Paris Must See Attractions

Paris, the City of Lights, draws in travelers from all over the world.  This lively city has something for everyone, from famous Paris attractions to secret spots.  If you’re visiting for the first time or you know Paris well, this complete guide will show you the best things to do in Paris France.  You’ll make memories that stick with you forever as you explore the top places to visit in Paris.

Getting to Know Paris Sightseeing and What It Offers

Getting to Know Paris Sightseeing and What It Offers

Paris mixes its deep history, beautiful buildings, and famous cultural spots.  It’s one of the world’s most popular cities, buzzing with art, fashion, food and a love for life.  From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the cute stone streets in Montmartre, Paris France things to do are diverse and captivating.  These sights in Paris grab your attention and stick in your mind long after you’ve left.  Thus, making you wonder who was in Paris before you and marveled at the same wonders.

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Paris as a Tourist

  1. Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower stands as Paris’s symbol and one of the world’s most famous landmarks.  As one of the must see in Paris attractions, people can climb to its viewing platforms to see stunning city views.
  2. Notre-Dame Cathedral: This Gothic masterwork, with its high spires and detailed stone carvings, has been a key part of Paris’s architecture for hundreds of years.  Though a terrible fire damaged it in 2019, workers are now fixing the cathedral.  It remains one of the essential places to see in Paris France.
  3. Louvre Museum: The Louvre, the biggest art museum in the world, has an amazing set of masterpieces.  You’ll find the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace here.  People can take days to look through all the big galleries and shows in this Paris must see attraction.
  4. Arc de Triomphe: You’ll find the Arc de Triomphe in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle.  It gives you great views of the Champs-Élysées and the city around it.  If you want to see Paris from high up, you can go to the top of the arch.
  5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica: The Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits on top of Montmartre hill.  This white-domed church gives visitors amazing views of Paris.  People can check out the church’s inside and soak up the buzz of the area around it.

Discover the Conciergerie.

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Paris

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Paris

  1. Explore the Catacombs: Under the busy streets of Paris, you’ll find a big network of underground tunnels filled with bones.  These tunnels are called the Catacombs.  Tourists can go down into this spooky and interesting maze of skeletons, one of the unique things to see in Paris.
  2. Visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery: This old cemetery serves as the burial ground for many well-known people, like Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf and Jim Morrison.  People can walk through the quiet and beautiful grounds and honor these famous folks at their graves.
  3. Stroll through the Covered Passages: Paris has a network of charming covered passages, or “passages couverts,” that used to be busy shopping areas.  These mood-setting indoor streets now have cute shops and cafés.  Moreover, hidden spots that show you a special look at the city’s history.
  4. Discover the Street Art of Belleville: Belleville’s lively neighborhood has a booming street art scene.  Visitors can check out the bright murals, graffiti and art pieces that cover the walls and alleys of this bustling area.
  5. Experience the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: This huge flea market just outside the city center has tons of antiques, old-school items and one-of-a-kind finds.  Visitors can take their time looking through the stalls and bargaining with the nice sellers.

Fun Activities and Entertainment Attractions in Paris

  1. Cruise Along the Seine River: Enjoy Paris’s famous sights and bridges from a boat on the Seine River.  These relaxed tours give you a fresh look at the city and its beautiful buildings, making it one of the fun things to do in paris.
  2. Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Tuileries Garden: The Ferris wheel in the Jardin des Tuileries lets you see Paris from above.  You can spot the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées from up there.
  3. Attend a Cabaret Show: Paris is known for its lively cabaret shows.  Famous places like the Moulin Rouge and the Lido put on eye-catching performances with fancy costumes and sets.
  4. Check out Disneyland Paris Resort: The Disneyland Paris Resort sits close to the city center.  It gives people of every age a magical time.  You’ll find two theme parks, hotels, and a lively entertainment area.
  5. Have a Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens: The quiet and pretty Luxembourg Gardens make a great spot to relax and picnic.  You can buy tasty local food and eat it in the peaceful surroundings.

Read about Sainte-Chapelle.

Must Do in Paris: Cultural Experiences, Museums, Galleries and Theaters

  1. Dive into Art at the Louvre Museum: Besides the famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre holds a huge array of masterpieces.  You’ll find works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
  2. Check out the Musée d’Orsay: This old train station now houses amazing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.  You can see paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh at the Musée d’Orsay, one of the best places to visit in Paris for art lovers.
  3. Visit the Pompidou Center: The Centre Pompidou, a modern hub of culture, has a well-known modern art museum.  It also offers a library, movie theaters, and spaces to watch live shows, making it a must-visit among Paris tourist attractions.
  4. Watch a Show at the Opéra Garnier: The Opéra Garnier, with its elaborate design, ranks among the world’s top opera houses.  It puts on a range of classical music, ballet, and opera shows.
  5. Explore the Musée Rodin: This museum showcases the work of famous sculptor Auguste Rodin.  It offers a peaceful and thoughtful experience displaying sculptures both inside and outside.

Read about the Ballon de Paris.

Tastes of Paris: Food and Drink Adventures

Tastes of Paris: Food and Drink Adventures

  1. Enjoy French Pastries: Paris is famous for its top-notch bakeries.  Visitors can treat themselves to crispy croissants, rich éclairs and light macarons.
  2. Check out the Food Markets: Paris has lively food markets that delight the senses.  From the busy Marché d’Aligre to the quaint Marché Bastille, you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, handmade cheeses and local treats.
  3. Eat at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant: Paris boasts many Michelin-starred restaurants.  These spots give you the chance to taste world-class French food made by top chefs.
  4. Sip Wine in a Cozy Bistro: Parisians love their wine.  The city’s charming bistros and wine bars offer the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of Bordeaux or Burgundy.  You can soak up the local atmosphere while you drink.
  5. Indulge in a Parisian Picnic: Get a selection of tasty Parisian treats.  These include baguettes, cheese, charcuterie and a bottle of wine.  You can have a relaxed picnic in one of the city’s beautiful parks or gardens.

Outdoor Activities and Parks in Paris

  1. Take a walk in the Jardins du Trocadéro: These beautiful gardens sit right across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.  The Place du Trocadéro gives you amazing views of the famous landmark and offers a quiet spot in the busy city center.
  2. Check out the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This big city park has curvy paths, a calm lake and a cool 19th-century folly.  It’s a great place to get away from the noisy city streets.
  3. Chill in the Jardin du Luxembourg: Parisians love the Luxembourg Gardens.  They have well-kept lawns, water fountains, and statues.  It’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the city’s charm.
  4. Ride a Bike along the Seine: Paris boasts a vast network of bike paths and lanes, making it perfect to explore on two wheels.  Tourists can rent bikes and pedal along the scenic Seine River banks.
  5. Climb to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe: To enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Paris, people can go up to the observation deck atop the Arc de Triomphe.  This spot provides a one-of-a-kind look at the city’s landmarks and the famous Champs-Élysées.

Read about Pantheon Paris..

Shopping and Fashion in Paris

Shopping and Fashion in Paris

  1. Take a walk on the Champs-Élysées: This well-known Paris street has high-end shops, luxury brands and big stores on both sides.  It’s a top spot for people who love fashion and shopping.
  2. Check out the Marais area: The charming Le Marais neighborhood has a lively mix of small shops, vintage stores and cool concept shops.  It gives you a more special kind of shopping trip and is one of the trendiest places to visit in Paris France.
  3. Go to Galeries Lafayette: This famous Paris department store is worth visiting just for the shopping.  It has beautiful Art Nouveau design and offers a wide range of designer clothes, accessories and things for the home.
  4. Explore the Parisian Flea Markets: From the huge Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen to the smaller Marché Biron, Paris’ flea markets have an abundance of vintage items, antiques and unique pieces.
  5. Go on a Shopping Spree at the Palais-Royal: Located in the city center, the Palais Royal and its nearby arcades house many high-end boutiques, art galleries and fashion design studios.

More day trips from Paris.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Paris

  1. Catch a Cabaret Show: Soak up the glitz and thrill of Paris cabaret at famous spots like the Moulin Rouge, Lido or Crazy Horse.  These venues offer guests lavish shows and a taste of the French zest for life.
  2. Check out the Bars and Clubs in Montmartre: The charming Montmartre area is known for its lively nightlife.  You’ll find all kinds of bars, pubs and clubs here playing music to suit different tastes and styles.
  3. Enjoy Jazz and Live Music: Paris has a strong jazz history.  Visitors can explore the city’s lively music scene.  They can watch shows at cozy jazz clubs or busy concert halls.
  4. Experience the Parisian Rooftop Bar Scene: Many Paris hotels and restaurants have amazing rooftop bars and terraces.  These spots give great views of the city skyline and have a stylish, classy feel.
  5. Discover the Boat Parties and River Cruises: To have a different night out, visitors can join a fun boat party or take a calm evening cruise on the Seine River.  They’ll see the city’s famous spots and lit-up bridges.

Furthermore, Atelier Lumieres.

Tips to Explore Paris and Get the Most Out of Your Trip

  1. Use the Metro: Paris has a top-notch public transport system.  The Metro gives you the best way to get around the city and skip traffic jams.
  2. Embrace Walking: You can walk almost anywhere in Paris.  Exploring on foot lets you find hidden spots, come across cute side streets and take in the local vibe.
  3. Learn a Few French Phrases: Try to speak some French even just hello and thank you.  This can help you connect with Parisians and make your trip better overall.
  4. Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons: Come in spring or fall to see fewer crowds, enjoy better weather, and save money on hotels and attractions.
  5. Prioritize and Plan Ahead: Paris offers a lot to see and do.  Look up and plan your trip before you go to make good use of your time in the city.

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Enjoy What to Do in Paris City of Lights

Paris is a city that grabs your senses and sticks in your memory.  This guide points out the top things to do in Paris, from famous sights and museums to special experiences and tasty food, to help you plan an amazing trip.  You’ll fall in love with Paris as you check out its secret spots and soak up its long history and traditions.  The City of Lights will wow and fire up your imagination at every step.  So pack up brush up on your French, and get set to experience the wonder of Paris.

Next, read about Chateau de Fountainebleau.