Travel

Things to Do in Paris

By  | 

The Eiffel Tower is an essential destination in Paris, constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair but still offering breathtaking views today.

Explore the Champs-Elysees and admire its majestic arch built to honor those who fought in both French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Afterward, browse Shakespeare and Company – once known for meeting up literary types living abroad – before admiring their leaning shelves at Shakespeare and Company, an institution founded as a meeting place for expat literary types.

Arc de Triomphe

At the heart of a busy roundabout with twelve avenues meeting, this monument stands as both a landmark and powerful reminder of French military history’s highs and lows. Admire the sculptures adorning its pillars such as La Maraise by Cortot and The Fallen Soldier by Rude for further insight.

At Montmartre, explore this artist-friendly neighborhood for some sightseeing and activity. Check out the “sinking house”, Sacre Coeur Basilica and Shakespeare & Co bookstore where Hemingway and Fitzgerald used to frequent.

Luxor Obelisk

Place de la Concorde is home to an Egyptian obelisk that serves as an educational landmark, commemorating France and Egypt’s historical ties and playing an integral role during the French Revolution. Come admire its towering pillar and hieroglyphs!

Explore Paris’s most beloved sights with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour – you’ll save both time and energy, getting an aerial perspective of this great city. After your tour, visit Montmartre – home to Hemingway himself as well as Insta-famous “sinking house.”

Musee D’Orsay

If you love art, the Musee d’Orsay should be on your itinerary. Set within an exquisite beaux-Arts railway station constructed for the Universal Exposition in 1900, this museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist and Postimpressionist masterpieces.

Stride along Montmartre (the artist’s neighborhood). Don’t miss Notre Dame Cathedral from both inside and out – its gargoyles standing watch over Paris from above! Afterward, check out Shakespeare and Company bookstore – an immensely popular stop among expat writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald during their travels through Paris.

Luxembourg Gardens

Walk around these scenic grounds and soak up some culture with a stroll, where there are vintage balancoires and an 1879 carousel as sculptural treasures; kids can play jeu de bagues and explore a wide range of playground structures.

Near the Pantheon, this park feels less touristy than other Paris gardens and is an excellent place for locals to meet over coffee or matcha latte.

Over in the park is the grand Palais Royal with its marble-painted columns that make its inner courtyard so photogenic. Entry is free but skip-the-line guided tours can cost 55 EUR each way.

Montmartre

This hilly neighborhood was home for artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, so now it has become quite touristy but remains worth exploring.

Begin your visit at Place des Abbesses – the starting point for Metro line 12’s Abbesses stop – where you will discover an Art Nouveau metro entrance designed by Hector Guimard as well as an all-year-round merry-go-round!

Visit Basilique du Sacre Coeur – an exquisite white cathedral offering breathtaking views of Paris – before exploring Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Claude Debussy’s gravesite in its crypt.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is one of Paris’ largest public squares and best known as the site where French revolutionaries executed people with guillotine blades during the French Revolution. Additionally, this square hosts the Luxor Obelisk that was given as a gift by Egypt’s Vice-King in 1966.

Shop local markets to experience Paris first-hand and sip natural wine in an intimate Saint-Germain cafe frequented by Hemingway and Picasso. Take in breathtaking views of Paris from different viewpoints as you experience its grandeur first-hand – you won’t want to leave without seeing its iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower!

Rue de Rivoli

Take a Seine River cruise for a unique perspective of Paris and to avoid crowds. Enjoy stunning views of all its main landmarks – Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are two such attractions you won’t want to miss.

Visit Montmartre and its majestic Sacre Coeur church during your tour; don’t miss its famous “sinking house”, which seems to be disappearing into its surroundings. Montmartre has long been home to artists and writers like Hemingway.

Don’t be scared to explore the Catacombs; it is one of Paris’ more unique attractions. These tunnels contain millions of bones belonging to Parisians.

Place de la Madeleine

Reconsider your museum options in Paris in favor of gallery hopping through more vibrant and artistic neighborhoods such as Marais or Belleville where galleries present fresh emerging talent without overcrowded exhibition halls.

Visit Pere Lachaise cemetery, home to some of the city’s iconic artists (like Moliere and Jean de La Fontaine) who have been laid to rest there. Or ride a funicular train up Montmartre and see its breathtaking church that appears to be sinking into its surroundings.

Check out Du Pain et Idees bakery and pastry shop for delightful macarons, cakes and other sweets, or take part in a gourmet food tour around your neighborhood.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris is an essential stop on any visitor’s itinerary, whether they come for its iconic landmarks like Champs-Elysees or Notre Dame Cathedral’s remarkable architecture.

Unstoppable gargoyles decorate the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral (they serve an essential structural function), before ascending 422 steps for stunning views over Paris.

Sit at one of the charming cafes to people watch. Marais and Montparnasse are popular haunts for members of the Lost Generation; make sure to stop at one of their cafes for a traditional French cup of coffee!

Sacre Coeur

With the help of a velib’-bicycle rental, Paris is easily navigable while taking in many of its main sites. Or book tickets to watch classic French cabaret at Moulin Rouge; alternatively opt for an open hop-on hop-off bus tour for maximum sightseeing time!

Montmartre offers an engaging blend of cafe patios and bookstores for an enjoyable stroll, before ascending 300 spiralling steps to Sacre Coeur Basilica for breathtaking city views – or join one of their Mass services here!

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris​ іs​ a magical destination for families and children​ оf all ages. Located just outside Paris, this enchanting theme park offers​ a world​ оf wonder with its iconic attractions, shows, and parades. Explore the lands​ оf Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland, where you can meet beloved Disney characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and immerse yourself​ іn the magic​ оf Disney. Don’t miss the spectacular nighttime shows, such​ as Disney Illuminations, that light​ up the park with dazzling lights and music.