Pont d'Iéna, Paris © French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • 15 Top Things to See and Do in Paris

Last Updated: 9 July 2022

I am pleased to introduce Marco Santos from Travel-Boo who has chosen to tell us about the 15 Top Things to See and Do in Paris. I hope this article will give you some great ideas for discovering Paris, especially if you are coming to the City of Light for the first time!

 

15 Top Things to See and Do in Paris

Paris is a city filled with so many charms, character, and pure elegance that a lifetime won’t suffice to barely scratch the surface of this magical city. Just when you think you have seen it all, another different and exciting layer unfolds.

Things to see and do in Paris - Quai de la Seine © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – The Banks of the River Seine © French Moments

It’s no wonder then that so many who visit fall in love with Paris, a city now personified by love and romance. It’s captured many a heart and inspired writers, travellers, and many famous personalities to coin intriguing quotes about Paris, such as when the famous French playwright and novelist Honoré de Balzac exclaimed: “Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.

Things to see and do in Paris - Pont Alexandre III © French Moments
The magnificent Pont Alexandre III © French Moments

Understandably, planning a visit to such a popular destination may seem overwhelming given the range of incredible sights to explore and things to do in Paris.

Thankfully in this guide, we will share with you 15 top experiences and things to do whilst visiting Paris to hopefully inspire and provide you with a good balance of everything the City of Lights has to offer.

 

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is split into several different and unique neighbourhoods, known as arrondissements. There are 20 in total starting with the 1st and 2nd arrondissements being at the heart of the city and then moving outward from there to the outskirts of the city.

Best places to stay in Paris
Hotel Europe Saint Séverin, Paris

Each arrondissement has its own personality and charm and is uniquely different from each other. If you’re yet to decide on where to stay on your trip to Paris, you may consider the popular neighbourhoods of Le Marais (set in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement), Ile Saint-Louis, Montmartre, or St-Germain-des-Prés to name but a few.

Be sure to read French Moments’ comprehensive guide on the best neighbourhoods and hotels to stay at in Paris, to help you narrow down your search for your trip.

 

Top Sights to Explore in Paris

Paris probably has the largest concentration of tourist attractions in France and is known for its incredible selection of French landmarks and sights to explore. Here is a selection of the best sights in Paris to visit.

 

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Dominating the Parisien skyline since its opening in 1889, the Eiffel Tower which was initially detested by many Parisians is today perhaps the most iconic of all attractions in Paris.

Things to see and do in Paris - Eiffel Tower © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – the Eiffel Tower © French Moments

This wrought-iron tower that’s been nicknamed ‘La dame de fer‘ (translated as the ‘Iron Lady’) also happens to be the most visited (paid) attraction in the world, with close to 7 million visitors scaling the tower annually to get a glimpse of the incredible views of Paris from above.

The Eiffel Tower is also exceptionally beautiful at night when the light show, installed in 1985 by Pierre Bideau, illuminates the tower and provides onlookers with an impressive light display.

Head across to the Place du Trocadero viewing platform for the best views of the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night.

Things to see and do in Paris - Trocadéro © French Moments
The Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower © French Moments

If you want to head up, then make sure to book your tickets ahead of time for the Eiffel Tower as this is an extremely popular Paris attraction.

 

Admire the Louvre Museum

Home to thousands of masterpieces, around 38,000 to be exact, from the Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo, the Louvre Museum is without a doubt one of the finest art galleries in the world.

The Louvre © French Moments
The Louvre at sunset © French Moments

This institution, which fronts on to the gorgeous Tuileries Gardens, understandably enjoys the highest footfall and can become extremely crowded on most days of the week.

Apart from the classic paintings, the Egyptian Antiquities section is a must-visit for its huge collection of artefacts, from ancient Egypt to the Byzantine era which includes mummies, scrolls and jewels among others. You can’t miss the iconic glass pyramid-shaped structure in the courtyard in the front that has become a favourite Instagram-worthy photo-op spot.

Things to see and do in Paris - the Louvre © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – the Louvre © French Moments

Save time and book your fast-track entry tickets to the Louvre before your visit!

 

Cathedral of Notre Dame

The wealth of the history and culture of Paris can be found in the many museums and monuments scattered throughout the city. And, Notre Dame is yet another example of this.

Notre-Dame de Paris © French Moments
Notre-Dame de Paris © French Moments

Visitors can admire the imposing architecture complete with intriguing gargoyles and beautiful stained glass windows at this 13th century Gothic French Cathedral. Now considered to be one of the most recognised of all churches across the globe, Notre Dame enjoys an impressive location on IIe de la Cité.

Things to see and do in Paris - Notre-Dame facade © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – Notre-Dame de Paris © French Moments

Thanks to Victor Hugo, author of the iconic Hunchback of Notre Dame, the building is a favourite for both adults and children alike. The two towers on either side offer breathtaking views of central Paris and the river Seine.

Things to see and do in Paris - Notre-Dame Paris © French Moments
The view from the South Tower of Notre-Dame before the 2019 fire © French Moments

Note: On the 15th of April 2019 the world looked on in shock as the Notre Dame lit ablaze. The fire sadly caused large-scale destruction but thankfully the restoration project kicked off in 2021 with the goal of completing it in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

 

Opera Garnier

If you are an admirer of historic architecture and have a penchant for the lavish and the opulent, then you simply have to take a tour of the extravagant Opera Garnier, one of the most famous Opera Houses in the world.

The main façade onto the place de l'Opéra © French Moments
The main façade onto the place de l’Opéra © French Moments

This will give you an opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Opera House, the most stunning Beaux-Arts building in Paris by far. Admire the grandeur of the architecture and intricate decor which dates back to the 19th century and see the stage that inspired the book and theatre production, Phantom of the Opera.

Grand Foyer, Palais Garnier © French Moments
Inside Palais Garnier: the Grand Foyer © French Moments

Book your tickets to enter the Opera Garnier for a chance to admire the grandiose marble staircase (named the Grand Escalier), the 1979-seater Auditorium, as well as the ornate and gold gilded Salon du Glacier Foyer with its imposing chandeliers. You’ll no doubt be bowled over the incredible craftsmanship that has gone into creating such a masterpiece.

 

Visit the Montmartre and the Sacré Cœur

Bohemian Montmartre with its charming cobbled streets, squares and boutique shops has long since attracted artists and visitors. A neighbourhood of Paris packed with personality, you simply cannot miss out on wandering through the quaint streets of Montmartre.

Montmartre June 2015 1 copyright French Moments
In the streets of Montmartre © French Moments

Visit the Place du Tertre square and let one of the local artists paint your portrait for you. Whilst there, you’ll definitely want to pop into one of the pâtisseries on the square and get your hands on a delectable Parisian crêpe!

Sacré-Cœur Montmartre © French Moments - Paris 30
Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre © French Moments

From Place du Tertre it’s a short 200-metre walk around the corner to the grand Sacré Cœur Basilica, towering out over the city. This gorgeous Romanesque-Byzantine style basilica is equally as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Whilst you can enter the basilica free of charge, access to climbing to the top of the dome does come at a cost.

Paris View from Montmartre 9 copyright French Moments
Paris from the top of Sacré-Cœur © French Moments

Do note that to get to the top of the dome will require you to go up roughly 300 steps with no access to an elevator at all.

After you’ve admired the basilica inside and out, grab a seat on the steps down below and enjoy the sweeping views out over Paris!

Montmartre Walking Tour 13 April 2016 11 © French Moments
Deux-Chevaux in the rue de l’Abreuvoir, Montmartre © French Moments

 

Stroll Along The Champs-Élysées

Another iconic area of Paris worth visiting is the beautiful tree-lined Champs-Elysées avenue of Paris that stretches along for 1.9 kilometres, connecting Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles-de-Gaulle.

Things to see and do in Paris - Champs Elysées Paris © French Moments
The Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement © French Moments

Originally built under the orders of King Louis XIV, the avenue has become synonymous with high-end shopping, thanks to various fashion brands hosting their flagship stores here, including the likes Cartier, Zara, Louis Vuitton and many more. The Champs-Elysées also feature on the final stretch of the Tour de France cycling race, as well as playing host to events and festivities such as the Bastille Day celebrations.

View of Paris from Arc de Triomphe © French Moments
View of the Champs-Élysées from the top © French Moments

Today you can browse through the various shopping outlets, dine at the restaurants that line this strip or even attend a theatre show.

 

The Arc de Triomphe

Heading upward and away from the Place de la Concorde towards the western end of the Champs-Elysées, you’ll arrive at the grand and imposing Arc de Triomphe monument.

Things to see and do in Paris - Arc de Triomphe © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – The Arc de Triomphe © French Moments

This impressive monument, another famous attraction in Paris, was completed in 1836 under the order of Napoleon and sits smack bang in the centre of a busy 12-lane roundabout. Thankfully, visitors can access the arch through an underground tunnel that exits out at the base of the monument.

Here, at the grave of the “Unknown Soldier,” you can pay your respects to all the fallen soldiers who died to defend France in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary wars.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, Paris © French Moments
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, Paris © French Moments

You can also opt to scale the 30-metre high monument to the top, to admire spectacular views out over the city.

View from Arc de Triomphe 06 © French Moments
The view of the Eiffel Tower and Avenue Kleber © French Moments

Make sure to pre-book your skip-the-line entrance tickets with rooftop access for the Arc de Triomphe ahead of time.

 

Romantic Things to See and Do in Paris

Experience a Romantic Parisian Evening

Seeing Paris by night is just as magical, if not more, than by day! There are scores of operators offering guided tours of the city by night, but the best way to take in the sights and sounds of Paris is on foot.

Things to see and do in Paris - Notre-Dame © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – Notre-Dame at night time © French Moments

Just amble across Champs-Elysées or along the banks of the Seine to admire the illuminated French landmarks in the distance. Pop into one of the numerous sidewalk cafes to sit and enjoy a meal or sip some excellent local wine as you watch the world go by.

For a completely unique experience, you may want to head to the ‘red-light district’ of Paris, Quartier Pigalle. This is where you’ll be able to enjoy the now world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show.

Moulin Rouge © French Moments
The Moulin Rouge by night © French Moments

Dating back to 1889 when the Moulin Rouge was first founded, this decadent show features over 80 artists and over a thousand costumes, and will no doubt dazzle and delight viewers and is a must-see when visiting Paris!

 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise

What better way to explore Paris and its remarkable sights than by river cruise down the Seine. Glide along the Seine and admire the various Parisian attractions for a completely different perspective.

Things to see and do in Paris - River Cruise on the Seine © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – River Cruise on the Seine © French Moments

One of the most popular options is to book a one hour Bateaux Parisiens cruise where you’ll get to pass along notable sights including the Eiffel Tower, The Notre-Dame cathedral, the Louvre, as well as passing under the famous Pont-Neuf and other bridges.

 

Picnic in the Tuileries Gardens

If you are looking for a breath of fresh air in the heart of Paris, the play areas and activities at the picturesque Tuileries Gardens are perfect for couples, families and children.

The Historical Axis of Paris in the Tuileries garden near place de la Concorde © French Moments
The Historical Axis of Paris in the Tuileries garden near place de la Concorde © French Moments

This beautiful setting with its formal French-style gardens that separate the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy.

The gardens are punctuated by several sculptures and ponds and play host to the annual Paris Fashion Week as well as the funfair named “Fête des Tuileries” which runs between the months of June to August.

Tuileries Grande Roue © French Moments
Funfair at the Tuileries © French Moments

Art enthusiasts should make sure to head over to the southwest corner o the Tuileries to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie which features works by Monet, including his work titled the Nymphéas, a stunning set of 8 large water-lily paintings.

Nymphéas Claude Monet Orangerie © French Moments
The Nymphéas by Claude Monet © French Moments

 

Create Your Own Perfume Workshop

French perfumes are revered the world over, especially known for their high quality and excellent crafting and are known as a cultural symbol of France.

If you want to know about the history and tradition which goes into making these awesome fragrances then consider booking a workshop to learn about the history of French perfumes.

Head over to the Candora Boutique in the centre of Paris, located nearby Notre-Dame, and learn how to identify the different notes, as well as how to mix and make your own classic perfume to take home with you. A perfect romantic keepsake to remind you of your visit to Paris.

 

Other Top Things to See and Do in Paris

Visit the Catacombs of Paris

For a somewhat eerie yet fascinating experience, consider visiting the Catacombs of Paris.

Things to see and do in Paris - Catacombs of Paris © French Moments
Things to see and do in Paris – the Catacombs of Paris © French Moments

Set roughly 20 metres underground, the catacombs were originally used to help the city cope with the overflow from the city’s cemeteries. Today, it houses the remains of over 6 million deceased and has become a popular tourist attraction for those brave enough to venture beneath the streets of Paris and explore this fascinating maze and galleries.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, then consider booking a guided tour of these fascinating catacombs of Paris.

 

Enjoy a Whirlwind Tour of Paris

There is a wide range of tours which highlight the best of Paris for you and your family to enjoy from walking tours of Paris, sightseeing tours, as well as various other experiences you can book to make your trip that much more memorable.

One of the most popular is the open-top Hop on Hop off bus tour which covers the most iconic landmarks like Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, the stunning Opera Garnier and much more.

These tours are especially great for travellers who may have limited time in the city. You’ll be able to pass along all the major sites across the city, stopping off at the ones you’d like to spend more time at.

 

Day Trips from Paris

Marvel at the opulence of the Palace of Versailles

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest and most opulent palaces in the world, as well as one of the most visited in all of France.

The sprawling Palace of Versailles is located roughly 18 miles / 29 kilometres southwest of Paris with millions making the trip each year to admire the grandeur of the Chateau in person.

Versailles Palace © French Moments
Versailles Palace © French Moments

This extravagant former residence of King Louis XIV (nicknamed the Sun King) is adorned with gold figurines, dramatic frescoes, and beautifully manicured gardens. Particularly impressive is the Hall of Mirrors (the Galerie des Glaces), a 75-metre long ballroom that features over 357 mirrors in total, large imposing crystal chandeliers, beautiful ceiling frescoes and intricate gold gilding and decorations.

The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles © French Moments
The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles © French Moments

Be sure to book your tickets for Versailles in advance as this is an extremely popular sight to visit. Try to avoid weekends which is the most popular time of the week and sees the most visitors. Also, try to get to the palace as early as possible, just before opening time, to beat the crowds.

 

Go on a Wine Tasting trip

What better way to end your trip to Paris off on a high note than by embarking on a day trip to France’s famed Champagne country, to sample some of the best ‘bubbly’ produced in France.

Rilly-la-Montagne © French Moments
Wine lovers’ tips: the Champagne vineyards of Rilly-la-Montagne © French Moments

The region of Reims is situated 46-minutes by train from Paris’ Gare de l’Est train station and is where you’ll find some of the best wine estates to visit.

One such winery is the world-renowned Veuve Clicquot which is located roughly 3 kilometres from the Reims train station. Visitors can learn all about the estate’s Champagne production as well as sample the famous Yellow Label when booking a guided tour of the cellars.

Cellar tours are set for €30 per adult in groups of 6 people and are only available between Tuesdays to Saturdays. You must book in advance as walk-ins are not accepted.

For an especially romantic outing, you can also opt to book an idyllic gourmet picnic lunch in the beautiful Parc du Manoir de Verzy manor grounds (weather permitting), currently costing €65 per adult.

Do note that the Parc du Manoir de Verzy is a further 20 – 25 minutes drive by car. Do include this in when considering the picnic option.

 

About the author!

Marco from Travel-Boo

Born and raised in South Africa, Marco Santos from Travel-Boo, currently resides in sunny Lisbon, Portugal.

With an absolute love for Europe, he is on a mission to rediscover his own Portuguese & European heritage along the way.

Marco has set out to blog and share his passion for travelling through and exploring Spain, Portugal and other parts of Europe, sharing what he’s learned through his travel blog Travel-Boo.

Check out Marco’s blog: Travel-Boo

And follow him on:

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

20 OFFBEAT PLACES IN PARIS

Ebook 20 amazing offbeat places in Paris front cover