Paris: the city of love, of art and the world capital of culture. There’s no denying that this city holds secret spots, extraordinary restaurants and places that leave us speechless. In this article, you’ll find the best places to visit, as well as some rather unusual activities to do in central Paris during your stay!
1. See the Eiffel Tower
2. Visit the Louvre Museum
3. Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
4. Take a Seine River Cruise
5. Discover Notre-Dame Cathedral
6. Walk Along the Champs-Élysées
7. Enjoy the View from the Arc de Triomphe
8. Explore the Charming Le Marais District
9. See Impressionist Art at Musée d’Orsay
10. Marvel at Sainte-Chapelle
11. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
12. Visit Palais Garnier
13. Taste French Food and Pastries
14. See the City from Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
15. Explore the Paris Catacombs
16. Walk Along Canal Saint-Martin
17. Visit the Panthéon
18. Discover Père Lachaise Cemetery
19. Shop at a Parisian Flea Market
20. Walk the Coulée Verte René-Dumont
21. 59 Rivoli
22. Seine Riverbanks / Île de la Cité
23. Place des Vosges and Victor Hugo’s House
24. Institut du Monde Arabe
25. Rodin Museum
26. Park Monceau
27. Cernuschi Museum
28. Saint-August Church + Marcel Pagnol Square
29. “Eat and Get Lost” Restaurant
30. Aligre Market
31. Coulée Verte Park + Rue Crémieux
32. Violet Square
33. Picnic by the Seine – Pont de l’Alma
34. Balzac’s House
35. Lévis Market
36. Batignolles area and Place Félix-Lobligeois
37. Cité des Fleurs Street
38. Bouillon Pigalle
39. The Paris Opera House
40. Orangery Museum
41. Botanical Garden of the University Paris-Sud
42. The Philharmonie de Paris
43. Carnavalet Museum
44. Saint-Eustache Church
45. The Barbes market
46. Take a Day Trip to Versailles
47. Best Paris events
48. Paris museum
49. Paris parks
50. Best Things to Do in Paris in October – events, festivals
51. Things to do in Paris with kids
The Eiffel Tower, standing 330 meters tall, towers over Paris. Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is the highlight of any trip to Paris. Here, you can admire breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, especially at sunset. After dark, it lights up for five minutes at the beginning of every hour, making it one of Paris’s most enchanting landmarks.
Discover Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix – a powerful symbol of the French Revolution of 1830, The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese, The Coronation of Napoleon, The Raft of the Medusa and other breathtaking paintings. The Louvre also houses world-famous sculptures, including the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and booking ahead is recommended.
Wander through picturesque streets, see the artists at Place du Tertre and enjoy panoramic views from Sacré-Cœur. The most multicultural and lively corner of Paris might just be the 18th arrondissement, the Montmartre neighborhood. What was originally a village of vineyards went through a flourishing period when it was home to many young students and, above all, artists (like Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec). Because of this, the neighborhood is still marked today by a strong artistic character, with street art on every corner. Little tip: climb up to the Parvis du Sacré-Cœur to enjoy the view over all of Paris, it’s worth it (despite all the stairs).
The Basilica of the sacré-coeur is surely one of the best spots to have a view at all Paris. Did you know that Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur is located at the highest point in Paris? (of course except Eiffel Tower) And you can spend the night there for free. The Sacré-Coeur offers an unusual nocturnal worship service.
See the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and Paris’s beautiful bridges from the water—especially magical after sunset.
Visit the restored Gothic cathedral and explore the atmospheric streets of Île de la Cité.
Browse shops and cafés before reaching the magnificent Arc de Triomphe.
Climb to the rooftop for one of the best views of the Champs-Élysées and central Paris.
Discover historic mansions, fashionable boutiques, galleries, cafés and the beautiful Place des Vosges.
Admire works by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh inside a spectacular former railway station.
Step inside this Gothic masterpiece famous for its extraordinary stained-glass windows. The Sainte-Chapelle chapel is located on the town’s island and is a feast for the eyes. Its huge stained glass windows give the impression of being in another era.
Walk among fountains, sculptures and flowerbeds or enjoy a peaceful break beside the palace.
Explore the opulent Paris Opera House, known for its grand staircase, gilded interiors and spectacular auditorium.
Try croissants, macarons, crêpes, cheeses and classic French dishes—or join a guided food tour.
Visit the free Galeries Lafayette rooftop or book a table at one of Paris’s panoramic rooftop bars. If someone asked me what my absolute favorite viewpoint is, I’d say: the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. Right from the entrance of the store and on the way up to the roof, the department store reveals its dome. When you finally reach the rooftop, the view is stunning. In front of us stands the magnificent Paris Opera dominating the skyline, to the left you can spot Notre-Dame de Paris, to the right there’s the Eiffel Tower, while behind us, you can see the Sacré-Cœur! It’s an experience not to be missed.
Discover what goes on under the City of Lights. A labyrinth of tunnels and vaults more than 360 miles long. This vast subterranean cemetery was created by ancient Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. The catacombs contain the remains of over 6 million Parisians, with skulls and other bones lining the walls. It took over 12 long years to relocate the remains of 6 million bodies to their final resting place in the catacombs. During the French Revolution, the Paris Catacombs served as the primary final resting place of most Parisians, many of whom died by guillotine, including Maximilien Robespierre, one of the revolutionary movement’s most controversial figures. Did you know that there is a movie about Paris Catacombs? – As Above, So Below.
Discover a relaxed local neighbourhood filled with independent cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
Explore the impressive monument dedicated to some of France’s most influential historical figures. Located in the middle of the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon is a spectacular monument to visit. The Panthéon was commissioned by Louis XV, who, after his recovery, promised to build a magnificent monument to Saint Geneva, the patron saint of Paris, out of gratitude. In 1885, on the occasion of the funeral of Victor Hugo, the Third Republic decided to create the Pantheon to celebrate the great men of the nation.
Walk through the atmospheric cemetery and find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Édith Piaf.
Hunt for vintage fashion, antiques and unusual treasures at the Saint-Ouen flea market.
Follow an elevated green walkway through eastern Paris—the inspiration for New York’s High Line.
Here’s a little spot for art lovers. This abandoned building was turned by artists into a creative space, which they took the opportunity to fill with their studios. Today, 30 different artists share this space and show their work to the public. The floors are full of color and the whole place has a really pleasant vibe ! Admission is completely free, though you can support the artists with a donation or by buying their work.
The Seine Riverbanks and Île de la Cité are among the most iconic places in Paris. It’s the perfect place to take a peaceful walk along the water, admire historic monuments and enjoy the Parisian atmosphere. As you cross Île de la Cité, you can see Notre-Dame de Paris and discover some of the most beautiful views over the Seine.
One of the most beautiful squares in the whole city is the Place des Vosges. Well known for its chic buildings and its garden, it’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants to chat with friends, enjoy some downtime, study or meet other visitors to the square. PS: as a literature lover, I recommend visiting Victor Hugo’s House, where he lived for 16 years!
The story behind this building is pretty interesting. The idea was to build a cultural center that bridges contemporary Western architecture and Arab culture. At first glance, you get the impression that it has a glass façade, when in reality it’s made up of hundreds of ‘moucharabiehs’, that is to say traditional Arab architectural elements. Every time I visit, I learn new things about the Eastern world! (Plus, you can go up to the rooftop for a view over the Seine).
France regards Auguste Rodin as one of the greatest sculptors in its history, an artist with a complicated character but golden hands. His masterpieces are preserved at the Musée Rodin, where he lived and created his sculptures with his mistress Camille Claudel – an artist who also deserves to be known. The museum has a garden that’s very lovely.
On the edge of the 8th arrondissement, that is, the arrondissement of the Parisian bourgeoisie, you’ll find this magnificent, well-kept park, full of flowers and even a small lake surrounded by columns dating from the 16th century. Watching the birds, the young people reading or the older couples strolling by, every time you walk in, it feels like a dream!
The largest collection of Chinese art in Paris is found at the Musée Cernuschi. This villa was built by a wealthy art collector in 1873, so he could house his art collection. One room is dedicated to a giant bronze Buddha sculpture. The whole museum has a very chic, luxurious feel.
The Église Saint-Augustin is a great work of religious architecture. It’s a building constructed in the 19th century, with a grand dome. On the façade, you’ll find architectural details, so it’s worth walking all the way around the building. Plus, right next door, there’s a lovely little square to sit in for a moment and admire the beauty of the church.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a good meal, at Mangez et cassez-vous they make excellent burgers and fries ! The burgers are packed with flavor, the cheddar oozes out and the fries are wonderfully crispy. A combo costs only around €6, easily making it one of the cheapest spots to eat in the whole area!
When I wake up on a Saturday morning wanting to go shopping, the first place I head to is definitely the Marché d’Aligre. In this residential neighborhood, you can find all kinds of products – whether it’s books, ceramics, clothes, paintings or decorative objects from all over the world – and everything is sold at very reasonable prices.
In the twelfth arrondissement, you can experience the perfect morning: grabbing a pastry from Bakery X (they have the best Swiss bread I’ve ever eaten), walking along Rue Crémieux, where you’ll find houses in a variety of colors. Then, you continue the walk along the Coulée Verte – a former railway line that’s now a calm and unique park stretching 4.5 kilometers. You can finish your walk by shopping at the Marché d’Aligre, which is quite close to the start of the Coulée Verte.
The 15th arrondissement remains underrated by tourists, which lets places like the Square Violet keep the authentic, family-friendly identity typical of this neighborhood. The park is always full of families with children playing, and for that reason, if you have kids, it’s the ideal spot for an afternoon spent in the company of other parents.
A good meal outdoors is of course one of Parisians’ favorite activities. People often organize picnics, where everyone brings a dish and a nice bottle of wine, and meet up on the banks of the Seine. Personally, I love enjoying a good plate of sushi on the right bank, between the Pont de l’Alma and the Passerelle Debilly, with a view of the Eiffel Tower, which lets me feel like a tourist in my own city:)
We end our little journey with a hidden gem. The Maison de Balzac still stands today as a testament to the life of the realist writer – inside, you get up close with objects he used every day, like his famous armchair and his coffee pot, from which he drank coffee to stay awake while spending his days writing his novels (what a story !!). This museum is special because it’s far from the crowds of tourists, but it also offers a beautiful view of its garden and of the Eiffel Tower.
Just a short walk from Parc Monceau, the Marché de Lévis is a spot where locals from the neighborhood come to do their shopping. The whole street comes alive thanks to the fruit, meat and other fresh-produce vendors. It’s hard not to be won over by the smells of the food on offer.
Paris isn’t just Haussmannian architecture, zinc rooftops and white façades. In the Batignolles neighborhood, you can dive into modernity, among new buildings, a shopping center and a park suited to families and sports lovers, it’s the place where I spend my time escaping the daily routine.
The Cité des Fleurs is a small hidden street in the 17th arrondissement. The name alone tells you what it’s about – all these spectacular houses are covered in flowers, trees and plants, giving the impression of being in a countryside village straight out of an Impressionist painting. Since it’s a private, residential street that closes its gates at certain times to preserve its peace and quiet, it’s best to check the opening hours before visiting.
Bouillons are the classic restaurants of French cuisine, serving traditional dishes at very affordable prices. At Bouillon Pigalle, you can taste dishes that transport every French person back to the days when their grandmother prepared these delicacies for Sunday lunch. But be careful – the eggs with mayonnaise and the knife-cut sausage with mash are addictive.
If you have never had the chance to visit the Paris Opera, here is an opportunity you should not miss. It is one of the greatest opera houses in the world, and one of the most beautiful.
Paris’ most beautiful museum of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings opens its doors daily except Tuesdays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm to all curious and interested visitors. The museum exhibits the works of many painters such as Monet, Renoir, Sisley and many others.
What is so special about the Botanical Garden of the University of Paris-Sud, you may ask? It was originally created in 1635 by the physicians of King Louis XIII as a royal garden of medicinal herbs, where plants were grown to cure the illnesses of the king and the nobility. Here you can discover wonderful natural areas, species that are unfamiliar to you, and have a great time. Among them are night-blooming flowers, medicinal herbs and carnivorous plants!
If you are a classical music lover, you should definitely visit La Philharmonie de Paris. Philharmonie de Paris is a spectacular architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel and it has become an iconic symbol of the French capital. This stunning concert hall has captivated music enthusiasts and art lovers from all over the world, and you should definitely visit this masterpiece to hear one of the greatest works of classical music.
Want to learn more about the history of Paris while looking at beautiful exhibits? Visit the Carnavalet Museum. The Musée Carnavalet, also known as the Musée de l’Histoire de Paris, is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris from the founding of the city to the present day.
France has for a long time been a Catholic country and the churches that surround it are proof of this. In Paris, one of the most beautiful is at the impasse Saint-Eustache. It bears the same name and was built in 1213, mixing Gothic and Renaissance style, it is worth a visit!
Markets have always been part of the French people’s lives. There is no better way to get to the heart of their lives than to take a look around. In Paris, the most mythical is the Barbès market. Established under the aerial metro, it is open on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A place in France you won’t want to miss. The Palace of Versailles offers a fascinating journey into France’s royal past. Discover the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the opulent royal apartments, and the beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fountains and statues.
We hope you have a wonderful stay in Paris! And let us know if you liked our tips.
Photos: by Adam Kirali and @amkophotography
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