Paris, a.k.a. The City of Light, City of Love, Fashion Capital, consistently ranks as one of the most visited cities in the world. People from all over travel to Paris each year to experience all the best that France has to offer. From art museums, French fine dining, historic landmarks, and Haute couture, you will surely never run out of things to do in Paris.
Sightseeing in Paris is not complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Located at the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement, this wrought-iron lattice tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel and is the most-visited paid monument in the world. Go all the way up to the observation area to get an amazing, 360-view of the capital city of France. You can also taste gourmet Parisian delicacies at the Michelin-star Le Jules Verne restaurant on the 2nd floor.
Lovers of art and history can’t miss out on a trip to one of the most treasured Paris attractions: The Louvre. The world’s largest art museum is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine and houses more than 380,000 objects, with 35,000 masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Great Sphinx of Tanis on display. Fun fact: You can view every piece of art on display at The Louvre in 200 days if you only spend 30 seconds to look at each one.
Victor Hugo's classic novel about a lovestruck hunchback was originally titled Notre-Dame de Paris, after the city’s most iconic Gothic cathedral. Situated at the eastern end of the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris was commissioned by King Louis VII to serve as a symbol of Paris's political, economic, and cultural power. Following the tragic fire of 2019, French officials initiated an arduous restoration project to bring the beloved cathedral back to its original state, elaborate statues, tympanum, gargoyles, spires, and all.
The Arc de Triomphe, one of the most well-known commemorative neoclassical monuments in France, stands in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. By order of Napoléon Bonaparte, the names of famous battles and generals of the French army were inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. You can access the Arc de Triomphe through an underground passageway on the Champs-Elysées that comes up at its base. Climb up the 284 steps of the spiral staircase right before the sun sets to enjoy daytime and nighttime views at the top.
Easily one of the most recognizable avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées stretches between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Stroll across its tree-lined streets, stop by the cafés and luxury shops, or see a show at one of the many theaters along the way. Schedule your travel to Paris in July to catch the annual Bastille Day military parade or watch premier cyclists cross the finish line of the Tour de France at the Champs-Élysées stage.
Add to your list of things to do in Paris a trip to the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city, to see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This beloved Roman Catholic landmark was completed in 1914 and designed with nationalist themes. At the portico of this white-domed basilica, you will see equestrian statues of French saints Joan of Arc and King Louis IX prominently featured. Sacré-Coeur is open daily and admission is free, however, you need to pay a small fee to enter the Dome and Crypt.
The Musée d'Orsay is home to the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. Here you can see rare works of art by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Located at the Left Bank of the River Seine, The Musée d'Orsay was originally a railway station; it is smaller and less crowded compared to the Louvre. It even offers visitors free entrance to the permanent collections every first Sunday of the month.
Travel roughly 20km southwest of Paris and you’ll find yourself at the gates of the Palace of Versailles in Place d'Armes. Serving as the principal residence of France’s royal family from 1682 until 1789, the palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Bask in the luxury of the Hall of Mirrors, King's Grand Apartments, the Royal Opera, as well as the stunning gardens and four seasons fountains. The Palace is closed on Mondays and is best visited from April-June and October-November when the weather remains mild.
Fall in love with the hilltop village of Montmartre as you explore the cobbled streets of this incredibly unique, art-centric community located in Paris's 18th arrondissement. Simply take the Paris Métro from the city center and find yourself in the heart of Montmartre in under 30 minutes. Start your adventure from the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit then walk downhill to the Boulevard de Clichy nightlife district. You can also buy paintings or get your portrait done by talented artists stationed at Place du Tertre.
The Tuileries Garden is the oldest and largest public garden in Paris, situated just steps away from the Louvre museum and Place de la Concorde. As you leisurely stroll through the garden, you’ll come across Maillol statues standing alongside those of Rodin or Giacometti. Head over to the southwest corner of the Tuileries to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie for more doses of French art and culture. From June to August, visitors can enter the Fête des Tuileries for free and just pay for the rides and attractions.
Aside from must-see Paris attractions, the French capital is renowned for its prestigious theater, opera, and ballet companies, quaint boulangeries and cafes, high-end fashion houses, cabarets, and overall romantic vibe. In the 1800s, Georges-Eugène Haussmann initiated a major redesign of Paris resulting in the grand boulevards, parks, and public squares that we see today.
If you prefer to have long days of sunshine when you’re sightseeing in Paris and don’t mind huge crowds, then best to visit from June to August. However, if you’re looking to score some deals and spend less time waiting in line, then opt to go from September to October instead. The autumn foliage set against elegant Parisian architecture and pretty parks definitely adds more charm to this already vibrant city.
Since the best things to do in Paris are spread around the city, it’s wise to book a hotel or lodging that is close to a Métro station for easy access to all of the top Paris attractions. Depending on your budget and preference, the most popular neighborhoods on either side of the River Seine are Le Marais, Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Les Halles.