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Paris is far more than a simple geographical location; it is an immersive experience where every corner leaves an indelible mark on your memory. The city’s streets radiate art, elegance, and an unparalleled sense of style. From the first evening glitter of the Eiffel Tower to the sophistication of the Champs-Élysées and the enduring charm of the River Seine, Paris captures your heart instantly. Breathtaking architecture, iconic landmarks laden with rich history, and the tranquil river give this city its true soul. It is a realm defined by beauty, light, refinement, and centuries of heritage—a capital that smells of fresh coffee, speaks through music, and celebrates art at every turn.
Here is your complete guide to the 17 Best Things To Do in Paris, France to ensure you experience the absolute best of the City of Light:
1. Ascend to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting its most famous world-renowned landmark. Experience the ultimate thrill by ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower, rewarding yourself with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city skyline. Make sure to witness this iconic structure after dusk; as night falls, watch it illuminate with 20,000 sparkling bulbs that flash every hour like fallen stars. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll or set up a picnic on the expansive green lawns surrounding the tower to capture the most memorable souvenir photos.
| Eiffel Tower | Details |
| Type | Iconic Monument & Observation Tower |
| Main Value | Panoramic 360-degree city views and iconic evening light show |
| Status Today | Open daily for visits and elevator/stair access |
| Booking & Planning | Reserve skip-the-line summit entry tickets via GetYourGuide in advance. |
2. Journey Through Art and History at The Louvre Museum
Step into the beating heart of Paris and immerse yourself in world history at the Louvre Museum. Walking inside feels like crossing a time portal, seamlessly transporting you across continents and ancient civilizations in a single visit. Originally built as a massive royal palace before being converted into the world’s largest art museum during the French Revolution, this landmark is an absolute must-visit. Begin your journey at the famous glass pyramid entrance, where ancient royal architecture meets striking modern design.
| Louvre Museum | Details |
| Type | Historic Royal Palace & Art Museum |
| Main Value | World’s largest art museum housing expansive cross-civilization collections |
| Status Today | Open for visitors (closed Tuesdays) |
| Booking & Planning | Book timed-entry admission passes or guided tours through GetYourGuide. |
3. Experience Royal Opulence at The Palace of Versailles
Take a day trip to explore the breathtaking Palace of Versailles and experience the lavish lifestyle of French monarchy. Marvel at ornate ceilings, hand-painted walls, marble floors, and golden decorations at every turn. Step outside to wander through the architectural masterpiece that is the Versailles Gardens—a sprawling paradise of fountains, sculptures, precise lakes, and miles of scenic walking paths that prove why this was the historic epicenter of French political power and wealth.
| Palace of Versailles | Details |
| Type | Historic Royal Chateau & Gardens |
| Main Value | Masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, royal power, and landscaped grounds |
| Status Today | Open for tours and garden walks (closed Mondays) |
| Booking & Planning | Book full-day passport tickets or passport with transport via GetYourGuide. |
4. Explore the Legendary Castles of The Loire Valley
Escape into the lush countryside of France and discover the scenic Loire Valley. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the peaceful waters of the Loire River as you drive through vibrant vineyard hills, charming villages, and historic towns. Your top activity here is castle-hopping: explore some of the nearly 300 majestic châteaux lined up along the riverbank like a magnificent royal procession.
| Loire Valley | Details |
| Type | Cultural Landscape & Chateau Region |
| Main Value | Scenic river valley hosting over 300 historic castles and vineyards |
| Status Today | Open year-round for regional exploration and castle tours |
| Booking & Planning | Book multi-day hotel packages or country estates near the castles on Expedia. |
5. Admire Gothic Masterpieces at Notre-Dame Cathedral
Visit the banks of the River Seine to stand before Notre-Dame Cathedral, an extraordinary 850-year-old masterpiece of European Gothic architecture. Admire its towering arches, detailed facade carvings, and intricate statues that tell ancient historical stories. Look up at its famous twin towers and giant bell, which have stood guard over Paris since the 12th century and continue to offer unforgettable city panoramas.
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | Details |
| Type | Medieval Gothic Cathedral |
| Main Value | Historic 12th-century Gothic architectural landmark and cultural symbol |
| Status Today | Open for visitors and religious services |
| Booking & Planning | Reserve walking tours of Île de la Cité and exterior cathedral access via GetYourGuide. |
6. Cruise Down the Scenic River Seine at Sunset
See Paris from a totally new perspective by embarking on a River Seine boat cruise. Feel the city open up before you like an illustrated book as you glide past iconic monuments. Spot the sparkling Eiffel Tower on one side and historic stone embankments on the other. Time your cruise for sunset to watch Paris magically light up piece by piece, offering a serene and romantic way to hear the true heartbeat of the city.
| River Seine Cruise | Details |
| Type | River Boat Tour & Sightseeing Experience |
| Main Value | Panoramic water-level views of iconic Parisian landmarks at sunset and night |
| Status Today | Daily departures running morning through late evening |
| Booking & Planning | Secure sight-seeing or dinner cruise ticket slots in advance using GetYourGuide. |
7. Discover Impressionist Masterpieces at Musée d’Orsay
Walk through a stunningly repurposed 19th-century Beaux-Arts train station that now houses the world-famous Musée d’Orsay. Stroll through grand, colorful halls filled with historic French artwork, vibrant paintings, and hidden stories. Visiting this museum offers a captivating journey through one of the most creative and transformative periods in global art history.
| Musée d’Orsay | Details |
| Type | Fine Arts Museum in a Historic Railway Station |
| Main Value | Premier collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces |
| Status Today | Open for visits (closed Mondays) |
| Booking & Planning | Purchase dedicated skip-the-line entrance passes through GetYourGuide. |
8. Stroll Through Claude Monet’s Gardens at Giverny
Take a day excursion to Normandy and step directly into a living painting at Claude Monet’s estate in Giverny. Walk along flower-lined paths filled with vibrant blossoms and sweet floral aromas. Cross the famous green Japanese wooden bridge, gaze at the water lilies reflecting on the sparkling ponds, and see firsthand the exact natural landscape that inspired Monet’s most celebrated artistic works.
| Monet’s Gardens at Giverny | Details |
| Type | Historic Artist Residence & Botanical Gardens |
| Main Value | Living inspiration for Monet’s Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge works |
| Status Today | Open seasonally to the public |
| Booking & Planning | Book day-trip excursions with roundtrip Paris transport on GetYourGuide. |
9. Marvel at the Stained Glass of Sainte-Chapelle
Head to the Île de la Cité to uncover Sainte-Chapelle, a true hidden gem of Gothic architecture. Walk inside and gaze up at soaring walls made almost entirely of spectacular stained-glass windows stretching from floor to ceiling. Watch as natural sunlight filters through, turning the chapel interior into a dancing kaleidoscope of brilliant colors surrounded by intricate sculptures and vaulted arches.
| Sainte-Chapelle | Details |
| Type | Royal Rayonnant Gothic Chapel |
| Main Value | Breathtaking floor-to-ceiling 13th-century stained-glass window displays |
| Status Today | Open daily for public visitation |
| Booking & Planning | Reserve priority timed entry tickets directly via GetYourGuide. |
10. Uncover the Mysterious Underground Catacombs of Paris
For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, descend beneath the bustling streets to explore the mysterious Catacombs of Paris. Walk through a dark underground labyrinth of tunnels stretching over 300 kilometers, created in the late 18th century to solve overcrowding in city cemeteries. Observe walls carefully lined with millions of arranged human skulls and bones, offering a haunting, unique, and unforgettable historical journey.
| The Catacombs of Paris | Details |
| Type | Subterranean Ossuary & Historic Underground Tunnels |
| Main Value | Historic late 18th-century underground network holding millions of skeletal remains |
| Status Today | Open for timed small-group visits (closed Mondays) |
| Booking & Planning | Secure strictly limited skip-the-line access passes using GetYourGuide. |
Quick Category Guide to Paris Attractions
| Parisian Landmark Category | Notable Destination Examples |
| Historic & Architectural Marvels | Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe |
| World-Class Art & Culture | Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Monet’s Gardens |
| Royal Estates & Palaces | Palace of Versailles, Luxembourg Palace |
| Scenic Excursions & Nature | Loire Valley, River Seine Cruise, Luxembourg Gardens, Canal Saint-Martin, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont |
| Unique & Underground History | The Catacombs of Paris, Les Invalides, Parisian Flea Markets, Sacré-Cœur Basilica |
11. Relax and Unwind at the Luxembourg Gardens
Relax like a local in the heart of the city at the Luxembourg Gardens. Stroll beneath ancient shaded trees, admire vibrant flower beds, and sit beside magnificent stone fountains and statues. Join locals reading books, painting, or playing chess in the park. Don’t forget to admire the accompanying Luxembourg Palace on-site, built in the 17th century for Queen Marie de Medici, featuring grand windows and classic royal architecture.
| Luxembourg Gardens | Details |
| Type | Royal Palace Gardens & Public Urban Park |
| Main Value | 17th-century grounds featuring Luxembourg Palace, fountains, and tree-lined promenades |
| Status Today | Open daily with free public entry |
| Booking & Planning | Find hotel accommodations within walking distance of the gardens on Expedia. |
12. Wander the Waterfront of Canal Saint-Martin
Escape the typical tourist crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk along Canal Saint-Martin. Cross romantic iron footbridges and admire the calm reflections of mature trees on the water during early morning or sunset hours. Explore trendy local cafes, boutique shops, and bakeries lining the canal, or board a small canal boat to cruise through the city’s quiet waterways.
| Canal Saint-Martin | Details |
| Type | Historic Waterway & Neighborhood District |
| Main Value | Peaceful, authentic Parisian atmosphere lined with iron footbridges and cafes |
| Status Today | Open freely to pedestrian visitors year-round |
| Booking & Planning | Reserve boutique hotel stays in the Canal Saint-Martin area using Expedia. |
13. Hunt for Vintage Treasures at Parisian Flea Markets
Treasure hunters and vintage lovers should spend an afternoon browsing the vibrant Parisian flea markets. Explore sprawling stalls at Puces de Saint-Ouen or the charming alleys of Puces de Vanves to discover antique furniture, classic fashion, rare jewelry, and historic collectibles. Also, make sure to walk along the banks of the Seine to browse the 300-year-old green wooden stalls (Bouquinistes) selling rare vintage books, classic posters, and unique souvenirs.
| The Flea Markets of Paris | Details |
| Type | Vintage, Antiques & Collectibles Markets |
| Main Value | Centuries-old shopping tradition featuring rare artifacts, books, and antique treasures |
| Status Today | Open on designated weekly market days (primarily weekends/Mondays) |
| Booking & Planning | Book guided antique hunting and market walking tours via GetYourGuide. |
14. Hike the Dramatic Trails of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Step into a fantasy-like natural oasis inside Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Hike along winding paths, climb artificial hills, discover hidden caves, and cross wooden bridges spanning streams and small waterfalls. This park provides a scenic escape filled with rocky slopes, dense greenery, and blooming flowers that change dramatically across the seasons—making it ideal for picnics, walks, and photography.
| Parc des Buttes-Chaumont | Details |
| Type | Landscaped Urban Public Park |
| Main Value | Dramatic topography featuring artificial cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and sweeping views |
| Status Today | Open daily to the general public |
| Booking & Planning | Reserve vacation rentals and hotels near the 19th arrondissement via Expedia. |
15. Stand Beneath the Historic Arc de Triomphe
Stand at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and marvel at the massive Arc de Triomphe, built by order of Napoleon as a monumental symbol of victory. Inspect the intricate stone reliefs and military engravings carved into its walls. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at its base, where an eternal flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM to honor fallen heroes.
| Arc de Triomphe | Details |
| Type | Triumphal Arch & National Monument |
| Main Value | Monument honoring French military victories and home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
| Status Today | Monument base and rooftop terrace open daily for visits |
| Booking & Planning | Get direct rooftop access tickets using GetYourGuide to skip the queue. |
16. Discover Military History at Les Invalides
Explore Les Invalides, a grand historical complex originally commissioned as a refuge and hospital for wounded and homeless military veterans. Walk under its shimmering golden dome and admire precision marble statues throughout the grounds. Today, you can tour its world-class museums, including the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée), to view historic weapons, military uniforms, and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
| Les Invalides | Details |
| Type | Military Museum Complex & Royal Chapel |
| Main Value | Historic veterans’ refuge housing Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum |
| Status Today | Open daily for museum entries and tomb views |
| Booking & Planning | Book museum entry passes and self-guided tours using GetYourGuide. |
17. Climb Montmartre Hill to Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Climb to the summit of Montmartre Hill to visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one of Paris’s most famous and stunning Roman Catholic landmarks. Marvel at its white Romano-Byzantine domes that glow brilliantly against the sky. Step inside to admire the magnificent interior mosaics, and enjoy some of the most panoramic views across the city rooftops from its high hilltop vantage point.
| Sacré-Cœur Basilica | Details |
| Type | Roman Catholic Basilica & Hilltop Landmark |
| Main Value | Romano-Byzantine architectural style atop Montmartre offer city views |
| Status Today | Open daily for entry, worship, and dome climbing |
| Booking & Planning | Book guided Montmartre walking tours including Sacré-Cœur access on GetYourGuide. |
