The Paris skyline with Eiffel Tower at sunset

Things to do in  Paris

Eat, pray, Louvre

In a city as mythologized as Paris, where do you start? With art museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, home to priceless masterpieces? With iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe? With the banks of the Seine River or the views from Montmartre’s tippy-top? Then there are the city’s diverse arrondissements, home to see-and-be-seen cafés and risqué cabarets. Don’t forget its abundance of all things wine, cheese, and pastry. The truth is: You’re never short of things to do in Paris—the only hard part is narrowing down your list.

Here, get your guide to Paris’ best attractions, tours, and more.

Top 15 attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower isn't just a symbol of Paris but a symbol for all of France. Gustave Eiffel designed the 1,050-foot (320-meter) Iron Lady to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution, and it was once the world's tallest structure. Although the tower has since been dwarfed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and The Shard in London, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. View the architectural icon from afar, or stop in at the three observation levels for stellar city views.More

Louvre Museum

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Primarily associated with the steady gaze of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa, Paris' Louvre museum is home to a 35,000-strong collection of paintings and sculptures. This museum, considered one of the greatest in the world, was established during the French Revolution to preserve and showcase the nation’s finest artworks. Today, the contemporary glass Louvre Pyramid heralds the museum's entrance, which millions of tourists flock to every year to feast their eyes on masterpieces that span from antiquity to the 20th century.More

Notre Dame Cathedral

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Second only to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is one of Paris' most iconic attractions, a marvel of medieval architecture that was immortalized in Victor Hugo's classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Today, the Gothic grandeur and stained-glass windows of the UNESCO World Heritage Site continue to reign supreme from Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the Seine River.(UPDATE: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently off-limits due to fire damage.)More

Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

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Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre—whose other creations include the Palace of Versailles gardens—in the mid-17th century, the UNESCO-listed Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is Paris’ most visited public park, with a spectacular setting between Champs-Elysées Avenue and the Louvre, on the banks of the Seine River.More

River Seine

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The lifeblood of Paris, the River Seine acts as a dividing line between Paris' historically sophisticated and bohemian halves, while providing transportation via riverboat and plenty of opportunity for romantic strolls. The banks of the famous river are a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with the city's top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musée d'Orsay, Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre.More

Montmartre

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Crowned by the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, historic Montmartre in Paris’ 18th arrondissement is famed for its cobblestone streets, artsy past and present, and central hill. Visitors flock here to imagine what life was like during the Belle Epoque—when artists such as Dalí, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso lived and worked in Montmartre—as well as get their portrait sketched in Place du Tertre.More

Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay)

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Rivaling the Louvre as Paris' favorite art museum, the Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay) is known for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and art nouveau works from 1848 to 1914. Equally impressive as what’s inside the museum is its exterior: a former Beaux-Arts railway station with an enviable location on the banks of the Seine River. Both architecture and art buffs will want this museum on their Parisian itineraries.More

Place de la Concorde

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Situated on the right bank of the Seine River and flanked by the idyllic Tuileries Garden and the grand boulevard of Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. The infamous guillotines of the French Revolution were located here, but today the square is best known for striking monuments, elegant hotels, and elaborate fountains.More

Arc de Triomphe

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An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, commemorates French soldiers and military victories. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.More

Pont Alexandre III

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One of many bridges that cross the Seine, Pont Alexandre III was officially unveiled in 1900. Widely considered the city’s most beautiful and opulent bridge, it connects the Champs-Élysées and Grand Palais on the Right Bank with Invalides on the Left, making it a popular thoroughfare for tour groups and amblers.More

Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

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Paris’ Latin Quarter is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.More

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

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The Arc de Triomphe looks down upon the grand tree-lined boulevard that is Avenue des Champs-Élysées: one of Paris’ most memorable sights and one of the world’s most famous avenues. It’s not just the striking architecture that captivates visitors—the shopping street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine restaurants.More

Grand Palais

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The Grand Palais is one of Paris’ most beautiful and recognizable structures. Debuted in 1900 in time for the World’s Fair, the architectural marvel is famed for its colossal nave, Beaux-Arts architecture, and immense glass roof. Today, the Grand Palais houses several gallery areas and also hosts tournaments, Chanel fashion shows, and other major events.More

Palais Garnier

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Home to the Paris Opera, ballet performances, and the fictional Phantom of the Opera, the grand 19th-century Palais Garnier—also known as Opéra Garnier—recalls the splendor of France’s Second Empire, an era synonymous with elegance and extravagance. Beyond its opulent exterior and foyer, the 2,000-seat auditorium is a riot of red velvet, gold, and bronze, with a massive chandelier and a colorful ceiling painting by modernist master Marc Chagall.More

Le Marais

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With its maze of cobbled lanes and medieval buildings sprawling along the banks of the Seine River, the historic district of Le Marais is one of Paris’ most atmospheric, with a lively Jewish Quarter, a great selection of museums and art galleries, and a thriving LGBTQ community.More

Trip ideas

Paris Do’s and Don’ts

Paris Do’s and Don’ts

Top activities in Paris

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
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Eiffel Tower Guided Access to 2nd Floor with Summit Option
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Disneyland® Paris Entrance Ticket

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Paris Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

Paris Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

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Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise
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Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise

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All about Paris

When to visit

It’s hard to beat springtime in Paris. Flowers blossom in public parks like the Luxembourg Gardens, and picnics and outdoor café meals become inviting once more. Meanwhile, a busy festival calendar kicks off with things to do like the Fête de la Gastronomie and the French Open. Stick around for early summer to attend Paris Pride, the Fête de la Musique, and Bastille Day. Just leave before August, when much of the city shuts down for a month-long vacation.

Getting around

Served as it is by three airports—Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais—Paris is easy to get to. It’s also easy to explore from there, thanks to its extensive public transportation networks. Options for getting around include numerous metro lines, RER commuter trains, buses, and low-cost bike rentals. To hop from Paris to other French or international cities, you can use one of the city’s six major train stations.

Traveler tips

To venture beyond Parisian stereotypes—and to see part of the city that many tourists miss—head northwest. There, the Belleville neighborhood boasts a diverse community, including one of the city's primary Chinatowns. It’s home to vibrant street art, plus trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Its edgy ambiance doesn't feel like it came from a postcard—and is all the better for it.

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A local’s pocket guide to Paris

Jade Broggio

Jade worked in Paris’ La Défense neighborhood many moons ago and had an amazing time living in Ménilmontant, between the 11th and the 20th arrondissements (districts).

The first thing you should do in Paris is...

immerse yourself in the typical Parisian atmosphere. Order a coffee on the terrace of a bistro in Les Halles and contemplate the bustle of the city.

A perfect Saturday in Paris...

starts with brunch at Shouk, a Mediterranean restaurant in the 10th arrondissement. Then, follow Amélie’s footsteps down the Canal Saint-Martin, before meeting friends at Prune for a glass of wine (or two).

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Montmartre. Escape the crowds in the Place du Tertre and get lost a little further down the cobbled streets for a more local experience.

To discover the "real" Paris...

visit the 19th arrondissement. I like to stroll along the Buttes Chaumont and the Canal de l'Ourcq, before stopping by La Paname, an incredible brewery that overlooks the canal.

For the best view of the city...

go to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre or leave Paris for nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye for a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense from the Saint-Germain Castle.

One thing people get wrong...

Parisians are not always on strike, but make sure to check the local news before planning your day.

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People Also Ask

What should you not miss in Paris?

Paris is home to many unmissable attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palais Garnier, and Sainte Chapelle. Then there are its world-class museums, including the Musée d'Orsay, home to canvases by Van Gogh and Monet. No visit is complete without strolling through atmospheric neighborhoods like Le Marais. And don’t forget green spaces like the Place des Vosges and Tuileries Garden.

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What should I do on my first trip to Paris?

Make the most of your chance to discover the best things to do in Paris. Go on a Seine River cruise to admire views of the Eiffel Tower, and head to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. Spot the graves of luminaries like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf in Père Lachaise Cemetery. And discover Left Bank neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter.

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What are the local specialties in Paris?

Eating is one of the best things to do in Paris. The city’s decadent culinary specialities range from croissants and freshly baked baguettes to colorful macarons. Then there’s the timeless bistro fare, like hearty croque-monsieur sandwiches and steak frites. The best of French gastronomy is available here, including hundreds of cheeses, exceptional wines, and cured meats.

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What entertainment is there in Paris?

There are so many things to do in Paris for fun. Choices range from rarified opera and ballet performances to racy cabaret revues at the Moulin Rouge. Its theaters host a range of plays, comedy nights, and concerts throughout the year, while the Stade de France hosts soccer and rugby games.

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What do locals do for fun in Paris?

Paris locals often bypass touristy neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter in favor of the Canal Saint-Martin district. There, they picnic along the water and share bottles of wine in trendy bars. Other locals-frequented destinations include the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the hip Belleville district, and the Marais.

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Is Paris expensive?

Yes, Paris is one of the world's most expensive cities. Luxury is present at every turn, from high-end department stores to Michelin-starred meals. But there are cost-effective ways to explore the city. Enjoy panoramic views from Sacré-Coeur Basilica, window-shop on the Champs-Élysées, and see the cultural attractions of the Parc de la Villette.

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Do you need a guide to visit Paris?

While Paris is a great city to explore on your own, it’s always helpful to see the iconic city through the eyes of an expert. Get your guide to show you their favorite hidden gems, provide context to famous landmarks, and—best of all—tell you where to find the best macarons in town.

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Frequently Asked Questions