Things To Do in Paris, France
If you’re headed to Paris or just thinking about going, it might be a bit overwhelming looking at all the possibilities of things to do and places to eat in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!
We’re still swept off our feet every time we visit Paris and hope you feel the same way too!
After countless croissants and strolls along the Seine, we found that these are the best things to do in Paris:
Table of Contents
- Arc de Triomphe
- Montmartre
- Seine River
- Musée du Louvre
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Shakespeare and Company
- Palais Royals
- Rue de Montorgueil
- Covered Passageways
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Palais Garnier
- Eiffel Tower
- Galeries Lafayette Haussman Rooftop
- Musée d’Orsay
- Panthéon
- Food Markets
- La Bourse de Commerce
- Place des Vosges
- Versailles
- Pigalle Basketball
- Musée Rodin
Arc de Triomphe
Located right at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is yet another one of Paris’ most distinctive landmarks.
It was built by Napoleon in celebration of his victory at the battle of Austerlitz in 1809. Now it stands in dedication to many of France’s best generals and military victories.
Many important historical events have happened here such as the liberation of Paris from the Nazi regime, the annual Bastille Day Parade, and the finish line of the Tour de France.
You can enjoy this magnificent piece of architecture from the ground just by walking around it and looking up. Notice the elaborate reliefs carved onto the sides of the building.
Optionally, you can buy a ticket to walk up to the rooftop for a stunning view of Paris. From here you can see how there are twelve streets radiating out from the Arc de Triomphe, including the famous tree-lined Champs-Elysées.
Right under the Arc de Triomphe lays the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose flame is rekindled every day at 6:30 pm.
View from our balcony at Hotel Splendid Etoile
Montmartre
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris - Montmartre is perched high above the city and was once a magnet for artists, poets, and creative types. You’ll really be able to see the area’s bohemian past when you stroll around the charming streets.
Montmartre is also home to one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks - the Sacré-Cœur basilica. From the steps of the basilica, you can have a stunning vista of Paris.
One of my favorite things to do here is just walk around and absorb in the adorable ambiance with all the cobbled streets and historic architecture.
Tip: La Maison Rose is one of our favorite spots to take a photo!
Walk along the Seine River
The Seine River is considered by many Parisians to be the central life vein of the city as many find themselves walking alongside the river, crossing it, and seeing it all the time as part of their daily lives.
It’s one of the most charming rivers in the world with all sorts of interesting bridges, islands, and architecture along the banks.
On warm summer days, you’ll find most of the city hanging out on the banks during sunset with friends late into the night.
A great way to explore Paris is just by walking along the Seine River and popping into the neighborhoods along side it.
A fun thing to do - find the booksellers with the green wooden boxes along the Seine and browse their amazing collection of historical French books, maps, and stationary. You can find them between Quai du Louvre down to the Pont Marie on the Right Bank of the Seine and between Quai de la Tournelle and Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank.
Speaking of bridges, here are my favorites ones:
Pont Alexandre III - covered in ornate decorations and golden statues, this has been called one of the most beautiful bridges in the world
Pont de Bir-Hakeim - a bit of an underrated bridge, you can get one of the most amazing views of the Eiffel Tower from here!
Pont Neuf - one of the oldest bridges in Paris, it allows quick access to Place Dauphine on the Île de la Cité island where Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame are located. Île de la Cité is considered the ‘heart of Paris’ - with spring and fall being the best times to visit, according to Becky Moore from Global Grasshopper.
Pont de la Concorde - another underrated bridge that leads to the Palais Bourbon, the National Assembly (since Paris is the capital of France).
Viewing the city at night by river cruise along the Seine is also quite magical!
Musée du Louvre
The most famous museum in the world and one of the main attractions of Paris, some people travel to France just to see the works of art inside the Louvre!
In fact, just the entrance area alone is swoon-worthy with the large glass pyramid and surrounding Grand Palace architecture providing plenty of ambiance and photo opportunities.
But if you want to see the Mona Lisa and other amazing historical pieces of art, you’ll need to buy a ticket online or through a tour group.
The Louvre is quite large, so if you want to see the highlights - plan to spend at least half a day there. It’s also better to get there earlier to avoid the lines and crowds.
Highlights of the Louvre:
Mona Lisa (Denon Wing, Room 711)
The Wedding Feast at Cana (Denon Wing, Room 711)
Vénus de Milo (Sully Wing, Room 345)
The Coronation of Emperor Napoléon I (Denon Wing, Room 702)
Winged Victory (Denon Wing, Room 703)
Liberty Guiding the People (Denon Wing, Room 700)
Raft of the Medusa (Denon Wing, Room 700)
Louis XIV (Sully Wing, Room 916)
French Crown Jewels (Galerie d’Apollon)
Great Sphinx of Tanis (Sully Wing, Room 338)
Tips: To save time and skip the line, book a timed entrance ticket here Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket | GetYourGuide or try entering through the Carrousel du Louvre side entrance rather than through the Pyramid.
Also: No large bags or backpacks are allowed - they will need to be left at the bag check.
Jardin des Tuileries
One of the most exquisite gardens in Paris - the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to the iconic Place de la Concorde.
This is where many Parisians and tourists alike find a place to stroll amongst the perfectly manicured landscape or to find a seat alongside the large fountains.
I usually find a reason to walk through Tuileries every day if I’m within striking distance.
The beautiful Orangerie Museum is also housed inside this park - it has the world's largest collection of Monet paintings.
Sainte-Chapelle
To see one of the most dazzling displays of 13th-century stained glass windows housed in a stunning chapel, you must stop by Sainte-Chapelle!
Originally built by King Louis IX to house his collection of religious relics and Christ’s Crown of Thorns, the stunning Upper Chapel is where he came with his family to worship.
When you visit the Upper Chapel, make sure to check out all the stained glass windows as they have over 1,000 biblical scenes carefully etched onto them!
Note, there are different hours for high and low seasons:
March 1 - October 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
November 1 - February 28: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Shakespeare and Company
One of the most iconic bookstores in the world, Shakespeare and Company is a must visit, especially if you love books! Many regard it as one of the top 10 bookstores in the world.
After its opening in 1946, it quickly became a center of culture and literature for locals. In fact, some of the famous Beat Generation writers frequented this bookstore! (Those writers also were regulars at the City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, which is the sister bookstore.)
Once you walk into the bookstore it’ll feel like a time-warp into a bygone era. There are creaky stairs, tiny alcoves, lots of interesting books, and a community piano that anyone can play.
I love browsing the book collection while absorbing in all the atmosphere and at the same time, daydreaming about the City of Lights.
Palais Royal
One of my favorite, tucked-away parks in the center of Paris - the Palais Royal is overlooked by many visitors but is an absolute local hotspot!
It’s actually located in a square surrounded by an assortment of buildings, which is why it might be hard to find at first.
There are plenty of trees, fountains, and iconic green lawn chairs strewn about.
When we visited, the sun was out and the place was full of Parisians hanging out, reading books, and chatting with friends.
Oh and don’t miss the striped Buren’s Columns - they make for the perfect photo!
Rue de Montorgueil
Located right in one of the most vibrant parts of Paris, Rue de Montorgueil is a pedestrian-only street with one of the city’s best selection of markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
When the weather is nice, the street really comes alive with throngs of Parisians sitting at the picturesque cafes, hanging out at the cool hipster bars, or strolling through with friends.
It’s a great street for people watching and to absorb the energy of the city!
Make sure to check out the beautiful facade of Au Rocher de Cancale (who serves an excellent breakfast) and the stunning Saint Eustache Cathedral.
Covered Passageways
Before there were malls, there were ‘Les Passage Couverts’ or ‘covered passageways’ and they were the perfect place for people to shop, hide from the rain, or have a romantic getaway from the doldrums of life.
The remnants of the passageways still exist and are one of the great secrets of Paris! If you’ve run out of stuff to do, definitely find time to walk through one.
Here are some of our favorites:
Galerie Vivienne - dating back to 1873 and in great condition, the floor is full of mosaic tiles, the shops are full of elegance, and the daylight shining through the intricate glass ceiling makes for a lovely ambiance.
Passage des Panoramas - full of quirky shops and restaurants, this is a great place to wander around and find a cool bar to spend an afternoon in. Also be sure to check out Victoria Station, which is a restaurant that has an interior that looks like an old-school train carriage!
Jardin du Luxembourg
Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Luxembourg Gardens is 62 acres of lush landscaped gardens full of beautiful blooms, ornate statues, and wonderful architecture.
The gardens are open year-round and are especially popular during sunny, warm days in the summer and fall.
It’s also conveniently located near the Saint-Germain and Latin Quarter neighborhoods, so you can explore those areas before or after.
Musée de l’Orangerie
If you’re a fan of the Water Lilies by Monet, then the Musée de l’Orangerie is a definite must!
Why? Because there are 2 oval rooms that have the Water Lilies from wall to wall, making it the biggest collection in the world. I love that there are sitting areas in the center of each room so you can quietly contemplate these amazing works of art.
But there’s more! The museum also has fantastic pieces from Cézanne, Matisse, Renoir, Degas, and many other famous artists.
You can combine it with a visit to the wonderful Tuileries garden!
Palais Garnier
One of the most stunning buildings in Paris, if you like over-the-top architecture both inside and out, make sure to book a tour of Palais Garnier or watch a show here!
The auditorium is simply breathtaking with its plush red seats, gold trimming, giant chandeliers, and opulent decor - you’ll be floored when you see it for the first time.
The rotunda at the entrance is decorated with gilded columns and stunning art as well.
If you don’t want to go inside, the exterior is quite impressive and a great place to just hang out!
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower View from Paris Perfect Rentals
The icon of Paris, no visit to the City of Lights is complete without a walk to the Eiffel Tower.
Many people like to go up to the higher viewing decks of the Eiffel Tower but it’s equally as impressive to view it from the surrounding gardens.
In fact, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by hanging out on the garden facing the Eiffel Tower on a picnic blanket with wine, cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, and good company! You’ll find plenty of locals doing the same!
For a special viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower, go to the intersection of Rue de l’Universite and Avenue de la Bourdonnais.
Also, the Eiffel Tower puts on a sparkling light show every night starting at dusk until 1 am each hour.
For a special culinary experience, there is a restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower called Le Jules Verne. It’s led by a 3 star Michelin chef and has unforgettable views of Paris as well as elegant French food.
Galeries Lafayette Haussman Rooftop
This is one of the best rooftop views of Paris and it’s free!
It’s located on Boulevard Haussmann, not far from the Paris Opera house, inside the Galeries Lafayette Flagship Store.
Take the escalator or elevator up to the 7th floor where there is a public terrace.
You can also eat at any of the restaurants there for an affordable meal with a view. I had a delicious smoked salmon baguette with a glass of wine for only 12 euros!
While there, make sure to check out the stunning glass dome - it’s one of the most photographed shopping malls in the world.
Musée d’Orsay
Some say that the Musée d’Orsay is even better than the Louvre due to its large collection of Impressionist art from Monet, Manet, Sisley, Degas, Cezanne, and Gauguin and striking Beaux-Arts architecture.
But the crown jewels of the museum are the stunning display of 25 Van Gogh art pieces including his famous Starry Night, Bedroom in Arles, and Self Portrait.
Tip: The fifth floor is where most of the famous works of art are, including the popular clock face. So when you get to the museum, just take an elevator or escalator straight to the fifth floor and then work your way down.
Panthéon
Flying a bit under the radar, the Pantheon (not the one in Rome) is the resting place for many famous French heroes such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Louis Braille, Marie Curie, and Jean-Jacque Rousseau.
It’s free to admire the Pantheon from the outside, but it’s totally worth buying a ticket to see the dazzling interior.
Once inside you’ll see grand arches, lavish frescoes, ornate columns, and patterned marble floors. Make sure to check out the dome, especially when the sunlight is streaming in.
If the dome is open, it’s worth taking the 270 steps up to see it up close and view the rest of the Pantheon from up high.
Food Markets
Unlike the massive grocery stores of the United States, specialized produce markets are the way Parisians shop for their groceries. They are similar to the outdoor farmer's markets in that many of the things on display are seasonal and locally grown.
There are several markets like this in Paris, with Marché des Enfants Rouges being one of the biggest and oldest. They have a wide array of fruit, vegetables, cheese, and flower stalls along with open-air restaurants serving some of the most delicious French, Japanese, Moroccan, etc food!
For a lovely and surprisingly upscale seafood experience, try out the restaurant Les Enfants du Marché.
Some other fantastic food markets in Paris are Marché Popincourt and Marché d’Aligre.
La Bourse de Commerce
Opened recently in May 2021 inside the remodeled Bourse de Commerce, the Pinault Collection showcases artwork collected from the 1960s until the present day.
Originally the building housed the Paris Stock Exchange and then the Paris Chamber of Commerce.
There are over 10,000 works of art with a major focus on modern art due to the timeframe of the 1960s until present day.
There are plenty of mind-bending works of art as well as a beautiful restaurant called Halle aux Grains, run by the Michelin starred Bras family. Grains and seeds are the stars of the show, which is proudly showcased in many of the menu items.
Place des Vosges
Yet another dreamy historic square surrounded by lush gardens and adorable architecture, Place des Vosges is one of the oldest public squares in the city.
It’s famous for being surrounded by picturesque red brick buildings and perfectly manicured lawns.
Many people find their way here to picnic on the grass or just to have the best chill day.
It’s also near the Le Marais district, which is full of great food and interesting shops!
Versailles
A short trip from Paris, the Versailles Palace is a dazzling reminder of the opulent reign of King Louis XIV. For a century, Versailles was the center of diplomatic activity and the place where the French Royal family wanted to display their wealth.
The biggest draw of Versailles is the stunning Hall of Mirrors. It’s near the end of the museum and will leave your jaw on the floor! The gardens are also expertly manicured and on the summer weekends they have a fantastic musical show that are synced to the wondrous fountains.
It’s best to visit as early as possible since the crowds tend to get larger as the day moves on. The best way to get there from Paris is via the RER C train which drops you off at the Chateau rive Gauche station. From there it’s a quick 10-minute walk to the gates of Versailles.
If you don’t want to deal with the complexities of the French Metro, we recommend getting a direct bus package which includes a skip the line ticket and access to the wonderful gardens.
Pigalle Basketball
One of the coolest things to do - this colorful basketball court is an art collaboration between Nike, local artists, and the city. It’s an example of what can happen when people collaborate to create something beautiful!
The court has gone through several designs, each more wild than the previous one. The current design is video game inspired with eye-popping colors of blue, purple, and yellow.
I love that people actually use this place to play basketball, shoot photography, and film movie scenes!
Musée Rodin
The museum is the former Hotel Biron, where Auguste Rodin spent the latter part of his life, amongst the gardens that inspired some of his work.
In the gardens, you’ll see the famous “Thinker” and the “Gates of Hell”.
Inside the house, you’ll see a variety of marble busts and other interesting works of art from Rodin.
Overall, it’s a very calming experience and worth checking out if you’re a fan of Rodin’s work.