Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ secured its iconic status, Disney’s plucky ’90s movie brought the wonderfully foreboding Gothic architecture of the historic icon to a whole new generation. On your next visit, look up at its timeless façade and imagine its future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast?

Don’t miss: While the cathedral is being restored, it’s covered in scaffolding and surrounded by construction equipment, making for a bad view up close. The best spot to snap a photo with the facade is from Petit Pont, a bridge connecting Ile de la Cité and the Left Bank.

22.  Musée National Rodin

You’ll find many of the legendary sculptor’s greatest works in this museum  based at the h ôtel particulier where the sculptor spent his final years until his death in 1917. Timeless highlights including ‘The Kiss’, ‘The Cathedral’, ‘The Walking Man’ and many other busts and terracottas. You’ll also find work on display by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s pupil and mistress. As a further bonus there are works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and  Carrière here too. Don’t miss:  The gardens, a gallery space in themselves. Look out for the ‘ Burghers of Calais’, ‘The Gates of Hell’, and ‘The Thinker’.

23.  La Coulée Verte

The old train tracks that join Bastille and Vincennes have now been reclaimed as La Coulée Verte: a verdant, picturesque five-kilometre trail of elevated gardens, the Jardin de Reuilly and tree-lined cycle paths. Kick off at the Bastille end and you can nip up one of the staircases on Avenue Daumesnil to get sweeping views of the city. It’s so scenic that doing the whole thing can easily take up a whole day. If you‘re going to do that, pack a picnic and stop in the Jardin de Reuilly, where there’s (we’re not kidding) Paris’s first sparkling water fountain (there are now around ten more). Then you can carry on to the glorious Bois de Vincennes, which has lakes and leafy, shaded parkland.

Don’t miss:   The police station on Rue Rambouillet which has striking art deco architecture.

24.  Sainte-Chapelle

• Historic buildings and sites

In the 1240s, the fervently religious King Louis IX – who went on to become St Louis – acquired what he’d been led to believe was Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Naturally, he wanted somewhere appropriately magnificent to house it. The result was one heck of a monument: the magnificent, glittering Sainte-Chapelle. Its 15-metre windows are truly jaw-dropping: hundreds of scenes from the Bible are depicted, culminating in the Apocalypse in the rose window.

Don’t miss:  The occasional classical and gospel concerts that take place here. It makes for an eerily poignant venue.

25.  Fondation Louis Vuitton

• 16e arrondissement

The Fondation Louis Vuitton’s 11 ultra-sleek galleries opened in the Bois de Boulogne in 2014. Since then, Frank Gehry’s astonishing building has played host to a rotating programme of shows by high-profile modern and contemporary artists: expect to see works by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat ,  Gilbert & George  and  Jeff Koons, as well as specially commissioned site-specific works. The museum is owned by Louis Vuitton’s parent company LVMH, but will be taken over by the city after 55 years.

Don’t miss:  The events that run alongside the exhibitions – there are frequent appearances by big-name artists and curators.

26.  Les Passages Couverts

• Faubourg Montmartre

Elegant precursors to the modern-day shopping centre, in eighteenth and nineteenth-century Paris there were lots of glass-roofed shopping galleries in areas around the Grands Boulevards. These covered passages allowed you to take shortcuts, escape the elements or ( ooh la la! ) steal a forbidden kiss with your lover in relative privacy. Not that it was all elegant charm: most passages were also given a salon de décrottage : a room where the dog excrement you’d trodden through was scraped off your shoes. Sadly that service is long gone, but these days  passages couverts are perfect little hideaways for an afternoon’s retail therapy. 

Don’t miss:  Galerie Vivienne is the best known, appreciated above all for its ochre-coloured décor and mythology-themed mosaics. We love the tearoom there too.

27.  The Centre Pompidou

• 4e arrondissement

The Pompidou’s ‘inside-out’ appearance – with pipes, air ducts and escalators proudly gracing the exterior – has made it one of the best-known sights in Paris. It’s so striking that when it opened in 1977, its success exceeded all expectations… which was kind of a problem, as in essence five times more people turned up than had been expected: in its early years it was a byword for excessive busyness.  

After a two-year revamp, completed in 2000, the building grew, with a larger museum, renewed performance spaces and vista-rich Georges restaurant added. Entrance to the forum is free, as is a ride on the external escalators to the top of the museum. The permanent collection is an eclectic and vibrant display of modern art..

Don’t miss: Even if modern art isn’t your thing, take the free escalator ride to the top for an incredible view of Paris.. Nothing beats the moment you rise above the rooftops.

28.  Le Crazy Horse

• Champs-Elysées

Definitely one of the more risqué players on the Parisian cabaret scene, the art du nu  (it’s a nudie revue!) of Le Crazy Horse first opened its doors in 1951 under the steerage of the legendary  Alain Bernardin. Seventy years on, it  still pulls in punters aplenty. It remains dedicated to all things feminine and sexy, within certain parameters: lookalike dancers with curious stage names like Enny Gmatic and Hippy Bang Bang all bear the same bodily dimensions. (Girls are genuinely required to have nipples and hips at the same height). Expect lots of rainbow-hued light and artfully located strips of black tape. Old-school, self-respecting cabaret.

Don’t miss:  ‘Striptease Moi’ , a sensual gender-bending show with a daft ending. 

29.  Musée Picasso

The Musée Picasso isn’t quite as famous as Paris’s other major galleries, but it’s so absolutely worth a visit. Bang in the middle of the Marais, this attractive gallery is in a former 17th century mansion. The masterpieces on show here are endless and include ‘La Celestina’, ‘The Supplicant’ and ‘Portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter’. It’s the perfect sized gallery to spend a slow morning in before heading out for a leisurely lunch.

Don’t miss:  Head up to the top of the museum and you’ll find Ol’ Pablo’s very own art collection, which includes some gorgeous works by  Cézanne, Renoir, Mirò and his frenemy Matisse.

30.  Shakespeare & Company

• Quartier latin

Shakespeare & Company is one of those iconic bookshops that nerdy intellectuals flock to simply to say they’ve been there (and got the tote bag). But this English-language bookshop on the Left Bank remains a genuinely excellent place to browse for literature - it’s beautiful, well-stocked and calming. Roam the corridors while inhaling the spirits of the many writers, artists and bohemians who have dwelt here over the years.

Don’t miss:   The busy events schedule, which includes readings from many high-profile authors.

31.  Street art in Paris

Paris has had a pretty serious street art scene from as long ago as the 1960s, and it’s only grown bigger since. There is plenty of wall space in the city’s suburbs, outer arrondissements and centre for local and international artists to get creative with their spray cans and transform whole areas into outdoor art galleries. By definition this stuff tends to be somewhat transient – if you can, take a look at the several dedicated blogs for up-to-date info.

Don’t miss:  We recommend the Rue Dénoyez in Belleville. Even during the day, there are always a couple of  graffeurs  at work.

32.  Grande Mosquée de Paris

The Grande Mosquée is an active place of worship, but is open to visitors (except on Fridays and Muslim holidays). It opened in 1926 and remained the only mosque in the Paris metro area for a long time. Nearly 100 years later, the mosque’s geometric mosaics, white columns and intricately engraved archways make it a must-see. Walking through the tiled central courtyards and gardens will make you feel like you’re in Marrakesh, not Paris. Women can also enjoy a massage and a steam at the mosque’s on-site hammam, but no men are allowed.

Don’t miss: A cup of tea with baklava on the mosque’s peaceful patio.

33.  Canal de l’Ourcq

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, the nineteenth-century Canal de l’Ourcq takes a 108km journey from the river Ourcq in Picardie before ending its journey  in front of the arty MK2 cinemas at   Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad’s Bassin de la Villette. Like the Canal Saint-Martin further south, the Canal de l’Ourcq draws a trendy crowd, from students to thirtysomethings with young families, who come to play boules on the sandy stretches, picnic on the water’s edge, and even play ping-pong in the playground areas. 

Don’t miss:  The   péniches  (canal boats) that double up as a bar, a theatre and a bookshop.

34.  Marché d’Aligre

• Vintage shops
• 12e arrondissement

The Marché d’Aligre has been a permanent fixture in an ever-evolving city since 1799. This much-used market sells everything from fresh veg to pre-loved clothes, fish and meat. There’s a lot on offer here, so plan ahead to decide what you are (literally) in the market for. If it’s a nice bit of poisson, go to the covered Beauvau part where you’ll find the better quality butchers and fishmongers.

Don’t miss:  The artisanal stalls in the main yard which sell books, African masks and other trinkets.

35.  Bateaux-Mouches

• 8e arrondissement

Punctuated by landmarks, spanned by historical bridges and dotted with tree-lined quays, the Seine is bursting with picture-postcard moments: it’s surely one of the prettiest city rivers in the world. One of the best ways to absorb it all is by boat, ie one of Paris’s iconic Bateaux-Mouches. Sure, they are always rammed with tourists (we won’t lie: Parisians tend to avoid them like the plague), but if you don’t mind that, you’ll be in for a treat.  Bateaux-Mouches is the name of the largest and best-known boat operator, but there are smaller companies that provide the same service. Going with a smaller boat will leave you with a bit more peace.

Don’t miss: Stop off at the Île Saint-Louis for lunch at an old-time bistro. 

36.  Musée de la Vie Romantique

• Saint-Georges

Back in 1830, the 9th arrondissement teemed with composers, writers and artists. And it was this year that Dutch artist Ary Scheffer built this small villa. Guests at Scheffer’s soirées included Chopin, Liszt and – most important for our purposes – novelist George Sand. The museum is now mainly dedicated to Sand, who was enormously popular in her lifetime, but it also displays Scheffer’s paintings and other mementoes from the Romantic era. Renovated in 2013, the museum’s tree-lined courtyard café and greenhouse make for a perfect summertime retreat.

Don’t miss:  While you’re nearby, you should probably check out the Musée National Gustave Moreau . There’s a surprise waiting for you at the top. 

37.  La Petite Ceinture

• 20e arrondissement

What is La Petite Ceinture? Basically, it’s an out-of-use railway that girdles Paris like, well, a little belt – hence the name. The track has been in disrepair since the last freight train went through in the ’80s (the final passenger train went through way back in 1934). Stretches of it have been transformed into an urban park, where flowers are growing over the rails and you take a walk away from the city ambience of honking cars. La Petite Ceinture can be accessed at entry points in the twelfth through twentieth arrondissements .

Don’t miss: A few of the old train stations along the former rails have a new life today as restaurants, brasseries and even one coworking space.

38.  Palais de Tokyo

When this modern and contemporary art building opened in 2002, many thought the Palais de Tokyo’s determinedly no-frills aesthetic amounted to a deliberate statement. In fact, it was purely for budgetary reasons. Happily, the venue has really flourished since then, especially after an extended 2012 overhaul of its open-plan space. Extended hours and a cool café bring in younger audiences, and the roll-call of artists is impressive (Roberto Braga, Wang Du, Theaster Gates and others). The name harks back to the 1937 Exposition Internationale, but is also a reminder of links with a new generation of artists from the Far East.

Don’t miss:  Everything else here. There’s Le Yoyo club, an excellent fashion and design bookshop, and two new restaurants. Oh, and don’t forget to head out to the terrace. The view of the Eiffel Tower really can’t be beaten. 

39.  Philharmonie de Paris

• La Villette

This grandiose venue in the North-East of Paris aims to make classical music accessible and non-elitist, with a remit to draw in novices as well as seasoned concert-goers. This all naturally hinges on the tickets being affordable: at a time when cultural activities are getting increasingly costly, the Philharmonie hopes to counter the trend much as the Opéra Bastille did for opera. Aesthetically impressive and large, this 2,400-seat concert hall frequently dazzles with season after season of eclectic concerts and events.

Don’t miss:  The  rooftop has spectacular views, open throughout the summer.

40.  Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

• Père-Lachaise

Pretty much anyone famous, French and dead is interred in Père-Lachaise. Indeed you don’t even have to be French: creed and nationality have never prevented entry; you just had to have lived or died in Paris or have an allotted space in a family tomb. From Balzac to Chopin to Oscar Wilde (the tomb worn away by kisses from visiting admirers, now with transparent barriers), the opportunities for posthumous talent-spotting are endless.

Don’t miss:   Oscar Wilde’s tomb: much like the man himself, it’s ostentatious and flamboyant. 

41.  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

• 18e arrondissement

The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is widely held to be the biggest flea market in the entire world. While it seems quite likely that its rivals haven’t in fact been formally measured, with 3,000 traders and more than 5 million visitors a year, nobody is really arguing. Opening in 1885, it started life as a humble rag-and-bone set-up on the city’s edges.

Paris being Paris, it has, perhaps inevitably, turned into a more upscale affair, with lots of boutiques and antique stalls. At the other end of the spectrum, restaurants and takeaways are in danger of displacing the less fancy traders. But whatever sanitisation is sanding the edges of the Puces, it still makes for an exhilarating experience for a tourist.

Don’t miss: T here’s only a single ATM – so make sure you come with a bulging wallet or a willingness to queue.

42.  Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

This museum is nothing like the others on your Parisian vacation itinerary. Musée du Quai Branly conserves 300,000 pieces of non-European art and artifacts. Stroll through the quiet gardens surrounding the museum before heading inside, where you’ll follow the building’s river-like design through cases of works from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. From samurai armor to hand-woven tapestries and intricate line drawings on tree bark, the engaging and beautifully designed museum has something for everyone. 

Don’t miss: A vertical garden forms a living green wall on the exterior of the museum.

43.  Musée Carnavalet

In the Musée Carnavalet – which recently reopened after a major refurbishment – a whopping 140 rooms tell the story of Paris in chronological order, from pre-Roman Gaul right up until the twentieth century. The building was built in 1548, transformed by Mansart in 1660 and turned into a museum in 1866, when the great city planner Haussmann persuaded the authorities to preserve its gorgeous interiors. Original sixteenth-century rooms contain magnificent Renaissance art collections heaving with portraits, furniture and other artefacts.    The museum is also free to visit.

Don’t miss:  Items belonging to Napoleon himself, a cradle given to Paris by his nephew Napoleon III, and a replica of author Marcel Proust’s cork-lined bedroom.

44.  Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

• Zoos and aquariums
• 5e arrondissement

An unexpected side-effect of decapitating swathes of your wealthiest citizens? Working out what to do with their many ownerless pets. Proof that the instigators of the Terror were really just big softies, this ménagerie became the solution to the sudden influx of homeless animals in 1794. Nowadays the collection is sourced by less homicidal means: present-day inhabitants include vultures, monkeys, orang-utans, ostriches, flamingos, a century-old turtle, plus another one rescued from the sewers, a gorgeous red panda and lots of satisfyingly scary spiders and snakes. There’s also a petting zoo with farm animals for small kids, and older ones can zoom in on microscopic species in the Microzoo.

Don’t miss: A game of ‘who can spot the oldest tree?’ in the botanical gardens next door. The black acacia planted in 1636 is particularly striking. 

45.  Shopping on the Champs-Élysées

Time has not withered the Champs-Élysées: despite having probably the stiffest local competition in the world, it remains  the   premiere   shopping destination in Paris. It’s no drab high street; rather it’s a world-famous boulevard of sublime consumer chic. The brands are high-end and the stores are filled with art installations, DJs and other things keeping the whole retail therapy thing as fresh and fun as possible. And the avenue itself is a wonder: deafening, overwhelming, but inimitably Parisian.

Don’t miss:  Come Christmas, the market and fairground at the foot of the Champs give it a truly magical feel.

46.  Aquarium de Paris / Cinéaqua

Trocadéro isn’t historically the most thrilling area of Paris, but it’s really been jolted into life by this  fantastic attraction, which combines an aquarium and two-screen cinema. Kids will go berserk for the shark tunnel and the petting pool, where you can fulfil the lifelong dream you never knew you had and stroke the friendly sturgeon who stick their long snouts above the surface. There’s also a section showing the various heroic species of fish that somehow manage to survive in the Seine despite the pollution. Some visitors might find the admission fee trop cher,  but it really is a brilliant way to spend a long afternoon.

Don’t miss: Special kids’ shows take place every day. Check the aquarium’s online schedule for times.

47.  Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Inside this grand old 1930s building you’ll find key works from the Cubists and Fauves, and artists like Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Georges Rouault, Chaim Soutine and Kees van Dongen. It’s a fine museum, albeit with such stiff local competition not as famous as some of Paris’ premium venues, which is why it’s unfortunate that the museum made international headlines back in May 2010 when five paintings, including a Picasso, were stolen.

Don’t miss:  Visiting even if you’re skint – this is one of the scant number of museums in Paris where it’s free to enter.

48.  La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

• Exhibitions

Europe’s biggest science museum pulls in five million visitors a year, and deservedly so. Its permanent exhibition  Explora occupies the top two floors, whisking visitors through 30,000-square-metre that looks at life, the universe and everything in all its complexity: highlights include scale models of satellites including the Ariane space shuttle, planes and robots, plus the chance to experience weightlessness. The hothouse garden investigates developments in agriculture and bio-technology. Don’t miss:  The Espace Images, where you can play around with a delayed camera, draw 3D images on a computer and even lend your voice to the Mona Lisa. 

49.  Musée Grévin

• Grands Boulevards

Like a kitschier version of Madame Tussauds – yes, such a thing is possible – the Musée Grévin is a guaranteed winner with kids that need entertaining. It’s pretty much the same deal as  Tussauds only without the edgier bits: have your photo  taken alongside waxworks of showbiz stars and personalities like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, the Queen and Barack Obama. The ‘snapshots of the twentieth-century’ area also recreates great historical moments, such as Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. A small gallery at the top of a spiral staircase near the end shows how waxworks are made. 

Don’t miss:   The trippy hall of mirrors designed by American artist Krysle Lip.

50.  Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle

You know what you‘re getting with any major Natural History Museum, and you’ll rarely regret it. Inevitably they’re family-friendly places with admirable collections. Well Paris is no exception. At the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle’s Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, stuffed creatures parade majestically through their various habitats. Animals of all kinds teach children about the diversity of nature. In the endangered and vanished section – where a dodo takes pride of place – they inform you about the importance of protecting them. The museum contains the bony remains of fish, birds, monkeys, dinosaurs and humans. You won’t know where to look first.

Don’t miss:   Venturing into the Jardin des Plantes complex to find the small Ménagerie zoo, plus separate pavilions containing hunks of meteorites and crystals in the Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie. 

Looking for somewhere amazing to stay?

The 87 best hotels in paris.

Whether you want to splash the cash or save your pennies, you’ll find all your needs catered to with this wonderful selection of Paris stays. From boutique gems to palatial oases to trendy hostels, you’re sure to find the right fit for your dream Paris holiday.  

More great Paris attractions

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Paris Bucket List: 62 Best Things to do in Paris, France

Looking for the best things to do in Paris? Here is the complete Paris bucket list that has everything you shouldn’t miss for an amazing trip to the French capital.

Paris is an incredibly beautiful city with lots of things to do and see. And if you’re visiting Paris for the first time , it can be a bit challenging to decide which things to do in Paris and which ones to leave out since it’s impossible to see everything in one visit.

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So to help you narrow down a few things and not miss out on the fun experiences, I’m putting together the ultimate bucket list for Paris from the must-see places in Paris, unique things to do in Paris to even things you might have never heard of you.

From climbing the Eiffel tower, cruising on the Seine, and taking a stroll in the Paris pretty streets to many other exciting activities to do in Paris, here is the complete Paris bucket list.

Whether you’re spending one day in Paris , a weekend , or 3 days in Paris , you’ll find something that suits you.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5)  Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris : (4.7/10)

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church : A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10) Candlelight show : Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10) Cabaret at Moulin Rouge : A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Paris Bucket List: Best Things to do In Paris, France

Whether you’re looking for where to go in Paris or seasonal Paris activities, here is a comprehensive list of all the fun things to do and see in Paris!

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower and that’s why it comes first on my list of the best things to do in Paris.

The experience of climbing the most famous landmark in France is surreal but the incredible views of the city you get from the top of the Tower are even more awe-inspiring.

However, since it’s one of the most visited attractions in Paris, you can expect long queues and the best way to beat them is by purchasing this skip the line ticket in advance to the second floor or this one to the summit for an even more incredible experience.

Psst… For an even fun and educated experience of the Eiffel Tower, join this Eiffel Tower g u i d e d tour with a highly knowledgeable and friendly tour guide.

2. Cruise the Seine

Cruising the seine is one of the fun things to do in Paris as it opens up a whole new dimension of views of the famous Parisian landmarks .

An afternoon Seine cruise is ok but to even have an absolute wonder, opt for this amazing dinner cruise where you’ll enjoy the illuminating lights from famous buildings while watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer at the top of the hour.

3. Take in the city views from Arc de Triomphe

If you think the Eiffel Tower offers the best views of Paris , you’ll be in for a real treat when you go to the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe.

From here, you’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower, the entire Champs-Élysées stretch, and how the 12 roads diverge from the arc creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Psst… Don’t forget to buy this skip-the-line arc de Triomphe ticket to avoid the long queues but if you prefer going with a professional, then this tour is what I highly recommend joining.

Related post: Facts about the Arc de Triomphe

4. Watch a Sunset over the Eiffel Tower from The Seine

There is no better place to see the sun setting with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower than at the banks of the Seine.

Imagine the magical hour plus a magical monument! It’s the perfect Eiffel Tower photo spot and that’s a jackpot right there my friend!

If you’re an early bird person, you can just substitute this for a sunrise! You can check out my favorite Paris sunrise spots to know where to go.

5. Picnic at one of the many parks in Paris

Looking for another Paris bucket list idea that involves enjoying the beautiful parks of Paris? Then try going for a picnic.

Picnics in Paris are a given so it would be a shame not to go on one while in the city of love. I wrote a post about planning a Parisian Picnic to guide you if you don’t know where to start.

6. Go window shopping at Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is one of the most beautiful and famous avenues in Paris and the whole world at large and it’s such a fun experience just to take a stroll along it.

Notice I said, “window shop”? Yes, because it has world-renowned brand names which makes the stores extremely extensive! But even if you buy nothing from there, strolling the Champs-Élysées is one of the cool things to do in Paris.

7. Admire Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral might have been under flames but it doesn’t take away its prestigious place in Paris.

You can still walk around it and admire the beautiful exterior architecture as we await its grand re-opening in a few years to come.

8. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Paris perched on a hill in Montmartre. Take a stroll inside to admire the amazing architecture while embarking on a religious journey.

After that, climb to the top of the dome to take in the most incredible views of Paris. One other interesting element at this Basilica that some people always miss is the crypt, but now that you know better, be sure to add it to your Paris bucket list.

You can learn more about it by reading my post on the fun facts about Sacre Coeur .

9. See the most famous art painting in the Louvre museum

Louvre Museum is not only the largest art museum in Paris and the world but it also houses the most famous painting — the Mona Lisa.

And it’s not just the Mona Lisa painting, there are so many other paintings to see in the Louvre , so take your time and take in all that you can.

But since the Louvre is the most visited attraction in Paris, you can expect long queues, and the best way to skip the long lines is by purchasing this skip-the-line ticket in advance .

And if you want to learn more about the museum and know where to go and what to see since it’s easy to get lost in this mega museum, I recommend taking a highly recommended tour with professional tour guides like this one .

Besides the Louvre, you can also check out these free museums in Paris that are worth visiting.

Related Post: Fun facts about the Louvre museum

10. Watch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge

One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge.

There is nothing more fun to do at night than watching talented dancers dance their bodies off as you wind down the evening with a glass of champagne.

Psst… A cabaret show sells out pretty fast, so be sure to book your spot here in advance to make sure that you don’t miss out on the fun.

11. Take a day trip to Paris Disneyland

Disneyland Paris ! A place where all our childhood dreams come to life!! It’s truly one of the most fun places to visit in Paris!

So while in Paris, get a day and go on a day trip to Disneyland and immerse yourself in all the fun that comes with this amusement park.

However, plan and buy your one-day Disneyland ticket and if you’re all about being spontaneous, just opt for this ticket instead that lets you go any time you feel like.

Before your trip, make sure that you know these Disneyland Paris tips for a fun trip and if you plan to dine at one of the fancy restaurants at Disneyland Paris , make sure that you make a reservation in advance.

Related Post: How to get from CDG airport to Disneyland Paris

12. Enjoy impressionist paintings in Musee d’Orsay

If you love art, paintings, and museums, then visiting Musee d’Orsay should be on your bucket list for Paris.

The museum houses mainly French art and the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world by famous painters making it a great stop for people who love Impressionism.

Even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll still love this museum due to its impressive and grand architecture.

The only thing you need to remember is to buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance to beat the queues. But if you want to learn more about the museum, then you can opt for this tour instead .

Not sure what to see there? Here is a list of the most famous Orsay museum paintings plus these Van Gogh paintings .

13. Admire the city from Montparnasse Tower

Paris is no short of viewpoints and Montparnasse is one of the prettiest.

It might have been regarded as one of the ugliest buildings in Paris since it doesn’t look like other traditional Parisian architecture but you can never be mad at the incredible views of the Eiffel Tower it gives.

Psst… Grab your skip-the-line ticket here before you go to beat the crowds.

14. See thousands of skulls at Catacombs

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Paris, then visiting the Catacombs is one of them.

It’s kind of a dark place to go with thousands of human skulls and bones buried under Paris but it’s also interesting to learn more about the place too.

You can visit on your own by buying this skip-the-line ticket but I recommend booking this highly recommended tour as there is a section of the Catacombs that can only be visited if you’re with a tour guide.

15. Indulge yourself in French pastries

Paris and France at large are known for having some of the most delicious pastries and it’d be a big mistake to visit and not taste some.

There are so many pastries in Paris that it can be hard to choose which ones to try first but I got you covered with my list of the must-try desserts in Paris.

You can go pastry tasting on your own from bakery to bakery since they’re so many in the city but if you want something organized for you, then I recommend taking this pastry tour .

16. East some Street food In Paris

Paris surprisingly has lots of street foods to indulge in! From the famous crêpes, marron Chaud (roasted chestnuts), and Jambon-Beurre (baguette ham sandwich), there are plenty of street foods in Paris to try!

You can do this on your own but if you want to try some of the best in the city, then I recommend going on this Paris food tour .

I went on this tour and I am not exaggerating when I say I had my best croissant on this tour. We also tasted various foods like Jambon-Beurre, different types of cheese, Croque-monsieur, charcuterie, wine, macarons, and unique desserts made by a local bakery.

The tour guide was also knowledgeable and the entire tour was a great basis to taste and learn about French foods.

17. Walk into the footsteps of kings at Versailles palace

Versailles Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces near Paris that you shouldn’t miss while in the city of love.

The architecture, the beautiful gardens, the sculptures, the waterfalls, the waterfall shows, and not forgetting the immense amount of history make Versailles Palace one of the best places to visit in Paris.

Feel like royalty by strolling through the King’s Grand Apartments, and seeing the magnificent Hall of Mirrors; it truly never gets any better than this.

On top of taking a day trip to this beautiful palace, you can also explore some of the cute cities near Paris .

Psst… You should buy this skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid the lines or better yet take this guided tour to learn everything you need to know about this beautiful palace.

Not sure how to get to this magnificent palace? Here is a detailed guide on how to get from Paris to Versailles Palace .

18. Marvel at the beauty of Sainte-Chapelle

Paris might have many beautiful chapels but Sainte-Chapelle gotta be the most impressive in my opinion.

I mean it’s not every day that the interior of a building is covered in stained glass windows that dazzle in different colors and shapes which makes this royal chapel incredibly beautiful.

To visit, you can buy this independent Sainte-Chapelle ticket or you can buy this ticket to have access to both Conciergerie And Sainte-Chapelle.

Or better yet book this guided tour to learn more about this gothic gem.

19. Watch an opera show at Palais Garnier

One of the other top things to do in Paris is to watch an Opera Show at Palais Garnier. Even if you’re not into watching shows, a visit to the Opera is an absolute must.

You can stroll inside and admire its architecture, the famous double staircase leading to the foyers, and the various floors of the theatre. Take your time admiring the grand foyer and take in all the shimmers it comes with.

You can buy this ticket and go for a self-guided tour but if you want to see it with the knowledge of an expert, then I recommend going for this guided tour .

You can learn more about this place by reading my article on interesting facts about Palais Garnier .

20. Explore Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is the most beautiful bridge in Paris in my opinion!

This monumental bridge connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower and is not short of views of the Seine River with a background of the Eiffel Tower.

So soak in all its views by taking a stroll along this magnificent bridge.

21. Explore the charming district of Montmartre

Located on a hill, Montmartre is a charming, vibrant, and artistic district of Paris that brings out all the feels!

From street stalls that serve hot crepes, various pretty restaurants, and several street artists, Montmartre is one of those places in Paris not to miss.

You don’t even have to have a real agenda, just a stroll in this Parisian neighborhood will be perfect but if want to plan your visit in advance, here are some of the best things to do in Montmartre .

22. Visit Centre Pompidou

Paris never runs out of exciting places to showcase and Centre Pompidou is one of them. The Centre houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne (National Museum of modern art) which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe.

On top of art pieces, Centre Pompidou also showcases a rare inside-out kind of architecture which you’ll likely find nowhere and if you go to its observation deck, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city.

Psst… You’ll need this ticket to get access to the museum and the observation deck

23. Watch the Eiffel Tower shimmer At Night

Another thing that should be on your Paris bucket list is watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at the top of the hour at night for 5 minutes. It is a magnificent sight that you shouldn’t miss.

It’s completely free, so all you have to do is to find a perfect spot to see it – and if you find a nice spot near the Seine, that will be even better as you’ll see the sparkles on the surface of the water which is a magical sight.

24. Learn to bake Macarons

Macarons are some of the most delicious pastries in Paris and learning to bake them will give you bragging rights when you go back to your country.

And if it’s not to brag, at least make those delicacies when you want to have a French treat at home or if you just want to make them for your family.

If this is your gem, then I recommend signing up for this macaron baking class with a professional Parisian chef and you’ll have so much fun doing it.

However, if you’d rather buy a pack instead of making them, then you can check out my list of places to buy the best Macarons in Paris .

25. Learn about different plants and flowers at Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is honestly one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. It not only has beautiful flowers and plants but they go ahead and label them which makes it easy for plant lovers to know which ones are which.

It’s also a huge park with various sections that will make you feel like you’re not in Paris anymore but rather a charming small village with well-marked pathways.

And if you love animals, Jardin des Plantes has a zoo where you can go and get an up-close look at some of the famous and rare wild animals – now that’s an all-inclusive park if you ask me.

26. Take in incredible views of Paris from a rooftop bar

Want to have a drink with a view? Then head to one of Paris’ rooftop bars . This is a great way to wind your sightseeing day while hanging out with friends or immersing yourself in the local scene.

Some of the rooftop bars you can check out include; 43 Cocktail Bar , Terrass” Hôtel Bar, and Khayma Rooftop Bar .

27. Say I love you in hundreds of languages at the “I love you” wall

It wouldn’t be called a city of love without a 40 square meters (430 sq ft), 612 blue titled wall that screams I love you from the hill of Montmartre.

So if you’re traveling with your loved one and looking for romantic things to do in Paris , check out the I Love You wall , a wall that has “I love you” written 311 times in 250 languages from popular ones like French to the rare ones like Bambara from Mali.

It might seem like a basic thing but it’s so much fun trying to figure out which language is which or even trying to pronounce them – so don’t skip it but rather add it to your Paris bucket list already.

Related post: 16 Reasons Why Paris is Called the City of Love

28. Sleep at a Paris hotel with Eiffel Tower views

I can’t think of anything more exciting than waking up to magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower! Imagine walking up to the balcony or opening your hotel window and the Eiffel Tower is right there saying Bonjour ! Nothing can beat such an experience.

However, not all Parisian hotels offer views of the Eiffel Tower but even those that offer them, you’ll need to book way in advance to be able to get a room with a view as they get booked out fast.

So if you’re wondering which hotels you can stay at for amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, then go to Hôtel Balzac (a 5-star hotel in the 8th arrondissement), Le Metropolitan Hotel (a 4-star hotel in the 16th), or Les Jardins d’Eiffel (a 3-star hotel in the 7th).

These are just a few of the hotels but for a complete list, check out my previous post with a review of the best hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views to help you choose your perfect home away from home in the city of love.

However, if you prefer to have that homey feel while exploring the city of love, then you can opt to stay at one of these Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views or these luxury Paris vacation rental apartments that will help you fully immerse yourself in Parisian life.

29. Visit Jardin du Luxembourg

Luxembourg Gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Paris you should check out, especially if you visit in summer when the fountain is running creating an even more beautiful sight.

You can just go there for a stroll or to even chill while reading a book but if you prefer, you can spend some time at the Luxembourg Museum.

Be sure to check out my complete guide to visiting the Luxembourg Gardens to know what to expect.

30. Go shopping at Galeries Lafayette

If you love shopping (actually even if you don’t), you can’t miss shopping at Galeries Lafayette, a world-renowned department store in Paris .

You can find almost everything you can think of here and if you don’t feel like buying anything, window shopping is possible as you admire the place.

And if that wasn’t enough, Galeries Lafayette has a rooftop terrace that is open to the public to take in amazing views of the city! Now that’s an activity that deserves to be on your Paris bucket list.

31. Watch a Beautiful Paris sunrise

While sunsets are beautiful, sunrises are equally beautiful in Paris! I know it’s a struggle to wake up early in the morning, especially during the months when the sun rises super early but the outcome is so worth it!

There are so many places to go to enjoy a sunrise in Paris but some of my favorites include; the Trocadero Square, the banks of the Seine River, the Notre Dame area, Pont Alexandre III and so many others.

You can check out my complete list of where to enjoy a Paris sunrise to know exactly where to go.

32. Explore the Covered Passage of Paris

One of the non-touristy things to do in Paris is to explore the covered passages of Paris. From the 2nd arrondissement to the 9th, there are many covered passages dotted around the city that are worth checking out.

What makes these covered passages of Paris stunning are their stained-glass roofs, mosaic floors, and the chic shops that sell anything from textiles, antiques, and clothes to furniture!

My favorite is Passage du Grand-Cerf but others like Galerie Vivienne , Passage Verdeau , Passage des Princes , and Passage des Panoramas are equally interesting too!

33. Photograph the Eiffel Tower From different Spots

This might seem like a cliche but photographing the Eiffel Tower is one of the best things to do in Paris.

While you can photograph it up close at Champs de Mars, there is nothing more rewarding than trying to look for other spots to get the perfect shots of the Iron Lady.

Some of the best places to photograph the Eiffel Tower include; the Trocadero Square which is a no-brainer, Rue De L’Université , Passerelle Debilly , Pont De Bir Hakeim, and many others. You can find my full list here .

34. Pay your respects at Père Lachaise Cemetery

A cemetery may not be the first thing on anyone’s Paris bucket list but you’ll be surprised by Père Lachaise Cemetery. This cemetery is the largest in Paris and it sits on 44 hectares of land!

Besides its size, what makes this cemetery popular is the fact that it is the final resting place for several famous people including but not limited to Edith Piaf , Eugène Delacroix , France Clidat , Peter Abelard , and the famous rock star Jim Morrison whose grave is one of the most visited.

What makes this cemetery even more interesting is that ever since they stopped cutting down trees and taking care of it (of course they do the bare minimum to keep it walkable) as a way of letting nature prevail, you can find lots of birds even more than in some of the reserved forests and national parks! Some even consider it a bird-watching haven!

35. Explore the Prettiest Streets of Paris

Paris is an all-around beauty with every street and corner presenting something beautiful worth stopping for!

And while it may have over 6,000 streets, some Parisian streets need extra attention! So, as you explore Paris, be sure to check out some of its prettiest streets!

From Rue De L’Abreuvoir , Rue Cler , and Rue Norvins , to Rue Cremieux , there are so many streets that truly bring out the wow factor!

36. Dine at a restaurant with an Eiffel Tower view

It’s no surprise that anyone would want to look at the Eiffel Tower every chance they get!

And while you can do that in most places, nothing beats dining while enjoying the views of the Eiffel Tower!

Besides the views, these restaurants serve mouth-watering dishes that will make your experience even more enjoyable! 

Some of the restaurants with Eiffel Tower views you can dine at include; Les Ombres , L’oiseau Blanc , Maison Blanche , and so many others.

Related Post: Best Restaurants in the Latin Quarter

37. Explore place de la Concorde

One of the best places to see in Paris is Place de la Concorde. It is one of the largest squares in Paris and one that carries a lot of history! 

Located near the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre along the Champs-Élysées, this square might now look beautiful with its 2 fountains and a Luxor Obelisk, but back in the day, it was an execution place!

In fact, it’s where Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were publically executed! With this in mind, there is no doubt that a stroll in one of the historical squares of the French capital deserves to be on your Paris bucket list! 

38. Taste some of the weird French food

French cuisine is one of the best in the world! But even with that title, the French eat some weird foods that most tourists or nations frown over!

But the fact remains that the best way to truly understand a place’s culture is by indulging in its food! 

So, the next you go to a restaurant in Paris, instead of asking for the usual burger, try some weird French foods like escargots, (snails), Couilles De Mouton (Mutton Testicles), or even Ris De Veau (Calf’s Pancreas/ Sweetbreat)! You may find some truly weird but others might just surprise you in a good way! 

39. Pick up a Parisian souvenir

Photos create lasting memories, but souvenirs ensure that you take a piece of that place with you back home! 

If your trip to Paris is sadly coming to an end, there is no better way to immortalize your trip than taking a Parisian souvenir ! 

There are plenty of options to choose from like the Eiffel Tower statue ( cheesy but cool), a pack of macarons, French chocolates, or anything that will remind you of the beauty of Paris.

40. Bike along the Banks of the Seine

One of the coolest things to do in Paris is biking along the Seine! Locals love it and the freedom it gives as you enjoy the cool breeze is everything!

Just rent a bike from the many bike rental shops and you’ll be in for a real treat!

41. Chill at Canal Saint-Martin

If you want to try out one of the non-touristy things in Paris or even go where the locals chill, then Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect spot!

It is a great spot to chill with a couple of friends either for drinks or some quick bites. Remember to take away your trash and not drop anything in the canal.

Canal Saint-Martin is also a good place to people-watch if you have one of those weird hobbies like me!

42. Ride a Scooter

If Emily in Paris taught us anything, it’s that you have to do Paris the right way and do all the fun things you can lay your hands on to truly feel like a Parisian.

And one of the Paris experiences you can’t miss out on is riding a scooter! Rent a scooter from a rental shop and ride away in the city of love!

43. Visit Napoleon’s Final Resting Place At Les Invalides

For a walk through France’s history, a visit to Les Invalides is a must do in Paris! Explore the military museum of the Army of France and learn about France’s army history.

The Invalides also houses the tomb of the infamous Napoleon which I believe is worth a visit to see the final resting place of a man who played a huge role in shaping the history of France.

You can visit on your own but to get a deeper insight and learn about the history that unraveled during those times from a knowledgeable person, I’d recommend booking this Les Invalides guided tour .

44. Admire The Works Of Picasso At Musée Picasso

If you love art, then you should add Musée Picasso to your list of things to do in Paris!

Picasso was and is still a household name when it comes to art and by visiting this museum, you get a chance to see over 5,000 of his spectacular paintings! 

Located in Hôtel Salé in the Marais district in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, Musée Picasso is one of the best places in Paris to visit.

Just grab this entry ticket before you go to avoid wasting time in queues! 

45. Pick Up An Antique At A Paris Flea Market

Where are all the antique lovers? You may not fancy shopping at Galeries Lafayette but picking up an antique at the various flea markets will satisfy your soul!

You can head to Paris Saint Ouen Flea Market , Paris Porte De Vanves Flea Market , Brocante De La Place D’Aligre At Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and many others.

Just be sure to go either early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowds. You can even opt for this Saint Ouen guided tour to get insider tips and easily navigate the biggest flea market in Paris.

46. Go Underground And Explore The Sewers Of Paris

One of the unusual sights to see in Paris is no doubt its sewers! The Paris Sewer Museum gives visitors a rare chance to learn about the history of the Paris sewers from the day they were constructed to the modern-day structure.

If you can brave up for the stink, you might just enjoy seeing how Paris takes care of its sewerage as you discover its 2,100 kilometers (1,300 miles) stretch beneath the streets of Paris.

47. Pay Your Respects At The Pet Cemetery

If you love pets or you just want to get a chance to see a pet cemetery, Paris has you covered!

Located in Asnieres-Sur Seine, a Parisian suburb in the northwest, this pet cemetery is the oldest public pet cemetery in the world. It is a final resting place for all kinds of pets from dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and many more.

The graves are quite interesting to look at and there are some famous pets to look out for while exploring including the famous Rin Tin Tin , a former international dog star in Hollywood, and other dogs who belonged to famous French artists like Marguerite Durand, Alexandre Dumas, Michel Houellebecq, etc.

48. Discover The Uniqueness Of Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont

While there are many beautiful parks in Paris , nothing comes close to the beauty of Butte-Chaumont!

With unique features like a cave, waterfalls, a bridge, lakes, and an expansive area of greenery, this place truly deserves to be on anyone’s Paris bucket list!

Besides that, it also offers stunning views of the city if you climb to the top of the Temple de la Sibylle which is the most famous feature of the park.

You can pack a picnic and enjoy the greenery and the beautiful landscape on a sunny day in Paris.

49. Take A Day Trip To Mont Saint-Michel

While the French capital is beautiful, some places near Paris are worth discovering and one that comes to everyone’s mind is Mont Saint-Michel !

Located in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island that looks like a castle on an island from afar, but an up-close look will uncover the beauty of this historical monument.

Just around 4 hours from Paris, it can either be treated as a day trip or as a weekend getaway from Paris if you want to fully enjoy the beauty this place offers! 

How sure how to get there? You can read my post on how to plan a day trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel .

50 Be Mesmerized By The Sinking House Of Montmartre

Located right next to Sacre Coeur, this colorful building gives the illusion that it is sinking! 

But in reality, it’s not actually sinking but just a camera trick! Regardless, it’s still fun to look at and take photos of!

51. Take Instagram Worth Photos At Le Consult

Located in a bustling neighborhood on rue Norvins, Le Consulat is one of the most Instagrammable places in Paris !

Though it’s a restaurant that serves delicious meals, most people go there for photos due to its colorful and chic design.

However, if you plan to have a meal on top of taking some cool photos, just make sure that you arrive early as the tables book out fast! 

52. Take A Parisian Food Tour

Besides trying out some French weird dishes to fully immerse yourself in the Parisian culture, I recommend going on a food tour!

You can opt for this Marais walking food tour which allows you to taste some French pastries, wine, and cheese, or this Montmartre food tour which also includes wine tasting and a selection of French ham and sausages.

53. Go Wine Tasting

Have you ever been to Paris without tasting some wine? Certainly not!! Paris and France, in general, pride themselves on having some of the best wines in the world, and going on a wine-tasting tour is one of the fun things to do in Paris.

There are so many wine-tasting tours in Paris but I recommend opting for this one to not only taste wine from various French regions but also learn new techniques on how to properly taste it.

But if you want to feel like royalty while savoring the wine, then this wine-tasting tour held in an 18th-century wine cellar is the perfect option.

54. Take A Day Trip To The Champagne Region

If you prefer tasting wine in a vineyard instead of a bar or a city cellar, then taking a day trip to the Champagne region is one of the fun things to do in Paris!

Besides tasting wine, you’ll visit some famous champagne houses including Moët & Chandon, and learn about the entire wine-making process!

You can visit on your own or book this organized tour where you’ll taste champagne, visit 3 champagne houses, and visit other landmarks in Reim.

55. Admire The Columns At Palais Royal

If you love taking fun Instagram photos, then head to Palais Royal!

The courtyard is covered in black and white columns which have become a sensation for many Instagrammers! 

56. Visit Madeleine church

While Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur are the most famous churches in Paris , Madeleine is one church that is underrated in my opinion!

It’s beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside too! The neoclassical façade on the exterior resembles a Greek temple while the interior is out of this world.

Admire the beautiful bronze door at the entrance, its beautiful nave, the beautifully painted ceilings, and all the little details that were perfectly made to add to its beauty.

So, as you create your Parisian bucket list, add Madeleine church to it! 

57. Enjoy Paris At Night

Paris may be beautiful during the day but it becomes even more romantic at night!

With the city’s landmarks lighting up, the tower sparkling and the night vibes in full swing, Paris at night is a must-have experience! 

Some of the cool things to do in Paris at night include; watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, taking a Seine cruise, taking a stroll along the banks of the Seine, watching a cabaret show, and many others.

Seasonal Things to Do in Paris

Though these can’t be done all year round, if you find yourself in the city during one of these periods, be sure to participate in these activities in Paris.

58. Chase Cherry Blossoms

If you’re visiting Paris in spring , one of the things you shouldn’t miss out on is chasing cherry blossoms. During this time; usually from March to April , Paris becomes an even more beautiful city covered in pink flowers.

There are so many places to see cherry blossoms in Paris but some you have to visit include the Champs de Mars to capture photos of the Eiffel Tower with the blooming flowers, Trocadero gardens , Jardin des Plantes , Mail De Bièvre which is not known by many but so worth it, and my personal favorite which is the Square at Rue Cepre in the 15th Arrondissement.

Psst… As you plan to travel to Paris at this time of the year, be sure to check out this post to know exactly what to wear in Paris in spring .

59. Enjoy the Christmas Cheer in Paris

Paris at Christmas becomes one beautiful place all dazzling in lights in most of the famous streets.

The atmosphere is filled with Christmas vibes, Christmas markets start popping up and department stores go all out when it comes to putting on creative scenes in their windows! Christmas is the perfect time to be in Paris!

There are so many things to do in Paris in December including visiting the Christmas markets, chasing Parisian Christmas lights , trying out skiing, or even indulging in Christmas-themed pastries!

Some of the must-visit places during Christmas time in Paris include; Galeries Lafayette  and  Printemps Haussmann  for the best window displays, Les Tuileries and La Défense for the Christmas markets, Bercy village , and Place Vendôme for beautiful Christmas lights and decorations.

60. Relax on a Paris Plages

If you’re in Paris in the summer , one of the cool things to do is relax on Paris plages! 

The city may not have permanent beaches to cool off from the summer heat but during summer, the city creates temporary beaches for those who can’t go to the beaches near Paris !

This Parisian experience is completely free so just grab your bikini, beach towel, and a couple of drinks and hit the beaches on the banks of the Seine!

61. Chase Fall Foliage

Paris in fall turns into a rare beauty with orange and yellow-hued trees taking on the city!

If you’re a fall lover like me, you’ll love seeking out fall foliage around the city! Some of the places you can go to admire the fall colors include; Tuileries Gardens , Luxembourg Gardens , Buttes-Chaumont ,  Place des Vosges , around the Seine River , and Bois de Boulogne if you prefer a walk in a forest!

So, whether you’re visiting in September, October , or November , chasing fall foliage is one of the must-have experiences in Paris!

62. Shop Till You Drop During the Sales Period

If you ever wanted to shop in Paris but the high prices always put you off, you may want to visit during January and February or June and July to take advantage of either the winter or summer sales! 

During this time of the year, most stores, yes even the fancy ones offer huge discounts that you should take advantage of!

All you have to look out for is the word “Soldes” which means that that store is running discounts which usually range between 20% up to 50%.

Final Thoughts on the best things to Do in Paris

It’s honestly hard to fit all the things to do in Paris in one post but I hope that this bucket list for Paris gave you an idea of the must-have experiences in Paris.

How many items have you ticked off your Paris bucket list so far? Have you done all the 62 so far or you’re yet to start? Whichever number you’re at, don’t worry, you’ll still have a great time when you visit the city of love.

And of course, this list will keep growing with time but if you already participated in an activity that you think should be on this Paris bucket list, just leave it in the comments below and I will add it!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Big mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris
• Skip the lines tickets for popular Paris attractions
• Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views
• What to pack for Paris
• What to wear in Paris in summer
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best Quotes about Paris
• Books About Paris You’ll Enjoy Reading

Was this post on the Paris bucket list helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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30 Best Things to Do in Paris, According to Locals

From fromageries to private pontoon rides on the Seine, here's how to explore the City of Light.

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After a decade in France , I still find myself wandering through Paris and thinking, "Wow, I can’t believe I live here." The City of Light is full of all the best clichés: Parisians cycling with bread in their bike basket, brass bands serenading crowds on stone bridges over the Seine, picnickers drinking Champagne and eating cheese on blankets in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

The capital city's mélange of modern and medieval architecture, stunning symmetrical gardens, and vibrant café terraces add to its romantic allure — and that's all part of what makes Paris a city designed for strolling. Whether you want to visit major landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe or are looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ve polled local cookbook authors, hotel concierges, and tour guides to build a list of the 30 best things to do in Paris.

Sample cheese at a fromagerie.

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“When you're in Paris, you absolutely have to pay a visit to one of the city's fromageries (cheese shops) — and there are so many wonderful ones to choose from,” says Emily Monaco , a journalist and cheese expert who leads Paris by Mouth food tours. A few of her favorites: La Laiterie de Paris , the first in town to produce its own cheese, and Fromagerie Quatrehomme , whose house specialties include a smoked Charolais chèvre aged in Nikka Whisky.

Have lunch at Les Enfants du Marché.

Weekend brunch is becoming more popular in Paris (the line at Holybelly never seems to dwindle), but I prefer snagging a seat at the counter of Les Enfants du Marché , in the back of the covered Marché des Enfants Rouge in the Marais neighborhood . The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so arrive just before it opens at noon so you won’t have to wait too long. Plan to linger over natural wine and a mix of market-fresh plates as the music slowly shifts, turning the venue into a bit more of a party as the day goes on.

Go gourmet at La Grande Epicérie.

Attached to the first Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché , the ground floor La Grande Epicérie is an upscale version of the city’s covered markets and food halls. Peruse the stands of fruits and vegetables or shop the curated selection of artisanal products. I’ll often stop here for freshly shucked oysters and a glass of white wine when I need a break from shopping next door.

Indulge in pastries.

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“The city’s boulevards are brimming with enticing pastries that run the gamut, from exquisite luxury creations housed in palace hotels, like Francois Perret’s strawberry fraisier at Ritz Paris , to the equally delicious yet humble vanilla choux à la crème at Mamiche boulangerie,” says Frank Barron , author of "Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in France."

Visit Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

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Dedicate an entire weekend day to strolling the stands and stalls of vintage designer jewelry, clothing, furniture, records, and books at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Considered the largest flea market in the world, there are more than 2,000 boutiques here, and they're scattered across more than a dozen individual markets. This is a place that requires more than a map, so consider a personalized tour with a guide like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen , who can help you navigate this sprawling sea of second-hand vendors.

Celebrate couture at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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Located in the same private mansion that Yves Saint Laurent called his atelier and headquarters for nearly 30 years, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is as much a monument to the legendary designer as an insider look at the couture house and its many collections. Retrospective displays and thematic exhibitions are constantly rotating, and once a month, the conservation workshop — which contains sketches, diagrams of runway shows, and runway pieces and accessories — opens to the public.

Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

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In the summer, the Buttes-Chaumont Park is as popular a picnic destination as Paris Plages along the banks of the Seine. Even Emily and Alfie spread out a blanket on one of the grassy hills here during a scene in Emily in Paris .

Cruise the canals.

One of the best ways to tour Paris is from the water, especially cruising along canals through the heart of the city past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. “It's a different way of seeing the city, and at night it's even more magical,” says Pierre Cortin, head bartender at Hotel Fouquet’s Paris . Join a themed or hour-long trip along the Canal Saint-Martin or Seine, or book a private pontoon boat , where you can curate the playlist and bring your own selection of wine and snacks.

Catch a DJ set at Rooftop Molitor.

Geraldine Martens/Rooftop Molitor

Emily also spent a day poolside at nautical-themed Molitor , and the beach club vibe seen in the show is recreated in summer on the rooftop. Head up for lunch or dinner throughout the week or catch a DJ set or concert in the late afternoon on the weekends.

Sip French spirits at Le Syndicat.

Courtesy of Le Syndicat

A gem on the somewhat seedy rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, speakeasy-style bar Le Syndicat champions French spirits in its playful cocktail concoctions that have earned it a permanent place on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Guest bartenders take the reins here, and the soundtrack is heavy on hip-hop.

Explore Musée Picasso Paris.

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One of the standouts in the Marais, the Musée Picasso Paris is the perfect place to take a break from shopping or the summer heat. Housed in the 17th-century Hôtel Salé, the old mansion is as impressive as its collection of nearly 5,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artist Pablo Picasso.

Shop perfume at Officine Universelle Buly.

Part apothecary, part café, Officine Universelle Buly’s wood-paneled boutique in the Haut-Marais takes you back centuries in history, to when the Rudier Foundry once created art for Rodin. Glass cases display the French beauty and skincare brand’s gorgeous bottles of perfume and lotion. If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back from Paris, the shop will even emboss or engrave initials on its lip balm cases and combs.

Eat crêpes at Breizh Café.

Courtesy of Breizh Café

The closest you’ll get to authentic Breton crêpes in Paris, the wood-paneled Breizh Café is a landmark in Le Marais — and a great place to pause from museums and shopping if you don’t want to linger over a long lunch. Take your pick of savory buckwheat crêpes and galettes topped with comté cheese and ham or go for something sweet like salted caramel and Chantilly cream.

Have a drink at Bar Hemingway.

Bernhard Winkelmann/Bar Hemmingway

Before officially moving to Paris, I visited Bar Hemingway every time I came to town. Serving some of the best cocktails in the city, the cigar lounge-style space lined with Hemingway memorabilia is still a go-to when friends visit and on special occasions. Be sure to arrive as the bar opens (or even before) since it doesn’t take reservations.

Stroll in Musée National Gustave Moreau.

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“The symbolist painter turned his childhood neoclassical townhouse into a museum several years before his death in 1898. The best part is that what visitors see today is almost precisely as he left it when he passed. You’ll find enough paintings, watercolors, and sketches to keep you occupied — but with far fewer tourists to elbow your way through,” says Lindsey Tramuta , author of "The New Paris" and "The New Parisienne."

See a Cabaret show.

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Paris has a history of cabaret culture, some of the most famous being Le Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse . While the cancan never gets old, something just as French and risqué that’s lesser known is Madame Arthur , a drag cabaret and club in Pigalle where Serge Gainsbourg first played.

Visit Lafayette Anticipations.

Courtesy of Lafayette Anticipations

“When clients ask for an artsy place nearby, we answer Lafayette Anticipations , in the heart of the Marais, where you’ll find a mix of contemporary art, design, and fashion. They have a nice little café-restaurant, Mātēr, where you can get a bite or drinks after exhibitions or film screenings,” suggests the guest experience team at SO/ Paris .

Marvel at the beauty of Galerie Vivienne.

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Galerie Vivienne is one of the most impressive covered arcades in the city, with restaurant and café patios spilling out on the natural light-illuminated mosaic floor. Browse a mix of boutiques, wine shops, and old bookstores here, or take a seat at a tea house or traditional bistro.

Have a seat at Café de Flore.

Live your own version of "Midnight in Paris" by sipping coffee in the old stomping grounds of the Lost Generation. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montparnasse are dotted with Art Deco cafés once frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. One of the most fashionable is Café de Flore — you can’t beat the people watching from its outdoor terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Enjoy Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac.

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“I love the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , which has an incredible collection of primitive art from different civilizations, a panoramic terrasse with a menu created by Alain Ducasse, and cocktails by Margot Lecarpentier, the owner of Combat in Belleville,” says Timothée Prangee, co-owner and founder of farm-to-glass cocktail bar Little Red Door in the Marais.

Walk the grounds of Père Lachaise.

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The infamous inhabitants and their ornate burial plots aren’t the only reason to visit the Père Lachaise cemetery — although it’s like a Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Gothic graves and Haussmannian burial chambers belonging to everyone from French poet Apollinaire to Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf. Blanketed in gardens and sculptures, Paris’s largest cemetery is as much a park as it is a monument to French culture.

Linger in Marché Saint-Germain.

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“In a neighborhood that can feel so touristy, the Marché Saint-Germain is a hidden gem that you could walk right past. Don’t miss the superb coffee shop Le Café du Clown from the team behind Clown Bar , and before you leave the market, pick up a bottle of wine from the attached wine shop Bacchus et Ariane,” suggests Catherine Down , a Paris-based, James Beard Award-nominated food and travel writer and culinary tour guide.

Visit Belleville.

From the hillside Parc de Belleville and its 350-foot-high viewpoint, you’ll have some of the best panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Centre Pompidou , and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Once one of the city’s largest water reservoirs, the area is home to everything from the Place des Fêtes flea market to the “quartier chinois,” with Asian grocery stores and restaurants lining the rue de Belleville. My go-to is Lao Siam , but I also love the more traditional French fare at nearby Le Baratin.

Stroll in La Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection.

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Japanese architect Tadao Ando modernized the Bourse de Commerce , whose history dates back to the 13th century and has served as everything from a convent to Catherine de Medici’s palace before being transformed into the contemporary art museum it is today. In addition to the collection of work François Pinault has curated over the past 50 years, the Bourse de Commerce hosts exhibitions designed specifically for its light-filled rotunda.

Peruse the shelves at Shakespeare and Company.

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After checking Notre-Dame off your list, cross the Seine and peruse the titles on the leaning antique bookshelves of English bookstore Shakespeare and Company , which was once the meeting ground for the expat literary set in Paris. The café next door is also a great spot to sit and admire the adjacent cathedral while sipping the bookshop’s signature coffee blend.

Stroll along the Seine.

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Paris’s history stems from its landmark river, whose pedestrianized banks are bordered by gardens and museums like the Jean Nouvel-designed Institut du Monde Arabe . Brass bands and street musicians often perform along bridges like Pont des Arts, and bouquinistes (second-hand booksellers) set up stalls along walls overlooking the river. Two other bridges that are favorites of Victoire de Taillac, co-founder of Officine Universelle Buly: Pont Marie and Pont des Tournelles. Along the banks, you’ll also find floating bars, restaurants, and clubs housed in barges docked along the Seine, some of the most popular being Les Maquereaux and Rosa Bonheur .

Visit Canal Saint-Martin.

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The cast-iron footbridges along the Canal Saint-Martin have made this backdrop one of the more iconic ones in Paris, yet it still feels less busy than other shopping and dining destinations like the Marais. Spend the afternoon browsing the collection at concept store Centre Commercial or design bookshop Artazart before sitting down for apéro on the terrace of Chez Prune or for oysters at Sur Mer .

Enjoy the facade of the Palais-Royal.

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Across from the Louvre, Palais-Royal and its art installation of black-and-white-striped columns are a photo favorite. Grab a matcha latte from Café Kitsuné or ramen takeaway from the nearby rue Saint-Anne and post up on one of the benches in the courtyard gardens.

Shop for designer vintage goods.

Friends often ask for good vintage shops in Paris, and one of the best is Thanx God I'm a V.I.P. , off the Canal Saint-Martin. The shop stocks a mix of pieces from major designers and brands like Chanel and Hermès, plus a selection of reasonably priced vintage accessories like hats, scarves, and purses.

Visit concept shop Archive 18-20.

“Located in the trendy neighborhood of Le Marais, Archive 18-20 is more than a simple concept store — it’s a real Parisian hub where you’ll find an art gallery, book store, restaurant, and fashion all under the same roof,” says Stefan Viard, General Manager of SO/ in Europe.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 75 Best Things to Do in Paris (France)

75 Best Things to Do in Paris (France)

Even if you’ve never been to Paris you may feel like you already know the City of Light. And in most cities in the world you’d be scraping the barrel trying to find 75 genuinely worthwhile things to do. But that will never be the case in Paris.

Such is the amount of world-beating museums and sights we all know and love, there will never be a shortage of ideas. We reckon you could make another 75 with the rejects and still have the time of your life in Paris.

You can’t compose a list like this without having tried and trusted favourites like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, but we also have a few recherché places and experiences that merit the extra minutes on the RER or Métro.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Paris :

1. The Louvre

The world’s largest and most visited art museum has more than enough material for an article of its own.

The Louvre Palace started out as a medieval fortress, before becoming a gallery for artists to study antiquities and the works of Old Masters in the 1700s.

Fast forward 230 years and you have a museum that you’d need weeks to fully appreciate.

There are antiquities from scores of world cultures and a collection of Renaissance and Baroque art that puts every other museum in the world to shame.

If you are pressed for time, see the crème de la crème like the 2,200-year-old Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People (Delacroix), the Portrait of François I (Jean Clouet), the enigmatic Gabrielle d’Estrées and one of her sisters (Unknown) and of course the Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci).

2. Musée d’Orsay

In the astonishing confines of a Beaux-Arts railway station is a compendium of French art and culture from the mid-19th century to 1914. The Gare d’Orsay is on the left bank of the Seine and was completed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle.

After becoming obsolete for modern rail travel the building sat idle before being listed and turned into one of the largest art museums in the world, filling the gap between the Louvre and the National Museum of Modern Art at the Pompidou Centre.

In this unforgettable environment are scores of iconic works of art by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists like Renoir (Bal du Moulin de la Galette), Cézanne (The Card Players and Apples and Oranges), van Gogh (Starry Night Over the Rhône) and Manet (Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe).

3. Eiffel Tower

Even taking on board the queues and safety measures, how could you possibly come to Paris and not go up one of the world’s most famous landmarks? Built in time for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower stands at 324 metres and was the tallest structure in the country until the Millau Viaduct was completed in 2004. As an attraction it hardly needs introduction.

If you’re in the city for the first time then it needs to be a priority, but if you’re returning after a few years you can spot the city’s new landmarks, like the Fondation Louis Vuitton, from the observation decks.

Close to 7 million people ascend the Eiffel Tower every year; most go up to the first two levels where there are shops and restaurants, while the third level is still the highest accessible observation deck in Europe at 276 metres.

4. Notre-Dame de Paris

Hands-down the most famous and beloved Gothic monument in the world, the Notre-Dame’s unmistakeable towers rise from the eastern point of the Île de la Cité in the Seine.

In Paris’s Medieval core, the cathedral was begun in 1163 and completed just under 200 years later.

After picking up damage in the Revolution this monument was revitalised in the 19th century by the master restorer Viollet-le-Duc.

There are many reasons to brave the crowds and see the Notre-Dame, from the peerless sculpture on the facades (including the famous gargoyles), to the rose windows, stained glass, bell (enshrined in literature by Victor Hugo) and the view that can be had from its towers.

Despite the Revolution the treasury still has relics like the Crown of Thorns, while you can peer into Paris’s distant past in the excavations at the Archaeological Crypt.

5. Palace of Versailles

The largest and maybe the most famous palace in the world isn’t something to take lightly.

A testament to the opulence and excess of the ancient régime, Versailles grew from a hunting lodge in the 17th century to the ultimate statement of power in the century that followed.

André Le Nôtre, who perfected the French formal garden style, and the virtuoso artist and decorator Charles Le Brun are just two of the masters to leave their mark at Versailles.

You need a lot of time to get the most from the palace, its opulent apartments and the historic Hall of Mirrors that links them.

And the main palace is only one element, along with the bewilderingly large grounds, the Royal Opera House, Grand Canal, Neptune Basin, Grand and Petit Trianon, and not to forget Marie Antoinette’s own idyllic village, the Hameau de la Reine.

6. Hôtel des Invalides

Louis XIV founded the sumptuous Hôtel des Invalides in 1670 to house destitute and infirmed war veterans.

The building still fills that purpose, as a retirement home for servicemen and women, equipped with medical facilities.

For the military-minded or people enthused by French history there are also museums with martial themes inside.

One, the Musée des Plans, has tactical scale models of cities, designed for military commanders in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The Musée de l’Armée is France’s national military museum and has Medieval armour, canons, uniforms, military figurines, artillery, a Renault FT17 tank and a V-2 missile.

The Dôme des Invalides is what many come for, a former church and burial place for military heroes.

Here Napoleon’s red quartzite and green granite tomb sits in a circular hollow under the dome.

7. Musée de l’Orangerie

Built by Napoleon III, the grand orangery of the Tuileries Palace’s is a sensational museum for Impressionist and modern art.

The building had been put to a variety of uses before Monet donated his Nymphéas (Water Lilies) panels to the French government.

These were a monument to the end of the First World War and are displayed in the orangery’s fabled oval rooms.

More than 90 years later this cycle of eight paintings on the ground floor remains as subtly powerful as ever.

In the basement you’ll be treated to pieces by some of the most illustrious names in the history of art, like Paul Cézanne, Matisse, Renoir, Rousseau, Sisley, Picasso and Chaim Soutine.

8. Centre Georges Pompidou

Now more than 40 years after it sprouted in the 4th arrondissement’s Beaubourg Area, the postmodern Pompidou Centre and its inside-out design can still provoke a reaction.

Within, there’s an enormous library and alongside it is the IRCAM, avant-garde music institute.

But the main event is of course the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Europe’s largest modern art museum and one of the 10 most visited art museums in the world.

The collections take in every notable movement in modern and contemporary from 1905 to today.

Think Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Braque, Calder and Klee, but also giants from the last 60 years like Yves Klein, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik and Joseph Beuys.

There are also major temporary exhibitions on the panoramic top floor: Jeff Koons, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dalí have all featured in the last five years alone.

9. Arc de Triomphe

On Place de l’Etoile at the western end of the Champs-Elysées is the monumental astylar arch erected to celebrate the victories and remember the war dead of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The Arc de Triomphe is also at the centre point of the Axe Historique, a long, straight line linking monuments from La Défense in the west to the Louvre in the east.

And as for the arch its facades are carved with reliefs of key episodes from the 1790s and 1800s, like the Battle of Austerlitz and Fall of Alexandria.

On the pillars are sculptural groups, including the iconic Marsellaise, which has a winged personification of liberty leading the volunteers, to symbolise the Revolution’s 10 August uprising.

And finally, the names of the military leaders of the day are etched in the pillars, and those who died in battle are underlined.

10. Sainte-Chapelle

Embedded within the maze-like complex of the Palais de la Cité, the seat of France’s Kings up to the 1300s, the Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel constructed in just ten years up 1248. This is one of the first and most important works of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, a style known for its lightness and sense of height as you’ll know the moment you look up at the blue vaults trimmed with gold and dotted with fleurs-de-lis.

The Saint-Chapelle was ordered by King Louis IX to contain the relic of Christ’s Crown of Thorns, which has since been moved to the Notre-Dame.

And even though there was some damage in the Revolution the 15 breathtaking stained glass windows have survived almost unscathed since the 13th century and are held as some of the finest in the world.

11. Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum on the eastern cusp of the Bois de Boulogne started out as a repository for works from the First Empire (Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule). But in the 1950s and 60s the Marmottan received a series of massive donations of Impressionist art, including one from Michel, the second son of Claude Monet.

So in one stroke the museum had the largest single collection of Monet paintings in the world.

Among them is Impression, Sunrise, Monet’s seminal depiction of the port at Le Havre that gave the Impressionist movement its name.

There are also pieces from other luminaries of the period like Renoir, Degas, Gauguin, Morisot, Sisley and many more.

That collection of art and decorative items from the Napoleonic era remains, together with a spellbinding set of Medieval illuminated manuscripts.

12. Place de la Concorde

Paris’s largest square was plotted in 1755 and completed in 1772 between the Champs-Elysées and the Tuileries Garden.

Early on it was named Place Louis XV, while at the northern end of the square are a couple of splendid examples of the Rococo Louis Quinze architecture in fashion during his reign.

But the times soon changed, and the equestrian statue of Louis XV was dismantled in 1789 when the square became known as Place de la Révolution.

A guillotine was set up, and pillars of the French nobility, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were executed here.

Today you have to see the fountains created during the reign of Louis-Philippe in the 1830s, and the 3,500-year-old obelisk at the centre, which once stood at the entrance to the Luxor Temple.

13. Place des Vosges

In the Marais district allow an hour or so to bask in the historic ambience on this square.

Designed and built in one go at the start of the 17th century, the Place des Vosges is what made the Marais so fashionable for Paris’ upper class over the next 200 years.

The square is still lined with rows of red brick mansions in the Mannerist Louis XIII style, boasting dormer windows and white stone quoins.

You can marvel at the arcades on the ground floor or take in the scene from the dainty garden in the square.

Many of these mansions are now museums, including one preserving Victor Hugo’s residence.

Some other distinguished former residents are the woman of letters Madame de Sévigné and Cardinal Richelieu.

14. Musée Rodin

When August Rodin passed away in 1917 he bequeathed his works and personal collection to the French government, provided his workshop at the fine Hôtel Biron was converted into a museum.

This mansion dates back to the 1700s and is a fitting backdrop for some of the world’s most celebrated sculptures.

Rodin’s greatest works like The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais and The Gates of Hell all await.

Rodin’s muse, Camille Claudel is also represented, and there are thousands of sketches and photographs, many owned by Rodin himself.

Rodin was also an avid collector and gathered ancient antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as paintings by contemporary artists like Renoir and van Gogh.

15. Sacré-Coeur

At the highest point of the Butte Montmartre hill is a monument born out of a catastrophe.

Designed as a Romano-Byzantine basilica, the Sacré-Coeur is known the world over and was started in 1875 as penance for France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.

The ghostly white stone is travertine quarried south of Paris at Château-Landon.

You have to battle up Square Louise Michel below to be rewarded by what might be the best view of Paris.

Head inside to see the apse, which has one of the world’s largest mosaics in its ceiling, named Christ in Majesty.

For an even more complete view of the city you can scale the church’s iconic dome.

16. Musée de Cluny

South of the Île de la Cité by the Sorbonne is in the sumptuous Gothic and Renaissance mansion of the Abbots of Cluny.

The building’s earliest architecture is from the 14th century, and outside you can potter around the Medieval garden and courtyard dating to the 15th century and embellished with intricate stonework and mullioned windows.

The interior abounds with Medieval art of the highest order and has stained glass, Limoges enamel, carved ivory, illuminated manuscripts, 8th-century gold, sculpted reliefs, architectural fragments and religious statues.

Finest of all though is the Lady and the Unicorn, a set of six wool and silk tapestries woven in Flanders around 1500, seen by many as the pinnacle of art in the Middle Ages.

Also on the site are the sizeable remnants of the 2nd-century Gallo-Roman baths, Les Thermes du Nord.

17. Musée Jacquemart-André

In the 19th century Édouard André, the heir to a banking fortune, invested his wealth in an extraordinary art collection.

André and his wife, the respected painter Nélie Jacquemart, had an nose for Italian Renaissance painting and would head off to Italy each year to buy the works that grace their mansion in the 8th arrondissement.

On the tour of the couple’s state apartments, informal apartments, winter garden, an Italia gallery and private apartments there are paintings by Botticelli, Canaletto, Bellini, Perugino, Uccello, van Dyck, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, as well as sculpture by Donatello and Luca della Robbia.

18. Petit Palais

Another Beaux-Arts monument built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900, the Petit Palais is opposite its big brother the Grand Palais, between Pont Alexandre III and the Champs-Élysées.

The building has a trapezoidal shape and in the Beaux-Arts spirit abounds with ostentatious decoration on its facade and in its central courtyard.

Inside is the City of Paris Art Museum, which holds its own against the many other cultural attractions nearby.

With 1,300 pieces, the exhibition charts the entire history of art from antiquity to the 21st century.

Best of all are the Old Masters like Poussin, Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as a complete timeline of 19th-century French painting from Ingres to Cézanne, via Delacroix, Monet, Courbet, Sisley and Pissarro.

19. Palais Garnier

As much a hallmark of Paris as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, the Palais Garnier may well be the world’s most famous opera house.

The venue was commissioned by Napoleon III to coincide with Baron Haussmann’s grand renovation of Paris in the 1870s.

In an exuberant Beaux-Arts style, Palais Garnier is named for its architect Charles Garnier.

The facade has busts of famous composers between its Corinthian columns above figurative sculptures embodying the arts.

You could experience the interior as it was intended at an opera performance (expect to queue at short notice), or take a tour to be overwhelmed by the splendour of the Grand Foyer and Grand Staircase.

20. Jardin du Luxembourg

In the 6th arrondissement one of Paris’s go-to parks was conceived at the start of the 17th century by Marie de’ Medici for the Luxembourg Palace.

The French Senate now sits at the palace, and also owns the gardens.

In the summer you won’t find a better place to take a few minutes out from a busy day of sightseeing, amid this parterre of formal lawns and gravel paths.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is also a sight of its own, dotted with more than 100 statues, among which is a series for 20 French queens and illustrious women commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1848. Also present is an orchard with rare apple varieties, several greenhouses and an apiary.

Not to be missed is the Medici Fountain, dating to 1630, but moved and updated in the 19th century.

21. Jardin des Tuileries

On the Axe Historique between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde is the garden of the former Tuileries Palace.

This space was first landscaped in the 1560s by Catherine de’ Medici on the site of former tile factories, which is where the name comes from.

Later, the court landscape architect André Le Nôtre reworked the grounds in his French formal style, centred on the round Grand Bassin fountain.

As a royal property, the Jardin des Tuileries only opened to the public after the Revolution.

In 1792 it was the scene of a massacre when the palace was stormed by a mob trying to get to Louis XVI, and the Swiss Guard protecting the king was killed.

The gardens are rich with public art by Giacometti, Rodin and Maillol.

22. Musée du Quai Branly

A few steps along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower is a museum for the indigenous cultures of Oceania, the Americas, Asia and Africa.

There’s no danger of missing the Musée du Quai Branly because one of its buildings is literally alive.

The “green wall” on the “Bâtiment Branly” is the brainchild of botanist Patrick Blanc and is made up of 15,000 plants of 150 varieties.

In the dimly lit and creatively designed interior you’ll go on a winding trip through places and times, confronted by artefacts like Moorish brooches, West African ritual masks, Native American totem poles, portrait masks from Peru and a ceremonial throne from Indonesia.

The museum gardens are also extraordinary, resembling a miniature wilderness, in an environment of pools, streams, tree groves and little hills.

23. Catacombs

In the final decades of the 18th century Paris was in dire need of extra cemetery space.

As grim as it sounds the mass graves at Les Innocents cemetery were quite literally overflowing at that time, so for the answer the city looked to a network of limestone mines dating back to medieval times.

These are in the 14th arrondissement, 20 metres below street level where the temperature is a steady 14 degrees.

Some six million bones were moved here up to 1810. At first these were stacked randomly, but the engineer Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury decided to make the catacombs a visitable mausoleum, and had the femurs, skulls arranged in jaunty, decorative patterns.

People still get lost in this eerie, 1.7-kilometre maze of tunnels so remember to keep close to your guide!

24. Coulée Verte René-Dumont

In 1988 the old railway line heading east through the 12th arrondissement was cleverly reconfigured into a park.

The Coulée Verte runs for almost five kilometres from the Opéra Bastille to the edge of the Boulevard Périphérique using a viaduct and tunnels on the way.

The lines dates back to 1859 and had been left abandoned since the 1960s before being regenerated by architects Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely.

In some places the vegetation that had cropped up along the railway has been kept, while in others, particularly on the Viaduc des Arts in the west, the Coulée Verte has been neatly landscaped with water features, trimmed hedges and manicured bushes.

25. Tour Montparnasse

In the neighbourhood of the same name towards the south of the city proper is Paris’s second highest building.

A 210-metre office skyscraper, the Tour Montparnasse went up in the early 70s and its black, monolithic outline stands out against the stone architecture beneath it.

For this reason and many others the Tour Montparnasse has never been an object of universal affection.

But one thing you can’t criticise the tower for is its view, partly because the Tour Montparnasse isn’t part of it! The fastest elevator in Europe will whisk you up 200 metres in 38 seconds.

And at the top you can see more than 40 kilometres on clear days, behind the windows on the 56th floor or on the open-air terrace above.

26. Père Lachaise Cemetery

On a hill in the eastern 20th arrondissement, the Père Lachaise Cemetery opened at the beginning of the 19th century and is the city’s most coveted place to be laid to rest.

The site itself has some history as it was once the home of François de la Chaise, Louis XIV’s confessor.

Among the cemetery’s 70,000 plots are hundreds of important historical figures.

The joy of a visit is tracking down their plots and checking out the Historicist designs of their mausoleums and memorial stones among in the surrounding greenery.

And to give a sense of who’s buried here, the list includes Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, as well as French cultural giants like Balzac, Camille Corot, Chopin, Géricault, Molière, Pissaro and Edith Piaf to name just a few.

27. Musée des Arts Décoratifs

In a labyrinthine building on the Rue de Rivoli between the Louvre and Tuileries is a museum for decorative arts from Medieval times to the 20th century.

Established by the Union des Arts Décoratifs in 1905, the museum and its collection are vast.

Around 6,000 objects are on show at any one time, from Renaissance tapestries, to tableware, graphic arts, silk wallpaper and sculpture.

If you’re pushed for time you could decide to concentrate on one sphere, be it Art Nouveau and Art Deco design (covered by 10 whole rooms), or porcelain by the Sèvres Manufactory.

The glass collection is the richest in France, and has incredible pieces by Lalique, Baccarat, Tiffany and Gallé to name a few.

28. Musée Nissim de Camondo

In 1911 the banker Moïse de Camondo had this regal Neoclassical mansion built in the 8th arrondissement to house his invaluable collection of decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The house has been preserved exactly as it was a century ago, with furniture and decorative pieces still in place.

Anyone with an eye for French savoir-faire will be in their element among three floors of the finest furniture, textiles and porcelain.

There are paintings by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Savonnerie carpets woven in the 1600s for the Louvre’s Grand Galerie, Aubusson and Beauvais tapestries, and chairs, tables and desks by artisans associated the Garde Meuble (Royal Furniture Repository).

29. Panthéon

On the Latin Quarter’s Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon looks out over the Seine and is where some of France’s most famous citizens have been interred.

Constructed between 1758 and 1790, it was originally intended as a church.

But no sooner was it completed than France was in the midst of the Revolution and Mirabeau ordered it to be secularised and turned into a mausoleum for great Frenchmen.

The Panthéon borrows from the Pantheon in Rome, and was one of the first Neoclassical buildings in France.

Among the burials in the necropolis are the cream of French science, thought and culture, like Marie Curie, Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas and Émile Zola.

30. Jardin des Plantes

France’s chief botanical garden, the Jardin des Plantes has more than 10,000 species growing in themed gardens and greenhouses on the left bank.

One of the centrepieces is the Alpine Garden, with 3,000 species next to twisting paths.

There’s also an experimental garden, an Art Deco-style winter garden, an exceptionally diverse rose garden and Australian and Mexican greenhouses.

On the north side the park has a small zoo, which was moved from Versailles during the Revolution.

And on top of all that there are branches of the French Museum of Natural History on the edges of the park, including galleries for Palaeontology and Anatomy, Botany, Mineralogy and Geology and Evolution, all in separate pavilions.

31. Musée des Arts et Métiers

At the Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory by the Arts et Métiers Métro station is a museum championing France’s greatest inventions.

The setting is historic on its own, as the monastery buildings are among Paris’s best preserved pieces of Medieval heritage.

But what’s inside them is even more thrilling.

The museum was founded in 1794 to recognise French contributions to science and technology, and around 2,500 objects from an archive of more than 80,000 are on show.

Some that helped change the world are Foucault’s pendulum, Bartholdi’s model of the Statue of Liberty, a host of early aircraft like Ader Avion III by Clément Ader, a Panhard & Levassor Type A (one of the earliest cars) and Lenoir’s Gas Engine from 1860.

32. Bois de Vincennes

Southeast of the city, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest park in Paris at almost 1,000 hectares.

To put that into perspective that is 10% of Paris’s total area! The park was founded between 1855 and 1866 as part of Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann’s Renovation of Paris.

Long before that it had been a hunting park for the Medieval Kings of France, who resided at the Château de Vincennes on the northern border of the park.

That property, famed for its towering keep was where the English King Henry V died in 1422. There’s a host of attractions in the Bois de Vincennes, which is hardly surprising for the park’s size.

As well as the Paris Zoo there’s also the Parc Floral, a 31-hectare botanical attraction that has a sculpture garden with works by Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti.

33. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

On the left bank of the Seine, Saint-Germain-des- Prés is a quarter that rose to fame in the middle of the 20th century when it became the haunt of thinkers, writers and artists like Jean-Paul Sartre, Juliette Gréco, Samuel Beckett and Alberto Giacometti.

The quarter’s reputation for wild nightlife and non-conformism went back to just after the First World War: Low rents and proximity to the university drew young, fashionable types, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés was home to Paris’s jazz clubs and its gay community, which continued to thrive even in the Second World War.

Now, although the louche ambience and artists have gone, Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains young, stylish and dynamic, and somewhere to come for bookshops, bars, galleries, historic cafes and design shops on narrow streets.

34. Grand Palais

Across from the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais is from that flurry of construction leading up to the Exposition Universelle in 1900. Crowned with Le Tricolor, the building is nothing short of spectacular and another of Paris’s enduring monuments thanks to its exuberant Beaux-Arts design and floating steel and glass vaults.

The Grand Palais is still among the city’s top exhibition venues: At the time of writing there were concurrent exhibitions for Gauguin, Rubens and Irving Penn.

Also inside is the Palais de la Découverte, a much-loved science museum founded in 1937. A fascinating exhibit here is the School of Rats, where real research is being done on the learning processes of animals.

35. Le Marais

In the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Marais was once swampy, uninhabitable ground north of the city.

But from the 13th century to the 18th century it became the preferred address for Paris’s nobility.

The neighbourhood’s golden age was in the 1600s and 1700s, when the delightful Place des Vosges was built.

There are dignified properties from around this time across the district.

See the Hôtel de Soubise, now housing the Museum of French History, and the neighbouring Hôtel de Rohan, which holds the National archives.

The Marais is now one of the hippest quarters in the city, with a large LBGT community, endless art galleries, artists’ ateliers and enough boutiques to last a lifetime.

36. Canal Saint-Martin

Crossing the cosmopolitan 19th, 10th and 11th arrondissements, the Canal Saint-Martin is 4.5 kilometres long and dates back 200 years.

Beginning at the reservoir in Parc de la Villette, the canal is open-air all the way to Place de la République when it moves underground until Place de la Bastille.

The canal was started under Napoleon in 1805 with the intention of channelling clean drinking water into the city and minimising diseases like cholera.

Later that century warehouses were built on its banks, and these have since become stylish homes.

The banks are lined with shops, cafes and bars with waterside terraces, and you can pause for a few minutes under the foliage in an area of the city not many tourists see.

37. Montmartre

A byword for Belle Époque bohemianism, Montmartre is a more intimate Paris away from the grand boulevards and towering apartment blocks.

These cobblestone streets on the stiff slope of the Butte Montmartre are flanked by cute, low houses and invite you to explore to your heart’s content.

Montmartre was really put on the map in the last decades of the 19th century when Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pissarro, van Gogh and Modigliani lived and worked in the neighbourhood.

There’s nightlife of course, and this becomes bawdier further down the hill in the Pigalle quarter, home of the Moulin Rouge.

Look for the Moulin de la Galette, a 17th-century windmill immortalised by Renoir, van Gogh and Pissarro.

38. Église Saint-Sulpice

An obligatory sight in Saint-Germain-des-Près, the Église Saint-Sulpice is Paris’s second largest church behind the Notre-Dame.

Anne of Austria, Queen to Louis XIII, laid the foundation stone for a dramatic Baroque redesign in 1646, although work would drag on for almost a century due to conflicts like the Fronde civil wars from 1648 to 1653. The western facade, begun in 1732, was initially inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral in London, but was reworked throughout the 18th century to bring it more in line with Classical architecture.

The grand scale of the church becomes clear as soon as you step inside: The highlight is the first side chapel on the right, the Chapelle des Saints-Anges, which has murals painted by Delacroix from 1855-1861.

39. Latin Quarter

In the days of Ancient Lutetia, the Roman elites lived on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, now capped by the Panthéon.

The name, Latin Quarter, doesn’t come from that time, but is related to the Paris-Sorbonne University: As Latin was the language of academia, lectures were held in Latin all the way up to the Revolution, so it was the main tongue in this part of the city.

Despite rising rents, the Latin Quarter still has a young feel on its tangle of alleyways.

That’s down to the many institutions of higher education and research centres.

And the high concentration of young people made it the nerve centre of the protest movements in the 1960s that shook France to its foundations.

In May 1968 students took Place St.

Michel and even declared it an independent state.

40. Les Passages Couverts

Paris wouldn’t be Paris without its covered shopping arcades, which are mostly found in the 1st, 2nd and 8th arrondissements on the right bank.

Nearly all are from the first decades of the 19th century, smartly cutting between two parallel streets to make the most of the limited space in the city at the time.

Of the 150 passages before 1850, most were lost during Baron Haussmann’s renovation of Paris, but nearly all of the survivors are in immaculate condition and host tearooms, cafes and sometimes quirky, old-time shops.

The swankiest are Passage du Grand-Cerf, Galerie Véro-Dodat and Galerie Vivienne.

And two others worth a mention are Passage du Caire, the longest at 360 metres and hosting clothing wholesalers, and Galerie Colbert, which is owned by the National Institute of Art History and the only public passage without shops.

41. Jardin d’Acclimatation

As a city of art, serious museums and nightlife, Paris isn’t always ideal for kids.

But a more convenient and much cheaper alternative to Disneyland Paris lies in the northern part of the Bois de Boulogne.

This theme park has changed a lot since it was opened by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie in 1860, but is old-school and traditional at heart.

There are carousels, pony rides, a zip-line, a miniature train, an enchanted river ride, a boating lake, small roller coasters and all manner of playgrounds including one with water that is always a hit with little ones in summer.

And ever-popular are the animal habitats for donkeys, sheep, alpacas, camels, pigs, or the peacocks that go where they please.

42. Fondation Louis Vuitton

On the southern fringe of the Jardin d’Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne is what looks like a massive mechanical creature crouching in the foliage.

This is Paris’s newest major art attraction and opened in October 2014 after almost a decade of planning.

The architect was Frank Gehry, as you might tell from one glance at the building’s abstract lines, comprising 12 “sails”. There’s a small exhibition about how this building was designed and constructed, and two headline-grabbing temporary exhibitions a year.

At the time of writing this article the main event was an exhibition by MoMa with works by Picasso, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Max Beckmann, Jasper Johns, Gustav Klimt, Rem Koolhaas, Paul Cézanne and many more.

43. Pont Neuf

Translating to “New Bridge”, Pont Neuf is in fact the oldest stone bridge in Paris, begun in 1578 and completed in 1606. It crosses the Seine on the western point of Île de la Cité, and there are seven arches from the right bank to the island, and then five from the island to the left bank.

Henry IV ordered the bridge, and he is remembered with an equestrian statue from 1618 at the point where the bridge crosses the island.

Like many royal monuments the statue fell victim to the Revolution and was destroyed in 1792, but then restored in 1818. Come around to the side for a better look at the bridge’s “mascarons”, grotesque faces on the corbels in the cornice.

You don’t need to count them, but there are 384 in all.

44. Musée Albert Kahn

At the dawn of the 20th century the banker Albert Kahn set out on a mission to record the world with photography and film.

Over 22 years he sent photographers and cameramen to all corners of the globe,. And the project was only stopped by the Wall Street Crash.

In the end “Archives of the Planet” amounted to 72,000 colour pictures and 180,000 metres of film.

These form the basis for the museum exhibition.

Outside are gardens of the world that he commissioned more than a century ago.

In four hectares there are French and English gardens, as well as a traditional and contemporary Japanese garden.

Kahn also recreated a patch of forest from the Vosges, and a “blue forest” where azaleas and rhododendrons flower in spring.

45. Guimet Museum

The industrialist Émile Étienne Guimet was an avid traveller and in the 1870s was sent to Asia to conduct a survey of religion on the continent.

During his trip he amassed an inconceivably large and rich collection of art.

The museum, which opened in 1889, is one of the largest arrays of Asian art outside Asia.

And what’s clever about the exhibition is the way contemporary art is sprinkled in with antiquities.

To give you sense of what’s in store, there are Indian fabrics, Greco-Buddhist sculptures from Afghanistan and Pakistan and Japanese samurai armour.

And from China there are statues and porcelain, paintings and reliefs from various dynasties dating back to the Han Dynasty in the 1st century.

46. Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois

If you have time to kill before your entry slot for the Louvre, you could do a lot worse than take a closer look at this stunning church on the east side.

Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois dates all the way back to the 600s, and has a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance design.

The 15th-century main portal is original, and has beautiful carvings on its archivolts and jambs, while inside is a sensational 13th-century wooden statue of Saint-Germain, a Flemish 16th-century altarpiece and a pew designed for Louis XIV by Charles Le Brun and Claude Perrault in the 1680s.

Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, Charles-André van Loo and many other artists who once lived at the Louvre have their tombs at this church.

47. Cour Carrée

Something else to divert you while you’re waiting to go into the Louvre is the most celebrated of the palace’s courtyards: The Cour Carrée was ordered by François I as part of the Western Extension in the 16th century and is held as one of the greatest achievements of Mannerist architecture in France.

Pierre Lescot led the design between 1546 and 1551, producing a benchmark for French Classicism.

Responsible for the ornamentation was the sculptor Jean Goujon, who contributed the masterful friezes, high-reliefs, drapery and statues in the niches from 1555 to 1562.

48. Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique

Hop on Line 9 of the Métro to the western suburbs to visit the French National Ceramics Museum.

Sèvres is the most revered name in French ceramics, and has been the site of a Royal, then Imperial and now National Manufactory since 1756. In 2010 a joint museum opened in Sèvres and at the other famous porcelain centre at Limoges.

The Paris branch has almost 50,000 pieces of ceramics from all eras.

The largest chunk of the exhibition deals with invaluable European porcelain from the 1400s to the 1800s, but there’s also Moorish earthenware, Ancient Greek ceramics, Chinese porcelain and terracotta from North America.

49. Parc de Saint-Cloud

A French “Jardin Notable”, the Parc de Saint-Cloud is on the ground of a lavish royal property overlooking the Seine and blessed with a vista of the city to die for.

The Château de Saint-Cloud had been a residence for Marie Antoinette, but was obliterated in the shelling during the Siege of Paris in 1870. Now, the outline of the old chateau has been marked by yew tree topiaries, while André Le Nôtre’s Baroque formal gardens are still here, along with Mare Antoinette’s rose garden.

You can while away a few minutes at La Lanterne revelling in a panorama of Paris that not many tourists get to see.

50. Pont Alexandre III

Completed for the Exposition Universelle in 1900, what may be Paris’s finest bridge is named after Tsar Alexander II, celebrating France’s ties with Russia.

Built with a single arch to allow boats to pass below, you could call Pont Alexandre III the perfect Beaux-Arts statement in the way it combines technical mastery with extravagant decoration.

On each bank there’s a pair of tall stone pedestals or socles, serving both as a counterbalance and decoration.

They are topped with golden statues of Fames restraining Pegasus.

The two on the right bank represent the arts and science, while those on the left bank are for commerce and industry.

Then above the bridge’s arch are two nymphs to symbolise the Franco-Russian alliance, one for the Seine and one for St Petersburg’s Neva River.

51. Île Saint-Louis

The smaller of Paris’s river islands, Île Saint-Louis is a just upriver from Île de la Cité and links to neighbour by the Pont Saint-Louis.

Where Île de la Cité is full of pomp, this island is quieter and residential, but lovely in its own way.

It was developed in the reign of Louis XIII from the beginning of the 17th century, and there are still a few handsome townhouses from this period.

In the 1700s and 1800s this was a neighbourhood in the same vein as Le Marais or Faubourg Saint-Germain.

The purpose of a visit now is to escape the crowds, explore its small grid of streets and dine at one of the bistros or brasseries.

Berthillon here is an ice cream parlour with worldwide fame for its exotic sorbets like passion fruit and fig.

52. Parc des Buttes Chaumont

In 1867 a park opened on what had only recently been a quarry for gypsum and limestone in the northeast of the city proper.

The designer was Jean-Charles Alphand, Napoleon III’s trusted landscape architect during Baron Haussmann’s overhaul of the city.

The old quarry was remodelled into a thing of beauty, reminiscent of Ancient Rome.

At the top of a 50-metre cliff is the Temple de la Sibylle, based on the Temple of Tivoli in Vesta.

In the rocky mass there’s also a grotto, which is a vestige of the quarry’s galleries.

The picturesque waterfall inside the grotto is fed by waters from the Canal Saint-Martin and ends up in the lake at the base of the rock.

53. Musée des Arts Forains

In an old wine warehouse in the southeast of the city is an astounding collection of vintage fairground rides and automata put together by the art and antiques dealer Jean Paul Favand.

There are 14 rides in total, among which are carousels and merry-go-rounds, as well as 16 stalls for games and more than 1,500 smaller curiosities like a Hooghuys Organ, all dating from 1850 to 1950. Up close you’ll see the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the sculptures on the carousels, amusement games and automata.

Outside the Christmas period you have to sign up for a tour in advance.

These are given in French but there’s a brochure in English explaining the exhibits.

54. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

A quick jaunt from the Palais Garnier is the flagship of the revered department store brand, Galeries Lafayette.

Receiving around 25 million shoppers a year, this one store generates 1.8 billion Euros in sales, more than London’s Harrods or New York’s Bloomingdale’s.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann opened in 1894, and a location designed to catch Paris’s moneyed bourgeoisie.

In 1907 it was given its first makeover, and this is when the monumental Neo-Byzantine was installed, 43 metres above the shop floor.

A later update in 1932 gave the store its characteristic Art Deco styling.

Luxury shoppers need look no further, but if you’re just here to see the sights, make sure to go up to the terrace to gaze over the Opera Garnier, Invalides and Eiffel Tower.

55. Parc Monceau

Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans was a cousin of Louis XVI and wouldn’t be spared the guillotine during the Revolution.

But from 1778 he built himself a park in what is now the extremely posh northern part of the 8th arrondissement.

The park was right on the Wall of the Ferme générale, a system of tolls built not long before the Revolution to collect taxes on goods brought into the city.

The big rotunda at the main entrance of the park is from 1787 and is one such toll station.

There are original monuments from Louis Philippe’s garden like an ice house shaped like a pyramid and a gorgeous Classical colonnade beside the pond.

In 1797-98 the aviation pioneer André-Jacques Garnerin performed world firsts with hot air balloons and parachutes in this park.

56. Marché d’Aligre

The best food markets in Paris are a little off the tourist trail, and there’s a great one in Quartier des Quinze-Vingts a couple of streets up from the Coulée Verte René-Dumont.

A vital local amenity the Marché d’Aligre trades six days a week, and has both outdoor stalls and a covered market with three halls.

At the permanent stalls inside are boucheries and charcuteries selling meat preparations from around France, so that might be cured Bayonne ham, rilettes, pâté, terrines, foie gras as well as chicken and pork cooked on rotisseries.

The square outside is packed with noisy traders selling seasonal fruit, vegetables, flowers and fresh herbs.

57. Basilica of Saint-Denis

All but three Kings of France were buried at this Gothic church in the suburb of Saint-Denis.

It’s a satisfying timeline of French history that begins with Clovis I in the 6th century and ends with Louis XVIII who died in 1824. The neighbourhood in the north of the city isn’t the prettiest, but is only a quick journey on the RER or Transilien trains.

Your sense of adventure will be rewarded by dozens of stunning recumbent tombs sculpted between the 1100s and 1500s.

The basilica was inevitably ransacked during the Revolution and the bodies were moved to a mass grave.

When the Bourbons were restored to the throne after Napoleon the mixed-up remains were moved to the crypt where they’re kept in an ossuary and their names are marked by marble plaques.

58. La Défense

At the far western end of the Axe Historique is a district that looks like nowhere else in Paris.

A jungle of futuristic glass and steel architecture, La Défense cropped up in the 1960s and new skyscrapers are still being built today.

It goes without saying that not many people visit Paris for the skyscrapers, but if you’re fond of modern art and architecture La Défense is a must.

More than 70 listed pieces of public art can be found here, most around the pedestrianised central extension of the Axe Historique, also home to the massive Quatre Temps mall.

There are pieces by Alexander Calder, Joan Miró and Richard Serra, along with newer installations by the likes of Guillaume Bottazzi.

But the undoubted emblem of La Défense is the 110-metre Grande Arche, clearly visible from Arc de Triomphe and completed in 1989.

59. Marché Poncelet

At the other end of the spectrum to Marché d’Aligre, Marché Poncelet is an upscale market in the affluent 17th arrondissement.

Just one stop on the Métro from the Arc de Triomphe, it’s a given that you’ll have to pay a higher price for groceries and high-quality treats.

The market is on Rue Poncelet and Rue Bayen, where permanent shops have counters along the street.

There are wine merchants, fromageries, butchers, including one selling horse meat, a branch of the revered Daguerre Marée fishmongers, and of course enormous selections of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Come by early and treat yourself to an oven-fresh croissant.

60. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine

The terrace of the Palais de Chaillot has a view of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine that is etched in history.

This building comprising separate eastern and western wings dates to the Exposition Internationale in 1937 and replaced Palais du Trocadéro, established 50 years earlier for the 1878 World’s Fair.

There are three museums in the Palais de Chaillot, the most fascinating of which is Museum of French Monuments, set up by the highly influential architect and restorer Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1879. In the exhibition are casts of the marvellous cathedral portals around the country, along with a gallery of stained glass and examples of innovative modern building designs, like a full-sized replica of an apartment by Le Corbusier.

61. Saint-Eustache

Many world-changing personalities have passed through the portal of this church at Les Halles.

Louis XIV received his first communion at Saint-Eustache, while the future Cardinal Richelieu, Molière and future Madame de Pompadour were baptised here.

Later, Mozart chose the church for his mother’s funeral and the last rites for Mirabeau were read at this spot in 1791. The church was started in 1532 and its architecture is made up of Renaissance ornamentation on a Gothic plan.

Despite being relatively short the 33-metre vaults create an uplifting sense of scale and wonderful sound.

Saint-Eustache also has France’s largest organ, and free concerts are given every Sunday, while symphony orchestras regularly take advantage of the building’s superlative acoustics.

62. La Cinémathèque Française

Near the Seine in the southeast of the city is the kind of eye-popping building that only Frank Gehry could have designed.

La Cinémathèque Française is in the former American Center, built in 1994, and is a repository of wonders from the history of cinema.

There are magic lanterns from the 17th century (and a collection of 25,000 projection plates) and the inventions by Auguste and Louis Lumière, along with cameras, posters, sets, props and even costumes worn by Louis Brooks, Greta Garbo and Vivien Leigh.

Every year a new heavyweight of film is chosen for an exhibition, and recent subjects have been Antonioni, Scorsese, Truffaut and Gus van Sant.

63. Stade de France

The other big draw in Saint-Denis is France’s national sport stadium.

The Stade de France was constructed for the 1998 World Cup (won by France), and echoes with two decades of sporting memories.

You can sample the atmosphere is at national football and rugby matches, or during the many concerts held each year.

But if you’re keen to know the innovative methods used in construction, and want to go behind the scenes you can join one of the daily 90-minute tours taking you pitch-side and into the dressing rooms.

On the way there’s tons of memorabilia like signed sports jerseys and guitars, as well as handprints left by some stars who have performed in the stadium like Zidane, Laurent Blanc and Jonny Wilkinson.

64. Conciergerie

Up to the 14th century the Conciegerie (part of the Palais de la Cité) was the seat of the French kings until Charles V moved across to the Louvre Palace in 1358. From the end of the 14th century all the way up to the 1900s the Conciergerie was used as a prison, where inmates were organised according to their wealth.

The most notorious phase was the Revolution when Marie Antoinette was counted among the prisoners, but Napoleon III was also an inmate after a failed coup against King Louis Philippe.

Today the building is mostly taken up by law courts, but a large section is open to the public, revealing the historic kitchens and Gothic Salle des Gardes (Gaurds’ Hall) and Salle des Gens d’Armes (Soldiers’ Hall).

65. Faubourg Saint-Germain

To encounter Paris at its most palatial, continue along the Champ de Mars from the Eiffel Tower to enter the Faubourg Saint-Germain, France’s most wealthy district.

Up to the 17th century this patch of land on the left bank of the Seine was all marshes and farms before Louis XIV built Les Invalides.

And slowly, over the course of the 1700s Paris’s nobility started to switch their attention to this quarter from Le Marais, as the left bank was quieter and less polluted.

One of the finest palaces built in that time are Palais de la Légion d’Honneur, originally built in the 1780s for Frederick III, Prince of Salm-Kyrburg, who was guillotined in 1794.The Prime Minister’s residence, Hôtel Matignon (1725) is also in the district, and was built at such great expense that its owner was forced to sell as soon as it was finished.

66. Marché Bastille

The Boulevard Richard Lenoir, lying on top of the Canal Saint-Martin, welcomes one of Paris’s biggest and fanciest markets every Thursday and Sunday.

From roughly 07:30 ’til 14:30 on Thursday and 15:00 on Sunday there several supermarkets’ worth of produce at more than 100 stalls.

These are laden with fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, charcuterie, eggs, cheese, preserves, bread, pastries, fish and seafood.

All this goodness is bound to leave you peckish and there’s no lack of stalls selling freshly shucked oysters and white wine to go with it, potato gratin, or chicken hot of the rotisserie.

67. Seine River Trip

Yes it may be a cliché, but there’s logic to taking a cruise on the River Seine.

And that’s because so many of the Paris’s monuments are on the river, from the Eiffel Tower in the west to the Notre-Dame in the east.

With continuous guided commentary to fill you in, you’ll float past the famous embankments and under bridges like Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. The river excursions business is run by a duopoly of Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens, and both provide a menu of cruises whether you want a simple sightseeing trip in a glass boat or fine dining on the water in the evening.

68. Rue Crémieux

If you’re waiting for a train at Gare de Lyon, give yourself a minute or two to amble along this sweet pedestrian street close by.

With its shutters and colourful pastel painted walls, Rue Crémieux looks like it could be in a village in the south rather than one of Paris’s busiest transport hubs.

Some of the odd-numbered houses on the east side have trompe l’oeil paintings of birds, vines, windows or timbers, and every house on the street has a little flourish of plants and flowers in pots along the pavement.

69. Palais-Royal

Now occupied by the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture the Palais-Royal is a former royal property opposite the Louvre just off Rue Saint-Honoré.

The palace’s first name though was Palais-Cardinal, and Richelieu lived in the palace up to his death in 1642. One of many important tenants was Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was regent after the five-year-old Louis XV ascended the throne in 1715 and formed a government at the Palais-Royal.

At the inner courtyard is Les Deux Plateaux, an art installation of striped columns of varying sizes by Daniel Buren.

Walled by the palace’s arcades are the 18th-century gardens, designed by Victor Louis, with straight, precise rows of trees trimmed to right angles and a circular basin at the centre.

70. Musée Picasso

In Le Marais the Musée Picasso reopened in 2014 after a five-year renovation.

The museum is in the refined Hotel Salé, a Baroque townhouse commissioned in the 1650s for a tax farmer collecting salt tax, which explains the name.

The museum is state-owned, and gathered its collection by allowing Picasso’s descendants to pay inheritance tax in the form of art.

Since 1968 it has assembled a remarkable array of works, more than 5,000 in total, charting each of Picasso’ phases, but also revealing his creative process.

The sculpture collection is acclaimed, but there are also paintings, sketches, drawings, engravings, illustrations, photographs and filmed footage.

Some of Picasso’s private collection is also here, from ancient Iberian Bronzes and African statues to paintings by Matisse, Degas, Seurat and Paul Cézanne.

71. Rue Saint-Honoré

If you’re in the mood for an idle stroll there’s no better street than Rue Saint-Honoré.

East to west, this street is roughly parallel with Rue de Rivoli and runs from Les Halles to La Madeleine the famed 12th-century church re-founded as a Neoclassical temple by Napoleon.

If there’s a luxury brand worth its salt, you’ll find it on Rue Saint-Honoré.

The high-end shops are clustered around the west end of the street where there are names like Max Mara, Valentino, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Fendi at every turn.

There’s lots of interesting trivia tied to the street: Joan of Arc was wounded here in 1429 during an attack on Paris when it was controlled by the English, and in 1610 Henry IV was assassinated just off the eastern end on Rue de la Ferronnerie by a Catholic fanatic.

72. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

On the other side of Montmartre, just beyond the Boulevard Périphérique is a market with the largest concentration of antiques dealers and second-hand shops in the world.

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen was born as an assortment of rag-and-bone dealers removed from the city, and its creation was linked to Eugène Poubelle making the dustbin compulsory in Paris in 1884. The market has permanent shops and stalls on indoor and outdoor streets, and is open Saturday to Monday.

Each street has its own character and specialty, be it furniture, vintage cameras, toys, kitchenware and books.

The most upmarket stalls are at the outdoor Marché Paul Bert Serpette frequented by the rich and famous hunting for antique jewellery, clothing and furniture.

73. Rue des Martyrs

Climbing into Montmarte from Le Pigalle, with the dome of the Sacré-Cœur in sight, Rue des Martyrs is a slice of the earthy Paris of old.

There are some 200 independent businesses on the street, from thriving cafes and bars to bookshops, antiques dealers, grocers, patisseries, specialty food shops and the live music venue Le Divan du Monde.

The street got its name for supposedly being the place where Saint Denis, patron saint of Paris, was decapitated by the Romans in the 200s.

Meanwhile its shops and the everyday people living on the street were the subject of an entire book by New York Times’ Paris correspondent Elaine Sciolino in 2016.

74. Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park

Disneyland is by far the furthest attraction on this list from the centre of Paris.

But it’s doable if you catch the RER A from Nation, or even faster and a bit more expensive on the TGV from Charles de Gaulle Airport.

For youngsters the whole thing will be a dream come true.

At Disneyland Park they can meet Mickey and their favourite movie characters, and hit rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain: Mission 2. Fantasyland and the Sleeping Beauty Castle have enough magic to bring a smile to jaded grown-ups.

Older kids and adults could have even more fun at the Walt Disney Studios Park, a separate park about the moviemaking business, for stunt shows with high production values.

75. Palais de Tokyo

Upriver from the Palais de Chaillot is another monumental project for the World Fair in 1937. In 2001 the west wing of the Palais de Tokyo became a space for contemporary art exhibitions, also staging talks, fashion shows, concerts, movie screenings and performance art.

The stark, neutral design of the building makes it a kind of blank canvas for contemporary artists: Since 2012 it has added permanent “site-specific installations” by Laurent Derobert, Emmanuelle Lainé and Jean-Michel Alberola, among others.

The Palais de Tokyo also has a bookshop, two gardens, two restaurants and lots of activities and workshops for kids.

75 Best Things to Do in Paris (France):

• Musée d'Orsay
• Eiffel Tower
• Notre-Dame de Paris
• Palace of Versailles
• Hôtel des Invalides
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Centre Georges Pompidou
• Arc de Triomphe
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Musée Marmottan Monet
• Place de la Concorde
• Place des Vosges
• Musée Rodin
• Sacré-Coeur
• Musée de Cluny
• Musée Jacquemart-André
• Petit Palais
• Palais Garnier
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Musée du Quai Branly
• Coulée Verte René-Dumont
• Tour Montparnasse
• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs
• Musée Nissim de Camondo
• Jardin des Plantes
• Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Bois de Vincennes
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Grand Palais
• Canal Saint-Martin
• Église Saint-Sulpice
• Latin Quarter
• Les Passages Couverts
• Jardin d'Acclimatation
• Fondation Louis Vuitton
• Musée Albert Kahn
• Guimet Museum
• Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois
• Cour Carrée
• Sèvres - Cité de la Céramique
• Parc de Saint-Cloud
• Pont Alexandre III
• Île Saint-Louis
• Parc des Buttes Chaumont
• Musée des Arts Forains
• Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
• Parc Monceau
• Marché d'Aligre
• Basilica of Saint-Denis
• Marché Poncelet
• Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
• Saint-Eustache
• La Cinémathèque Française
• Stade de France
• Conciergerie
• Faubourg Saint-Germain
• Marché Bastille
• Seine River Trip
• Rue Crémieux
• Palais-Royal
• Musée Picasso
• Rue Saint-Honoré
• Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
• Rue des Martyrs
• Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park
• Palais de Tokyo

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The 31 BEST Things to Do in Paris in 2024

Cecilia Rinaldi Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Sure, hitting up the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are Paris 101, but if you’re ready to dive deeper into the city’s soul, let’s talk real insider experiences. We’ve compiled a list of things to do, museums to visit, free activities and even hotels to stay at, and it’s all recommended by people who know Paris best!

• Bookmark this post for easy access during your visit
• Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources
• Look at our top Paris tours for a memorable trip 
• Make sure you’re staying in the right area of Paris .

Related Content

How Many Days Should I Spend in Paris? 

First things first, how much time do you need to truly experience the City of Lights? Easy answer: 3-4 days is perfect to see the must-visit attractions and soak up Parisian life! This timeframe lets you explore all the must-see sights, like museums and monuments, and also enjoy chilling out on bar terraces, enjoying delicious food and wine, and indulging in some top-notch people-watching – a favorite pastime of locals!

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Paris?

If, like me, you dislike being either super cold or super hot, I highly recommend visiting Paris in the spring or autumn to avoid extreme temperatures. April, May, September, and early October offer a great balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Although I must confess, Paris can sprinkle a bit of extra magic in December, twinkling with all its festive Christmas lights, adding an extra dash of romance to the air!

Top 31 Things You Can’t Miss in Paris

There are many ways to mess up your trip to Paris, but don’t let bad planning be one of them. Those mega-monuments you have to see (think: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles) should get booked way in advance with skip-the-line tours and tickets .

But what else should you do while you’re in Paris? There’s something for everyone on our list, whether you’re looking for a unique activity or a day filled with art museums.

1. Drink Champagne on Top of the Tour Eiffel

Attraction | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended

Get ready for the the ultimate bougie experience: savoring a glass of champagne atop the iconic Eiffel Tower!

At the tower’s summit, you’ll find a Champagne bar offering unbeatable views of Paris, where you can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. For the best experience, we recommend heading to the bar around sunset.

Here’s a little insider tip: every evening, after sunset, the tower comes to life with a dazzling display of twinkling lights for five magical minutes every hour on the hour. Just imagine: you’re sipping your bubbles surrounded by twinkling lights—it’s the perfect match!

We run many Eiffel Tower tours as well as partner with other local providers so you have tons of options. And if you’re hoping for the best view, then you’ll definitely want to book the more exclusive summit tour !

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if an Eiffel Tower tour is worth it .

2. Take a Selfie in the Hall of Mirrors at Château de Versailles

Attraction | Day Trip from Paris | Tour Recommended

The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of Paris’ most visited attractions for a good reason. While revolutionaries might have ousted the last kings and queens of France, we’re glad they left this magnificent piece of architecture unscathed.

Retrace the footsteps of historical figures like Marie Antoinette  and admire the grandeur of the former royal palace. In the Hall of Mirrors, beautiful chandeliers reflect in over 300 mirrors.

When you visit the palace, make sure you visit the enchanting Gardens of Versailles. The meticulously-manicured gardens occupy a total area of almost 2,000 acres. Destinations like Versailles are brimming with history, gossip, and stories.

Check out our Versailles small group tour for a great tour at a great price. The line at Versailles is also crazy long for at least eight months of the year, so you’ll appreciate the skip-the-line access. See our posts on the top things to see in Versailles and how to visit Versailles for more inspiration.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it .

3. Stand in Front of the World’s Greatest Art at the Louvre

Museum | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended | 1st arr.

The Louvre is the world’s largest museum and home to the very fabric of western civilization, which puts it as a top recommendation on any list. Licensed tour guides of Paris and the Louvre have studied for years to pay tribute to the great artists, sculptors, and even warlords that have molded our society.

This likely is the number one most important thing to do in Paris, but since you already know you have to visit it, we have it higher on our list. That said, joining a guided tour of the Louvre should be the way you visit so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Small group tours are the best way to visit the museum for the price and you’ll walk out happy you did not try to tackle this massive museum on your own. Our small group Louvre walking tours have received hundreds of 5-star reviews and we offer them at many different price points to meet every budget!

Address: Rue de Rivoli

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it .

4. Eat ‘Til You Drop on the Best Value Food Tour in Le Marais

Food Tour | Locally Operated | 4 Stops and Full Meal

Paris is one place where you should indulge in local cuisine. You might have heard people say that bread tastes better in France, and it’s not a myth. Food is the key to every culture and the French believe they know the key to food.

Their belief may or may not be true, but their passion for the culinary arts is unmistakable and definitely admirable. You can witness this for yourself in many ways, but we believe the best way is to join a food tour—and ours is the best!

Why? We have tested many food tours in Paris and most did not enter a single restaurant. Our food tour goes to four locations and includes oysters, champagne, cheese, and wine, falafel, a beef bourguignon dinner, and a classic French dessert!

Not to mention it’s in the trendy Le Marais district of Paris! Take a look at out our Le Marais food tour in Paris .

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

5. Stay at the Luxurious L’Hotel for Hammam and Pool Bliss

Hotel | Private Hammam & Pool | 6th arr.

Situated in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this 5-star hotel offers Baroque-style guest rooms and exclusive amenities such as a hammam and indoor swimming pool. It’s not just about luxury here; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.

You can stay the Oscar Wilde Suite room which is decorated in honor of writer Oscar Wilde! Wilde was staying at L’Hotel when he died in 1900.

You can also indulge in private access to the hammam, pool, and steam room. During your reserved timeslot, revel in the complete freedom of our subterranean oasis with no interruptions or cameras in sight, guaranteeing your privacy for some serious relaxation and fun!

If you’re looking for something different, consider the timeless elegance of the Mandarin Oriental or the trendy, hipster-friendly atmosphere of The Hoxton . 

Address: 13 Rue des Beaux Arts

Booking: L’Hotel

Not ready to book ? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

6. Indulge at a Great Wine Bar

Wine & Food | Outdoor Seating | 6th arr.

It’s no mystery that the libation of choice in France is the nectar of the gods: wine. In Paris, I found a small exciting wine bar called Chez Nous and fell in love with it. Why?

First of all, they don’t feature a menu which means that you don’t have to make many choices! You tell the waiters what mood your in and your budget. Next, they go to work, and you focus on the moment. Many of us go to Paris to find out what everyone is talking about when it comes to artisanal food and wines and Chez Nous is where you will see it come to life!

The only negative is that it is on a busy road, but this didn’t ruin the experience for us at all. We loved how close it was to Place Dauphine, where we were playing petanque, and that it had ample outdoor seating.

Address: 10 Rue Dauphine

Not ready to book a food tour? Check out our  Paris Guide for more resources.

7. Dive Deep into Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay

Museum Attraction | Ticket Required | Tour Recommended

In any other city, the Musée d’Orsay would be the must-see mega attraction, but in Paris, the Louvre undoubtedly casts a shadow! That said, visiting this impressionist gallery may be the highlight of your entire trip. Why?

The gallery is home to some of the world’s greatest artists that re-shaped the canvas of the modern art scene. Influential artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and more are all featured in this renovated train station. There are lots of great works of art from mega-famous artists that you’ll likely recognize such as:

• Card Players by Paul Cezanne
• Bal Moulin Galette by Renoir
• Luncheon on the Grass by Manet
• Starry Night by Van Gogh

For a complete list with detailed descriptions, please read our article on the top things to see at Musée d’Orsay ! If you want to maximize your experience, book a Musée d’Orsay tour , which will take the guesswork out of booking and deep-dive you into the history, anecdotes, and art with a passionate guide.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Musée d’Orsay .

8. Eat (or Don’t Eat) Snails at Chartier

Traditional French Cuisine | Restaurant | 9th arr.

While I find the thought of eating snails stomach-churning (or “dèg” as the French say), many people swear by them.

In France, they’re considered a true delicacy, and I’m told they’re delicious. It’s a must-try in Paris! If you’re feeling brave enough to try this slimy delicacy, keep an eye out for “escargots” on the menu.

For a taste of tradition, I recommend giving them a go at Bouillon Chartier. They also offer a variety of other classic French dishes, catering to those, like myself, who prefer to play it safe.

For more food recommendations, be sure to check out our Parisian food guide !

Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre

9. Find the Barrel of Skulls in the Paris Catacombs

Cryptic Attraction | Requres Ticket | Tour Recommended | 14th arr.

Did you know that underneath the City of Light there are tunnels full of bones? Hundreds of miles of tunnels, actually. The Catacombs of Paris might seem a little spooky or gross, but they are a fascinating part of Parisian history.

One of the best things to do in Paris is to tour the creatively-stacked tunnels. Containing the bones of over six million people, the Paris catacombs are officially the world’s largest grave.

Going on a skip-the-line Paris Catacombs tour is your best option if you don’t want to risk waiting a long time to get in. Plus you’ll get to see restricted rooms that you’re not allowed to see without a tour guide. However, if you want to go it alone, the Catacombs also offer audio guides.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Paris Catacombs tour is worth it .

10. Surround Yourself with Monet’s Water Lillies at the Orangerie

Major Attraction | Ticket Required | Cultural

Head over to The Musée de l’Orangerie for a close encounter with Claude Monet’s magnificent Water Lilies.

As a key figure in the Impressionist Art Movement, Monet generously presented these paintings to the French State after the Armistice of November 11, 1918, as a symbol of peace.

There are eight Water Lillies compositions in total, each covering almost entire walls, offering a truly immersive and breathtaking experience! 

Address: Musée de l’Orangerie

11. Hang Out at Monet’s House

Artist House & Gardens | Ticket Required | Cultural

Just saw the Water Lilies at the Orangerie and want to know where Monet got his inspiration? Then, you’ve gotta visit his home in Giverny!

Monet lived in Giverny for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926. He loved gardening and created beautiful flower and water gardens there.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Normandy, easily accessible from Paris, it’s one of the most popular day trips you can take. Just hop on a train from Paris Gare St Lazare, and before you know it, you’ll be stepping into Monet’s world. 

While Monet’s gardens at Giverny are normally closed for winter, they’ll be reopening their gates on March 29th, 2024. So mark your calendars! If you’d rather skip the hassle of arranging transport, tours, and tickets on your own, we highly recommend joining a guided tour of Monet’s house.

Address: House of Claude Monet

Not ready to book this tour? Discover even more exciting day trips from Paris here !

12. Beat The Traffic with a Sidecar Motorbike Tour

Adrenaline Attraction | Guided Tour

Explore the highlights of Paris while skipping in and out of traffic on a vintage motorbike and sidecar tour. This is an exhilarating and unique way to see the City of Lights. You’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Domes des Invalides, but the friendly guides are always open to suggestions and happy to customize any experience for you. This really is a bucket list tour and a great option when the sun shines bright.

13. Walk Through Place des Vosges in Le Marais

Free | Park | 4th arr.

Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful squares in Le Marais and even Paris. It is lined by four walls of perfectly manicured trees framed by four more walls of identical Parisian homes. The park is a highlight of many tours that go through Paris and is a must-visit.

Address: Pl. des Vosges

14. Wander Through Daniel Buren’s Columns in Palais Royal

Free | Art Installation | Palais Royal

Ever heard Jack Johnson sing that famous line, “Pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Well, Paris must have an extended version: “After you put up a parking lot, call a famous artist and make it a monumental modern art installation.”

Would a park full of trees be more beautiful? You decide when you go to Paris and visit Palais Royal. There is a courtyard (free to enter) where you’ll find 260 marble-painted columns. It’s an excellent site and an interesting photo to take!

Address: Galerie de la Cour d’Honneur, 2 Rue de Montpensier

15. Walk Through Montmartre to View Paris from Sacre-Cœur

Basilica | Montmartre | 18th arr. | Ticket Required

Sometimes described as a village because of its winding streets and small-town feel, Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris perched on a hilltop in the northern part of the city. Make sure you visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica, an often-overlooked religious monument.

Rather than mapping out every detail of your visit, get off at a nearby metro station (Anvers or Abbesses) and wander your way through the streets of Montmartre. This is the best way to get a feel for this charming neighborhood. Our Paris in a Day tour covers Montmartre as well as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check our free ‘ Neighborhood Guide to Montmartre. ‘

Address: Sacre Coeur Basilica

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Paris tours to take and why .

16. Check Off France’s Most Picturesque Island from Your Bucket List

Day Trip | Medieval City | One of a Kind

For an exciting day trip outside the city, I highly recommend visiting Mont Saint Michel, France’s most picturesque Island and medieval city! Depending on the tides, it’s either surrounded by water or mud flats, and trust me, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss! 

Historically, Mont Saint Michel’s significance grew during the Hundred Years War between England and France, becoming a crucial stronghold and defensive structure. As a military fortress, it played a vital role in fending off British attackers during numerous sieges. 

And guess what? It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! That’s another reason to make sure it’s on your must-visit list. 

Planning your trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris can be a bit tricky so we strongly suggest opting for a guided tour to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. 

Our Best Versailles and Paris Louvre Tours

Top-Rated Tour

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris, which is why it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity! Join a passionate guide for a tour of the most famous artwork at the Louvre. Skip-the-line admissions included.

Likely to Sell Out

Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress over the logistics? Meet a local guide in central Paris who will purchase your train tickets and ensure you get off at the right stop. Then enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the unforgettable gardens. Skip-the-line admissions included to the palace and gardens.

17. Dive into the Excitement of July 14th Celebrations!

Free | Fireworks | National Holiday

Mark July 14th on your calendars – it’s a big deal for the French! It’s like 4th of July in the United States!

This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a fortress that housed political prisoners and served as the catalyst for the French Revolution.

If you’re in Paris that day, brace yourself for evening fireworks at the Champ-de-Mars, epic events, and bustling crowds.

But wait, there’s more! On July 13th and 14th every year, Parisian fire stations throw open their doors for the legendary Firemen’s Ball. It’s a tradition that started with Sergeant Cournet at the Montmartre fire station in 1937.

Ladies, you definitely don’t want to miss this! Be prepared for some sizzling encounters with French firefighters!

18. Relive Les Misérables in the Paris Sewers

One of a Kind | Not for Everyone | 7th arr.

Yes, you read that right. If you want to do something really unique in Paris, then head to the Paris Sewer Museum, which isn’t far from the Eiffel Tower. Why? Well, Victor Hugo had a fascination with sewers as they were an integral part of the beloved classic Les Misérables . So if you’re a fan of Jean Valjean—or Hugh Jackman, we won’t judge—why not explore a bit of this rather remarkable infrastructure?

Another reason I recommend visiting? All smelly jokes aside (and there will be a bit of a smell), the actual construction and current management of the Paris sewers is quite incredible. The sewer canals are also like a labyrinth beneath the streets of Paris, similar to the catacombs.

This museum will give you a glimpse into how ingenious the architects of Paris were and still are. Fair warning—it’s entirely possible you’ll see a rat or two as you explore the actual sewer tunnels. Oh, the stories you’ll have after this adventure!

Address: Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l’Alma Cost: Starting at €7

19. Try the Best Meringue in Paris

One of a Kind | Patisserie | 4th arr.

One dish I absolutely swear by is Meringue, a French classic dessert traditionally made from whipped egg whites and sugar.

For an exquisite taste of this delicacy, I highly recommend visiting Aux Merveilleux de Fred. With several locations around Paris, you have no excuse to miss out on this heavenly treat.

Trust me when I say it’s like eating a cloud! They offer a variety of flavors including chocolate, caramel, cherry, praline, and coffee. 

For more mouthwatering food recommendations, be sure to check out our Parisian food guide !

Address: 24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe

20. Marvel and Shop at Les Passages Couverts

Free Admission | Shopping | Architecture & Design

Les Passages Couverts are beautiful covered passageways with glass ceilings in the Galerie Vivienne department store. These were some of the first modern department stores, and honestly, things have gone downhill from there.

You can walk through these beautiful works of art and window shop, which almost always leads to real shopping and spending money. For more shopping tips, read our article on the b est shopping in Paris .

After all that shopping, you’ll need to rest and refuel, and the perfect little tea house is waiting for you: Le Valentin Vivienne. From coffee and macarons to kouign amann and quiche, they have just the right treats to satisfy. Definitely buy a jar of lavender honey to take home!

Address: 5 Rue de la Banque | Le Valentin Vivienne

21. Find Debussy in the Quaintest Parisian Cemetery

Free | Non-Touristy | Quieter Activity | 16th arr.

Everyone knows about Père Lachaise Cemetery and the famous people buried there (Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, Oscar Wilde). However, not everyone knows about the little Passy Cemetery located across the street from the Trocadéro, where you get that great view of the Eiffel Tower. For being centrally located, this little spot is a surprisingly quiet oasis to explore.

If you’re a fan of the famous song “Claire de lune” (it’s used during the last scene of “Oceans 11”), you can find Claude Debussy buried here. Thank him by pulling out your phone and playing that beloved tune when you find him. You can also hunt for modernist painter Edouard Manet, Hubert de Givenchy, and members of the Renault family.

Pro Tip: Take a picture of the map at the entrance to help navigate the cemetery.

Address: 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing

22. Stand in the Jaw-Dropping Palais Garnier Opera House

Major Attraction | Ticket Required | Cultural | 9th arr.

Paris’ opera house is an awe-inspiring monument that is largely skipped over by tourists. Built during the mid to late 1800s, it isn’t hard to understand why this was the place to be seen at the height of its popularity. The interior of the opera house is filled with rich decoration and excessive ornamentation—think gold everywhere!

Guided and unguided tours are available, but if you really want to learn all the history of this amazing place, make sure to stick with a guide. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Phantom of the Opera.

Address: Pl. de l’Opéra

23. The Classic vs Modern Café…

Right of Passage | Famous Café

You may pay a little more than you wanted to for your drink, but sitting and having a drink at Les Deux Magots or Le Procope is a right of passage in Paris. Each café is on the ritzy Boulevard Saint-Germain, and both are symbolic of what a French café or bistro should be.

You will immediately have something in common with almost everyone who has visited Paris, as these two spots are popular! Your drinks won’t taste much different than anywhere else—but these places are more about their history and service.

OR, you can show your inner contrarian youthfulness and instead choose to take your morning cup of Joe at Caféothèque , which is owned and operated by two successful female entrepreneurs in Paris and renowned for being the best coffee in the city!

Address: Les Duex Magots | Le Procope | Caféothèque

24. Find Your Love Language

Free | Wall Art | Romantic | Montmartre

Ooh la la! You’re in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. What better thing to do than to find the Wall of Love? This heartwarming wall has become a bit of a trendy spot to see in Montmartre. Still, not everyone knows about it, so let me explain.

The words “I love you” are written in perhaps hundreds of languages on this city wall in an effort to remind humanity of the greatest emotional expression of all. Hebrew, English, Spanish, Hindu, German, Swahili, and many others can be found. Snap a pic in front of the wall with your loved one. If you’re lucky, your language could be close enough to be in your picture too!

Address: Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses

25. Count the Stained-Glass Windows at Sainte-Chapelle Chapel

Attraction | Requires Ticket | Tour Recommended | 4th arr.

Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in the Gothic style. While the architecture of the building is admirable, the real star is its 1,113 stained-glass windows . The windows measure 49 feet (15 meters) and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Even on a cloudy day, when the sunlight that comes through the chapel windows is limited, the stained glass is stunning. Sainte-Chapelle is only about a 5-minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral , so kill two birds with one stone and visit both beauties one right after the other.

Address: 10 Bd du Palais

26. View Montmartre’s Only Vineyard in Paris

Vineyard | Montmartre | 18th arr.

Yes, there is a vineyard in the center of Paris. Vignes du Clos is likely the smallest vineyard in the entire world, and it’s right in Montmartre. A rich family or a business does not own a vineyard inside the city of Paris. It is owned by the 18th arrondissement, which is referred to as Montmartre.

Vignes du Clos is basically a park that produces local wine and uses the proceeds for social initiatives. It’s a beautiful way to bring the local Parisian community together around something as sacred as wine.

Sadly, the general public is not allowed to enter the vineyard. But guess what? You could stop by the beautiful gate and learn fascinating stories about its history and controversies with a local guide on our popular Paris in a day tour ! You’ll explore Montmartre and stop to see this charmingly unique bit of French culture that is a serious source of pride.

Address: 18 Rue des Saules

Our Best Guided Tours of Paris

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Champagne Day Trip From Paris with Lunch

Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Explore iconic Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot hassle-free. We’ve partnered with top wineries, expert guides, and local eateries to offer personalized tours, complete with round-trip transportation from Paris.

Top Selling

Ultimate Taste of Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!

27. Eat at La Maison Rose

$$$ | Internet Famous | Restaurant

Before or after you pop into the tiny vineyard above, you should grab a bite to eat at La Maison Rose. The two stops combined will make you feel like you are in a small wine-producing village outside of Paris that just happens to have a killer view of Paris!

La Maison Rose has a history of impeccable dishes that focus on French farm-to-table ingredients. That means you can expect a seasonal menu here, and they even offer a specialty menu for New Year’s Eve like many other fantastic French restaurants do.

Address: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir

28. See Where Heroes Fell on a Day Trip to Normandy

Normandy Beaches | Point Du Hoc | Day Trip from Paris

The beaches of Normandy and Pointe du Hoc bunker are synonymous with World War II, and visiting them in person puts things into perspective. The beaches are in no way “close” to Paris. Considering their importance, however, many people pilgrimage if they have an extra day in Paris.

It is around a 3-hour drive, and there are many things to see along the way, including some fantastic cider (beer) breweries. You’ll visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Pointe du Hoc and make a stop for cider! We offer this as a private tour of Normandy, which is an incredible experience. Tours often sell out 30 days before D-Day (June 6th) each year, so book in advance!

Address: Omaha Beach | Utah Beach | Pointe du Hoc Bunker

29. Dine at Derrière

$$$ | One of A Kind Restaurant | Modern French Cuisine

Derriere is currently one of the hottest restaurants in Paris. Tucked away in the heart of the Marais in the 3rd arrondissement, Derriere is a clandestine gem with an unmarked door and a hidden courtyard.

Its ambiance resembles more of an apartment than a restaurant, featuring unique elements like a king size bed (you can eat on!), table football, wardrobe, and cozy couches.

It offers modern French cuisine, a contemporary twist on tradition, along with delightful brunch options.

Pro Tip: Be sure to book ahead of time as it’s in high demand! 

Address: 69 Rue des Gravilliers

30. Then Head Over to Andy Wahloo for drinks! 

$$$ | Experimental Cocktails | Cool

Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away is Andy Wahloo cocktail bar, inspired by the renowned US artist Andy Warhol.

Offering killer experimental cocktails and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to continue your evening after dining at Derrière.  

31. Find Hidden Ponds in Paris’ Best Parks and Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens | Medician | Free to Enter

A favorite Parisian pastime is to flâner or to stroll about aimlessly. So why not use this excuse to act like a local and check out Paris’ parks and gardens?

Among the city’s most manicured and impressive gardens are the Tuileries Gardens next to the Louvre Museum and the Luxembourg Gardens in the sixth arrondissement (featured photo). This is definitely one of the more romantic things to do in Paris, but it can be anything you want it to be.

If you’re looking to escape fellow tourists, head to the Buttes Chaumont Park in northeastern Paris, where locals go to enjoy great views of the city and relax. Paris takes great pride in its green spaces and considers them gems, so taking some time to enjoy them is definitely one of the best things to do in Paris. Check out our post on the top gardens and parks in Paris for more options.

Address: Tuileries Gardens | Luxembourg Gardens | Buttes Chaumont Park

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

Reader Interactions

Comment (1).

October 7, 2020

You really show the city from so many angles i definitely need to make the time to visit sooner rather than later. Great post!

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15 Best Places to Visit in Paris, France

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: January 1, 2020  - Last updated: April 24, 2023

It is probably cliche for some to like Paris or to want to visit the city. But it is indeed gorgeous and it’s easy to understand why it remains to be among the most visited cities in the world.

It is also one of the most beautiful cities in France , and it’s easily accessible to the rest of the world via its two major airports – Charles De Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport .

In Paris, there’s beauty everywhere that inspired artists, composers, and writers. And it’s definitely not just the Eiffel Tower , but the gilded history represented in nearly every part of the city.

Whether it’s your first or seventh time in this exquisite city, here are the best places to visit in Paris, France that you should include in your itinerary .

Things you'll find in this article

1.Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Pari

Opening hours:, contact information:, 3. place du trocadéro, 4. river seine, 6. montmartre‬, 7. ‪the latin quarter‬, paris, 8. ‪luxembourg park, paris‬, 10. jardin des tuileries, admission fee:, 12. père lachaise cemetery, 13. place de la concorde, 14. pont alexandre iii, paris, travel tips and resources.

While the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s majestic spires were destroyed during the April 2019 fire, it remains to be among the most beautiful sights in Paris. The cleanup just finished months ago and it is still about to be restored.

Still, you can still admire this French Gothic beauty from afar. This cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

This historic cathedral was built in 1160 and completed in 1260, and it played a big role in the history of France.

It is where the coronation of Napoleon I was held, along with the funerals of many French presidents. It was also the main setting of the popular book of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Today, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the iconic symbols of Paris .

‪2. Louvre Museum‬

‪You cannot visit Paris and not see Louvre . You don’t even have to get in, the facade is an artwork in itself. This former royal palace now houses the best museums in Paris and the most visited museum in the world.

Built-in the 12th century as a fortress, Louvre now houses some of the world’s most important art and antiquities.

Be sure to visit while you’re in Paris and explore Egyptian, Oriental, and Greek antiquities.

Be sure to also check out Islamic Art, Sculptures of the Middle Ages, as well as art from the Renaissance and Modern Times. ‬

Monday- Sunday (except Tuesday) 9:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m

Evening until 9:45 p.m on Wednesday and Fridays. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.

Address: Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7) Phone: +33(0)140205317 Email:[email protected]

Buy your ticket online here.

READ MORE: Louvre Museum: History And All The Things You Need To Know

This is one of the best places to get an epic photo of the Eiffel Tower. You didn’t have to brave the crowds or break your neck trying to get that perfect shot.

Just head onto ‪Place du Trocadéro‬, where you get to enjoy not just the iconic tower.

This elevated, open space also offers stellar views of the city of lights , especially at night. And it’s also one of the best free things to do in Paris .

The River Seine has been immortalized in works of art, and will always be a must-visit when in Paris.

The Seine borders half of the French capital’s arrondissements, so it’s pretty accessible anywhere.

See it while on a cruise, from a floating hotel, or the pedestrian-only walkway. It’s a different face of the city that’s just as gorgeous. It is also one of the best places for romance and it’s the reason why the city is often called the “City of Love”. 

5. Musée Rodin

This light-filled estate with a picturesque garden is a lovely alternative to Paris’ more popular museums. One doesn’t even have to go inside, as the serene garden offers respite from the city hustle.

Here, you’ll be in the company of sculptures like The Thinker and The Gates of hell. Intimate and relatively uncrowded, ‪ Musée Rodin‬ is a lovely discovery.

Monday- Sunday (except Tuesday) 9:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m Evening until 9:45 p.m on Wednesday and Fridays. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.

Address: Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7) Phone:+33(0)140205317 Email:[email protected]

‪Situated in the north of Paris at 130 meters high is Montmartre. It’s a fascinating area that’s known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart and as an artist hub.

A must visit in the area is the Square of Tertre, not too far from the basilica. This is where artists set up their workspaces or showcase their art.

This part of Montmartre is a reminder of how this very same place was the hub of modern art in the early 20th century.

It was where artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet , Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh worked.‬

‪Located in the left bank of the Seine is the vibrant Latin Quarter.

This neighborhood is home to many higher education institutions, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure, the Ecole des Mines de Paris, and the Ecole Polytechnique.

It is a great place to just take in the atmosphere, walk around and enjoy the sights or have a drink at a cafe or bistro. ‬

‪Luxembourg Park was built in 1612 at the request of Marie de Medicis to complement the Luxembourg Palace.

Fondly called ‘Luco’ by the locals, this is a great place for a leisurely stroll. It is one of the prettiest parks in Paris decorated with sculptures and fountains.

It also has an aviary, an orchard, different varieties of apples, and an orchid garden. ‬

9. ‪Moulin Rouge‬

‪For a dose of the colorful French culture , visit the Moulin Rouge. This cabaret is known as where the French Cancan started.

It is located at the foot of Montmartre and built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler.

This place is now a tourist attraction with its larger than life facade, which also provides entertainment for visitors from all over.‬

Address:82, BD de Clichy 75018, Paris Montmartre Phone:+33(0)153098282 Email:[email protected]

Jardin des Tuileries is a beautifully landscaped park that’s strategically located and it’s one of the best parks and gardens in Paris .

It is an ideal place to go if you want to relax a bit after exploring Paris’ most popular sights.

This garden is easily reached from both the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.

Jardin des Tuileries is also another great place for a stroll as it’s like wandering around a 17th century French formal garden .

READ MORE: 13 Interesting Facts About Tuileries Gardens

11. Musée de l’Orangerie (and Monet’s Water Lilies)

You’ll find Musée de l’Orangerie at the far end of the Tuileri e s Gardens , and a definite must-visit.

This is another small museum that’s probably as important as the Louvre . Get in and you’ll quickly find out why.

The Musée de l’Orangerie is the only place where you can marvel at Monet’s famous ‪Nymphéas‬ (Water Lily) murals.

Monday- Sunday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Late access- 5:15 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

Adult-9 € Free for children under 18 Free for children under 26 (EU members) Free the 1st Sunday of the month

Address: Tuileries garden Place de la Concorde 75001 PARIS Phone:+33(0)144778007

It is safe to say that everywhere in Paris is beautiful. That includes the cemeteries, such as the Père Lachaise Cemetery – one of the eeriest but interesting places in France .

It looks more like a garden or park that’s perfect for an early morning or late afternoon stroll. The atmosphere was more laid back than somber.

Spanning 108 acres, this is where you can pay your respects on the graves of Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.

READ MORE: 15 Famous People Buried In Père Lachaise Cemetery

The Palace de la Concorde was the venue for guillotine executions during the French Revolution. This public square is now among the most gorgeous places in Paris.

You’ll also find landmarks like the Luxor Obelisk and mermaid fountain in this public square. It is one of those perfect spots for taking photos do make sure your camera is fully charged.

The ornate Pont Alexandre III connects the Left and Right banks of Paris. This ‪Beaux-Arts–style bridge‬ is a magnet for photo ops, with those gilded statues and great views of the river.

It’s also a great place for a relaxing stroll especially in the late afternoon where you can also watch the city come alive with lights.

15. Eiffel Tower

And last but not the least, Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular landmarks , not just in France, but also around the world.

It was built as an entrance for the World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle) in 1889 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution.

Several companies and artists submitted their plans and designs but it was given to Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel – which the monument was named after.

It was meant to be just a temporary structure for the exposition and was supposed to be scrapped.

But the city officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station and they chose to save it.

Today, Eiffel Tower has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. You can also enjoy the Eiffel Tower from the comfort of many hotels near the area. You can check this list of the best hotels with an epic view of the tower. 

So, that’s our list of the best places to visit in Paris, France. I hope this helps if you’re planning a trip to Paris. Do you have any other suggestions for Paris? Let us know in the comments below!

Buy your ticket online here .

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Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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51 Can’t Miss Things to Do When Visiting Paris, France

Are you looking for some activities to add to your itinerary during your next visit to Paris? There are plenty of things to do, depending on how much time you have! In this article, European travel enthusiast Emma Braby shares some of her favorite locations, including some hidden gems and her personal experiences while visiting Paris, France.

By Emma Braby

Last updated: August 28, 2024

35 min read

Paris is considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, if not the most romantic. It’s such a special place to visit, and I have been there myself many times. Each trip was just as impressive as the one before. So whether it’s your first time or your second, or your third, there is always something different to do.

There are the main attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, that you must visit. Plus, you must travel a little out of the city to reach the Chateau de Versailles. And then there are the little-known treasures, such as the fantasy dreamland Parc Monceau and rue Cler, which is the dream of food lovers. Along the way, I’ll let you into a few Parisian secrets that made my visits to the City of Lights magical.

While you can hit some of the main attractions in a well-planned 24-hour visit , you won’t be able to visit all of the attractions below unless you’re lucky enough to stay in Paris for over a month. So, be sure to read through them all and select the ones that appeal to you the most! Paris has a lot to offer everyone, so let’s take a closer look at my favorite things to add to your Paris itinerary on your next visit!

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower , completed in 1889, is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, let alone Paris. Going up the Eiffel Tower is a must if it’s your first time in Paris, and the views over the city are incredible. The Eiffel Tower has three levels. The first and second floors are accessible by elevator and stairs, which is excellent for people with an elevator phobia. However, the top floor is only accessible by elevator. Most visitors choose the elevator, so the queue is usually much longer than the stairs.

Depending on your fitness levels, I recommend taking the stairs at least one way. You can take the stairs at your own pace, and it offers lots of photo opportunities. But the main reason is that it allows you to appreciate the structure of the tower, the metal, and the symmetry. I’m not usually enamored with buildings and structures, or stairs, for that matter! But I’m so glad my sister persuaded me to take the stairs because she wasn’t keen on the elevator. It was super impressive, to say the least!

The queue for the tower can be mega, sometimes two to three hours long. As soon as you know the dates of your trip, be sure to book because tickets can sell out several months in advance.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The iconic Notre Dame de Paris, which translates to “Our Lady of Paris,” is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. It was built in the 12 th century and has inspired many buildings throughout France. Notre Dame is built on Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine River. It is one of the grandest places of worship in the world, featuring colorful rose stained-glass windows, pipe organs, and huge church bells.

The Cathedral’s exterior is smothered in sculptures that vividly illustrate biblical stories. This was done for the parishioners, who were illiterate when it was built. For me, the best part of my visit was seeing the gargoyle’s view from the top of the Cathedral and the flying buttresses surrounding the building. If you visit in the Spring as I did, the Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful Cherry Blossom trees. Pont de L’archheveche is a bridge behind the Cathedral that makes for a fab photo opportunity.

Following the devastating fire in 2019, the Cathedral is undergoing major restoration and isn’t open for visitors or worshippers. As it stands, Notre Dame will be reopened in December 2024. Once it is, you can enter the Cathedral for a small fee, and it’s worth it to see the artwork, décor, and restoration. Take a moment to sit down for a contemplative moment of peace, which is sometimes difficult to find in Paris.

Saint-Chapelle

Saint-Chapelle was one of my highlights during my second trip to Paris. I’d never heard of it or seen any pictures before, and walking into the chapel without any idea what to expect was breathtaking. It was one of those wow moments that I’ll never forget. Especially considering that the outside of the building doesn’t give you any clue as to how spectacular the inside would be. As they say, never judge a book by its cover! It isn’t always a top place to visit on Paris guides, but I can assure you it should be on everyone’s list, up there with the Eiffel Tower.

It is one of the finest chapels in France and was built in the mid-13th century by Louis IX at the royal residence, Palais de la Cite. This historic site is a fine example of French Gothic architecture, with intricately carved wood gilded in gold. But the star of the show is the fifteen glass panels and the large rose-stained windows. When the sun hits the glass, the chapel is filled with a magical mirage of colors. Saint-Chapelle is a short walk from Notre Dame and next to the Conciergerie.

Ile de la Cite

This historic island is the heart of Paris, sitting in the middle of the Seine River. It was once the Roman fortress site in the 4 th century and the royal palace site of Clovis I in the 6 th century. Now it is the home of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Of course, you’ll visit the island to see some of the main attractions. Right in front of Notre Dame is a plaque on the ground that marks Point Zero. And this is the historical center of Paris.

Also, on the island, you’ll find the oldest hospital in Paris, reputedly the oldest functioning hospital in the world. The island also hosts a famous flower market in Place Louis-Lepine, which looks and smells fantastic. While you are there, be sure to check out a little café on the island called Au Vieux Paris. It is one of the prettiest cafes I’ve ever seen!

Musee d’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay is a museum famous for its collection of Impressionist art, one of the largest in the world. But this isn’t just for art lovers. The building is a former railway station, Gare d’Orsay, which is just as beautiful as its contents, making it a worthwhile visit for everyone. The roof is made of glass, gilded with gold, and the famous clock face is part of the exhibition.

Musee d’Orsay houses some of the best pieces by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. Aside from the incredible artwork, a favorite moment of mine during my visit was having lunch in the café on the fifth floor, sitting behind the large clock window. You can go alone or book a group or private tour.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday; be aware that it is closed on Monday. It is situated on the Seine River, opposite Jardin des Tuileries.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe might be a touristy thing to do, but it’s a must. The archway sits on a roundabout, the meeting point of 12 roads, and the locals seem very uninterested in it. Be sure to use the designated crossing safely because driving around the Arc appears like  a free-for-all ! Once you get there, block the traffic noise out, and take the time to appreciate the stone carvings and the story they tell, honoring the victories of Napoleon’s army.

You can go up the Arc de Triomphe via the steps to the terrace that provides panoramic views down the wide avenues and across Paris. Sitting in the middle of 12 roads gives the impression of a clock. Views are impressive both day and night. At night the Arc is lit up, and the fire that has not been extinguished since the 1920s is rekindled. The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier resides here, representing all unidentified soldiers who died in World War I.

Champs-Elysees

Champs-Elysees is Paris’s most famous street, which stretches over a mile long and is lined with shops galore. A renowned musician, Joe Dassin, once sang a line that translates to “There’s everything you could want along the Champs-Elysees.” From luxury stores like Chanel and Louis Vitton to high street names such as Zara and Adidas, and sprinkled with cafes and gift shops, there’s something here for every visitor.

At one end of the boulevard sits the obelisk of Place de la Concorde, and at the other, the Arc de Triomphe. Of course, visiting this place is free, but you might be tempted to splash your cash in the stores. If there’s one shop to see, it’s got to be Paris’ most famous macaron shop and tea room experience, Laduree . There’s always a queue, but take it from me; the macarons are to die for. Lemon and pistachio were my favorites, for sure. Plus, it offers Champs-Elysees the prettiest terrace to dine on.

Musee du Louvre

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. During the 18 th century, the building, once home to French Kings, was converted into a museum. It houses the world’s most extensive art collection, with more than 35,000 pieces, so you could spend all day here, probably even more.

As you can imagine, it gets crowded, and the queues are long outside to get in and inside for the most famous paintings. It’s smart to plan ahead if you want to add this famous location to your itinerary.

Some travelers prefer to visit in the wintertime to avoid the crowds. Some of the paintings you’ll see include the “Mona Lisa,” “Liberty Leading the People,” and statues including “Winged Victory of Samothrace” and “Venus de Milo.”

The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and it’s best to visit on a weekday, early doors if you can. On Fridays, they stay open until 9.45 pm, also an excellent time to visit. As soon as you get in, grab a map and highlight the pieces you want to see so you don’t miss them.

Another tip from me, avoid eating in the museum if you can, as it is sub-standard and overpriced. Instead, head to Angelina , on rue de Rivoli near the Louvre, and treat yourself to one of the best hot chocolates and fantastic French pastries I’ve ever had.

Sacre-Coeur

The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, built in the 19th century and perched on the heights of Montmartre, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Sacre-Coeur translates to “sacred heart,” and it is a prime example of Roman-Byzantine architecture. The ornate domes are even more impressive from the inside. You’ll discover France’s largest mosaic, depicting Jesus alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

Leading up to the basilica are quaint, cobblestoned roads, including rue de L’abreuvoir, one of the most photographed roads in Paris. The staircase outside the entrance doors is super busy, with visitors and locals who love to hang out here. It offers a great viewpoint of the city. But climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome for an even better view of Paris.

The basilica is free to enter, but there are fees to pay to climb the dome.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is one of Paris’s best cabaret shows and one of its most iconic locations. This is a must if you’re after a night out Parisian style. The club opened in 1889 and has since wowed its audiences with extravagant performances from dancers covered in little else but feathers and rhinestones. As such, this might not be suitable for children. There is also a rooftop terrace to enjoy, and after the shows, the halls transform into one of Europe’s largest nightclubs.

If your budget allows, I recommend opting for a dinner show. You are welcomed early and served a gourmet dinner and half a bottle of champagne. Not only was the food lovely, but the privileged seating right next to the stage was the best. Some of the show was interactive, so be prepared to be picked on. This was a combined birthday and Christmas present from my parents, but afternoon matinee shows are also available.

The shows need to be booked well in advance.

Opera National de Paris

Also known as the Palais Garnier, the Opera National de Paris sits north of the Louvre. This astounding building is a must-see as it radiates opulence and architectural excellence. The author of “Phantom of the Opera,” Gaston Leroux, claimed that this Opera house was his inspiration. Whether this is true is still debated.

Regardless, watching a show is the best way to experience the Palais Garnier. Ballet and opera shows sell out months in advance, so book a show as soon as you know your traveling dates. But if you can’t see a show, you can still explore the building and marvel at its masterpiece. You can guide yourself with an audio guide or book a guided tour, available in several languages.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Gardens span 60 acres and offers a manicured oasis for the people of Paris and its visitors to enjoy. If you need to switch off for a few hours, this is one of the best places to go. Relax with a picnic, sunbathe on the green grass, or people-watch and soak in the peaceful Parisian scenery. There are many sports courts, such as baseball or basketball, if you fancy joining in with the locals.

There are also plenty of activities for children, which is ideal for young families. Kids can ride the merry-go-round, watch a puppet show, or float sailboats on the Grand Basin. There is a trail of over 100 sculptures, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

The park is free to enter, but an on-site museum, Musee du Luxembourg, has a fee. The museum was the first French museum open to the public.

Seine River

The Seine River runs through the heart of Paris from east to west, so you cannot miss it. A total of 37 bridges cross it, all with exceptional photo opportunities. The Seine is one of the most famous rivers in the world, and it has always been central to Parisian life.

There are many ways to enjoy the River Seine. Walk along the banks of the river, where you’ll bump into residents selling local goods and cafes along the way. Walking the river is, of course, free. Alternatively, you could hire a bike for a quicker expedition. But most visitors would agree that seeing the River Seine is best done by boat. There are many boat tours to choose from, and you usually don’t need to book in advance. If you can, get a window seat for the best photo opportunities.

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is situated at the end of the Champs-Elysees, sandwiched behind the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It is also right next to the Seine River, opposite Musee D’Orsay. So even if you walk through the park to get to another place, it’s great for a stroll or to stop for a bite to eat. It was initially established for the royal family and court but has been open to the public since the 17 th century.

This garden was added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 1991 as part of the Banks of the River Seine. It is centrally located and rich in history, including hosting the wedding procession of Napolean’s wedding and historically important meetings. The park is free to enter. Just be mindful of the closing times, which vary depending on the time of year you visit.

Musee de l’Orangerie

Musee de l’Orangerie is part of Musee d’Orsay, and it holds a selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is a much smaller gallery, but this is part of its appeal because there are fewer crowds, and you can manage it in a few hours. If you plan on visiting Musee d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie, invest in a combined ticket to save you money. Don’t find out after the fact like I did!

It is placed in the Jardin des Tuileries and is a must for Claude Monet fans. Eight enlarged paintings created by Monet offer a fully immersive experience. They all sit on the top floor, flooded with natural light from the glass roof. It also hosts pieces by Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, and more.

Musee Rodin

If you’re not museumed-out, we have another top attraction for you. Musee Rodin is the former home of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodi. The museum holds 8,000 of the artist’s drawings, although only a handful are displayed. You also get to see Rodin’s personal art collection, including works by Van Gogh. There is an area dedicated to Rodin’s mistress, fellow artist Camille Claudel, offering a romantic and very French impression.

Many visitors reveal that the gardens themselves are the main attraction. They are home to Rodin’s emotional sculptures, such as “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.” As well as peaceful manicured lawns and beautiful flower beds. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility available here. If you visit between October and March, the museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris and features some of the city’s most understated architecture. Enjoy its medieval history as you wander through the winding cobblestone streets. It is densely packed with a romantic charm that some modern neighborhoods lack. It is also home to some of the highest-rated and most affordable boutique hotels.

The Latin Quarter is where you’ll find the Pantheon and Jardin des Plantes, among other attractions. It’s free to wander around the district and open 24/7, which is why many visitors choose to visit this old-world neighborhood at night. And the nighttime lighting gives it a special ambiance.

The Pantheon is a large church in the Latin Quarter. It was built at the start of the French Revolution and was initially used as a mausoleum and art gallery. In 1851, the famous scientist Leon Foucault installed a pendulum that demonstrated the Earth’s rotation. This is a major attraction still in operation and can be viewed today.

It is also home to famous gravesites from Voltaire and Marie Curie, which are situated in the crypt. You can also tour the dome, which provides you with a 360-degree sight of Paris from another viewpoint. There are 206 steps to climb with no elevator. There is a fee to enter the Pantheon, with further fees to tour the dome.

Sainte-Genevieve Library

Across the square from the Pantheon is a public and university library. So if you’re in the area, it’s worth popping in to see the reading room. It was completed in 1851 and has an exposed and intricate iron frame support for the roof, and it is spectacular to see. This building influenced Boston Public Library and Columbia University Library, making it a must for anyone linked to these universities.  

The library is home to around two million documents. These include 6,600 manuscripts from the 8 th century onwards, 1,500 incunabula, and 160,000 rare and precious printed matter. Some important books and works of art from the Sainte-Genevieve Abbey are displayed. You might find this place a welcome retreat for tranquility or to research something you’ve discovered in this beautiful city. It’s free to enter too.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is also found in the Latin Quarter. The park was founded in 1626 and covers 24 hectares. It is a botanic garden created as a medicinal herb garden for Louis XIII.  This is a great place to stop off and rest your feet after wandering around the quaint, cobblestone alleys. Take a picnic and enjoy the manicured lawns; just be sure to pick a spot away from the sprinklers! A double passage of lined trees runs the park’s length, offering welcome shade during hot afternoons.

There are several exhibitions around the park, some are free, and some require a small fee. Of course, the park is free to wander around, and the botanical library is free to enter. Enjoy dedicated spaces for peonies, roses, irises, and other perennial flowers. Organized entertainment is also free, including gardening workshops, speakers, and flash animation shows. You need to check the park timetable for these. Four greenhouses require a small fee, but these are great for green-fingered visitors.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is situated in the Jardin des Plantes. The website could be clearer, and there are several entries for it, and La Menagerie on websites like TripAdvisor, which adds to the confusion for visitors. The National Museum of Natural History is a museum made up of three sections. A building full of skeletons and fossils, a facility dedicated to geology, and a four-story taxonomy wing.

It was a great visit, especially the impressive Grand Gallery of Evolution, but there needed to be an English translation, which the museum is currently working on. However, the best part of the museum, which should have its own entry, was the virtual reality tour. Here you can experience extinct species in augmented reality.

It introduces you to 11 extinct species fully modeled in 3D and their real-life size. Some include the Elephant Bird, Dodo, Saber-toothed Tiger, and Giant Tortoise. This is a must for anyone interested in animals or natural history, and thankfully it’s available in English. It’s great for families and kids, but they must be aged eight and over.

La Menagerie

You can also find a small zoo, La Menagerie, in the Jardin des Plantes. It opened in 1794, making it the second oldest zoo in the world. It was created during the French Revolution when exotic animals were seized from wealthy families. Then they were housed in La Menagerie, along with animals taken from the Royal Menagerie at Versailles. There are around 1,000 animals, including Orangutans, Flamingos, Snow Leopards, and more.

The Menagerie buildings spread throughout the wooded area are historically protected, so expansion and renovations are prohibited. This is why they only house small to medium size animals like cats or monkeys. When I visited, I felt as though the enclosures were small. However, the animals spend time in areas unseen to the public for enrichment. There is a small fee to pay for the zoo.

Saint-Germain des Pres

This is a historic neighborhood sitting just south of the River Seine. It is where artists, writers, and thinkers mixed in their homes, museums, and cafes. It’s a great place to stop and sit in the literary cafes, either people-watching or working. Think of them as historical Starbucks. One of the most famous cafes is Les Deux Magots, and figures like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce have visited. Café de Flore is a newer establishment, and famous visitors include Picasso, Sartre, Leoon Trotsky, Bridget Bardot, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Guided tours frequently visit this neighborhood because of its link to famous individuals and its café scene. This is a great place to stop for a break after coffee and pastries. The district is free to visit and is a place to see and be seen.

Les Catacombes

One of the best things to do in Paris is 65 feet beneath the city. The Catacombs are home to six million deceased Parisians. It was created in the 18 th century to solve the city’s problem of overcrowded cemeteries, exposed graves, and the stench of death. It took many years to relocate the bodies, and now it is one of the most visited attractions in this romantic city. The catacombs stretch for miles, but the public is only granted access for 45 minutes. This is a unique experience and a must for those interested in the departed or with strong stomachs.

You must wear comfortable footwear as the floor is uneven and sometimes slippery. Plus, there are over 130 steps down and 112 steps back to the land of the living. The tunnels are narrow and cramped, so luggage and large backpacks are prohibited.

Those with mobility restrictions, claustrophobia, and respiratory or cardiac problems are not recommended to do this tour. Prebooking your ticket is a must only up to seven days before, but still expect queues. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour, often letting you skip some of the queues.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery might seem strange when you’re on vacation, but it is one of the most visited cemeteries in the world and a worthwhile visit. Traveling around Paris’ largest green space and the tombstones and mausoleums is an interesting way to spend a few hours away from the busy city. It spans 110 acres and is home to hundreds of thousands of souls. Some of the most famous include Edith Piaf, Chopin, Jim Morrison, and Oscar Wilde.

This haunting but serene experience is rich in history and architecture. Plus, under the canopy of the trees, you are welcomed by shade and the sound of bristling leaves. You can visit the cemetery for free and walk around at your own pace, or book yourself onto a guided tour by informative guides. Just remember that some people you’ll meet are residents rather than tourists visiting their loved ones. The main entrance is located on Boulevard de Menilmontant.

Atelier des Lumieres

The president of Culturespaces in Paris had the idea of creating a digital art center, and Artelier des Lumieres was born. The warehouse sat unused for decades but is now used to showcase art and immerse visitors in the artist’s work and universe. Music is played throughout your visit, handpicked to match the exhibition.

It’s great for all ages and is particularly fun for children who welcome this multi-sensory experience. I haven’t been to this digital art show, but I have been to a very similar one in London. But this one in Paris is bigger and better. So, this is an experience that is difficult to put into words. You must see it to believe just how magical it is! Booking tickets online is a must. Atelier des Lumieres is situated between Le Marais district and Pere-Lachaise Cemetery.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck isn’t as well known as some places in Paris, but it offers some of the best views of the entire city.

It is located in the center and provides an incredible panoramic view by day or by night. In just 38 seconds, you reach 200 meters above Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in front of you. Go up a few steps on the deck and reach the city’s highest roof terrace, where you can enjoy a glass of fizz to celebrate. They hold special events throughout the year on the deck, such as trampolining, if you’re braver than me!

This is a must-visit for anyone who wants to view all Paris’ monuments from one place. You can book tickets online, which avoids most of the queues. Plus, you can purchase a Day and Night ticket, which allows you to visit twice in 48 hours, allowing you to see Paris by day and night. Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night, when it twinkles with flashing lights on the hour every hour, is something you have to witness.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a pretty park with 61 acres of lawns and grassy squares. It also has a large lake, a suspension bridge, and quiet walking pathways to enjoy. The name roughly translates to “bare hill,” which it once was. Before the 19 th century, it was used to dump sewage and horse carcasses. More morbidly, it was known as “Gibbet de Montfaucon,” in which the bodies of executed prisoners were displayed for months to warn other residents to be lawful.

Napoleon III renovated the city, created this large park, built the human-made lake, and washed away its dark history. They also made a 65-foot-tall artificial waterfall, and the water spray is particularly joyful in the heat of the summer. Travel to the suspension bridge for fantastic views of Montmartre. The park is northeast of Paris and is free to enter. In the summer, it is accessible 24/7.

Parc de la Villette

This is the place to be if you are a music or cinema fan. It is situated near Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in northeast Paris and is home to several museums, stages, concert halls, and playgrounds for children. A music museum with a concert hall displays a wide array of historical musical instruments. And a symphony hall with 2,400 seats, a concert arena with 6,300 seats named Le Zenith, and many more spaces dedicated to music.

One of the museums is the largest science museum in Europe, Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie. It also has several cinemas, including an IMAX theatre inside a 36-meter-wide dome. There’s a small actor’s theatre that holds workshops. One of the most impressive parts is Grande Halle de la Villette, a historical glass and cast iron abattoir that now holds fairs, food festivals, and other cultural events. Plus, they host an open-air cinema at Cinema en plein air every year. Check out their website for a list of events during your visit.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

A department store might not be on your list of things to do in Paris, but this one should be. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful shopping centers in the world, and guess what? It’s free to enter! It started as a small shop in 1893 and now spans 750,000 square feet housing hundreds of brands, from luxury labels to more budget-friendly names. There are plenty of cafes and eateries to choose from, plus clean and modern (no hole-in-the-ground!) toilet facilities.

I haven’t put this on our list for the shopping, though – I have included it for the building. When you are inside the shopping center, look up, and you’ll see a stunning neo-Byzantine dome. There’s also a glass walkway accessible on the top floor of the building, allowing you to view the action below. And if that wasn’t enough, head up to the eighth floor that takes you to the roof of the megastore. Here you can see the city’s skyline from the terrace for free. It is near to Palais Garnier.  

Conciergerie

The Conciergerie can be combined with a visit to Saint-Chapelle as they sit beside one another. It was the royal residence until the end of the 14 th century when the inhabitants moved to the Louvre. During the French Revolution, the building was transformed into a prison. Marie Antoinette and many others were imprisoned here before they were taken to Place de la Concorde to be executed.

Now you can tour the Conciergerie with a HistoPad, an iPad offering an augmented show of what the building originally looked like, and other information. You can also see Marie Antoinette’s cell, which has now been transformed into a chapel. This is a must for history fans or those who marvel at medieval architecture, which is present both inside and out. Consider a combined ticket if you are visiting Saint-Chapelle to save money.

Louis Vuitton Foundation

The Louis Vuitton Foundation has been open to the public since 2014. The modern building was designed by Frank Gehry, who has other famous designs worldwide. The curved panels of glass and bare concrete stand out from the older, more traditional buildings in Paris, looking like an iceberg sticking out of the city. The museum is full of contemporary art in permanent or temporary exhibits. The foundation supports contemporary artists from all walks of life and holds regular workshops for children and budding young artists.

The outside landscape is just as remarkable as the art inside. The concrete gardens, with sharp lines interrupted with water, capture the light and shadows like no place in Paris. It is off the beaten path, but if you book tickets in advance as I did, you can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus that leaves from the Arc de Triomphe (corner of Avenue de Friedland). There is a cost to enter, and opening times change throughout the year.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

This park is situated next to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, which regularly holds workshops for children to enjoy in the park. Jardin d’Acclimatation is a must for families with children who are seeking adventure and playground fun. This amusement park is the next best thing to Disneyland Paris, which is up to an hour’s drive east of the city.

Formerly the Jardin Zoologique d’Acclimatation, where plants and animals from the colonies would come to acclimatize to the Parisian climate. It was also home to a human zoo up until 1912. It closed afterward but reopened in 1931 as an amusement park. This park was completely renovated in 2018 and now has 40 rides, including four big rollercoasters, 440 animals in their petting zoo, and 15 places to eat. It’s a great day out for young families and isn’t too expensive either.

Centre Pompidou

Following the Louis Vuitton Foundation, we have another modern art museum in the center of Paris. It is Europe’s largest modern art museum, making Centre Pompidou an essential visit for modern artists and contemporary art lovers. The building is one of those that is loved or hated, depending on your architectural taste. All of the plumbing and pipes are placed on the exterior of the building, color-coded according to the material they carry.

The modern block sits in the middle of more traditional architecture, so you can’t miss it. You could spend hours wandering around the exhibitions. At the museum’s top level is a terrace with another city view. On the first Sunday of every month, access to the permanent collections is free for all. It is located between the Louvre and Le Marais districts and is closed for refurbishment from 2025 until 2030.

Musee de l’Armee des Invalides

This is the place for historians and war enthusiasts alike, as it’s the national military museum of France. It’s also an excellent place to learn about France’s history. Initially founded by Louis XIV, it was created to house veterans and wounded soldiers. It has seven main spaces that contain 500,000 artifacts spanning from the Middle Ages up to World War II.

The Musee de l’Armee des Invalides is also home to Saint-Louis Cathedral, the veteran’s chapel, whose golden dome stands out from the Parisian landscape. It was the tallest building in Paris until the Eiffel Tower was built. Under the dome, you’ll find the tomb of Napoleon I and other graves, including Napoleon II. It is situated between Champ de Mars and Musee d’Orsay.

Place des Vosges

This is Paris’ oldest square, inaugurated in 1612, situated between Bastille and Marais. In the square, you’ll find four fountains in each corner, and a statue of Louis XIII in the center, surrounded by trees. This leafy square is a popular spot for locals to sit and relax with friends. It is home to 36 beautifully symmetrical houses, all built with red brick and slate roofs. Place des Vosges was named after the first region to pay war taxes.

Each house has ground-floor arcades filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also where Victor Hugo formerly lived, one of France’s most influential writers who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame . And there resides the Victor Hugo Museum. It’s free to enter and wander around. Even if you aren’t a fan of Victor Hugo or his work, it’s worth taking a trip inside to appreciate the inside of one of these beautiful houses and the architecture.

Visit A Rooftop Bar

There is a rooftop bar overlooking the Place des Vosges in Pavillon de la Reine Hotel, but it is usually saved for the patrons. If you’re not a customer, fear not, there are plenty of other rooftop bars to enjoy, providing a view of the city. These include Terass en Haute, Le Perchoir, and 43 Up on the Roof.

The rooftop bar I visited was called Mama Shelter, a beautiful hotel only a fifteen-minute wander west of the center of Paris. Go up to the eighth floor, and you’ll discover a beautiful bohemian rooftop bar with a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris. Sure, it’s not the highest viewpoint, but it has hammocks and ping-pong tables. They serve fantastic pasta and pizza dishes and host a party from 6 pm until midnight. I can thoroughly recommend Mama Shelter West .

Parc du Champ de Mars

This park is directly next to the Eiffel Tower, and the long stretch of grass is lined with benches, giving tourists and Parisians somewhere to catch their breath. It isn’t the prettiest of parks in Paris, but it offers an excellent place for photos of the tower. It can get hectic in the summer months with visitors looking for a good snap or selfie.

Even more than that, I found that it’s the best place to sit at night and watch the Eiffel Tower’s illuminations that have lit the sky every night since 1985. Every evening the tower is adorned with sparkling gold lights and a beacon that shines over Paris for five minutes, on the hour every hour. And it also lights up for special events and memorials. It is an unmissable event for anyone visiting the City of Lights. It is also energy efficient, which amounts to 0.4% of the monument’s annual energy consumption.

La Coulee Verte

Also known as La Promenade Plantee, this 5 km long trail is made up of elevated gardens, raised wooden bridges, and tree-lined cycling paths. It was the first elevated park walkway in the world, and at points, it sits 10 meters above the street. In 1969 the viaduct closed its doors to trains and was converted into glass-fronted boutiques and workshops for artisans. The old train lines were transformed into La Coulee Verte.

It’s excellent for seeing parts of Paris from a different perspective. My favorite part about the route was that you could nosey into people’s apartments. You’ll also come across Jardin de Reuilly, southeast of Paris. In the garden, you’ll find the first public fountain offering fresh drinking water, both still and sparkling, all year round.

Street Art in Paris

Many European cities are known for their street art, and Paris is one of them. The movement started in the 1960s and has grown bigger and better. As you potter around Paris, keep your eyes peeled for contemporary art. It’s free and always insta-worthy. If this is up your street, there are plenty of street art walking tours to consider with knowledgeable guides.

Although this open-air museum is spread throughout the entire city and is transient, the best places to visit are rue Germaine-Tailleferre, rue de Charonne, and rue Denoyez in Belleville. It’s common for street artists to be busy working during the daytime. Other popular places include rue Oberkampf and rue de la Fontaine au Roi.

Musee du Parfum Fragonard

Musee du Parfum is a stone’s throw from Palais Garnier. The museum has two parts. The first is to showcase the history of perfume, including old perfume bottles from ancient Egypt up to the 20 th century. And the second explains precisely how perfume is made, from start to finish. It takes less than an hour, and best of all, it’s free. There are QR codes you can scan in place of a guided tour, and it’s in English too.

It also hosts apprentice perfumer workshops, and this was another highlight of my trip to Paris. You get to slip into the shoes of an apprentice perfumer in a playful sensory experience. Sample the aromas and create your own cologne that you get to take home. A fee is included for this, and prices vary depending on the chosen workshop. This needs to be booked in advance. There is also a Fragonard store where you can purchase their products.

Jardin Tino Rossi

Nestled against the River Seine is a pretty green garden and one of the less well-known spaces. It’s one of the local’s best-kept secrets, and I’m so glad our hotelier shared it with us! And now I’m sharing it with you. Head to Tino Rossi Park, which is situated near Jardin des Plantes. You might hear it before you see it; listen for music beats and the happy chatter of the people.

Locals gather in the early evening for food and drinks, and there’s plenty of dancing too. Admire the dancers from the side or join in as most do. Many amphitheaters are built into the park, each with its own music style. These include ballroom, salsa, swing, waltz, reggae, and more. Have a waltz around the park and watch them all, or pick a favorite; the choice is yours. It’s also full of modern sculptures scattered around. It was one of the happiest places I’ve been to in Paris, and one of my favorite memories, dancing with my sister.

Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

The Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is a sprawling network of stands, alleyways, and warehouses that together make the world’s largest antique and second-hand market. To get a real feel for the flea market, you must spend a few hours perusing the stalls and chatting with the stallholders. But with 1,700 of them, it’s crucial to pinpoint which parts of the market you want to visit. Rue des Rosiers is the road which all the markets spread from.

Four of the most popular markets are Marche Vernaison, which specializes in toys, scientific objects, and glassware. There is also an eclectic café named Chez Louisette that is smothered in tinsel all year round. Next up is Marche Dauphine, which focuses on furniture and vintage records, prints, and clothing. Then there’s Marche Biron across the road, packed with Asian furniture, art, and Parisian Art Deco ornaments. Lastly is Marche Paul Bert Serpette, considered the trendiest of them all, showcasing a mix of everything.

As you’re in the area of rue de Rosiers, you should pop by one of Paris’ trendy and oldest neighborhoods, Le Marais. Since the 13 th century, it has been the Jewish Quarter. Although this is still true, it has also become the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ community. It is dotted with vintage stores, boutiques and has a vibrant nightlife. The cobbled, narrow streets and sheltered courtyards offer an old-world feel.

It is home to some of the best food outlets in Paris, which for a foodie like me, is one of the best places to go. Marche des Enfants Rouges is Paris’ oldest market, now a covered food market. Take a stroll through the market and enjoy the neverending cuisine and aromas that follow. France is known for its macarons, onion soup, and frog legs, but you might be surprised to learn that it is also famous for its falafel. If you’re a falafel fan, be sure to check out L’As du Fallafel .

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is something out of a child’s fantasy book, an unusual collection of all things weird and wonderful. And it’s in the middle of Paris and is free for all the public to enjoy. Here you’ll find a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a Dutch windmill, a Roman colonnade, a temple of Mars, an Italian vineyard, an enchanted grotto, a Gothic-style building that served as a laboratory, a pond of water lilies, and a Tatar tent.

The park was completed in 1779 and covers over 20 acres. Claude Monet painted three paintings here in the spring of 1876, inspiring many other artists. Today, it is popular with residents and their families and has several play areas for children. It is open from sunrise to sunset, sometimes beyond in the summer months.

Pont Alexandre III

This is a deck arch bridge that crosses the Seine River, and it connects the Champs-Elysees district with the Eiffel Tower quarter. It is classified as a French monument and is Paris’s most extravagant and ornate bridge. The style of the bridge reflects the Beaux-Arts style, and it features many sculptures.

It is a focal point of many boat tours, too, as you sail under it, and tourers explain the historical importance of this bridge even more. This bridge is featured in many films, including James Bond, Anastasia, Midnight in Paris, and Fantastic Beasts. Use it to cross the river at least once during your trip, and it’s an excellent place for photos.  

Musee des Arts Forains

Also known as Les Pavillons de Bercy, the Museum of Fairground Arts is one of the largest in the world. It is housed in the ancient wine warehouses in the 12 th district of Paris, built in the 19 th century, meaning it’s slightly off the beaten track. It was created to incite laughter and celebration. There are four sections: the theater of marvels, the Venetian rooms, the museum of fairground art, and the outdoor theater.

It is a great museum for all ages, and you get to ride the carousels and play the games. It is a visual feast for all visitors, so be sure to bring your camera. The guided tours are spoken in French, although some guides try to switch to English when possible. You can also request a printed English guide at the start of your tour. This museum has to be booked by email.

Rue Cler is one of the best market streets in the city, and it is the street food of dreams. This reason alone is why it has made it onto our list of things to do in Paris. If you’re not a foodie, there is little else to appreciate on this short street, so you might want to skip it. It is close to Champ de Mars, but be aware that many of the stores are closed on Mondays.

Three shops stood out to me during my visit to rue Cler. The first is the famous tea brand Mariage Freres, which offers some of the highest-quality tea in Europe. The Fromagerie stocks more than 200 types of French cheese, and the queues stretch down the block on Sunday mornings, so be sure to go early. And Maison Pralus serves some of the city’s best chocolate, macarons, and brioche, making it an excellent stop for lunch.

Take A Food Tour

Speaking of food, why not take a food tour? There are many to choose from, and if there’s one thing Parisians do well, it’s make good food! A food tour allows you to visit some of the best cafes and restaurants and sample their goods. Pick a generic Paris tour, or focus on something like cheese, wine, chocolate, or bread.

Some of the best food tour companies include Secret Food Tours and Paris By Mouth. The Paris By Mouth website also reviews restaurants and cafes throughout Paris. Importantly, they list restaurants not recommended, allowing you to avoid them. Life’s too short to waste on poor food!

Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is a central square in Paris, and it is located at the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees. It was the site of many famous executions, including Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI, and Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution. This is why you might hear it called the Place de la Revolution. In the center is an ancient Egyptian golden-tipped obelisk decorated in hieroglyphics. It was gifted to France in the 19 th century and is now the square’s centerpiece.

It’s a relatively uninspiring place, but it has enormous historical importance. From November to May, a giant Ferris wheel is placed here, which is popular with tourists and adds excitement to the square. In 2021 the mayor of Paris announced that the city would undertake an ambitious redesign of the Place de la Concorde, increasing pedestrian space and more green areas. Getting ready for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, this will surely be a place to go. Watch this space!

Versailles Palace

Last but certainly not least is the Chateau de Versailles. It is situated 10 miles southwest of Paris. This might sound like a trek for some, but nearly 10 million tourists journey from Paris, so it needs to be on your to-do list. This is the grandest place I have ever visited, and I was surprised to learn that it started as a brick-and-stone lodge. It wasn’t until Louis XIV came along that the Palace we see today was built. There are so many parts to visit, but the gardens were the most tranquil, and the Hall of Mirrors is spectacular and unmissable.

We arrived incredibly early, and even with pre-booked tickets, the queue was between one and two hours long, so expect to spend half to a full day here. We stayed right until closing, and there were next to no visitors left, which meant the perfect time for photos. If you are in Paris between November and March, entry to the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. The easiest way to get here is to take the RER C train from Champs de Mars or Saint-Michel stations.

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Paris Paralympics 2024: Updated medal tally after 5th September, Day 8

Aravind Sekhar

Hosts France win 11 medals on day 8 of Paris Paralympics 2024.

The clock is ticking at Paris Paralympics 2024 as only three days remain. The battle seems to be for the second and third place in the medal tally. China is now looking for new records to be set while their directs rivals—Great Britain and USA—are far behind. Great Britain is closely followed by the USA as there could be a change in second position in the final three days of the Paralympics.

Day 8 of Paris Paralympics 2024 began with Ukrainian Mariia Pomazan winning her third Paralympic gold in women’s F35 shot put. China’s Wang Jun came in second while Anna Nicholoson of Great Britain finished third.

Meanwhile, it was a day filled with agonising finishes for India. The limelight of the day was Kapil Parmar becoming the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in Judo . He won bronze in men’s 60kg J1 Blind Judo. In archery, Harvinder Singh and Pooja lost the bronze medal playoff in a close contest against Slovenia. India will hope to recover their form in day 9 of Paris Paralympics 2024.

Updated medal tally after 5th September (Day 8) in Paris Paralympics 2024

On top of the medal tally of Paris Paralympics 2024 is China with 74 golds, 55 silver and 37 bronze. The first gold of the day was brought in by Wen Xiaoyan in women’s 100m T37. The next gold came immediately through Yao Juan in women’s shot put F64. Shi Yijie secured gold in women’s 57 kg J1 Judo. The men’s and women’s foil team picked up gold medals under fencing. The men’s 50m freestyle S5 saw Guo Jincheng, Yuan Weiyi and Wang Lichao securing the top three finishes respectively.

Closing in on the triple digit mark in the medal tally at Paris is Great Britain with 36 golds, 29 silvers and 19 bronze. Rebecca Redfern won the first gold of the day for the nation in women’s 100m breaststroke SB13. Alice Tai was bestowed with the honours in women’s 50m freestyle S8. The final event of the day saw Great Britain settling for silver after losing to China in the men’s foil team under fencing.

Chasing the second spot in the medal tally of Paris Paralympics 2024 is USA with 27 golds, 33 silvers and 17 bronze. Oksana Masters started off with a gold in women’s H5 road race under cycling. Jeremy Campbell finished first in men’s F64 discus throw as David Blair joined him on the podium with bronze. Brian Siemann came in third in the men’s 800m T54.

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Netherlands has made sure to extend their stay in fourth place with 21 golds, 10 silvers and 5 bronze. Mitch Valize made his way to the top of the podium in the men’s H5 road race under cycling. Jetze Plat did the same in the men’s H4 road race. Niels Vink won gold after defeating compatriot Sam Schroder in the quad singles final under tennis.

Consistency is key as proven by France as they have won 17 golds, 22 silvers and 22 bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024. Florian Jouanny finished first in the men’s H1-2 road race under cycling. Mathieu Bosredon won gold as Johan Quaile clinched silver in the men’s H3 road race. The men’s foil team came in third under fencing.

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