Ah, Paris—the city of light, love, and a thousand other things that’ll make you question how in the world you’re going to see and do it all. After all, how do you choose how to fill your days in a place that’s home to quaint cafes for coffee-sipping, world-class museums for art discovery, and, that quintessentially Parisian favourite pastime, people-watching? What to do in Paris, then? The decision is tough. Should you prioritize the must-see sights or maybe explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations? Have no fear: this guide is filled with the best things to do in Paris. Part history, part art, part magic, this is the City of Light at her most shining.
So let’s get into some of the best things to visit in Paris and activities that will make your trip one to remember. It’s your first time in the French capital? Your tenth time? No matter — we’ve got a collection of sights and experiences you’ll wish you could bottle up to get your Paris fix.
Stroll through the charming alleys of Montmartre: a walk through Paris’ bohemian past
Montmartre’s tight, winding roads and beguiling vibe are the epitome of Parisian romance. This was the neighbourhood of choice for Bohemian artists like Picasso and Renoir, and a historic sense of creative whimsy still lives there, too. As you meander down its passageways, you’ll definitely feel like you’re inside a painting.
Start at Place du Tertre where you can see local artists sell their artwork. It is touristy, no doubt, but the square has a certain charm. Nearby, you can climb the dome of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Tackle the stairs, or take the funicular, and you’re rewarded with views of the city. Then, bask in the 360 view of every single Parisian rooftop. It’s even better at sunset!
For a quieter visit, take a walk over to Rue Lepic, where you’ll find fewer crowds and more adorable cafes and boutiques. To make the most of your visit, take a look at the best time to visit Paris. With this article, you will learn when to come see the City of Light at its best, without the tourists, and how to fall in love with it.
Remember to pack a comfortable pair of shoes (the streets are steep), and wear plenty of layers for colder months. Montmartre might not be surrounded by the glitz of Champs-Élysées, but once you visit, you’ll be utterly under its spell.
Discover Rue Mouffetard market: a journey through Paris’ oldest market
If your Paris itinerary involves sniffing baguettes and tasting cheese, then you need to head to Rue Mouffetard. In the Latin Quarter, this step-back-in-time ancient street is one of the city’s oldest market streets embodying all that’s left of Old Paris.
Your senses will be in overdrive on Rue Mouffetard. Between stalls abounding with luscious colourful fruits, the smell of freshly baked croissants and other market goodness (we dare you not to be sidetracked), the street is a foodie’s fantasy. If you stop by this street, make sure to visit Maison Verot, a butcher for terrines, Androuet for a selection of cheese, and La Pâtisserie de l’Église Saint-Médard. It’s safe to say that the latter is the sweetest of the three.
The market is open Tuesday to Sunday, and morning is when it’s in full swing. Bring your wallet (many stalls won’t take credit cards) plus a bag to carry your edible souvenirs. Afterwards, camp out in the sun at nearby Square Saint-Médard with a glass of wine and some olives.
Spend an evening at the Moulin Rouge: a Paris icon in Paris’s heart
It’s really more than just a cabaret— the Moulin Rouge is an institution of Paris nightlife. Sitting in Pigalle, the iconic music venue has been dazzling audiences since 1889 with its lavish costumes, illusional choreography, and the famous French cancan.
Most people are pretty familiar with the theatre simply because of the sign—a red windmill on the rooftop—though stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the Belle Époque. Just as indulgent are the shows, which are everything you’d expect of a traditional cabaret and more. Feathers, sequins, and ridiculous high-kicking: all of it is there, and then some. Add watching a performance to your Paris itinerary for a truly lavish night out.
Shows run every night at 9 pm and 11 pm, and tickets are pretty imperative – especially during high tourist season. And dress up— you’re in Paris, after all.
Dive into art and history at the Louvre Museum
You can’t go to Paris and not go to the Louvre. Home to some of the most famous paintings in the world including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo sculpture, the Louvre was a royal palace before it was a museum and is an exhibition of art, culture and history that spans centuries.
It’s huge, so make a strategic plan before you visit. Hit the main attractions first—Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Crown Jewels of France. If you have extra time, check out the Islamic Arts and Ancient Egypt wings (they’re less crowded). No doubt to be included in your list of things to do in Paris.
Musée d’Orsay: discover masterpieces in a former train station
What if your subway ride involved more Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas? Swap the huddled masses for one of Paris’ most incredible interiors— a neoclassical façade of a Beaux-Arts train station filled with some of the best and most famous paintings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Step inside and discover Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette. Don’t forget to ascend to the fifth-floor exhibition hall, where beams of natural sunlight stream through the station’s windows, bouncing light off the Impressionists.
The museum is open each day from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (it’s closed on Mondays and has extended Thursday hours to 9:45 PM). Buy a coffee at the café and sit under the ionic clock, as patrons have done in Paris since, oh, 1847. Cultured, compact, and rich, it’s one of the top things to do in Paris besides the classics.
The Paris Catacombs: a Journey through hidden tunnels
Hidden beneath the charming streets of Paris is a side of the city few visitors know about—the Paris Catacombs. The Paris catacombs are a network of tunnels lined with the bones of some six million individuals. If you’re wondering what to see in Paris, at this popular Paris destination, you’ll gain a spooky, eerie insight into the city’s grim history.
Descend deep into the underground quarries and admire decorative patterns made of human remains. The Paris catacombs are open daily from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM (last admission at 7:30 PM) and keep a chilly 14°C temperature year-round, so bring a jacket and comfortable shoes for walking. Caution: Paris catacombs tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance!
Eerie and spooky, this Paris attraction offers you the ghost story of a lifetime to tell your friends and family!
Enjoy a Coffee in a typical Parisian brasserie
There are few things more Parisian than sitting at a brasserie, coffee cup steaming, as you watch the world go by. But rather than just your average Joe, these charming spots are more than just cafes. They are cultural institutions where locals come to eat, drink and argue about the latest hot topic, be it politics or philosophy.
The brasserie tradition dates back to the 17th century when beer houses started serving food all day long. From morning coffee to late-night steak frites, brasseries are beloved by tourists and locals. Most cafés open early, around 7 a.m., serving coffee, butter-filled croissants, and jammy tartines. A second rush comes around mid-morning, where locals and tourists sip noisettes (espressos with a touch of milk) and réglisse (espresso with liquorice) while you flake apart café au lait.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: a peaceful oasis away from the crowds
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement is a pocket of peace far from the frantic streets of the French capital. Covering 61 acres, it’s one of the larger parks in town—for those looking for a quiet place to breathe, it’s among the best locations to visit in Paris.
Under Napoleon III, the park was built (1867) on the grounds of an old gypsum quarry. Lush, rolling hills provide a backdrop for waterfalls and winding paths. The Temple de la Sybille, based on ancient models, crowns the park. The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy called to Haussmann’s imagination, and thus the views extend as far as neighbourhoods in Paris.
Looking for unique things to visit in Paris? Head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for a welcome break that combines natural beauty with history in a city setting. You’ll leave refreshed!
Search for the famous graves at the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Enter the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise and you will have made the incredible discovery of one of the nicest and quietest places to visit in Paris. The largest cemetery in the city (accounting for 110 acres), it presents an unusual collection of men, writers and musicians, painters and politicians.
Conceived in 1804, the cemetery met with very little acceptance until the city had the remains of Molière and LaFontaine transferred to it, making it fashionable. A steady stream of distinguished visitors crosses its path regularly right now and, each year, crowds of tourists pay verbal homage to famous men and attend very official ceremonials.
The cemetery is open every day, but its work hours depend on the season. Usually, it operates from 8 am to 6 pm in summer and closes somewhat earlier in winter. Among the many free things to do in Paris, visiting this historic cemetery stands out as a unique experience. Entry is free but if you want, you can apply for a tour to dig deeper into the history and inhabitants of the cemetery.
If you succeed in tearing your thoughts away from the areas of celebrity graves, you will be able to appreciate all the beauty of the art of the dead in the cemetery of Père-Lachaise: the magnificent tombs, the sculptures, the Gothic chapel. If you’re looking for an unusual place to visit in Paris that melds history, art, and the innate humanness of Parisians past, start with a trip to the Père-Lachaise Cemetery.
Romantic dinner on a Péniche: a memorable evening on the Seine
There are few experiences in Paris that ooze more romantic vibes than dining on a péniche as it navigates the Seine River. With the city’s most famous monuments sparkling in the background, this is hands down a bucket-list-worthy, incredible thing to do in Paris for couples or anyone looking to treat themselves.
Dining on a péniche from an offering of gourmet dishes and an entirely stunning perspective. Cruises typically depart near the Eiffel Tower and send you toward the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and below beautifully ornate bridges. All the while, you’re sipping champagne next to your true love or friend! Add several courses of French delights and you’ll immediately get why Paris is called the city of love.
The real appeal of a dinner cruise on the Seine is not the food or the cityscape, though, but the whole experience—the boat gently bumping its way downstream, the city lights reflecting off the rippling water, and the Eiffel Tower’s golden glow inviting you home. What to visit in Paris to make memories that will last forever? Have dinner on a boat, and look skyward.
The magic of Paris comes from its not only having some of the world’s most famous sights but from making every visitor feel like they are a part of the story. Whether you’re sipping wine at a brasserie, strolling through the bohemian lanes of Montmartre, or floating down the Seine on a romantic dinner cruise, this city weaves its way into your very fabric. So why not connect with all that it has to offer on a group tour to France? Experience Paris with our meticulously crafted itineraries. Paris is calling – ready to fall in love?
