The Best Things to See & Do in Paris France
Paris is a romantic city filled with so much to see and do! With so many historic landmarks, wonderful museums, cultural experiences and local-approved shops and restaurants, you’ll need some help narrowing down how to best spend your time in the French Capital. Here’s a list of what you shouldn’t miss during your next trip to Paris!
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Welcome to Paris, the romantic French capital. Considered the gateway to the country, you are bound to find yourself here at some point. This is where the majority of visitors to France start and end their trip. Take some time to thoughtfully consider what you would like to experience while you are here, what it will cost and how much time you think you’ll need to fit it all in. Take these essential steps to create memories that will last a lifetime.
There is something to be said about spontaneity while travelling, but there is nothing more satisfying than showing up prepared to a new destination. Preparation not only offers peace of mind, but you’ll have a better chance of snagging deals on flights, booking your preferred accommodation, reserving a table at an in-demand restaurant or getting limited-supply tickets to local attractions. Don’t wait for hours in line for the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower because you forgot to book entrance tickets ahead of time.
Best Things to See & Do
Use this guide to create a list of your top highlights for visiting Paris. From there you can make a budget and itinerary, turning your dream vacation into a reality. Planning the trip is almost as exciting as the journey itself. All that will be left to do is pack your bags and decide where to go first!
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most-recognized symbol of Paris and one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions. Purchase an entrance ticket and make your way to the top of the tower for incredible, panoramic views. Alternatively, crossover to the left bank of the Seine River to reach the Jardins du Trocadero. This area provides incredible views of the tower for free and is perfect spot for a picnic. Every night after sunset the tower is illuminated and sparkles for 5 minutes (every hour on the hour). This is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris for the first-time!
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am – 10:45pm.
| Access Level | Cost |
| 2nd Floor – Elevator/Lift | €18.10 |
| Top – Elevator/Lift | €28.30 |
| 2nd Floor – Stairs | €11.30 |
| Top – Stairs + Elevator/Lift | €21.50 |
Musée du Louve
Formerly home to French Kings, the Louvre has been converted from a palace into one of the largest museums in the world. This exquisite gallery houses some of the best masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours browsing the museum’s main highlights. Purchase entrance tickets online in advance to reserve a time slot and guarantee your admission. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting for hours in very long line.
Opening Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday – 9:00am-6:00pm. Friday – 9:00am-9:45pm. Closed Tuesday.
Cost: €17 – Purchased online; €15 – Purchased at the museum (limited tickets available during off-peak times).
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is one of the oldest and well-known cathedrals in the world. Famous for its gothic-style gargoyles and stained-glass windows, Notre Dame has been a prominent landmark in Paris since construction began in the year 1163. Unfortunately, the cathedral is closed for renovations due to devastating fire damage that occurred in 2019. It is set to reopen to visitors in 2024.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is an impressive war memorial located in central Paris where twelve boulevards converge, including the western end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Pay respect at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, tour the museum and climb the 284 steps to the rooftop observation terrace. This is one of the best places in the city to see the Eiffel Tower lit up after dark. Safely access the monument through an underground passageway. Do not attempt to cross the traffic in the roundabout!
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-10:30pm.
Cost: €13.00
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a shopping district that stretches nearly 2 kilometres from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This commercial street is lined with many charming cafés and luxury boutique shops. On the first Sunday of each month, the Champs-Élysées is closed to vehicles, creating a pedestrian-only experience.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is a major public square in Paris located at the eastern end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This area was known historically as the site of many public executions that took place during the French Revolution. Today you will find the famous Luxor Obelisk and two monumental fountains – Fontaine des Mers & Fontaine des Fleuves. The Jardin des Tuileries is also nearby.
Panthéon
This historic building found in the Latin Quarter of Paris was inspired by the Pantheon built in Rome. The Panthéon was originally intended to be a church, but today functions as a mausoleum. The Dome is referred to as the Balcony of Parisoffering panoramic views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Luxembourg Gardens. The climb to the top is about 276 steps and is accessible to visitors between April and October.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Cost: €11.50
Jardin du Luxembourg
Beautiful gardens situated on the border between Saint Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Take a break from the tourist crowds and spend a peaceful afternoon among the blooming flowers and greenspace.
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Cost: Free
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is an iconic venue located in the heart of the Montmartre district hosting world-famous cabaret shows. Performers take the stage nightly. If you’ve ever wanted to see a cabaret, there’s no better place than Paris.
Cost: Check the official website for show prices. Prices range from €88.00-€420.00 per person depending on the show, show time and whether or not dinner and drinks are included.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart can be found on the highest hill in Paris in the district of Montmartre. Visitors often arrive in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the city. For even better panoramic views of the nation’s capital, climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00am-10:30pm.
Cost: Free admission to the basilica. €6.00 – Climb to the Dome.
Seine River
The Seine is the main river in Paris that passes though the centre of the city. The cobblestoned banks and picturesque bridges make the Seine River the perfect place for a romantic stroll or scenic boat cruise.
Pont des Arts (Bridge of the Arts)
Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge crossing over the River Seine, known better to tourists as the “Love Lock Bridge.” It has become tradition for couples to attach padlocks (love locks) with their names/initials written on them to the bridge and then throw the key away into the water below. This romantic gesture is said to symbolize ever-lasting love.
Pont Alexandre III
Paris has several bridges that cross the Seine, but Pont Alexandre III is considered the city’s most beautiful and opulent construction. This bridge connects the Champs-Élysées and the Grand Palais (right bank) with the Hôtel des Invalides (left bank). It is easily recognized by its numerous lanterns, sculptures and decorative bronze statues.
How to Save Money in Paris
Here are some of the best ways to save money in Pairs so that you can see and do as much as possible, within budget!
Paris Pass
The Paris Pass is a sightseeing card for tourists offering discounted access to over 80 popular attractions, tours and museums in the city. It’s cheaper to buy a Paris Pass than to pay for each attraction individually. The All-Inclusive pass is valid for 2 or 3 days. The Paris Museum Pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 days. Keep in mind that some attractions will still require advance reservations.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Bus routes created specifically for tourists stopping at all the major landmarks in Paris while providing audio commentary. Purchase a one or two-day pass to suit your itinerary. It’s possible to add a scenic cruise along the Seine River to your pass.
Purchase Travel Insurance
As much as we don’t like to think about it, things can and do go wrong while travelling. Have some peace of mind knowing that you are covered by insurance if something unexpected happens, such an injury, illness or lost luggage. Get a quote from SafetyWing below:
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Have any questions about planning your trip to Paris? Please share your questions or comments below!
