Some people say they love Paris as much as they hate it. City of Light, city of love and most beautiful city in the world, Paris is also the most visited city in the world. Highly cultural, Paris reveals its identity from neighborhood to neighborhood. With its historic monuments, famous avenues and choice restaurants, it is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the many artists who have created it. While Paris will always be Paris, let us help you discover the capital's must-sees.
1- The Eiffel Tower
The emblematic symbol of Paris, the Iron Lady has been enthroned by the Seine since the 1889 Universal Exhibition. Unwilling to part with it, Parisians decided to keep the Eiffel Tower, which today towers 312 metres above the Champ de Mars. It is one of France's most visited tourist attractions. To reach the top, you can take an elevator to the third floor. Braver climbers can walk up to the second floor, 115m above ground level. Either way, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding city.
Activities to book 1- Book your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance by selecting the floor and package of your choice directly via this link.
2- Spend a day at the Louvre
When in Paris, don't miss a visit to the world's most famous museum. Plan to spend a full day at the Musée du Louvre, which features a wide variety of works. Divided into eight major departments spread over the three wings of Richelieu, Denon and Sully, you'll find no fewer than 7,500 paintings in the museum. Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa , which attracts millions of visitors every year, needs no introduction.
Good to know the museum is one of the city's major attractions. It's closed on Tuesdays, so you'll have to wait in long queues at the entrance. Make the most of your visit by booking your tickets well in advance.
3- Discover Montmartre
On the heights of the city, Montmartre was once a village of small houses, vineyards and steep streets. Although "la Butte" has since become an artists' haven, it has retained its village atmosphere. Don't hesitate to stroll through its pretty alleyways before having your portrait taken on Place du Tertre. Note, however, that Montmartre is high up: if you don't want to walk up the hill, a funicular will take you to the top. The bravest will be rewarded at the top with a breathtaking view of Paris.
Activities to book 3- Discover Montmartre and its secrets on a guided tour departing from the Moulin-Rouge.
4- Visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur dominates the city from the top of the Montmartre hill. This impressive Romanesque-Byzantine monument was completed in 1923. While the view from its forecourt is well worth the detour, don't miss a visit inside - admission is free. The mosaic in the choir is one of the largest in the world, and you can also see the Cavaillé-Coll organ dating from 1898. If you want to take in the sights, don't hesitate to visit the dome, the highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower.
5- What to do in Paris? Walk up the Champs-Élysées
Welcome to the world's most famous avenue! Rain or shine, thousands of visitors stroll along the Champs-Élysées every day. These two kilometers of avenue link the Place de la Concorde to the famous Arc de Triomphe. One of the main reasons the avenue is so popular with tourists is for the many luxury boutiques that line it from end to end. For the festive season, the avenue is decked out in lights and colors, much to the delight of visitors.
6- Musée Beaubourg / Centre Georges Pompidou
Many Parisians criticize the appearance of this museum, which was compared to a "gas factory" when it was inaugurated in 1977. However, the Centre Georges Pompidou has since managed to win over locals and visitors alike with its strong artistic aura and incredible collections ofmodern and contemporary art. Art lovers won't want to miss this visit. Picasso and Kandinsky rub shoulders with Warhol, Matisse and Mondrian. At the foot of the museum, you'll also find the Stravinsky fountain designed by sculptor Niki de Saint-Phalle and her husband, figures of the Nouveau Réalisme movement.
Good to know If you don't want to visit the museum, you can still climb to the roof and enjoy a coffee on the "Georges" terrace, while taking in the view.
7- Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
At the heart of the city, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral stands proudly on the Île de la Cité. After the fire that ravaged it in 2019, the edifice is reopening its doors. Nearly 900 years old, this masterpiece of Gothic art and a true piece of French history is one of the most important cathedrals in the world. A symbol of the city, the cathedral made famous by Victor Hugo's novels and adaptations is not afraid to take center stage on the Seine.
8- Discover the Musée d'Orsay
The Louvre's little brother, the Musée d'Orsay is almost opposite it. Cross the Seine to reach this former train station, converted into a museum in 1986. Dedicated to the art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the museum focuses on Impressionism. Originally designed to welcome visitors to the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the building now houses some of the finest works by Monet, Cézanne and Pissarro.
What to book to avoid queues, book your Musée d'Orsay ticket now.
9- What to do in Paris Relax on a terrace
A great Parisian classic, the terrace is a must when visiting the capital. Many bistros, bars and restaurants welcome you on their terraces for a drink or a bite to eat. It's the perfect place to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine, or to share a drink with friends after a long day's sightseeing.
The article to read discover the 20 best rooftops for a drink in Paris.
10- Discover Paris on a Seine River cruise
Discover the city in a different way by booking a cruise on the Seine. Cruising on the river will take you past most of the city's famous monuments, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. You'll also be able to see the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, reopened after 5 years of work following the fire in 2019. Some boats even offer dinner cruises, ideal for a romantic evening in the heart of the city.
To book book now: select your sightseeing cruise on the Seine.
11- Visit the Pantheon
An architectural masterpiece steeped in history, the Panthéon 's crypt houses the tombs ofillustrious French personalities such as Simone Veil, Voltaire and Marie Curie. Impressive from the outside, the building's interior is even more grandiose. Under its imposing dome, frescoes and sculptures adorn the walls of the monument, where you can also admire a Foucault pendulum.
Activities to book book now your entrance tickets for the Pantheon and avoid the queues.
12- What to do in Paris Visit the Père Lachaise cemetery
A haven of tranquility and greenery north of Paris, the Père Lachaise cemetery is more than just a resting place. Many celebrities, such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, are buried here, and onlookers enjoy taking guided or self-guided tours. You'll also see the Fédérés wall, where soldiers were shot, and numerous monuments to the memory of the deported. But don't forget that this is first and foremost a cemetery: respect the monuments and the peace and quiet of the place.
13- Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a magnificent park located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This French-style garden is the ideal place to stroll after a visit to the museum. Stroll along its tree-lined paths and admire fountains, sculptures and flowerbeds. There are plenty of chairs and benches for you to sit and enjoy. You'll also find the Musée de l'Orangerie, home to Monet's famous Water Lilies .
14- Admire the Grands Magasins
For shopping or simply to admire the architecture, don't hesitate to visit the Grands Magasins. Go to Galeries Lafayette to admire the magnificent glass dome, and take advantage of the opportunity to visit its rooftop, where you'll have a beautiful view of the city. As the festive season approaches, many tourists flock here to admire the famous Christmas windows. Other department stores include Printemps, also on boulevard Haussmann, and Bon Marché.
15- What to do in Paris? Descend into the catacombs
A visit to the Catacombs of Paris guarantees an unusual and fascinating experience in the city's underground galleries. The world's largest ossuary, the catacombs contain over 6 million skeletons. You can reach them from Place Denfert-Rochereau. Allow around an hour for the 1.5-kilometer tour, with over a hundred steps up and down. The visit is entirely underground: claustrophobic visitors are advised to abstain.
Activities to book book your e-tickets now to visit the Paris catacombs.
16- Buttes-Chaumont park
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers a beautiful view of the city, but it has to be earned. The steepest park in Paris offers several different landscapes. At the top, you'll find the famous Rosa Bonheur, and a small lake below. There's also a rocky island with caves and a small Sybil temple, a replica of the Tivoli temple. The island is normally accessible, but access may be restricted in the event of construction work.
The article to read if you're feeling motivated, check out our article on the 15 best running spots in Paris.
17- Visit the Sainte-Chapelle
Located in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle captivates visitors with its magnificent stained-glass windows. Gothic in architecture, the chapel adjoins the Palais de Justice and is one of the remains of the Palais-Royal, which stood there from the 10th to the 14th century. The Sainte-Chapelle is a sublime place in broad daylight, when the sunlight strikes its multicolored stained glass windows. Classical music concerts are also held here from time to time.
18- Stroll through the Latin Quarter
One of the city's most emblematic districts, the Latin Quarter embodies the bohemian, artistic spirit of Paris. Renowned for its narrow streets, bookstores and academic institutions, this Left Bank neighborhood is also a great place to visit. Don't miss the famous Shakespeare & Company, an English bookshop and café just a stone's throw from Notre-Dame. Nearby, Square René Viviani is home to the oldest tree in Paris, a black locust planted in 1601 .
19- What to do in Paris? Take the covered passages
Get off the beaten track and visit the covered passages. These former shopping arcades link the main avenues of Paris, and each has its own unique charm. The Passage Jouffroy, for example, was one of the first to be installed. It benefits from the many tourists who visit the nearby Musée Grévin. The beautiful Galerie Vivienne features a magnificent mosaic and original glass roof. Don't miss the Passage des Panoramas, home to a number of restaurants.
Petit Futé tip the Petit Futé tip: you can reach the bottom of the Montmartre hill via a number of covered passages from the center of town. Plan your itinerary carefully!
20- Visit the Opéra Garnier
The Palais Garnier in the 9th arrondissement is home to the Opéra National de Paris. Inaugurated in 1875, this temple to classical dance is one of the major works of the Haussmann era. If you're not going for the program, be sure to take in the impressive architecture. Among the main points of interest are the grand staircase and the great hall, with its immense crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling and painted by Marc Chagall.
What to book to avoid waiting in line, book your tickets now to visit the Palais Garnier.
21- What to do in Paris? Visit the Grande Mosquée
This mosque, built in the 1920s, is located near the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. If you're in the area, be sure to visit the Grande Mosquée and its sumptuous gardens. A variety of species stand side by side with colorful mosaics and fountains amidst Arabo-Andalusian architecture. And don't forget to visit the mosque's adjoining tearoom, which serves mint tea and Oriental pastries all day long. Remember, you're in a place of worship that must be respected.
Good to know you'll also find a traditional hammam, reputed to be one of the cheapest in town. Access is for women only.
22- Discover the Hôtel des Invalides
Just off the Alexandre III bridge is theHôtel des Invalides, a historic monument housing several institutions. When it was built in the 17th century, it was a hospital-hospice for wounded soldiers. It still serves this function today. You'll also find Napoleon's sumptuous tomb, churches and museums. These include the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, the Musée de l'Armée and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération.
23- What to do in Paris? Visit the Rodin Museum
In the 7th arrondissement, a magnificent 18th-century mansion houses the Musée Rodin and many of the famous sculptor's works. These include The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. Discovered in 1908 by the artist, the building was in an advanced state of neglect. He first rented the first floor, before occupying the entire premises in 1911. The museum also houses works by Camille Claudel, the famous sculptor who collaborated with Rodin.
24- Gardens of the Palais Royal
Just a stone's throw from the Louvre and its Cour Carrée, the Jardin du Palais Royal is a peaceful spot set within the surrounding buildings. It's a pleasant place to stroll under the arcades, or to rest on a bench by the fountain and under the trees. Most visitors come here to see the columns of Buren, an artistic installation with famous stripes by artist Daniel Buren .
25- Climb to the top of Tour Montparnasse
Towering 210 meters above the south of the city, the Tour Montparnasse offers a 360° view of Paris. An ultra-fast elevator takes you up to the tower's panoramic observatory, from where you can see virtually every Parisian landmark. An astonishing sight, as the view is never the same from one hour to the next, due to changing natural lighting or weather conditions. At the top, you can also enjoy the Ciel de Paris panoramic restaurant.
The activity to book get your for the panoramic terrace of the Montparnasse Tower.
26- Institut du Monde Arabe
On the banks of the Seine, theInstitut du Monde Arabe is worth a visit for its impressive architecture alone. It's famous for the 240 moucharabiehs on its façade, which open and close thanks to the movable diaphragms that make them up. This installation provides the building's interior with incredible light. Here you'll find permanent and temporary exhibitions on the culture and history of Arab civilizations, as well as numerous pieces of archaeology.
27- See the Place des Vosges
As you pass through the Marais district, don't miss a detour to Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris. This pretty square, with its brick and slate buildings typical of the 16th and 17th centuries, was long the residence of the Valois family. Stroll under its arcades and cross theHôtel de Sully to find yourself directly on rue Saint-Antoine. You can also visit the Maison de Victor Hugo at number 6.
28- The Quai Branly Museum
Inaugurated in June 2006, the Musée du Quai Branly was designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Located right next to the Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris, the museum is dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Asia, Africa, Oceania and America. Be sure to explore the museum's garden, a veritable haven of peace designed by French landscape architect Gilles Clément.
Petit Futé tip tip: get access to over 60 museums and monuments by purchasing your Paris Museum Pass.
Where to stay in Paris?
To enjoy the most beautiful city in the world, make sure you choose the right place to stay for the weekend. Here's a small selection of the best accommodation available in Paris:
- The most central: theHôtel du Jeu de Paume. Located on the Île Saint-Louis, this 4-star hotel houses luxurious rooms in a former jeu de paume hall. To discover its services and impressive architecture, book your stay here.
- Peace and intimacy at the Queen Mary Hotel. Just a stone's throw from the Grand Boulevards and Galeries Lafayette, this charming hotel offers warm, French-style rooms. You'll appreciate its calm in the midst of bustling neighborhoods. Click here for reservations.
- The charm and elegance of Relais Montmartre. Close to the Butte Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre, this quiet establishment is perfect for visiting the area. Book your stay now.
What's free in Paris?
Like many European capitals, Paris is expensive. Nevertheless, it's possible to discover the city's beauty through free walks and activities. Here are just a few:
- Stroll along the quays of the Seine. As you walk along the river, you'll discover many of the city's most emblematic monuments and squares.
- Discover the public gardens. Open during the day, parks such as Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes Chaumont are well worth a visit.
- Visit Notre-Dame de Paris. After its reopening, be sure to visit Notre-Dame - admission is free!
- Discover Parisian neighborhood life. Paris has many facets, as evidenced by its many lively neighborhoods. Take a stroll through Montmartre, the Latin Quarter or the Marais.
Good to know museums are free on the first Sunday of the month! Also, most museums in Paris are free for people under 26.
What to do in Paris with children
In and around Paris, you'll find plenty to do with your family and children. To help you plan your stay, here are a few ideas:
- Visit the Museum of Natural History. This museum and its evolution gallery is ideal for introducing your children to the natural sciences.
- Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. There's no age limit for marvelling at the view over Paris from the top of this legendary monument.
- Go to Disneyland Paris. Roughly an hour by public transport from the center of Paris, this theme park will delight young and old alike. Discover our guide to the park.
- Take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. Just a stone's throw from the Louvre, this large park will give you and your children more space.
What to do in Paris for two?
The City of Light is a romantic destination of choice. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris as a couple:
- A cruise on the Seine. Discover the city in a different way by taking a cruise on the Seine, why not with a gourmet dinner?
- A gourmet dinner. French cuisine has a proven reputation. Take advantage of your stay in Paris to visit some of the city's finest restaurants.
- Watch the sun set over the Butte Montmartre. From the Sacré-Coeur square, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city, so don't hesitate to go there for the sunset.
- Visit a museum by night. Many museums offer nocturnal tours. It's less crowded and more intimate, so make the most of it!
Find out more about the trendiest things to do in Paris here:
