By Soren Rivero
France's most influential city, Paris, is known for many great things beyond the Eiffel Tower and fashion. Look a little closer and you'll see that Paris is bursting with gorgeous gardens, iconic monuments, and fascinating underground tombs.
Now, you probably can't do every activity on your Paris vacation, but you can create the perfect Paris itinerary for you. Need some help? Here are the 20 BEST things to do in Paris!
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Eiffel Tower
The world-renowned icon of France, the Eiffel Tower, is something you can’t miss during your trip to Paris. If you’re planning your vacation ahead and are wondering what are the best things to do in Paris, make sure to put the Eiffel Tower as your #1 activity. Matter of fact, buy your ticket to see the Eiffel Tower as soon as you finalize your flight – you’ll thank yourself later.
Admire the beauty of this top attraction during your trip to France and take memories that will last a lifetime. The views from the top of the tower also make this one of the best things to do in Paris for couples.
Louvre Museum
Coming in at second place on the list of the best things to do in Paris is the Louvre Museum. As it stands, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and is thus home to some incredible art collections. Some names you might have heard of include the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo.
You’ll also be fascinated by the building’s history. Back when it was built in 1190, the Louvre was originally a fortress, then a home to French royalty. It was converted into a museum in the 18th century after going through multiple renovations.
We definitely recommend booking your ticket to the Louvre in advance. Lines are long year-round, and because of the massive size, people can spend hours at this popular attraction in Paris.
Luxembourg Gardens
Equal parts relaxing and exciting, Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens are a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors. The garden’s architecture and floral design combine elements from English, Italian, and French cultures. From the marble statues to the well-trimmed fields of grass, there’s certainly something magical about these gardens.
People come to the Luxembourg Gardens for all sorts of reasons. You can take a stroll around the area or find somewhere to lounge after exploring other parts of the city. Come early in the morning to join the joggers on their daily routes. Dozens of family-friendly activities are scattered around the park. Put this on your list if you’re looking for the best things to do in Paris with kids.
Palais Garnier
Architecture meets entertainment at the Palais Garnier, Paris’ famous 19th-century Opera house. Over 1,800 seats are available in this magnificent house, which was built for the Paris Opera back in the 1860s, when attending the Palais Garnier was more so meant for the bourgeois class in France.
The opera house has since opened to the general public. The range of performances have expanded to include more than just opera and ballet, including musical theater, concerts, and more. Whenever the house has no event going on, the vicinity is open for guests to admire and take pictures.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is an honorary monument that was built in 1806. Designer Jean Chalgrin took inspiration from the Roman Arch of Titus after following instructions from Napoleon.
This massive architectural work was intended to honor the lives of those who fought during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Look closely at the 164 foot monument and you’ll see names of leaders, soldiers, and victories etched into the monument.
Admiring the Arc de Triomphe from afar is one of the best things to do in Paris for free. Otherwise, you can buy tickets to see various parts of the monument. You’ll want to start on the ground terrace to learn some more history, then move upwards to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for bucket-list worthy views of Paris. Finish your visit off right with an extended ticket to see the underground Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Musée d'Orsay
Another great museum you should visit to see incredible artwork is the Musée d'Orsay. Most of the art pieces held within the museum’s walls fall within the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist genres. Although not nearly as big as the Louvre, you can still spend hours at this museum simply gazing in awe at the beauty.
What makes this museum even more unique is the fact that it’s housed within a former railway station near the Seine River. Some say that the exterior is as enchanting as the interior, though you’ll just have to see for yourself. Cross off two of the best things to do in Paris all in one by visiting the Musée d'Orsay.
Jardin des Tuileries
Gardens are quite popular in Paris, and the city’s natural beauty is only complimented by the various gardens scattered throughout. The Jardin des Tuileries is slightly smaller than the Luxembourg Gardens but just as beautiful and should be considered for any Paris itinerary.
You can visit the Jardin de Tuileries right after you stop by the Louvre. Accessing the garden is completely free. Take a rest by lounging underneath trees and sitting by the large central fountain.
Fun fact: the Jardin des Tuileries became a World UNESCO Heritage Site in 1991.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, otherwise known as just Notre-Dame, is Paris’ most esteemed representation of French Gothic architecture. Construction of the cathedral started in the 12th century and finished sometime in the 13th century.
The name “Notre-Dame” translates to “Our Lady” as the cathedral was initially dedicated to the prominent Catholic figure of Virgin Mary. Other notable aspects include mesmerizing stained-glass windows and religious artifacts, such as the Crown of Thorns. Tourists regard this as not only one of the best things to do in Paris, but overall in France.
Throughout centuries, this cherished religious monument has survived numerous brutal scenarios. Included in these are wars, ransoms, and revolutions. The cathedral is unfortunately closed as of 2023 due to a tragic fire in 2019. However, there is an official reopening date set for mid to late 2024.
Palace of Versailles
Just under 13 miles south of Paris is the historic city of Versailles. It’s here where you’ll want to visit the massive royal castle, Palace of Versailles, which was once the seat of France’s political power prior to the French Revolution.
You’ll surely be entranced by the intricate architecture of this medieval-era palace, which itself spans about 6.3 hectares. Visitors can admire the beauty from afar, but the real magic lies within its walls.
Buy a ticket and you can walk through the building, the Hall of Mirrors, Grands Appartements, and the Gardens with an audio guide. You can also upgrade your ticket to include entrance to The Estate of Trianon and a nighttime Fountain Light Show.
The Catacombs of Paris
Cataphiles, rejoice. Others, beware. Falling rocks, freezing temperatures, complete darkness, leptospirosis, and arrest are all possible risks of exploring this next fun thing to do in Paris.
Not exactly built with the intention of being an underground tomb, the Catacombs of Paris came as a result of unique infrastructure. Back in the Gallo-Roman era, houses in Lutetia (Paris) were built upon limestone underneath the city. A special mining technique turned the underground foundation of the city into a cobweb-like design. Eventually, bodies were buried in certain sectors of the underground, after overflowing cemeteries infected households.
You can access the catacombs via multiple entrances. Take a tour of the refurbished and safe areas if you want a look into Paris’ dark underground without the fear of danger. Some areas deep within the catacombs are explorable by adventurers who don’t mind the dark. Beyond that, there are much deeper zones that are yet to be discovered even by the general public, so these are considered dangerous and off-limits.
Latin Quarter
Need a break from visiting all these must see attractions in Paris? Head over to the beloved Latin Quarter for a blissful (and free) escape from all the hecticness.
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ oldest neighborhoods. It's especially popular among those who have a fascination with architecture. You’ll also find the Sorbonne University here, a highly-ranked university in Paris. Other things to do in the Latin Quarter include shopping, eating at a cafe, taking a walk, watching cabaret, and visiting the National Museum of Natural History.
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
Treat yourself to the best views in Paris by climbing atop the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck! This unique building towers over most other attractions in Paris. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the entire city, even the Eiffel Tower.
The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck has two decks. One of them stands at 650 feet tall and is perfect for seeing Paris from high above. You can take the ride up another 35 feet for the rooftop view, depending on your preference. The tower also has an on-site bar and lounge, so grab a cocktail and enjoy watching the sunset over Paris.
Seine River
The gorgeous and popular Seine River is visible through many parts of Paris. It’s responsible for dividing the city into left and right banks. Locals also rely on the river for transport of services and a steady water supply. Back in 1991, the importance of the Seine River gained so much recognition that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finding a good spot to simply admire the waterway is rather easy. We recommend taking some time either before or after you visit the Musée d'Orsay. You might also enjoy taking a boat ride through the Seine River for a small fee.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Another noteworthy museum that you’ll definitely want to visit in Paris is the Musée de l’Orangerie. The artwork in this museum is similar to what you’d find in the Musée d'Orsay – impressionist and post-impressionist pieces. Monet’s Water Lilies is the museum’s most famous artwork, and chances are you’ve either seen or heard of it at some point.
You can make yourself the perfect Paris itinerary by strategically planning your visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie. The reason why is that the museum is nestled within the Tuileries Garden, just a few blocks away from the Louvre Museum. Take a half or full day to explore these three best things to do in Paris and the surrounding area.
Palais-Royal
The Palais-Royal is a mix of everything Parisian all in one plaza, though it's typically missed by people visiting France for the first time. There’s a few reasons why, with many people believing that the beauty of the Louvre right across the street is quite distracting. Regardless, you should definitely stop by the Palais-Royal. It’s a great place to rest, find some shade, people watch, take pictures, and shop.
Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité, or City Island, is the heart of Paris. Much like the name suggests, Île de la Cité is a small island right in the center of France’s lovely capital. You’ll need to visit this island if you want to gain entry to Notre Dame or the Sainte-Chapelle.
Reserve an hour or two to walk around Île de la Cité and admire its spectacular views. Be sure to take a picture next to Point Zero des Routes de France (Point Zero) located near the front of Notre Dame, which marks the historic center point of Paris.
Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chappelle is an icon for many reasons. First, the design of the chapel is an extraordinary display of traditional French-gothic architecture. Few other buildings in Paris (or the world) can come close to matching the intricacy of this Christian chapel. Among some of the chapel’s best features are the colorful stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, steeple, and divided chapels.
Originally, Sainte Chappelle was intended to store important Christian relics (such as the Crown of Thorns). The relics have since been passed onto the Archdiocese of Paris and are stored at Notre Dame.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might sound scary, but we encourage you to put your fears aside to explore the Père Lachaise Cemetery. Treading through this well-kept cemetery is quite different than taking a ghost tour through other cemeteries around the world. Père Lachaise Cemetery’s beauty is best seen during the day, where you can really appreciate the work put into maintaining respect and peace for the afterlife.
Make your way over to the Père Lachaise Cemetery during your downtime to experience one of the best things to do in Paris for free. Be sure to keep an eye out for the graves of famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin.
Moulin Rouge
Are you a fan of cabaret, or simply looking for the best nightlife in Paris? Head over to Boulevard de Clichy for some excellent clubs and bars, plus more! While you’re there, check out the famous Moulin Rouge.
Built back in 1889, this dazzling nightclub has won the hearts of night owls for decades on end. The original building unfortunately fell after a devastating fire in 1915, but has since been resurrected better than it ever was. Patrons can watch amazing performances ranging from dance to theater, dine, drink, and socialize.
Walking Tours
And of course, nothing beats simply taking a walking tour of Paris. Visiting all of these amazing attractions should be the bulk of your trip, so it can be best to take an informative tour by foot. Luckily, there's a diverse range of walking tours in Paris like tours led by locals, free tours in Paris, food tours, sightseeing tours, and more.
The magnificence of Paris extends way beyond the twenty items on this list. To truly cover all that Paris has to offer, you’ll need a series of books. But for now, make sure to put a few of these best things to do in Paris on your vacation itinerary.
