Things to Do in Paris

Paris rewards both first-time visitors ticking off icons and repeat travellers looking for quieter corners. Whether you have two days or a week, here's how to make the most of the City of Light.

Iconic Landmarks

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

Book tickets in advance to skip the line, and go up at sunset for golden-hour views over the city. For the best photo of the tower itself, head to Trocadéro Gardens across the river.

2. Explore the Louvre Museum

Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and tens of thousands of artworks. Give yourself at least half a day, and book skip-the-line tickets to avoid the notoriously long queues.

3. Walk Through Notre-Dame Cathedral Grounds

Notre-Dame has reopened after the 2019 fire. The cathedral and surrounding Île de la Cité remain a must-see stop on any Paris walk.

4. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées

Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for sweeping views down Paris's grand boulevards, then stroll the Champs-Élysées for shopping and people-watching.

Neighbourhood Experiences

5. Wander Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Paris's artist quarter is full of cobbled streets, street performers, and panoramic views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.

6. Explore Le Marais

One of Paris's oldest and trendiest neighbourhoods, known for boutique shopping, falafel stands, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

7. Browse the Latin Quarter

Home to the Sorbonne and countless bookshops, including the famous Shakespeare and Company, this is Paris's classic student and intellectual neighbourhood.

River and Gardens

8. Take a Seine River Cruise

A relaxed way to see Paris landmarks lit up at night — Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower all pass by from the water.

9. Relax in Luxembourg Gardens

A favourite spot for locals, with manicured lawns, a central pond, and plenty of café seating — ideal for an afternoon break between sightseeing.

10. Walk Along the Seine's Bookstalls (Bouquinistes)

The green bookstalls lining the riverbanks near Notre-Dame are a UNESCO-listed slice of Parisian history, perfect for a slow afternoon browse.

Art and Museums Beyond the Louvre

11. Visit Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, this museum holds one of the world's best collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Monet and Van Gogh.

12. See Monet's Water Lilies at Musée de l'Orangerie

A smaller, quieter museum built specifically to house Monet's giant Water Lilies canvases — a favourite for art lovers wanting to skip Louvre-sized crowds.

Day Trips from Paris

13. Visit the Palace of Versailles

Just 40 minutes from central Paris, Versailles' Hall of Mirrors and gardens make for an easy and rewarding half-day or full-day trip.

14. Explore Giverny, Monet's Garden

The artist's former home and garden, best visited between April and October when the flowers are in full bloom.

Food and Shopping

15. Take a Food Tour Through a Local Market

Markets like Marché d'Aligre offer a taste of everyday Parisian life alongside fresh produce, cheese, and pastries.

16. Shop at Galeries Lafayette

Beyond the shopping, the store's stained-glass dome and rooftop terrace views over Paris are worth the visit alone.

Sample 3-Day Paris Itinerary

• Day 1: Louvre → Seine river cruise → Eiffel Tower at sunset
• Day 2: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur → Le Marais → Musée d'Orsay
• Day 3: Versailles day trip → Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe in the evening

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