Looking for things to do in Paris? You’re in the right place. We’ll talk about the best attractions in Paris you can’t afford to miss!
Paris is a city with a colorful history, culture, and beautiful landmarks. The City of Lights is magical.
There are so many must-see attractions we decided to point you in the right direction regarding the best things to do in Paris.
Paris is a tourist paradise. The best things to do in Paris will always include taking a peek at the iconic Eiffel Tower, ascending the Arc de Triomphe, and watching an opera at Palais Garnier.
However, Paris has many must-visit attractions that will leave you with the most beautiful memories.
They claim “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and seeing Paris up close and personal is a beautiful experience you won’t forget.
This post will point your eyes to the best things to see and do in Paris. This post covers them all, from flea markets to boat cruises, the highest vantage points, and some of the most awe-inspiring structures.
Paris can be a daunting experience for first-time holiday goers. “What to do in Paris? Help!”
We get you, and by reading this post, you will hopefully get some ideas to fill your itinerary with.
The list has some of the best things to do in Paris, and we believe it will help settle your nerves as you read through the fantastic attractions only Paris can deliver.
Where To Stay In Paris
Wondering where to stay in Paris? Here are our favorite picks for every taste!
- Hotel Suez is just a quick stroll from the Luxembourg Garden and Notre Dame. This centrally located hotel is surrounded by exciting cafes and restaurants to dig into.
- Le Cinq Codet is conveniently located in the 7th arrondissement, making it perfect for shorter vacations. This boutique hotel has a contemporary, elegant style, and thanks to this and its excellent staff, it boasts many repeat customers.
- Jardins Eiffel is a 3-star hotel and one of the many hotels in Paris with a view of the Eiffel tower. This hotel is ideally located in the center of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Champs-Élysées within walking distance.
- Le Meurice is a 5-star hotel with an enviable 2-star Michelin restaurant. Rooms are tastefully decorated in the Louis XVI style with a modern twist. It is perfectly located, close to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde, Palace Gardens, and far more.
- Hotel Shangri-La is a French and Asian-inspired hotel palace and is hands-down one of the best luxury hotels in Paris. Shangri-La has absolutely everything you could dream of! If this is a honeymoon trip, you should, hands-down, consider this property. (JLO and Ben Affleck stayed here on their honeymoon…)
31 Fun Things To Do In Paris
Here are our favorite things to do in Paris in no particular order.
1. Buy A Paris Pass
Welcome to Paris. Before you start to settle in, we suggest that you purchase a Paris Pass. The city pass will allow you entry into over 80 of the city’s major attractions. The pass also includes awesome additional activities like the following:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Petit Train Rides
- Stade de France Stadium Tour
- Beer Tasting
- Montmartre Walking Tour
- River Cruise
- Wine Tasting
- Amusement Park
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
More importantly, the Paris Pass can actually save you money on admission tickets. Similarly, the Museum Pass alone offers access to a number of museums and landmarks, but not to experiences like the Seine cruise, Montparnasse, and Eiffel Tower. (Paris Pass = Museum Pass + countless non-museum activities.)
Still, if you’re not sure whether the pass is profitable for you or not, you might want to read our Paris Pass review with a quick usage example.
Click here to buy your Paris Pass
2. Touch The Eiffel Tower
When it comes to iconic attractions in Paris, the Eiffel Tower towers above the rest, demanding your attention.
It’s one thing to see the Eiffel Tower from a distance, but to stand underneath it before making your way up the structure built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889, is an exhilarating experience.
The Eiffel Tower consists of 4 explorable sections, and you get to choose how you want to explore them:
- The Esplanade: Every journey starts at the bottom, and here you get to marvel at the four pillars that anchor the breathtaking tower to the ground. You will find the information desk at the west pillar and a bust of Gustav Eiffel on the north pillar.
- First Floor: The transparent glass floor on the first floor lets you view Paris uniquely. Let chef Thierry Marx satisfy your taste buds at the newly opened Madame Brasserie restaurant situated on this floor.
- Second Floor: You get to see Paris’ splendor on this floor. Expect great clear views of the Grand Palais, The Louvre, Invalides, Montmartre, and Notre Dame. The floor hosts shops and dining options, none more excellent than the Jules Verne.
- The Top: Glass-filled lifts escort you up to 905 feet, just below the antenna, where you can explore the best view of Paris. Enjoy a flute of champagne as you take in the wonders. Make sure to stop at Gustav Eiffel’s restored office.
We suggest you buy tickets in advance, as the Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument globally.
You can book direct access tickets for the Eiffel Tower up to 2 months in advance. July and August are when the tower gets the most visitors (it’s estimated that 7 million people touch the “Iron Lady” each year.)
Good to know: The Eiffel Tower access + tour is included in the Paris Pass.
3. Ascend Arc de Triomphe
It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, France’s most successful military leader, who implemented the Napoleonic Code that still forms the very basis of French law today.
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument built to remember Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, where he defeated the Austrians and the Russians. The building is a must-see when visiting Paris.
With its intricate carvings and inscriptions, you can easily lose an hour just staring at this magnificent structure.
The Roman Arch of Titus inspired the arch, yet architect Jean-Francois Chalgrin decided to build it with more significant dimensions (164 feet high, 148 feet long, and 72 feet wide) and without columns.
There’s a body buried underneath the arch, called the Unknown Soldier, which honors every French soldier that has lost their life while fighting for France. Every day at 18:30, the Eternal Flame is rekindled to remember all that went before.
You can access the Arc de Triomphe by the stairs. From the top, you get a magnificent view of the busiest and prettiest street in Paris, Champs-Élysées, and the chaotic roundabout connecting 12 roads.
Expect to pay a fee when you want to climb to the top (highly recommended), but free of charge if you have a Paris Pass.
4. Stroll Through The Louvre Museum
Ah, the Louvre.
This excellent Parisian museum once served as a royal residence for many French royals, including Louis XIV.
In the 17th century, Louis XIV moved to Versailles and only years after did the Louvre shift into a museum, more precisely in the 18th century, and it is still one of the best in the world.
That’s why visiting the Louvre is one of the best things to do in Paris. If your time is limited, explore the museum that attracts the most visitors of any museum on the planet.
Lose yourself as you make your way across 782,910 square feet of history that contain approximately 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art, from paintings, drawings, sculptures, and archaeological finds, some pieces dating back to the beginning of time.
Some of the Louvre’s highlights are Eugene Delacroix’s Liberty of Leading the People, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.
We strongly suggest you buy a timed-entrance ticket to save lots of time. A typical trip will last between 2 to 3 hours.
Good to know: The Louvre entrance ticket is included in the Paris Pass.
5. Have A Picnic In The Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries is not only one of the best places to visit in Paris but also the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic after exploring the Louvre, which is a few feet from this colorfully French-styled former royal garden.
Pick up some wine, bread, and cheese, and bask in the sun for a relaxing picnic on the well-maintained lawn.
If you are in the mood for world-famous macarons, do yourself a favor and visit Laduree, situated below the pyramid found at the Louvre, before making your way to the Tuileries Garden.
Prince Louis XIII and Louis XV used to play here as this used to be the royal garden.
6. Check Out Musée de l’Orangerie
There are many must-see attractions in Paris. One of them is the Musée de l’Orangerie, situated in the west corner of the Tuileries Gardens.
This art gallery is most famous for displaying eight permanent murals (Water Lilies) by the French painter Claude Monet.
Other artists’ works that are also on display at the museum include:
- Henri Matisse
- Pablo Picasso
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Maurice Utrillo
- Henri Rousseau
- Paul Cezanne
- Amedeo Modigliani
You may remember seeing Claude Monet’s murals and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” a romantic movie set in Paris. The gallery features impressionist and post-impressionist art.
Good to know: Musée de l’Orangerie access is included in the Paris Pass.
7. Cruise Down The Seine
After enjoying a picnic at Tuileries Garden, we suggest you book a cruise on the main waterway in Paris, the Seine.
It’s the perfect method to explore the “City of Lights” from a different perspective. A boat cruise down the Seine is hands-down one of the best things to do in Paris.
The guided commentary is helpful when making your way past celebrated landmarks, like Pont Neuf, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and the gothic palace that is Conciergerie.
You can choose from daytime, sunset, or nighttime cruises with dinner, French music playing in the background, and the sheer beauty of Paris from a different perspective.
If you want something romantic to do in Paris, look no further than the VIP Champagne Tasting boat cruise on the Seine.
Good to know: A Seine cruise is included in the Paris Pass.
8. Survey Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see attraction in Paris. The church is famous for being a masterpiece in gothic design and housing many relics of Christ that Saint Louis IX amassed during his life. These include the crown of thorns and the image of Edessa.
This Parisian chapel is a popular attraction due to its stunning stained glass from the 13th century, depicting 1,113 Old and New Testament scenes.
It is one of the most beautiful buildings in France with interesting history and is well worth a visit.
Good to know: The Sainte-Chapelle access is included in the Paris Pass.
9. Inspect The Conciergerie
Next to the gothic-inspired Sainte-Chapelle lies the Conciergerie, a gothic royal palace. Many kings of France lived until the end of the 14th century when it turned into a prison to detain people during the French Revolution.
The history-rich building remains unchanged from its days as a medieval palace, the guards’ room (Salle des Gardes), the Hall of Soldiers (Salle des Gens d’Armes), and the kitchens.
Here, the Revolutionary Court was installed and where the Paris Parliament resided during the Revolution.
The Conciergerie was the last prison that held the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, who was guillotined in 1793. Worth a visit.
10. Take In The Musée d’Orsay
Compared to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay houses a smaller but rich collection. Many ask if it’s even worth choosing between the two.
Still, Musée d’Orsay has the most extensive collection of impressionist masterpieces, including Monet, Pissarro, Morisot, Manet, and Renoir.
As said, the Musée d’Orsay is smaller than the Louvre, so you can take your time browsing around from painting to painting. Any art lover will enjoy this museum.
Also, be on the lookout for the famous Van Gogh’s “Starry Sky” and search for paintings done by Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, who inspired a certain painter called Picasso.
Good to know: Musée d’Orsay access is included in the Paris Pass.
11. Watch An Opera At Palais Garnier
If you are into elegant and stylish settings, then Palais Garnier is the place to explore when in Paris.
Inside the palace, you will find experience beauty that makes you gasp for air. The Palais Garnier houses an opera house, a beautiful grand foyer, magnificent stairs, salons, a museum library, and rehearsal studios.
Here, you will get to witness some of the best opera and ballet productions globally while watching in absolute luxury.
The “Italian-style” amphitheater’s ceiling was painted by Marc Chagall and can comfortably seat 2,054 spectators.
You can fit two opera experiences into a weekend by getting tickets to the neighboring modernized opera house called the Opera Bastille.
12. Step Into Sacre-Coeur
The Sacre-Coeur, or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, paid for by ordinary Parisians through donations.
The stone used in the building of the Sacre-Coeur is exceptionally white, cleans itself, and has a unique shiny look that you can see from far away.
The design of Sacre-Coeur incorporates many nationalist themes, like the two statues of the saints Joan of Arc and King Louis IX, a portico, and also features one of the heaviest bells (19 tons) in France called the Savoyarde, which is only used on holy occasions.
The Sacre-Coeur is built on the highest point in the city (butte Montmartre), making it ideal for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Step inside the most visited church in Paris and wonder at the marvel of the mosaic called the “Apse Mosaic.” It’s the largest mosaic in France and depicts Christ in all his holy glory.
Some of the best things to do in Paris is to visit the Sacre-Coeur. We suggest you make your way up to the basilica dome for the city’s best view, let alone the best Eiffel Tower view.
Expect to pay a small amount on-site for this viewing pleasure.
Don’t miss out! Join a Sacre Coeur and Montmartre walking tour!
13. Stretch Your Legs At Luxembourg Gardens
Pack your picnic blanket or use one of the hundreds of free chairs to enjoy this world-famous park in Paris – Luxembourg Gardens.
The gardens offer a quick introduction to what the city’s museums have to offer with the temporary exhibits in the Musée du Luxembourg.
You can explore the entire garden for free, and if you plan your trip just right then, you can enjoy a guided tour by the gardeners on the first Wednesday of the month from April to October.
There’s finger food to choose from and some restaurants on the French garden grounds.
Although enjoying the Luxembourg Gardens is free, the museum has paid entry, and the exhibits are a coveted experience with fast-selling tickets—Book in advance and stomach the crowd.
Visiting the garden over the weekend is a positive, soul-enriching experience.
You gander over the large pond as kids play with their remote-controlled boats and adults enjoy some water activities. However, weekday visits will be more of your stride if you want a quieter time.
14. Experience The Magic Of A Parisian Cabaret
When it comes to all-out entertainment and some of the best things to do in Paris, we suggest you treat yourself to a cabaret night.
The traditional “nightclubs” of old cabarets are a must-see and should be on your Paris bucket list.
Dubbed the “world’s most famous nightclub,” Lido de Paris is certainly one of the more legendary establishments found in Champs-Élysées. If you are pondering what to see in Paris, here’s your answer!
Enjoy a bottle of bubbly and some French cuisine, and let the burlesque show take your breath away.
Beautiful dancers, alluring costumes, and acrobatic artists, together with the world-renowned elite Bluebell Girls and Lido Boys, will take you on an unforgettable journey.
The Paris Merveilles show pays tribute to the City of Lights. It’s one of the attractions in Paris that you won’t regret experiencing.
A great alternative to Lido de Paris is the famous Moulin Rouge.
Click here to book your cabaret at Lido or at Moulin Rouge
15. Stroll Around Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is a busy square in Paris with a beautiful fountain, an Egyptian obelisk, and a temporary Ferris wheel.
Tourists who stroll around this place can’t imagine what happened here centuries ago.
Namely, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed by guillotine at this very square during the French Revolution.
So take your time to stroll around the largest square in Paris and appreciate the lively atmosphere it has today.
16. Pray At The Pantheon
The Pantheon was the brainchild of Louis XV – he who bankrupted France, leading to the French Revolution – who wanted to build a new megachurch in honor of Saint-Genevieve.
The construction was hampered by lousy foundation designs and a lack of funds.
The construction of the Pantheon was completed just as the French Revolution started.
In 1971, the National Constituent Assembly voted that the church be used as a mausoleum to hold the bodies of the great French heroes who died during French Liberty.
It was declared a church twice in the 19th century before it became what we have today, a shrine to some of the most influential French people in history.
The following French heroes are buried beneath the Pantheon, making up the total of 78 people buried here:
- Victor Hugo
- Alexandre Dumas
- Pierre Curie
- Marie Curie
- Jean Moulin
- Maurice Genevoix
17. Explore Center Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is one of the best places you should see in Paris. Seven million people visit Center Pompidou each year.
This museum has one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art, and you can expect to see the work of many great modern artists and designers and hundreds of inspiring artworks from lesser-known artists.
Here, you can find Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Matisse, for example.
The Center Pompidou will satisfy the thirst of any art lover looking for an artsy drink. Do yourself a massive favor and visit the Place Georges Pompidou next to the center. Here you will encounter jugglers, mimes, musicians, and street artists.
There are many Parisian cafés in the area, but before you get something to eat, stop at the famous Stravinsky Fountain for a few pictures.
Good to know: Center Pompidou access is included in the Paris Pass.
18. Descend Into The Paris Catacombs
The Les Catacombes de Paris has a haunting history. During the late 1800s, French people struggled with their health, and cemetery space became very limited.
So in the 18th century, Paris authorities decided to move the bodies in the cemeteries to a system of underground tunnels – the easily accessible Tombe-Issoire quarries found under the Plain of Montrouge.
These quarries formed a small labyrinth section extending for about 800 hectares underneath the city.
Bones found in common graves, tombs, and charnel houses were transported during the night and dumped into quarry wells, where workers would distribute and pile them into galleries.
Under the supervision of Inspector Hericart de Thury, the site was transformed from a bone dumpsite to one where the bones were carefully organized into the walls, making the site monumental. Today you will see rows of tibiae alternating with rows of skulls.
We suggest you book a trip with an audio guide and skip the line. The Paris Catacombs are “decorated” with the bones of 6 million Parisians.
To descend into the catacomb, you must take 131 steps down, so it’s not disabled-friendly. When you have completed the tour of 0.9 miles, 112 steps will take you back to the “City of Light,” one of the many nicknames of Paris.
Click here to buy your skip-the-line tickets to the Catacombs
19. Relax At The Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin is about a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. You won’t find another museum in Paris set in such a beautiful and relaxing setting.
The Musée Rodin is found inside a two-story hotel (Hotel Biron), overlooking seven acres of well-kept lawns, perfectly pruned trees, and colorful rose gardens littered with sculptures of the great Rodin.
The recently renovated establishment houses Rodin’s restored sculptures, his painting collection, and several other antiques. Look out for some of his most famous works:
- Young Girl With Flowers In Her Hair
- The Age Of Bronze
- The Gates Of Hell
- The Thinker
- Crouching Woman
- The Kiss
Good to know: Musée Rodin access is included in the Paris Pass.
20. Catch A Lift To The Top Of Montparnasse Tower
If you want to experience the best view of Paris, we strongly suggest you make your way to the top of Montparnasse Tower. When you are looking for things to do in Paris, start with this one.
When you are on the top terrace, it’s 689 feet up in the air, and from this vantage point, the whole of Paris comes into view. Enjoy a glass of French Champagne while taking in the City of Love.
Montparnasse Tower is an incredible Parisian rooftop. We suggest that you visit once during the daytime and once during the night. The Eiffel Tower at night is a remarkable sight.
Good to know: Montparnasse Tower access is included in the Paris Pass.
21. Hunch On Over To Notre-Dame de Paris
Most people will think of the epic cartoon “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” released by Disney in the late 20th century, when they hear the word, Notre Dame.
The movie did it justice, but you should see it in real life. The Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral on Île de la Cité was built on the ruins of two churches, and the thorns of Christ are said to be kept in the Notre Dame treasury.
The Notre Dame was almost destroyed after the French Revolution, but Napoleon rescued the building and crowned himself the Emperor of France in this very cathedral in 1804.
The impressive Rayonnant Gothic-styled cathedral features two massive towers with unique Gothic carvings of Old Testament kings inside the magnificent halls.
A fire partially destroyed the roof and spire in 2019, and the monument is still under construction.
Visiting Notre Dame is still some of the best things you can do when visiting Paris, with or without a roof. President Macron has given the rebuilders a deadline of 2024.
Good to know: The Notre Dame crypt access is included in the Paris Pass.
22. Lose Yourself At The Atelier des Lumieres
Experience an art center that isn’t scared to use technology in its exhibitions.
The Atelier des Lumieres is a modern-day art center that mixes the old with the new. You have never seen Van Gogh’s “Starry Night’ as you will see here.
By integrating all sorts of visual technology techniques into their displays, the art attacks your senses in a good way.
The displays often revolve around displaying the work of legendary artists in a modern way.
Also, strolling around this place is a great way to spend a rainy day in Paris.
23. Cruise Down Canal Saint-Martin
Napoleon Bonaparte was behind the construction of Canal Saint-Martin, as he wanted to use it as a supply route for transporting goods, freshwater, and other goods.
Years later, his nephew, Napoleon III, instructed Baron Haussman to modernize the city by building sewers, parks, and boulevards.
Haussman decided to take the canal underground when building the new Voltaire boulevard. When taking a boat ride, you will dip underground at Place de la Republique before emerging close to Place de la Bastille.
On the canal banks, you can see picnickers, anglers, poets, and artists doing their thing. The under-30 crowd is especially fond of Canal Saint-Martin, as it’s the place to be seen if you are young and hip.
24. Stroll Down Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is often referred to as the “Most Beautiful Avenue in The World.”
The 1.2-mile avenue is filled with theaters, cafés, and luxury shops like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co, Mercedes, Abercrombie & Fitch, Zara, and Bulgari, to name a few.
Every tourist should take a stroll down the busiest avenue in Paris. We suggest you take a walk moving to your west, which will bring you the Arc de Triomphe.
The Tour de France also concludes on the Champs-Élysées, be on the lookout for that should you visit Paris on the 24th of July.
25. Enjoy A Drink On A Parisian Rooftop Bar
Nothing beats a cocktail or two on a rooftop bar, especially when the view is one of magical Paris and her beautiful landmarks. Besides, enjoying some drinks with a view is one of the best things to do in Paris at night.
We suggest you make an online booking before heading off to a rooftop bar, especially if you’re part of a big group, as space may be limited at these Paris attractions.
Here are some rooftop bars:
Le Georges
Le Georges offers a close view of the Eiffel Tower, making it a romantic setting without having to move a muscle.
During the week, this romantic restaurant offers the perfect evening for two. It becomes a weekend party zone when DJs play live music.
The vast French cuisine menu will leave you full, satisfied, and with an educated palette. The staff is super-friendly, and the drinks go down well on a roof with a view.
The rooftop bar is on top of the Centre Georges-Pompidou, with the Musée National d’Art Moderne below.
Le Perchoir
There are six Le Perchoir locations that you can explore while enjoying your time in Paris, each unique and wonderful.
We suggest you try out the first Le Perchoir to open its doors, the one in Menilmontant, which is located on the roof of an old factory.
Expect Mediterranean cuisine while dining on the 6th floor. On the 7th floor, you will find a roof terrace, a big bar serving trendy drinks and delicious bar food, and breathtaking views of the Sacre-Coeur.
Chilling under a pergola with soft seating options while fireplaces crackle in the background makes for a relaxing vibe. If you stay after enjoying the Parisian sunset, then hit the club for some dancing.
Ensure that you go early as the place fills up quickly. It’s that good a hangout spot.
Terrass” Hotel
The Terrass” Hotel has had many famous artists as guests. From Dali, Renoir, Matisse, and Edith Paff, it’s been “the artists’ address since the early 20th century.”
If you plan on staying in Montmartre, look no further than this historic venue when deciding on a base of operations.
The restaurant sits on the 7th floor of the establishment, with the rooftop terrace on top. Try one of their sixteen signature cocktails and traditional French cuisine, and relax in a cozy yet sophisticated environment.
The Terrass” Hotel has one of the few rooftop bars that’s heated and undercover, which means it stays open any time of the year. Most rooftop bars in Paris will not open if the weather is foul.
26. Picnic at Buttes-Chaumont Park
The Buttes-Chaumont Park in the 19th arrondissement is one of the most extensive green spaces in Paris, measuring almost 62 acres.
What makes this park unique are its hilly setting, caves, waterfalls, suspended bridge, and a high viewpoint.
On top of that, this park is brightened up with many beautiful birds, like rose-ringed parakeets, moorhens, mallard ducks, and seagulls.
So pack your picnic basket and bring a good mood to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and an enjoyable outdoor afternoon.
Read next: 19 Beautiful Bridges in Paris
27. Wander Through A Parisian Flea Market
Gone are the days of buying mass-produced souvenirs, like a mini-model of the Eiffel Tower, to show that you have visited Paris.
We suggest you wander through a flea market in Paris, as this is where you will find an item that genuinely connects you to the experience of exploring the city.
Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen
When last have you felt like a kid in a candy store? Prepare yourself to feel like an adult-child when you wander through stall-lined streets.
With over 3,000 traders and regarded as the largest flea market in Europe, Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen, is where you can find French treasure to take home with you.
From cheap items to hidden antiques, the list of items found in the market’s themed areas is a joy to browse through vintage clothing, antique paintings, decorative furniture, textiles, glassware, prints, jewelry, ceramics, kitchen goods, and art deco items.
A staggering 180,000 people descend on the marketplace each weekend, so keep your personal belongings safe and try to go early.
The market closes at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, staying open until 5 pm on Monday.
We suggest avoiding the parking lot full of campers; here, you will only find cheap counterfeit goods.
Les Puces de Montreuil
If you don’t like big crowds, then the Les Puces de Montreuil flea market is better. It’s less famous than its big brother mentioned above, and few tourists visit this market.
The best dealers are in the little square, so be on the lookout for them.
This market is open from Saturday to Monday from 7 am to 5 pm, be sure to check out their website for possible extended times during your stay.
28. Visit The Musée Picasso Paris
Pablo Picasso’s art is legendary. He ranks among the most influential artists of the 20th century, spending most of his life in his beloved Paris.
The Musée Picasso Paris, a beautiful mansion converted into a museum, houses the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works.
Picasso famously remarked, “Give me a museum, and I’ll fill it,” Those words ring true as the museum is filled from the basement to the top with paintings, letters, sketches, sculptures, and poetry from the master artist.
29. Explore Le Marais
Le Marais is a beautiful part of Paris that is well worth exploring. From the oldest food market, medieval courtyards, cobblestone streets, mansions, art museums, and thriving café culture – it’s one of Paris’s most popular quartiers (neighborhoods).
We suggest that you take part in the following when spending time in the historic Le Marais:
Some art museums to visit in Le Marais:
- La Maison Europeenne de la Photographie – House of European Photography
- Musée Carnavalet – Museum of the History of Paris
- Musée de la Chase et de la Nature
- Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme
In addition, an excellent thing to do in Paris is take a guided gourmet tour in Le Marais. An expert guide accompanies you to the best local hangouts, where you get to sample the following types of food and wine:
- Pastries
- Macaron
- Charcuterie (Pate, Hams, Rillettes)
- Cheese
- Local Wines
- French Liqueurs
- Cognac
- Absinthe
- Armagnac
- Old Plum Brandy
The gourmet tour is also a walking tour, and you get to pass many historic and beautiful medieval neighborhoods in Paris.
The tour starts at the Centre Pompidou and passes the Notre Dame to the city’s town hall, the Hotel de Ville, where public executions were performed back in the day.
The final stop is Place de la Bastille, a square where the Bastille prison used to be.
We suggest you spend the evening here, as there is always something going on, with numerous bars, cafés, concert halls, and nightclubs.
Click here to book your gourmet tour
30. Visit the Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Père-Lachaise Cemetery was the first garden and municipal cemetery built in Paris, and it is the site of three WWI memorials.
While it is not your usual tourist attraction, this burial ground may pique your interest to see some of the most curious tombs this cemetery showcases.
There are almost 800,000 souls buried here. The famous rock artist Jim Morrison and other famous people include Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf, Rossini, and Oscar Wilde. It’s no wonder that this cemetery boasts such curious tombs, each one unique.
These tombs’ grandeur and intricate designs will surely capture your attention and might even be one for photo albums.
31. Dive Into Disneyland
Bringing your kids along to Paris? Are you fearful that a trip to the Musée Du Louvre won’t excite them?
You don’t need to worry; Paris has a Disneyland! Book a ticket and let them explore the magic of Disney, where they can enjoy the following:
- Meet Disney Characters
- Family Rides
- Shows
- Parades
- Big Thunder Mountain Ride
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain Ride
- Walt Disney Studio
Best Time To Visit Paris
Every Parisian season offers its unique spice. An itinerary should not only consider filling its itinerary slots with attractions and activities but it should be structured in a way that aligns your very soul with the ebb and flow of the city.
Here is what you need to know to decide when it’s the best time to visit Paris for your trip:
Visiting Paris in summer (June, July, and August) is probably the most popular time. This sultry season gets crowded with internationals as locals recede out for a bit to give warm and buzzing streets over to curious feet. It is a beautiful time packed with outside festivals, events, and baking in the summer sun.
The summer swelter gives way to fall in Paris (September, October, and November). The sometimes unbearably high summer temperatures relax a bit, and the hordes of tourists shrink as well. Locals reassume into their beloved city, and the long queues to popular attractions become more manageable.
The temperature bows further as winter (December, January, and February) takes the stage. With fall’s significant events like Paris Fashion Week in the rearview mirror, hotel rooms become available, and heavy rains shower the streets.
Although the crowds are much smaller during this season, they come back to celebrate Christmas in Paris.
As the city’s flora turns colors in the spring (March, April, and May), tourists welcome our personal favorite time of the year to visit Paris. It is a great time to not only go flower hunting but also try fresh local produce at the various farmers’ markets.
Map Of The Best Things To Do In Paris
As promised, here is the interactive, free map of the things to do in Paris we mentioned in this article. Click here to access it.
To use it, simply open the map on your smartphone, click on the icon of the attraction you want to visit on the map, and the location will be displayed on the lower side of the screen.
You can choose the directions to get to that location or save it for later.
Wrapping Up On What To Do In Paris
Paris is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we want to make sure you have a memorable trip.
That’s why we wrote a few handy guides to help you plan this magical trip.
For example, you can use the following itineraries: one day in Paris, 2 days in Paris, 3 days in Paris, 4 days in Paris, and 5 days in Paris.
Once you have enjoyed the French capital, you might enjoy going on a day trip from Paris to places like Disneyland, Versailles, or even Normandy (and visit the D-Day beaches!).
It’s very easy to go from Paris to Versailles, after all, Versailles is a lovely town near Paris.
Should it be the first time you visit the “City of Lights,” we wish you a wonderful trip with the most beautiful memories.
Did you enjoy reading about the best things to do in Paris? Then share this article with your dear friends!
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Before you leave for France, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy because accidents happen on the road. We have been paying for Safety Wing travel insurance for a little over a year now, and we happily recommend them to our family and friends.
If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you'll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what was stolen.
Because, for just a couple of dollars a day (depending on how long your policy is for), you're going to get lots of things covered. Be smart and get travel insurance.