Best Things to do in Paris | Top Attractions, Museums, Theme Parks & More
Elegant. Historic. Stylish. The always mesmerizing city of Paris is as ready for you as it always has been. It is rich with history, color, and so much love. There is a plethora of hidden jewels in the city that will account not only for your first trip, but even your second, third, and so forth visits to Paris. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris for an unforgettable trip to this magical city.
Top 15 Things to do in Paris
Here are the best things to do in Paris on your next vacation!
1. Visit Eiffel Tower
Landmark
Majestic during the day and glistening with lights during the night, the Eiffel Tower’s name speaks for itself and it’s one of the most beloved structures in the world having its heart in Paris.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Book tickets online at the Eiffel Tower’s website to avoid long queues.
from €55
2. Explore Versailles Palace
Landmark | Palace
Château de Versailles was once the main residence of King Louis XIV. Today, it’s packed with all things gold, including the hall of mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and Marie Antoinette’s boudoir.
Hours: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles. Find it on a map.
Tip: You can skip the line for audio guide at the palace by downloading the free app that has all of the Versailles related audio guides in 11 different languages.
from €18
3. Admire Arc de Triomphe
Landmark
Adorned with beautiful, carved sculptures, this arch is the largest of its kind in the world. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a celebration of his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz.
Hours: 10 AM - 10:30 PM
Location: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Instead of trying to cross the street to get to the Arc, take the underground tunnel near the metro that leads directly to the base of the structure.
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4. Disneyland Paris
Landmark | Theme Park
Dive into the breathtaking worlds of Disney and Pixar, and be transported to a magical wonderland. With its two humongous theme parks, life as you know won’t be the same after a visit to Disneyland Paris.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (7:00 PM for Walt Disney Studios Park)
Location: Bd de Parc, 777000 Coupvray. Find it on a map.
Tip: Ticket sales at the Park are currently suspended, so make your purchase online.
from €59
5. Visit the Louvre Museum
Landmark | Museum
Featuring about 35,000 works of art, it is the most visited museum in the whole world and home to notable masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Theodore Gericault’s “The Raft of Medusa”.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Grab a map and pick what you want to see beforehand, otherwise you’ll end up spending hours waiting to run into the must-sees.
from €17
6. Visit Orsay Museum
Featuring pieces from Manet, Monet, as well as Van Gogh, this museum is a bit more manageable than the Louvre and is a home to some of the finest collections of 19th century art.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Catch a breathtaking view of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica through the museum’s massive transparent clock
from €16
7. Discover Sainte Chapelle
Built by King Louis IX as a home for Christ’s Crown of Thorns, this fascinating Gothic chapel has vividly colorful stained glass windows soaring up 15m, depicting hundreds of scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Mar-Oct), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Nov-Feb)
Location: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Consider purchasing a joint ticket for the Chapel and the Conciergerie next door (a palace turned prison).
from €31
8. Discover Catacombs Paris
Landmark
Right beneath all the glam of Paris lie the chilling skull and bone lined limestone tunnels of the Catacombs. They were used as graves once space started running out in cemeteries.
Hours: 9:45 AM - 8:30 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
Location: Visitors’ entrance at - 1, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy 75014 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: The tunnels being only about 5 feet high, it’s best for claustrophobic people to let this one pass.
from €29
9. Explore Paris Pantheon
Landmark
This neoclassical megastructure has a rich history as a church and burial ground. Its vaulted crypt holds the tombs of some of the most important people including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Pl. du Pantheon, 75005 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: Take the dome tour to catch amazing sights of Paris from the top, including the Eiffel Tower.
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10. Take a Seine River Cruise
Cruises
The short cruise rides along the picturesque Seine river allow you to enjoy sights of many important Parisian attractions, including the Eiffel and Louvre. Its banks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hours: Vary for each cruise. Generally multiple trips between 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location: Different ports of the river
Tip: If you prefer a private cruise over public ones, there are options available for that too.
from €15
11. Explore Centre Pompidou
Museum
Housing over 100,000 pieces of art from artists like Picasso, Matisse and Andy Warhol, this is one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art worldwide. Its open glass design never fails to leave onlookers bewildered.
Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris. Find it on a map.
Tip: You might not enjoy your time here if modern art is not your taste, so plan your visit keeping every group member in mind.
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12. See a Cabaret Show
Entertainment
Spend your nights in Paris enjoying a lavish musical and theatrical production while sipping on some fine French Wine. The world’s most famous Cabaret show, Moulin Rogue runs in Paris.
Hours: Usually at night (8 PM onwards)
Location: Depends on the venue
Tip: Put on something smart and formal. Shorts, flip-flops, sports shoes are a no go.
from €85
13. Jardin du Luxembourg
Nature | Park
Located on the borders between Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a blend of French and English styles where you can admire a breathtaking collection of orchids, a rose garden and more.
Hours: 7.30 AM - 9.30 PM
Location: 75006 Paris, France. Find on map.
Tip: You can enter the Jardin du Luxembourg for free, although you will pay extra for certain activities such as the model-boat rental
14. Champs-Elysees
Landmark | City Street
The Champs-Elysees is a popular street lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants where you can spot celebrities shopping and dining.
Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
Location: Champ-Elysees, 75008 Paris, France.Find on map.
Tip: Avoid visiting on a Friday and Saturday as the streets can get highly crowded.
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15. Père Lachaise cemetery
Rub shoulders with souls of literary greats like Proust and Balzac, Oscar Wilder, Jim Morrison and more at Paris’ most haunting spots. The tree-lined avenues and calling crows add to its beauty and charm.
Hours: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Location: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France.Find on map.
Tip: Get off at Gambetta station where you will head straight to the back entrance of the cemetery, allowing you to take a relaxing walk downhill instead of uphill after entering Pere Lachaise.
Know MoreExplore the Best Museums in Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
You’ll have a hard time finding another city with a history as exciting as Paris’. What better way to explore it than through some of the best museums in Paris.
Louvre Museum
It is rightly said that if you have time to visit only one museum in Paris, it should be The Louvre.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France. Find it on a map.
from €17
Orsay Museum
The second most visited museum in Paris, it has a fine collection of 19th Century impressionist works from artists like Van Gogh.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €16
Orangerie Museum
An extension of the Orsay Museum, best known for the series of “Water Lilies” paintings by Claude Monet.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €12.50
Rodin Museum
Former residence of the 19th Century sculptor, Auguste Rodin, the place is packed with sculptures like The Hand of God and The Thinker, 7,000 drawings by Rodin and his art collection.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Location: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €13
Grevin Museum
The popular wax museum in Paris, with life-size wax figures of more than 200 celebrities and much more.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 10 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €25
Conciergerie Museum
With stunning medieval architecture, this royal residence turned prison is located next to Sainte-Chapelle, and has also held France’s fallen queen, Marie Antoinette.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 2 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris. Find it on a map.
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Quai Branly Museum
Quai Branly aims to promote non-European cultures and showcases ethnic and indegenous art from Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania.
Timings: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €12
Hotel De La Marine
The French Navy ministry’s headquarters for over 200 years previously. Now it has become a popular tourist attraction with refurbished 18th-century apartments and the Al Thani Collection.
Timings: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 2 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris. Find it on a map.
Know MoreVisit the Best Theme Parks in Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
There’s something about Parisian Theme Parks. The stunning backdrop while you scream and laugh as you engage in thrilling activities makes it a mesmerizing experience! Here are the best theme parks in Paris.
Disneyland Paris
This wonderland encompasses two theme parks, a golf course, resort hotels and a grand multi-purpose complex with the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle in its Disneyland Park.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray. Find it on a map.
from €59
Parc Asterix
Designed after the Asterix comic books, the park’s attractions and roller-coasters draw over 2 million visitors every year.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 60128 Plailly. Find it on a map.
from €55
Laser World Paris Montparnasse
A Post-Apocalyptic themed laser tag arena, guaranteed to offer a beautiful visual experience and plenty of adventurous fun!
Timings: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM on most days
Location: 168 Bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €8
FlyView Paris
A new way to explore Paris and its monuments through virtual reality, this futuristic visual experience is one to try out!
Timings: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 30 Rue du 4 septembre, 75002 Paris. Find it on a map.
from €19.50
City Tours in Paris
#Best Thing to do in Paris
Explore the best of Paris with these unique and engaging city tours!
Take a Seine River Cruise
#Best Things to do in Paris
Hit the waters of the Seine river and experience Paris with a fresh outlook as you dip under bridges and pass iconic landmarks and monuments.
Lunch Cruises
A sumptuous 3-course lunch served with wine as you float along under the bright Parisian skies, enjoying the panoramic view of some of the best attractions.
from €69
Dinner Cruises
Soak in the true essence of the city of Lights with a stunning backdrop to the hearty dinner served on deck.
from €79
Go on a Day Trip from Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
What makes your Paris trip even more worthwhile are the great locations in its close vicinity. Here are the best day trips from Paris.
Paris to Versailles
A visit to the world famous Palace of Versailles is on everyone’s bucket list. The minor detour is totally worth your time.
Distance: 21 km, takes just about 30 minutes to get there.
from €55
Paris to Giverny
If you have some time to spare on your Paris trip, head to Giverny to learn more about Monet and Impressionist art.
Distance: 70 km, get there in just over an hour.
from €95
Paris to Normandy
Take a day trip to explore the World War II memorial sites and D Day beaches in this historic city.
Distance: 220 km, takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to reach
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Paris to Bruges
A lively town in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. Bruges’ UNESCO-listed historic center has retained its grandiose Gothic buildings to this day.
Distance: ~400 km, 4 hours 40 minutes by train
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Attend a Paris Cabaret Show
#Best Things to do in Paris
A flamboyant amalgamation of sizzling dances, music, performances and lots of drinks and food, Parisian bars and nightclubs are known for their quality cabarets.
Lido de Paris
Founded in 1946, Lido de Paris is now the world’s most famous nightclub. It presents a traditional burlesque show with its legendary Bluebell Girls and Lido Boys.
from €75
Moulin Rouge
The world famous Moulin Rouge is Paris’ most renowned cabaret. A crew of seasoned performers in remarkable feather costumes will make your night unforgettable.
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Romantic Things to do in Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
Here are some of the most romantic things to do in Paris with your partner!
Visit The Wall of Love (Le Mur Des Je t’aime)
Picnic at the Luxembourg Palace
Take a sunset cruise along the Seine
Stroll Rue des Barres in Le Marais
Things to do with Kids in Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
Paris never fails to keep the kids intrigued, even the fussy ones. Here are some places to make your trip a wholesome experience for the entire family, especially the kids!
Visit Disneyland Paris
Kids and Disneyland is a no brainer. Watch them light up with glee on the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain or Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.
from €59
Visit Grevin Museum
Imagine the awe on your child's face when they see their favorite celebrity right in front of them. Well, even if it's a wax figure.
from €25
Explore the Louvre
A bunch of Louvre tours can be adjusted depending on your child's interest. The Mona Lisa is so famous, even the kids love to see it.
from €17
Wine Tasting Tours in Paris
#Best Things to do in Paris
A trip to Paris would be incomplete without a wine tasting experience, here are some of the best wine tasting tours in Paris!
Things to do in Paris at Night
#Best Things to do in Paris
"City of Lights" they call it. Get to know what's so special about this city's nights with these night experiences.
Walk along the Seine
Whether it's a romantic walk with your partner, or a chirpy stroll with family or friends, walking along the Seine at night is a surreal experience.
A Cabaret show
To get a feel of the chic nightlife of Paris, nothing beats an extravagant Cabaret show enjoyed with delicious food.
Things to do in Paris on a Budget
#Best Things to do in Paris
No one leaves Paris disappointed. Fret not if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of pocket-friendly attractions in Paris to fit into your visit. Here are some free things to do in Paris.
Explore the Père Lachaise Cemetery
The world’s most popular graveyard, it is the resting ground for many icons like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and others. So prepare for a bone-chilling night out!
Entry: Free
Walk La Promenade Plantée
It was the world’s first elevated park walkway. This 3 mile long walkway 10 meters above the street is a place to calm your senses in an enchanting ambience.
Entry: Free
Late Night Picnic at the Square du Vert-Galant
A triangular extension of the main island on the Seine river, the Square du Vert-Galant is a beautiful little park lined with chestnut, plum, walnut and many other trees.
Entry: Free
Visit Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
One of the world’s largest flea markets, make sure you don’t get lost while hunting for some souvenirs here!
Entry: Free
Explore Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a steep hilly park that’s always chirpy and alive, and has a fun musical bar at its highest point.
Entry: Free
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Street Art at Canal St-Martin
This place is a trending area in Paris, mostly inhabited by younger people. You won’t miss the funky graffiti on the walls as you pass by.
Entry: Free
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Things to do in Paris
Paris boasts some of the most iconic experiences any traveler can experience. There lies a perfect experience for everyone. The best of these range from The Pantheon, Versailles Palace and The Louvre for history lovers to The Eiffel Tower, Disneyland and Seine River cruises and much more for unforgettable spectacles.
Most of the attractions in Paris are ideal for a full family visit, the most popular of which are Disneyland, The Eiffel Tower or even a family picnic in its lawns, Paris Zoological Park, riding Ponies at Parc Monceau, Wax Museum, Jardin Des Plantes and many more.
With all the glam that comes with Paris, it’s true that it is a little on the expensive side as compared to some other places. But facilities like museum passes, student discounts and free entries on the first Sunday of the month can help cut down your expenses.. Book your Paris attractions tickets online and save big with great deals and discounts.
There are a number of theme parks to enjoy in Paris, some of the best being Disneyland, Parc Asterix, Laser World Paris Montparnasse, FlyView, Jardin d'Acclimatation, L'Île de Robinson, Aquaboulevard de Paris.
You can make a quick one day trip from Paris to Versailles (20 km), Giverny (65 km), Normandy (~220 km), Mont St Michel (284-363 km depending on the way of commute), Bruges (297 km).
Paris has some of the world’s most renowned museums, The Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Rodin, Grevin, Conciergerie to name a few.
Paris is a sight to behold at night. The best ways to spend your nights in the city include a night visit to Louvre, a peaceful walk along the Seine, Enjoying the beautifully lit up Eiffel, Going to an Opera or some Wine tasting.
There are aplenty Paris City Tours, each with its own experience. You can choose from The Seine River Cruise and Paris City Tour Combo or the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus tour. Choosing the right tour depends on your budget, location preferences and other factors.
Some great budget-friendly ideas for your visit to Paris include a Picnic in the Eiffel Tower lawns, exploring the Père Lachaise cemetery, a walk through La Promenade Plantée, admiring the street art at Canal St-Martin or grabbing some dirt cheap antiquities at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen.
Probably the first thing that comes to a kid’s mind when in Paris is Disneyland! Apart from that, The Grevin Museum, Aquarium de Paris, Paris Zoological Park and The Louvre are great options too.