The 19 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

There is no way you will be able to see all the city’s museums, shops, and other tourist attractions. So, it’s better to tailor your plan to your terms. In this article, we will briefly overview some dos and don’ts when you are in Paris, as well as guide you on exploring pockets of the city.

Chiefly renowned for its grandeur, the Eiffel Tower was designed and constructed in 1989. You would be amazed to know that it was always meant to be a temporary structure that escaped demolition twice. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower’s transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies.

The second time Hitler planned to get rid of the Tower during World War II, it again skirted demolition as he never ended up going through with his plan.

Although most Parisians initially considered this architectural marvel an eyesore, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited tourist attraction in the world. You can walk up to the first floor of the Tower or take the elevator to reach the top to witness the vast panoramic views of the city.

To bypass long lines for ticket purchases, book your tickets online at the Eiffel Tower’s website.

Paris has many tourist attractions, but if you have time to visit only one museum in the city, it should be the Musee du Louvre. This is the most visited museum in Paris. The reason is this is not only one of the best art museums in Europe but also one of the best in the world.

The museum opened its doors in 1793, and at present, it has more than 35,000 works of art on display. The Louvre has a range of art from different cultures and periods; you can find everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures there.

There are thousands of masterpieces you can find here in the form of paintings, including “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugene Delacroix and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

Before serving as a museum, the Louvre remained a royal residence for several French powers, including Louis XIV. After him, the Louvre began to transform into an art space.

Address: Musée du Louvre, 1st

Hours: Wed-Sun: 9:00am-6:00pm; Tues: Closed

Café Kitsuné Louvre blends the best French and Japanese cuisine in a unique style, perfectly combining traditional Parisian bistro classics with an innovative ‘East-meets West’ flavor.

Enjoy specialties like homemade granola & yogurt as well as more unusual dishes such as Asian-inspired Croque Monsieur or Beef Teriyaki Tartare!

Don’t forget to wash it down with one of their amazing specialty cocktails – crafted by a resident mixologist using locally sourced ingredients for uniquely delicious flavors.

Address: 2 Pl. André Malraux, 2nd

Hours: Mon-Sun: 9:30am–2:00pm, 2:45pm–5:00pm

Sainte Chappelle is a house of stained glass windows and panes dating back to the 13th century, featuring 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vibrant colors. Sainte Chapelle is located on Ile de la Cité

The chapel took just seven years to build and is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture. Between 2008-2014, the building underwent an altogether restoration.

According to visitors, the chapel is a true masterpiece, worth visiting and having a closer look at each stained-glass window, as they tell different stories. There is a Conciergerie next door to the chapel, which was a palace that was turned into a prison in the 14th century. Buying a joint ticket for the chapel and the Conciergerie is possible if you plan to visit both.

Address: 10 Bd du Palais

Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00am–5:00pm

A masterpiece of architectural extravagance, also known as the Palais Garnier, that still reflects the opulence it radiated in late 1880. It has an Old-World interior, giving off a sense of intrigue and mystery.

The Garnier’s lack of historical records as well as Leroux’s “Phantom of the Opera” movie’s fiction that successfully incorporated real-life opera occurrences, have left us wondering if there was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera.

The best way to fully experience the opera is to purchase a ballet or opera ticket but book it several months in advance.

Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 9th

Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm.

Taking a guided tour of the Arc de Triomphe is a must if you want to get an immersive experience of one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Located at the Place Charles de Gaulle, this spectacular archway gives visitors an opportunity to witness and appreciate centuries-old French history.

With its intricate sculptures and ornamentation, it is no surprise that thousands of tourists flock to this place every day, hoping to take away special memories from the Arc de Triomphe. Every detail here has been carefully designed to reflect France’s vast heritage and culture, making it worth exploring for every traveler looking for something extraordinary!

Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 8th

Like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame is a famous cathedral that has become a Parisian icon. Unfortunately, the cathedral sustained significant damage due to a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed. Now, it’s closed to the public, but hopefully, it will fully reopen in 2024.

Along the picturesque River Seine, the Notre Dame Cathedral is regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction on this masterpiece started in the late 12th century, but the final touches were not made until 200 years later.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 4th

Hours: Scheduled to reopen April 2024

Transporting visitors back in time to the 18th century, The Hoxton Paris’ historic spiral staircase leads you up to the intimate Jacques Bar. Enjoy a range of crafted cocktails while snuggling into its cozy hideaway atmosphere!

The vibe is chill, the staff is friendly and inviting – plus, there are delicious small bites on offer for an extra treat. Get ready for your perfect night out at this hidden gem!

Address: 30-32 Rue du Sentier, 2nd

Hours: Tues-Wed: 6:00pm-1:00am; Thur-Sat: 6:00pm-2:00am; Sun-Mon: Closed

Explore Paris via the Seine River easily, as it flows through the heart of Paris. Besides being a tourist attraction, the river is one of the most famous waterways for practical reasons. For tourists, it’s a photo backdrop or a spot for cruise rides, but it’s a lifeline for locals.

The Seine River is a reliable water supply, a major transport route, and the backbone of commerce. There are many kinds of cruises available, from simple hour-long cruises to panoramic dinner cruises, etc. Suit yourself and enjoy the beauty of the Seine River while riding the cruise.

The magnificent Chateau de Versailles is a palace, and former seat of power situated 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. This is one of the world’s most famous palaces, and every year, nearly 10 million travelers witness its grandeur. It is interesting to know that King Louis XIV’s extravagant former residence had a humble beginning.

His father, King Louis XIII, preferred the site for its hunting potential and built it as a stone and brick lodge. On one of his advisor’s suggestions, he decided to expand by building two small palaces, but finally, in the era of Louis XIV, the chateau we see today came into being.

Louis XIV moved the French government and court here and implemented the famous additions, including the Hall of Mirrors. After Louis XVI was forced out of the chateau during the French Revolution, Versailles was practically abandoned. In the 20th century, it was turned into a museum and served as a sight where the peace treaty was signed during World War I.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

Hours: Mon: Closed; Tues-Sun: 9:00am-6:30pm

Ever heard of the famous sculptor of the 19th century, Auguste Rodin? Musee Rodin is his former residence, now turned into a museum as a hidden jewel in the city. In place of furniture and lawn ornaments are Rodin’s sculptures, including The Kiss, The Walking Man, The Thinker, and many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum has a collection of artists’ drawings (8,000), of which a fraction is on display. It also includes a section devoted to the work of his muse and mistress, the artist Camille Claudel.

Adding a feather to the storied museum’s cap are the beautiful on-site gardens. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere created by the manageable museum size alongside these gardens appeals to visitors.

Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 7th

Hours: Mon: Closed; Tues-Sun: 10:00am-6:30pm

Architectural lovers must visit the Latin Quarter, located in the 5th arrondissement as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. You can feel yourself in the Medieval era while walking on narrow cobblestone streets and winding whimsically through the larger city grid.

The densely packed neighborhood of shops and restaurants retained its unique ancient ambiance as they escaped Baron Haussmann’s city planning reform.

The city has a lot to offer, from the Pantheon to the Jardin des Plantes, the Cluny Museum, the Champs-Elysees, Saint-German-des-Pres, the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, Luxembourg gardens, venus de milo sculpture, place de la Concorde, canal saint martin, grand Palais, louvre museum, île de la cité, arc de triomphe, Seine (unesco world heritage site now) and many more places.

It all depends on how much time and excitement you show to visit Paris and the city center. Don’t miss the world-famous spots & contemporary art, but try not to overindulge yourself by just visiting the places for the sake of adding their names to your tourist book. Take your time and enjoy the ambiance of each place.

Musée d’Orsay is a French Museum established in 1986 that is considered one of the premier destinations for French history and art lovers alike. Offering a unique guided tour through Paris, the museum redefines how fashion is explored through a historical lens.

It boasts engaging displays providing insight into French fashion throughout history, covering figures from Empress Eugenie to trendsetters such as Coco Chanel. The extensive collection takes up over sixty thousand square feet of space, reminding those who explore it of French culture, color, and style, providing an alluring look into French principles embodied in exquisite garments from days long gone by.

Musée d’Orsay’s ability to unite visitors with a rich cultural history makes it an exceptional place for art lovers to explore, discover, and appreciate history through the eyes of modernity and antiquity. Musée d’Orsay houses permanent collections that span from neoclassicism to art nouveau. The biggest exposé, however, is the museum’s deep collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, which includes works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Seurat, and many more.

Address: 5 Quai Anatole, 7th

Hours: Mon: Closed; Tues-Wed, Fri-Sun: 9.30am-6:00pm; Thur: 9:30am-9:45pm

For art lovers, the trip of a lifetime might just be an hour away in the French capital. Exploring Picasso through its many Parisian museums is an incredible way to immerse oneself in the magic behind this beloved artist’s masterpieces.

Located in the Hôtel Salé Marais district of Paris, dating back to the 1600s, Musée National Picasso-Paris is dedicated to the work of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Housing Picasso’s personal art collections, you will find pieces from every period of Picasso’s life. It also includes pieces from Cézanne, Rousseau, and Degas, as well as a sentimental African art collection.

From the imagination shown in Cubism at Musée d’Orsay to his rendition of famous myths at Musée Picasso, there’s plenty here for even the most jaded eyes to discover and explore. It’s no wonder why so many pilgrims flock to Paris each year – something so evocative about Picasso must be seen firsthand.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 3rd

Hours: Mon: Closed; Tues-Sun: 9:30am-6:00pm

Café de Flore is one of Paris’s oldest and most prestigious spots to sip delicious coffee, be seen by the city’s crème de la crème, or take in all its old-world charm.

Drawing a crowd since 1880 when frequented by Karl Lagerfeld himself, this grand café remains popular today with young Instagrammers who use it as their backdrop for that perfect yearbook photo! So why not take an afternoon to experience some sweet luxury at Café de Flore? There’s simply no better way to get your daily dose of classic Parisian life.

Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 6th

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7:30am-1:30am

A day trip to Tuileries Gardens in Paris is the right way to spend just an hour or two. The Tuileries are European splendor at its most tasteful, perfectly balancing creativity and restraint. While walking through, you’ll be greeted with a unique fusion of formal French-style gardens intermixed with provocative modern art pieces.

Tuileries Greenhouses pop out of the landscape like jewels, flaunting hundreds of exotic plants from far-flung botanical origins. Each step through Tuileries Garden is a journey through space and time – it’s no wonder it remains a favorite destination more than 400 years after its creation!

Address: Pl. de la Concorde,

Hours: 7:00am-9:00pm

CHANEL

Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion world with her effortlessly chic style, forever changing what it looked like for women to dress. After World War I ended in 1918, she invested in a building on one of the most fashionable streets of Paris: 31 rue Cambon.

This became home to her namesake brand and flagship boutique that featured clothing, hats, accessories, and eventually jewelry plus fragrances – paving the way for an entirely new era of timelessly stylish dressing and today’s modern luxury.

Address: 31 Rue Cambon, 1st

Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun: 11:00am-7:00pm

POLÈNE, is one of the most elegant Parisian minimalist boutique shops showcasing a local line of chic, high-quality leather handbags and accessories.

Address: 69 Rue de Richelieu, 2nd

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00am-7:30pm

Jeanne Damas, the French It-girl and founder of Rouje Paris, celebrates all women—especially those she looked up to growing up. Her iconic fashion line brings together classic Parisian style with a modern twist for sensual sophistication that mirrors her own unique look!

With passionate designs from experienced female creative minds at work here in Rouje, you can make an impression without breaking the bank.

Address: 11 bis, rue Bachaumont, 2nd

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00-7:30pm; Sun: 12:00pm-7:00pm

The Cadolle Loft Couture is still by appointment only since its inception in 1911 and is part of the Cadolle family, who have successfully redefined and restrained the finest silks and lace material as their focus of corsetry, making these carefully crafted pieces all the sexier.

Alongside the traditional silhouettes, which are still scrupulously followed and updated, newer, more seductive lines have now been added, which is a turning point in the often discreet and elicit a history of the House: revealing a seductive woman and resolutely carrying out herself as such.

Address: 255 Rue St. Honoré, 1st

Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7:00pm

Phone: +33.1.42.60.94.94

Get ready to be swept away in a world of Parisian charm and elegance at Hôtel Elysia! Enjoy the lavish, romantic atmosphere near some of the city’s most iconic sights – including just steps from l’Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

Spoil yourself with lavishly designed rooms or suites while indulging your senses in French gastronomy served up by Le Bayadère’s restaurant and bar. Plus, you can treat yourself to pure relaxation at their luxury spa, followed by an energizing workout session at their state-of-the-art fitness center — all culminating in one spectacular stay.

Address: 35 Rue de Berri, 8th

Phone: +33.1.53.53.20.20

Email: [email protected]

Unparalleled elegance awaits you at Brach Paris, where Philippe Starck and EVOK Hotels Collection have combined their talents to create a luxuriously warm contemporary atmosphere.

Located in the 16th arrondissement of beautiful Paris, enjoy the gorgeous local façades as well as artful designs while walking through lush neighborhood gardens. Take your pick between culture-filled museums or leisurely afternoon strolls with plenty of interesting shops lined up – followed by dinner complete with tantalizing gourmet experiences.

Address: 1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, 16th

Phone: +33.1.44.30.10.00

For an unforgettable experience while in Paris, visit Hôtel Grand Powers. Located at the heart of the city’s golden triangle between Avenue George V, Montaigne, and Champs Elysées lies this 5-star luxury hotel that blends quintessential Parisian chic with modernity and discreet elegance.

The gorgeous building has retained its original grandiose character whilst reinforcing a feeling of luxury through refined design – creating the perfect tranquil escape for any traveler!

Address: 52, rue Francois, 1st

Phone: +33.1.47.23.91.05

Girafe invites you to a one-of-a-kind experience, seamlessly blending sophistication and serenity. Enjoy exquisite contemporary seafood cuisine with the incomparable backdrop of Paris’s beloved Eiffel Tower from its terrace. Inside awaits an awe-inspiring ambiance that captures 1930s Paris – warm tones, intimate lighting, and unexpected elements create this haven for alluring elegance.

Address: 1 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 16th

Hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00pm–2:30pm; 7:00pm–11:00pm

Sat-Sun: 12:30pm–3:00pm; 7:00pm–11:00pm

Come to L’Avenue for a fashionable evening with friends! Get the best people-watching experience on Avenue Montaigne, and make sure to secure your spot by making a reservation. While there, enjoy small bites like Tuna Tartare or Escargot paired with one of their signature cocktails – all while taking in the stylish Parisians and trendy visitors around you. Bon appetit!

Address: 41 Ave. Montaigne, 8th

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00am-12:00am; Sat-Sun: 9:00am-12:00am

Coco may sound like a small name, but it packs a big flavor! With its lively lunch options and tranquil terrace dining in the warmer weather, you can find something for every occasion. Its cuisine is crafted with only fresh ingredients to create inspired dishes full of character that are sure to be memorable feasts – not just half-mundane meals!

Address: Palais Garnier, 1 Pl. Jacques Rouché, 9th

Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00pm–3:00pm; 7:00pm–2:00am

Brunch on weekends: 12:00 pm-6:00pm

Immerse yourself in the cozy and romantic atmosphere of Le Petit Lutetia, one of the most restored classic Parisian bistros. The charming mirrored walls, rustic monogrammed dishes, and intimate tables set the perfect scene for an amazing evening.

Enjoy observing stylish Parisians as they come and go while sipping on delicious red wine! Indulge your taste buds with traditional French delicacies like grilled eggplant with burrata or beef tartare accompanied by a veal chop covered in mouth-watering mushroom sauce – you won’t be disappointed.

Address: 107 Rue de Sevres, 7th

Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00pm–3:00pm, 7:00pm–12:00am

image courtesy: @loulourestaurants

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Loulou, a chic Italian restaurant nestled in the lavish Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Relax and unwind with friends on their well-manicured terrace before indulging in tasty dishes like risotto of the day, fish carpaccio, or crispy suckling pig, all crafted with care by professional chefs.

Address: Carrousel du Louvre: 99 Rue de Rivoli, 1st

Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00pm–3:00pm, 7:00pm–11:00p

At Chez Julien, transport yourself to a 19th-century French living space and enjoy the warmth of an intimate Parisian atmosphere. Let chef Helmi Derbal treat you with exquisite dishes infused with fresh seasonal ingredients from around the region! Experience all this while basking in beautiful sunlight on their stunning terrace – it’ll be like taking a trip back in time without ever leaving your seat.

Address: 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, St Gervais

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am–10:45pm; Sat-Sun: 9:00am–11:15pm

This post is all about the best things to do in Paris, France.