Paris is one of those romantic cities that I absolutely love returning to time after time. With towering attractions, cute bistros, and decadent food, it’s a wonderful city to get lost in and fall in love with – especially on our relaxed Paris itinerary!
But, if you’re looking for must-dos when it comes to things to do in Paris, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 can’t-miss Paris experiences!
The Eiffel Tower
I think it goes without saying that visiting the Eiffel Tower and taking the ride to the top is a must-do in Paris. Even after having done it a few times, I’ll always want to go back up to the top and see the beautiful city sprawling out below.
With seven million visitors flocking to this Paris icon, built in 1889, it’s no surprise it’s our number one pick for the best things to do in Paris. While the crowds can get hectic, it’s totally worth it to get up-close with this world-famous landmark.
Book your tickets online ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket booth. One of my favorite times to visit is at dusk when the city starts lighting up below – making for some great photos of the city. Also, be sure to review the current security measures before your visit – I had to toss a water bottle at the gate as I didn’t know I couldn’t bring it up. They’ve set up some strict regulations on what you can/can’t bring into the Tower’s base area and up to the top.
Fun fact about the Eiffel Tower: It only took two years, two months, and five days to build the tower. I wish some of the construction companies in downtown Denver moved that quickly!
The Notre-Dame Cathedral
Listen to the bells, marvel at the stunning stained glass windows, and feel awed as you explore this magnificent church in Paris when you visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Admission is free, but I recommend reserving and paying for your visit to the top – after climbing 422 steps to the top. Wander through impressive church, see the religious artifacts, and enjoy a moment of silence inside. There’s no shortage of amazing photo opportunities every which way you turn, both inside and out.
The vibrancy of the neighborhood around the cathedral is great for walking, grabbing some street food, or shopping the stalls and little boutiques along the way.
The Louvre
Even if art or museums aren’t your scene, The Louvre has such a fantastic and diverse collection that everyone can find something to appreciate at the museum. From Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo, there are wonderful works of art housed in this gigantic museum.
You won’t have enough time to see everything inside – unless you’re staying inside the museum for two months straight – but take a look at the Louvre’s site to map out specific pieces you want to see or general galleries you’re interested in visiting.
Many come to Paris and allocate at least a half day to just exploring the Louvre, and once you’re inside, it’s easy to see why. If you’re really not interested in going inside the museum, at least check out the pyramid out front and snap a photo of the museum’s beautiful facade.
Champs-Elysées
While it’s become somewhat of a tourist scene, a walk along the Champs-Elysees has been a popular Paris thing to do for many, many years. Do some window shopping, watch the traffic zoom by, and even grab a bite to eat as you make your way toward the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe
While the Arc de Triomphe is a great landmark, the real draw is going to the top and taking in the great view of the city. You’ll have to head underground to get up-close to the landmark and then take the 284 steps to the top. This 1836 structure provides a beautiful 360-degree view of Paris and a great chance for a photo of the Eiffel Tower from a new vantage point.
Bistro dinner
Dine on a traditional meal in Paris, like escargot, duck confit, or coq au vin. Order a bottle of wine to complement your meal and linger over your delicious dinner. With so many bistros and restaurants in the city, it’s easy to find a great place to indulge in an authentic French dinner.
Want recommendations of what to eat in Paris? Check out our guide on Paris food and drink!
Dessert crawl
Treat yourself to an indulgent dessert tour where you can sample macarons, chocolate, eclairs, and crepes. You could easily fill up with savory dishes or baguettes and cheese as you dine throughout the city, but you simply can’t miss the chance to enjoy a dessert crawl and trying Paris’ sweet treats.
Best neighborhoods for a Paris dessert tour:
- Le Marais
- Montmartre
- The 5th arrondissement
- The 4th arrondissement
Picnic in the park
With a beautiful backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Gardens, or any other pretty city park, it’s hard to beat a scenic picnic in Paris! While there are plenty of tantalizing restaurants tempting you inside as you stroll the city, if you’re looking to live like a local for a day in Paris or want an affordable lunch, opt for a picnic in the park!
Grab a bottle of wine, a baguette, a variety of cheeses and meats, and some fruit, and you’ve got yourself a lovely, little DIY charcuterie board.
A Seine Cruise
See the City of Lights light up at night with an evening cruise down the Seine. With the Eiffel Tower glittering in the backdrop and the rest of the city lighting up to welcome the nightlife scene, a cruise down the Seine is a great Paris activity with your grand amour or a group of friends.
Enjoy some live commentary on what you’re seeing, in both French and English, and some history behind the attractions and important buildings. At about an hour and a half or so, it’s an easy activity to fit into your Paris itinerary, and on many you can bring your own drinks aboard if you want to pair your Paris sightseeing tour with a great French wine!
Visit Versailles
Taking a day trip to Versailles is a must, especially if you’re interested in France’s royal history or loved the movie Marie Antoinette. As a World Heritage Site, the palace was originally a hunting lodge until Louis XIV put in the court and moved the government there in 1682 until the French Revolution when he returned to Paris.
Feel like royalty as you walk through the opulent palace, complete with 2,300 rooms, tour the famous Hall of Mirrors, and then enjoy meandering through the stunning and immaculate gardens on the grounds. See the palace as it was during the time of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette – be prepared for lots of floral patterns and bright pinks and gold throughout the palace.
There are two ticket options at Versailles, either you can just visit the palace for €18 or get the passport for only €2 more and see Trianon as well. If you can, avoid going on the weekends when the crowds are bigger.
What else should we have included in our must-dos in Paris list? Tell us in the comments below!
