Top 10 Things to Do in Paris (With Insider Tips for Every Spot)

Apr 6

5 min read

Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a mood, a moment, a living postcard. Every corner seems handpicked for beauty: golden cafes, lovers on bridges, and bakeries that smell like heaven. Whether it’s your first time in the City of Light or your fifth, these are the essential experiences you need to put on your Paris itinerary—plus helpful tips to make them unforgettable.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

There’s something surreal about standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, craning your neck to take it all in—and then realizing you can actually climb inside this global icon. Whether you ascend by elevator or brave the stairs, the reward is a sweeping panorama that’ll stop you in your tracks. It’s cheesy. It’s touristy. It’s also absolutely worth it.

Best time to go: Early morning for minimal lines, or at sunset for golden views (and less heat in summer).
How to get there: Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim, or Line 9 to Trocadéro (best photo spot).
Travel tip: Book your tickets online to skip the ticket queue. The second floor via stairs is a budget-friendly and less crowded option with fantastic views.

2. Take a Seine River Cruise

Floating down the Seine is like flipping through a Parisian storybook—from medieval spires to glittering bridges. It’s one of the most peaceful ways to soak up the city, especially as the sky turns orange and monuments begin to light up. A Seine cruise is both romantic and relaxing, offering a front-row seat to the best of Paris without having to walk a single step.

Best time to go: Sunset or evening for sparkling lights and a calm atmosphere.
How to get there: Cruises depart near Port de la Bourdonnais (Eiffel Tower) or Pont Neuf.
Travel tip: Bring a light jacket or scarf—even in summer, it gets chilly on the water. Evening cruises with dinner or wine tastings are perfect for couples or solo indulgence.

3. Visit the Louvre Museum

It’s the most famous museum in the world for a reason—and not just because of the Mona Lisa. The Louvre is a labyrinth of ancient treasures, royal artifacts, and fine art that spans centuries. Standing in the Cour Napoléon with the glass pyramid shimmering above you, you don’t just visit the Louvre—you feel its gravity.

Best time to go: Arrive right at 9 AM or during the Wednesday/Friday late openings for fewer crowds.
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.
Travel tip: The museum is massive—plan ahead and focus on 2–3 sections. Skip the lines with an advance ticket or consider a guided tour if you want highlights without the overwhelm.

4. Explore Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre feels like a Parisian dream sequence—twisting cobblestone streets, local artists sketching in quiet plazas, and a white basilica that watches over the whole city. Once the heart of bohemian life, this neighborhood was the muse of greats like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. At the top, Sacré-Cœur offers some of the best panoramic views in Paris—for free.

Best time to go: Late afternoon into evening. Stick around for the sunset and street performers.
How to get there: Metro Line 2 to Anvers, then walk uphill or take the funicular near Square Louise Michel.
Travel tip: Wander off the main paths near Place du Tertre to discover quiet cafés, hidden staircases, and some of the best crêpes in Paris.

5. Take a Day Trip to Versailles

Walking through Versailles is like stepping into a royal daydream. Gold-trimmed ceilings, mirrored halls, and gardens that seem to stretch forever—it’s opulence on a scale you have to see to believe. Whether you’re a history lover or just want to feel like royalty for a day, this is one side trip from Paris you shouldn’t skip.

Best time to go: Weekday mornings are best—especially Wednesday or Thursday. Avoid Tuesdays (closed Monday = extra busy).
How to get there: RER C train from Gare d’Austerlitz to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (~45 min).
Travel tip: Buy a combo ticket that includes the gardens and Trianon palaces. Pack snacks or picnic in the gardens—you’ll be there a while.

6. Catch a Cabaret Show

Want to time travel to Belle Époque Paris? A cabaret show is pure Parisian theater—glitz, feathers, champagne, and cheeky fun. Moulin Rouge is the most iconic, but shows like Lido and Crazy Horse bring their own flair. It’s more than a show—it’s an experience full of glamour and history.

Best time to go: Evening (shows typically start around 9 or 11 PM).
How to get there: Metro Line 2 to Blanche for Moulin Rouge.
Travel tip: Dress up a bit—smart casual is expected. Book early if you want the dinner-and-show combo.

7. Join a Food or Wine Tour

Paris is a city best tasted. From flaky croissants to creamy camembert, a food or wine tour lets you discover the flavors of France while hearing the stories behind them. With a local guide, you’ll visit tucked-away patisseries, street markets, and cheese shops you’d never find on your own.

Best time to go: Midday for a lunch-focused tour, or late afternoon if you want wine pairings.
Popular neighborhoods: Le Marais, Montmartre, Saint-Germain.
Travel tip: Don’t eat beforehand—you’ll want plenty of room. Also, ask for recommendations from your guide—they usually know the best local spots.

8. Visit Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter

Notre-Dame is still standing proud along the Seine, even after the fire. Though the interior is closed for restoration, the façade and nearby bridges are full of magic. Pair your visit with a stroll through the Latin Quarter—one of the oldest, quirkiest parts of Paris, filled with jazz clubs, cafés, and bookshops.

Best time to go: Early evening when the crowds thin and the streetlights glow.
How to get there: Metro Line 4 to Cité, or Line 10 to Cluny – La Sorbonne.
Travel tip: Don’t miss Shakespeare & Company bookstore—it's a literary treasure trove just across the river from Notre-Dame.

9. Relax in Luxembourg Gardens

Need a breather from the museums and monuments? Luxembourg Gardens is your answer. Perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, flowers, and locals lounging with baguettes—it’s a slice of daily Parisian life you’ll want to join in on. There’s even a vintage carousel and puppet theater if you’re traveling with kids.

Best time to go: Late morning or early evening. Great for a picnic or peaceful walk.
How to get there: RER B or Metro Line 4 to Luxembourg.
Travel tip: Pick up a sandwich or pastry from a nearby boulangerie before heading in—picnicking is encouraged.

10. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night

It never gets old. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the Eiffel Tower puts on a glittering five-minute light show. It’s one of those moments that gives you goosebumps, no matter how many times you see it. Bring a bottle of wine, find a comfy spot, and let the magic sink in.

Best time to go: Arrive 15–20 minutes before the hour after sunset to grab a good viewing spot.
Best locations: Trocadéro for sweeping views, or Champ de Mars for a picnic setup.
Travel tip: Bring a blanket and snacks—locals often turn this into a whole evening hangout.

11. Visit the Petit Palais

Tucked across from the Grand Palais and often overlooked, the Petit Palais is a hidden gem that blends stunning Beaux-Arts architecture with an impressive (and free) collection of art. Inside, you’ll find everything from Renaissance paintings to Art Nouveau design—and outside, a gorgeous courtyard café that feels like your own secret garden.

Best time to go: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon for the most peaceful experience.
How to get there: Metro Line 1 or 13 to Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau.
Travel tip: Admission to the permanent collections is free. Don’t miss the inner garden—it’s perfect for a coffee break or quiet photos.