popular places to visit in paris

Paris   Travel Guide

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32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

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Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures. The Louvre features everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures (including the renowned Winged Victory of Samothrace and curvaceous Venus de Milo). There are also thousands of paintings to peruse as well. Masterpieces such as "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix, "The Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault and Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the museum's biggest star, can be found here.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

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Champs-Élysées Champs-Élysées free

Musician Joe Dassin once sang "Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Élysées," which translates to "There's everything you could want along the Champs-Élysées." And he's right. Paris' most famous boulevard – stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe – is a shopper's mecca. Along its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, you'll find such luxury stores as Louis Vuitton and Chanel rubbing elbows with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Zara.

While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées , the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is adorned with several impressive, intricately carved sculptures. Underneath the arch, travelers will find the names of the battles fought during the first French Republic and Napolean's Empire, as well as generals who fought in them. Travelers will also find the famous tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The unknown soldier currently buried there is meant to represent all the unidentified or unaccounted for soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The flame that was lit when the soldier was laid to rest has not extinguished since it was initially lit in the 1920s, and is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by a member of the armed services.

Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout. Others strongly cautioned against trying to cross the roundabout to get to the Arc. Instead, take the underground tunnel near the metro that leads directly to the base of the structure.

Latin Quarter Latin Quarter free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

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Seine River Seine River free

You won’t have much trouble finding the Seine, as it flows directly through the heart of Paris. The river is perhaps one of the most famous waterways in the world and an attraction in itself. It's also useful for more practical reasons: It flows from east to west, dividing the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Knowing where you are in relation to the Seine can help you find your way around during your trip.

For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry (when it’s also free to enter the Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Rodin, Musée Picasso and several other attractions). – Laura French

Although the extensive Louvre may appear to get most of the Parisian limelight, recent travelers seem to enjoy the Musée d'Orsay more. Travelers say the museum is much more manageable than the often-overwhelming Louvre and note that there are also significantly fewer crowds here. Many visitors confidently report that you can easily get through this museum in a few hours. As for the art, travelers loved the museum's colorful collection of paintings as well as the building itself, with many calling the Belle Epoque architecture of the d'Orsay a work of art on its own.

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Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer's market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day). Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

Recent travelers say the chapel is a true masterpiece and not to be missed, though some visitors did note it was smaller than they anticipated. Still, they say it's worth taking your time to have a closer look at each of the stained-glass windows, as they all tell a different story. Some travelers also recommended touring the Conciergerie next door, a palace turned prison that was erected in the 14th century. If you plan to tour both sites, consider purchasing a joint ticket for 20 euros (about $22).   

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Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too. Recent visitors noted that this is a perfect neighborhood for strolling, shopping or staying – there are plenty of upscale hotels . Many of the best Paris tours also include guided walks through the neighborhood.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

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Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. (The costumes are known to be a bit risqué, so travelers should note that the venue may not be the most suitable for children.) While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

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Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades. Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Recent travelers highly recommended strolling along the street to browse its historic arcades and shops, and many were impressed by the elaborate architecture. They also enjoyed the quiet atmosphere; the street went car-free in 2020, with only pedestrians, cyclists, buses and taxis now allowed here (its former lanes have been turned into a wide bike path, so it provides a welcome respite from the city's at-times hectic traffic). Others said it was a great spot for people-watching, although some said the shops can feel a little commercial.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences. Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

Though the museum is a bit off the beaten path in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement, visitors loved taking in the architectural wonder and its surrounding gardens, as well as the unique exhibits inside. One common criticism was that the building was a bit far from the nearest metro station (about a 15-minute walk), so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

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31 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether sunshine is sparkling on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain, or melancholy mists of the Seine River are shrouding Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris has a way of romancing visitors. The love affair might begin with a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, then continue with strolls along the wide tree-lined avenues and in lavish formal gardens.

The city is seductively beautiful. Each neighborhood ( quartier ) reveals its unique personality. The Latin Quarter is a small cluster of pedestrian streets and narrow medieval alleyways where bookshops vie for space with university students' cafés and eateries. The fashionable Champs-Élysées buzzes with energy. Outside the city center, Montmartre still feels like a country village and flaunts its bohemian past.

After seeing the museums and monuments, you will want to seek out the small surprises, like family-run bistros with handwritten menus; cobblestone lanes full of quaint shops; secluded squares adorned with flowing fountains; and elegant tea salons, where dainty jewel-like desserts beckon from glass-covered pastry cases.

In every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, Paris casts a spell of enchantment. One visit may inspire a lifelong passion.

Discover what makes the City of Light so captivating and learn about the best places to explore with our list of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

See also: Where to Stay in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. avenue des champs-élysées, 4. musée d'orsay, 5. palais garnier, opéra national de paris, 6. cathédrale notre-dame de paris, 7. place de la concorde, 8. arc de triomphe, 9. hôtel de la marine, 10. jardin des tuileries, 11. seine river cruises, 12. musical concerts at sainte-chapelle, 13. bustling boulevards and legendary cafés, 14. jardin du luxembourg, 15. sacré-coeur and quartier montmartre, 16. panthéon, 17. place des vosges, 18. musée rodin, 19. place vendôme, 20. centre pompidou, 21. hôtel national des invalides, 22. domaine national du palais-royal, 23. place de la bastille, 24. place du châtelet and tour saint-jacques, 25. la conciergerie, 26. fondation louis vuitton, 27. parc de la villette, 28. paris plages, 29. cimetière du père lachaise, 30. parc des buttes-chaumont, 31. grande arche de la défense, where to stay in paris for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to paris, best time to visit paris, france.

The Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel) ranks high on the list of places to visit in France and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the world. So it's hard to believe that the structure was originally dismissed as a monstrosity. The innovative metal structure shocked Victorian-era audiences when it was unveiled by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889 .

Whether loved or hated, the Eiffel Tower has always impressed. Reaching a height of 324 meters, the tower is comprised of 18,000 sturdy iron sections held together by 2.5 million rivets. Although no longer the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower has achieved the status of an icon.

For first-time visitors, seeing the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival at the esplanade, the sight of the four massive pillars that support this 10,100-ton monument leaves many awestruck.

Author's Tip : Purchase your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance online. You first choose a specific date and during the online process, you will reserve a specific time slot for the visit. (You must arrive on time.) Tickets sell out during high season (July and August), so you should purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible.

When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, you will first walk through the esplanade gardens. Then you will look for the correct queue (which will be labeled "Visitors with tickets"). The recently renovated gardens feature leafy trees and pedestrian pathways with close-up views of the Iron Lady.

To arrive at the Eiffel Tower's 1st floor (at 57 meters) requires an elevator ride or a walk up the 360 steps. This level has public restrooms, a gift shop, a cafeteria, a brasserie restaurant, and an open-air terrace space for admiring the views.

The 2nd floor (at 125 meters) of the Eiffel Tower is reached from the 1st floor by a staircase of 344 more steps or an elevator ride. This level has similar amenities as the 1st floor, except the viewing platforms offer a perspective onto more of the Paris monuments (such as the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur).

A highlight of the 2nd floor, the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne delivers exceptional haute cuisine in a dreamy setting. The restaurant's dining rooms feature expansive windows, which provide a peak of the Eiffel Tower's structural beams and glimpses of Paris cityscapes. You'll also find a buffet-style cafeteria and the Pierre Hermé macaron boutique.

To arrive at the top floor (276 meters in elevation) requires an exhilarating elevator ride from the 2nd floor. The staircases only go up to the 2nd floor, so climbing up to the top is not an option.

Visiting the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most thrilling things to do in Paris , but it's not for the faint of heart. When you walk out onto the compact viewing platform at this level, you are overwhelmed by the far-reaching views and strong gusts of wind. Up this high, it feels like another world, and you can no longer hear the noise of street traffic below.

You definitely will want to spend some time taking photos of the Eiffel Tower. From either the Jardins du Trocadéro (a short walk across the Seine River) or the Parc du Champ de Mars (the lawns in front of the tower), there is just the right distance for picture-perfect photo-ops.

Address: La Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris (Métro: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Iéna, or Passy station)

The Louvre is the most prestigious of Paris' museums and the crème de la crème of the city's cultural attractions. Besides its exceptional art collection, the building has a regal past: The Louvre was formerly the residential palace of France's kings.

Today, the Musée du Louvre displays thousands of artworks, many of which are considered masterpieces, from antiquities to European paintings of the 15th to 19th centuries.

It is impossible to see it all in one visit, but you can focus on a particular gallery, such as classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings, or take a self-guided tour to cover the Louvre Museum's highlights.

Of course, you will want to get a look at the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (or La Joconde in French) painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503-1505. Many tourists breeze through the museum just to glance at this one piece, but there are other must-see works of art to admire even if time is limited.

Other masterpieces of the Louvre include the ancient Vénus de Milo sculpture; the monumental Victoire de Samothrace of the Hellenistic period; the immense Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese (1563); Sandro Botticelli's Venus and the Three Graces fresco; and Liberty Leading the People (1831) by Eugène Delacroix, depicting the Parisian uprising of July 1830.

To get the most out of a visit to the Louvre, join a guided tour. The museum offers tours in multiple languages. These focus on the highlights and provide information on the palace.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tour is another option that also takes you straight to the museum's most famous artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa . On this three-hour tour, a guide (who is an art historian) provides in-depth commentary about the masterpieces.

Author's Tips : Most visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the Pyramid du Louvre , the glass pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1917. This entrance almost always has long lines. The wait is especially long without a timed entrance ticket. (See tips below for alternative entrances to the museum.)

Avoid the lines of the Pyramid entrance by going to one of the lesser-known entrances. If you already have a Louvre museum ticket or a Paris Museum Pass, head to the Carrousel entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli) where you likely can walk right in without waiting in line. You may save some time at this entrance if you haven't reserved a specific time slot for admission.

Purchase a museum pass : If you plan to visit multiple museums, you can save money and time by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass . The savings depends on how many museums you visit. The advantage is that you don't have to purchase a ticket at each museum. However, you still need to reserve a specific time slot (free of charge) to visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and Château de Versailles (otherwise you may have to wait in line).

If you have not already purchased a ticket or Paris Museum Pass, you may use the Porte des Lions entrance on the 4 Quai François Mitterrand.

Address: Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Brimming with fancy boutiques and dining terraces, the Champs-Élysées epitomizes the fashionable panache of Paris.

You'd never guess that the most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate swamp. The marshland was converted into an avenue by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Two centuries later, the city planner Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann added the grey stone Mansard-roofed buildings that give the boulevard its classic Parisian look.

The Champs-Élysées is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées as its intersection.

The lower part of the Champs-Élysées, bordering the Place de la Concorde , includes a spacious park, the Jardins des Champs-Élysées , and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians.

The Champs-Élysées is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a pâtisserie boutique and tea salon that offers exquisite French pastries (macarons are the house specialty), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Élysées).

For fine dining , the top choices are the legendary brasserie Fouquet's (99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) and the swanky gastronomic restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile (133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), which has one Michelin star.

Although the Champs-Élysées has an image of refinement, there are many affordable places that cater to tourists and students on a budget, such as Starbucks, Quick, Burger King, and McDonald's.

Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris (Métro: Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station to visit the Jardins des Champs-Élysées and Petit Palais, Franklin d. Roosevelt station for Ladurée, George V station for the main shopping area).

You haven't seen the best of French art until you visit the Musée d'Orsay . The Musée du Louvre may hold the most masterpieces of European painting, but the Musée d'Orsay focuses on works by celebrated French artists including Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

If you love Impressionist art , this is the place to go. The Musée d'Orsay displays a splendid collection of 19th- and 20th-century art (created from 1848 to 1914).

Although the museum's inventory begins with 19th-century Realist paintings and landscape paintings, the highlight of the museum is the Impressionism collection. Also on display are Post-Impressionist works by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, and bohemian artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Some of the museum's famous paintings include Claude Monet's The Magpie , Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Field , and Luncheon on the Grass ; Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait and Starry Night ; and Renoir's Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which depicts a festive party scene in Montmartre.

You may rent an audioguide to take a self-guided tour. The commentary (available in English and French) covers over 300 works.

The museum also has a bookstore/gift shop, two casual cafés, and a fine-dining restaurant, which is worth the splurge. Formerly the Hôtel d'Orsay (a luxury hotel within the original Gare d'Orsay) and listed as a Monument Historique , the Musée d'Orsay Restaurant features gilded ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

On the square in front of the museum, there is a kiosk that sells sandwiches and falafel.

Address: Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris (Métro: Musée d'Orsay, Assemblée Nationale, or Solférino station)

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1860, the Palais Garnier Opera House was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Garnier worked tirelessly on the project for over a decade, from 1862 to 1875. Today, this show-stopping landmark is a symbol of Napoleon's Imperial regime.

Upon entering the building, you are dazzled by the lavish 11,000-square-meter interior. Much of the building's space is dedicated to the main foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier , marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps, and the Salon du Glacier , a sumptuous Belle Époque hall decorated with mirrors, Corinthian columns painted gold, colorful mosaics, and music-themed ceiling paintings.

The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has an intimate feel, although it can accommodate 2,105 people in its plush velvet seats. Gilded balconies, an enormous crystal chandelier, and a Chagall ceiling painting add to the theater's marvelousness, creating the perfect dramatic backdrop for ballet, opera, and music performances.

The Opéra Garnier hosts a prestigious calendar of events in addition to galas. Attending a performance is one of the most exciting things to do in Paris at night. It's a wonderful way to see the building's interior while enjoying a glamorous evening. Another option is to visit (entry ticket required) on a self-guided tour or take a guided tour during the daytime.

Connoisseurs of fine dining will be delighted to discover CoCo, a chic restaurant within the Opera House (entrance is at 1 Place Jacques Rouché) that serves contemporary French cuisine prepared from seasonal ingredients. CoCo offers lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch (every Saturday and Sunday) featuring musical entertainment. The garden terrace is open Tuesday through Saturday during summertime. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Palais Garnier, Place de l'Opéra, 8 Rue Scribe (at Auber) 75009 Paris (Métro: Opéra, Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette or Havre-Caumartin station)

Despite the damage done by the 2019 fire, it is still worth seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This awe-inspiring medieval monument stands at the heart of Paris on the Île-de-la-Cité, an island in the Seine River. To get here from the Latin Quarter , simply cross the Petit Pont bridge.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in the Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style.

Note: A large fire in April of 2019 caused considerable damage to the cathedral: The medieval roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. However, the monument was partly saved thanks to the work of hundreds of firefighters.

A project to repair the structure is underway. The city plans to rebuild the cathedral and restore it to its previous state. Restoration work is ongoing.

Currently, the interior of the cathedral (including the towers) and the space immediately in front of the cathedral (on the Parvis Notre-Dame) are closed to the public. A few steps away from the cathedral's facade, a section of the Parvis Notre-Dame (square) is now used for educational exhibits about the cathedral.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral anticipates reopening in December 2024. A project to redesign the landscaping around the cathedral is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Until the reopening, the Notre-Dame de Paris congregation will celebrate Mass at the Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois (2 Place du Louvre) in the 1st arrondissement.

Address: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

The Place de la Concorde stands at the heart of Paris both literally and figuratively. The square was created in 1772 by the architect of King Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the Place de la Concorde was the scene of state-ordered executions , including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, among other victims of the guillotine. The square was also part of Napoleon's triumphal route.

One of the largest and most central squares in the city, the Place de la Concorde offers a sensational perspective of the city's landmarks. In one direction, you can admire the Arc de Triomphe and in the other, the Louvre, while the Eiffel Tower can be seen in the distance.

Two ornately decorated fountains and an Egyptian obelisk are found in the middle of the square. However, it's a bit of a hassle to get up close because you have to walk through heavy traffic. The Place de la Concorde is one of the busiest intersections in Paris.

Tip for Pedestrians : You will notice cars circulating the square at high speeds. French drivers don't always pay attention to pedestrians. Make sure to get out of the way of oncoming cars!

During summertime , the Place de la Concorde adopts a fairground ambiance, with a Ferris wheel gracing the square from June through August. The neighboring Jardin des Tuileries also has amusement park rides and fairground treats during summertime.

To arrive at the Place de la Concorde, walk from the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Rue de Rivoli, or follow the Quai des Tuileries along the Seine River. Alternatively, you may take the Métro to Concorde station.

Nothing says capital city grandeur quite like a triumphal arch. Paris' Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon I commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836.

The monument was modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome. The massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.

Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by François Rude on the Champs-Elysées-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 , also known as La Marseillaise , illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and over a hundred battles.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, presiding over a circular intersection (the Place de l'Étoile).

From the top of the monument, a viewing terrace affords a panoramic outlook onto the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l'Étoile, including the route from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It's also possible to see all the way to La Défense, the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , dedicated in 1921 as a memorial to an anonymous soldier (symbol of the many other unknown soldiers who valiantly died for their country during World War One without ever receiving recognition).

The Flame of Remembrance was ignited at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11th, 1923, and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Every evening at 6:30pm , a ritual takes place to rekindle the memorial flame at the tomb.

Throughout the year, events to honor national holidays are held at the Arc de Triomphe, including the November 11th (anniversary of the Armistice of 1918) ceremony commemorating those who perished in the war; the May 8th Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) celebrating the end of WWII, and the liberation from Nazi occupation; as well as festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Admission requires an entrance ticket. You may reserve a ticket in advance online. Free admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass (no reservations required). Guided tours are available.

For visitors with reduced mobility and young children, there is an elevator to reach the viewing terrace. Otherwise, you must take the stairs (284 steps).

Address: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris (Métro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Kléber or Argentine station)

A fascinating glimpse of ancien régime (old regime) splendor awaits you at the Hôtel de la Marine . During the reign of Louis XV, this Neoclassical palace housed the apartments of the Intendants du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the King's Furniture Storage Intendants). The intendant had an important job: procuring and maintaining the furnishings for the king's elaborate palaces.

The Hôtel de la Marine opened to the public in 2021 after several years of painstaking restoration work. This monument is one of the newest tourist attractions in Paris.

You enter the Hôtel de la Marine through a cobblestone courtyard off the Place de la Concorde. Then walk up the massive marble staircase and into the reception rooms, where you feel like you have stepped back in time. The interior decor has been restored to a state of perfect preservation.

Adorned with gilded moldings and crystal chandeliers, the Salons d'Honneur salons resemble the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles . Other rooms in the Intendant's Apartments reveal the refinement of the Age of Enlightenment.

During this period, aristocratic residences were lavishly decorated with exquisite furnishings, wallpaper, curtains, and paintings. You'll also see precious antiques such as a desk created by Jean-Henri Riesener , a renowned 18th-century cabinetmaker.

The dining room of the Intendant's Apartments, with its floral-patterned porcelain dinnerware, appears ready to welcome guests. On the guided tour, you will learn that the host placed servings of sugar (a precious commodity at the time) on the table to show off his wealth, along with bread, oysters, and bowls of fresh apricots, grapes, figs, and apples.

Be sure to step out onto the Hôtel de la Marine's Loggia , a colonnaded balcony that overlooks the Place de la Concorde. From this privileged spot, you can admire views of the Eiffel Tower, the gold-domed Hôtel National des Invalides, and the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Historical Notes : The Hôtel de la Marine is found on the Place de la Concorde, the square created in 1748 to display an equestrian statue of Louis XV and originally called Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the statue of the king was removed and the Crown jewels were stolen from the Hôtel de la Marine. In 1795, the square was renamed the "Place de la Concorde."

Treat yourself to some time relaxing and wandering the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. After visiting the Hôtel de la Marine, the Place de la Concorde, or the Louvre Museum, you should spend some time wandering the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. This French formal garden was designed by celebrated landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century.

Today the garden offers an escape from the hustle and bustle in central Paris, but the ambiance was not always so idyllic. This garden is the site of the Palais des Tuileries where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were essentially imprisoned during the French Revolution. The palace was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century; all that remains is the gorgeous garden.

The leafy grounds feature perfectly manicured trees, statues, and pathways. You can relax on the wooden park benches or on individual green chairs which may be moved around. Find the spot that appeals to you and lounge there for a bit, while listening to birds chirp. You'll see locals having a picnic lunch or reading a book in the sunshine.

For snacks and quick meals, head to La Terrasse de Pomone , a kiosk where you can order crepes and sandwiches to-go or for dining at the outdoor tables; the Petit Plisson kiosk that sells quiches and sandwiches for dining at shaded tables; or Petit Farmers , a purveyor of artisanal ice cream.

The park's two café-restaurants, Le Pavillon des Tuileries and the Café des Marronniers offer casual meals in a tranquil setting beneath the leafy chestnut trees.

Tips : Check the opening hours of the café-restaurants and food kiosks as the hours change during different seasons. You will only find the Petit Farmers ice cream truck & stand at the Jardin des Tuileries from April through October.

Soak up the scenery of Paris on a Seine River cruise. You'll have a chance to see the sights from a different perspective. The Seine River bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.

While a daytime cruise allows you to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city's landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.

For a cruise that includes dinner, try the Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches. This luxurious riverboat cruise departs at the Pont de l'Alma (a short walk from the Eiffel Tower) and treats you to a romantic four-course meal. If you prefer a more casual boat ride, a good choice is the Seine River Direct Access Guided Cruise by Vedettes de Paris which includes commentary from a knowledgeable guide and breakfast or lunch.

Gourmands will be tempted by the Ducasse sur Seine restaurant boat, which departs from Port Debilly. This dining cruise offers a haute cuisine experience. Options include a lunch (two, three, or four-course meal) or dinner (four or five-course meal). Menus focus on contemporary-style French dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Sainte-Chapelle is considered a rare jewel among medieval houses of worship and is certainly one of the most exquisite churches in Paris . The ravishing 13th-century chapel is tucked away on the Île-de-la-Cité , just a few blocks (about a 10-minute walk) from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture was built from 1242 to 1248 for King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house the precious relics he had acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The altar displays a relic of the Crown of Thorns.

An expanse of 13th-century stained-glass windows sets this chapel apart from any other church in the world. The windows' beauty and brilliance are best appreciated on a sunny day and in the morning. If possible, try to schedule your visit accordingly.

The chapel's over 1,000 stained-glass windows (covering 600 square meters) depict scenes from the bible, both Old Testament and New Testament stories. The colors and light symbolize divinity and the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Only used for church services on rare occasions, Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public as a museum (entrance tickets are required). For an additional fee, audioguides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese) provide one hour of commentary to help visitors appreciate the art, architecture, and history of Sainte-Chapelle.

To truly experience the serene ambiance of Sainte-Chapelle, attend one of the classical music concerts held here. In the iridescent glow of the sanctuary, performances of Baroque chamber music, sacred music, or Vivaldi string quartets have a sublime quality. A regular program of concerts is held at Sainte-Chapelle year-round, with events scheduled several times a week.

Sainte-Chapelle is located in the Palais de la Cité. To find the chapel, enter the iron gate of the Palais de Justice and walk through the inner courtyard.

Another attraction nearby is La Conciergerie (tourists may purchase combined entry tickets), the prison where Marie-Antoinette was detained during the French Revolution.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Châtelet station)

A visit to the City of Light is not complete without spending time on the sidewalk terrace or bustling interior of a famous café. It's the ultimate Parisian people-watching scene and a chance to imagine the historic rendezvous that occurred here.

To discover the legendary Paris cafés, the best place to start is the Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. This broad tree-lined boulevard features an enticing array of storefronts: designer fashion boutiques, prestigious cafés, and old-fashioned brasseries.

The most celebrated cafés are the Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés), which was the meeting place of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés), once the haunt of poets, authors, and artists, including Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Across from Les Deux Magots is the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the most important churches in Paris .

At both Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you will get the classic Parisian café experience, complete with waiters wearing bow ties. Although the waiters have a reputation for their brusque service, their formality adds to the authentic ambiance.

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés area also has excellent pâtisserie boutiques, boulangeries, and chocolate shops such as the Ladurée tea salon (21 Rue Bonaparte), the Maison Le Roux Chocolatier & Caramélier (1 Rue de Bourbon le Château), and Debauve & Gallais (30 Rue des Saints-Pères), a boutique founded in 1779 that supplied Marie-Antoinette with chocolates.

Join the Paris Sweet Tooth Stroll small-group tour to sample the neighborhood's finest sweet treats.

The brasseries of Boulevard du Montparnasse were also frequented by artists and writers during the early 20th century. Le Dôme in Montparnasse is a Paris institution (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) that has attracted luminaries including Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Picasso. In its glittering Art Deco dining room, the restaurant serves exceptional seafood.

Another atmospheric French brasserie with a mythical past, La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has, since the 1920s, been visited by artists such as André Derain, Fernand Léger, Man Ray, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall as well as the novelist Albert Camus and the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

La Rotonde Montparnasse (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has been a gathering place for painters and writers since 1911 and still attracts cinematographers and artists today.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the best-known park in Paris after the Tuileries. The 25-hectare park features a formal French garden, similar to the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as an English garden with shady groves of overgrown trees.

On a nice day, it's fun to grab a baguette sandwich at a nearby bakery and then find a chair in front of the garden's duck pond. This is the Paris version of going to the beach when the weather is pleasant. You'll notice many local residents taking a lunch break or simply soaking up some sunshine at the park. It's an especially popular spot among students of the Latin Quarter.

You can also visit a rose garden, apiary, Orangerie (orangery), and greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, as well as an orchard where heirloom varieties of apples flourish.

Artistic treasures are found throughout the gardens, such as the picturesque 17th-century Fontaine Médicis , a fountain basin nestled under trees opposite the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg , which today is used by the French state as the seat of the Senate.

Steps away from the Fontaine Médicis is La Terrasse de Madame , a little café-restaurant in a charming setting. You may dine at outdoor tables beneath the leafy chestnut trees. The menu includes coffee and croissants for breakfast and bistro meals for lunch, such as steak, Croque Monsieur (sandwiches), quiche, grilled fish, charcuterie, and salads. Also on the menu are traditional French desserts like profiteroles and crème brûlée .

Children love the playground, which features swings, slides, a sandpit, a games area, and pony rides. A favorite activity for the youngest visitors at the Jardin du Luxembourg is steering miniature sailboats around in the octagonal pool (the boats can be hired at a kiosk by the pond).

For French-speaking kids, watching a puppet show at the Théâtre des Marionnettes is not to be missed. The Théâtre des Marionnettes is a modern venue, in the southwest area of the park near the tennis courts, that accommodates an audience of up to 275 children and adults (which makes it the largest puppet theater in France).

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Vaugirard/Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg or Odéon station)

Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname).

If you walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica from the Métro station, you must walk up the Esplanade, a staircase of over 200 steps, to arrive at the Basilica.

Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. In keeping with the somber ambiance, the Basilica's sanctuary is quite dark except for a plethora of flickering candles.

The atmosphere outside the church is quite a contrast, with Parisian joie de vivre in full swing. Locals like to hang out on the grass lawns of the Esplanade while listening to street musicians. You'll see tourists taking selfies, couples embracing, and kids playing on the grass. Below the Esplanade is an old-fashioned carousel, adding to the sense of festivity.

You can spend time on the terrace in front of the Basilica admiring the views of Paris or climb (300 steps) up to the Basilica's Dome for an even higher perspective with unobstructed panoramas. Admission to the Dome requires an entrance fee, but you may visit the Basilica free of charge .

After visiting the Sacré-Coeur, be sure to explore the enchanting neighborhood of Montmartre . This medieval country village (once considered outside of the city) has been incorporated into the city of Paris as the 18th arrondissement.

Montmartre exudes old-fashioned charm along with an avant-garde edge. Winding cobblestone streets and pedestrian staircases lead to small locally owned boutiques and restaurants, art galleries that evoke the quarter's bohemian past, and quiet squares filled with outdoor cafés .

During the Belle Époque, the village of Montmartre began to attract artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. The bohemian creative spirit of Montmartre is still found here, especially around the Place du Tertre and the Carré Roland Dorgelès .

Montmartre has several excellent art museums, where you can admire the creations of artists who resided here in the late 19th and early 20th century (the Belle Époque). During that era, the quarter was famous for its cabarets and artists' studios.

The Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) occupies a historic house where Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, Suzanne Valadon, and other artists once lived and worked. Tucked away within the museum's gardens, you'll find the Café Renoir , which features outdoor seating in the delightful space where Renoir painted several masterpieces.

If you are intrigued by Surrealist art, be sure to visit the Dalí Paris museum (11 Rue Poulbot). This innovative museum displays more than 300 works created by Salvador Dalí. The exhibits are presented in a way that reveals the symbols and motifs used in his artworks.

Address: Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, 75018 Paris (Métro: Abbesses)

The Panthéon is the national mausoleum of France's greatest citizens. You get a sense of the important heritage just by glancing at this grand monument. The colonnaded facade and enormous dome were modeled after the ancient Pantheon in Rome.

The architecture of the Panthéon marks a clear break from the fanciful Rococo style of the Louis XV era and instead presents a simpler and more somber Neoclassical style. The inscription on the Panthéon's facade reads " Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante " (" To the Great Men Recognized by Their Country ").

Many famous men (75 in total) are buried here, including philosophers Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and René Descartes; and the writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and André Malraux. Although the monument was originally dedicated exclusively to France's male citizens, this has changed recently.

Since 1995, several of France's most esteemed female citizens have been buried in the Panthéon including the physicist Marie Curie, a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize. Five other women are buried at the Panthéon. In November 2021, Josephine Baker (the famous Black American expatriate dancer and singer) became the sixth woman to receive the honor of being inducted into the Panthéon.

When you step inside the Neoclassical sanctuary, you will be awed by the spacious domed interior, the floor-to-ceiling paintings that depict scenes of Christian saints, and the enormous sculpture that celebrates French Revolution deputies ( La Convention Nationale ).

Beneath the monumental rotunda is an unusual centerpiece: a science experiment rather than a work of art. Foucault's pendulum , created by French physicist Léon Foucault, was installed in 1851 to demonstrate his theory that the Earth rotates. The brass pendulum hangs from the dome on a steel wire and constantly oscillates in a circular trajectory.

To find the famous citizen's monuments and tombs, you will need a map (available on-site). The underground crypt is arranged in a geometric fashion, but it is easy to get lost.

Entrance to the Panthéon requires an admission fee, unless you have a Paris Museum Pass and except for the first Sunday of every month from November through March.

From April through September (for an additional entrance fee), you may ascend to the Panthéon's dome, where a colonnaded balcony provides a sensational view of the city's landmarks. You can see the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre.

Address: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg station)

In the charming Marais district, the Place des Vosges is Paris' oldest public square. With its uniform red-brick architecture, this elegant square provided a model for other squares such as Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde.

The Place des Vosges was constructed between 1605 and 1612 (called Place Royale at the time) for King Henri IV. The buildings originally housed aristocratic residences.

The Place Royale offered a splendid setting for festive occasions in the 17th century, such as tournaments, state receptions, and court weddings. It was also a favorite spot for duels, in spite of Cardinal Richelieu's ban on dueling. The celebrated courtesan of Louis XIII's reign lived at number 11, and the future Madame de Sévigné was born in 1626 at number 1 on the square.

Victor Hugo rented an apartment at number 6 on the Place Royale between 1832 and 1848. Today this apartment is a museum, the Maison de Victor Hugo (6 Place des Vosges) which is devoted to educating visitors about the life and work of Victor Hugo.

The Place des Vosges is at the heart of Le Marais, a medieval quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, grand Renaissance palaces, and hôtels particuliers (mansions) of the 16th and 17th centuries. Several of these stately old buildings have been converted into museums.

A fascinating glimpse of France's history awaits you at the Musée des Archives Nationales (Museum of the National Archives) in the 17th-century Hôtel de Soubise (60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois). The museum presents historical exhibits including the Edict of Nantes, French Revolution objects, Marie-Antoinette's last testament, and a letter written to Napoleon.

The most important museum of the quarter is the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris. This recently renovated museum illustrates the history of Paris from antiquity through the French Revolution and the Belle Époque until the present day.

In the Hôtel Salé (a 17th-century aristocratic mansion), the Musée National Picasso-Paris (5 Rue de Thorigny) wows you with its incredibly extensive collection (over 5,000 pieces) of Picasso's artwork, including some of his most iconic masterpieces.

More than just an open-air museum filled with historic monuments, Le Marais has become a trendy quarter full of fashion boutiques, cute cafés, and unique shops. Spend some time wandering the Rue de Sévigné and its cross street, the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . This area brims with youthful energy and is a fun place to visit for a stroll or a coffee break.

Another interesting fact about Le Marais is that it has a significant Jewish community. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme (71 Rue du Temple) presents the 2,000-year history of France's Jewish communities, along with educational programs about Jewish culture and exhibitions of artwork by Jewish artists such as Chagall and Modigliani.

Nearby, the Jardin Anne Frank offers the tranquility of a secluded garden. This quiet, leafy green space features benches, shady trees, and an orchard. One of the chestnut trees in the garden was grafted from a tree that Anne Frank could see from the window of the annex where she lived in Amsterdam.

For those in search of a refined Parisian experience, the Mariage Frères (30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg) is the place to go. This tea salon serves its aromatic tea with savory and sweet delicacies in a French colonial-style dining room; its adjoining shop sells a wide selection of scented teas in distinctive tins.

Many tourists wait in line to try the authentic falafel at L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers), considered one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris. This area has several kosher restaurants and kosher bakeries.

Tip : Keep in mind that L'As du Fallafel and other Jewish-owned shops in the Marais are closed on Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday during the daytime).

Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris (Métro: Saint-Paul or Bastille station)

The Musée Rodin is a hidden gem in the posh 7th arrondissement. This peaceful haven of refinement occupies the Hôtel Biron , an 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked for many years. The property includes a seven-acre Sculpture Garden that blooms with flowers throughout the year.

In 1908, Auguste Rodin began to rent several rooms on the ground floor of the Hôtel Biron to use as an atelier. Rodin later took over the entire Hôtel Biron, which became his place of residence for the rest of his life. In 1916, Rodin donated his artworks and collection of antiquities to the French state, and the museum was established soon thereafter.

The Musée Rodin displays a remarkable assortment of Rodin's sculptures, as well as the works of Camille Claudel. Rodin masterpieces presented in the Hôtel Biron include Danaïd , an expressive marble sculpture depicting a mythological character (created in 1890); The Age of Bronze (created in 1877); The Cathedral , a stone sculpture of two intertwined hands (created in 1908); and The Kiss , one of Rodin's most sensual works (created around 1882).

Several monumental Rodin sculptures preside over various corners of the Sculpture Garden. The Thinker , Rodin's most iconic work of art , sits on a pedestal overlooking the perfectly manicured formal garden. The expressive Monument to Balzac stands in a shady spot beneath leafy trees, while a bronze statue of Adam is sheltered behind dense shrubbery.

Adding to the romance of the garden are the park benches and the café-restaurant, L'Augustine , where you may relax on an outdoor terrace. The café-restaurant also has a casual indoor dining space. Here you can savor a classic French meal, complete with dessert supplied by the renowned Maison Lenôtre pâtisserie.

This graceful 17th-century square was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart , one of the leading architects of Le Grand Siècle (during the reign of Louis XIV). Originally, the square was called Place Louis le Grand and was intended to house royal establishments.

The charm of the Place Vendôme is that it has retained the consistency of the overall design, which combines regal ostentation with civic simplicity. Following careful restoration in the early '90s, it has been restored in all its splendor.

The square is known for its upscale jewelry boutiques including Boucheron, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier. Another luxury establishment here is the Ritz Hotel , which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.

Coco Chanel made the Ritz Paris her home for 34 years; she decorated her suite in her signature style with velvet-upholstered sofas, lacquered furniture, and gilded mirrors. The Ritz Paris still has a suite named after Coco Chanel that exemplifies her vision of Parisian chic.

At the center of the Place Vendôme stands a landmark of historic importance, the Colonne de la Grande Armée (replacing a statue of Louis XIV that was removed in 1792). Built between 1806 and 1810, the 42-meter-high column is dedicated to Napoleon and his Grande Armée (army) who fought heroically and victoriously in the Battle of Austerlitz (in December 1805).

The column's facade is crafted from bronze plaques embossed with 108 spiraling bas-relief friezes (similar to Trajan's Column in Rome), which tell the story of the glorious events that took place during Napoleon's campaign of 1805.

Address: Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris (Métro: Tuileries or Opéra station)

In the charming Le Marais quarter, the Centre Pompidou is a cultural center devoted to modern art. The building itself features shocking modern architecture, sometimes described as an "inside out" design because the architectural details of staircases and elevators appear on the exterior.

The main attraction of the Centre Pompidou is the Musée National d'Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art), which displays iconic works of art chosen from an extensive collection of over 100,000 pieces. The collection focuses on contemporary art created from 1905 to the present.

The collection covers all the movements of modern art, beginning with the Post-Impressionist "Fauves" and "Les Nabis" movements (André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, and Marc Chagall) and continuing with the famous movement of Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Robert Delaunay).

Each room highlights a specific time period or artistic movements such as Expressionism, Constructivism (Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian), Surrealism (Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte, and André Masson), Abstract Expressionism (Mark Rothko, Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung, and Serge Poliakoff), Informal Art (Jean Dubuffet), New Realism, and Pop Art (Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg).

Several masterpieces of the collection are not to be missed : Avec l'Arc Noir by Wassily Kandinsky, Manège de Cochons by Robert Delaunay, Portrait de la Journaliste Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix, The Frame by Frida Kahlo, Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel by Marc Chagall, La Blouse Roumaine by Henri Matisse, New York City by Piet Mondrian, and Les Loisirs-Hommage à Louis David by Fernand Léger.

The center has two bookstores, a casual café, and a boutique that sells gift items inspired by contemporary art.

For a special dining experience, head to the Centre Pompidou's restaurant on the museum's top floor. Restaurant Georges features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular panoramic views of the Paris cityscape. Tables on the terrace look out directly onto the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Address: Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet or Rambuteau station)

Louis XIV founded the Hôtel Royal des Invalides in the late 17th century as a home for disabled soldiers. The building was constructed between 1671 and 1676 under the direction of the architect Libéral Bruant and centered on the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which was later redesigned by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1706.

Today, the Hôtel National des Invalides still has a hospital (Institution Nationale des Invalides) that provides medical care for disabled veterans.

The monument also includes several tourist attractions: three museums and two historic churches. You could easily spend hours here, and luckily the site has excellent amenities: a café-restaurant, the Angelina tearoom (famous for its hot chocolate and pastries) in a tree-shaded courtyard, and a bookstore/gift shop.

Founded in 1794, the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) presents a large collection of military equipment and uniforms, weapons, prints, and armor from various historical periods. The museum covers the military history of France from the 13th century (the Crusades) to the 17th century. There are also paintings of Napoleon and well-known generals, as well as maps that depict the French campaigns.

The Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération honors the soldiers who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1945. This museum also educates visitors about the deportation of Jews from France, the Resistance, and life in France during the war.

The military strategy of the 17th century comes to life at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (Museum of Relief Maps). The museum displays 97 detailed (1 to 600 scale) relief maps of France's fortified towns (citadels) and fortresses that date from 1668 to 1871. Louis XIV's Minister of War (and later ministers) used the maps for military planning purposes.

A gold-domed Neoclassical church, the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides was built in 1677 as a royal chapel for Louis XIV but is most famous for being the site of Napoleon's Tomb , installed here in 1861 by the orders of King Louis-Philippe. The imperial tomb stands beneath a magnificent cupola, which was painted by Charles de la Fosse.

Designed for veterans to worship, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides (constructed around 1676) connects with the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides. This chapel was built in keeping with the etiquette of the 17th century and has a separate entrance from the Eglise du Dôme. The Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides still serves as the cathedral for the French army.

Address: Hôtel National des Invalides, Esplanade des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Just steps away from the Louvre Museum, you will find a welcome retreat amid the bustle of Paris' 1st arrondissement. Visiting this secluded spot feels like a secret getaway, even though it's right in the center of the city.

The Palais-Royal was created as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, during the reign of Louis XIII. Richelieu later bequeathed the palace to the royal family, and it became the childhood home of Louis XIV.

Exemplifying classical French architecture, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is made up of 60 pavilions surrounding a courtyard and a garden, the Jardin du Palais-Royal . This peaceful enclosed space has the feeling of being its own little village within the city.

After wandering the busy streets of Paris, you will be delighted by the lush tree-shaded grounds. You might be surprised to see that the courtyard features a contemporary sculpture installation, a striking contrast to the historic architecture.

The buildings are connected by a colonnaded pathway and arcaded galleries (verandas) filled with high-end boutiques . There are fancy cafés with pleasant outdoor terraces and two gastronomic restaurants: the haute-cuisine Palais Royal Restaurant (two Michelin stars); and Le Grand Véfour in an 18th-century dining room featuring ornate " art décoratif " design motifs.

The Palais-Royal area has two theaters: the Théâtre du Palais-Royal (38 Rue de Montpensier), which dates back to 1783 and continues to present theater performances in French; and La Comédie-Française (1 Place Colette), a theater known as the " La Maison de Molière " because it has staged so many of the famous playwright's works. The Comédie-Française was inaugurated in 1790 and is still in use during its theater season.

A lovely place for a stroll, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is open every day, free of charge. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux offers guided group tours.

Address: Domaine National du Palais-Royal, 8 Rue Montpensier, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Now, only the name of this square is a reminder that the notorious state prison known as the Bastille, the much-hated symbol of absolutist power, once stood here. After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the prison was completely demolished.

In the center of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne de Juillet , topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty ( Génie de la Liberté ). The monument commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew King Charles X and brought Louis-Philippe d'Orléans to power.

Four Gallic cocks and a lion relief on the base of the column symbolize the free people of France. A spiral staircase of 283 steps inside the column leads to a viewing platform.

On the site of the Bastille prison is the new Opera House, the Opéra Bastille , inaugurated by President Mitterrand on July 13, 1989. This immense modern theater has seating for 2,745 people. Both the view of the stage from the auditorium and the acoustics are superb.

The Opéra Bastille presents a calendar of events that includes opera and ballet performances by the Opéra National de Paris and the Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris.

For a memorable evening in Paris, attend one of the performances at the Opéra Bastille and then dine in the Bastille area. This trendy neighborhood is brimming with quirky boutiques, hip clothing shops, stylish restaurants, and happening cafés.

Address: Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris (Métro: Bastille)

The Place du Châtelet stands at the very center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, overlooking the Seine River. The Pont au Change (bridge) provides access from the Île de la Cité to the Place du Châtelet.

Tip : It's just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie on the Île-de-la-Cité to the Place du Châtelet, so it would make sense to visit these tourist attractions at the same time.

Two theaters grace the Place du Châtelet. The opulent Second Empire Théâtre du Châtelet (1 Place du Châtelet) presents a wide variety of music concerts, as well as dance and theater performances. A listed Monument Historique where Sarah Bernhardt once directed shows, the Théâtre de la Ville (2 Place du Châtelet) stages a diverse program of dance, music, and theater performances.

The area around Place du Châtelet is also worth exploring. Continue towards the Rue de Rivoli, past the Boulevard de Sébastopol, and wander through the small park to find the Tour Saint-Jacques . The 16th-century Flamboyant Gothic clock tower is all that remains of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (the patron saint of butchers), the town's old parish church.

The Saint-Jacques Tower is also famous as the place where Blaise Pascal conducted one of his barometric experiments, which showed the effect of altitude on the height of a column of mercury.

Never mind the inviting name, this imposing medieval fortress was an infamous place of detention and a courthouse (from 1793 to 1795) during the French Revolution. Here, prisoners including Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre were kept in dank cells while awaiting their fate.

The Conciergerie is a remnant of the Palais de la Cité , the royal residence of France's kings in the 13th and 14th centuries until the royal residence was moved to the Louvre. During the Restoration (return of the Bourbon monarchs to the throne), the Conciergerie was no longer used as a prison and Marie-Antoinette's cell was converted into a commemorative chapel.

Today, the Conciergerie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum. It's possible to purchase a combined entry ticket for the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Admission to the Conciergerie is included with a Paris Museum Pass.

During your visit, you will have a chance to walk through the Prisoners' Corridor which includes a replica of French Revolution-era prison cells. An evocative exhibit, the Salle des Noms lists the names of more than 4,000 people who were put on trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal and includes their biographies.

Of course, you must visit the expiatory chapel of Marie-Antoinette (the commemorative chapel). Look for the motif of tears painted on the walls.

Other highlights of the visit include the Salle des Gardes which exhibits artifacts from the bloody Reign of Terror, including a guillotine blade, prison regulations, and a copy of Marie-Antoinette's last letter.

The Salle des Gens d'Armes is a 14th-century vaulted Gothic hall of awesome proportions. In this forbidding room, the condemned prisoners were handed over to the executioner.

For an exceptional view of the building's Neo-Gothic facade, stand on the opposite side of the Seine River on the Quai de la Mégisserie. From this distance, with its three round towers and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), the fortress resembles a fairy-tale castle rather than a penitentiary.

Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

Formerly royal hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is now home to a surprising modern landmark. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton was commissioned by Bernard Arnault, chairman of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy corporation.

Acclaimed American architect Frank Gehry designed the striking building, using 3,600 glass panels and more steel than the amount in the Eiffel Tower. The museum features 3,500 square meters of exhibition space with 11 different galleries illuminated by natural light.

In keeping with the museum's modern theme, the permanent collection focuses entirely on 20th-century and 21st-century art organized into four different categories: Expressionism, Contemplative Art, Pop Art, and Music & Sound.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton offers a year-round calendar of events and temporary exhibits. Cultural events and music performances are presented in a 1,000-seat auditorium.

Not to be missed are the four outdoor terraces on the rooftop, which afford sweeping views of the Bois de Boulogne, La Défense district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. You may also shop at the bookstore and enjoy a snack or meal at Le Frank Restaurant .

A tourist attraction in itself, the 850-hectare Bois de Boulogne has walking paths, gardens, bicycle rentals, picnic areas, and a lake for boating. Three upscale restaurants, including La Grande Cascade , the Auberge du Bonheur , and the three Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pré Catelan , offer traditional French fine dining. At the park's hippodrome used for horse races, La Brasserie Paris Longchamp serves casual sit-down meals.

Within the Bois de Boulogne is the Parc de Bagatelle with picnic tables, a snack bar, and a rose garden. The 18th-century Château de Bagatelle is open on Sundays and for temporary exhibitions. The Orangery of the Parc de Bagatelle hosts a Chopin Festival every year from mid-June until mid-July.

Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris (Métro: Pont de Neuilly or Avenue Foch)

Covering 55 hectares, the Parc de La Villette is the largest landscaped green space in Paris. The park is brimming with attractions, including children's playgrounds and the Cité de la Music .

The park is also home to 400-seat La Géode IMAX theater; the Zénith Paris - La Villette concert hall; the Philharmonie de Paris performance venue; and Le Trabendo , which stages rock, rap, and hip-hop music concerts.

During summertime, Parisians (and a few tourists) enjoy attending cultural events at the Parc de La Villette. For several days at the end of May, the Villette Sonique festival draws huge crowds to outdoor music concerts. Other festivals include Jazz à La Villette held from late August through early September and an outdoor film festival ( Cinéma en Plein Air ), which takes place in the park from mid-July to mid-August.

The park features a variety of themed gardens with walking paths, footbridges, and bright red architectural "follies" designed by Bernard Tschumi. The area around the Canal de l'Ourcq is embellished with ponds and fountains.

Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris (Métro: Porte de la Villette)

Planning to visit Paris during summertime? Be sure to pack your swimsuit! Even though the city is far from the sea, you can still find "beaches" for sunbathing.

From early July through late August, the Seine River becomes a beach destination. The riverbanks along the Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire are transformed into little resorts, complete with lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and palm trees. Recreational opportunities include table football, tai chi, and petanque.

Other summertime recreational opportunities (in July and August) include swimming at the Bassin de La Villette , which has three swimming pools with lifeguards, and sports activities at the Jardins du Trocadéro .

Outside of central Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement is the city's most famous and most visited cemetery. This 44-hectare space is the final resting place of many famous men and women, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.

Some of the tombs and graves of the most admired personalities attract a cult following, with flowers and tributes left by visitors on a daily basis.

Address: Cimetière du Père Lachaise, 21 Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris (Métro: Père Lachaise or Philippe Auguste station)

Locals escape to this peaceful oasis when they need a break from urban life. Among Parisians, this park is a favorite place to go for picnics and basking in the sunshine on warm days.

The 25-hectare park has the feeling of an untamed pastoral landscape, in contrast to the typical Parisian formal French gardens, with their orderly rows of flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

This romantic English-style garden features caves, waterfalls, and an artificial lake. Large shady trees and spacious grassy areas invite visitors to pull out a blanket and relax. Some areas of the park offer panoramic city views.

The convivial Rosa Bonheur café serves Mediterranean cuisine on an outdoor terrace. Rosa Bonheur is also known for its musical entertainment and evening dances.

For a gourmet lunch or brunch, Le Pavillon du Lac delights you with its lake views and garden patio. Le Pavillon du Lac is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays.

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

The Grande Arche de la Défense is found in a business district at the end of Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle. This area just outside the city limits of Paris is named La Défense, which recalls the bitter resistance by French forces in this area during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Designed by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, the Grande Arche makes a striking impression. This huge 110-meter-high rectangular triumphal arch is faced with glass and granite.

The monument was inaugurated in 1989 on the bicentenary of the French Revolution, and the contemporary structure symbolizes France's national value of fraternity. The arch was originally called " La Grande Arche de la Fraternité ".

Address: La Grande Arche, 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92040 Paris (Métro: La Défense)

Deciding where to stay in Paris depends on your taste in hotels and travel preferences.

An abundance of quaint small hotels are scattered throughout the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements, which is also known as the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Tourists appreciate this area for its central location, excellent restaurants, and lively sidewalk cafés.

The Marais quarter (4th arrondissement) on the Right Bank rivals the Left Bank for old-world charm and trendy ambiance. This neighborhood is filled with magnificent historic palaces and mansions, while enticing boutiques, cozy restaurants, cafés, and tea salons line the quarter's cobblestone streets.

Many luxury hotels are found on the boulevards near the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, in an area of the 8th arrondissement known as the Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle) because of its designer fashion boutiques and upscale gourmet restaurants.

Montmartre is farther from most tourist attractions but has a special atmosphere thanks to its bohemian heritage, excellent art museums, and atmospheric pedestrian alleyways. Some of the hotels in this hilltop neighborhood offer sweeping city views.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in these areas of Paris:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the fashionable 8th arrondissement near the Jardins des Champs-Élysées is the five-star Le Bristol Paris . This legendary hotel epitomizes Parisian elegance with sumptuous guest rooms featuring Louis XV or Louis XVI furnishings and tailor-made bed linens. Guests enjoy the courtyard garden, spa, rooftop swimming pool, tea time at Café Antonia, and fine dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant or Michelin-starred brasserie.
• La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa is another ultra-luxurious accommodation in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées. The five-star hotel occupies a palatial 19th-century mansion decorated in a classical style, yet has the intimate ambiance of a private home. Guests appreciate the top-notch amenities: spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and two gourmet restaurants including a dining room with two Michelin stars.
• Art Deco interiors create an inviting feel at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the 8th arrondissement. This opulent five-star hotel occupies a landmark building that dates to 1928 and has been beautifully maintained. Guests are pampered by the hotel's amenities: an upscale spa, swimming pool, and three fine-dining options including a vegetarian restaurant. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Le Cinq, boasts three Michelin stars.
• The Hôtel Plaza Athénée graces the tree-lined Avenue Montaigne, a prestigious boulevard lined with haute couture boutiques. Housed in a stately Haussmann-style building near the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, this five-star hotel features plush guest rooms with Art Deco furnishings. Amenities include the Dior Spa, and three dining options, including a garden courtyard restaurant and La Galerie, a salon that serves afternoon tea.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Latin Quarter steps away from the Panthéon, the impeccably maintained Hôtel Résidence Henri IV exudes old-fashioned Parisian charm with its traditional interior decor and balconies overlooking the street. The spacious guest rooms have flat-screen televisions and updated bathrooms; the apartments have kitchenettes. This four-star hotel has a hammam and offers spa treatments. The breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes artisanal and organic products.
• The Relais Christine has a quiet and cozy ambiance, which makes it feel like a family home. This five-star hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is surrounded by cafés, bistros, and restaurants. The tastefully adorned guest rooms feature garden, courtyard, or street views and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities include an upscale spa, fitness center, breakfast for an additional charge, and room service.
• Near the legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain cafés and a short walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the boutique three-star Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés occupies an 18th-century building on an ancient street where Molière had a residence. The hotel's suite has a living room with windows that look out onto Notre-Dame Cathedral. A continental breakfast with croissants, café au lait, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is available.
• The charming Relais Médicis is tucked away on a quiet street near the Luxembourg Gardens. This four-star hotel is a welcome retreat from the busy streets of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. The guest rooms blend old-fashioned French country decor with modern amenities. Breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes yogurt, cheese, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea, and croissants from a neighborhood bakery.
• Montmartre is considered Paris' most enchanting neighborhood, although it is a Métro ride to the main tourist attractions. A few steps away from the Métro station in the heart of the quarter's narrow, winding streets is Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre . This four-star hotel has quaint guest rooms with vintage-inspired decor. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet (generous for the price) that includes croissants, yogurt, charcuterie, cheese, and fruit.

Budget Hotels:

• The Legend Hotel by Elegancia is conveniently located in the Montparnasse district of the 6th arrondissement (Rive Gauche) and about a 10-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens. This cozy three-star boutique hotel has chic contemporary-style rooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, buffet or continental breakfast (for an additional charge), and concierge services.
• In the Latin Quarter (Rive Gauche) near the Panthéon, the family-run Hôtel Diana has stylish modern rooms with renovated bathrooms and courtyard or city views. Considering the central location and 24-hour front reception desk, this hotel provides excellent value for the price. A continental-style breakfast buffet is available for a small charge.

Paris Sightseeing Overview:

• For first-time visitors, the Paris Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a good choice. You can decide which monuments you would like to see, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Musée d'Orsay. The tour provides commentary while you're on the bus and includes an entrance ticket to the Arc de Triomphe as well as a short Seine River Cruise.

Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour:

• The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour covers the city's highlights by cruising down the Seine River. This self-guided tour allows you to stop at eight different places on the Seine River over a one-day or two-day period. You will have a chance to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musee d'Orsay, the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, and the Hôtel National des Invalides.

Visit the Normandy Battlefields:

• History buffs will want to see the famous World War II battlefields, about a three-hour drive from Paris. One recommended day trip is the Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour . Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, tourists will see the Omaha and Juno Beaches, and the American Cemetery. The tour also includes a visit to the Arromanches harbor.

Must-See Sights Outside of Paris :

• Another popular outing from Paris is the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip . This full-day excursion explores the vibrant gardens of Giverny, which Monet depicted in many paintings, and the Château de Versailles, Louis XIV's extravagant palace. The tour includes a gourmet lunch at the Moulin de Fourges riverside restaurant, which is housed in an 18th-century mill inspired by Marie-Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

Many seasoned travelers say the best months to visit Paris are in the spring (April, May, June), the summer (especially June and the first half of July), and early autumn (September and October) . As a general rule, this is also the best time to visit France.

April is in the off-season , and hotel prices are reduced. The drawback is that the weather is capricious and can be quite chilly or rainy . Average low temperatures are mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit. With some luck, the weather could be refreshingly crisp and sunny. Average highs are low-60 degrees. On the upside, April offers the chance to experience the magic of early spring. Trees begin to bud their first leaves in the parks and lining the avenues. Daffodils and tulips bloom in the gardens.

In May , the weather is still fickle , with a mix of sunny days and chilly or rainy days. The temperature averages range from high 60 degrees to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit. By early May, trees, burgeoning vegetation, and colorful flowers enliven the leafy grounds of the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Bois de Boulogne, and the Buttes-Chaumont. On warm days, café terraces come back to life.

June is a delightful time to visit Paris because of the balmy weather and long days . Daytime temperatures are comfortable, with high temperature averages in the low 70 degrees. Thanks to Paris' northern latitude, the sun sets at almost 10pm in June. It seems that the entire city is out and about to celebrate the beginning of summer. The sidewalk café scene bustles and there is a sense of joie de vivre in the air.

The first two weeks of July are the most exciting time to visit Paris, with Parisians' anticipation of vacation just around the corner. Plus, the weather starts to feel like summer. The entire month of July is a great time to visit because of warm days with average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Paris. August also has average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, travelers should keep in mind that many shops and restaurants close in August when Parisians leave for summer holidays after the Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) on July 14th.

September is a marvelous time to visit Paris because the weather is still pleasant , yet it is in the off-season , so hotels are more affordable, and tourist attractions are less crowded. Similar to the springtime, September promises a mix of weather, with some sunny days and some rain. The average high temperatures are low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and average low temperatures are mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another good time to visit is October which is in the off-season . October weather can be chilly. The daytime high-temperature averages start to dip into the 60s Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 48 degrees.

Tips for What to Wear : For a Paris vacation in April, May, September, or October, travelers should pack layers and bring sweaters, a jacket, raincoat, boots, and an umbrella. In June and July, the weather is warm enough for summer dresses and short-sleeve shirts. Packing requirements during the late fall and winter months (November through March) include heavy coats, scarves, wool hats, gloves, warm socks, and boots.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Easy Paris Day Trips: There are many wonderful places to visit within easy reach from Paris . Just outside the Paris metropolitan area is a tranquil rural landscape that is rich in cultural treasures: lovely little villages, historic castles, splendid churches, and interesting medieval towns. A must-see destination is the Château de Versailles , the 17th-century palace of Louis XIV (the "Sun King").

For those who prefer cities to the countryside, several worthwhile destinations are just a one- to two-hour train ride away: the elegant and cultured city of Lille (one hour by TGV train) with its distinct Flemish character, the delightful town of Amiens (about one hour and 30 minutes by train), and Lyon (two hours by TGV train) known as the gastronomic heart of France.

Adored by tourists for its perfectly preserved medieval ambiance, picturesque canals, and enticing chocolate shops, atmospheric Bruges (two hours 30 minutes by train) is simple to visit even though the train crosses the border into Belgium.

Historic Sites in Normandy: The scenic Normandy region wows visitors with its natural beauty and fascinating history. Along its dramatic coastline are the Landing Beaches of World War Two, and nearby are military cemeteries and memorial museums. One of the top attractions of France and Normandy's most visited site is Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO-listed medieval pilgrimage site with a sublime 12th-century abbey church. Tourists will also enjoy discovering the historic town of Rouen , with its marvelous cathedral, handsome half-timbered houses, and abundance of Gothic churches.

Gorgeous Castles and Pastoral Landscapes: The fairy-tale Loire Valley landscape is home to the most magnificent Renaissance châteaux in France. With a lush natural environment of woodlands and rivers, this enchanting region is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The naturally beautiful region of Brittany boasts a wild, rugged coastline, with many idyllic fishing villages and an unspoiled countryside with medieval castles. The Burgundy region is dotted with historic towns such as Dijon , quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and Romanesque churches.

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16 top local tips on what to do in Paris

Aug 10, 2023 • 12 min read

From cruising the Seine to strolling the city with the locals, here are the best things to do in Paris © Christopher Ames / Getty Images

Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals,  Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie"  (the good life).

Away from the highlights – the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower – Parisian life ticks along with a coffee on a terrace, a bike ride along the Seine, and wine-fueled lunches with friends in noisy bistros. Blending the blockbuster experiences with these local delights is the key to experiencing the best of Paris.

Here are the top things to do according to a local.

1. See the Eiffel Tower at night

Dodge the habitual daytime crowd zig-zagging up the Eiffel Tower ’s southern-pillar staircase or cruising by lift to the top-floor champagne bar, and experience Paris’ signature spire after dark instead. Even better: book at the Michelin-starred   Le Jules Vernes  and dine in the company of the most beautiful city panorama ensnared within Eiffel’s hypnotic metal web on the 2nd floor.

Detour : For smouldering, eyeball-to-eyeball views of the  Dame de Fer  (Iron Lady) herself, illuminated at night, enjoy a date night beneath the stars at the summer rooftop bar atop La Shangri-La Paris . Can't be in there? See it from the Seine, with Eiffel Tower views from fine-dining bateau   Ducasse sur Seine .

2. Be surprised by the artworks at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection

There’s a secret to exploring the city’s recent art venue  addition, which opened in May 2021 in an 18th-century rotunda where the city’s grain market and stock exchange once were. Reserve tickets online, book lunch in the top-floor Halles aux Graines restaurant run by legendary French chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, and keep your wits about you when admiring the contemporary art in this world-class collection by French billionaire François Pinault.

The exquisite "marble" replica of a late-Renaissance Giambologna sculpture in the central hall (actually a gargantuan, slow-burning wax candle by Swiss artist Urs Fischer), the pesky "pigeons" perched on the balustrade above, the "cushions" strewn on the occasional chair throughout are not what they seem. This mischievous new gallery has been designed to shock and surprise.

3. Sample local life at Paris' food (and flea) markets

Nothing reveals the backstreet grit and grind of local life quite like Paris’ stash of intoxicating markets. Most neighborhoods have one and Bastille’s morning street marché on Blvd Richard Lenoir is a brilliant introduction.

When hunger strikes, swing through the inconspicuous green metal gate on rue de Bretagne, 3e, in nearby Le Marais to uncover  Marché des Enfants Rouges . This is the city’s oldest covered market, dating from 1615, with a maze of food stalls cooking up Moroccan couscous, Japanese bento, Thai curries and other world cuisines. Order a stuffed- and sizzled-to-order toasted sandwich or galette (savoury crêpe) from gregarious Alain at  Chez Alain Miam Miam , then grab a pew to lunch with locals around communal tables.

To peek into the makings of a Parisian home, ride metro line 13 north to  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen . A village in itself, this gargantuan nine-hectare flea market – Europe’s largest – is where thrifty Parisians gravitate at weekends to hunt down chintzy Louis XVI lamps, rare and wondrous vinyl, avant-garde fittings and furniture, antiques and other second-hand treasures for their city-sleek apartments.

4. Wander through Paris' history at Musée Carnavalet

With its photogenic twinset of hôtels particuliers (private mansions) smacking of 17th-century Parisian aristocracy and labyrinth of lavish rooms spanning time, the  Musée Carnavalet in Le Marais is an enchanting rendezvous with history. The architecture alone at Paris’ oldest museum, open since 1880, plunges you straight into the Renaissance.

Thanks to a four-year redesign costing more than €55 million, visiting the Musée Carnavalet is a sharp, immersive, chronological waltz through the glittering story of Paris, from prehistory to the terrorism-troubled 21st century. Some 3800 of 625,000 historical pieces – paintings, sculptures, furniture, signs, posters, models, coins, toys, musical instruments, erotica – adorn rooms perfectly styled to reflect each era. The most spectacular – the lavish painted ceilings, gilt and stucco of the Salons La Rivière (1652–56), Hôtel Wendel’s Art Deco ballroom, Fouquet’s Art Nouveau jewelry shop – are the Real McCoy, uprooted from their original location to the museum for safekeeping.

Planning tip:  Admission to the permanent collection is free and doesn't need to be booked in advance. End in the museum cafe, with tables enchantingly scattered in the manicured courtyard garden.

5. Explore Monet's artworks at museums across the city

Which art lover can resist Monet’s signature water lilies? Exhilaratingly gargantuan and immersive, his lilies fill two oval rooms – designed by Monet himself in the 1920s – at the  Musée de l’Orangerie in the  Jardin des Tuileries .

More Monet masterpieces rub shoulders with paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in the  Musée d’Orsay , displaying world-class art from 1848 to 1914 in a resplendent 1900-built train station by the Seine. But the real gold lies off the trodden tourist trail, at the unsung  Musée Marmottan Monet . Quietly at home in an intimate, Empire-style hôtel particulier in the residential 16e arrondissement , this is where the world’s largest collection of canvases by Monet can be found.

6. Go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre

It would take nine months to simply glance at all 35,000-odd masterpieces at the  Musée du Louvre , home to one of the world’s finest collections of Western art. Instead you can join a  ThatMuse scavenger hunt to make best sense of the overwhelmingly gargantuan palace-gallery, built as a fortress for Philippe-Auguste in the 12th century and rehashed as a swish royal residence in the mid-16th.

Hunts are themed, a huge hit with families, and lead you into quieter rooms well beyond the over-crowded likes of Da Vinci’s celebrity Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s Dying Slave . Count between two and three hours to track down, and snap a photo as evidence, up to 30 artworks – the "pieces of treasure".

Local tip: Decamp afterwards to  Café Le Nemours , one of Paris’ most mythical cafes with an elegant terrace beneath arches, for a coffee or organic Alain Millat peach juice and classic Parisian jambon et fromage baguette sandwich (or something fancier).

7. Admire Paris' iconic rooftops

Talk of inscribing Paris’ iconic rooftops on Unesco’s World Heritage List has been rumbling for years. Begin your rooftop foray at ground level on  place des Vosges , laid out as Place Royale in Le Marais in 1612. It's the city’s oldest square – and the most handsome. This is an ideal spot to admire Paris’ signature roofs from below, originally tiled in slate from the nearby Loire Valley and, from the mid-19th century, with cheaper sheets of shiny seagull-grey zinc.

A 10-minute walk away on trendy Rue Vieille du Temple, 3e, fashionistas hobnob over cocktails, barbecued meats and weekend brunch at  Au Top , a hidden rooftop with an insane 360-degree panorama.  Le Perchoir Marais is the other unmissable rooftop in the neighborhood.

Local tip:  Other Parisian-packed venues to swoon over the city’s romantic skyline: the viewing terrace of department store  Galeries Lafayette , Perruche above  Le Printemps , cocktail and DJ hub  Le Perchoir in the 11e, and farm-to-fork  Le Perchoir , at home on Europe’s largest urban farm in the 15e on – guess what – a rooftop.

8. Take a leisurely stroll like a Parisian flâneur

When 19th-century town planner Georges Eugène Haussmann bulldozed the medieval city’s cobweb of dank, narrow alleys in the 1850s to create an elegant, light-filled capital of broad tree-shaded boulevards and squares, he clearly had Parisian flânerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. Left-bank  St-Germain des Prés , right-bank  Le Marais and  Jardin du Luxembourg are classic areas for slow, indulgent walks.

For monumental grandeur around every corner, kick off on the viewing platform of  Arc de Triomphe , stroll shop-lined  Champs-Elysées to obelisk-pierced  Place de la Concorde , and cut through  Jardin des Tuileries to arch-pierced Place du Carrousel. Admire the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, then duck beneath the arches to Place Colette with its flashy metro-station entrance threaded with 800 Murano glass beads.

Continue into  Jardin du Palais Royal to frolic around Daniel Buren’s signature black-and-white striped columns, browse its upmarket boutique-clad arcades, chill over freshly roasted coffee at hidden  Café Kitsuné , and flop on a park bench to watch Paris go by in gorgeous slow motion.

Planning tip: Join up with  Explore Paris on a wildly creative themed walking tour of Paris such as operatic strolls with a singer in Montmartre, Chinese Belleville, or gourmet walks in Goutte d’Or.

9. Experience village life in Montmartre

Gorging on the spectacular Paris vista that unfolds from the steps of the pearly-white domes of the  Sacré-Coeur Basilica – or atop the 300 more steps spiraling up inside the church dome – is a veritable Montmartre moment. But to get under the skin of this fabled quarter of ivy-clad cottages, windmills and artist cafes, it pays to duck down hidden alleys and squares, and explore less-visited streets on the backside of the Butte (as the Montmartre hill is known).

Local tip: Reserve a table at clandestine cocktail bar  Le Très Particulier , with walled summer garden, in a 19th-century mansion on Ave Junot. Mooch a couple of doors downhill to Villa Leandré at No 23, one of the picturesque cul-de-sacs in Paris with flowery cottage gardens fronting 1920s, terraced brick houses. Another 15 minutes brings you to La Cité Pilleux (45 rue Ganneron, 18e), an equally bucolic dead-end lane with old industrial workshops re-spun as pretty little dwellings.

10. Tour the historic Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Gawping at ornate tomb art while paying your respects to 70,000 rich, famous and infamous buried in the world’s most-visited  cemetery is a riveting urban walk. The historic graveyard, open since 1804, is one of central Paris’ biggest green spaces, with 5300 trees and shrubs, and magnificent 19th-century sculptures by artists such as David d’Angers, Hector Guimard, Visconti and Chapu.

To scout out the iconic graves of 1960s rock star Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf et al, scan the QR code inside the cemetery’s Blvd de Ménilmontant entrance to access a map; or hook up with entertaining cemetery historian Thierry Le Roi. His two-hour  guided tours are legendary in their own right.

Local tip:  Visit on a sunny day after the rain to experience this unexpected green oasis at its most lush.

11. Take in the views from Arc de Triomphe's viewing platform

The Arc de Triomphe 's sky-high viewing platform is dramatically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, but with views to rival. The 50m-high (164ft), Roman-style, triumphal arch commemorating Napoléon’s 1805 victory at Austerlitz is also the best spot to get your head around Paris’  Axe Historique (Historical Axis) – a line of historical monuments forming a perfect east-to-west axis through central Paris.

Admire astonishing vistas stretching from the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées (all east), to the Arc de Triomphe’s modern counterpoint, 1980s-built  Grande Arche de la Défense (west). Peer down to watch cars twirling around the city’s busiest roundabout encircling the arch and spinning off along one of eight leafy Haussmannian avenues.

12. Cruise the Seine

Paris’ geographical and spiritual heart is the Seine – it all began on its island twinset after all, with early settlers arriving on Île de la Cité around the 3rd century BCE. Cruising the river with Bateaux-Mouches or aboard a hop-on-hop-off  Batobus river boat – part of the city’s public transport system – is a memorable experience. Admire scenic Unesco World Heritage-listed riverbanks, islands, summertime beaches and 37 bridges spanning every architectural era.

Sunset drinks are a rite of passage at floating bar and guinguette (dance hall),  Rosa Bonheur sur Seine – as is a dose of contemporary street art a short walk west along the quay to bohemian barge-gallery  Fluctuart . To stay on the Seine 24/7, check into floating hotel,  Off Paris Seine .

Local tip: Hopes are high that parts of the river will be clean enough to swim in by 2025. Until then, cool off on hot summer days at floating outdoor pool  Piscine Joséphine Baker .

13. Be intoxicated by Paris' cocktail culture

From glam hotel bars to clandestine speakeasies and upcycled hostess bars in South Pigalle, the craft-cocktail scene in Paris is intoxicating.  Paris Cocktail Week , held each year in January, is a brilliant introduction. Otherwise, DIY your initiation with a signature Serendipity at  Bar Hemingway in the Ritz – a teeny, chic, wood-paneled space where British-born bartender Colin Field has mixed cocktails for more than 25 years. Legend says Hemingway, wielding a machine gun, helped liberate the hotel bar during WWII – following which he knocked back 51 consecutive dry martinis.

Local tip:  Forgotten French liqueurs, zany homemade infusions and inventive syrups are at their finest at  Le Mary Céleste , one of Paris’ first bars to pair cocktails with modern French tapas dishes. For summer cocktails, follow a clued-in crowd to  Le Pavillon Puebla , a guinguette -styled party space in a rambling 19th-century mansion in beautiful offbeat city park  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

14. Eat quality local produce at grassroots restaurants

Grassroots produce – seasonal, locally grown, invariably organic and so freshly harvested that earth still clings to the roots – has never been so important in French cuisine. Chefs in Paris are working harder than ever with small regional producers to elevate taste and quality to even greater heights (not to mention supporting local economies).

The untouristed 10th arrondissement is becoming increasingly foodie with wildly successful, bistronomie addresses such as  Les Résistants and  L’Avant Poste .

15. Go shopping at designer boutiques

Be it your own made-to-measure Louis Vuitton trunk, a heavenly fragranced candle from the world’s oldest candlemaker , or the season’s latest from eco-conscious fashion store  Sézane , shopping in Paris is exuberant and exotic. Pick your quartier depending on personal style and goût (taste): Le Marais for workshop boutiques of independent upcoming designers and mainstream fashion, or around  Canal St-Martin in the edgier 10e for concept stores, pop-ups and alternative design boutiques.

Detour: After 15 years of restoration, to the tune of €750 million, historic department store  La Samaritaine is breathtaking in size and beauty. Drooling over the Seine-side building’s original art nouveau and art deco features, including the glass-topped central hall – all impeccably restored by Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese firm Sanaa – is completely fine.

16. Watch movies beneath the stars

Paris is one of the most  cinematic cities on earth. Film buffs can poke behind the scenes of art deco movie theater  Le Grand Rex , lose their soul in a silent B&W movie accompanied by a live pianist music at the  Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé , or follow in the footsteps of screen star Amélie Poulain in Montmartre.

Summer raises the curtain on romance with movies beneath the stars – deckchairs are scattered on the grass in Parc de la Villette during free film screenings mid-July to mid-August. MK2’s ground-breaking cinema hotel,  Hôtel Paradiso in the 12e has designer rooms sporting private cinema screens and a lush green rooftop garden hosting screenings after-dark.

Local tip:  Films screened on a 24m-long screen in the Louvre’s magnificent 16th-century courtyard during July’s four-day Cinéma Paradiso Louvre open-air film fest are always a rip-roaring success.

This article was first published Jul 1, 2019 and updated Aug 10, 2023.

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44 best things to do in Paris right now

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Antonia Bentel

For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 42 best things to do in Paris.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best thing to do in Paris

1. Attend a concert by candlelight

What better way to experience the city of lights than by witnessing live music at night by candlelight? This unique concert series offers up a range of genres and locations, from tributes to Hans Zimmer or Vicaldi performed in grand music halls, right through to a performance of Queen in a historic auditorium and even Taylor Swift, taking place in a modern art centre. All performances are beautifully illuminated by candle light and feature professional musicians in a range of ensembles including string quartets to brass bands and vocals with guitar.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: feverup.com

2. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

3. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

4. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

5. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France Website: chateauversailles.fr

6. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

7. See Saint-Eustache Church come alive in an immersive show

The imposing church in the 1st arrondissement has a storied history dating back to the 13th century, one that is engagingly recounted in LUMINISCENCE, an immersive show featuring live music, theatre performances and 360-degree video mapping. Via projections on the building along with choir and organ performances, audiences follow the church’s story through the Middle Ages through to the Baroque and Renaissance periods, learning about the building’s influential figures including Molière, Lully, the Queen of Hungary and the Duchess of Orléans.

Address: Église Saint-Eustache, Châtelet-les-Halles: 2, Rue du Jour, 75001 Paris Website: feverup.com

8. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

9. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

10. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

11. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

12. Spend an afternoon at Archive 18-20 Le Marais

More taste-maker hub than concept store, Archive 18-20 in trendy Le Marais houses art, fashion, books and a cool restaurant under one vast, glass roof. Industrial pipes track above a beautifully curated scene of normcore coats, cult home décor trinkets orderly spread across vast tables and a small, minimalist café that half of Paris fashion week is known to descend upon.

Address: Comptoir 18-20, 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris Website: archive1820.com

13. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

14. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

15. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

16. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

17. Channel your inner fashionista at Foundation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

18. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

19. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

20. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

21. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

22. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

23. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

24. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

25. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

26. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

27. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

28. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

29. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

30. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

31. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

32. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

33. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

34. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

35. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

36. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

37. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

38. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

39. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

40. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

41. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

42. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

43. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

44. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

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30 Best Things to Do in Paris, According to Locals

From fromageries to private pontoon rides on the Seine, here's how to explore the City of Light.

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After a decade in France , I still find myself wandering through Paris and thinking, "Wow, I can’t believe I live here." The City of Light is full of all the best clichés: Parisians cycling with bread in their bike basket, brass bands serenading crowds on stone bridges over the Seine, picnickers drinking Champagne and eating cheese on blankets in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

The capital city's mélange of modern and medieval architecture, stunning symmetrical gardens, and vibrant café terraces add to its romantic allure — and that's all part of what makes Paris a city designed for strolling. Whether you want to visit major landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe or are looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ve polled local cookbook authors, hotel concierges, and tour guides to build a list of the 30 best things to do in Paris.

Related: T+L’s Paris Travel Guide

Sample cheese at a fromagerie.

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“When you're in Paris, you absolutely have to pay a visit to one of the city's fromageries (cheese shops) — and there are so many wonderful ones to choose from,” says Emily Monaco , a journalist and cheese expert who leads Paris by Mouth food tours. A few of her favorites: La Laiterie de Paris , the first in town to produce its own cheese, and Fromagerie Quatrehomme , whose house specialties include a smoked Charolais chèvre aged in Nikka Whisky.

Have lunch at Les Enfants du Marché.

Weekend brunch is becoming more popular in Paris (the line at Holybelly never seems to dwindle), but I prefer snagging a seat at the counter of Les Enfants du Marché , in the back of the covered Marché des Enfants Rouge in the Marais neighborhood . The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so arrive just before it opens at noon so you won’t have to wait too long. Plan to linger over natural wine and a mix of market-fresh plates as the music slowly shifts, turning the venue into a bit more of a party as the day goes on.

Go gourmet at La Grande Epicérie.

Attached to the first Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché , the ground floor La Grande Epicérie is an upscale version of the city’s covered markets and food halls. Peruse the stands of fruits and vegetables or shop the curated selection of artisanal products. I’ll often stop here for freshly shucked oysters and a glass of white wine when I need a break from shopping next door.

Indulge in pastries.

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“The city’s boulevards are brimming with enticing pastries that run the gamut, from exquisite luxury creations housed in palace hotels, like Francois Perret’s strawberry fraisier at Ritz Paris , to the equally delicious yet humble vanilla choux à la crème at Mamiche boulangerie,” says Frank Barron , author of "Sweet Paris: Seasonal Recipes from an American Baker in France."

Visit Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

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Dedicate an entire weekend day to strolling the stands and stalls of vintage designer jewelry, clothing, furniture, records, and books at the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Considered the largest flea market in the world, there are more than 2,000 boutiques here, and they're scattered across more than a dozen individual markets. This is a place that requires more than a map, so consider a personalized tour with a guide like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen , who can help you navigate this sprawling sea of second-hand vendors.

Celebrate couture at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images

Located in the same private mansion that Yves Saint Laurent called his atelier and headquarters for nearly 30 years, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is as much a monument to the legendary designer as an insider look at the couture house and its many collections. Retrospective displays and thematic exhibitions are constantly rotating, and once a month, the conservation workshop — which contains sketches, diagrams of runway shows, and runway pieces and accessories — opens to the public.

Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

In the summer, the Buttes-Chaumont Park is as popular a picnic destination as Paris Plages along the banks of the Seine. Even Emily and Alfie spread out a blanket on one of the grassy hills here during a scene in Emily in Paris .

Cruise the canals.

One of the best ways to tour Paris is from the water, especially cruising along canals through the heart of the city past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. “It's a different way of seeing the city, and at night it's even more magical,” says Pierre Cortin, head bartender at Hotel Fouquet’s Paris . Join a themed or hour-long trip along the Canal Saint-Martin or Seine, or book a private pontoon boat , where you can curate the playlist and bring your own selection of wine and snacks.

Catch a DJ set at Rooftop Molitor.

Geraldine Martens/Rooftop Molitor

Emily also spent a day poolside at nautical-themed Molitor , and the beach club vibe seen in the show is recreated in summer on the rooftop. Head up for lunch or dinner throughout the week or catch a DJ set or concert in the late afternoon on the weekends.

Sip French spirits at Le Syndicat.

Courtesy of Le Syndicat

A gem on the somewhat seedy rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, speakeasy-style bar Le Syndicat champions French spirits in its playful cocktail concoctions that have earned it a permanent place on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Guest bartenders take the reins here, and the soundtrack is heavy on hip-hop.

Explore Musée Picasso Paris.

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One of the standouts in the Marais, the Musée Picasso Paris is the perfect place to take a break from shopping or the summer heat. Housed in the 17th-century Hôtel Salé, the old mansion is as impressive as its collection of nearly 5,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artist Pablo Picasso.

Shop perfume at Officine Universelle Buly.

Part apothecary, part café, Officine Universelle Buly’s wood-paneled boutique in the Haut-Marais takes you back centuries in history, to when the Rudier Foundry once created art for Rodin. Glass cases display the French beauty and skincare brand’s gorgeous bottles of perfume and lotion. If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back from Paris, the shop will even emboss or engrave initials on its lip balm cases and combs.

Eat crêpes at Breizh Café.

Courtesy of Breizh Café

The closest you’ll get to authentic Breton crêpes in Paris, the wood-paneled Breizh Café is a landmark in Le Marais — and a great place to pause from museums and shopping if you don’t want to linger over a long lunch. Take your pick of savory buckwheat crêpes and galettes topped with comté cheese and ham or go for something sweet like salted caramel and Chantilly cream.

Have a drink at Bar Hemingway.

Bernhard Winkelmann/Bar Hemmingway

Before officially moving to Paris, I visited Bar Hemingway every time I came to town. Serving some of the best cocktails in the city, the cigar lounge-style space lined with Hemingway memorabilia is still a go-to when friends visit and on special occasions. Be sure to arrive as the bar opens (or even before) since it doesn’t take reservations.

Stroll in Musée National Gustave Moreau.

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“The symbolist painter turned his childhood neoclassical townhouse into a museum several years before his death in 1898. The best part is that what visitors see today is almost precisely as he left it when he passed. You’ll find enough paintings, watercolors, and sketches to keep you occupied — but with far fewer tourists to elbow your way through,” says Lindsey Tramuta , author of "The New Paris" and "The New Parisienne."

See a Cabaret show.

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Paris has a history of cabaret culture, some of the most famous being Le Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse . While the cancan never gets old, something just as French and risqué that’s lesser known is Madame Arthur , a drag cabaret and club in Pigalle where Serge Gainsbourg first played.

Visit Lafayette Anticipations.

Courtesy of Lafayette Anticipations

“When clients ask for an artsy place nearby, we answer Lafayette Anticipations , in the heart of the Marais, where you’ll find a mix of contemporary art, design, and fashion. They have a nice little café-restaurant, Mātēr, where you can get a bite or drinks after exhibitions or film screenings,” suggests the guest experience team at SO/ Paris .

Marvel at the beauty of Galerie Vivienne.

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Galerie Vivienne is one of the most impressive covered arcades in the city, with restaurant and café patios spilling out on the natural light-illuminated mosaic floor. Browse a mix of boutiques, wine shops, and old bookstores here, or take a seat at a tea house or traditional bistro.

Have a seat at Café de Flore.

Live your own version of "Midnight in Paris" by sipping coffee in the old stomping grounds of the Lost Generation. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montparnasse are dotted with Art Deco cafés once frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. One of the most fashionable is Café de Flore — you can’t beat the people watching from its outdoor terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Enjoy Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac.

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“I love the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , which has an incredible collection of primitive art from different civilizations, a panoramic terrasse with a menu created by Alain Ducasse, and cocktails by Margot Lecarpentier, the owner of Combat in Belleville,” says Timothée Prangee, co-owner and founder of farm-to-glass cocktail bar Little Red Door in the Marais.

Walk the grounds of Père Lachaise.

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The infamous inhabitants and their ornate burial plots aren’t the only reason to visit the Père Lachaise cemetery — although it’s like a Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Gothic graves and Haussmannian burial chambers belonging to everyone from French poet Apollinaire to Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf. Blanketed in gardens and sculptures, Paris’s largest cemetery is as much a park as it is a monument to French culture.

Linger in Marché Saint-Germain.

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“In a neighborhood that can feel so touristy, the Marché Saint-Germain is a hidden gem that you could walk right past. Don’t miss the superb coffee shop Le Café du Clown from the team behind Clown Bar , and before you leave the market, pick up a bottle of wine from the attached wine shop Bacchus et Ariane,” suggests Catherine Down , a Paris-based, James Beard Award-nominated food and travel writer and culinary tour guide.

Visit Belleville.

From the hillside Parc de Belleville and its 350-foot-high viewpoint, you’ll have some of the best panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Centre Pompidou , and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Once one of the city’s largest water reservoirs, the area is home to everything from the Place des Fêtes flea market to the “quartier chinois,” with Asian grocery stores and restaurants lining the rue de Belleville. My go-to is Lao Siam , but I also love the more traditional French fare at nearby Le Baratin.

Stroll in La Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection.

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Japanese architect Tadao Ando modernized the Bourse de Commerce , whose history dates back to the 13th century and has served as everything from a convent to Catherine de Medici’s palace before being transformed into the contemporary art museum it is today. In addition to the collection of work François Pinault has curated over the past 50 years, the Bourse de Commerce hosts exhibitions designed specifically for its light-filled rotunda.

Peruse the shelves at Shakespeare and Company.

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After checking Notre-Dame off your list, cross the Seine and peruse the titles on the leaning antique bookshelves of English bookstore Shakespeare and Company , which was once the meeting ground for the expat literary set in Paris. The café next door is also a great spot to sit and admire the adjacent cathedral while sipping the bookshop’s signature coffee blend.

Stroll along the Seine.

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Paris’s history stems from its landmark river, whose pedestrianized banks are bordered by gardens and museums like the Jean Nouvel-designed Institut du Monde Arabe . Brass bands and street musicians often perform along bridges like Pont des Arts, and bouquinistes (second-hand booksellers) set up stalls along walls overlooking the river. Two other bridges that are favorites of Victoire de Taillac, co-founder of Officine Universelle Buly : Pont Marie and Pont des Tournelles. Along the banks, you’ll also find floating bars, restaurants, and clubs housed in barges docked along the Seine, some of the most popular being Les Maquereaux and Rosa Bonheur .

Visit Canal Saint-Martin.

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The cast-iron footbridges along the Canal Saint-Martin have made this backdrop one of the more iconic ones in Paris, yet it still feels less busy than other shopping and dining destinations like the Marais. Spend the afternoon browsing the collection at concept store Centre Commercial or design bookshop Artazart before sitting down for apéro on the terrace of Chez Prune or for oysters at Sur Mer .

Enjoy the facade of the Palais-Royal.

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Across from the Louvre, Palais-Royal and its art installation of black-and-white-striped columns are a photo favorite. Grab a matcha latte from Café Kitsuné or ramen takeaway from the nearby rue Saint-Anne and post up on one of the benches in the courtyard gardens.

Shop for designer vintage goods.

Friends often ask for good vintage shops in Paris, and one of the best is Thanx God I'm a V.I.P. , off the Canal Saint-Martin. The shop stocks a mix of pieces from major designers and brands like Chanel and Hermès, plus a selection of reasonably priced vintage accessories like hats, scarves, and purses.

Visit concept shop Archive 18-20.

“Located in the trendy neighborhood of Le Marais, Archive 18-20 is more than a simple concept store — it’s a real Parisian hub where you’ll find an art gallery, book store, restaurant, and fashion all under the same roof,” says Stefan Viard, General Manager of SO/ in Europe.

Related Articles

Top Paris Attractions

• See & Do
• Top Attractions

Top 10 Paris Attractions

Planning your first visit to Paris?   If so, start with these top 10 attractions and legendary sightseeing destinations.  

These are the historical, cultural, and famous places everyone associates with Paris - the top sites to see in Paris for many visitors.

Don't feel you need to see all of them in one visit, especially you are here for just a few days. 

Several of these top Paris attractions, such as the soaring Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous Seine River, the monumental Arc de Triomphe, and even the gleaming white Sacre Coeur set high on a hilltop, are part of the Paris skyline and easy to spot from many places in the city, whether or not you actually visit.

Consider a quick day trip to one of the famous destinations just beyond the city, such as the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

But also take time to stroll through an iconic neighborhood such as the Latin Quarter or Montmartre.  Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Garden.  Take sunset cruise along the Seine.

Spend a few moments admiring Notre Dame Cathedral.   Right now, you can now view only the exterior due to the tragic 2019 fire.  But thanks to the massive restoration underway, part of the magnificent cathedral may be open to the public by 2024. 

And plan a visit to at least one of the most famous Paris museums  and experience their masterpieces in person.  See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, Van Gogh's Starry Night at the Orsay, or cutting-edge contemporary art at Pompidou . 

Finally, save some time to see other less famous and even "hidden" attractions in Paris, even if it means skipping some of the places on this page.  You can always visit on your next trip to Paris, and meanwhile, you'll have a variety of wonderful memories.

Because as Ernest Hemingway famously said, " . . . wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Top photo:  Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris's Montmartre neighborhood, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  Eiffel Tower ( Tour Eiffel ) - The Number 1 Attraction in Paris

Soaring high above the Paris landscape, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris - and gives you spectacular city views from three levels.  For many visitors, going to the highest level of the Eiffel Tower tops their "essential sites to see in Paris, France" list, and for good reason.

Popular Ways to Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Entry TIcket with Optional Summit Access - Skip the ticket line & use a faster "groups only" security line
• Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets - Skip the ticket line
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator - Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner while enjoying views of the Paris skyline

Although you view see the famous landmark from many points in the city, nothing beats the thrill of going up to the observation platforms and watching Paris landmarks get smaller and smaller below you.

To capture a lifetime memory of your visit, book a professional photoshoot in front of the iconic monument.

Just want to view this famous Paris attraction?  A Seine River cruise or a guided bike tour of the city gives you the perfect way to see it plus lots of other famous monuments and museums located on the riverside.

More to Enjoy:  Restaurants and a champagne bar, a seasonal ice skating rink during some years, fascinating views through the transparent floor on the 1st level.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be massive and waiting in line to get tickets can take up to 4 hours or more during peak months - get a skip-the-line priority entrance ticket:

More Ways to See the Eiffel Tower

2.  louvre museum ( musée du louvre ) - the most visited museum in the world.

The enormous Louvre Museum receives over 10 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited museum and a top Paris attraction.

Much of this popularity stems from the Louvre's three famous masterworks, Leonardo di Vinci's Mona Lisa and two famous Greek statues, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samot hrace (also known as the Winged Nike - yes, the inspiration for the popular athletic shoe brand!)

Popular Ways to Visit the Louvre

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

But the Louvre offers you so much more to see, including a magnificent Egyptian collection complete with mummies, gallery after gallery of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, and dazzling rooms of exquisite furniture, tapestries, and ornamental objects.

Outside, 20th century glass pyramids by I M Pei and a reflecting pool contrast with the ornate Renaissance architecture of the former royal palace.

Book a Louvre Museum guided tour with skip-the-line entrance:

More to Enjoy:  At basement level, you can view excavations of the original 12th century fortress that once stood in the Louvre's Paris location.

• See popular Louvre guided tours and skip-the-line tickets from Get Your Guide
• Find out what to expect on a guided tour of the Louvre

3.  Versailles Palace - The Most Visited Royal Palace in France

With more than 700 rooms, Versailles Palace is one of the largest in the world.   Famous for its royal occupants  from King Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, lavishly decorated rooms, and priceless art, Versailles Palace gives you an unforgettable glimpse of royal life when you visit. 

You can easily spend much or all of a day here.

More to Enjoy:   Magnificent gardens filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tree allées , and walking paths. 

• Top things to see & do at the Palace of Versailles
• Best guided walking and bike tours of Versailles from Paris
• How to get to Versailles from Paris: 6 options
• Where to stay near Versailles Palace

Paris Discovery Tip:  Versailles attracts huge numbers of visitors - in fact, the enormous chateau is the most-visited palace in France and one of the most famous in Europe.

Slow security check lines before you enter mean a 2-4 hour wait in line during most months of the year.  Although  skip-the-line tickets won't save you from every delay (you still have to go through security, although those lines ususally move quickly), they can certainly speed up your entry. 

But here's our "insiders" tip and strong recommendation:   Choose a guided tour if you want to save time and if your budget allows it.  Why?  Guided tours get to access a separate, much faster security line.

Choose one of these excellent guided tours and avoid the long wait in lines:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Half-Day Tour & Hotel Transfer  - Experience the lavish palace and gardens enjoyed by French kings and queens, including Marie Antoinette as an expert guide shows you the famous Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, King's Bedroom, and more.  Find out more 
• Versailles by Train Escorted Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Tickets - A guide meets you at a designated spot in Paris, escorts you on the RER train to Versailles, and takes you through the guided tour direct entrance to avoid the lines.   After lunch (on your own, or add on a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine when you book), you'll visit the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal domain and her quaint country "village."  After your tour, you'll take the direct train back to Paris. 
• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch - You'll travel with a guide in an air-conditioned luxury coach from Paris to Versailles, where you'll quickly pass through the guided tour security.  In addition to giving you a tour of Versailles Palace and its most important rooms, your guide will also take you through the Grand and Petit Trianon, the two smaller castles the French royalty usually prefered to spend their time.  You'll have a wonderful lunch at an onsite restaurant, and will have plenty of time to stroll through the magnificent gardens.

Want to risk Versailles without a skip the line ticket?   For example, if you plan to come after most people have entered - for example, mid-afternoon - lines usually move much faster. 

In that case, you can save money by getting the Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket, which comes with an audio guide.  "Full access" means you also get entrance to Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon palace and her "Hamlet" village, which are worth seeing.  

But if you're really short on time, you can save about 3 dollars with a Palace and Gardens-Only ticket.

Find more spectacular day trips from Paris

4.  Latin Quarter ( Quartier Latin )

To experience an older Paris, spend some time discovering the charms of the Latin Quarter.

First settled by Romans in the 1st century, this famous Left Bank neighborhood has long attracted bohemians, scholars, and political protest.  Look closely, and you'll see traces of medieval Paris in the narrow, winding streets and older buildings.

Have a drink at the brasseries along Boulevard Saint Germain where Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus hung out during the 1920s, visit the tombs of French heroes and intellectuals at the Pantheon, and gaze at the timeless beauty of Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny Museum.

More to Enjoy:  Explore the narrow winding side streets filled with old bookstores, tiny bistros, and quirky boutiques.   Visit the beautiful old churches filled with artistic treasures, including Saint Julien le Pauvre, dating back to the Middle Ages.  Go back even farther in time and visit a 1st century Roman arena, one of the Latin Quarter's "hidden treasures."

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you love huge crowds, avoid pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette.

Find fun ways to explore the Latin Quarter

5.  Seine River - Beaches, Cruises, & More

The Seine River flows through central Paris, defining the city's Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank on the south.  Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the middle, is the historic heart of Paris with world-famous medieval masterpieces, hidden parks, and lovely 17th century enclaves.

You can enjoy the Seine in many different ways.  Walk along the banks and admire the beautiful bridges.  Check out les bouquinistes , the river-side booksellers along both sides of the Seine.  Explore the Parc Rives de Seine, the riverside pedestrian-only promenade from Place de la Bastille to the Eiffel Tower.

Cruise up and down the river on a tour boat to see Paris's most beautiful historic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective.  Dine and dance on a river-side barge.  Cool off in a floating swimming pool.

Visit Les Berges, the recreational area along the river on the Left Bank - it especially comes alive in the summer.

More to Enjoy:   From mid-July to mid-August, Paris Plages transforms the Right Bank plus other parts of the city into a sandy beach.

Paris Discovery Tip:   From the Seine, cruise up through the 15th century Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq through the newly-trendy northeast part of the city.

Popular Seine River Cruises

Notre dame ( cathédrale notre-dame de paris ).

Built during the Middle Ages at the historic heart of Parison Île de la Cité , Notre Dame Cathedral embodies the splendors of Gothic architecture from its site overlooking the Seine River.

The devastating 2019 fire means you can no longer go inside to admire the hundreds of statues, sculptures, paintings, spectacular stained glass windows or climb up to the roof for closeup views of gorgoyles and sweeping city views. 

However, the ongoing repairs and restoration work is fascinating to see from the outside, plus you can also admire the high towers, flying buttresses, and other features from a safe distance.  

And there is good news:   The famous cathedral is now expected to partially reopen by December, 2024.

Best viewing location:  Left Bank of the Seine River.

6.  Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

Once a separate village, Montmartre has been part of Paris since 1860 but its winding lanes, many trees, and picturesque hillsides still make it seem like a place apart.

You can stroll past the neighborhood's many cafes and cabarets, and imagine the artists, musicians, and writers who made it their home 100+ years ago when rents were cheap.

The most famous sight is the gleaming white Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, built in Italian Byzantine style and visible from most points in Paris.

Tourists often pack the areas around Sacré Coeur and the Moulin Rouge theater in Pigalle - but miss the most interesting parts of the neighborhood where you can find small art museums and parks, pedestrian-only lanes, and a couple of old-fashioned windmills.

More to Enjoy:   Go inside Sacré Coeur to see the beautiful mosaics.

Paris Discovery Tip:  If you're visiting in October, come to the harvest festival in Montmartre's still-producing vineyard

Discover the hidden gems of Montmartre

7.  Musée d'Orsay

Occupying a former train station, Musée d'Orsay contains a magnificent collection of world-famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.  

Crowds pack the galleries holding the best-known masterpieces, especially those by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, whose Starry Night painting attracts the largest crowds of all.

More to Enjoy:  Sweeping views of Paris from the almost-hidden rooftop terrace.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you are visiting during the slow months of the winter, join a guided tour if you want to get a look at the most famous paintings unobstructed by massive crowds.

What to see & do at the Orsay Museum

8.  Arc de Triomphe

The massive Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable Paris attractions, commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to honor his army's victories across Europe, although he was exiled and dead by the time of its completion 30 years later.

The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by a busy traffic rotary where 12 major streets, including the western end of Champs Élysées, converge.  Although you can easily see it at a distance, you'll get the best views and experience when you're close to it.

Best Time to View:   On the first Sunday (a.k.a. "car-free Sundays) of each month when Champs Élysées bans cars and becomes pedestrian-only.

More to Enjoy:   Get a  ticket and climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top for 360 degree views of Paris.  At the base of the monument, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame to honor the unidentified French soldiers killed in World Wars I and II.  You can see its daily re-lighting every evening at 6:30pm.  Elaborate statues and bas relief carvings depicting Napoleon's battles cover large portions of the monument.

Get your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets now:

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are in Paris on Armistice Day (November 11), Bastille Day (July 14), or New Year's Eve (December 31), don't miss the parades and celebrations on Champs Élysées that start at the Arc.  The Paris Marathon in April also starts and ends at the Arc, and the Tour de France also ends there in July.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe

9.  Pompidou Center ( Centre Pompidou )

In a city filled with traditional architecture, Pompidou Center's edgy design featuring exterior walls of brightly colored tubes and exposed mechanical systems brought howls of derision when it first opened.  Half a century later, the building's design by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers still stands out in the cityscape.

But inside (get a skip the line ticket before you go to save time), revolving exhibitions of top-notch contemporary paintings, sculptures, and video and sound installations account for the museum's immense popularity.

More to Enjoy:   A wonderful rooftop deck, reflecting pool, and restaurant overlooking the city

Paris Discovery Tip:  After your visit, walk around to the back of Centre Pompidou's right side to see Stravinsky Fountain, named after the composer and filled with 16 water-spraying moving sculptures that represent his music.  You can also see it if you look straight down from the rooftop deck.

Some bad news:  Centre Pompidou's structure needs critical major repairs that will require closing to the public, and the work is expected to take about 5 years.   Estimated closure currently is expected during summer or fall of 2025. 

So if you want to visit this unique and wonderful contemporary art museum, go now!!! 

Buy your Pompidou skip the line entrance ticket

10.  Luxembourg Garden ( Jardin du Luxembourg )

Towering chestnut trees, a tranquil pool where children (and teens and adults) float toy sailboats, and many benches for sitting among lush flowers and beautiful statues make Luxembourg Garden Paris's most popular park. 

And with 448 other city parks and 2 great forests to choose from, that's quite a distinction! 

Despite its number of visitors, Luxembourg Garden seldom seems crowded because its 60 acres are divided into many distinctive areas.  You can even play tennis here.

More to Enjoy:   A drink or lunch at the open-air cafe.

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are traveling with children, check out the pony rides and puppet theater.  If you're not, snag one of the green metal chairs next to the reflecting pool at the Medici Fountain and enjoy a few tranquil moments of total relaxation.

Where to Stay in Paris near Top Attractions

Wondering which neighborhood to choose as your "home base" for your Paris visit?  See our recommendations based on the attractions you want to visit.

More Top Paris Attractions to See & Explore

Rodin museum (musée rodin).

Perhaps the most romantic museum in Paris and a top attraction because of its lush sculpture garden, location in a spectacular 18th century rococo mansion, and, of course, the sensual sculpture of two lovers in "The Kiss, the Rodin Museum gives you the opportunity to view the breadth and depth of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's boundary-breaking path from naturalism to modernism.

Plan to spend more time than you might expect in the beautifully designed garden, where flowers bloom almost year-round, lime trees scent the air with their leaves, and masses of roses burst into a riot of color in May and June, with some continuing to bloom through fall.  

The garden is also where you'll see Rodin's most monumental and evocative creations:  "The Thinker," "Walking Man," "The Gates of Hell," to name only a few. 

More to enjoy:  The onsite cafe/restaurant.

Tickets:   Get your ticket in advance, or use your Paris Museum Pass for admission.

Monet's Garden at Giverny & Other Day Trips from Paris

In addition to the Palace of Versailles, Monet's famous water lily ponds and garden at Giverny, the medieval abby at Mont Saint-Michel, Disneyland Paris, Normandy D-Day beaches, special Champagne-tasting tours, and gorgeous castles and chateaux are just a few of the other top attractions you can see on day trips from Paris.

You can even leave Paris in the morning and spend the day enjoying famous sights in  London,  sampling delicious wines and food at a château surrounded by  vineyards  near the city of  Bordeaux , or cruising along the picturesque canals of  Bruges, Belgium  - and still return to Paris in time for a late dinner.

Find out more about the best day trips from Paris.

Paris Food Tours, Wine Tastings, & More Culinary Adventures

Want to combine enjoying Paris's food culture - without a doubt, one of the city's most popular attractions - while exploring an iconic neighborhood, cruising down the Seine River, learning how to make macarons, visiting a street market, or sampl ing wine and cheese? 

We highlight 15 of the best tours, cruises, and classes devoted to food and wine (and even one on Paris's thriving craft breweries).  Check them out!

Disneyland Paris

Whether you're a huge Disney fan yourself or traveling to Paris with kids who are, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be hard to resist, especially since it's only about a 45-minute train ride from the city and super-easy to reach. 

Especially if you have already visited Disneyland in the U.S., you may be wondering: "Is Disneyland Paris worth going to?"

Best ways to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris

Of course that's an individual decision, especially if you have a long list of things to do and you have only a few days here, but many people have visited Disneyland Paris would tell you, "Yes!"

The Paris parks are lot of fun and even though the amusement park attractions may seem familiar, there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" that's distinctly Parisian.  Plus, the on-site food is much better.  So think of it as a cultural experience - and go! 

Pro Tip:   To get the most from your Disneyland Paris experience, consider spending a night or two at one of the fun nearby hotels with free shuttles to the Parks.  Many offer lower rates than comparable Paris hotels - so your savings may cover your Disney tickets plus meals.

Book your Disneyland Paris tickets:

Almost-Hidden Covered Passages

With spectacular glass roofs, elaborate Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and even Art Deco decor , and luxury boutiques and cool cafes , Paris's 21 remaining late-18th and 19th-century covered passages give you a unique place to shop for artisan gifts, enjoy a casual meal, and soak up the historical details.

Each passage has its own personality, attractions, and ambiance - perfect for exploring on a rainy afternoon, or for discovering more about this fascinating layer of Paris urban history.

Find out more about the best covered passages remaining in Paris today

The Paris Skyline

Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame silhouetted against city rooftops and the sky make the Paris skyline one of the city's most memorable attractions.   But what are the best places to see it?

Some, such as the viewing platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself and the rooftop terrace at the Arc de Triomphe, will not surprise you.   But others fall squarely into the "insider secret" category - out-of-the-way places to view the Paris skyline that you may not discover on your own.

Find the best places to view the Paris skyline

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery ( Cimetière du Pere Lachaise ) in eastern Paris may not be quite as famous as the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe but its celebrity graves, haunting statues, and photo-worthy cobblestone lanes make it a top Paris attraction.

Part burial ground and part beautifully landscaped garden, this "City of the Dead" is also similar to an open-air museum, with funerary sculptures of every size and shape imaginable:  plump winged cherubs, macabre skulls flanked by what appear to be bat wings, scantily clad women sprawled across tombstones, disembodied heads of famous men.  

But if you're like most first-time visitors here, you may be most fascinated by the graves of famous people buried here. 

Pin Now, Read Again Later

More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris

Where to stay near top paris attractions.

First, check out our guide to where to stay on your first trip to Paris  to find the best neighborhoods and districts based on your interests and what you want to see and do.  We suggest hotels for each area at different price points:  luxury, mid-range, and budget.

To find even more hotels, use this handy  hotel map from Booking.com to find available accommodations near top attractions for your travel dates, see lowest rates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Related Articles about Paris Attractions 

• Sainte Chapelle - See the famous medieval stained glass windows and enjoy candlelight concerts 
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - How to visit Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland, London, Bruges, & more places in just one day
• Why Visit Paris - Paris is always a good idea - but here are even more reasons to visit
• Your First Day in Paris - What to Do & See While Jet Lagged
• Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris
• 101 Famous Graves in Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

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• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

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• Why visit Paris?
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Home » Europe » France » Paris

20 BEST Places to Visit in Paris (2024 • Famous Sites Guide)

Paris aka the City of Light. It is known as a destination for lovers, for revolutionaries, for artists, and for tourists. There are so many incredible places to visit in Paris – it can be hard to know where to start!

Wherever you choose to visit in Paris, be sure to start your morning off at a French bakery. If it is one thing the French have got right: fresh, delectable bread that will make you go  oui, je t’aime Paris ! It’s a city that feels distinctly French, and yet, a world away from the rest of France.

There are the classic places to visit in Paris like the Louvre, and the Seine River but there are hidden surprises in the cobblestone streets too. Paris calls to be explored by foot and demands your attention like no other city.

Travelling to such an iconic city can feel impossible – how can I possibly see  everything?

Fear not! We have put together the ULTIMATE guide to the best places to visit in Paris! From the quirky to the budget friendly, we have covered the city from top to tail. Let your planning to the culture capital of the world begin with these top 20 places to visit in Paris .

Need a Place Quick? This is The Best Neighborhood in Paris:

These are the best places to visit in paris, faq on the best places to visit in paris, final thoughts on places to visit in paris.

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Montmartre is one of the most romantic districts in Paris. Situated on a large hill overlooking the city, Montmartre is a labyrinth of cobbled streets that are lined with cafes, bistros and bars.

• Catch a risqué cabaret performance at the Moulin Rouge.
• Delve deep into the history of Montmartre and some of its most famous residents at the Musee de Montmartre.
• Feast on incredible French far at Le Basilic.

Let’s do it! This is the list of where to go in Paris to truly experience the city you’ve seen in the movies. From food to architecture to art to hidden gems, it’s all in here. Be sure to check out where to stay in Paris so that you’re all set up with a base from which to guzzle your fancy wine!

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#1 – Catacombs – THE Best Place to Visit in Paris!

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• Spooky history
• Exciting and grizzly experience

Why it’s awesome: Deep below Paris’s busy streets lies a rather gruesome sight. Established in the late 1700s in order to reduce overflowing graveyards and cemeteries, the catacombs now contain the remains of more than six million people. Under the cover of night, many human remains were moved from city cemeteries and dropped down a mine-shaft opening where they were then arranged in a grizzly manner. Think skulls lining the walls, and bones making up oddly decorative corner pieces.

Even the graveyards have got to be extra in Paris. 😉

Forgotten for many years, the catacombs became something of a novelty for 19th-century Parisian seeking to distract themselves from their Imperial conquests at the time. Ok, you got me, they probably just thought the catacombs were cool and morbid like we do. The tunnels were once used by people in the French Resistance during the Second World War – although the Nazis also created a base within the catacombs too…

What to do there: Descend underground into the gloomy old tunnels under the thriving city streets of Paris. Let your eyes adjust to the dimness as you walk through the old subterranean passageways and chambers. When you reach the underground cemetery it’s hard not to feel a shiver down your spine. This is a badass place to explore while backpacking Paris .

Stare death in the face as you see the remains of hundreds and thousands of deceased locals. Shudder as you view enormous piles of bones placed on top of each other to form entire walls of dead people. Did someone order an existential crisis on their vacation?

#2 – Notre Dame Cathedral – An Incredible Free Place to Visit in Paris

• Striking architectural gem
• Long and interesting history

Why it’s awesome: Yes, this site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. It is busy and chaotic with estimates of 12 million to 13 million visitors annually. But, this towering cathedral is an epic experience. It has stood the test of time and its gargoyles have watched over Paris for over 700 years. It’s also free to enter which helps you keep to your Paris budget .

The architecture is visually striking, but it’s the energy of the place that makes it worth going to. It was an active place of worship with church music that has been rumoured to have converted many to the Catholic faith. And of course, it was the inspiration for the famous Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is one thing to read about such a classic icon – it is something else altogether to see it in the flesh.

In 2019, a fire broke out during some restoration works. As of 2021, it’s no longer a place of active worship and you cannot visit the crypts or towers. However, you can still visit the site itself and admire the architecture. I think it’s a unique experience to witness such an emblem of France during its restoration and know that you’ve seen a little bit of history in the (re)making.

What to do there: Take a couple of photos of the awesome architecture. Keep an eye out for the cheeky gargoyles at the top – originally they were designed as rain spouts but now are simply characters to watch over Paris.

You can admire the celestial feeling inspired by the stained glass panels. I got lost staring at the intricate West Facade. Can you imagine carving hundreds of figures by hand?

There are also beautiful grounds and parks nearby that you can stop to rest in once you have finished taking in the majesty of the cathedral itself. People watching is always a great thing to do at top tourist attractions – all walks of life are inspired to come by and witness something spectacular!

#3 – Eiffel Tower – Most Iconic Places to Visit in Paris

• Terrific city views
• Iconic landmark

Why it’s awesome: No list of the best places to visit in Paris would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Eiffel Tower. One of Gustave Eiffel’s most well-known masterpieces, the soaring tower is built from wrought iron and dates back to the late 1880s.

One of the world’s most-visited attractions is hardly a hidden gem in Paris . This French icon is recognisable across the globe.

It’s one of those monuments that you can read about in books and see in the movies and still nothing quite prepares you for the real thing.

What to do there: Marvel at the iconic tower from a distance and snap plenty of pictures of one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour of the observation platforms and soak up amazing views of the city. The landmark becomes that much more alive when a local guide gives you some history.

If you are feeling energetic you can take the staircase, although many people opt to save their legs and ascend the tower by elevator.

If you are feeling fancy, or perhaps want to impress a special someone, you can also sip a glass of bubbly in the decadent champagne bar at the top of the tower as you appreciate beautiful vistas.

#4 – Sainte-Chapelle – A Gothic Gem to See in Paris

• Relatively under-visited attraction
• Stunning stained glass
• Peaceful place
• Religious vibe

Why it’s awesome: Located on Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle was built to contain important Christian relics. Close to the historic homes of former French Kings, the spectacular Church dates back to the 1200s. Built on the orders of King Louis IX, it is a fine example of Gothic architecture.

Surprisingly, the church sees relatively few visitors compared with other major Parisian attractions. As well as being a treat for the eyes, the church has a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a great place to beat the crowds.

There is something a little chilling about stained glass windows in a silent church. The light streams in, and just for a moment, there is a feeling of something Divine. What is all the more incredible, is that these were handcrafted by artisans and have withstood the test of time – and German bombs.

What to do there: While the exteriors might seem fairly ordinary, you are sure to be impressed by the fantastic ornamental designs inside the church. Enormous stained glass windows immediately catch the eye, casting bright and colourful light throughout the building.

The windows depict interesting religious scenes and stories. Admire the large sculptures of the 12 apostles that stand halfway up the walls. Feel a sense of being puny as you stand beneath the high arched ceilings. Take a seat on a pew to soak up the lavish surroundings and to enjoy a few moments of peaceful contemplation.

#5 – Louvre – An Amazing Places in Paris to Visit!

• Home of the Mona Lisa
• Large collection of art and artefacts

Why it’s awesome: Sitting on the banks of the River Seine, The Louvre is the biggest art museum in the world and another no-brainer of Paris’s must-visit sites. It houses more than 450,000 objects from various points in time, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day, as well as some 35,000 pieces of art. One of the most-visited art museums on the planet, the museum is contained within an opulent former palace.

What to do there: Allow plenty of time to fully appreciate the many marvels and treasures housed within The Louvre (like, a whole day). One of the museum’s most-celebrated pieces is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci but other major artists with works in the museum include Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Giovanni Bellini, and Johan Vermeer. See a huge assortment of antiques and artefacts from around the world and just generally have a super cultural and jampacked day added to your itinerary for Paris.

For all of the art enthusiasts, we recommend booking an audio tour, so you’ll find out all of the details behind each of the artworks and their creators.

With a Paris City Pass , you can experience the best of Paris at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#6 – Buttes-Chaumont Park – A Beautiful Outdoor Place to Visit in Paris

• No charge (perfect for you broke backpackers)
• Quirky atmosphere
• Nature in the heart of the city
• Good people watching

Why it’s awesome: Buttes-Chaumont Park is Paris’s fifth-biggest park and a free place to visit. Long stretches of pathways and roads wind through the green park with a historic temple sitting high atop a cliff overlooking the shimmering man-made lake.

With almost 50 species of plants and an abundance of wildlife, the pretty park is a fantastic place to escape the busy city streets. Green spaces are something that is sorely lacking in many cities, and it is great to be able to relax in the ones that are preserved.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least a couple of hours enjoying the scenic park and relish being outdoors and away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy a lot of the artificial nature structures designed to give a wonderful sense of tranquillity and awes.

There is plenty of space for kids to run and play as well making it the perfect place to go in Paris with kids (other than Disneyland, of course).

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#7 – Champs-Élysées – A Great Place in Paris if You Love to Shop!

• Famous Parisian street
• Luxury shopping
• Lively atmosphere
• Lots of cute cafes

Why it’s awesome: The Champs-Élysées is famous for being one of the most exclusive shopping streets on the planet. The elegant and wide street runs for 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles) between the Place Charles de Gaulle and the Place de la Concorde.

Numerous luxurious stores line the busy street, and there are also plentiful cafes and theatres. Originally designed in the 1600s, it has been a major Parisian thoroughfare for many years. the road sees much activity all throughout the year, and various celebrations, parades, and events take place along the famous road.

What to do there: Even if you do not plan on buying anything, the elegant Champs-Elysees is a terrific place to daydream and indulge in a little window shopping in Paris. The shopfronts and detailed displays are attractive and the energetic vibe is invigorating. Even for budget backpackers in Paris, it’s still a really cool place to visit.

When it’s time to take a break, rest your feet in one of the charming cafes and enjoy a traditional French pastry and drink. In the evening, the street’s theatres burst into life. You can make friends with penniless artisans while a $20 000 handbag watches you from the window.

#8 – Sacre Coeur – An Important Religious Places to See in Paris

• Revered religious site
• Beautiful architecture
• Great city views
• Top place for photography

Why it’s awesome: Officially named the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Sacre-Coeur is a spectacular Catholic church. Today, the church remembers all those who perished during World Wars. Among Paris’s most-visited attractions, the church is located at the top of Montmartre, which is the city’s highest point.

Still used as an active place of worship, the church boasts interesting statues and sculptures, graceful domes, and a handsome portico. Built from local stone and surrounded by a peaceful garden, the church is a serene sanctuary with interiors as impressive as the exterior and fantastic views of the city.

What to do there: You will surely have noticed the attractive Sacre-Coeur from a distance, as it sits high above the rest of the city. Once you are closer to the magnificent religious building it is easy to admire the many fine details. See the gardens, admire the architecture, stroll the interior and gaze upon the mosaic: this is yet another example of Paris’s exquisite landmarks.

You can attend a church service, or simply wander the grounds. People watching is always a favourite of mine to do at any tourist-filled location. We come from all walks of life and yet we all want to see the big building on the highest hill in the city.

#9 – Palace of Versailles – A Royally Opulant Place in Paris

• Stunning building
• Lots of incredible artwork and décor
• Historical importance
• Royal associations

Why it’s awesome: The Palace of Versailles is located just outside the heart of Paris. It was the main royal home for a number of years until the beginning of the French Revolution. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring many splendid details both inside and out. Although all of its lavish interiors were destroyed after the revolution, most rooms have now been restored to their former glory.

What to do there: Marvel at the splendid golden gate and impressive facades and wander through the beautiful gardens, which are complete with fountains, statues, wide walkways, and many attractive flowers. Be dazzled inside the mighty Hall of Mirrors, standing in the place where the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed. With more than 350 gleaming mirrors the hall is certainly an impressive sight.

Peek inside Marie Antoinette’s former bedroom and see the Gothic architecture, combined with baroque influences, of the amazing Grand Chapel. Stroll alongside the Grand Canal or perhaps enjoy a ride in a gondola or soak up the views from a rowing boat. See where royalty used to entertain guests in the Ballroom Grove, be enchanted by the Musical Fountain, and appreciate the palace’s huge collection of important artwork.

I actually did go on a tour of Versailles, but thanks to my shocking sense of place and direction, ended up quite lost within the ground and had to be escorted out by security at closing time! These grounds are BIG!

#10 – La Pagode / The Pagoda Paris – An Unknown (but awesome) Place to See in Paris!

• Unusual attraction
• Blend of cultures
• Beautiful art and architecture
• Off Paris’s beaten track

Why it’s awesome: Combining chic Parisian Style with exotic Chinese features, the Pagoda Paris presents a captivating blend of east meets west. Despite being one of Paris’s most fascinating buildings, the Pagoda is a relatively unknown place.

Originally built as a hotel, it later served as the home of many fine Asian and Chinese artworks and antiques. From the outside, it looks exactly like a Chinese Pagoda, while inside there are gorgeous themed rooms that are filled with a plethora of striking objects.

What to do there: You would be forgiven for thinking that you had somehow been transported across the oceans to Asia when you feast your eyes on the unusual Pagoda. Admire the striking building from outside, taking time to appreciate the finer details.

Inside, the lavish rooms have elaborate panels, with lots of colour and ornate designs adding to the aesthetic value. See the rich and opulent collection of antiques and be amazed that such a treasure exists right in the heart of Paris.

#11 – Wall of Love – Great Place to Visit in Paris for Couples!

• Romantic atmosphere
• Beautiful scenery

Why it’s awesome: Located in Montmartre, the Wall of Love covers 40 square meters (430.5 square feet). It was designed in the year 2000 and has been a popular place for lovers ever since. It has more than 600 enamelled tiles that say “I love you”, and the wall features 250 languages, including some that are rare.

There’s also no charge to admire the heartfelt Wall of Love. So, not only is it a beautiful place to see in Paris, but also a free one.

What to do there: Visit the Wall of Love with your sweetheart and enjoy telling each other your feelings in an array of global languages. If you ever wanted to tell your beloved that you love them in Navajo, Esperanto, and numerous other tongues, this is your place to do it.

Pose for selfies in front of the attractive wall as a reminder of your romantic trip to the City of Light.

After you have finished looking at the wall, take a stroll hand-in-hand with your sweet through the surrounding garden square. It’s certainly difficult not to feel enamoured at this lovely spot.

#12 – 59 Rivoli – Artisitic Place to Visit in Paris!

• Great place for creative souls
• Former illegal squat
• Cultural attraction
• Home to lots of cool art

Why it’s awesome: Once home to a bank, 59 Rivoli was left deserted. Eventually, however, a group of artists moved into the property, living there and using it as an illegal squat. The aim of the artists was to show how a large space could be put to good artistic use and as living quarters.

In 2006 the squatters were evicted and the building was cleaned and renovated. Now it is a legal site for artists, with numerous workshops and studios and there are some 20 permanent artists as well as temporary creatives. There is no charge to visit what is now one of Paris’s most interesting artistic and cultural places.

There is something inspiring about the display of wilderness and quirkiness. It feels like Paris summed up in a building.

What to do there: Learn more about the building’s past and the visions of the determined artists who once illegally occupied the site. Discover how the local government worked with the artists to create a legal place for artists to live, work, and display a range of eye-catching pieces. Admire the interesting artworks, some of which tell interesting tales. Speak with the artists in residence, admire art, and perhaps pick up a signature piece for your own home.

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#13 – Les Invalides – One of Paris’s Coolest Historical Sites!

• Military associations
• Striking architecture
• Interesting museum
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Les Invalides is a large collection of buildings that were originally constructed as a military hospital and retirement home. The site was developed in the 1600s on the orders of the French king.

A number of impressive buildings surround a sweeping courtyard, and there are many interesting designs and architectural features including a glorious church and an ornate vault that houses many significant tombs. Although one of Paris’s popular tourist attractions, the site is also still used as a retirement centre for veterans.

What to do there: Cross the impressive bridge that leads to the site, admiring the beauty as you approach. See the ornate dome-topped chapel, which is the tallest in Paris, and admire the elegant buildings of Les Invalides: the church, the tombs (including Napoleon’s), and the Army Museum.  There is an onsite cafe where you can relax, or alternatively, you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawns.

#14 – La Promenade Plantée – A Beautiful Park to Visit in Paris

• Peaceful natural spot
• Lovely city vistas
• Great use of public space
• Enjoy being outdoors

Why it’s awesome: Created in 1998, La Promenade Plantée is very similar to the famous Highline in New York. The attractive city park makes use of an old abandoned railway track and has sections at street level, above the busy roads, and underground. There are walking and cycling tracks through lush greenery and pretty flowers.

Younger visitors are not forgotten with the excellent play areas. Additionally, there are sections dedicated to rest and relaxation and exercise and fitness.

What to do there: Follow the pedestrianised walkway for the full length of La Promenade Plantée, which takes around one hour to complete. Alternatively, explore under pedal power and cycle along the track. Listen to the delightful singing of birds as you admire the colourful flowers and inhale the delicious scents.

The lush greenery is definitely a world apart from the busy city streets below; it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature and unwind in a peaceful setting.

#15 – Centre Pompidou – A Unique Place to Visit in Paris

• Eye-catching modern art
• Incredible architecture
• Street performers
• Sweet picnic spot

Why it’s awesome: The Centre Pompidou is most celebrated for being the home of Europe’s biggest modern art museum. The site also has an extensive public library and a music and acoustic research centre. Named after a former French president, the centre sees millions of visitors each year.

Designed to be like a mini town within a city, the centre has unusual architectural designs; most major structural and mechanical elements are outside of the building. There are many interesting art exhibitions inside, with a variety of permanent and temporary displays.

What to do there: Gaze at the unusual building from the outside and be enchanted by an array of street performers in Place Georges Pompidou, located in front of the museum.

Watch as mime artists, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and skateboarders entertain the crowds, and see artists and caricaturists at work. Take time to view the extensive collection of contemporary art inside the building, some of which contains interesting messages and representations

#16 – Belleville – Underrated Place to See in Paris

• Lesser-visited neighbourhood in Paris
• Bohemian and edgy atmosphere
• Interesting street art
• Great shopping and dining

Why it’s awesome: The Parisian neighbourhood of Belleville doesn’t often feature on many travellers itineraries. However, the area has a gritty and edgy vibe that makes it different to other parts of the city and is one of Paris’s coolest places to visit.

Once a working-class neighbourhood, Belleville used to be an independent area. It attracted large immigrant communities. As a result, today the area is a multi-ethnic and colourful place. Several famous Parisians came from the area and a number of movies have shot scenes there too.

Paris is not just home to pipe smoking, cafe dwelling, existentialist philosophers. Paris is the home of revolutionaries, workers, artists, immigrants, and even bankers and billionaires. This is the place to visit in Paris for a taste of it’s grittier side.

What to do there: Have an alternative Paris adventure and spend several hours wandering through Belleville. Soak up the Bohemian vibe and join locals for a relaxed picnic in the park. Satisfy your appetite in global restaurants, where you’ll find cuisine such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Algerian, Italian, Indian, and Jewish.

See an abundance of graffiti and street art, call into artists’ workshops and galleries, peruse small book shops, and see local mosques from the outside. As nighttime approaches, you’ll find a good selection of bars where you can sip cocktails, wine, and cheap beer. You might even find a great hostel in the area if you’d like to make Belleville your base for a while.

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#17 – Père Lachaise Cemetery – A Quiet Place to See in Paris

• Striking funerary architecture
• Tranquil atmosphere
• Lots of nature
• Final resting place of several famous figures

Why it’s awesome: Père Lachaise Cemetery is the biggest cemetery in the French Capital and is also the world’s most-visited cemetery. The beautiful garden cemetery has several war memorials and graves of famous people. Peaceful and relaxed, the cemetery combines nature and stunning architecture. Open since the early 1800s, the cemetery is the final resting place for more than one million people.

What to do there: Stroll along the shaded pathways, taking time to admire the striking funerary architecture and enjoy being in nature. Pay your respects to the deceased and see the graves of famous people like Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, and Jim Morrison from The Doors. Remember those who gave their lives at the war memorials and sit for a while in quiet contemplation in the serene setting.

#18 – Rue des Martyrs – A Must-See Place in Paris for Foodies!

• Lively community
• Ethnic diversity
• Plentiful eating options
• Unusual stores

Why it’s awesome: Stretching for around 0.8 kilometres (half a mile), the enticing Rue des Martyrs has around 200 small and independent businesses. With a real community feeling, quirky stores and charming restaurants and cafes, it’s a place in Paris to feel at home and like a friend.

The street also has a long history; local lore says that France’s patron saint was beheaded here, and there are many tales of ghostly activity.

What to do there: Wander along the timeless street, pausing to peek inside the diverse stores that line the sloping and narrow road. From watch-mender and bookshops to fashion boutiques, discount stores, grocers, and others, you’ll find a huge array of goods to tempt you.

It is also a must-visit place in Paris for foodies with a large amount of cute cafes, traditional bakeries, and excellent restaurants.

Purchase things like craft beers, homemade jams, French olive oil, local wines, macaroons, delicatessen meats and cheeses, and deliciously sweet cakes in the specialty stores. It’s definitely a great place to stock up on picnic supplies and for anyone staying in self-catering accommodation.

#19 – Latin Quarter – Cool Place to Visit in Paris with Friends!

• Roman history
• Major landmarks and museums

Why it’s awesome: Home to the prestigious Sorbonne University, Paris’s vibrant Latin Quarter has a youthful atmosphere and an array of interesting things to see and do. the area has a long Roman history, having been conquered by Roman soldiers who established an ancient city. The area is known today for its numerous book shops and affordable cafes.

The atmosphere is arty, historic, and bohemian, with narrow cobblestone streets and remnants from the medieval era adding to the attractiveness. There are several museums and major landmarks throughout the area, along with pretty parks, historic churches, and a vibrant food market. This is one of Paris’s top places to go for anyone seeking an alternative vibe.

What to do there: Discover the many charms of the enticing Latin Quarter and experience a blend between the medieval world and modern life. Featuring many of Paris’s architectural landmarks as well as museums, markets, local life, and churches, it’s easily an area of Paris you could get lost or even find a homestay in to feel like a local in for a few days.

There are also a number of hostels and places to stay in the Latin Quarter and it’s definitely a popular place in Paris to dedicate some time to.

#20 – Moulin Rouge – A Great Place to Visit in Paris for Nightlife

• World-famous entertainment venue
• Sultry, chic, sexy, and hypnotic Parisian air
• Home of the can-can dance
• Flamboyant and extravagant cabaret

Why it’s awesome: Originally established in the late 1880s, the Moulin Rouge has become something of an icon for Parisian sophistication, sex appeal, and seduction. The building is famous for its red windmill on its rooftop. Once a playground for affluent and elite socialites, it is now a popular tourist spot in Paris.

Numerous well-known dancers have graced the theatre’s stages over the years and it was where the can-can dance was born.

If the French accent does it for you, you may even get lucky when you visit the Moulin Rouge. There’s just something about dancing and glistening lights at night that puts us in the mood!

What to do there: Ogle the scintillating costumes and be wowed by the dance moves and performances during a fun night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge.

Get into the party spirit as you watch a can-can dance in its home theatre and be transported to a magical and whimsical world.

Get insured for your trip to Paris!

In between chowing down on your tenth croissant of the morning and mispronouncing everything else on the menu, you might find yourself roped into a wild adventure. The French can be very (sexy) persuasive and the next thing you know you’re exploring the catacombs!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Paris

What is the most visited place in Paris?

It will come as no surprise that the Eiffel Tower is the most visited place in Paris.

What should you not miss in Paris?

The Catacombs are the coolest attraction in the city of Paris. Don’t miss this!

What is the nicest place to visit in Paris?

The area around the Louvre is quaint and charming and full of nice restaurants. I would say this is the nicest part of Paris for tourists.

Is Paris expensive?

Paris is one of the most expensive European cities to visit, but you can do it cheaply. Check out our guide on prices in Paris for more info.

Well, it must be high about time you got packing for Paris! There certainly is a lot to see.

This list covers a lot of the top places to visit in Paris but it still only scratches the surface. Once you start digging deeper, you’re going to unearth so much more.

There’s a reason Paris remains a cultural icon despite the lingering smell of pee in some areas. Every place you go in Paris is going to feel you with a little sense of wonder. This is a 2000-year-old city that lives and breathes life to this day! Every secret alley, cafe tucked away, and rooftop view is going to be a new experience. Plus, you can never get enough of their damn fine bread.

So enjoy Paris and all its top sites. When you’re ready, continue on to the rest of France. And then, after that, I hear backpacking Europe is pretty dope… Avast, travellers! It’s time to explore the best places to visit in Paris.

Mathilde Magnier

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Your essential guide to sightseeing in Paris

Sightseeing in Paris? From the Louvre and Eiffel Tower to the lesser-known Buttes-Chaumont, here’s our ultimate city guide

Eiffel Tower – tick. Louvre – tick. Notre Dame – tick. We’re sure you’ve got the most famous of Paris sights and attractions right at the top of your holiday hit list. But what else should you try to squeeze into your packed Parisian itinerary? There’s almost too much to see and do in the French capital, let’s be honest, so we’re here to give you some guidance. From a charming mecca for bibliophiles to a stunning off-the-beaten-track park near Belleville, trust us: you’ll never get bored in the City of Light. This is our ultimate guide to sightseeing in Paris. So here we go, strap in, and get ready to say bonjour to these incredible sights. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris RECOMMENDED: The best tours in Paris

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here . 

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Sightseeing in Paris

1.  Eiffel Tower

Imagine the gaping hole in the Parisian skyline (and our hearts) if all 18,000 metal parts of Gustave Eiffel’s jaw-dropping monument had been taken down at the end of the 1889 World Fair as originally planned. Thankfully, this elegant Parisian icon is still standing and poised for selfie opportunities galore. You can ascend to different levels of the 300-metre structure – though bear in mind the very utmost part is closed at certain times of the year. When it's open though, there's a cosy salon up there to gaze at the whole of Paris from. Be sure to check the tower from afar in the evening too, when for ten minutes on-the-hour 20,000 flashbulbs light the tower. Come on, we know it looks a bit like a pylon, but you can't really do Paris without it. You just can't.

2.  Arc de Triomphe

• Attractions

Sure, it's older and shorter than the Eiffel, but what's wrong with old and short things? Number two on your must-see-in-Paris list has to be the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a regal reminder of a time when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled the roost, proudly standing its ground as the roar of traffic whirs around its stone buttresses. In the Arc’s museum, you can learn about its 200-year-old history through interactive screens before jetting up to the roof, where gorgeous views of the city await. You're pretty close to some good shopping streets when done, too. Again, it's the Arc de Triomphe people. That's as Paris as Paris gets, save the Eiffel, of course. 

3.  Château de Versailles

• Things to do
• Paris et sa banlieue

Despite its location on the fringes of Paris, it would be sacrilege to overlook Versailles, one of the most lavish buildings on the face of the earth. Making a full day of it is essential – wander through the ornate state apartments, marvel at the pink marble palaces tucked away from the pomp of the court, and check out Marie-Antoinette’s digs: a deliciously twee and saccharine chocolate box of a house located on a fairy-tale farm. Outside the château gates the Académie du Spectacle Equestre run elaborate shows of tightly choreographed theatrics on horseback which is well worth your time too. I mean, this place. Look at the size of it, the width. Such a gaff. The garden too. It's quite the way to spend a day in the capital.

4.  Galeries Lafayette

• Department stores
• Chaussée-d'Antin

Few cities are as synonymous with style, flair and fashion as Paris. And if you are in Paris to pick up designer duds, make a beeline for the Galeries Lafayette, a sprawling shopping mecca where you can lose hours to retail therapy. Come for Dior and fine wine, and stay for the drop-dead gorgeous domed roof, which looks particularly exquisite at Christmas when there’s a tree laden with fairy lights underneath it. Xmas shopping is never chicer than it is here. When you've filled your bags, fill your stomach too, there are great food options. Just as you'd expect in prime France. Like Petrossain Caviar, and La Cave at Lafayette Gourmet (wine galore). 

5.  Sacré-Coeur

• price 1 of 4

While the mosaics inside the beautiful 19th-century (1877 if you want the pub quiz knowledge) basilica are très jolies , the real reason you’ve scaled the hill (or taken the funicular – if you’re over 80 or feeling lazy) is to take in the sweeping vistas of the city. Go in while you're there though, obviously. Also, when done gazing at the view – the cobbled, bistro-lined streets behind Sacré-Coeur are well worth exploring. Just try to sideline the keyring-shaking touts. The entire area is oozing history, so why not walk around the area? Actually, a fact for you, it was once considered among the most rebellious neighbourhoods.

6.  Les Catacombes

• Walks and tours
• Denfert-Rochereau
• price 2 of 4

Deep beneath the Parisian streets lie the neatly stacked bones of around six million people. It took them a whole 12 years to move all their bones. Quite the shift. As the sign outside reads (in French) ‘Here lies the Empire of Death.’ Which, you know, could be considered dramatique. But yes, it makes for a pretty unnerving experience, walking through this corridor of stacked skulls. You can tour a section of the 3,000km (1,864-mile) tunnel network – just make sure you wrap up warm, the temperature in the tunnels is a cool 14°C. You'll be chilled to the bone otherwise. 

7.  The Louvre

• Art and design
• price 3 of 4

Yes, it’s the home of the Mona Lisa (you might have to wait until the crowds disperse to get an eyeful of Leonardo’s gal and that enigmatic smile), and it's way smaller than you'd think, so you're likely to get a selfie of a selfie with the painting. No bother though, there are some 35,000 works of art and artefacts to explore at the Louvre, so get your walking shoes on and start exploring. Whatever you do, don’t try to do it all – that would take days on end. Pick a few rooms you like the sound of, and spend time properly savouring the treasures inside. Aimlessly wandering the corridors will leave you too tired for anything. Choose the bits that sound good, and you'll absolutely louvre it!

8.  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

• Parks and gardens
• Buttes-Chaumont

If you’re looking for somewhere a little wilder and more free-form than the neatly-trimmed bushes and gravelly paths of most Parisian parks, head to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Winding walkways, serene temples and roaring waterfalls make this a paradise for the curious explorer. As the city’s fifth-biggest park, there’s no shortage of stuff to see and do – and while you’re here, you’d be silly not to indulge in the park’s fabulous on-site food and drinks.

9.  Moulin Rouge

If it’s glitz and glam you’re after, dig out your sparkliest glad rags and sashay over to the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Drinks will be flowing freely, the costumes flamboyant and – naturellement – there’ll be more high kicks than you can shake a feather boa at. But don’t think you can just rock up and catch one of the Moulin’s spectacularly successful shows – book ahead (like, months ahead) to avoid disappointment. Go full Francais with a glass of champagne, you deserve it. Even if it's just for getting a spot at the show. If you want to be a real Moulin Rouge head, do the can-can there, it's where the modern can-can comes from. It was originally a seductive dance though, so watch who you do it to!

10.  Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

• Ile de la Cité

If you know the Hunchback, you know the cathedral. After Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’, Disney’s plucky ’90s movie brought the wonderfully foreboding Gothic architecture of the historic icon (built between 1163 and 1345) to a whole new generation. Even after the inferno that tore through the roof in April 2019, which millions watched unfold on screens worldwide, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame still stands majestic on the Île de la Cité. On your next visit, look up at its timeless façade and imagine its future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast? Visiting it now is also a sad but unique experience. "I saw it when it was being rebuilt" you'll say to the grandkids one day.  For the pub quizzers among you,  Notre-Dame de Paris means ' Our Lady of Paris'. Nice right?   

11.  Montparnasse Tower

The Eiffel Tower is such an essential part of the Parisian skyline – would you really want a panorama of the city without it? Well, that’s where Tour Montparnasse comes in handy. The Montparnasse is 209-metre block of glass and steel with, crucially, a fabulous viewing platform at the top. Within seconds of stepping into the lift you’ll be lapping up those city views – with the Eiffel Tower certainly included.

12.  Jardin des Tuileries

• 1er arrondissement

A gentle stroll through the vast gravelled paths in these gardens beside the Louvre makes for the perfect antidote to a day of tourist jostling – whether on a chilly winter’s day with a coffee or in the blazing summer sunshine when you can grab an ice cream and admire the perfectly coiffed hedges. If you want more art, somehow, there's a handful of modern sculptures, including bronzes by Laurens, Moore, Ernst, Giacometti, and Dubuffet's Le Bel Costumé.

13.  Musée de l’Orangerie

What with the crowds, the queues and the painfully slow map navigation, sightseeing in Paris can be stress-inducing stuff – but at least you can find some respite among the mellow hues of Monet’s ‘Nymphéas’  (water lilies) paintings, which wrap around two white oval-shaped rooms of the Orangerie. It's worth it, you know it is. When else are you going to go there? There's also  Modigliani, Rousseau, Matisse, Picasso and Derain around the place, so you know, yeah, you basically need to go don't you? 

14.  Canal Saint-Martin

• Canal Saint-Martin

While you might not necessarily know it, you may well have already seen or heard about the Canal Saint-Martin. Loads of Amélie was filmed here. Édith Piaf sang about it a lot. Sisley’s got his famous ‘View of the Canal Saint-Martin’ in the Orsay. And it’s easy to see why the canal is such a muse: the place is teeming with quirky establishments and peculiar personalities. It’s perfect for a chilled late-afternoon stroll – not least because there are fewer better Paris experiences than grabbing a bière or bite to eat and sitting down at the water’s edge. Très heureux , indeed.

15.  Musée d’Orsay

• 7e arrondissement

Here you’ll find Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Gauguin, Monet, Cézanne and van Gogh – and that’s to name just a few of the huge names within the Musée d’Orsay. The third most esteemed gallery (after the Louvre and Pompidou) in an art-mad city, before the Orsay opened in 1986 as a collection specialising in art produced between 1848 and 1914 it was actually a train station. These days, it’s also perfectly placed for a romantique post-exhibition stroll down the Seine.

16.  Palais Garnier

• Music venues

Opera fans are in safe hands in the lavish surroundings of this 2,000-strong auditorium. Arrive early to marvel at the false ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 and  saunter down that grand staircase like you’re royalty. Opulent and grandiose, this place will transport you back to the days of 19th-century  Haute société – and that’s all before you even sit down to enjoy its stellar programme of opera, ballet and theatre. Don't like opera? Who cares, you're in Paris. Dust off the suit and pretend! 

17.  Centre Pompidou

• 4e arrondissement

Its playful nursery school colours, exposed pipes and exterior escalators make the Centre Pompidou – designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers – one of the best-known sights in Paris. If modern art’s your bag, you’re in for a treat, because this place holds more of it than anywhere else in Europe. Name the artist and there's something here, you know, assuming they're good and modern. Certain parts are free entry. 

18.  Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

• Père-Lachaise

Like much Parisian architecture, Père-Lachaise cemetery is incredibly photogenic. Winding cobbled pathways lead you between leafy trees and ornate headstones. It's dead nice. Tourists flock here because of the famous names buried here – Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Proust, Balzac – but it’s a pretty place to wander in its own right. In fact, we've made a  handy guide  to help plot your route through the cemetery. It's a strangely fun time, cruising among the dead.

19.  Shopping on the Champs-Élysées

In 1969, hoary French crooner Joe Dassin released ‘Les Champs-Elysées’, a perfect slice of cheesy French chanson whose lyrics go, ‘in the sunshine, in the rain, in the dark or in the day, all you need’s on the Champs-Elysées’. The song captured the avenue’s status at the time as one of the most fashionable streets in Paris. Today it remains as such, with big-name brands like Levi’s, Hugo Boss and, er, Marks & Spencer all headquartered here. Come armed with cash and plenty of it. Of course, you can pop over to that triumphant arc at the top. Hell of a roundabout, that. 

20.  Shakespeare & Company

• Quartier latin

While the original Shakespeare & Co was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and other famed 1930s bohemians, the new shop (which opened in 1951 on the Left Bank) has a cherished reputation of its own. Here you’ll find tome-lined passageways and irresistibly enchanting alcoves – this is a place that has inspired writers, readers and bibliophiles for decades. Our advice? Bring a spare suitcase. You’ll almost certainly find yourself hauling home half a bibliothèque’s worth of literary goodies.

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Home > Paris Attractions > The 50 Best Things to Do in Paris

The 50 Best Things to Do in Paris

Unique things to do in paris.

With so many gorgeous things to do in Paris, it’s no wonder that the French capital is on the top of so many people’s bucket lists. Some of the must-do unique experiences in Paris include photographing the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre, admiring the stunning Notre Dame, and seeing the world-famous cabaret at the Moulin Rouge, but there’s much more!

If you’re planning a trip to Paris or even just dreaming about a trip, then this list of the 50 best things to do in Paris is going to provide you with some great inspiration. In this comprehensive list, we don’t just list the top things to do in Paris, but also some of the more unique things to do in Paris.

One thing for sure is that there are so many wonderful and fun things to do in Paris that you’ll need to book multiple trips to enjoy them all. Use this Paris things-to-do list as a little checklist if you wish, and happy exploring!

Top 50 Things to Do in Paris

In no particular order, here is our list of the 50 best things to do in Paris.

1- Watch the Sunrise on the Seine

For the early rises, head down to the Seine just before dawn and be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the city of Paris.  One of the best spots to watch the sunrise over the Seine is from the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III , where you’ll have a great view of the Eiffel Tower.

2- Admire the Exterior of Beautiful Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral is and will always be the beating heart of Paris. Despite the devastating fire in April 2019, which destroyed part of the cathedral, a visit to Notre Dame is still one of the most iconic places in Paris for tourists to visit.

While you won’t be able to explore inside this gorgeous cathedral, you can still get reasonably close and admire her beauty from the outside. Our Lady of Paris is still watching over Paris and the Parisians from the rose window of the west facade.

3- Explore Medieval Ile de la Cité

Ile de la Cité is one of two small islands in the center of Paris and is the location where the medieval city was established. This is the historic center and one of the oldest areas in Paris.

Today three main medieval buildings remain on Ile de la Cité – the Cathedral of Notre Dame , Sainte Chapelle , and the Conciergerie where Marie-Antionette awaited execution in 1793. But of course, there’s much more to explore!

4- Admire the Amazing Stained Glass Windows at Sainte Chapelle

Located on Ile de la Cité, and just a short stroll from Notre Dame, this gorgeous chapel was built in the early 13th century by King Louis IX – also known as Saint Louis – and has one of the world’s best display of stained glass .

If you want to  visit the Sainte-Chapelle  in all its glory, the best time to visit is during sunset.

5- Browse the Bouquinistes’ Stalls along the Seine

As you walk along the Seine River, you can’t miss the numerous bouquinistes’ stalls.  These stalls sell a range of items such as second-hand books, magazines, and artwork.  This is the perfect place for tourists to come and purchase a few souvenirs.

The tradition of selling used books along the Seine started in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6- Explore the Iconic Artworks at the Louvre

From the Royal Palace to the world’s most visited museum in the world, you cannot miss the Louvre , one of the most iconic sites in Paris!

Cross the glass pyramid and wander aimlessly through its maze of galleries, with iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, The Coronation of Napoleon, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, or the Venus de Milo.

If your time in Paris is limited, but still you don’t want to miss one of the most famous museums in the world, we tell you how to make the most of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

7- Walk through the Tuileries Gardens

Either before or after you visit the Louvre, be sure to stop by the nearby Tuileries Gardens . This is a lovely place to relax with friends and family or to explore the beautiful gardens, particularly in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

During the warmer months, you will find a range of stalls selling ice cream and pastries as well as many artists creating gorgeous artworks.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Tuileries Gardens whilst having fun, you can also arrange your own self-guided scavenger hunt in the Tuileries Garden .

8- Discover the Secret Covered Passages of Paris

While many tourists are familiar with all the iconic buildings and monuments in Paris, they may not be aware of Paris’ secret passages .  During the 18 th and 19thcenturies, there were more than 150 of these passages; however, only a few remain these days.

These charming passages that are dotted throughout the city are indoor laneways filled with boutique stores and cafes. The passages themselves are complete works of art, with their colorful stained glass roofs, mosaic floors, stunning architecture, and antique décor.

Some of the passages to explore include Passage des Panoramas , Galerie Vivienne, and Passage du Grand-Cerf .

9- Watch the World Go by from the Terrace of a Parisian Café

The streets of Paris are lined with gorgeous little cafes, and one of the best ways to enjoy the Parisian Cafés is to sit outside on the terrace and watch the world go.

This will not only give you a chance to indulge in some delicious Parisian food but also get a glimpse into the lives of local Parisian people as they go about their day-to-day business.

10- See Paris from the Summit of the Eiffel Tower

No doubt for many visitors, one of the must-do in Paris is to go to the summit of the Eiffel Tower . The Eiffel Tower is not only one of the most recognizable structures in the world, but with millions of visitors every year, it is also considered to be the most visited paid tourist attraction.

Opened in 1889 for the Paris World Fair, the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high, which is the tallest structure in Paris. The tower has three levels, with restaurants being on the first and second levels.  Levels one and two can be reached via stairs or a lift, but the top level, which sits at 276 meters, can only be reached by a lift. From the Eiffel Tower’s summit, you will enjoy great views of Paris.

It can be very busy at the Eiffel Tower, and so it is recommended to purchase your tickets well in advance .

11- Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood of Montmartre

One of the most popular areas of Paris to explore is Montmartre , a picturesque bohemian district with a very particular atmosphere that was an independent village from Paris until the 19th century.

Put on a good pair of walking shoes and stroll around the narrow hilly streets. Use this self-guided walking tour with a map to explore the main sights and learn the stories and legends behind them.

Admire the quaint and colorful shop fronts that line the streets, pop into several of the little stores along the way, or relax at one of the many cozy little cafés or Montmartre restaurants that spill onto the streets.

If you prefer to visit the Montmartre off the beaten path, then have a look at our Secret Map of Montmartre .

12- See the Can Can Dancers at the Moulin Rouge

For an evening of fun, head to the Moulin Rouge to see one of the most iconic cabarets in Paris. Running since 1889, at the Moulin Rouge, as well as witnessing the crazy cancan dance , you’ll see a range of world-class acts.

This is one of the most unique things to do in Paris, so be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Although the Moulin Rouge has multiple shows every night, it is a sell-out most nights.

The basic ticket includes a glass of champagne but you can also book the Moulin Rouge dinner-show for a perfect night out in Paris.

13- Spoil yourself with a Hotel with Eiffel Tower Views

Imagine waking up to a view of the Eiffel Tower every morning during your visit to Paris?  Well, it is possible to do just that as there are numerous hotels in Paris with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower.

Some of the best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views include the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Shangri-La Hotel , or Hotel Plaza Athenée but there are many more. Because there is nothing like an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower to say you’re in the City of Lights…

14- Enjoy a Traditional French Breakfast

During your trip to Paris, you’ll no doubt enjoy at least a few typical French breakfasts. Unlike most parts of the world, a typical French breakfast is a fairly light meal consisting of bread, a pastry like a croissant or pain au chocolat, jam, yogurt or cheese, and of course, orange juice, coffee, or tea.

15- Explore the City by Bike

While on foot would have to be the best way to explore Paris, for those wanting to give their feet a rest, why not hire a bike and explore the city. Paris by bike is great as there are plenty of bike paths and bike lanes around the city.

There are some great cycling routes designed to show you the best landmarks around the city as well as a range of places where you can rent a bike. Alternatively, you can always join one of the organized bike tours that cover Paris’ highlights.

16- Search the City for the Best View of the Eiffel Tower

On top of every tourist’s list is to ascend the Eiffel Tower – but did you know that the best way to really appreciate this iconic monument is from afar?

Some of the places with the best Eiffel Tower views , include Trocadéro , Pont Alexandre III, Champ de Mars, and Rue Saint-Dominique . From these places, you’ll get some great photographs of the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.

17-Find Paris’ most Beautiful Art Nouveau Architecture

For lovers of art nouveau architecture , you’ll find some gorgeous examples in Paris. The art nouveau movement was popular in Paris from about 1895 to 1914 and left many beautiful buildings in the city. Today you can spot the style in various metro stations, department stores, and apartment buildings.

For some gorgeous examples of art nouveau architecture in Paris check out Paris 16 with many buildings designed by the architect Héctor Guimard. Also, there is the Immeuble Lavirotte (Paris 7), Castel Béranguer (Paris 16), Restaurant Maxim’s (Paris 8), or the Synagogue of Rue Pavée (Paris 4).

18- Lunch at Le Train Bleu, the Most Romantic Classic Restaurant

Considered to be one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, Le Train Bleu located at Gare de Lyon is the perfect place for a romantic lunch.

The food here is incredible, and the service is impeccable, not to mention the elaborately decorated interior, rivaling many of the churches and palaces throughout the city.

This is a very popular restaurant and to avoid disappointment, it’s highly recommended to book in advance.

19- Try the Colorful Cakes of Paris

It’s no secret that you’ll find some of the best desserts in Paris from the famous tartes au citron, classic pastries as well as traditional cakes.

Some of the must-try Parisian cakes – the cakes born and perfected in Paris – include Saint-Honoré , Paris-Brest, financiers, Opéra, Baba-Au-Rhum, and many more.

20- Learn about the Impressionism at Orsay Museum

For people with an interest in Impressionist artwork, then a visit to the Orsay Museum is a must. This gorgeous museum was once a railway station and now has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork in the world.

At the Orsay Museum, you’ll find artwork by painters such as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Seurat, Gauguin, and Van Gogh from the period 1848 to 1914.

21- Choose your favorite Ice-Cream at Berthillon

For the very best ice cream in all of Paris, head to Berthillon. Dating back to 1954, Berthillon makes over 70 different flavors of sorbets and ice cream, including pink grapefruit, salted caramel, candied Ardèche chestnuts, gingerbread, and licorice.

There are many sellers of Berthillon ice-creams in Paris.  However, the original address in Paris, with the very best selection of flavors, is the store at 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île .  It’s easy to spot as you’ll no doubt see the long line of people outside.

22- Take a Day Trip to Versailles

If you can bear to leave the city center, a day trip to Versailles is well worth it. Just half an hour by train from Paris, Versailles is a royal castle located on the Paris outskirts. This World Heritage castle was once the official royal residence for more than 100 years until the French Revolution in 1789.

At Versailles, visitors can visit the Palace of Versailles inside as well as explore the magnificent manicured Versailles Gardens beautifully decorated with fountains and other water games. Also, be sure to visit the nearby le Petit Trianon, designed by the order of King Louis XV for his long-term mistress Madame de Pompadour, or L’Hameau de la Reine , which was once the quarters of Queen Marie-Antionette.

To get the most out of Versailles and the Gardens, leave for Versailles as early as you can. This Versailles bundle with transfer, audio guide, and skip-the-line tickets is highly recommended as lines at Versailles are always very long. For a self-guided visit, there are different kinds of Versailles tickets to visit the Palace, Marie-Antoinette’s Estate, and garden shows.

23- See Paris City Lights from a Seine Boat Cruise

While Paris is just lovely during the day, when the city is lit up at night, it’s just magical.  The perfect way to see all the Paris city lights is on a night cruise along the Seine River .  As you cruise down the river, you’ll see all the city’s iconic landmarks and monuments aglow.

Sailing the Seine River is one of the best things to do in Paris and you will find different Seine River Cruises in Paris to choose from. You could even combine a river cruise with a few drinks or a dinner cruise for something even extra special.

24- Visit the Grand Opera of Paris (Palais Garnier)

For lovers of opera or (mostly) ballet, a show at the Palais Garnier (also known as Opera Garnier Paris or Paris Opera) is a must.  Considered to be one of the most distinguished opera houses in the world, this 1979 seat opera house was built for Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the request of Emperor Napoleon III.

Even if you’re can’t see a show, a tour of the Palais Garnier is a great way to admire its grand exterior and exquisite interiors as well as learning about its fascinating history and visiting the phantom of the opera private box seat (only available at night tours ).

25- Visit Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Burial Place of the Kings of France

One of the most famous religious buildings in all of France is the Basilica of Saint-Denis . This Basilica has great historical and architectural importance as it’s the first Gothic church ever built and is also the burial place of the Kings and Queens of France.

The best way to explore the impressive gothic cathedral is by a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide where you’ll learn all about this historical site. Although it is possible to also do a self-guided tour.

26- Indulge in a Typical Thick Chocolat Chaud

You cannot leave Paris without indulging in a thick chocolat chaud . Basically, chocolat chaud is a super thick and rich hot chocolate. Some of the best chocolat chaud served in Paris can be found at Angelina , Chocolaterie Jacques Genin , Maison du Chocolat , and Jean-Paul Hevin .

Angelina Paris (226 Rue de Rivoli, in Paris 1) usually sees the crowds. However, few people know that there’s an Angelina with zero crowds inside the Louvre Museum, not far from the Apartments of Napoleon iii.

27- Explore the Luxembourg Gardens

A lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris is the Luxembourg Gardens . The Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect place to relax and explore, particularly if you happen to be visiting during spring and summer when all the flowers are in bloom.  Be sure to stop by the Médicis Fountain , one of the prettiest places in the gardens as well as in Paris itself.

Also, for families visiting Luxembourg Gardens, you could even arrange a self-guided treasure hunt for the kids (but also great for adults alone) to learn more about this pretty place and its first owner, Queen Marie de Médicis.

28- Walk along Canal Saint-Martin

Wander along Canal Saint-Martin , a small waterway crossed by metallic bridges and lined with lovely little boutique shops and cafes. This neighborhood – world-famous thanks to the film Amélie Poulain – is a popular area for the locals,  where you’ll find coffee shops, vintage shops, and trendy bars perfect for an afternoon apéritif.

Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect place if you’re wanting to explore one of the less touristy areas of Paris.

29- Learn about the History of Paris at Musée Carnavalet

The best place to learn about Paris’s history from its origins to the present day is at the Musée Carnavalet . Located in the historic Marais district, the museum is housed across two mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries.

With its expansive collections, including medieval and Gallo-Roman archeological collections, relics of the French Revolution , paintings, sculptures, furniture, and items of art, this is easily one of the best free museums in Paris .

After four years of renovation works, the Musée de Carnavalet re-opened its doors in May 2021.

30- Walk on the Rails Following La Petite Ceinture

For visitors who love to explore hidden gems not found in tourist guides, then walking along the rails at La Petite Ceinture is one to add to your to-do list.  Once a 32 km railroad line that circled Paris, today you can explore the area where you’ll find abandoned train stations and railroads.

Constructed from 1852 to 1869, La Petite Ceinture’s decline started with the construction of the Parisian Metro and eventually stopped operating in the 1970s.  Today the area is converted into several green spaces and is an interesting, offbeat place to explore.

31 – Enjoy a Picnic at the Foot of the Eiffel Tower

One of the most unique things to do in Paris is to have a picnic on the grass at the foot of the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars . This is particularly a great thing to do in the warmer months during spring and summer when on any given day you will find lots of locals doing just that.

Head to a nearby supermarket and buy a range of local delights such as a freshly baked baguette, cheese, chocolate, and of course, French wine.  Then relax and enjoy a few hours relaxing with your friends and family while basking in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

32- Sail your own Electric Boat along the Canal de l’Ourcq

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in Paris, head down to Canal de l’Ourcq and sail your own electric boat. This is such a fun way to not only relax with family and friends but also to see the city sights along the canal.

Marin d’Eau Douce is the company that proposes these electric boats and they are moored at Canal de la Villette, the starting point of your crazy boat tour. There is no license or permit required to hire these electric boats, and you can hire them from a few hours to an entire day.

33- Pay your Respects at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery , with its 44 hectares and 70,000 burial plots, is the largest cemetery in Paris today.  Père Lachaise Cemetery is visited by around 3.5 million visitors each year mostly because it is the final resting place of France’s most prominent people.

The cemetery is a must-do in Paris during fall , when it is especially gorgeous with the autumn colors.

Some of the most popular visited tombs here include Oscar Wilde , Abélard and Héloïse , Edith Piaf , Chopin , and Jim Morrison. Still, we recommend wandering around this beautiful cemetery with no particular direction.

34- Create your Own Parisian Perfume

Have you ever wanted to make your own perfume?   Well, in Paris, you can. There is a range of perfume workshops on offer in Paris where you can design your very own personal fragrance. While you’re concocting your scent, you’ll also learn about the history of perfume.

Most perfume workshops last an hour or two, and in the end, you’ll get to take home your very own custom-made blend.

35- Play Pétanque with the Locals

A popular game among the locals in Paris is pétanque. Pétanque is a game like boules and is mostly played during the summer months.

The game of pétanque doesn’t discriminate, and across Paris, you’ll find young and old players, men and women, professionals and amateurs. Basically, people from all walks of life love playing this game.

Places, where you will usually find locals playing pétanque, include Les Arènes de Lutèce , Place Dauphine, the banks of Canal de La Villette, Park Buttes Chaumont (outside, on the top of the park), and along Canal of Saint-Martin.

36- Look for the 100 Villages of Paris

Paris is the city of the Haussmannian buildings and boulevards, but it is also the city of a hundred villages: flowery alleys, country villas, bucolic dead ends are a total change of scenery, and the joy of the curious walkers.

In the heart of the city of stone, try to venture off the beaten path, and you may find a Paris stuck in time, exotic and out of the ordinary. These micro-neighborhoods such as  Butte Bergeyre ,  Mouzaïa , or  the Butte aux Cailles  are all wonderful places – far from the urban rush – waiting to be discovered.

37- Learn about French Wines at a Wine Tasting Session

If you love wine and are eager to sample some of the best French wines, then add a wine-tasting session to your list of things to do in Paris. In Paris, you’ll find a range of bars that offer wine-tasting sessions as well as guided tours to the nearby French wine regions .

A popular place for wine tasting is Les Caves Du Louvre , a beautiful and historic place that was the Royal Wine Cellar of King Louis XV. Les Caves du Louvre proposes visitors an interactive visit and cool wine tastings.

38- Enjoy some Cheese Tasting in Paris

Be sure to sample as much cheese as you can while in Paris!  With over a thousand different types of cheese in France and over 250 fromageries (cheese shops) in Paris, there is plenty of cheese to eat to try.

For cheese tasting in Paris, you can either do it yourself by heading to your local market or nearest fromagerie to purchase a range of cheese or join a cheese-tasting workshop.  Better yet, join a combined cheese and wine-tasting session in a typical cheese cellar, and you will feel closer to Heaven.

39- Laugh as you Learn How to Become a Typical Parisian

A great way to learn how to become a Parisian is by seeing Olivier Giraud’s fun one-man show How to Become Parisian in One Hour. In just an hour, Olivier provides a hilarious introduction to everything you need to know to understand Parisian people.

If you are wondering what to do in Paris after dinner, this one-man show is a great idea. The show is entirely in English, and by the reviews , it is easy to understand why this is the most popular one-man show in Paris for visitors and locals. After the show, you’ll be well on your way to being a local.

40- Dine in a Traditional Parisian Bistro

During your visit to Paris, you need to at least once dine at a traditional Parisian bistro .

A typical Parisian bistro is a small casual restaurant serving affordable French food .  A meal at a traditional Parisian bistro here is the perfect way to not only enjoy French cuisine but also to sample French culture too.

41- Aperó Time from a Rooftop Bar

French apéritifs – a couple of drinks with friends, usually after work and before dinner – is one of the fun, unique experiences in Paris.

When the weather is warm, just before sunset, make your way to one of the many rooftop bars in Paris . On arrival, order yourself an aperó and then watch the sunset across the city. 

A rooftop bar is also the perfect place to enjoy a fabulous meal while watching the city come alight with an array of colorful lights.

42- Experience ‘Immersive Art’ at Atelier des Lumières

Digital art galleries are opening all around the world, and in Paris, you can experience immersive art at Atelier des Lumières .

Unlike regular art galleries, with the use of 140 video projectors and a spatialized sound system, visitors to Atelier des Lumières are encouraged to become part of the art exhibits by physically walking inside it or interacting with it.

43- Explore the Underground Catacombs of Paris

In the 18th  century, the cemeteries within the boundaries of Paris were cleared, and bones moved into a labyrinth of tunnels under the streets of Paris.

These tunnels are known as the Catacombs of Paris , and now visitors can explore some of these underground galleries, which are said to be the final resting place of around six million Parisians.

Visiting tunnels and tunnels decorated by skulls can become monotonous after a while, plus the lines to enter are always super long. To get the most out of this Paris underground experience and avoid the lines, we highly recommend joining a Paris Catacombs guided tour with skip-the-line access and access to restricted areas.

44- Enjoy 360-degree Views of Paris from the Top of the Arc de Triomphe

For one of the best views of Paris , climb the 284 stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe .  In every direction, you’ll get marvelous views of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

To the east, you’ll see down the famous Champs-Elysees to the Louvre with the hills of Montmartre in the background, while in the southeast, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower.

45- Eat Yummy Crêpes in the Best Crêperies in Paris

One of the best things to eat in Paris is crêpes!  Whether you prefer sweet or savory or want to sit down and eat them with a knife and fork or roll them up and eat on the go – the crêpes in Paris are some of the best you’ll ever eat.

Originally from Brittany, Parisians did not take long to adopt crêpes, and crêpes are today one of the most popular things to eat in Paris. While you can get crêpes on pretty much every street corner in Paris, it’s good to have some suggestions for the very best crêperies in Paris .

46- See Paris’ Cherry Blossoms

If you time your visit to Paris in Spring , in the first few weeks of April, you’ll be just in time for the cherry blossom season.  This is such a stunning time to visit Paris as many of the city’s parks and gardens become covered in a splash of pink.

Some of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Paris include the Jardin des Plantes , the Tuileries Gardens , around the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens, and around Notre Dame. 

47- Visit one of the French Food Festivals

As you can see from our list of top 50 things to do in Paris so far, Paris is a foodie’s heaven!  A great way to try all these wonderful delights is at one of the many French food festivals held throughout the year in Paris.

No matter what month of the year you’re visiting Paris, there is sure to be a food festival ongoing.  Some of the most popular food festivals in Paris include Omnivore, Bouche à Bouche, Salon du Chocolat, Street Food International Festival, and Taste of Paris.

48- Visit the Picturesque Towns Near Paris

If you want to escape the city for a day, there are plenty of gorgeous small towns near Paris to explore.  The city can get busy, particularly during the weekends, so a day trip to a nearby town is one of the best things to do in Paris to break up your visit as well as explore a different side of France.

Some of the nearby picturesque towns worth visiting include Provins, Fontainebleau, Auvers-Sur-Oise, Marly-le-Roi, and Bougival . Most of them are very easy to reach by public transportation.

49- Take a Day Trip to Giverny to Admire Monet’s Gardens

Monet’s House and Gardens is one of the best day trips from Paris , and a must-visit for Monet’s art lovers. Monet’s Gardens are located about an hour from Paris, in the picturesque village of Giverny. During this day trip, you’ll no doubt recognize several scenes from many of Monet’s famous paintings.

Transportation to Giverny is not straight forward so a good option for exploring Monet’s house and gardens is to join a small group guided tour .  During these tours, you’ll learn more about Monet while exploring the village and visiting his grave, house, and gardens.

50- Buy a Box of Macarons for your Friends before Leaving Paris

Did you even go to Paris if you didn’t eat at least one macaron?  But don’t keep these Paris delights all to yourself; before leaving be sure to buy a box of macarons for your friends at home. They will no doubt be indebted to you forever! Some of the best places to buy macarons from in Paris include Pierre Hermé and Ladurée .

So there you have it, the list of the 50 best things to do in Paris! Now all you need to do is decide which things you will do on your trip to Paris (but we suggest doing them all!).

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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The 17 Best Museums in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

The Louvre has been thrust into the limelight in recent years, not due to renovation but thanks to Beyoncé and Jay-Z and the casts of such Netflix shows as Lupin and Emily in Paris . But even without its small screen boost, the museum has long been a traveler’s biggest draw—it has the largest collection of art in the world, spanning 10,000 years of history. You absolutely must visit at least once in your life—but don’t stop there. Paris is blessed with a plethora of marquee art and cultural institutions that showcase centuries of sculpture, painting, illustration, and photography. Stand rapt before Monet’s Water Lilies at L’Orangerie, take in avant-garde contemporary works in the Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce, or spend the afternoon reflecting on the ties between humans and wildlife at the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Read on to find our editors’ picks for the best museums in Paris.

Read our full Paris travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature Arrow

It doesn’t often make the top ten list for travelers, but it should: the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (the Hunting and Nature Museum) has occupied a hotel particulier since 1967. Since then, it has showcased the collection of François Sommer, a leading hunter and friend of André Malraux, a novelist and former French minister of cultural affairs who inaugurated the museum. The collection examines the relationship between humans and the living world through the lens and historical traditions of hunting. Visitors are invited to consider how the human perception of wildlife has evolved over time. After a two-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2021 with additional exhibition space. Given the intimate nature of the space, you could conceivably visit the permanent collection within an hour but we recommend allowing for more time—you'll want to linger quite a while in the trophy room.

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

Petit Palais Arrow

As its name suggests, the Petit Palais is the little sister of the Grand Palais, but don't be fooled: the building is still plenty stately. Designed by Charles Girault for the World’s Fair of 1900, the building became a museum in 1902. Its architectural grandeur was meant to pay tribute to the arts and the city of Paris, initially housing decorative murals and sculptures. Since there is free entry to the permanent collection, many visitors simply come to take in the quiet and sunshine in the garden.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Jamie Spain

Kaitlin Menza

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Rebekah Peppler

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try (the museum sells multi-day passes so you can spread out your visit). 

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it is only a year old, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance to visit the museum. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening in 2025. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs Arrow

Occupying the west wing of the Louvre—though not part of the Louvre—the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is the definition of grand. And, as the home to one of the world’s largest collections of decorative arts and design, including fashion, it has to be. It’s also the city’s second oldest museum, after the Louvre, making the historic building itself and its stunning, vaulted central atrium, part of the draw. It doesn’t command the same visitorship as its grand neighbor or the Musée d’Orsay (Les Arts Décoratifs drew in less than 700,000 visitors in 2023) but remains a favorite among design and fashion aficionados.

The Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection Arrow

One of the most long awaited temples to modern art in Paris (twenty years in the making) sits prominently between the Seine River and Les Halles in the 130-year-old Bourse de Commerce building, once a grain and commodities exchange a stone’s throw from the Louvre . The Pinault Collection, named for the 5,000 piece private collection of contemporary greats from arts patron and billionaire François Pinault (founder of Kering), occupies a striking, domed building painstakingly restored by the award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando over the course of a decade. One stunning, winding staircase brings visitors up to additional gallery spaces while another leads to the Halle Aux Grains restaurant on the third floor, run by beloved restaurateurs Michel and Sébastien Bras (and yes, ancient grains get a spotlight on the menu). Advanced booking recommended. 

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum Arrow

To understand present day Paris, it’s worth stepping into the past at the Musée Carnavalet, the museum of Parisian history located in the heart of the Marais. Vestiges from  old  Paris, from furnishings to signage and storefronts, objects (from stained glass to a 6,000 year old canoe discovered in the Seine), artwork and cultural artifacts, take up two grand 17th century buildings that underwent a five-year renovation, reopening in spring 2021. Among the most important features in the museum’s new iteration: greater accessibility for reduced mobility visitors, improved navigability through each space, and a more robust collection—more than half of the pieces on display in the permanent collection were kept in storage prior to the redesign. Tickets to the permanent collection are free and do not require advanced booking. 

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Musée de l'Orangerie Arrow

If you’ve strolled through the Tuileries gardens, you’ve seen L’Orangerie right on the edge, which is visible from the Place de la Concorde and set up in a former greenhouse. The more intimate scale belies the astonishing art housed within. Among the most well-known works are Monet’s "Nymphéas," the water lily paintings he donated to the state in 1918. Also on display: a strong selection of Post-Impressionist works, including Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso.

Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain Arrow

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel in 1994, Fondation Cartier is an ultra-modern museum and cultural center for contemporary art, and the gardens—here, called Theatrum Botanicum—are treated as an art installation of their own. Before the opening of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, this was the top destination for contemporary art in Paris. Given the less-than-central location, the average visitor to Paris may overlook it; those initiated in contemporary art, however, won’t leave Paris without stopping here.

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5 Paris Sights to Book in Advance – and 5 NOT to

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Are you planning a trip to Paris and wondering which sights and attractions to book in advance? Smart move. Because securing some of the most sought-after tickets can be as tough as getting a table at a Michelin-star restaurant on short notice.

If you’re not online the moment the tickets are released, you stand almost no chance. I wish I was exaggerating because the idea of mapping out an entire trip in advance … ugh. Who knows seven weeks in advance what they’re up to on day two?

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to book everything for Paris. Even though some sights sell out, some others let you just pop in.

And in this guide, I share with you how to make sure not to miss any must-do’s in Paris and save up enough time to wander in the meantime.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

5 Places & Sights in Paris to Book in Advance

Before I come straight to the point and tell you the sights in Paris you need to reserve in advance, one tip that I learned the hard way:

❗ If a museum, restaurant, or landmark is on your bucket list, no matter how popular or not, book it when you can. Because those once-in-a-lifetime items are not up for gamble and not worth taking any risk. If you don’t want to miss it, book it!

#1 The Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access: view prices & availabilities

If a trip to Paris is incomplete for you without visiting the Eiffel Tower, then don’t risk it and book your tickets in advance.

The official page releases tickets to the summit and 2nd floor by lift 60 days in advance , at midnight, Paris time. That’s at least what they say. But the exact time can vary and once the tickets become available, they are more often than not gone within minutes.

Tickets to the 2nd floor by stairs are available online on their page 14 days in advance .

Sold out! Here’s what you can do

If you missed your moment and online are no tickets available anymore, you have two options.

#1 Eiffel Tower Tickets are available onsite on the day. But access is not guaranteed, and you might need to queue for 3 hours and more, rain or shine.

#2 Book an Eiffel Tower Tour on Get Your Guide or Viator . It is a bit pricier, but if the official site is sold out and waiting in line for hours is no option, then Get your Guide or Viator can come to the rescue.

For your convenience, here’s a brief overview of the best rated tours:

• Eiffel Tower Summit & Seine Cruise: view prices & schedules

#2 The Louvre

Louvre Timed Entry: Reserve your ticket here

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, with more than 9 Million annual visitors. It’s busy, and the truth is that there is no way for you to avoid the crowds. Because even though weekdays are less busy than weekends, the Louvre is still and always crowded.

But do you need to book tickets for the Louvre in advance? You don’t need to, but planning ahead comes with one undeniable advantage: The waiting at the Louvre without a booked ticket can be up to 2 hours.

And without a ticket, you queue twice: at the security check point and the ticket booth.

Here’s where you can book your ticket for the Louvre in advance:

• TOP: Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access – view prices here
• Louvre Timed Entry: Reserve here on Get Your Guide
• if still available, you can also reserve them on the official Louvre page

#3 The Château de Versailles

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket: Reserve here

The Château de Versailles lies just a short train ride outside of Paris and is the Number 1 destination for every visitor, who is keen on a little side trip from Paris. And if this is your case, I strongly advise buying tickets in advance.

During the busy summer months and often on weekends, the sought after time slots sell out quick. Not as fast as the Eiffel Tower tickets, but last-minute purchases are mostly impossible.

Especially the morning tickets are gone quick, as it’s just the most convenient time to visit because you’re back in Paris in the afternoon.

You can book your ticket on the castle’s website, or simply here:

• Versailles & Garden Tour with Transfer from Paris: Book your seat here

#4 The Catacombs of Paris

• Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour Check availability here

The Catacombs, an underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people, are one of the unique, but also one of the most popular sites in Paris.

Due to its very limited capacity and high demand, booking ahead is essential. More concrete, only 200 visitors can enter the catacombs at a time, and time slots fill up quickly.

That you can book tickets on their website only up to 7 days in advance is not making it easier to secure your slot.

On most days, there are absolutely no tickets available anymore on site, and you have zero chance to get in without having prebooked.

If you don’t want to risk missing out, you can book a guided tour longer in advance:

• Catacombs Entry, Audioguide and Seine Cruise View prices here

#5 Michelin Star & Fine Dining Restaurants

If your trip to Paris is an opportunity to sample the creations of some of the most legendary cooks, then you definitely need to plan ahead.

Michelin Star restaurants are booked out well in advance, and so are the top-notch fine dining establishments. Just popping in? Impossible.

Your best bet is to be flexible and consider having lunch instead of dinner. It doubles your chances and as a plus: the lunch menus are always more affordable.

5 Activities in Paris you Don’t Need to Reserve

But despite all the buzz, the crowds, and the need to reserve certain activities in Paris, there’s plenty of wiggle room. And in Paris terms, this means time to wander, explore, to go with the flow end to enjoy Paris.

I like to think of Paris trip planning in two categories:

• the essentials : 1 or 2 activities a day that are fixed on your itinerary
• the extras: hidden gems , cafés, parks, smaller museums that you can sprinkle around as you feel it.

And, these extras don’t require neither a reservation nor planning. Here are 5 Paris activities that you don’t need to reserve.

#1 Seine Cruises on one of the Bateaux Mouches

Personally, I’m a massive fan of Seine Sightseeing Cruises and consider them one of the best things to do in Paris.

Cheesy and touristy? Hell yes. Relaxing, beautiful, and thoroughly enjoyable? Absolutely! And the best part is that you don’t need to cement them into your itinerary.

You can take a Bateau Mouche from Pont Alexandre III or a Bateau Parisienne from the Eiffel Tower. Depending on the season, they leave every 30 to 60 minutes.

If, against all odds, the queues are too long, just head over to Pont Neuf and hop on a Vedette de Pont Neuf . Or take the popular Batobus , which serves nine stops throughout Paris, so one will always be close by.

If you are keen on taking a Cruise with some extras, you need to book them in advance, though:

• 2- Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise : Book here
• Private Boat Cruise on the Seine River: View prices here
• Champagne Tasting Cruise from the Eiffel Tower: View prices & availabilities

#2 The Musée Carnavalet

See here my list of free museums in Paris

Everyone knows the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, but did you know that Paris has around 130 museums in Paris? And most of them you don’t need to reserve to visit.

The Musée Carnavalet is one of them. This fantastic museum focuses on the history of Paris, and on top of no reservation required, it is also free.

It has an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and photos that tell the story of Paris from its beginnings to today. The restored rooms and exhibits give a glimpse into Parisian life over the years, and it is a must if you want to get closer to the core of Paris.

#3 Montmartre

Also read my Montmartre Guide to know what awaits you

Montmartre in the well-known artist district in the north of Paris. This neighborhood is a must on anyone’s Paris agenda and is perfect for letting yourself drift and enjoying Parisian life.

Whether you spend a short morning here or an entire afternoon, Montmartre does not require an itinerary nor a strict plan. Just wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.

You will come across the sights of Montmartre one way or another: The majestic Sacre Cœur, the Musée de Montmartre, Place de Tertre, La Maison Rose, Rue de l’Abreuvoir … just to name a few. If you want to eat at the Maison Rose, it is better to reserve, though.

#4 The Panthéon & the Arc de Triomphe

Paris has a whole range of spectacular landmarks, that are absolutely worth visiting, but that don’t belong to the big headliners like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.

Most visitors walk by, take photos and then move on. And these are precisely those attractions that you don’t necessarily need to reserve in advance and block your Paris agenda with ahead of time.

Amongs other, this applies to:

• The Panthéon
• Arc de Triomphe
• Tour Montparnasse
• The Musée de l’Architecture
• La Maison Victor Hugo
• Musée Rodin

There might be a queue, but it’s moves usually quick, and you can simply decide on the spot if you are up for it – or not.

However, if it ruined your trip if a visit it wouldn’t work out, then better don’t take any risk and book ahead.

#5 Brasseries, Bouillons & Bistros

Here’s my guide on traditional Bouillons Restaurants in Paris

Is the culinary side of Paris on your bucket list ? Then you’ll be pleased to hear that the weeks-in-advance reservation only applies to the popular and hyped fine dining establishments.

If you’re keen on casually eating steak tartare in a brasserie, sampling authentic traditional food in a bouillon, or just popping onto a terasse for a croque monsieur, Paris is at your feet.

You have a plethora of restaurants to choose from. And if in doubt, if your eatery of choice is more of a tourist trap than a local hot spot, check TripAdvisor and the restaurants’ menu. If it’s in more than French and in English and has 20+ items on it, better stay away.

Good to know: Traditional Bouillons usually don’t even take reservations, you just queue and wait your turn.

Voilà, here’s to Paris trip planning and knowing what to stress about and what not to. While it’s essential to book certain things in advance and plan a bit ahead, you don’t need to map out your entire itinerary.

This way, you ensure you don’t miss the essentials while leaving enough time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Bon voyage!

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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12 Paris Parks to Explore

For most travellers, a stay in Paris equals an unforgettable experience exploring the city’s romantic architecture, grand historical sites, iconic culinary scene and world-famous artistic and cultural institutions. But sometimes—just like every Parisian—you need a bit of a palate cleanser, a place where you can stop, smell the roses, soak in the sun and return to your adventures refreshed. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city bustle or need a place to let your kids burn off some energy, try visiting one (or more!) of these 12 iconic Paris parks and gardens.

12 of our favourite Parisian parks

Let's be clear. Everyone has their favourite spots in Paris. In the following list, we've tried to account for varying tastes and reasons to visit a park, whether you're looking for a nice park for your morning jog, a romantic setting for a Parisian picnic or a place to let your kids run free. Whatever you want from a park, we're pretty sure one of these destinations will offer it! Note that entry into most of these is free, but some of their special offerings may require a fee.

Square du Vert-Galant

Let’s start our journey in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité, the island birthplace of this storied city. At the western tip of the island, you’ll find the Square du Vert-Galant, a small but lush green space, where you can watch the boats float by on the Seine, view both the Left and the Right banks of Paris, and look back at the Pont Neuf and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Take a moment to drink in the historic atmosphere along with the fresh garden air before heading on your way.

Jardin des Tuileries

Within sight of the Square du Vert-Galant on the Right Bank, the Jardin des Tuileries is the city’s first public garden (opened in 1667) and a classic choice for both Parisians and tourists. After a morning in the Louvre next door or at the Musée de l’Orangerie on site, stretch your legs with a stroll along the sweeping lawns and terraces and stop to view the statues by famous sculptors like Rodin as you go.

Brought your kids? Make their day by renting toy boats they can sail across one of three artificial ponds. They’ll also love offerings like the carousel, playgrounds and trampolines. For adults, people-watching is a time-honoured Parisian pastime.

Bois de Vincennes

If you’ve got more time on your hands and a yen for full immersion in nature, then hop onto Metro Line 1 and head out to the largest public park in Paris, Bois de Vincennes. One of the two “lungs” of Paris (the other being Bois de Boulogne), this massive reserve along the city’s eastern edge covers nearly 2,500 acres and includes lakes, forest, gardens, a zoo, a Bonsai house, a racecourse ... and we could go on.

What to do when you get there? Most obviously, you can take in the fresh air and natural scenery along the park's miles of walking and biking pathways. If you’re visiting with your sweetheart, we suggest you rent a boat at Lac Daumesnil and row out to Île de Reuilly to visit the island’s charming folly, the Temple of Love.

Families can’t miss the pleasures of Parc Floral, which includes not just spectacular flower beds and great picnicking lawns, but also fountains, a playground, a miniature railway and an 18-hole mini golf course that’s a tiny version of the city. Check out the garden’s schedule as well to see if any festivals are in progress.

Parc de Belleville

Next door in the 20th arrondissement, the famous Belleville neighbourhood awaits you. While you’re exploring the area, take time to stop by the modern Parc de Belleville, spread across a hillside. At the bottom, you can walk the broad, tree-shaded pathways and enjoy award-winning flower beds. But to really appreciate this park, head upwards.

As you go, admire the Fontaine de Belleville, the city’s longest waterfall fountain, which tumbles down the hillside between lawns and flowerbeds. At the hilltop, a viewing platform awaits with famous displays of street art and a truly spectacular view of the Paris skyline. Families will love the park’s famous playground, which boasts the longest slide in Paris!

Coulée Verte René-Dumont

If Bois de Vincennes sounds like too large a dose of nature for your city-loving heart, well, we’ve got an answer for that too. Try a stroll down the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantée. Built on a former railway bed in the 12th arrondissement, this 4.7-kilometre-long pathway starts at the Place de la Bastille and ends at Bois de Vincennes.

Wander down a verdant corridor planted with beautiful trees and plants, notably roses, and enjoy great views of the surrounding neighbourhoods from the elevated portions. Don’t forget to stop off at the Viaduc des Arts to browse the artisan galleries and boutiques and admire their picturesque setting in the old railway’s brick viaduct.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Next, let's head back into the city centre to one of Paris’ most famous parks, the Jardin du Luxembourg. Maintained by the French Senate, this 60-acre historic garden routinely tops lists of the best parks in Paris. Set in the 6th arrondissement, it's an easy stop between your visits to the city’s top attractions.

After exploring the nearby Latin Quarter, relax with a walk along the formal promenades, wander the park’s old orchard, view exotic blooms in the orchid greenhouse or admire the sculpture garden populated by famous mythical and historical figures. The renowned Medici Fountain, tucked into a shaded grotto, makes an excellent place to rest during the summer. The park is friendly to your littlest ones too, who will love offerings like a merry-go-round, pony rides and a gated playground.

Parc Andre Citroën

Next up? Head southwest in the 15th arrondissement, where a 1990s creation, Parc Andre Citroën, provides a refreshingly modern take on park design. On entry, you can’t help but be impressed with the main garden’s wide-open spaces, clean lines and bold, massive shapes—all within view of the Seine. If you’re eager to get some Instagram-ready photos, now’s your chance! Even better? You can get a panoramic view of Paris on the park’s tethered balloon, which carries passengers up 150 metres.

Don't miss the informal gardens tucked to the sides of the main area and organised by theme. A field of water jets in the main plaza also offers you relief from the heat, while two tropical greenhouses display lush greenery even in the cold months.

Bois de Boulogne

Continue heading west into the 16th arrondissement, and you’ll reach the second-largest park in Paris—Bois de Boulogne. A little over 2,000 acres, this forested tract is the other "lung" of Paris and likewise offers a rich assortment of recreational areas. Explore 27 kilometres of walking, biking and bridle trails, or enjoy boating on one of the lakes. If you love sports, book tickets to a pro tennis competition at the Stade Roland-Garros, home to the French Open, or see the horse races at the Hippodrome de Longchamp and the Auteuil Hippodrome.

Prefer to enjoy nature at a more leisurely pace? Tour Parc de Bagatelle’s gorgeous château and gardens for a taste of French aristocratic life. Or get inspired by nature and the arts at once when you attend an outdoor performance at the Jardin Shakespeare or Théâtre de Verdure. Afterward, you can savour some of the city’s best cuisine at Bois de Boulogne’s famous restaurants Le Pré Catelan and Le Pavillon de la Grande Cascade, both Michelin rated. To stay close to these wonderful offerings, book one of the many lovely  hotels nearby.

Parc Georges-Brassens

Formerly the site of a slaughterhouse, this hidden gem located in the 15th arrondissement offers a serene escape from urban life. Beautiful trees shelter wide pathways and benches, a lawn area surrounds a pond with a fountain, and gentle hills roll throughout the park. Take note of the many botanical varietals, and let your nose lead you to the aromatic garden created for the visually impaired. 

Visiting on Saturday? Browse the regular secondhand book sale that’s hosted in picturesque booths once used for a horse market. If you’re in luck, you’ll be in town when the park sells its own honey and wine, the latter made from grapes harvested in the park vineyard by neighbourhood kids.

Parc Monceau

A little over a kilometre long, this elegant, wooded park reflects its surrounding community, the wealthy 8th arrondissement in northwest Paris. The park was laid out in the 1700s as an English garden and dotted with follies, of which only an Egyptian pyramid remains. Today it makes a lovely oasis from the summer heat, a great spot for a jog or a walk, and a wonderful place to sit and read, especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel such as Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris . If you’ve got kids, they’ll love the playgrounds, puppet show and mini carousel. Next door to the park, you can also browse the Musée Cernuschi, a century-old museum of Asian art.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Nearly straight east of Parc Monceau in the 19th arrondissement, Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a little off the beaten tourist track. So why visit? Its hilly but verdant landscape (transformed from former quarries) is a favourite with locals and offers a lovely escape into nature. You can walk the winding forest pathways, visit the grotto with an 18-metre waterfall, let your kids run around on the lawns (no one will care) or settle into one of the benches surrounding the park’s lake.

For panoramic views, cross a bridge to the park’s Temple de la Sibylle, a graceful folly that perches on a craggy cliff. If you’re a little farther east in this district, you can also visit Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge, which likewise offers great views of the area.

Parc de la Villette

A fitting end to this list, Parc de la Villette lets you experience contemporary Parisian culture in action. Created in the 1980s at the outer edge of the 19th arrondissement, the park boasts a playful deconstructionist design in its green spaces. Explore the quirky follies, sit by the canal or kick back on the wide lawns, which play host to some of the city’s hottest festivals, including the beloved Cinéma en Plein Air.

A large part of the park is a sprawling complex of world-class cultural and exhibition halls. Don't miss Europe’s largest science museum, the City of Science and Industry. If you're up for great entertainment, you can hear world-famous musicians play, attend live theatre performances or watch a movie in IMAX—whatever suits your mood.

Honourable mentions

Looking for a few more options within easy reach of the city centre? Our honourable mentions start with the Paris Botanical Gardens, located along the Seine in the 5th arrondissement. This large public park in Paris is the country’s botanical capital and also home to the Museum of Natural History. Next door at Grande Mosquée de Paris, you can wander the serene oriental garden and stop by the tea room for refreshments. Spending time in the Rue Saint-Honoré's luxury boutiques? The Jardin du Palais Royal offers a place to rest your feet and enjoy some sun.

With these gorgeous and interesting green spaces in mind, you can find the perfect hotel nearby and know you have all you need to fully relax during your stay in Paris.

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14 Best Spots To Drink Wine In Paris

W hat's better than sipping a cold glass of Sancerre on the sidewalk of a corner bistro in buzzy Paris? Honestly, not much. Paris has a dream of a wine scene offering a treasure trove of options, from unexpected appellations to trending bottles that are hard to get your hands on. Whether you're just looking for a glass at a pre-dinner res, interested in small plates to pair with a bottle, or hoping to stand and sip while talking volatile acidity with the shop owner, Paris has it all.

After numerous trips to Paris spent sipping glasses across arrondissements and chatting with other sommeliers, I've compiled this list as a jumping-off point for any curious visitor; check the end of the article for more information on my methodology. From casual bars to trendy joints to classic bistros, these are some of the best spots to drink wine in Paris.

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Giclette is a sweet and casual little nook in the 11th with a smart selection of bottles, glass pours, and bistro snacks. A creation of Guillaume Dupré, the vibe is fun and friendly with a hot list of wines to choose from, including some real gems that rotate through the tap, like Brand Bros., Judith Beck, and more. You can grab a glass of effervescent bubbles on tap for as little as €6, or look to the surprisingly extensive bottle collection, where you'll find names like L'Anglore, Anne Paillet, and Sylvain Bock. For a small corkage fee, sip your bottle of choice on-site.

Consider ordering some tip-top snacks from duo Karori Endo and Mika Inaba while you're here. Their refreshing little set includes inari, maki, oysters, a selection of cheeses, and luxurious charcuterie. While Giclette doesn't take reservations, its generous hours seven days a week allow you to walk in before, after, or in between your visits to L'Orangerie and Palais de Tokyo. I highly recommend you wander by during the lunch hour and grab a glass of wine with the set menu. Good vibes, good wine, good food.

instagram.com/giclettekeller

+33 1 43 38 20 52

13 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris, France

Septime La Cave

If you didn't make your res for Septime the restaurant six months in advance, don't fret. Turn the corner and find yourself in the delightful Septime la Cave, where you can enjoy a glass or two. Open every day starting at four until late, it's a crammed, candlelit spot where you'll find some of the best bottles around.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and can direct you to the current skin-contact wine by the glass, or help you zone in on a trousseau from a Jura producer you've never heard of. If you're looking to snag a bottle for your dinner party, this is a great selection to peruse. You'll find a lot of classic names here like Ganevat, Mosse, and Radikon, along with ample opportunities to discover new producers or dabble in lesser-known appellations. Need some snacks with your vin? The spot's perfectly simple list of offerings includes a plate of saucisson, cornichons, and beurre. When someone comes around to refill your glass, you may also be asked if you want to put in a pizza order with the rest of the mingling wine drinkers from Louie Louie around the corner. Do.

septime-lacave.fr

+33 1 43 67 14 87

3 Rue Basfroi, 75011 Paris, France

Chambre Noire

Chambre Noire has been front and center of the hip natural wine scene for a few years now. Found in an airy yet warm space in Ménilmontant, it's full of bottles from floor to ceiling, cozy tables, and a tiny, bustling open kitchen. It's a younger crowd, so if you want to fit in, wear those new '90s jeans you just bought, or something along those lines. Regardless of what you're wearing, though, you'll enjoy the fun vibe. The energy and people overflow onto the sidewalk well into the night.

Oliver Lomeli curates a dreamy selection of bottles for purchase here. You can choose from household names or have them pour you something new and curious from Marto, Kindeli, or whatever they're splashing from the fridge. Wondering why you should drink natural wine , that current darling of the scene? You'll get your answer here. Guest chefs rotate in and out of the kitchen, making a handful of signature dishes from their home restaurants to pair with the wine. Get in on this and order a few things for dinner or late-night bites. It's closed Sunday through Monday, though, so plan accordingly. Take note: A little sister concept, Centre Culturel, recently opened up on Bd de la Villette.

instagram.com/chambrenoireparis/?hl=en

+33 1 47 00 00 00

4 Bd Jules Ferry, 75011 Paris, France

Aux Deux Amis

If you haven't explored much of the Paris natural wine scene and are wondering where to start, head over to Aux Deux Amis and become quickly smitten. This iconic Paris bistro is buzzing with energy pretty much perpetually. Casual, but with an extensive wine list and a playful, ever-evolving menu, this lively gathering place is the vision of David Loyola. It's the type of place where you really feel like you've dived head-first into that Parisian life, glass in hand.

Between glass pours and bottles, you'll find names like Brutal, Matassa, Foillard, and many more. This is a fun place to have the staff pour you something they love right now; you might just find you love it too, and will likely discover some other new gems along the way. When it comes to the food menu, the casual theme continues in the best of ways. A la carte morsels like tuna tartare, bone marrow, croquettes, and jambon and beurre will keep you fed and happy.

instagram.com/auxdeuxamis

+33 1 58 30 38 13

45 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France

Jones has been around for a while. The space is hip and cheery without being overdone, and its personality and menu change every few years when new chefs take hold of the kitchen. The wine list, compiled by Damien Lacour, has also evolved into a fun and classic selection that will excite any wine enthusiast. With Alsatian and Rhône numbers for as little as €6 a glass, you can generously explore appellations and grapes throughout the evening. Need a little direction? Ask and you will receive.

We highly recommend you book a table for one of the two dinner seatings and dive into both the wine and food menu, currently under Italian influence thanks to chef Riccardo Ferrante. Expect to find items like arancini, radicchio and citrus salads, handmade pasta in innovative sauces, and a series of glorious anchovies. Open Monday through Saturday, you can also visit Jones at lunch.

jonescaferestaurant.com

+33 9 80 75 32 08

43 Rue Godefroy Cavaignac, 75011 Paris, France

Early June is a new sweetheart of the 10th and a must-visit. The space is just tight enough to feel intimate, with an open kitchen at the center of the main room. Rotating guest chefs -- the spot's main premise -- bring vastly different menus to guests over the year. Genius? We think so. Its natural wine list isn't overly ambitious, but it offers just enough variety whether you're looking for a glass pour or a bottle. An ice bucket sits on top of the chef's counter, with the evening's bottles chilled and floating within it. I recommended starting with bubbles, because why not? Proceed to work your way through the glass pours throughout the rest of the evening.

The food menu changes dramatically, depending on who's cooking. Guest chefs who have come through include Susan Kim and Adam Purcell. You can be sure that whatever comes out of the kitchen, there will always be a good wine to pair it with. The one tough thing about Early June is that everyone wants in, so expect a wait unless you're going with a crowd and can make a reservation in advance. Get your name on the list -- the food and wine are some of the best in Paris.

early-june.fr

+33 1 42 85 40 74

19 Rue Jean Poulmarch, 75010 Paris, France

Le Comptoir Des Caves Legrand

Something of a Paris institution, Le Comptoir des Caves Legrand is a place for a formal tasting, a source of beautifully plated meals, and a bottle shop, all under one roof. This is where to go if you're looking for some really classic names, including those spendy and hard-to-find types of champagne . It's also a great spot for beginners who are curious about French wine . What's more, it's in the grand setting of the Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement, and it wears the 19th century architecture like a glove.

Arnaud Tronche heads the prestigious wine program, curating a list that will impress the wine connoisseur and wow the novice. If you're bottle shopping, take advantage of one of the sommeliers on staff and ask them to direct you. They're very helpful, and if you have time to do a deep dive into the collection, they'll engage in conversations about terroir, vintages, and more. We believe stopping in for a cold glass of Sancerre or a Burgundy post-museum visit caps a day off perfectly.

caves-legrand.com

+33 1 42 60 07 12

1 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris, France

La Cave Du Daron

The quaint creation of Frédéric Malpart, Le Cave du Daron is an unassuming bottle shop stuffed to the brim with an array of wines that will make you swoon. The little bar feels perfectly Parisian with bottles up to the ceiling and full cases to navigate on the floor. This is a natural wine mecca where you're sure to find something you've never seen before that will rocket to the top of your to-drink list. Expect names like Yann Bertrand, Domaine Rostaing Tayard, and Celler Frisach. You'll also find an abundant selection of bottles in the €20 price range. 

This isn't just a bottle shop, though. Grab a stool at the bar and chat with the owner or bartender of the night while you nibble a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. Take advantage of both sides of this spot by lingering amongst the boxes while you sip your gamay and pick the brain of whoever is on that evening. You'll inevitably soak up new wine knowledge in this setting, even without trying.

instagram.com/lacavedudaron

+33 1 48 06 26 81

140 Ave Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Is there a more classic bistro than Le Bistrot Paul Bert? I think not. The short, cute street it calls home features a handful of great eateries and shops, but this spot takes the cake. If you're new to Paris or just really want to experience the city at its most magical, this is the place to go. You'll find white-draped tablecloths for dinner, mirrors and sconces on the wall, and a glossy bar that becomes quaintly cluttered with more and more glassware as the night goes on. Even before you open the wine list, you'll be charmed.

Said wine list is exclusively French, with everything from bubbles by Pierre Gerbais to trendy glou glou bottles. Ideally, your company will throw down for a bottle or two, as this ensures you'll have a broader selection to choose from. Whatever you choose, you'll get to pair it with the kind of French dishes everyone needs to try at least once , like tartare, scallops, and frites. Le Bistrot Paul Bert is closed on Sunday and Monday and guaranteed to be busy every other day, so reservations are a must. Whether you go for a long lunch or a bustling dinner, you're sure to bookmark this spot for a repeat visit.

bistrotpaulbert.fr

+33 1 43 72 24 01

18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France

Au Petit Rozey

Nestled on the edge of the Montmartre neighborhood, Au Petit Rozey is a young wine bar with an old soul. The space really takes you back in time with its stone walls, aged wooden beams, and collection of saucisson hanging from the ceiling. Stéphane Rozey has curated a large selection of French wines to choose from, many of which are natural wines. There's also a handful of additional wines in the mix from neighboring Italy and other countries. If something catches your eye right off the bat, by all means, taste away. But, if you're unsure what to order and need a little direction, this is one of the best wine bars to ask for recommendations within. You're sure to be guided to something that tickles your palate.

Feeling snacky? Au Petit Rozey delivers on this front as well. Charcuterie boards with pâté, seemingly every variety of saucisson you can imagine, salami, and a series of artisanal cheeses are available, along with vegetable-forward shared plates. Come for the wine, dabble in the charcuterie, and stay for the beats pumping out of the record player. Au Petit Rozey has it all, making it one of the best places to drink wine in Paris.

instagram.com/aupetitrozey

+33 1 42 46 44 45

43 Rue Lemercier, 75017 Paris, France

If vinyl and wine is your recipe for a perfect night out, Stéréo is a must. Notably, it has more of a polished, upscale vibe than many other vinyl-spinning bars. If you're looking to order some of the small plates and wine, it's best to book a seat. The wine list is expansive, containing numerous renditions of chardonnay, Jura gems, and funky foreign pet-nats. It also includes short descriptions, encouraging the curious drinker. If you're not sure which direction to take, the staff is eager to help. 

A showy menu of shared plates features Italian capocollo, unique Comté cheese , a glorified croque monsieur , seasonal vegetable creations, and a handful of other dishes that come and go. This is a place you can stay within well into the dinner hour, happily filling up on small plates and sampling different wines. You'll likely do just that, in fact -- the candlelit, music-filled ambiance has a way of sucking you in.

stereoparis.com

+33 1 42 81 13 87

43 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris, France

Located just across the river in the 6th, Bar Etna is a cute and casual ode to 1950s Sicily nestled in the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. While the warm-toned wood and corduroy upholstery definitely feel of the era, the wine list branches far beyond it. Etna is a great pre or post-dinner stop; you're sure to find a quality glass for €10. Explore the nightly pours, of which there's always a generous amount. If you find yourself staying late -- sucked in by the visiting DJ, perhaps -- get a whole bottle.

You'll find things like Mariotti's Smarazen, juicy gamays, gems from Slovenia and the Czech Republic, and fizzy Loire renditions from Sebastien Bobinet, Emeline Calvez, and Bruno Richard. The food menu is just as good, but with slightly more allegiance to Italy. Small plates of burrata and tomatoes, shiny anchovies, and loose piles of prosciutto are on offer. Vinergons occasionally stop in to chat and pour their wines, which adds another dimension to the bar.

instagram.com/etna_barvin

+33 1 46 34 84 52

33 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France

Bar Principal

A lively and beloved bar in the 11th, Bar Principal is a dream on a warm summer night when the crowds spill onto the sidewalk and everyone has a wine glass in hand. This bar sits next door to its successful Brazilian steakhouse counterpart, Brutos, which it plays well off of as the more casual, come-and-go spot. The wine list is French-heavy, starring multiple must-drink natural wine producers from Loire and Beaujolais. You'll also find clutch bottles from northeastern Italy and northern Spain. Despite having a smaller selection than other spots across the city, Bar Principal still boasts an impressive diversity of options. You're sure to find something you're into, whether it's yeasty bubbles, glou glou gamay, or a heady skin-maceration wine.

The food menu is unmistakably influenced by Brutos, with a bit of French flair interjected here and there. It will more than satisfy all your snacking needs with shareable plates like tapioca cheese balls, seasonal gnocchi dishes, crispy fried polenta, and burnished carnivore options. If your group is in search of craft cocktails in addition to wine, this is also a great spot.

instagram.com/barprincipalparis

+33 1 48 06 98 97

5 Rue du Général Renault, 75011 Paris, France

Methodology

To compile this list, I chatted with local food and wine professionals and visited a handful of wine bars, caves, and restaurants across Paris. While at these spots, I sampled glasses of wine, browsed their lists, and sampled many small plates. I also made sure to consider and incorporate a wide range of options into this list, encompassing daytime and late night places and multiple price points. After careful consideration of these many factors, I assembled what I believe to be a great introduction to the Paris wine scene.

Read the original article on Tasting Table .

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• Paris in Summer: 14 Must-Sees to Live Like a Local

In July and August, Paris is transformed into a seaside resort. Terraces, beaches, and swimming on the banks of the Seine... Open-air swimming pools, music festivals, and cinemas... For a successful weekend or extended stay in the City of Light, follow The MICHELIN Guide's recommendations!

Editor's Pick Summer Travel

Paris by The MICHELIN Guide

See the Paris guide

Residents and tourists alike agree: summer is the ideal time to explore the French capital in the fresh air, strolling from dawn 'til dusk, enjoying the city's many parks and gardens. Without further ado, discover 14 must-do experiences to enjoy Paris and the Greater Paris area in fine weather and to really live like a Parisian!

1. Rediscover Paris by the Water

2. celebrate 'la fête de la musique' all night long.

NEW: Discover Paris by The MICHELIN Guide Expert insights on where to stay, dine and enjoy the City of Light

3. Show Your Support for the LGBTQI+ Community

4. Relax on One of the Capital's 3,000 Terraces

5. Swim in the Most Beautiful Open-Air Pool in Paris

6. Party Away at Outdoor Music Festivals

7. Marvel at the Fête Nationale Fireworks Display

8. Go Bargain Hunting in the Open Air, From Books to Antiques

9. Experience an Outdoor Cinema

10. Rent a Boat On the Bassin de la Villette

11. Taste the Best Ice Creams and Sorbets in Paris

In summer, Jade Genin (daughter of the famous Parisian chocolatier Jacques Genin) offers an ice cream collection with two headliners: 'snow granitas' and ice creams. Her finely grated granitas have the texture of snow and are inspired by Japanese 'kakigoris', minus the syrups. Entirely plant-based, with no flavoring or additives of any kind, and no white sugar, they appeal to taste purists. As for the ice creams, they are made without turbines, using only premium ingredients like Tahitian vanilla and Bronte pistachio. The result? Intense flavors and an ultra-creamy texture! Visit their boutique at 33 avenue de l'Opéra, in the 2nd arrondissement.

12. Visit Paris's Best Museums for Free

13. Admire the 'Nuit aux Invalides' Sound and Light Show

14. Go Window Shopping to Take Advantage of the Sales

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These Are the 5 Best Flea Markets to Visit in Paris

Get ready to bargain for some treasures!

Whether you are a seasoned thrifter or just along for the experience, navigating the start of your treasure hunt in The City of Light can be a challenge. So, we've compiled a list of flea markets that our editors never miss when visiting Paris. Among them is the renowned Saint-Ouen market, as well as a lesser-known treasure in Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Happy treasure hunting!

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Regarded as the grand dame of flea markets, the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen is said to be the largest vintage and secondhand market in the world, featuring thousands of vendors across twelve covered markets. Founded in the 1870s, the flea market sits on the northern edge of Paris, opposite the 18th arrondissement. You'll find vendors selling a wide array of items sprawling across seven hectares, from vintage high fashion and jewelry to neoclassical and mid-century furnishings, as well as antique books and artwork. Prices can be a little steep since the market tends to draw avid collectors; however, you may be able to strike a bargain by paying with cash.

Address: Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

Hours of operation: Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marché Paul Bert Serpette

One of the covered markets within the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, Paul Bert Serpette stands out all on its own for its array of pedigreed antiques, fine art, high jewelry, luxe fashion, and rare tableware. The market is home to nearly 350 different dealers, many of whom are young, each specializing in various styles from Greco-Roman to Scandinavian. Designers and even celebrities are known to flock to this particular market in search of unique treasures for their homes and wardrobes. Paul Bert Serpette may not be the place to find a bargain necessarily, but it is the best place to discover investment pieces that you'll treasure for years to come.

Address: 96 and 110, Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

Hours of operation: Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

For those wanting a more relaxed and smaller flea market experience, head over to Marché aux Puces de Vanves located on the fringes of the 14th arrondissement. Founded in the early 20th century, the market plays host to around 350 vendors selling eccentric collectables, vintage clothing, and loads of unique bric-à-brac worth digging through.

You may be able to score a few Neoclassical or Art Deco furnishings hidden among the countless stands, but Puces de Vanves is a treasure trove for smaller finds like French linens, colorful glassware and antique ceramics. Pro tip: Most of the vendors only take cash, so make sure you stop at an ATM before you go.

Address: 16-18 Av. Georges Lafenestre, 75014 Paris, France

Hours of operation: Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Marché aux Puces de Montreuil

Les Puces de Montreuil , established in 1860, is among Paris's most historic flea markets. It stretches from the Porte de Montreuil to the Porte de Bagnolet in the city's eastern quarter, boasting approximately 500 stalls brimming with treasures. Though you can unearth petite furniture items and charming lighting fixtures, the true gems of this market are the vintage clothing and textiles. Shoppers can discover everything from luxurious fur coats to rare pre-war accessories, alongside an array of elegant carpets and delicate linens. Seasoned bargain hunters will note that the most experienced dealers are often found at the end market's alley, near the periphery known as the "périphérique" in French.

Address: 6 Av. du Professeur André Lemierre, 75020 Paris, France

Hours of operation: Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Brocante de la place d'Aligre

You may have heard of the renowned open-air Marché d'Aligre located in the heart of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, with its diverse selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh bread and cheese. However, just outside in the square, 40 vendors set up offering a carefully selected and impressive collection of antique and vintage finds. In the center, you'll find stalls specializing in antique illustrations, drawings, accessories, and textiles, often at more affordable prices than at some other flea markets on our list.

Address: Pl. d'Aligre, 75012 Paris, France

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.

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Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 10:33 AM EDT / CBS News

With Memorial Day finally here, Americans from coast to coast are gearing up to celebrating the holiday with family and friends, or perhaps quietly solo. 

Whether you're hosting a barbecue or attending one, you may find yourself in need of a last-minute run to the grocery store before the grilling begins. Those without plans may want to partake in some casual shopping or lunch with friends at a fast-food restaurant. Luckily, many retailers and restaurants will be open on May 27.

• What is open and closed in Chicago on Memorial Day?
• What's open and what's closed in Dallas, Fort Worth on Memorial Day
• What is closed in Detroit on Memorial Day, and what will be open?
• Here's what's open and what's closed on Memorial Day in Massachusetts
• Here's what's open and closed on Memorial Day in South Florida
• What's open and closed today for Memorial Day around the Tri-State Area
• What's open and what's closed on Memorial Day in the Twin Cities?

Here's a list of what is and isn't open on Memorial Day.

What places are open on Memorial Day 2024?

• Academy Sports + Outdoors
• Ace Hardware
• Barnes & Noble
• Bass Pro Shops
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• BJ's Wholesale Club 
• Crate & Barrel
• Dollar General 
• Dollar Tree 
• Family Dollar
• Foot Locker
• GameStop 
• Guitar Center
• Krogers and its network of grocery stores — including Ralphs, King Soopers, Metro Market, Pick'n Save and more
• Rite Aid 
• Trader Joe's 
• Tractor Supply Company
• Walgreens 
• Whole Foods 

Restaurants, fast-food chains open on Memorial Day

• Bahama Breeze
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Burger King
• Chick-fil-A
• Cracker Barrel
• Cold Stone Creamery
• Dairy Queen
• Dunkin' 
• Golden Corral
• Olive Garden
• Ruby Tuesday
• TGI Fridays
• Waffle House

Places with special hours of operation on Memorial Day 2024

• Aldi closes early.  Check  times at your local store

What places are closed on Memorial Day 2024?

• Natural Grocers
• Memorial Day

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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