Things To Do in Paris France: 8 Things You Absolutely Cannot Miss
Looking for the best things to do in Paris France? The city of love is one of my favorite places in the whole world. The first time I visited I loved it so much that I went right back just a few months later. And that’s saying a lot considering I had to fly all the way from San Francisco and my first trip wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies (I stumbled into some protests and a lot of tear gas).
At this point I have been to Paris so many times I can’t even remember the exact number. I find myself here almost any time I have a few spare days in Europe because it is so magical and also because it’s a major transportation hub which makes it easy and inexpensive to get to and from.
In my time here I have done countless things, a lot of which I have covered in my many Paris posts (click here for those). We’ve got you covered pretty much across the board: what to eat and where to eat it, the best area to stay in in Paris, the best Eiffel Tower hotels and Airbnbs to stay in, things to know before your first visit, and more!
To my surprise, my blogpost on 8 Things You Absolutely Cannot Miss in London continues to be one of my most popular posts of all time. Paris is similar to London in that everyone and their mom has recommendations on what to see and do there since it’s such a popular destination. But what not to miss in Paris?
Given all of the above and the amount of people looking for Paris itineraries, I’ve decided to narrow down my long to do list into 8 things you absolutely cannot miss! Whether you are looking to spend a week in Paris, 4 days in Paris, 3 days in Paris, 2 days in Paris, or anything in between, the info here will help you come up with the best Paris itinerary for any amount of time.
QUICK NOTE — below I have recommended many tours and activities, all via GetYourGuide. If you aren’t familiar, they are a trusted site and have lots of unique things to do, along with all of the standard touristy activities. Booking everything individually on different sites can be a bit of nightmare to keep track of. With GetYourGuide you can create an account to book and manage all of your tickets in one central location, even things like skip the line tickets to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. When I travel I personally book everything I do via GetYourGuide, which is why I am recommending it to you.
Most importantly, when you book through GetYourGuide you can cancel any booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. No additional fees, no questions asked. There’s no risk if you need to cancel, so I highly recommend booking everything now to be on the safe side. Especially because Paris is very popular, as are many of the tours I recommend below, so they will absolutely sell out!
Psst, is it your first time? Click here for things to know before you visit Paris — a first-timer’s guide! It covers things like when to visit, how long to visit for, how expensive Paris is (with specific examples of average prices for many items), how much to tip, what an arrondissement is, and more.
Things To Do in Paris France: 8 Things You Absolutely Cannot Miss
What To Do First
Before we get into the 8 things you absolutely cannot miss, let’s talk about what to do first. If this is your first time visiting Paris, I recommend first starting with a tour. I do this almost every time I visit a new city before I do anything else.
Why? It helps you get your bearings, briefly see the most important landmarks (generally), and get an overview of the city. You can make note of things you would like to return to to see in greater detail and things you do not. When I don’t do this I find that I miss out on seeing a lot of things I wish I hadn’t.
My personal favorite way to get an overview of the city is via bike because it’s quicker than a walking tour while still being a form of exercise! Click here to reserve your bike tour. It comes highly recommended and covers all the city’s highlights.
If you have already been to Paris before or simply prefer something more off the beaten path (less touristy), I recommend this guided bike tour like a local.
If biking is not for you, I'd recommend a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This is one of the best selling Paris activities on GetYourGuide! Click here to reserve it.
Last but definitely not least, there’s also a vintage motorbike sidecar tour that has a unanimous 5 out of 5 rating after almost one hundred reviews. If I wasn’t a fan of biking, this is the tour I’d be doing, hands down! Click here to check availability and reserve your spot.
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I’d also consider buying The Paris Pass, which gives you access to over 75 attractions and tours, a 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket, a Paris Museum Pass giving you access to many of the cities museums and landmarks, and more. It is an all-inclusive sightseeing package and your key to the city of Paris. There’s too many to name, but some of the highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Tour Montparnasse, Arc du Triomphe, Picasso Museum, Châteaux de Versailles, Musée Rodin, and Musée National de l'Orangerie. You will get skip-the-ticket-line entrance to many of the sights. Click here for more info and to purchase!
Similarly, there’s also The Paris Museum Pass if you plan to stick to mostly museums. Click here for that.
Also, subscribe below to get our free downloadable guide and we’ll also send you some step-by-step help to plan the Paris trip of your dreams!
And now, the top 8 things to do in Paris!
Get lost in Le Marais
Of all the things to do in Paris, there is nothing I love more than exploring the neighborhood of Le Marais. It is without a doubt the cutest area, spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, just north of the Seine. It is an essential stop on any itinerary Paris, regardless of if you have a week in Paris or less! I stay there every time I go and always dedicate at least a day or two to exploring the area, getting lost while finding new favorite spots.
It is a historic district known for many things — being the old Jewish quarter, the LGBT center of Paris, and now the most trendy and fashionable place in the city of lights. The cobblestone streets and old-world charm make it a can’t miss destination and the countless museums, galleries, and shops could easily fill your entire Paris itinerary.
Click here for a guide to Le Marais, the best neighborhood in Paris!
Pro tip: if you want some photos with no one in them, get up for sunrise! And speaking of photos, do you have a chic camera bag that doesn’t actually look like a camera bag? You need one. Click here for the most stylish camera bag for women.
If you purchase The Paris Pass, it includes the “Paris’ Hidden Gems in Le Marais Walking Tour” which I would definitely do. Click here for The Paris Pass.
There’s also a handful of highly rated food tours!
For a wine and cheese walking tour, click here
For a food and wine tasting walking tour, click here
For a guided walking tour, click here
For a pastry and chocolate tour, click here
2. Have Lunch on the Printemps Terrace, the Best Kept Secret in Paris
Printemps, a department store in the 8th arrondissement, surprisingly offers one of the best views in all of Paris! On top of the department store is an open-air terrace which is free to visit. Stopping by for a quick bite at the cafe so you can enjoy the view and of course snap some photos is one of the best things to do in Paris.
While you’re in the area, also tour the Opera House. It is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see and a must-see part of any Paris itinerary. Click here to check availability and book.
Keep in mind that it is incredibly likely to sell out, so you should reserve your spot ASAP for only $16. One of the reasons I love GetYourGuide is that you can cancel any booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. No additional fees, no questions asked. There’s no risk if you need to cancel, so book it now to be on the safe side. Click here to check availability and book.
EDITORS NOTE/UPDATE: this was recently renovated and the rooftop cafe is no longer a “quick bite” type of place. It is much fancier but also much more beautiful than before! The restaurant is called Perruche.
ADDRESS: Printemps Haussmann, Men’s Store, Floor 9.
3. Picnic on the Seine at Sunset
What to do in Paris on a nice day? If you happen to find yourself in Paris while the weather is nice, grab yourself some fresh bread, meat, cheese, wine, etc. and catch the sunset from the Seine. During summer the river will be almost fully lined with people doing this, with their feet dangling off the ledge, and for good reason! It’s cheaper than doing a boat tour and I’d argue it’s equally enjoyable depending on what you are looking for.
If you would prefer a Seine River cruise instead, click here to reserve your spot. It is affordable and the second most popular Paris activity on all of GetYourGuide! Be sure to save yourself time and money by reserving your spot now.
Do you have plans to visit the Louvre too? Save money by buying these two experiences in a bundle! Click here for a ticket to the Louvre + a Seine River cruise.
4. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for the Best View in Paris
While I try to keep my recommendations to non-cliche things, this is one I just could not pass up. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, located in the 8th arrondissement at the end of the Champs-Elysees, and is one of the top things to see in Paris.
Despite having a very interesting experience (teargas and protests again!), some of my favorite photos of all time were taken from here - ones that I continue to (re)share to this day even though they were taken years ago. The view is like nothing else in the city, and I’d recommend it 100 times over the top of the Eiffel Tower because this way you’ll get the Eiffel Tower in your shots.
Side note: but if you have the time, do both! More on that below.
Aim for golden hour.
You need to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a very long line. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know what time you’ll be going, you just pick out a date and you can go whenever you want from 11am to 10:30pm. Click here to get your Arc de Triomphe skip the line tickets.
5. Visit the Eiffel Tower at Night
The Eiffel Tower is beautiful at all times of the day, but nothing compares to visiting it after dark during the light show. While this is certainly not on the list of unusual things to do in Paris list, it is something you really cannot miss while visiting. At the top of each hour for five minutes the lights of the tower sparkle, making the most beautiful light show you’ve ever seen.
Do note however that posting photos of the tower lit up at night is apparently illegal, so do so at your own risk.
If you want to actually go up the tower, click here to reserve your spot.
If you want to take it one step further and actually wake up to this view, click here for the Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views!
Before the Eiffel Tower, Stroll Through Rue Cler
Located in the 7th arrondissement is Rue Cler, one of my favorite streets in the whole city and something you must see in Paris! It is a market street with a specialty store for just about everything - cheese, meat, flowers, etc. If you do plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower for the light show, stop by Rue Cler first to pick up some picnic items to enjoy while sitting on the lawn.
Rue Cler is also home of one of my favorite spots, a bar called L’Eclair. They make a mean cocktail and will even whip you up something custom if you tell them a little bit about what you like. There is outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to relax and people watch while downing a few delicious, unique cocktails. If you’re around during a non-cocktail appropriate time, stop in for breakfast. Definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Paris and a must do in Paris!
6. Take a Parisian Cooking Class
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to take a cooking class to learn a local dish! In Paris there are two different ones I recommend: a bread making class and a macaron cooking class.
If french baguettes and croissants are calling your name, you’ve gotta take this class. Not only will you learn how to make a perfectly baked french baguette (crispy outer shell + warm interior) and how to make and shape the perfect croissant, but you’ll also learn to make a special baguette that is unique to the family run bakery that conducts the class. Plus you get to leave with plenty of recipes to make for your family and friends back at home! So fun. Click here to reserve your spot.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, opt for a macaron cooking class! It doesn’t get anymore Paris than that. No matter your current cooking level, this chef-lead experience will make you an expert on the iconic French delicacy within 2.5 hours :) Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
If that one is sold out, there’s a second option that looks great, also with a 4.9/5 rating. Click here for more information.
7. Breakfast at Cafe Saint Regis
Le Saint Regis is a cafe located on the island of Ile Saint-Louis, just south of Le Marais, and is also one of the top things to do in Paris. I love it so much that if I have one week in Paris I find myself grabbing breakfast here numerous times. The food is great, reasonably priced, and the ambiance is beautiful and very Instagram friendly.
Le Saint Regis is open for all meals so you don’t necessarily have to visit for breakfast but it is my personal favorite. Often I get up around 6, wander around Le Marais taking photos (golden hour + empty streets = the best combo), then head here on foot at 7am when it opens. It is the best way to start your day in Paris. The seats out front have overhead heaters which makes it lovely for early morning people watching!
ADDRESS: 6 Rue Jean du Bellay
Once you’re done, walk over to the Ile de la Cite to see Notre Dame (temporarily closed, sadly) and stroll through Place Dauphine.
8. Eat at Pink Mamma (or Literally Any Big Mamma Group Restaurant)
Big Mamma restaurants are home to the absolute best Italian food in Paris and is something you must see and do in Paris. Everything is 100% homemade with ingredients products directly from Italy. Not only are they delicious, but they are so beautifully designed you will hardly believe it. In Paris there are currently seven Big Mamma restaurants, plus one bar and a food market.
My favorite of them all is Pink Mamma. If you’re on Instagram or TikTok you have no doubt seen it before. It’s a huge four story trattoria located in the 9th with some of the most beautiful interiors I’ve ever seen. Great for lunch or dinner!
Due to its popularity, I highly recommend making reservations. You can do so on their site here.
If you are unable to get into Pink Mamma or are looking for something in a different neighborhood, their other spots are great too! They are as follows:
RESTAURANTS:
Pizzeria Popolare in the 2nd
BigLove in the 3rd
Pink Mamma in the 9th
Libertino in the 10th
East Mamma in the 11th
Ober Mamma also in the 11th
Mamma Primi in the 17th
BARS:
Bar No Entry in the 9th
FOOD MARKET:
La Felicità in the 13th
I haven’t been to every single one but I have been to many and I think it’s safe to say you cannot go wrong! Don’t miss it.
Visit Jardin du Palais Royale
One of the things I love about Paris is that everywhere you go you seem to stumble upon yet another garden or park that you did not know existed. Years before I had ever been to Paris I had loved Jardin du Palais which I only knew of because a friend from Paris had sent us a photo of it.
Located in the 1st arrondissement just north of the Louvre and inside the Royal Palace, if you weren’t specifically hunting for this I doubt you’d ever just stumble upon it. It is one of my favorite things to do in Paris France.
While you’re in the area, plan to visit the Louvre before or after. You’ll need to get tickets in advance to avoid waiting for hours. Click here to get your skip the line ticket now.
For more things to see and do around here plus good places to eat + drink, read Everything You Need to Know About Paris’ 1st and 2nd Arrondissements!
EDITORS NOTE/UPDATE: This was previously one of our 8 Things but is now way too touristy (thanks Instagram). Still worth a visit though.
Do You Have a Photographer Already?
If not, you’ll need one. Whether it’s for Instagram or just to keep for yourself, you cannot go to Paris without properly documenting your once in a lifetime trip. I have searched high and low for the best option, and I’ve found it. The 4.9/5 almost perfect reviews speak for themselves, really!
Other Paris Sights You Shouldn’t Miss
I would recommend buying tickets to the items below in advance if possible — they sell out early and often!
Seine River — click here for tickets to a one hour cruise (the #1 selling activity on GetYourGuide)
The Arc de Triomphe — click here for skip the line tickets (you will definitely want to get these beforehand)
Disneyland Paris — click here for tickets
Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show — click here for tickets
Versailles Palace & Gardens — click here for full access tickets (audio guide included)
Musée d'Orsay — click here for a reserved access ticket
Paris Catacombs — click here for skip the line tickets (audio guide included)
Sainte Chapelle — click here for tickets
Opera Garnier — click here for tickets
Montparnasse Tower Roof Terrace (360 degree views of Paris) — click here for tickets
Aquarium de Paris — tickets here
Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum — tickets here
Panthéon — tickets here
Rodin Museum — click here for tickets
Picasso Museum — tickets here
Paris Day Trips
If you have a week in Paris and find yourself with spare time, a day trip is a great choice! There are many beautiful places to see nearby and Get Your Guide, my favorite tour guide company, offers many tours making it incredibly easy for you.
VERSAILLES: one of the most popular activities on all of GetYourGuide! A can't miss. Click here to see the latest prices.
NORMANDY D DAY BEACHES: take a day trip from Paris to Normandy and the WWII D-Day beaches. Includes a guided tour of the Caen Memorial Museum, a visit to the American Cemetery in Saint Laurent, and more. Click here to see the latest prices.
MONT SAINT-MICHEL: visit the village’s medieval buildings and enjoy the beauty of the landscape as you explore the region! Click here to see the latest prices.
THE CHAMPAGNE REGION: visit and taste in a world famous champagne estate, enjoy a food and champagne pairing meal in a family-run winery, visit Dom Perignon’s grave and meet a local winemaker. Click here to see the latest prices.
GIVERNY: visit Normandy, the home of Claude Monet, and the Musee des Impressionismes. Click here to see the latest prices.
CHAMPAGNE: Follow the traces of Dom Pérignon in Champagne! Click here for more information on the tour.
If you have plans to also visit the South of France, click here for the perfect road trip itinerary!
The Best Activities in Paris, According to GetYourGuide
Prior to visiting a new city, one of my favorite things to look at is which activities are the most popular on GetYourGuide. The best selling activities are almost always best selling for good reason — because they are the best! So if you’re like me and are interested in what the GetYourGuide users believe the best activities in Paris to be, here you go:
SEINE CRUISE: 1-hour River Seine Cruise
ARC DE TRIOMPHE: Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
VERSAILLES: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
DISNEYLAND PARIS: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
MUSEE D’ORSAY: Musée d'Orsay 1-Day Ticket with Reserved Access
SEINE CRUISE: Seine Cruise & Crepe Tasting near the Eiffel Tower
OPERA GARNIER: Self-Guided Visit to Opera Garnier
CATACOMBS: Catacombs Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket and Audio Guide
MONTPARNASSE TOWER: Montparnasse Tower Roof-Top Terrace Ticket
SAINTE CHAPELLE: Skip-the-Line Ticket to Sainte Chapelle
How to get to Paris
If you are arriving in Paris via plane, you will fly into either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport.
Charles de Gaulle is the largest Paris airport, located 23 km north of the city. Public transportation from CDG to central Paris is easy via the RER train. This will take you from the airport to the city where you can then transfer to the Metro in order to reach your final destination. More expensive but certainly less of a hassle, Uber is available in Paris (use code “kbae3” to get your first ride for free!).
You can also arrange a transfer. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.
Orly Airport is 14 km south of the city. From here you can take the Orlyval shuttle train to the RER station, then follow the same as above. Again, if you are tired and looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible, call an Uber! You can also click here to book a transfer in advance.
You can also get to Paris via train. Each train station is reachable by Metro line, so once you arrive you can hop over to the Metro to get to your final destination.
For more information on the Metro system and how to get around while in Paris, click here!
Where to Stay in Paris
If you are looking for the best of the best, stay at Le Pavillon de la Reine. It is a jaw-dropping five-star hotel located in the heart of Marais in Place des Vosges, one of my favorite spots in Paris. It is drenched in ivy and such a luxurious, wonderful gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of le Marais. I have stayed here personally and highly recommend it. Click here to see the latest prices.
To read my full review of my stay at Le Pavillon de la Reine,
click here.
If you are looking for something slightly less fancy but still upscale and beautiful, The Hoxton. Rate 4-stars, it is located very centrally in the 2nd Arrondissement and is beautiful beyond words. Last time I visited I booked two nights here and ended up liking it so much that I extended to four. Click here to see the latest prices.
Looking specifically for an Eiffel Tower view? Click here for the best hotels and Airbnbs with an Eiffel Tower view.
If you want to explore other hotels (there are TONS), you can do so here:
What to Pack for Paris
A FEW OF MY TOP AMAZON PICKS —
APPLE AIRTAG — If you’re reading this in 2023 then you likely know that there are major issues right now with airlines losing luggage. My friend got back from holiday a few weeks ago and hasn’t seen her bag since. Worst of all, she has absolutely no idea where it is. Tens of thousands of dollars worth it items (plus some irreplaceable pieces passed down from generations of family members) simply gone — maybe forever.
While we can’t prevent airlines from misplacing our luggage, we can track it ourselves thanks to the fabulous people at Apple. Enter: Apple Airtag. With the Apple Airtag you can keep track of and find your luggage in the iPhone’s Find My app. All you do is set it up with your phone, drop it in your luggage, and viola! You can find your luggage anywhere in the world.
I just bought a few for my upcoming Europe trip and I will never, ever travel without them again. If you’re checking a bag, it’s absolutely essential. Click here to get yours.
COMFORTABLE WHITE LEATHER SNEAKERS — You will likely (hopefully) be doing a lot of walking so this is very important! My very favorite are M. Gemi’s white leather sneakers. I never travel anywhere without them. They’re not the cheapest but they are literally handmade so they are insanely comfortable and last forever. Click here to check availability.
More details: click here for why they're the most comfortable and stylish walking shoes for travel!
NO-SHOW SOCKS — To go with the above mentioned shoes! I have tried so many different ones and find that most fall down under your heel (ouch) but these do not. Click here for the ones I love.
SUNDRESSES — I personally live in dresses when I go to Paris because they are so easy to just throw on and go. Click here for my favorite sundresses for Europe. I also shop for them here, here , here and here.
For cheaper options, I like here, here, and here. The cheaper sites can take a little more digging to find the good quality stuff, but sometimes it's worth it!
TOPS —
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL CARDIGAN — Barefoot Dreams’ circle cardigan is honestly one of the best travel-related purchases you can make. It is so warm and soft; I’ve brought mine on every single trip since purchasing it. It's also fantastic for transit days and hotel lounging! Click here to see the latest prices.
CONVERTER ADAPTER — It is much less expensive to buy it now than to buy it at the airport or in Paris! Click here for the ones I recommend.
Want more Amazon recommendations? Click here to see my list of 20 must have travel products from Amazon Prime.
LUGGAGE — Beis is the way to go these days. Their suitcases have an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, expandable interior compartments, TSA approved zipper locks, and best of all a side carry handle with 50 lb weight limit indicator. You can literally weigh your bag without weighing your bag… Insane. They are minimalistic yet contain everything you could need, all at a reasonable price point. Click here to check out their suitcases.
BELT BAG — My latest obsession is this belt bag that you can wear crossbody or around your waist. It’s great for travel because it allows you to be hands free, you can wear it super close to you as a crossbody to ensure no one will pickpocket you, and it’s literally the most perfect size possible. I tried a lot of different ones before falling in love with this one and truly nothing else compares. Plus i't’s only $38 so why even bother trying anything else?! Click here to see availability and color options.
MAKEUP — When traveling I try to keep it to the bare minimum as much as possible. Here are all of the things I’m currently including in my travel makeup bag:
SKINCARE — Do not neglect your skin while traveling! One of my favorite medical grade brands, Glowbiotics, has some great trial kits that are perfect for traveling. Click here to check them out and use code “CHRISTIE” for 20% off anything — sitewide!
If you want to learn more about Glowbiotics, including a full review and all of my favorite products, click here for my dedicated blogpost.
Other Paris Information
Assuming you are reading this because you are planning on visiting, I have a ton of helpful Paris content to ease your planning woes! Click below for…
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