10 Best Things to Do in Paris

Looking for what to do in Paris? Paris is one of the world’s most enchanting cities — a place of iconic landmarks, artistic treasures, charming neighbourhoods, riverfront scenery, world-class cuisine and centuries of history. From grand boulevards and Gothic cathedrals to cosy cafés, museums, gardens and romantic viewpoints, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Whether you’re exploring its architectural marvels or getting lost in its intimate backstreets, the city is a destination that inspires at every turn.

From world-famous attractions and cultural icons to hidden streets, markets, parks and riverside walks, here are the 10 best things to do in Paris to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most iconic landmark and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. Visitors can access multiple viewing platforms, each offering sweeping panoramas of Paris’s rooftops, boulevards and monuments. Whether you visit during the day for clear views, at sunset for dramatic colours, or at night when the city sparkles below, the Eiffel Tower delivers a spectacular visual experience. The nightly light show, when the tower glitters for five minutes every hour, is one of Paris’s most enchanting moments.

Surrounding the tower, the Champ de Mars lawns offer a beautiful place for picnics, relaxing strolls and photography. From here, you can wander toward the Seine, take a river cruise, or enjoy cafés and viewpoints that highlight the tower’s elegant iron lattice design. It remains a must-see attraction for first-time visitors and returning travellers alike.

2. Explore the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world’s largest and most visited art museum, home to more than 35,000 works spanning ancient civilizations, classical antiquities, Renaissance masterpieces and global cultural treasures. Visitors can admire the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Egyptian relics, Islamic art and countless other masterpieces. Its maze-like galleries, grand halls and historic palace architecture make exploring the Louvre an experience of both artistic discovery and architectural wonder.

The museum’s iconic glass pyramid entrance, created by architect I.M. Pei, is a modern symbol of Paris and a beautiful contrast to the classical palace. Due to the museum’s vast size, guided tours or curated routes are highly recommended to focus your visit on the collections that interest you most. Whether you’re an art expert or a casual visitor, the Louvre’s diversity ensures something unforgettable for everyone.

3. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

The Champs-Élysées is Paris’s most famous promenade, celebrated for its elegant architecture, luxury boutiques, theatres, cafés and vibrant energy. Stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it’s a boulevard that blends historical grandeur with modern Parisian life. Wandering the avenue offers opportunities for shopping, people-watching and enjoying classic French cafés with outdoor terraces.

At the western end stands the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental symbol dedicated to France’s military history. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city’s star-shaped network of avenues radiating from Charles de Gaulle Square. Sunset is particularly magical, as the golden light falls over the rooftops and the Eiffel Tower begins to glow.

4. Wander the historic district of Montmartre

Montmartre is one of Paris’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods — a hilltop village known for its bohemian past, winding cobblestone streets, charming squares and artistic heritage. Once home to iconic artists like Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, Montmartre still preserves the creative spirit of its past through lively cafés, local workshops and street artists who continue the tradition in public squares. The neighbourhood’s narrow lanes reveal picturesque corners, ivy-covered houses and hidden staircases that feel worlds away from modern Paris.

At the summit sits the dazzling Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with its white domes and stunning panoramic views over the city. Nearby, the Place du Tertre is filled with painters and portrait artists displaying their work, creating a vibrant open-air art scene. Montmartre combines history, charm and artistic character, making it a delightful area to explore slowly and thoughtfully.

5. Visit the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is housed inside a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts railway station, offering one of the most elegant museum settings in Paris. Inside, visitors can explore the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and many others. The museum’s grand central hall, bathed in natural light, makes viewing art a visually striking experience.

In addition to its famous paintings, the museum boasts sculptures, decorative arts and rotating exhibitions that highlight important cultural movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The riverside location and the museum’s stunning architecture contribute to its appeal, making it an essential stop for art lovers and casual visitors alike.

6. Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité

Notre-Dame Cathedral remains one of the world’s greatest examples of Gothic architecture, with its intricate façade, flying buttresses, rose windows and centuries of history. While restoration continues after the 2019 fire, visitors can still admire its exterior, observe ongoing reconstruction efforts and appreciate the craftsmanship that has defined Notre-Dame for generations. The cathedral’s presence on Île de la Cité adds to its significance as the historic heart of Paris.

Île de la Cité is filled with medieval charm — from narrow streets and riverside walkways to landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its extraordinary stained-glass windows. Wandering the island offers a mix of peaceful corners, riverside cafés and historic architecture that reflects the city’s deep cultural roots. It’s an area where visitors can experience the soul of old Paris.

7. Walk the Seine River & its bridges

Strolling along the Seine is one of the most quintessential Parisian experiences. The riverbanks offer wide pedestrian paths lined with book stalls, gardens, historic quays and views of many of the city’s top landmarks. From here, visitors can admire famous bridges such as the ornate Pont Alexandre III, the romantic Pont des Arts and the historic Pont Neuf. Each bridge provides a unique perspective on the river and surrounding architecture.

A Seine river cruise offers another memorable way to experience Paris, gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Notre-Dame. Whether you choose a daytime sightseeing cruise or a nighttime dinner cruise, the river presents Paris in its most cinematic light. Walking or boating along the Seine is a peaceful way to connect with the rhythm of the city.

8. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are a beloved Parisian escape — a beautifully manicured park filled with tree-lined avenues, fountains, statues, playgrounds and elegant flowerbeds. The Grand Basin, where children sail colourful toy boats, is one of the park’s most charming sights. Visitors can relax in iconic green chairs, stroll around shady paths, or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that makes the gardens a favourite among locals, students and visitors.

The surrounding Luxembourg Palace adds a regal backdrop to the park, while seasonal floral displays and open lawns create an inviting space for picnics and leisure. The gardens are ideal for peaceful mornings, afternoon breaks or leisurely reading sessions. Their timeless beauty and relaxed setting make them one of the best places to unwind in Paris.

9. Discover Le Marais

Le Marais is one of Paris’s most stylish and historic neighbourhoods, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, bakeries, cafés and beautifully preserved architecture. The area blends medieval streets with trendy modern culture, creating a vibrant yet sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors can browse independent fashion stores, sample pastries from renowned bakeries, or explore museums such as the Picasso Museum and Musée Carnavalet.

At the heart of the district lies Place des Vosges, one of the oldest and most elegant squares in Paris, surrounded by arcades and symmetrical façades. The neighbourhood also reflects the city’s Jewish heritage, with traditional delis and bakeries offering some of the best food in Paris. Le Marais is ideal for spending a leisurely afternoon wandering, shopping and dining.

10. Enjoy Paris’s world-famous food & café scene

Paris is a global culinary capital, offering everything from neighbourhood bistros and cosy brasseries to Michelin-starred dining and world-renowned patisseries. Visitors can indulge in classics like croissants, macarons, crêpes, escargot, cheese plates and steak frites, as well as regional specialties from across France. The café culture is equally iconic — sipping coffee at a sidewalk table while watching Parisian life unfold is an experience in itself.

Neighbourhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse are filled with excellent dining options, artisanal bakeries, wine bars and gourmet shops. Whether you’re sampling fresh market produce, enjoying a long lunch or discovering modern French cuisine, Paris offers endless opportunities to savour its rich gastronomic tradition.