Looking for some inspiration for your Parisian getaway?
Get ready to fall in love with the City of Love’s most awe-inspiring sights as you walk through charming neighbourhoods, visit iconic monuments, and explore opulent palaces. Whether in the north or south, day or night, there’s never a shortage of incredible things to do in Paris.
Tick off items in your travel bucket list with 18 of Paris’ finest attractions:
1. Eiffel Tower
The jewel in the crown of Paris’ skyline, the Eiffel Tower, is one attraction you defo can’t miss. View it from afar or up close, but nothing compares to going up the tower to take in the city panorama. If you don’t wanna spend your day in Paris waiting in long queues, book your skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket on Klook and see the Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and even Sacré-Coeur from the top of the tower.
2. Louvre Museum
The City of Love is also the City of Art, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the Louvre Museum. Visiting the world’s largest art museum is one of the best things to do in Paris, thanks to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Also not to be missed are the Egyptian mummy and the French Crown Jewels.
3. Versailles Palace
Ever wondered how it feels like to be a royal? Visit the Versailles Palace and channel your inner king or queen as you stroll down gilded rooms like the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s State Apartment. Walk through the stunning gardens and marvel at stunning pieces of art by Bernini, Jacques-Louis David, and more.
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4. Seine River
Winding around the city’s centre, the Seine River is one of the ultimate Parisian icons. You can snap photos at one of the 37 bridges, but it’s best to experience it on the Seine River cruise. As you ride a modern boat with terraces, you’ll see Notre Dame, the Louvre, Grand Palais, and more in a different light.
5. Disneyland Paris
Planning a family holiday? One of the best things to do in Paris with the kids is to visit Disneyland Paris. The theme park is full of incredible rides and captivating sights that are sure to amaze and delight. Kids will enjoy the immersive Pirates of the Caribbean ride, while the adults will have heart-pumping fun on Big Thunder Mountain. There’s even something new for past visitors to look forward to with the opening of the Marvel Avengers campus on the 20th of July.
6. Arc de Triomphe
Did you know you can head to the top of the Arc de Triomphe? Located at the centre of 12 avenues, it also serves as a viewpoint of the city skyline. Enjoy panoramic views of Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, and Montparnasse Tower from the top of the arc. Then, explore the exhibition inside and learn about the triumphs of the French military.
7. Montparnasse Tower
Speaking of stunning views, the Montparnasse Tower is one of the best in Paris. As the tallest building in the city, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in its full glory straight ahead. You’ll also glimpse the Grand Palais, Sacré-Coeur, and the Louvre. Look left and admire the skyscrapers of La Défense. Time your visit during
8. Hop-on Hop-off Tour
See the buildings at a great angle, thanks to the open-top deck of the tour bus.
If you only have limited time, one of the best things to do in Paris is to join the Paris hop-on hop-off tour.With stops at the city’s top sites and unlimited rides, you can explore the City of Light at your own pace. It’s especially useful considering that Paris’ public transportation can be confusing to navigate and the popular attractions are a bit apart from each other.
9. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral to see one of the world's oldest churches. While you may be unable to view the interiors after the 2019 fire, you can still admire its intricate French Gothic architecture from the outside and snap a photo of its unblemished west facade. Afterwards, you can visit the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore across the street.
10. Sacré-Coeur
Spend some time in the charming Montmartre neighbourhood and head to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the stunning Basilica of Sacré-Coeur. Visit the church (entry is free!) and admire the opulent interior. You’ll have Paris at your feet from 130 metres high outside its doorsteps.
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11. Sainte-Chapelle
Speaking of gorgeous churches in Paris, Sainte-Chappelle is another gem that should be on your radar. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in sight. Featuring massive, vibrant stained glass windows, it creates a dreamy purple scenery. The glass windows also feature biblical stories meant to be read from the bottom to the top.
12. Pantheon
It’s not just Rome that has an impressive pantheon; Paris has one, too! Just like its Italian counterpart, the Panthéon is home to the remains of the city’s essential citizens. Admire the architecture of the former church before heading to the underground crypt, where you can see the tombs of Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
13. Catacombs of Paris
Discover a different side of the French capital when you explore the Catacombs of Paris. Located 65 feet underground, it serves as the resting place of over six million people. Walk through its passageways that date back to the 13th century and learn about its history.
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14. Palais Garnier
Discover the luxury and grandeur of Palais Garnier. Thanks to its impressive Neo-Baroque architecture and intricately decorated halls and ceilings, the opera house is always worth a visit. Besides being the site of excellent ballet and opera performances, it was also the setting of the Phantom of the Opera novel.
15. Luxembourg Gardens
In need of a change in scenery? Visit the Luxembourg Gardens for some much-needed reprieve from the bustling streets of Paris. Besides vibrant plants and grassy areas, you’ll also see statues of former French queens and saints.
16. Musée d'Orsay
The Louvre isn’t the only world-class museum in town. Home to masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Morisot, Musée d'Orsay is the Impressionist art gallery that is sure to impress. Besides paintings, you’ll also get to admire collections featuring movies by Charlie Chaplin and the striking architecture of the train station-turned-museum.
17. Moulin Rouge
Paris isn’t just all about pieces of art and iconic monuments. It’s also home to arguably the most famous cabaret in the world, Le Moulin Rouge. Relive the glory of the La Belle Epoque era as you watch impressive dancers move to the tune of iconic songs.
18. The Centre Pompidou
When visiting The Centre Pompidou, you get a glimpse of the contemporary Parisian art scene. Spanning six storeys, it’s Europe’s largest museum of modern art. Inside, you’ll also find a massive public library and a music research centre.
BONUS: Bundle up and save
Wondering how you can enjoy all the different things to do in Paris without exceeding your budget? Get the Paris Attraction Pass, which includes access to Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, and more. Save up to 115 EUR while enjoying the flexibility of choosing when and where you want to go.
Written by: Alyssa Dela Cruz