There’s a certain irrepressible magic to Paris—the City of Light. Whether you’ve visited once or five times, Paris always seems to win over your heart. From world-class landmarks and masterpieces of art to quaint cafes and promenades along the Seine, Paris is a city where every experience seems to have a cinematic feel. If you’re planning a trip and looking to learn about the top things to do in Paris, France, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, I’m going to show you around the best sites, off-the-beaten-path highlights, and can’t-miss experiences that will make your Parisian trip unforgettable.
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1. Be awe-inspired by the Eiffel Tower
Let’s begin with the most famous landmark—the Eiffel Tower. No visit to Paris is complete without admiring this iron beauty up close. You can gaze at it from street level at Champ de Mars, take a leisurely boat tour along the Seine River, or head all the way to the top for city views.
Tip: Stop by in the evening to see the sparkle show, which happens hourly. The Eiffel Tower glows after dark, and it’s magical.
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2. Stroll in Montmartre
One of Paris’s most bohemian and quaintest neighborhoods, Montmartre beckons you to stroll along its cobblestone streets, pass through quaint art galleries, and let its creative ambience, which once nurtured legends such as Picasso and Van Gogh, wash over you.
Atop a hill stands Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which provides some of Paris’s finest views. Be sure to visit Place du Tertre, a bustling square filled with artists eager to draw your portrait.
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3. Visit the Louvre Museum
Art lovers, get set to be awestruck. The Louvre Museum isn’t only the globe’s biggest art museum but also houses some of history’s most iconic works, such as Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People.
Allow yourself at least half a day (if not a full day) to stroll through its wings. Even if you’re not interested in art, the architecture and ambiance of the museum make it a worthwhile visit.
Travel Tip: Purchase your tickets online to avoid waiting in long ticket lines!
4. Cruise Along the Seine River
For a contrasting glimpse into the city, take a Seine River cruise. Whether by day or a lighted evening tour, it’s a leisurely way to take in such sights as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
You can opt for a basic cruise or indulge in a dinner option with exquisite French cuisine onboard.
5. Get Lost in Le Marais
Le Marais is Paris’s most fashionable place. This historic quarter combines old-world charm with a thriving cultural scene. There, you’ll discover narrow medieval streets, refined townhouses, trendy boutiques, and among the finest Middle Eastern-style falafel outside of the Middle East.
Drop by Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, or head to the Picasso Museum to get a fix of modern art.
6. Visit the Palace of Versailles for a Day
Only a short one-hour drive from Paris, France, stands the awe-inspiring Palace of Versailles. The former residence of French royalty, the palace features exquisite gardens, the renowned Hall of Mirrors, as well as majestic apartments which chronicle the history of France’s monarchs.
Tip: Take a bike rental to visit the extensive gardens and grounds—it’s a great way to see more in a leisurely, scenic fashion.
7. Enjoy Parisian Café Culture
Sitting outside at a café, with a cup of espresso, watching people—this is a Parisian’s rite of passage. Café culture in Paris isn’t about eating and drinking, but taking in the ambiance.
Try some locals’ favorites such as Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, or quaint neighborhood cafes hidden from tourist areas. Grab a croissant or a pain au chocolat to have with your coffee, and temporarily live like a local.
8. Uncover Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité
Even partially shut down for restoration since the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral still stands as a testament to Parisian beauty as well as resilience. Take a walk around its exterior, appreciate its Gothic style, and stroll through Île de la Cité’s quaint beauty.
Just a short walk away is Sainte-Chapelle, a lesser-seen beauty renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful stained-glass windows. It’s a real hidden gem in the heart of Paris.
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9. Window Shop or Shop along Champs-Élysées
Even if you don’t feel like splurging, a stroll down the Champs-Élysées is a classic Parisian experience. Flanked by designer boutique stores, theatres, and cafes, the famous avenue culminates in the splendid Arc de Triomphe.
Make your way to the top of the Arc for yet another great city view—it’s especially pretty during sunset.
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10. Paris Catacombs Tour
For a bit of an offbeat, mysterious experience, visit the Paris Catacombs. Underneath the city, there are passageways lined with more than six million Parisian bones, which have been set in place in eerily artistic ways.
It’s strange, informative, and unlike any other Parisian attraction. Just make certain to purchase your tickets first—numbers are restricted!
11. Paris by Night
Paris really does live up to its nickname, La Ville Lumière (The City of Light), after dark. Go for a stroll along the Seine after dark, watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle, or have a cocktail at a rooftop bar with a cityscape view.
Try to spend an evening viewing a production at the Moulin Rouge, Opéra Garnier, or enjoying some live jazz in a quaint bar in the Latin Quarter.
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12. Try Some French Food and Pastries
Let’s be honest—one of the highlights of a trip to Paris is the cuisine. From flaky croissants to hearty coq au vin, each meal tastes like a festive occasion.
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- Crêpes (sweet or savory
- Escargot (for those feeling
- French onion soup
- Ladurée or Pierre Hermé’s macarons
- Fresh baguettes from a nearby boulangerie
You could even sign up for a French cooking class or food tour while you’re in town!
Final Thoughts: Paris is Always a Good Idea
Paris gets to you, steals your heart, then refuses to let go. Whether you’re admiring master works of art, strolling through historic streets, or even just sipping a coffee with a view, there’s always something lovely hidden around a corner.
From iconic to intimate, these are only a few of the top things to do in Paris, France. My top piece of advice? Try not to do it all. Make time for random walking, slow afternoons, and experiences not found on any map—because that’s where Paris’s real enchantment resides. Have you visited Paris? Post your favorite places in the comments section! And happy travels if you’re planning a trip there! Unfortunately, Do let me know if you’d prefer it converted to a PDF in a proper, formatted layout or if you’d rather have a social media or YouTube script short version.