Paris is a city full of romance and art. It is not only a travel destination, but also a symbol of the art of living, a synonym for romance and elegance. Whether walking on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees or walking through the ancient corridor of the Louvre Museum, Paris can always impress every visitor with its unique charm. Therefore, you can arrange your time well and discover as many surprises as possible hidden in every corner of the city. Here are 20 things to do in Paris that will enrich life in your spare time.
Why Choose Paris?
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world.
First of all, Paris is a perfect place for art and culture. The Louvre, the Orsay Museum, and the Centre Pompidou, among the world’s leading art palaces, are home to countless treasures ranging from ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and modern art. Every painting and sculpture here seems to be the epitome of human civilization.
Second, Paris is full of romance. Walking along the banks of the Seine, the ancient buildings on both sides are reflected in the river. This seems like a beautiful picture. The Eiffel Tower glows with lights at night, making it a love mecca for countless couples. With its open-air cafes, florists and bakeries on the city’s street, romance is woven into every detail of life.
Moreover, the architecture of Paris is a living history book. From the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral to the Baroque Palace of Versailles and the masterpieces of modernism, the architectural style of Paris spans thousands of years and has witnessed countless historical changes.
Finally, the food culture of Paris is also a highlight. French cuisine is famous for its delicacy, elegance and rich taste. From Michelin cuisine in fine restaurants to street food, from classic escargot and foie gras to macarons and croissants, Paris has lots of food to satisfy all your tastes. Here, food is also an attitude of life.
20 Best Things to Do in Paris
Here are 20 things to do in Paris France that we hope will inspire your trip to the city.
1. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Address: Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon-Sun: 9:30-23:00
- Ticket Price: €35.30 for adults; €17.70 for youths 12-24; €8.90 for kids 4-11
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic building in Paris and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The tower is 300 metres high and was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair. You can choose to walk or take the elevator up the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the whole city. From the tower, you can not only overlook the Louvre, the Seine and the Montmartre Highlands, but also enjoy the tower’s light show that flashes every hour for 5 minutes at night. The observation platform of the tower also has restaurants and souvenir shops, so that you can taste food or buy souvenirs. Thus, it becomes one of the best things to do in Paris.
2. Visit the Louvre Museum
- Address: 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon, Thu, Sat-Sun: 9:00-18:00; Wed-Fri: 9:00-21:00; Tue: Closed
- Ticket Price: €22 for adults; free for kids 17 and under 17
- Suggested Play Time: half day to full day
What to do in Paris? Never forget the Louvre. The Louvre is one of the largest art museums in the world. The museum houses more than 38,000 works of art, ranging from ancient times to the 19th century. And its most famous exhibits are the Mona Lisa, the Goddess of Victory and the Venus de Milo. The museum was originally the royal palace of France, and the building itself is a masterpiece of art. Visiting the Louvre requires planning in advance, as there are many exhibits in the museum. It is recommended to focus on the exhibition that interests you.
3. Walk along the banks of the Seine
- Length: 483 miles
- Suggested Play Time: less than 1 hour
The Seine is the mother river of Paris, and a stroll along its banks is a great way to soak up the romantic atmosphere of Paris. You can start at the Le Dais, pass the Notre Dame Cathedral, and enjoy the historic buildings along the riverbank, such as the Pont Neuf, the Orsay Museum, and the Louvre. There are many Bridges across the river, each with a unique style and story. In addition, you can also choose to take a Seine River cruise to enjoy the beauty of Paris from the water. Especially when the lights are on at night, the buildings on the river bank are particularly charming.
4. Explore Notre Dame Cathedral
- Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon-Wed, Fri: 7:50-19:00; Thu: 7:50-22:00; Sat-Sun: 8:15-19:30
- Ticket Price: free
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
Notre Dame Cathedral is a model of French Gothic architecture and one of the symbols of Paris, and becomes a must-go places to visit in Paris. Construction of the church began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to complete. Although the fire in 2019 caused some damage to the building, its architectural beauty and historical significance are still stunning. Inside, the stained-glass Windows, the huge organ and the magnificent nave are all worth admiring. In addition, you can climb the church’s bell tower to see the famous “bell ringer” statue and the city overall view of Paris.
5. Go up the Montparnasse Tower
- Address: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
- Opening Time: 9.:30 AM-10:30 PM
- Ticket Price: €18.50 from 18 years old and over; €14 from 12 to 17 years old
Go up to the Montparnasse Tower is also one of the things to do in Paris. The Montparnasse Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Paris, and its observation deck “Panorama of Paris” offers a great view of the city. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Paris, including iconic buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. The observation deck also has restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the view while dining. In addition, Montparnasse House is surrounded by many modern art galleries and commercial centres, which is a good place to experience the modern charm of Paris.
6. Visit the Orsay Museum
- Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon: Closed; Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun: 9:30-18:00; Thu: 9:30-21:45
- Ticket Price: €16 for adults
- Suggested Play Time: 2 hours to half day
The Orsay Museum is located on the left bank of the Seine River and was originally the railway station for the 1900 Paris World Expo, which was later converted into a museum. It is famous for its collection of art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Impressionism, post-Impressionism and Art Nouveau. The museum has a collection of works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and other masters, among which the most famous exhibits include the Starry Night and Water Lilies series. The building itself is also distinctive, retaining the arched glass roof of the train station, which is very artistic.
7. Walk through the Montmartre
- Address: Montmartre, 75008 Paris, France
- Opening Time:Basilica: 6:00-22:30; the Bell Tower is not open to visitors
Montmartre is one of the most artistic areas in Paris and a gathering place for artists. The most famous attraction here is the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, whose white dome stands out against the Paris skyline. You can start at the foot of the mountain and climb along the path, passing many art studios, galleries and buskers on your way. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can overlook the whole of Paris, especially the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. In addition, Montmartre’s Place du Tertre is where artists display their work and you can buy a unique souvenir here.
8. Taste French cuisine
- French Food: macaron, croissant, foie gras, crêpe, Bouillabaisse, Coq au Vin
Paris is a paradise of food. Enjoy the food here is always one of the things to do in Paris. French cuisine is known for its delicacy, elegance and rich taste. From fine restaurants to street-side bistros, Paris has a wide variety of culinary options. It is recommended that you can try a traditional French bistro, order a classic French beef stew (Boeuf Bourguignon), with a glass of Burgundy wine, and feel the French food culture. In addition, Parisian desserts are also a highlight, such as macarons, Napoleon cake and creme brulee.
9. Visit Versailles Palace
- Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
- Opening Time: Mon: Closed; Tue-Sun: 9:00-17:30
- Ticket Price: From €21 for adults
- Suggested Play Time: half day to full day
The Versailles Palace is the former home of the French royal family and one of the most famous palaces in the world. It is located on the outskirts of Paris, about 20 km from the city centre. The palace is famous for its luxurious architecture and magnificent gardens, and is a fine example of French Baroque architecture. The interior of Versailles is magnificently decorated. The Hall of Mirrors is an iconic building of the palace, with 17 huge mirrors on the walls that mirror the frescoes on the ceiling. The palace’s gardens cover about 800 hectares, with fountains, sculptures and symmetrical flower beds, and are one of the largest French-style gardens in Europe.
10. Explore the Latin Quarter
- Ticket Price: free
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
Shopping in the Latin Quarter is a stuff to do in Paris. The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest and most vibrant areas of Paris, located on the left bank of the Seine. It used to be a gathering place for students and artists, full of literary atmosphere. The Latin Quarter has many old buildings, bookstores, cafes and restaurants, among which the most famous attraction is the Sorbonne University. The university was founded in 1257 and is one of the oldest universities in the world. In addition, the Boulevard Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter is a great place for shopping and dining.
11. Visit the Centre Pompidou
- Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun: 11:00-21:00; Tue: Closed; Thu: 11:00-23:00
- Ticket Price: From €15 for adults
- Suggested Play Time: 2 hours to half day
The Centre Pompidou is a temple of modern art, located in the heart of Paris and known for its unique architectural style. The exterior of the building is full of pipes and steel structures, brightly coloured and extremely futuristic. The interior of the Centre Pompidou houses a large collection of modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp and others. In addition, the museum has a library, a music and acoustics research centre, and temporary exhibition spaces.
12. Stroll down the Champs-Elysees
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
Walk through here is always one the top things to do in Paris. The Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in Paris and one of the most luxurious shopping streets in the world. This street extends from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, with a total length of about 1.9 kilometres. Along the way, there are many high-end brand stores, cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to shop and eat. At the end of the Champs Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental structure built to commemorate Napoleon’s victory. In addition, every year on July 14, France’s National Day, the Champs-Elysees Street will also hold a grand military parade, attracting countless tourists to watch.
13. See a performance at the Palais Garnier
- Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris, France
- Opening Time: 10:00-17:00
- Ticket Price: €14 euros for adults; €9 euros for students and those younger than 25
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
The Palais Garnier is one of the most important opera houses in France and one of the landmarks of Paris. The building, designed by Charles Garnier and completed in 1875, is a masterpiece of French architecture during the Second Empire. The exterior of the opera house is magnificent, but the interior is even more ornate, including gold decorations, marble columns and huge crystal chandeliers. The stairwell of the Opera House is particularly spectacular and is one of the highlights of the building. In addition, there is a small museum on the roof of the Palais Garnier that shows its history and architectural details.
14. Experience French coffee culture
- French Coffee Types: espresso, cappuccino, French press coffee
Tasting local coffee is one of the fun things to do in Paris for many people. Paris’ coffee culture is an important part of city life. In Paris, coffee is not just a drink, it’s a way of life. You can find an outdoor cafe, order a strong-taste French coffee, with a croissant, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Paris is full of cafes, from the traditional “Breton” cafe to the modern coffee shop, each with its unique atmosphere.
15. Visit the Sainte-Chapelle
- Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Time: 9:00-17:00
- Ticket Price: €13 for adults 18 and older; free for visitors 25 and younger
- Suggested Play Time: less than 1 hour
The Saint-Chapelle, located on the Isle de la Rue, is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Paris. The church was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX of France to house Christian relics. St Chapelle is famous for its exquisite stained glass Windows. The sun shines through the glass inside the church, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. The church is built in the Gothic style and the interior is decorated with elaborate carvings and frescoes.
16. Walk in the Luxembourg Gardens
- Address: 75006 Paris, France
- Opening Time: from 7:30 daily
- Ticket Price: free
- Suggested Play Time: 1-2 hours
The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, located on the south side of the Luxembourg Palace. The garden covers 23 hectares and is a popular place for Parisians to relax and relax. The garden has large green Spaces, fountains, sculptures and flower beds, the most famous of which is the Medici Fountain. You can take a walk, have a picnic, or sit on a bench and enjoy the view. In addition, there is a children’s play area and a small botanical garden in the garden, which is ideal for families.
17. Visit the Paris Museum of Sewers
- Address: Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l’Alma, 75007 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon: Closed; Tue-Sun: 10:00-17:00
The sewer system of Paris is one of the most advanced urban drainage systems in the world and one of the engineering marvels of Paris. Located on the left bank of the Seine, the Sewers Museum of Paris shows you the internal structure and history of the sewers, allowing you to understand how Paris kept the city clean and sanitary through its advanced drainage system. The museum has a simulated sewer passage, and visitors can walk along the passage to understand how the sewer works.
18. Shopping in the Le Marais
- Ticket Price: free
- Suggested Play Time: 2 hours to half day
Marais is a district full of fashion and art, located on the right bank of the Seine River. Once a Jewish quarter, it has become one of the most popular shopping and entertainment districts in Paris. With many independent designer shops, antique shops, art galleries and cafes, Le Marais is a great place to find unique souvenirs. The most famous of these streets are the Place des Vosges and the Rue de Rivoli.
19. Visit the Musée Picasso Paris
- Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
- Opening Time: Mon: Closed; Tue-Sun: 9:30-18:00
- Suggested Play Time: 2 or more hours
The Musée Picasso Paris, located in the Marais district of Paris, is a museum dedicated to the collection of Picasso’s works. The museum houses more than 5,000 works of art by Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics. The works cover Picasso’s entire career. The museum building itself is a 17th-century aristocratic mansion with elegant interior decoration that contrasts sharply with Picasso’s works.
20. Visit the Arc de Triomphe
- Opening Time: Wed-Mon 10:00-22:30; Tue: 11:00-22:30
- Ticket Price: free to view; €16 entry fee
- Suggested Play Time: less than 1 hour
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of France’s iconic buildings, located at the end of the Champs-Elysees, in the middle of Charles de Gaulle Place. It is one of the best places to see in Paris. It was built to commemorate Napoleon’s military victories and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by the names of Napoleon’s generals and victories, and there are four groups of reliefs on the doorsteps, of which the “Marseillaise” is the most famous. Visitors can go up to the observation deck at the top of the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of Paris, including the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower.
Best Accommodation in Paris
Paris is full of charm. If you want to stay here for a while, don’t forget to find the best accommodation in Paris. Luckily, uhomes.com can provide you with various properties and professional consultants. Here are some of the most recommended accommodation in Paris listed on our platform.
- Address: 16 Avenue Emile Baudot, Paris, ile-de-france 91120
- Price: From €440/month
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, elevator, laundry room, library, reception, gym, yoga studio, cinema room…
- Address: Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Paris, ile-de-france 92800
- Price: From €1494/month
- Amenities: conference room, library, reception, gym, game room, yoga studio, music studio…
Cardinal campous good morning créteil
- Address: Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Paris, ile-de-france 94000
- Price: From €650/month
- Amenities: laundry room, study room, communal kitchen, gym, game room, music studio, courtyard…
Néméa Appart’etud Paris clichy
- Address: Rue du 19 Mars 1962, Paris, ile-de-france 92110
- Price: From €810/month
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, laundry room, communal kitchen, gym, game room, bike storage…
- Address: 100 rue Oberkampf PARIS, Paris, ile-de-france 75011
- Price: From €1170/month
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, laundry room, reception, gym, CCTV, bike storage…
Final Wrap-Up
In Paris, the romantic city, the above list of 20 things to do in Paris can enrich your life. The charm of this city lies in its diversity. Art, history, food, and romance intertwine to make the city irresistible. Paris is not just a destination, but also an attitude to life, a pursuit of beauty and detail. Whether you’re overlooking the city from the Eiffel Tower, engaging in a conversation with the history of the Louvre, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a cafe by the Seine, Paris has its own way to move you.
FAQs
The best time to visit Paris is usually spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
Paris is full of life in spring. The flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. In autumn, there are beautiful autumn leaves, cool weather and relatively few tourists. In addition, Paris is especially charming in late September for a walk along the banks of the Seine.
In Paris, there are many family-friendly activities that can be arranged. Here are some recommendations:
- Disneyland Paris: This is one of the most popular family destinations in Paris for kids of all ages.
- Asterix Park: This is an adventure theme park that is slightly away from the city of Paris, but very popular. The park has kid-friendly rides, magic shows and is suitable for children 3 years and older.
- Zoo of Paris: The zoo covers a vast area and is divided into five different biological zones, where a variety of rare animals are kept. Children can observe animals closely and feel the charm of nature.
- Aquarium de Paris: This is one of the oldest aquariums in the world, with more than 10,000 species of Marine life.
- Natural History Museum: The museum has a rich display of minerals, fossils and animal specimens, suitable for children interested in natural science.
- Botanical garden: The garden has large green spaces and greenhouses where children can explore freely.
- City of Science and Industry: This is a kid-friendly science museum with an interactive experience area designed for children ages 2 to 12, where kids can learn about science while playing.
There are many free attractions and activities in Paris to suit visitors with different interests and needs. Here are some recommendations:
- Historical and cultural attractions
- Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
- Basilique du Sacré Coeur
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Musée Carnavalet
- Maison de Balzac
- Museums and Art
- Musée du Louvre
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Musée national du Moyen Âge
- Musée Picasso
- Other free activities
- Walk along the Seine
- Visit the Montmartre
- Carnaval de Paris
- Centre Pompidou Weekend Celebration
Paris has a rich nightlife, ranging from high-end song and dance performances to vibrant nightclubs and jazz bars. Here are some nightlife spots not to be missed:
- Lido de Paris: The Paris Lido, located on the Champs-Elysees, is a famous venue known for its gorgeous stage, superb dancing and wonderful acrobatics.
- Fitzroy: It’s a Bohemian dancehall bar inspired by Melbourne’s nightlife scene.
- Bar Hemingway: It is a cocktail bar at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Named after Ernest Hemingway, the bar is elegantly decorated.
- PACHAMAMA: This is a supper club near the Place de la Bastille that transforms into a large nightclub after 10:30 p.m. It has 1,500 square metres of space and gorgeous decor.
- Rex Club: It is one of the oldest nightclubs in Paris. With a focus on electronic and House music, it is a paradise for techno-music lovers.
- The Gare Jazz: Located in an abandoned train station in the 19th arrondissement, it is one of the best jazz bars in Paris.
Paris has a busy traffic, especially during peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 17:00-19:00 PM). Public transport is always your first choice. Paris has extensive metro and bus service, but some lines may be delayed due to construction or strikes. When driving, the main roads in Paris are often congested, and the average speed is only 20.8 km/h. In addition, weather, demonstrations and many other factors can also affect traffic. Visitors are advised to plan their route ahead of time, avoid peaks and pay attention to real-time information.
