Top Things to Do in Paris: A Complete City Experience
Experience Paris like a local and a visitor: dine on the Seine, explore vibrant art scenes, and uncover captivating history.
Top Things to Do in Paris
Paris is a city built on dreams, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, iconic architecture, enduring romance, world-class art, and legendary gastronomy. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned traveler returning, there’s always something new to discover. This guide explores the best things to do in Paris, blending the classic must-sees with local secrets and immersive experiences. Each section offers practical tips and inspiration to make your time in the City of Light unforgettable.
1. Have Dinner on the Seine Designed by Michelin-Star Chefs
Begin your Paris adventure with an unforgettable culinary experience: a dinner cruise on the River Seine. This isn’t an ordinary meal, but a curated feast prepared by Michelin-star chefs. Glide past illuminated landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum as you savor exquisite French cuisine.
- Book early — the premier dinner cruises fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Dress code: Smart casual is generally recommended for evening cruises.
- Menu highlights: Expect multi-course meals featuring seasonal French-fusion dishes, expertly paired with local wines.
- Best views: Request a window seat for unobstructed city panoramas as you dine.
This dinner is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of Paris itself, combining gourmet flavors with unmatched scenic beauty.
2. Enjoy a Picnic with a View of Notre-Dame
Picnicking is a cherished Parisian pastime, and there is no better backdrop than the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Find a spot along the grassy banks of the Seine or in the peaceful Square Jean XXIII just behind the cathedral. Bring a fresh baguette, artisanal cheeses, market fruits, and pastries from a local boulangerie. Watch the sunlight glint off gothic towers as riverboats cruise by.
- Best markets for supplies: Marche Maubert and Rue Mouffetard offer authentic, top-quality produce and snacks.
- Prime picnic spots: Square Jean XXIII (behind Notre-Dame), Pont de la Tournelle, and Quai de Montebello.
Plan your picnic for late afternoon or sunset for magical views and a true taste of Parisian life. Remember, alcohol can be enjoyed responsibly in most public parks, but glass bottles are best avoided.
3. Renew Your Appreciation for Croissants
Paris’s croissants are unrivaled—delicate, flaky, perfectly buttery, and best eaten fresh. Rediscover this pastry at a top bakery (boulangerie), where artisans wake before dawn to achieve golden perfection.
- Don’t miss: Traditional plain croissant for breakfast; for a treat, try the almond-filled or chocolate versions.
- Best bakeries (boulangers): Du Pain et des Idées, La Maison Pichard, and Poilâne—each famous for quality and flavor.
- Pair with: A café crème or espresso for a classic Parisian morning.
Many bakeries offer free tastings on food-focused walking tours—an excellent way to sample several and learn about French baking traditions.
4. Dive into Paris’ Contemporary Art Scene with a Guide
The city’s art scene extends far beyond the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Explore vibrant contemporary galleries in the Marais district, the emerging Belleville neighborhood, or along the Canal Saint-Martin. These areas showcase bold new talent and avant-garde installations.
- Why go with a guide? Experienced art guides offer access to insider venues, introduce you to artists, and tailor tours to your interests.
- Hot galleries: Galerie Perrotin, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, and Le 104 (Centquatre Paris) are among the best for contemporary work.
- When to visit: Friday evenings and early afternoons are ideal for quiet viewing and opportunities to meet artists.
Combine your gallery tour with lunch at a modern brasserie—your guide can recommend venues where the local art crowd gathers.
5. Explore a Mass Grave Below Ground: The Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris are a haunting and unique attraction. Located 20 meters underground, this labyrinth of tunnels houses the bones of millions, relocated here in the late 18th century due to overflowing city cemeteries. Today, the catacombs are open to visitors, offering an eerie yet fascinating glimpse into the city’s history.
- Admission: Tickets are best purchased in advance due to daily visitor caps.
- Audio tour: Available in French, English, and several other languages for a thorough understanding of the site’s past.
- Accessibility: Entry requires descending and ascending 100+ steps; not recommended for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
- Unique features: Walls of arranged skulls and bones, historical plaques, and dimly lit passageways evoke both reverence and curiosity.
Allow at least an hour for your visit. Photography is permitted but flash is discouraged. The catacombs present a fascinating contrast to the city’s beauty above ground.
6. Stroll Along the Seine and Explore Paris by Foot
The River Seine is more than a landmark—it’s the lifeblood of Parisian culture. Walk the tree-lined banks from the Pont Neuf to the Île Saint-Louis, pausing to admire bridges, bookstalls, and artists at work.
- Key sights: Pont Alexandre III (the city’s most ornate bridge), Île de la Cité, and the riverside bouquinistes (secondhand booksellers).
- Best walking routes:
- Left Bank from Musée d’Orsay to Notre-Dame
- Right Bank from Louvre to Place de la Concorde
Walking is the best way to uncover hidden gems—mystical alleyways, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning architecture. Comfortable shoes are vital!
7. Tour the Eiffel Tower: Paris’s Most Famous Landmark
No trip to Paris is complete without standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, gazing upward at the latticework of iron and ascending for panoramic city views.
- Ticket options: Elevator or stairs (the latter offers a more intimate journey and fewer queues).
- Best times to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds; evening for sparkling city lights (the tower twinkles every hour after sunset).
- Nearby attractions: Trocadéro Gardens, Champ de Mars, and the Seine riverbanks offer top vantage points for photography.
Combine Eiffel Tower exploration with a coffee at nearby cafés or a riverside stroll for the quintessential Paris experience.
8. Take in the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe commemorates the victories of Napoleonic France and offers one of the city’s best viewpoints. After climbing its spiral staircase, feast your eyes on the sprawling avenues that radiate from its base.
- Fun fact: 45 years before the Arc was built, a giant elephant statue was proposed for the site!
- Hours: Open daily, with extended evening hours in summer.
- Admission: Free for visitors under 18; included in Museum Pass.
Nearby, the Champs-Élysées glistens with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and historic cafés. Stroll this grand avenue for shopping, sightseeing, and people-watching, culminating at Place de la Concorde.
9. Admire Masterpieces at the Louvre & Musée d’Orsay
The Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay represent the pinnacle of Parisian art and culture. The Louvre houses the Mona Lisa and vast collections spanning ancient Egyptian, Greek, Renaissance, and modern art. The Musée d’Orsay is famed for its Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
- Louvre highlights: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo.
- Musée d’Orsay highlights: Monet’s water lilies, Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Art Nouveau furniture.
- Top tip: Book skip-the-line tickets and arrive early for peaceful galleries.
Both museums flank the scenic Tuileries Garden—ideal for a post-visit stroll amid fountains, sculptures, and vibrant flowerbeds.
10. Experience Montmartre’s Bohemian Spirit
Montmartre, the historic artists’ quarter perched atop a hill, is a mosaic of winding streets and creative energy. Wander its cobblestone alleys to discover street art, bustling cafés, and views over Paris from the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
- Don’t miss: Place du Tertre, where local artists display and sell their works.
- Evening entertainment: Catch a show at the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret.
- Historic highlights: Salvador Dalí’s studio, Le Consulat Café, and the atmospheric Rue Lepic.
Montmartre is best explored in the early morning for tranquil streets, or at dusk for sunset views and lively nightlife.
11. Discover Hidden Paris: Markets, Gardens, and Secret Passages
Beyond iconic sites, Paris reveals its charm through bustling markets and tranquil gardens. Visit Rue Mouffetard for fresh produce and street food, amble through the Luxembourg Gardens for manicured lawns and playful fountains, and hunt for treasures at flea markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.
- Must-see gardens: Tuileries Garden, Jardin des Plantes, Promenade Plantée (an elevated park).
- Secret passages: Covered arcades like Galerie Vivienne offer boutique shopping in ornate settings.
- Local events: Pop-up art markets and seasonal festivals are common—check the city calendar before your visit.
Exploring these corners yields a deeper, authentic Parisian experience.
12. Plan Your Paris Visit: Tips and Practical Information
- Best time to visit: Spring and early fall offer mild weather and lively city events.
- Transportation: The Métro and RER are extensive; walking and cycling are highly recommended within central districts.
- Language: English is widely spoken at major attractions, but a few French phrases go a long way for politeness and hospitality.
- Safety: Paris is generally safe, but exercise caution with belongings in crowded areas and major tourist sites.
- Money: Credit cards are widely accepted; markets and smaller shops may prefer cash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds. Museums and landmarks are accessible year-round.
Can I visit major attractions without advance booking?
Most major sites—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Catacombs—are best booked in advance to secure entry. Spontaneous visits are still possible for some galleries, parks, and street markets.
Are dinner cruises on the Seine suitable for families?
Yes, many cruise lines offer family-friendly menus and daytime sailings. Evening options may be more formal and romantic.
Is public transport accessible in Paris?
The Paris Métro and buses are extensive, with many stations equipped for wheelchairs. The Catacombs and some older sites, however, have limited accessibility due to stairs.
Which Paris neighborhoods should I not miss?
Don’t miss the historic Marais, bohemian Montmartre, lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the tranquil Latin Quarter for a full spectrum of local flavor and activities.
