From shopping and sightseeing to drinking and dining, we’ve picked some of the best things to do in Paris. The City of Light is renowned as one of the most romantic spots on the planet, but Paris has history, culture and gastronomic delights around every corner, too.
Places to go
The best way to take in all the art and culture the city has to offer is with a Paris Museum pass. This pre-paid card means you’ll get free entry into over 70 monuments and museums across the city, including the beautiful Louvre, the exciting Musee D’Orsay and the iconic Arc de Triomphe. The pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days giving you plenty of time to take in the best Paris attractions.
Bear in mind most galleries and museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, but some offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month - now, that's a very handy tip for cheap sightseeing in Paris!
Attractions
The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most iconic landmark and should be top of your list of things to do. A holiday to Paris almost always includes a visit, but getting up early is recommended to avoid the queues. Built between 1887 and 1889, the tower was once considered an eyesore. But today it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world – after all, riding the elevator to the top floor rewards you with the most spectacular views in the city. Whilst you’re in the 7th arrondissement, it’s well worth visiting the Musee Rodin, a museum dedicated to the sculptor’s life and work. On sunny afternoons, the house and garden make a great day out.
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting Notre Dame Cathedral. One of the best things to do in Paris, a climb to the top of this Gothic masterpiece (expected to reopen in 2024) gives you fantastic views of the city’s landmarks.
Places to visit
With so many attractions to choose from, the most difficult decision is what to do first. The city is a great place to explore on foot, and you’ll discover some of the best things to do in Paris while you wander, so don’t be afraid to just put away the map and simply see where you end up.
When you’re ready for a pitstop, one of the many French patisseries or boulangeries (that's pastry shops and bakeries) are hard to beat. Here you can pick up hearty French baguette sandwiches stuffed with the filling of your choice, croque monsieur (toasted cheese and ham sandwiches with béchamel sauce) or a classic French éclair or madeleines. Expect some of the most mouth-watering window displays as you pass any patisserie or boulangerie in the city!
