Fall in Love with the City of Light! Paris is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling. From sunrise over the Seine to the glittering Eiffel Tower at night, every moment in this city feels cinematic. Whether you’re wandering through cobblestone streets, savoring buttery croissants, or admiring world-class art, Paris enchants visitors at every turn. This guide to the 10 best things to do in Paris will help you uncover its most iconic experiences and a few hidden gems that make the city truly unforgettable. Ready to discover why Paris is always a good idea?
Editor’s Tip: Because our flight arrived in Paris at 8 pm, and traffic in Paris is insane, we opted to have Daytrip, a private car service, pick us up instead of trying more traditional ways, e.g., train, taxi, or rental car. It was the best decision! Our driver was very professional and personable. He was holding a sign with my name as soon as we retrieved our luggage; the immaculate, new car was the first one parked in a special place as we exited the terminal. We were dropped off right in front of our apartment. 100% stress-free start to our trip!
12 Visit the Arc de Triomphe
My first visit to Paris, 1993
Standing proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe honors the soldiers who fought and died for France during the Napoleonic Wars. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 and completed in 1836, it’s one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. Beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame that burns in remembrance. Climb the 284 steps to the rooftop for one of the best panoramic views in Paris—especially breathtaking at sunset, when the city glows and the Eiffel Tower lights shimmer in the distance.
11 Magic of Moulin Rouge
No trip to Paris is complete without a night at the legendary Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the modern cabaret. Opened in 1889 at the foot of Montmartre, this world-famous venue dazzles audiences with extravagant costumes, glittering lights, and the high-energy French cancan. The red windmill atop its roof has become a symbol of Parisian nightlife and bohemian glamour. Step inside for a champagne-filled evening of song, dance, and spectacle — the same stage that once hosted icons like Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. It’s an unforgettable experience that captures the city’s passion, artistry, and flair for celebration.
10 Cruise the Seine River
A Seine River cruise offers one of the most romantic ways to see Paris. As your boat glides past landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, you’ll understand why this city has inspired poets for centuries. Take an evening cruise to watch the skyline sparkle—it’s pure Parisian magic.
9 Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg
Nestled between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the Jardin du Luxembourg is one of Paris’s most enchanting escapes. Commissioned by Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century, the park was designed around her royal residence, the Luxembourg Palace—a grand structure inspired by Florence’s Pitti Palace. Today, the palace houses the French Senate, but its stately presence still anchors the gardens with elegance. Visitors stroll shaded promenades, admire the Medici Fountain, and watch children sail toy boats in the pond. With its lawns, statues, and old-world charm, the garden is a living portra it of Parisian grace.
8 Wander Through the Latin Quarter
Made popular by the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” the Latin Quarter is where Paris’s intellectual and cultural history comes alive. Begin at the Sorbonne University, one of Europe’s oldest, then explore the Panthéon, where great French figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie rest. Lose yourself in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a local favorite for picnics and leisurely strolls. Browse the Shakespeare and Company bookstore or enjoy live jazz at Le Caveau de la Huchette, an iconic underground club. For a bite, head to Rue Mouffetard, a lively market street filled with crêperies, bakeries, and bistros serving authentic French fare.
7 Elegance at Galeries Lafayette
For a quintessential Parisian shopping experience, visit Galeries Lafayette, the city’s most elegant department store. Opened in 1894, this retail palace dazzles with its multi-story atrium, sweeping balconies, and a magnificent Art Nouveau glass dome that floods the interior with golden light. Browse luxury brands, French designers, and gourmet treats as you take in the building’s Belle Époque grandeur. Then head up to the rooftop terrace, where the panoramic view of Paris — from the Opéra Garnier to the Eiffel Tower — is one of the best free photo spots in the city.
6 Visit the Museums
Paris is an art lover’s paradise, home to some of the greatest museums in the world. Start with the Louvre, where masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo await.
Then head to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, for impressionist treasures by Monet and Renoir. Finally, explore the Centre Pompidou for cutting-edge modern art and vibrant street performances right outside its doors. Each museum offers a unique glimpse into Paris’s artistic soul.
After the famous museums, try something different at 59 Rivoli, the unique bohemian “squat” where art is actually being created by talented local artists. This unexpected gem is an art gallery and funky studio that has nearly every inch covered in art, including several spiral staircases. The sensory overload is of the most welcomed kind and is such a striking contrast to the sometimes sterile spaces of high-traffic museums.
5 Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral
The magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture in Europe. Construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and took nearly two centuries to complete. The cathedral’s twin towers, flying buttresses, and intricate sculptures represent the height of medieval craftsmanship.
Once again, you can climb the towers for panoramic views and a close-up look at its famous gargoyles (Note: we visited a week before it reopened. Bummer!). Inside, admire the stunning rose windows, glowing with centuries-old stained glass. Despite the devastating 2019 fire, restoration efforts continue — honoring a landmark that has stood for over 850 years as a symbol of French resilience, faith, and artistic heritage.
4 Discover Montmartre’s Artistic Spirit
Montmartre, once home to Picasso and Van Gogh, still exudes artistic charm. Wander its steep cobblestone streets, visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and watch painters at work in Place du Tertre. This bohemian neighborhood feels like a village within the city, brimming with creativity, history, and postcard-perfect views.
3 Opulent Palace of Versailles
Just a short train ride from central Paris, the Palace of Versailles dazzles with its golden halls and sweeping gardens. Built in the 17th century by King Louis XIV, it symbolized the absolute power of the French monarchy.
Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, ending World War I. Stroll through Marie Antoinette’s Estate and the Grand Trianon, then explore the Gardens of Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre. Every path and fountain tells a story of royal grandeur and artistic perfection.
2 IG Hotspot: Trocadéro
For the most iconic photo in Paris, head to Trocadéro at sunrise or sunset. From its elevated terraces, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower framed by fountains and classic Parisian architecture. It’s one of the most breathtaking spots in the city—and an absolute must for your travel album. This moment alone captures the essence of the best things to do in Paris.
1 Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Few experiences compare to spreading a picnic blanket on the Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower towering above you. As the sun sets and the lights begin to twinkle, you’ll feel the magic that defines Paris. Bring baguettes, cheese, champagne, and a camera—you’ll never forget this view.
Bonus #1: Best Things to Eat in Paris
You can’t experience Paris without tasting its culinary magic. Here are ten must-try foods that define the city’s flavor:
- Croissant – Buttery, flaky perfection best enjoyed fresh from a boulangerie.
- French Cheese Plate – Sample Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort with a baguette.
- Crepes – unleavened batter or dough that is cooked in a frying pan and served as sweet crêpes or savoury galettes.
- Baguette & Cheese – Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, paired with savory cheese —a true Parisian staple.
- Croque Monsieur – a classic, decadent French hot ham and cheese sandwich, named for its “crunchy” toasted exterior and the combination of ham, Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
- Quiche – A tart consisting of a pastry crust filled with an egg/crème mixture, cheese, meat, and/or vegetables, and baked until firm.
- Escargot – edible land snails prepared with butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Steak Frites – A Parisian bistro favorite: juicy steak with golden fries.
- Macarons – Delicate almond meringue cookies filled with ganache or buttercream.
- French Onion Soup – Rich, comforting, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese.
- Pate de foie gras; French delicacy made of the liver of a duck or goose. Its flavor is rich, buttery, and delicate.
Bonus #2: Paris on Screen and Page
To immerse yourself even more in the city’s charm, here are some beloved movies, TV shows, and books set in Paris that capture its timeless allure:
Movies:
- Amélie (2001) – A whimsical love letter to Montmartre.
- Midnight in Paris (2011) – A nostalgic journey through literary Paris.
- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1996) – Disney’s animated retelling of Victor Hugo’s gothic masterpiece.
- Funny Face (1957) – Audrey Hepburn stars in this fashion-filled romance set at Parisian landmarks.
- Moulin Rouge! (2001) – A dazzling musical set in Paris’s bohemian heart.
- Les Misérables (2012) – The film adaptation of Hugo’s revolutionary epic.
- Sabrina (1954) – Audrey Hepburn returns from Paris transformed, exuding elegance amid the city’s streets, cafés, and haute couture.
- Ratatouille (2007) – Pixar’s love letter to Parisian cuisine.
- Last Tango in Paris (1972) – A provocative drama using Paris apartments and cafés as the backdrop for an intense story.
- Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – Action-packed scenes across iconic Paris locations, including a thrilling helicopter chase over the Seine.
- An American in Paris (1951) – Classic Hollywood romance and Gershwin melodies.
TV Series:
- Emily in Paris – Modern romance and culture shock in the City of Light.
- Lupin – A stylish heist series inspired by Parisian literature.
- Versailles – A sumptuous historical drama about Louis XIV and his grand palace.
Books:
- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo – The 1831 classic that immortalized the cathedral.
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – A monumental story of justice and redemption.
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – A sweeping historical epic set between Paris and London during the French Revolution.
- The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas – Swashbuckling adventure in 17th-century Paris.
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway – A memoir of literary life in 1920s Paris.
- The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – The love story behind Hemingway’s Paris years.
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – A thriller that weaves mystery and art through the Louvre.
Conclusion
Paris is a city that captures the heart—one café, museum, and sunset at a time. From its grand monuments to its quiet corners, every moment feels timeless. So, when will you pack your bags and experience the best things to do in Paris for yourself?
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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