What To Do When In Paris

Paris is always a good idea. Right? This remarkable ‘City of Light’, has a certain je ne sais quoi, and an unforgettable ambiance, drawing over 30 million visitors a year. With its iconic Eiffel Tower, magnificent royal palaces, formal French gardens, beautiful bridges, world-renowned cuisine, cafe culture, and amazing art museums, it offers an endless source of charm and beauty. This post covers the highlights of what to see and do when visiting Paris.

This post on What To Do When Visiting Paris is updated as of December, 2021.

What To Do When In Paris

La Tour Eiffel, or The Eiffel Tower

The iconic Eiffel tower, built to be the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair, is still mesmerizing today, and one of the top things to do when in Paris. I’ve visited many times and still find myself drawn here again and again. And although they say you only need to go up it once, the thrill, and the view, is worth doing it multiple times. Especially at night when this city is glittering.

The tallest structure in Paris, it has three levels for tourists. Its observation deck near its peak, at 906’ (276 m), is the highest observation deck accessible to the public the EU. There are also several restaurants. 58 Tour Eiffel, on the first floor, is a popular choice, while Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, is on the second, and there’s a Champagne Bar on the top floor.

Buying Tickets For The Eiffel Tower: Being one of the top spots in Paris, make sure to buy tickets in advance. Prices vary depending on whether you take the elevator or the stairs, and how high. You can take the stairs and the elevator to the first two levels. Generally, the top level is only accessible via elevator. For restaurant reservations, book well in advance. The Champagne Bar does not accept reservations. Tip: A restaurant reservation allows you to skip the line.

How To Get To The Eiffel Tower: The closest metro station is Bir-Hakeim, which also offers a great photo op. Trocadéro, another option, also offers great views. The closest Réseau Express Régional (RER) stop is Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel. See details and other options at How To Get To The Eiffel Tower.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, started out as a fortress in the 12th century. King Francis I, an avid art collector, turned it into a palace in the 16th century. Enhanced by subsequent Kings, the palace and its art collection expanded. In the 17th century, the Royal Palace moved to Versailles, and in the 18th century, the Louvre opened as a museum.

The Louvre is so large, it’s overwhelming to try to see it all. Plus, there are many other outstanding museums to see (below). It’s best to research what to see in advance. Some of the most famous works include the following:

• Leonardo Davinci’s Mona Lisa (Denon wing)
• The sculpture of Venus de Milo (Sully wing)
• Victoire de Samonthrace sculpture, or Goddess of Victory (Denon wing)
• The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David (Denon wing)
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (Denon wing)
• Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova (Richelieu wing)
• The French Crown Jewels (Galerie d’Apollon, which is stunning in itself)

Buying Tickets For The Louvre: Make sure to buy your tickets well in advance. Closed on Tuesdays. It’s free on the first Saturday of every month, and on Bastille Day, July 14th. These days, however, will be its busiest.

How To Get To The Louvre: Located in the 1st arrondissement (1ère), the closest metro stations are Louvre Rivoli and Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.

Notre-Dame de Paris

13th century Notre Dame, with its delicate flying buttresses and spectacular stained glass windows, is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Distinguished for its size, architectural interest, and age, it’s one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages. It’s also where Napoleon was coronated in 1804.

Closed from the tragic 2019 fire, restoration work is still in progress. The estimated completion date is in 2024.

Note-Dame’s magnificent stained glass windows, or ‘rose windows’, survived the fire, but are also being restored.

How To Get To Notre Dame: Located in the 4ème on Île de la Cité, the closest metro stations are Saint Michel and Cité metro.

Arch De Triomphe

The Arch De Triomphe, at the west end of the Champs-Élysées, was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate French military achievements and honor those who fought and died for France.

This monument, the most emblematic symbol of France, sits at the center of Charles de Gualle, or “Place de l’Étoile”, the crossroad of 12 Parisian avenues. Etoile means “star” in French.

The tomb of the unknown soldier sits below its vault, and a flame of remembrance burns here. It’s rekindled daily at 6:30 PM, which you can watch.

The top of the Arch de Triomphe can be access via 284 steps, or via an elevator, and 46 steps, providing one of the best views of the city. Tickets are required, and as with most places here, preferably in advance.

Champs-Élysées 

The 1.2 mile (1.9 km) Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, connects the Arch de Triomphe with Place de la Concorde. Lined with high-end brand name retail shops, restaurants, and cinemas, the grand, tree-lined boulevard near the Arch de Triomphe is always bustling with energy.

How To Get To The Champs-Élysées: Located between the Arch du Triomphe in the west and Place de la Concorde in the east, the closest metro stop is Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, on line 1.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, or the Basilica of the Sacred-Heart of Paris, is at the top of Butte Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. Climb up the 270 steps from Square Louise Michele to visit and see the view of Paris here.

The ceiling in its apse has one of the world’s largest mosaics, Christ in Glory by Olivier Merson. Entering the Basilica is free, but there’s a fee to climb the 300 steps to the dome. Another one of the top view-points in Paris.

How To Get To Sacré-Cœur: Located in the 18ème the closest metro stop is Anvers, on the line 2. If you don’t want to climb the steps to the Bascilica, there is a funicular. It, however, usually has long lines and still requires steps. Montmartrobus also operates on a circular route from Place Pigalle to the top of the Butte. 

Montmartre Village

Montmartre became famous in the late 19th century when artists like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec lived and worked here.

Today its artistic tradition continues with artists and artwork. Although a bit touristic, its ambiance is charming. A great place to get dinner and people watch. It’s also full of quaint shops and galleries.

Place du Tertre, a very charming artistic square, is like an open-air gallery, with local artwork on display and galleries showcasing work by the artists that made this neighborhood famous.

How To Get To Montmartre: You can walk to this charming cobblestoned neighborhood from Sacré-Cœur. Head north (away from the steps).

Moulin Rouge

Just down the hill from Montmartre, in the Pigalle district, is famed Moulin Rouge, birthplace of the can-can dance. It was founded during the Belle Epoche, or ‘beautiful era’, in the late 19th century.

Today this popular tourist attraction offers cabaret-style entertainment and dance performances from around the world.

This is an essential Parisian experience, and one of the top things to do when in Paris. Even if you just take photos from the outside.

Buying Tickets For Moulin Rouge: Buy tickets in advance moulonrouge.fr. You can choose to just see the show, or combine it with lunch or dinner.

How To Get To Moulin Rouge: The Moulin Rouge is located about a 15-minute walk southwest of Montmartre, in the heart of the red light district. If arriving via metro, the closest station is Blanche, on line 2.

Palais Royal

Designed as a personal residence for Cardinal Richelieu, it was bequeathed to King Louis XVIII after his death, becoming Palais Royal. His son, Louis XIV lived here before moving to the Louvre, and then Versailles Palace.

Today it’s used for the Ministry of Culture, State Council, and Constitutional Council, but the courtyard and gardens are open to the public. Its unique installation of 260 black and white striped columns are a popular place for selfies.

How To Get To The Palais Royal: Located across from the Louvre, the nearest metro stop is Palais Royal Musée du Louvre.

Palais de la Cité

Located on the Seine at Île de la Cité, this is the oldest Palace in Paris, and Palace of the Kings from the 6th-14th century. It later became the headquarters of the French treasury, Parliament of Paris, and the judicial system. During the French Revolution it served as a courthouse and prison, with Marie Antoinette as one of its most famous prisoners. Imprisoned here before her beheading at Place de la Concorde in 1793.

Her original cell is no longer intact, but you can visit its recreation. The museum here also has documents and other 18th century relics. La Conciergerie, the former courthouse and prison, is one of the few original buildings remaining of the Palais. If you have time for a quick visit, it’s not very expensive, but knowing it’s history, you can also just admire the architecture and imagine the ordeal from across the Seine.

Sainte-Chapelle, with its dazzling, 1,113 stained glass windows, is the former royal chapel of the Palais. If you want you can get a combined ticket to La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.

How To Get To La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle: Located on the Seine at Île de la Cité, the closest metro is Cité station.

Visit The Top Jardin (Gardens) in Paris

Two of the top public gardens in Paris are the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin de Luxembourg. Being public gardens, they’re both free (not including booked activities).

Jardin des Tuileries

This garden, and the Palais des Tuileries Queen Catherine de Medici built here in the 16th century, gets its name from the tile factory once located here. Catherine, born in Florence, originally had it created as an Italian Renaissance garden, but it was later redesigned French formal.

With elegant statues, ponds, and several walking paths, it’s a refreshing stop after sightseeing. Plus it offers fun for all ages with a play area, a carrousel, trampolines, and model boat rentals for the pond, and more. The Palace, which no longer exists, was burnt down in 1871.

How To Get To Jardin des Tuileries: These public gardens, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde in the 1ère, have their own metro stop, Tuileries, on line 1.

Jardin de Luxembourg

Located on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the Palace and gardens here were also built for Queen Catherine de Medici. The Palace was designed as an Italian style Palace, with gardens inspired by the Boboli gardens at Pitti Palace in Florence. Today the gardens are split into English and French styles.

During the French Revolution, Palais Luxembourg became a prison. Today it’s home to the French Senate. This park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, with a playground, pony rides, chessboards, models boat rentals for the pond, and more.

How To Get To Luxemburg Gardens: Located in the 6ème, the closest metro stations are Odéon, Saint-Suplice, and Notre-Dame-des-Champs. The closest RER stop is Luxembourg, line 1.

The Panthéon

Paris’s Panthéon borrows its design from the original in Rome, which was built 16 centuries earlier. Originally a church, it was secularized during the French Revolution, repurposed as a temple for liberty, and the distinguished french citizens that championed it. Important tombs here include Marie Curie, Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Émile Zola, and more. After touring the mausoleum, climb the 270+ steps for another fantastic view of Paris.

How To Get To The Panthéon: Located in the 5ème, a few minutes walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. Although the closest metro stop is Cardinal-Lemione, that’s line 10, which is inconvenient. Plus then you approach the Panthéon from behind. The best approach is the Odéon metro stop, which is a 15-minute walk.

Catacombes de Paris

This network of old limestone mines, dating to medievel times, was used as a cemetery in the 18th century when the cemeteries of Paris were overflowing. Stacked with the remains of several million Parisians, 20 meters below surface, this is a sobering, but eerily fascinating visit.

How To Get To The Catacombs: Located south of the Jardin de Luxembourg, in the 14th arrondissement, the closest metro stop is Denfert-Rochereau.

Other Museums And Galleries in Paris

Musée d’Orsay – This former Baux-Arts railway station features French art from 1848 to 1914. Some of its highlights include Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette, and Edouard Manet‘s Luncheon On the Grass.

Musée Picasso – This museum has the most extensive collection of Picasso’s work, with over 5,000 pieces.

Centre Pompideau – This unique avant-guard building is home to the National Museum of Modern Art.

Musée Rodin – Dedicated mostly to Auguste Rodin, Musée Rodin includes his famous works, like The Thinker and The Kiss.

Palais de Tokyo – Palace de Tokyo is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its western wing has the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.

Musée Marmottan – Home to the world’s largest collection of Monet, but also shows Renoir, Degas, Gaugin, and more.

Musée de l’Orangerie – Located in the southwest part of Jardin Tuileries, this charming museum has 8 of Monet’s stunning Water Lily murals, and other 20th century European art.

59 Rivoli – To experience Paris’s current art movement, visit innovative 59 Rivoli. This abandoned bank, overtaken by squatting artists in 1999, is now an official studio for Parisian artists. Don’t miss the studios of 20 permanent artists and 10 rotating studio spaces.

Top Quarters To Visit

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This quintessentially Parisian neighborhood became famous in the late 19th and early 20th century when it was a meeting place for well-known writers, philosophers, and artists, the birthplace of many literary and philosophical movements, including existentialism.

Philosophical and literary cafes like Cafe Les Deux Magots, Cafe Le Flore, Brasserie Lipp, and Cafe Procope opened, where philosophy and radical political ideals were discussed. And these cafes still stand today, along with art galleries, antique stores, designer boutiques, street markets, upscale dining, and more. This is also where you’ll find Musée National Eugène Delacroix, Le Bon Marché, the Luxembourg Gardens, and more.

This atmospheric neighborhood is definitely worth exploring, stopping at its historically famous cafes, galleries, markets, or its namesake church, Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

How To Get To Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Located in the 6ème, the central metro stop is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on line 4.

Latin Quarter

Home to Sorbonne University and cafes filled with students, this area got its name from the Latin the university students spoke here. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife, with many cafes. It’s also home to the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, an institution in Paris that opened in 1919, and the Panthéon.

How To Get To The Latin Quarter: Also located in the 6ème, the Saint Michael metro stop is closest to Shakespeare and Company, which is a good starting point.

Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité is the larger of the two islands in the Seine. This is the historic heart of Paris, where the first settlers arrived almost 2,300 years ago, a Celtic tribe called the Parisii.

It’s also where some of the most famous sites of Paris are, like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais de la Cité, Pont Neuf Bridge, Marché des Fleurs, the flower and bird market, and more. I loved just wandering the streets to see the various market shops here. It also has great ice cream shops, like Berthillon.

How To Get To Île de la Cité: The Cité metro station, line 4, is centrally located. Or Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame on the RER, lines B and C. Another option, although longer, is to take the metro to Louvre – Rivoli, line 1, then cross to Île de la Cité via Pont Neuf bridge, soaking up the stellar views.

Famous Cafes in Paris

Stopping in at least one of the cafes where Paris’s literary and intellectual elite discussed life and politics in the late 19th and early 20th century is a must.

Cafe Les Deux Magots – In the past, writer Earnest Hemmingway, and famous thinkers Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sartre frequented this famous cafe, while Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, and Julia Child also visited. Deux Magots awards a French novel literary prize, known as Prix des Deux Magots, annually since 1933.

Cafe Le Flore – Historical French novelists Joris-Karl Huysmans, Remy de Gourmont, Charles Maurras, and others, frequented this cafe, while Picasso visited as well.

Brasserie Lipp – Famous poets like Paul Verlaine and Guillaume Apollinaire frequented here, along with others. This Brasserie also sponsors a literary prize annually, the Priz Cazes.

Cafe Procope – Cafe Procope, often noted as the oldest cafe in Paris, had Marie Antoinette and Napoleon as customers. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Voltaire also dined here.

Want More Of France?

There’s a reason why France is one of the most visited countries in the world, it has tons to offer.

From Paris, there are several must-do day trips, like the Palace of Versailles, Chateau Fontainbleau, or Giverny, to see Claude Monet’s house and gardens. All are just a short train ride away.

If you want to explore some of France’s smaller historic cities, consider Strasbourg, Lyon, Normandy, and Brittany.

South of Paris there’s Avignon, the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, moved from Rome due to conflict and chaos. Its Palais des Papes, for the 7 popes that reigned here, is the largest Gothic medieval Palace in the world.

Not far from Avignon is Aix-en-Provence. This hip, but unpretentious university town is where Paul Cézanne lived and worked, and where Picasso painted. I can see how its sun-dappled buildings and surrounding landscape inspired creativity.

For more in lovely Provence, visit Lourmarin, Arles, St. Remy, and Gordes. All very charming and where great historic artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and more were inspired.

The Cote d’Azur, or French Riviera, is a short drive from Avignon and Aix. This 550 mile stretch of sun, sand, and crystal-clear azure waters is known as a playground for the wealthy. Explore laid-back coastal cities along the Mediterranean like Cassis, St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and more.

And to learn more about France’s outstanding wines, there’s also Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhone Valley, and the Loire Valley. Each with their own incredible terroir, varietals, and historic architecture.

To see all the places to fall in love with France, as well as tips on money, safety, scams, and how to best get around, see my France Travel Guide.