Paris, referred to as the City of Light, has been drawing visitors from all over the world for centuries. From its beautiful historical monuments to exceptional cuisine, visiting Paris is unmissable when you love traveling. Basically, Paris is an open-air museum!
Are you traveling to Paris soon? That's an excellent idea! Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, romantic, or simply want to tick the French capital off your bucket list, you’ll be spoiled for choice with these 66 Best & Unmissable Things To Do In Paris.
Paris may immediately bring to mind the famous landmarks, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum but the city has so much more to offer.
As one of the quintessential cities to visit in the world, there are so many hidden gems and numerous things to do. It’s impossible to get bored here!
Secret spots are my favorite thing to explore in the city! But don’t get me wrong, if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, there are plenty of famous touristic locations you should see first.
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Iconic Sights in Paris
With its beautiful, culture, historical landmarks, exceptional cuisine, and luxury lifestyle, Paris has become one of the most visited cities in the world. But with so many things to see and do, it can feel overwhelming planning a Paris itinerary that hits all the top spots. Therefore I’ve compiled a list of the iconic sights to visit especially if this is your first time in Paris!
Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower
This couldn’t be a top Paris attraction list without one of the most famous landmarks in France. While there are many spots around to take spectacular photos, climbing to the top it’s definitely a must if you want to see Paris from a new perspective.
Visit the world-famous Louvre Museum
There is no question if the Louvre should be o the iconic sights list of Paris! The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world. While many just go to see the outside of the Louvre, I urge you to go inside this museum! Inside the former royal palace, you’ll find some of the most iconic pieces of art in history, from Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa to the famous Venus de Milo statue!
Check out the Arc de Triomphe
Whether you want to honor those who fought for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars or you find yourself in the Place Charles de Gaulle and want to tick one of the most famous sights in Paris, visiting Arc de Triomphe is a must! And you can also go to the top and view Paris from above!
Shop your way through Champs Elysee
This famous and busy street is lined with world-class shops and restaurants on both sides making it a wonderful shopping and dining street spot in Paris. Champs Elysee is a true sight to behold.
Gaze over the Paris at the Montparnasse
If you want to see Paris like a real Parisian, go to Montparnasse, and while there definitely take the stairs and walk to the open-air terrace. See all of Paris with this incredible 360-degree view and a glass of champagne at the bar located on the top!
Sing up for a walking tour
This is an easy way to see the iconic landmarks of the city in a couple of hours. Book a walking tour with local guides and get an insight into the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Explore the charming Montmartre Sacré-cœur
The charming, hilltop district of Montmartre is one of the most picturesque areas and one of the most popular things to do while in Paris. No visit to Montmartre is complete without seeing the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, whose majestic medieval dome sits at the highest point in Paris offering stunning views over the seemingly endless city.
See the famous Norte-Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is known to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and a top attraction in Paris. This remains one of the most iconic sights in Paris and while you can’t currently go inside due to the restoration process, you can still walk around the outside of Norte-Dame.
Dazzle your senses with a wine and cheese tour
It’s no secret that French cheese and wine are spectacular. So what better way to experience Paris than by indulging in some of its tastiest offerings? With a range of different options to choose from, embarking on a taste tour through wine and cheese delicacies seems a must to me while in Paris!
Hidden Gems in Paris
Are you looking for unusual things to do in Paris? If this is your second or fifth time visiting Paris, you have already seen the top-tier most-visited touristy attractions and you want to tick some unique Parisian spots then definitely check this out.
Escape the crowd at Dalida Square
This is probably one of the prettiest spots in Paris! The secluded Dalida Square in Montmartre is a spectacular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring cobbled, tree-lined streets and quaint buildings it’s a wonderful area for wandering around.
Breath in the beauty of L’Oasis D’Aboukir
Barely known even by locals, L’Oasis D’Aboukir is a true hidden gem in Paris. This vertical garden or mur végétal is really worth a stop if you are looking for unique unknown spots!
Soak the peace on Rue des Thermopyles
This is more a secret spot rather than a hidden gem! Literally, no one knows this street even exists. Rue des Thermopyles is a little street far less popular than Rue Cremieux but equally as picturesque.
Church of St-Etienne-du-Mont
The spectacular Church of St-Etienne-du-Mont is worth visiting! Much more peaceful than other iconic churches in Paris with carved wooden stairs, a stunning facade, and surrounding paved streets is a great spot to get some stunning historical shots.
Get lost in Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet
You are looking for romantic secret spots? Then Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet is your best choice! The perfect place to get lost in a secret garden enjoy a picnic or simply relax while here.
Embrace the vibe at La Mouzaia
La Mouzaia’s old-warm charm, tranquility, and beauty are all combined in this spectacular tiny neighborhood that could definitely rival Montmeatre. If you are searching for a peaceful walk around a picturesque, residential area of Paris then this is perfect.
Feel local at Le quartier de “la Campagne à Paris”
Experience the local vibe by exploring this tiny city in the heart of Paris. Beautiful gardens, quaint brick houses, cobbled streets, and traditional street lamps, with tons of charm make you wish to live here forever!
Take your photo camera and go to La Butte aux Cailles
Your Instagram followers will thank you! Known as Little Alsace, this quiet and quaint suburban-style neighborhood is the perfect place to get spectacular Parisian photo shoots while you feel like you’re in an old Disney film.
Browse the lesser-known Musée Jacquemart-André
This is a great chance to step into the lives of one of 19th century Paris’ more affluent couples while exploring an eclectic range of paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, and objets d’art hosted by Musée Jacquemart-André.
History and Culture in Paris
Paris has been drawing visitors from all over the world for centuries. With its beautiful historical sites, exceptional museums, and palaces, Paris has become one of the most visited cities in the world.
Glimpse Parisian Local Life At Rue Cler
Rue Cler is Paris’s most famous street market and also where the Paris locals do their daily shopping. Although busy and bustling, it is not overrun by loads of tourists which makes this one of the best places to indulge in the Parisien atmosphere.
Be amazed at Musée d’Orsay
Although much smaller than the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay offers some famous pieces of art. If you are a museum buff, definitely you’ll love it!
Tour the opulent Palais Garnier
It’s no secret that Paris is filled with endless art spots but if you’re a true art lover, you can’t miss out on exploring the Palais Garnier. While here, be sure to check out the grand marble staircase, massive foyer, and painted ceiling that depicts the music history!
Step back in time at Place de la Concorde
Although there is a dramatic history involved, being famous for many public executions Place de la Concorde is now a great spot to step back in time while exploring the beauty of this area.
Go underground and explore the eerie Catacombs
Diving deeper into the dark side of Paris’s history, The Catacombs once serving as stone mines for the city, are now home to the remains of over six million people. The tour takes you through approximately two kilometers of tunnels.
Step inside the inspiring and architecturally brilliant Pantheon
Just like some other cities, Paris has its own pantheon in the Latin Quarter. The building is a popular tourist spot known for its neoclassical design and unique history and it has served as a church and secular monument over the years.
See Monet’s paintings come to life at Giverny
Easily one of the world’s most celebrated painters, Claude Monet created spectacular artworks, including the water lily series paintings that are now on display at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris. A visit to Monet’s House and Garden is a must for any art lover!
View Symbolism At The Gustave Moreau Museum
Gustave Moreau who lived in Paris in the 1800s was a “symbolist” painter. Along with all of his works prominently displayed, at the museum honoring him, you will be able to explore the living quarters where he and his family actually lived.
Day Trips from Paris
Although there are many things to see in Paris within the city, it would be a miss not to explore beyond the city walls! There are plenty of Paris day trips to enjoy the surrounding area, whether in the immediate vicinity of the capital or several hundred kilometers away, which can be easily reached with guided tours.
Spend a day at the Versailles Palace
Even if you only have a weekend in Paris, Versailles should be at the top of your bucket list! This Palace will have you in awe as you walk through history. This place is extremely large so make sure to be here in the morning to have enough time to explore the palace as well as the beautiful garden.
Stare in wonder at Château De Chantilly
If you want to explore beautiful artwork but escape the crowd of Versailles, this day trip from Paris is for you. The Château De Chantilly is one of the jewels of French heritage and one of the best castles near Paris.
Witness royal opulence at Fontainebleau Castle
Surrounded by one of the largest forests in France, Fontainebleau Castle is a magnificent building and also a UNESCO-classified site which you certainly want to see! During your visit, you can also explore the charming small town of Fontainebleau, its pretty houses, quaint church, and lovely cobblestone streets.
Sip REAL champagne in Reims
Welcome to the city of Champagne! Reims, the capital of the Champagne is one of the best cities to visit near Paris. Besides spectacular bubbly, here you will discover one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, the Cathedral of Reims also called Notre Dame like the one in Paris.
Organize a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a beautiful fortress that offers an incredible insight into the 11th century with spectacular surroundings, incredible architecture, and romantic ramparts. This secluded islet, one of France’s most picturesque coastal locations is a perfect place to step into a fairytale.
Be child again at Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris
Do you really need details of the most visited park in Europe? No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Disneyland! This is perhaps the best way to describe it! It is really a magical and enchanting world that awaits you in its parks!
Step in Strasbourg for a day
Strasbourg is not only one of the most beautiful cities near Paris and a UNESCO site but is also a modern city and the capital of Europe as it hosts the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.
Shopping in Paris
Whenever I think about shopping my mind automatically poops up Paris. From the Champs-Élysées to the Rue Saint-Honoré to Montmartre and from high-end mega stores to small boutiques, is basically impossible to visit Paris without making some shopping.
Visit The Upscale Galleries Lafayette
Galleries Lafayette is definitely worth it to see even if you are not interested in shopping or purchasing anything. A series of opulent buildings connected by a series of bridges, with amazing art nouveau architecture, and decorations make it a perfect stop while in Paris.
Shop 'till you drop at Marche D’Aligre
Marche D’Aligre is one of the oldest markets in Paris and one of the best places in town enjoy a shopping session while you try some tasty, authentic local food. There are several sections with fresh cheese, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Last but not least, there’s also a very great flea market within Marche D’Aligre where you can get some quirky and cheap souvenirs.
Do a little window-shopping at Pyrénées Market
Now, if you happen to be in Paris on a Sunday or Thursday, you may want to stop at Rue des Pyrénnées especially if you’re planning to have a picnic in Paris. This is definitely the best place to buy your ingredients from.
Find a scent you love in a perfume workshop
Looking for something a little more unique with a French spectacular touch? Then a fragrance workshop in The City of Love and Light, where there are some of the world’s most iconic perfumes, is the perfect place to try making your very own! Is hard to find a more unique souvenir, than a personal perfume scent!
Go Thrift Shopping
Parisian style is timeless, so if you’re looking to indulge in vintage looks, thrift shopping in Paris is a must. Besides exploring the cutest boutique-style stores and experiencing the authenticity of French culture through their fashion you will have so much fun!
Parisian Cuisine and Wine
You can climb the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the Champs-Elysées, and spend the rest of your time in the French capital getting Instagramable photo shoots of all the famous spots. But if you don’t eat out in Paris, you’ll miss entirely as food is an integral part of French culture.
Step back in time at Le Procope
Opened in 1686, the oldest café in Paris has seen the likes of Marie Antoinette, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Napoleon among many others. This spectacular spot is definitely a must especially if you’re a history buff.
Feel like a celebrity at Cafe de Flore
Cafe de Flore, an icon of Parisian culture haunted by many celebrities over the years is a great place for people-watching while enjoying delicious French cuisine! Also, your Instagram followers will be amazed by the spectacular photos taken here, so it’s definitely one place to see.
Go Cafe-Hopping & People-Watching
With tons of cute and quaint cafés all over the city is obvious that Paris is well-known for its café culture. Enjoy a local café au lait in the cafés outdoor sitting area while watching the daily local life.
Sip The Best Hot Chocolate at Angelina
With its girly, elegant, and regal things, Angelina is an absolute must-stop while in Paris! Siping one of the best hot chocolates in the world in a picture ornate flourishes decor, with posh table settings it’s certainly a unique break from sight-seeing and a spectacular transport into a vintage, chic Paris dream!
Stop At Shakespeare & Company Bookstore And Cafe
Just steps away from Cathedral Notre Dame, you’ll find Shakespeare & Company Cafe serving fresh, delicious, and mostly organic things. Due to its location is understandably a very busy place but really worth it! With its great selection of muffins, donuts, desserts, and all the lovely books this is one of the best intellectual and unusual things to do in Paris.
Have A Choux Pastry At Odette Tea Room
Do you like pastries? Well, who doesn’t? Odette Tea Room, a charming, albeit small, quaint cafe is the best place to find tempting pastries filled with delicious creams of different flavors. Take a moment out of your busy day in Paris to enjoy these local delicacies and a cup of tea!
Visit The Only Working Vineyard In Paris
Vignes du Clos Montmartre is actually a working vineyard in the heart of Paris. As you definitely have Montmartre on your Parisian itinerary, add also this spot while touring this bohemian neighborhood.
Experience miam miam at Marché des Enfants Rouge
This is perhaps Paris’ best foodie secret and also the oldest operating food market in the city. While here, stop at Chez Alain Miam Miam and taste some of the best sandwiches on the planet and truly experience what miam miam really means, the way that French write yum yum.
Explore French cuisine on a Food Tour
Did you know that the first restaurant in the world was opened in Paris on Rue du Louvre? No need to say that tasting French cuisine is an essential Paris travel experience and what better way than with a food tour? From a croissant-tasting adventure to pastries, cheese, and wine, you’re spoilt for choice.
Become a French Pastry Chef
In case you want, and you probably do, you can take back home with you all the spectacular secrets, on how to make these delicious pastries. And the fun and joy are the cherry on top of this cooking class!
Relax in Paris
Paris it’s one of the most-visited places on the planet so the chances are, you’ll be jostling for space at many of the famous attractions. However, if you want to run from the crowd, there are many hidden corners where you can kick back, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Soak up the peace at Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the most beloved relaxing spots in Paris. This lush green space, is perfect for a photo shoot session, reading a book, or just for a casual stroll.
Relax at The Tuileries Gardens
Located near Louvre, Tuileries Gardens is the perfect place to give your legs and feet a break after walking around and exploring the museum!
Have a photo shoot in Rue Cremieux
You definitely don’t need to be an Instagrammer to want to have pretty pictures as memories of your trip to Paris. And Rue Cremieux gives you an amazing look for such photos. Rue Cremieux is just about one block long, full of charm and whimsy with small houses painted in luscious pastel colors. But please remember to be respectful while here!
Float through Paris on the Seine
One of the best ways to combine some relaxing moments with some beautiful landmarks is by taking a cruise down the Seine. This gives you the opportunity to see many of the top Paris attractions without any effort!
Pick a picnic and sit by the Seine
If cruising is not your thing but you still want to enjoy the romantic vibe of The Seine then definitely you must plan a picnic afternoon. Is also a great way to relax and watch the locals go about their daily lives.
Top Fun Activities in Paris
Whether fun activities are part of your Parisien itinerary or not, there are some amazing things to do that you probably don’t want to skip!
Tick off the city’s highlights with a hop-on hop-off bus
This open-top double-decker bus is easily the fastest way to get around while ticking the most famous landmarks! With three distinct routes to choose from, you can explore the best of Paris at your own pace.
Explore Paris from the sky
Le Ballon de Paris is an unforgettable experience in which you will get a breathtaking view of the most beautiful city in the world while up to 150 meters above the roofs of the city.
Wander on Rue des Martyrs
Rue des Martyrs is one of the oldest market streets in Paris, which still keeps its vintage village vibe. Running from the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Church to Place des Abbesses, you could spend all afternoon here exploring the countless fun activities that await you.
Make your own fashion bag
This is a great and fun activity, especially for those who like to have unique accessories. The workshop offers you the opportunity to create the bag of your dreams. After this, fashion upcycling will no longer hold any secrets for you.
Grab tickets for a concert at AccorHotels Arena
Located right on the bank of the sparkling Seine, this pyramid-shaped entertainment venue is a mecca for Parisian sport and music. This is a great way to enjoy fun and music together!
Zip through Paris’s streets in a Citroen 2CV
Keeping the fun atmosphere while adding the unique experience of the old-world charm of Paris. So zip-line through The City of Love in an original Citroën and feel like a proper Parisian!
Things to Do at Night in Paris
Truly there is no place more magical after dark than Paris! Exploring Paris by night is part of the must-do when visiting the French capital. This is the perfect city for a night stroll when its stunning architecture and streets are lit-up. For good reason, Paris is called The City of Light!
Watch a Parisian sunset from Printemps rooftop terrace
To experience unobstructed and almost 360-degree views, not many beat the rooftop terrace at Printemps Department Store. So grab a glass of French wine, enjoy the sunset, and create a memory not easily forgotten.
Take in the atmosphere of a jazz club
Paris is unquestionably the center of European jazz, where melodies echo throughout the cobblestoned laneways making it a fabulous and authentic night out.
Drink too Much Wine
France is very well known for its wine, so what better place than Paris to enjoy this to the fullest? With tons of options for wine tastings is easy to know where to start.
Eat at one of many Michelin-starred restaurants!
While in Paris, you have to splurge on fine dining at one of many Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether you want to try escargot, duck confit, or foie gras, you name it, you must try something new, and take your taste buds out of their comfort zone!
Stay out late enjoying Paris’ vibrant nightlife
Ready to party? Head straight to Latin Quarter, to discover the most popular bars in Paris! Get a sense of the famous Parisian nightlife on a pub crawl, bar-hopping, sports bars, and cocktail lounges, all within walking distance of each other.
Watch the Can-Can at the Moulin Rouge!
Find a night of Parisenne entertainment more iconic and authentic than the Moulin Rouge’s dynamic cabaret show. Certainly, you can’t! This quintessential spectacle housed at the world’s most famous cabaret club should be at the top of your Parisisen itinerary! And all this with a fine dinner and no shortage of Champagne. The selfie in front of the famous windmill is part of the perfect night out in Paris.
Sit front row for a Garden of Paradise cabaret!
A bit different is the Garden of Paradise, a spectacle that combines ballet with cabaret. The famous Can-Can, and plenty of impressive acrobatics, promise a night of entertainment unlike any other!
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