Paris Guide: 18 Best Things to do in Paris
I’ll be honest—Paris didn’t steal our hearts the first time. It felt overwhelming, a bit rushed, and I just couldn’t see what all the hype was about. A year later, we were heading to Strasbourg for the Christmas markets and figured we’d give Paris another chance. And something about that trip just clicked. The city felt magical.
Now, after a third visit, we finally get it—and we can’t stop dreaming about when we’ll return.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite best things to do in Paris, in hopes of making your trip a little smoother, a little easier… and maybe help you fall in love with the City of Light too.
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When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is spring and fall for temperate weather and less crowds than summer. But honestly? I think Paris is beautiful year-round—and the best time to go is simply whenever you get the chance. I’ve visited in June, September, and December, and each season felt completely different, in the best way.
How to Get Around Paris
Paris is incredibly walkable, and many of the top sights are within easy reach of each other. The Metro and buses are efficient, and taxi or Uber are readily available although they cost more than public transportation.
Understanding Arrondissements
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, that spiral out from the center of the city in a clockwise, snail-shell pattern. Each arrondissement has its own personality, charm, and pace—and understanding the layout can really help when deciding where to stay or what to explore.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a few key arrondissements before getting into the best things to do in Paris:
- 1st Arrondissement – Louvre
- Historical heart of Paris and home to the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, and Tuileries Garden.
- 3rd & 4th Arrondissement – Le Maris
- Trendy and artistic, full of character. Best for boutique shopping and fashion lovers.
- 5th Arrondissement – Latin Quarter
- One of the oldest parts of Paris. Cobblestone streets, lively student energy (Sorbonne University).
- 6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Classic Left Bank vibes with literary cafés, upscale boutiques and charming streets.
- 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower
- Upscale, residential, with iconic landmarks such as Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay.
- 9th Arrondissement – Opéra
- Grand boulevards, department stores, and nightlife.
- 18th Arrondissement – Montmartre
- Bohemian and artistic vibes with Sacré-Cœur on top of a hill.
Where to Stay in Paris
For in-depth guide, refer to this post on Where to Stay in Paris (coming soon).
Here’s a quick recommendation list:
- Hôtel Madame Rêve – located in 1st Arrondissement, it can’t get any more central.
- Kimpton St Honore – 2nd Arrondissement
- Padam Hôtel – 16th Arrondissement near Champs-Élysées. We stayed here the year it opened and were impressed for the price.
- Chouchou Hôtel – 9th Arrondissement near Opera and Galleries Lafayette. Stayed here on our most recent trip and it was easy to get everywhere.
Best Things To Do in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. While you can go up the tower, I personally wouldn’t bother going up – you can’t see the tower from the tower itself and there are other places you can get panoramic views of the city from.
Instead, these are some of best places to see the Eiffel Tower from:
- Trocadéro
- Av. de Camoens
- Pont d’Iéna
- Rue de l’Université
- Champ de Mars
- Pont de Bir Hakeim
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the tenth, catching a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower never gets old. I love seeing it sparkle every hour after dusk. – it feels magical every time.
2. Musée d’Orsay
The Louvre may be the most famous museum in Paris, the Musée d’Orsay is my favorite. Located in a former train station with a glass roof top, this museum is a must for fans of Monet, Van Gogh, and the French Impressionists.
The setting itself feels like a work of art. Don’t miss the giant clock windows with views over the Seine River and Montmartre in the distance.
Book tickets to the museum here.
3. Opera / Palais Garnier
This might be my favorite place in all of Paris. The opulent Palais Garnier—which inspired The Phantom of the Opera—is truly a masterpiece. You can only visit by attending a performance or booking a tour.
We chose the self-guided tour, and I highly recommend it. Every corner of this opera house feels grand, dramatic, and unforgettable. This truly is one of the best things to do in Paris! Book tickets here.
4. Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of masterpieces, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance and go early to beat the crowds.
Don’t try to see everything in one day – it’s a massive museum. I would look online to see what interests you the most and focus on those sections.
If you like guided tours, this one is skip-the-line with a small group tour.
5. Chocolat Chaud
Meaning “hot chocolate” in French, chocolat chaud is a rich, velvety, and luxurious cup of pure indulgence. It’s nothing like the powdered mixes you might be used to!
Two of my favorite places to enjoy this treat are Angelina Paris and Carette. Both are popular spots and don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line—especially during peak hours. But I promise, it’s worth it.
6. Saint-Chapelle
This breathtaking Gothic-style royal chapel is home to 1,113 stained glass windows. Try to visit the Saint-Chapelle during the day when sunlight pours through the windows. Tickets do sell out so purchase in advance here.
7. Montmartre
This hilltop district is full of charm, street artists, and breathtaking views. Climb the steps or ride the funicular to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a postcard-perfect panorama of Paris.
Wander through charming cobblestone streets to see the iconic pink La Maison Rose, the Le Consulat café, and the bustling Place du Tertre, where artists display and sell their work just as they have for generations.
Montmartre is also home to the legendary Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the modern can-can and one of the most famous cabarets in the world.
Book a walking guided tour with a local here.
Book a Cabaret Show at Moulin Rouge here.
8. Seine River Cruise
One of the most relaxing and romantic ways to see Paris is from the water. A Seine River cruise takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Pont Alexandre III.
You can choose from a variety of cruise styles, from simple sightseeing boats with audio guides to luxury dinner cruises complete with gourmet meals and live music.
If it’s your first time in Paris, I highly recommend doing a cruise at sunset or just after dusk—seeing the city of lights lit up and the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night from the water is just purely magical.
9. Explore Le Marais
If you love boutique shopping, charming streets, Le Marais is sure to win you over. This historic neighborhood is one of Paris’s trendiest areas—full of independent designers, vintage shops, concept stores, and French brands.
Wander down Rue des Francs-Bourgeois for chic fashion boutiques, or pop into Merci, a beautifully curated lifestyle store that’s been popping up on my Instagram feed for a while (their colorful tote bags are so cute!).
Beyond shopping, Le Marais is a great place to grab a coffee and people-watch at a café terrace. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can easily spend a whole afternoon without realizing it.
10. Musée de l’Orangerie
Situated on the edge of the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a more intimate museum compared to the famous Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.
It is most well known for Monet’s Water Lilies, but beyond Monet, there are also works by other great artists like Matisse and Picasso.
Tickets sell out fast, so book yours here.
11. Galeries Lafayette
Located on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is more than just Europe’s largest department store—it’s an architectural landmark famous for its stunning Art Nouveau cupola, built in 1912.
When we visited, there were festive holiday decorations displayed beneath the cupola for the Christmas season—and it was truly magical. The décor changes each year, so if you have the opportunity to visit in December, definitely do it—Galeries Lafayette during the holidays is something special.
Head up to the 8th floor to the Terrace for some incredible views of the city. You can see the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur, Notre Dame from here. You won’t be the only one here for the views, but it is definitely worth it.
12. Petit Palais
Petit Palais—built by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition—is a beautiful Beaux-Arts museum that feels like stepping into a palace.
The permanent collection is free to view, but the special exhibitions will have a cost.
There is a semi-circular courtyard with a lush garden and a beautiful café – unfortunately this was closed when we visited.
13. French Macarons
Macarons are one of my favorite treats. Ladurée is famous, but I prefer Pierre Hermé over Ladurée. There are stores dotted across the city so make sure to pop in for a luxurious little bite.
14. Coffee at an Iconic Cafe
Paris is full of charming cafés, but there are a few that are just legendary.
We’ve already mentioned Angelina Paris and Carette for their chocolate chaud, but head to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés to visit the Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. These two iconic cafés have stood the test of time, serving as regular haunts for legendary writers, philosophers, and artists like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Hemingway, and Picasso.
People-watching from the terrace while sipping coffee at one of these historic spots is a must!
15. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Standing at the west end of the Champs-Élysées street, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments.
Built to honor French military victories, it offers panoramic views including views of the Eiffel Tower from the top—especially stunning at sunset.
From there, take a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, lined with shops, cafés, and flagship stores. We stayed near this area on our December trip and it was delightful to see the entire street lit up with sparkling lights.
16. Visit the Gardens
If you’re visiting during warmer months, take some time to slow down and enjoy one of Paris’s green gardens.
The two most iconic gardens are:
- Jardin du Luxembourg – Located in the 6th arrondissement. Grand fountains, tree-lined paths, classic Parisian chairs, and plenty of charm.
- Jardin des Tuileries – Stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, you’ll likely walk through this garden at least once during your visit. It’s home to fountains, sculptures, and wide gravel paths.
17. Catacombs of Paris
I have not actually visited the Catacombs myself – but it’s a popular activity so I will include it here for those who are brave enough to visit this fascinating but eerie place.
The Catacombs of Paris lies underground the streets of Paris, and houses a network of tunnels that stores bones of six million Parisians, relocated from overcrowded cemeteries.
Visits are self-guided, but limited to a certain number of people at a time, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Tip: This experience isn’t for everyone (especially small children or those who dislike enclosed spaces).
18. Day Trip to Versailles
I can’t believe that after three visits to Paris, I still haven’t made it out to the Palace of Versailles—but since it’s the most popular day trip from the city, I had to include it in this list of best things to do in Paris.
Just under an hour from Paris by train, Versailles is known for its opulent palace, Hall of Mirrors, and sprawling gardens.
To make the most of your visit, go early in the day and book tickets in advance—especially during high season. You can explore on your own or join a guided tour to dive deeper into the history of French royalty.
This is high on my priority list for our next trip, and I’ll be sure to update this post after my visit! From everything I’ve read and heard, Versailles is as grand and breathtaking as it gets—and definitely worth the day trip from Paris.
Map & Conclusion
For me, Paris is one of those cities that always has something new to discover—a hidden garden, a cozy café, a charming side street, or a new favorite museum.
This post is meant to inspire your itinerary with some of the best things to do in Paris, but the magic of this city doesn’t end there. Once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many people feel called to return—because Paris always leaves you wanting more.
I’ll add a map of everything included in this post here.
USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
