Best Things To Do in Paris, France

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THINGS TO DO IN PARIS

  • The Eiffel Tower: Half an hour or 2 hours, depending on the queues

It’s the most iconic symbol in the French capital and certainly the one all the tourists want to see. Accessible from the Bir Hakeim metro station, the Eiffel tower is a fantastic example of engineering and offers some excellent views over the city. If it is a cloudy or rainy day it is probably not worth the queues to the top, so enjoy the might of the tower from below (it’s free!). Remember there are plenty of other places to get some excellent views over the city, so you don’t necessarily need to go to the top of the Eiffel  tower. If you’re dead set on it however, you have 2 options – walk up (which is cheaper, less crowded but quite a hike) or take the lift. Make sure you’re doing this on a clear day to get the best of the views.

  • The Louvre: Half a Day (internal) or half an hour (external)

The Louvre not only houses the best art in one of the world’s biggest museums, the former fortress palace is a masterpiece in itself. The most visited art gallery on earth is housed here, and it is an excellent place for art buffs and those who only want to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa and other famous pieces, as well as Egyptian art. If, like me, you aren’t that interested in art but want to take in the fantastic network of buildings that are the Louvre Palace without forking out for a ticket then simply take half an hour to walk around the buildings and marvel at the scale of the former fortress.

  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Up to an hour

The beautiful Gothic era Notre Dame Cathedral is situated on the banks of the Seine on the edge of the Latin Quarterand offers a fantastic example of French gothic architecture. Entry is free and you can pay a little extra for a guided tour. Beautiful.

  • Sacre Coeur, Montmartre: Up to an hour or a whole evening

Climbing the steps of the gorgeous Montmartre area can be a bit of a workout, but it is certainly worth it once you reach the top. The gorgeous Sacre Coeur basilica is in itself a major Paris tourist attraction which should be explored in about half an hour, with free entry. Remember to take in the massive organ, the frescoes and the architecture of the building. But perhaps the best part of the Sacre Coeur is the fabulous view offered over the city from the highest point in Paris, just outside the Basilica. If you’re coming for the evening, bring some food and a bottle of wine and watch the sun set amongst the crowds, some of whom will bring guitars and music and start a party on the steps.

  • Montmartre: One evening to hangout

Head up to Montmartre for the evening and enjoy the atmosphere, quaint shops and great architecture on the quaint cobbled streets of this historic neighborhood. If you are coming here to eat, stay away from the overpriced restaurants on the Place du Tertre and head down the hill to the main streets along Rue Lepic and around – here are plenty of little bistros which are favored by locals, gorgeous boutiques, flower shops and bakeries.

Montmartreis a great place to head for some chilled out nightlife, a meal amongst friends and a few glasses of wine in a bistro. For something a little edgier head down hill to Pigalle, home to the famous Moulin Rouge and a great place to take in a cabaret show with dinner. For some lively bar entertainment you should head to Rue Oberkampf where bar hopping is all the rage, whereas the Latin Quarter offer laid back nightlife amongst the students.

  • Arc De Triomphe: Half an hour or so

The Arc de Triomphe or the Triumphal Arch honours the individuals who battled and bit the dust for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. It bears all the names of the French triumphs and commanders engraved on its internal and external surfaces.

  •  Musee D'Orsay: A couple of hours

The museum boasts of an impressive collection of Impressionist art. Artistes like Jean-Francois Millet, Gustave Courbet, Edouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Auguste Rodin & his muse, Camille Claudel are represented at the museum.

  • Sainte Chapelle: Keep aside 2 to 3 hours

A stunning piece of architecture, the Sainte Chapelle is a beautiful medieval Gothic chapel located in Paris. Having an interesting history, you have to include this in your Paris travel itinerary.

  • Jardin Du Luxembourg: Upto 2 hours

A must visit if you love orchids, the Jardin Du Luxembourg was created sometime during the year 1612 and is spread across an area of 23 hectares. Manicured lawns, serene flower beds and model sailboats welcome visitors.

  • Palais Garnier: Under an hour

Splendid to look at, the Palais Garnier is decorated with lavish marble friezes, columns and statues from Greek mythology. 

  • Centre Pompidou: Keep aside 3 hours

An intriguing building, the Centre Pompidou is a must visit for architecture buffs. The place houses a librar, a museum and a centre for music and acoustic research.

  • Army Museum: Upto 2 hours

Located on 129 Rue de Grenelle, the Army Museum offers a glimpse into the military history of France. 

  • Ile De La Cite: An evening to hang out. 

The Ile de la Cité is the epicenter of Paris! The original site of the Parisi tribes of the Sequana river (possibly the earliest settlement in Paris), the Ile is one of the two remaining islands on the Seine. Many visitors don't even realize that the famous cathedral of Notre-Dame is actually situated on this island!

  • Orangerie Museum: Approximately a couple of hours

The charm of the Orangerie Museum lies in the fact that it is never very crowded and yet it gives due respect and space to the artists' works. The paintings on display at the museum are rare pieces of art, including Claude Monet's masterwork- the Nymphéas (Water Lilies).

  • Pantheon: Keep aside an hour

The Pantheon is a stunning building in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. It was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. After a few changes and modifications, the building now acts as a famous burial place. An example of Neoclassic architecture, the building comes with an interesting history.

  • The Palais Royal: A couple of hours

Built for the man who was arguably the world’s first Prime Minister,Cardinal Richelieu, The Palais-Royal came to be known over the years for it’s beautiful ornamental gardens, court-gatherings, and the best of Paris high society parties. In the late 16th century, the gardens and surrounding structures of the Palais-Royal opened to all members of the public quickly establishing boutiques, cafes, salons, hair salons, bookshops, museums, countless refreshment kiosks, becoming one of the most important marketplaces in Paris. There was even a public theatre. Today the palace houses Conseil d'Etat, the Constitutional Council, and the Ministry of Culture.

  • Disneyland Paris: Keep aside an entire day if you are in town with your kids!

Who does not love visiting Disneyland?! Famous all over the world, children love it and adults cannot get enough of it either! Enjoy the thrilling rides, meet your favourite Disney characters and dine at one of the many restaurants present within the theme park.

Shopping in Paris

Famous for its designer boutiques, Paris does not lack plenty of shopping areas. Head to Rue de Faubourg St Honoré for the top designer stores and a shopping experience amongst Europe’s rich and famous. Boulevard Haussmann offers the great Galeries Lafayette (which also boasts some excellent views over the city from the top) and of course the Champs Elysées is full of designer and high street stores. The city also has some great markets, such as the Saint Ouen Flea market, Rue Mouffetard Market. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Paris and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Paris getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Paris with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Paris

Here is the list of things to do in Paris and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Eiffel Tower

    4.6 (78819 Votes)
    Eiffel Tower

    Landmark, View Point, Monument, Tower

    Raised in 1889 as the doorway curve to the 1889 World's Fair, on the Champs de Mars in Paris, Eiffel Tower has become a worldwide social symbol of France. A standout amongst the most unmistakable structures on the planet, the Eiffel Tower has transcended its status as a French landmark to become a world heritage. An estimated 7.1 million individuals visited it in 2011; and the tower accept...Read more
  2. Louvre Museum

    4.7 (42841 Votes)
    Louvre Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Museum

    The Musee du Louvre French Museum is known as the Louvre Museum in English, or The Louvre. It is one of the planet's biggest museums, and a noteworthy landmark. A centrally located milestone of Paris, France, it is spotted on the Right Bank of the Seine in the first residential area. Practically 35,000 items from ancient times to the 21st century are displayed over a territory of 60,600 square...Read more
  3. Musee D Orsay

    4.7 (45547 Votes)
    Musee D Orsay

    Art Museum, Museum

    An absolute must-see for art-novices and connoisseurs alike, Musee D’Orsay deserves all the attention it receives. The museum boasts of an impressive collection of Impressionist art. Artistes like Jean-Francois Millet, Gustave Courbet, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Henri de To...Read more
  4. Luxembourg Gardens

    4.7 (39026 Votes)
    Luxembourg Gardens

    Garden

    Inspired by the Boboli Gardens, Luxembourg gardens are a green haven in middle of mostly-grey Paris. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and impressive fountains, the gardens are adorned by tree lined promenades and healthy, lush green lawns. A welcome change from the hustle-bustle of a thriving metropolis, there are many activities to keep you busy at Luxembourg gardens. Some of the ...Read more
  5. Arc De Triomphe

    4.6 (45341 Votes)
    Arc De Triomphe

    Landmark, Monument

    The Arc de Triomphe de l'etoile is a standout amongst the most celebrated international landmarks in Paris. It stands in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle which was initially named Place de l'etoile, at the western end of the Champs-elysees. It should not be confused with a more modest curve, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which stands west of the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe or the T...Read more
  6. River Seine

    River, Cruise

    One of the important rivers in France, River Seine adds charm to the beauty of Paris. It flows through the heart of the city and has many significant tourist attractions and neighborhoods lining the banks. Mentioned in numerous paintings, novels, and poems, Seine has witnessed how Paris developed over the years. It is popular amongst tourists as Paris offers different cruise rides along the riv...Read more
  7. Sacre Coeur Montmartre

    Church, Religious Site, Landmark

    The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, usually regarded as the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, is a Roman Catholic God's house and minor basilica, committed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, France. A famous milestone, the basilica is placed at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the most astounding focus in the city. The Sacre-Coeur is a twofold landmark, political and social, both a national ...Read more
  8. Sainte Chapelle

    4.7 (18820 Votes)
    Sainte Chapelle

    Church, Religious Site

    Sainte-Chapelle is a beauty to behold. With more than 1,000 stained-glass windows adding to the charm of the Gothic architecture, this chapel has become one of the major tourist attractions in Paris. The building was erected originally for housing the collection of Passion relics by King Louis IX of France. It dates back to the 13th century and had to be restored in the 19th century after it su...Read more
  9. Musee De L' Orangerie

    4.6 (28143 Votes)
    Musee De L' Orangerie

    Museum

    Prepare to be enraptured by panoramic Monet masterpieces at the Musee de L’Orangerie. The museum exhibits impressionist and post impressionist paintings that are exhibited in a non-crowded fashion, just as stipulated by Monet himself. The famous Waterlilies is showcased here and so is the superb Walter – Guillaume collection of post impressionist works. The adjoining Tuileries gard...Read more
  10. Palais Garnier

    4.7 (12743 Votes)
    Palais Garnier

    Entertainment, Architecture , Opera House, Heritage Building

    Palais Garnier is a real pleasure to visit; steeped in glorious history and still maintaining a Beaux-Arts feel, the building is nostalgic of a Paris of the past. Splendid to look at, the Palais Garnier is decorated with lavish marble friezes, columns and statues from Greek mythology. The ceremonial staircase is grand, opulent and made of milky white marble. Forming the backdrop of iconic work...Read more
  11. Pont Alexandre I I I

    4.7 (20730 Votes)
    Pont Alexandre I I I

    Bridge

    The foundation stone for this beautiful, extravagant and ornate bridge laid in 1896 by the man who would go on to become the last Tsar of Russia, Emperor Nicolas II;the bridge is named after his father, who concluded the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. For over a hundred years, the beauty of this bridge has captured the hearts of artists, photographers, filmmakers, and songwriters.The inspiri...Read more
  12. Disneyland

    Outdoors, Amusement Park, Theme Park, Performance

    Who doesn’t love to go a little crazy and act like a little kid sometimes! At Disneyland Paris you can. Disneyland is a theme park that is quite famous all over the world. Children love it and Adults cannot get enough of it either. If you are with your family on your trip to Paris, be sure to check out the French version of this awesome amusement park. You can dine in one of the Disney re...Read more
  13. Rodin Museum

    4.6 (6967 Votes)
    Rodin Museum

    Art Museum, Museum, Architecture

    The Musee Rodin in Paris, France, is a famous art gallery that was opened in 1919. It was committed to the works of the French artist Auguste Rodin. It also has two centre destinations, at the Hotel Biron and encompassing grounds in focal Paris, and simply outside Paris at Rodin's old home, the Villa des Brillants at Meudon or the Hauts-de-Seine. The gathering includes 6,600 figures, 8,000 dra...Read more
  14. Champs Elysees

    Outdoors, Garden, Walking Area, Broadway

    The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is a famous road in Paris, its ends marked by The Arc de Triopmphe and the Place de la Concorde. Originally the site of market gardens, this avenue represents the crown of French real estate, its films, joints, street shops and cut steed chestnut trees, making it a stourist favorite. A treasure trove of upscale shops, boutiques and gardens line its sides, but this...Read more
  15. Montmartre

    Walking Area, Historical Site, Shopping Center, Arts And Crafts

    250 A.D - St. Denis is decapitated on a hill, which would come to be known as the “Mount of the Martyr.”  Years later, one of the most beautiful basilicas of the world would be erected on its crest. Over the years, its historical significance grows. Today, it is become a famous artist’s enclave and nightlife haven. Great names the likes of Salvador Dali, Amedeo Modiglian...Read more