24 Best Things to Do in Paris

The city of lovers, the capital of croissants, fashion, the famous Eiffel Tower and the Louvre! These are my first associations with Paris! This charming metropolis on the Seine attracts millions of tourists every year, who leave the city with a firm resolve to visit again.

Paris is magical and there is no denying it, and what is worth seeing in this city? I’ll show you the places you must visit and the lesser-known ones that delighted me.

Luxembourg Garden

The Luxembourg Garden is by far the most famous and one of the largest parks in Paris. This 17th-century park stretches as much as 23 hectares and lies next to the palace, which is now the seat of the Senate.

Parisians love to spend time here, they can relax among the greenery, stroll along the charming alleys and relax by the numerous fountains and sculptures. The garden also attracts many tourists, you can see here the famous Medici Fountain or the Paris Statue of Liberty.

Pantheon in Paris

The Paris Pantheon is a must-visit place for all lovers of art, but also science. Among others, Marie Skłodowska-Curie or Victor Hugo rest here, as well as 71 other prominent and distinguished personalities of the French nation.

The structure lies in the Latin Quarter and was built at the request of King Louis XV in the late 18th century as a shrine in honor of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The Pantheon in Paris was built on the model of the one in Rome, designed in neoclassical style on a Greek cross plan with a central dome reigning supreme.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

This building probably needs no introduction to anyone. You may have known it since you were a child, thanks to the popular Disney cartoon The Bell Jar of Notre Dame. This cathedral has been a symbol of the French capital for years, it was built on an island in the Seine, and its construction took more than 180 years! To this day, however, the name of the architect who designed this famous building has not been learned.

For years, the relics of the crown of thorns were kept in the cathedral, and every year the temple was visited by about 14 million tourists! Unfortunately, in 2019 a huge fire broke out here, through which a large part of the cathedral is destroyed. It is estimated that its re-visitation will be possible in 2024. For the moment, you can admire the cathedral from the outside, see the cathedral crypt, and spend time in the square at the temple.

Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most famous and also the largest museums in the world, it is also the former royal palace of Paris. Here you will see some of the world’s greatest works of art and culture: the famous Mona Lisa, sculptures of the Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace, and an extremely valuable stele of the Code of Hammurabi from 1700 BC.

The Louvre is a highly trafficked attraction in Paris, so be prepared for long lines at the entrance and crowds of visitors. You can go here first thing in the morning or at later hours – for example, on days when the museum is open longer.

It’s also definitely worth a stroll in its vicinity if you don’t have time to look inside. Beware, however, of pickpockets and peddlers who will quite pushily try to sell you various gadgets, key rings, etc.

Jardin des Tuileries

This beautiful romantic garden dating back to the 17th century is hidden between the Louvre and the Place de la Concord. Interestingly, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Here you will rest from the hustle and bustle of the city amidst the greenery and gain strength for further sightseeing, such as the Arc de Triomphe, which sits right next to the park.

Luxor Obelisk

You can see the Luxor obelisk next to the Park Jardin des Tuileries, specifically on the Place de la Concorde. The object comes from an Egyptian temple and was built more than 3300 years ago! In Paris we can admire it since 1836.

Grand Palais

This monumental exhibition building is a true masterpiece of architecture in the Neo-Baroque style of the late 19th century. The exhibition hall is very distinctive, large and glazed, which is certainly an interesting point on the map of Paris. The building was built to delight everyone during the 1900 World Exposition.

Petit Palais

Opposite the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais, also built for the World Exposition. This beautiful palace today serves as a museum that displays a collection of artworks from different eras. You will see here, among others, works by Eugène Delacroix or Gustave Courbet. At the back of the building are gardens where you can relax during your visit.

Alexander III Bridge

This is one of the most characteristic bridges in Paris, you may associate it from postcards and photos on the Seine. The bridge is beautifully decorated with gilded sculptures, candelabras and various details. The Alexander II Bridge is a popular strolling spot for French people and visitors, as well as an ideal setting for romantic dates.

Hôtel des Invalides

Les Invalides is a large complex of buildings and gardens, founded by Louis XIV, that once served as headquarters for war veterans. Today, the buildings house museums, and the picturesque gardens invite strolls. You’ll also find the famous Dôme des Invalides chapel, where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried.

Eiffel Tower

This attraction probably doesn’t need to be introduced to you, you certainly know it. It is not only a symbol of Paris, but of all of France. However, it is worth mentioning that the famous tower at the time of its construction was the tallest tower in the world (today it is 330 meters high). It was built in 1889 for the World Exposition and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

You can admire not only the tower, but also the city skyline from its 3 viewing platforms, and to see the view from the tower, you can use the elevator or stairs. In the evenings, the tower impresses with illuminations that create a unique atmosphere.

Jardins du Trocadéro

Located near the Eiffel Tower, Jardins du Trocadéro are spacious gardens where Parisians and tourists love to spend time. Their centerpiece is a huge fountain. The area is also home to the Chaillot Palace, where you’ll see interesting displays from several museums. Its terrace is one of the most famous places from which tourists admire the iron tower.

Pont de Bir Hakeim Bridge

This is a bridge that connects districts 15 and 16 of the city. Its distinctive feature is the steel arches that give it a unique look. It is mainly thanks to them that the bridge has often appeared in movies (such as Inception). The Pont de Bir Hakeim is a popular strolling spot for locals and tourists, as well as an excellent vantage point for viewing the Eiffel Tower.

Arc de Triomphe

The majestic Arc de Triomphe, located in Charles de Gaulle Square (formerly Sterne Square), is a tribute to French soldiers who fought during the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. This impressive arch, designed by Jean François Chalgrin, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon I, is one of the symbols of Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe is covered with sculptures and reliefs that commemorate important events and figures from French history during the period of the First French Republic, as well as the First French Empire. At the top of the monument is an observation deck, from which you can admire the Champs Elysees and the Paris skyline.

138 Av. des Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées – connects the Consent Square to the site of the famous Arc de Triomphe. Champs-Élysées is a great place for shopping, it houses many exclusive stores, but also restaurants, cafes, cinemas or theaters. It is definitely worth a stroll here while in the French capital and feel the spirit of the city.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Rising on the hill of Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is one of the most recognizable churches in Paris. You certainly associate it, and the staircase leading up to it, from postcards.

Its white facade and impressive interior attract tourists from all over the world, and the staircase at the basilica is a meeting place for locals and tourists. They offer a beautiful view of the Paris skyline.

Opéra Garnier

The opera house was built in neo-Baroque style in the 1870s, and was designed by Charles Garnier. It attracts tourists not only with its numerous operas, ballets and concerts, but also with its richly decorated interior – under the ceiling, for example, you can see a chandelier weighing more than 6 tons! Opera Garnier is the place where the famous novel The Phantom of the Opera is set.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – a shopping mall of nice.

This luxury department store is not only a popular shopping and leisure destination, but also a real architectural attraction in Paris. Here you will see impressive interiors, a monumental dome and the most beautiful store displays, which are located on as many as 9 floors! Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a paradise for lovers of fashion and exclusive brands, but also for fans of architecture.

Musée d’Orsay

Located in a former train station, on the left bank of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay is one of the most important art museums in Paris. Its collection mainly includes works of French art of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist eras and artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne.

Paris City Hall

This neo-Renaissance impressive edifice is the seat of the city council and the venue for various important official ceremonies. It impresses with its beautiful facade with numerous sculptures, and inside there is a large richly decorated ballroom.

Place de l’Estrapade

This is a place that is known to all fans of the series Emily in Paris. Here you can see the townhouse where the heroine lived or the restaurant where she dined and romanced. You can certainly feel the Parisian atmosphere in a nutshell here. Apparently, the French are fed up with tourists who crowd the Place de l’Estrapade.

In what productions can you still admire this city? Surely you associate films such as Amelia, Midnight in Paris, The Devil Wears Prada or Inception and The Bourne Identity.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is home to many distinguished and famous figures. It is the largest cemetery in Paris, which is also visited in large numbers by tourists wishing to visit the graves of their idols. Among those buried here are Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison (of The Doors) and Honorius Balzac.

A variety of tombstones, sculptures, unusual tombs and an amazing atmosphere – a walk through this cemetery you will certainly remember for a long time.

Centre Georges Pompidou

This is a distinctive building that houses a modern museum and the main public library in Paris. In the Pompidou Museum of Modern Art you will see works by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, among others, and you can also spend time here in the theater, concert hall, stores and restaurants. It’s certainly an attraction for the day.

Disneyland

Disneyland – many adults have been dreaming of coming here since childhood, and I was definitely in that group. I managed to make that dream come true, and you can read about it in detail here.

It’s a completely different world, ruled by characters from Disney fairy tales, full of joy, smiles and fun. There are a lot of attractions waiting for you in it, numerous carousels, rollercoasters, but also parades or shows.

Accommodation in Paris

Accommodation in Paris you should definitely book well in advance, in high season it can be difficult to find a place in a convenient location and with a good price. Typically, prices for a night in Paris in one of the central districts in well-rated hotels start from about 500-700 PLN/night.

I recommend you, for example, the Hotel Bonne Novel in the 2nd district right next to the metro station. Tourists appreciate it for its good location the atmosphere of an old building and cleanliness and helpful service. On the other hand, in the elegant 8th district near the Champs-Élysées, you will find interesting modern accommodation at the 3-star Hotel Haussmann Saint, which travelers also appreciated for its location and friendly staff.

As you can see, there really is something to do in Paris. It’s not just picturesque streets with atmospheric townhouses and cafes on every corner. Paris is also a lot of interesting museums, parks, monuments, historic buildings. I for sure will return to it again. And have you already managed to visit this famous capital? Let us know in the comments what delighted you in Paris.

See also:

Instagrammable Places in Paris

Disneyland Paris: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Magic

Where to Stay in Paris 

Villefranche-sur-Mer: an Insider’s Guide