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Paris, known as the City of Light, is a place full of history, art, and romance. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for another adventure, there are endless things to do in Paris. From iconic landmarks to charming streets, Paris is a city that leaves a lasting impression. This guide will help you discover the best things to do in Paris, ensuring you experience the most famous attractions and hidden gems. If you’re wondering what to do in Paris, here’s a list that will make your trip unforgettable.
10 Things To Do In Paris
Known worldwide as the city of light, here is a list of the 10 amazing things to do in Paris.
1. Visit Eiffel Tower
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This towering landmark, standing at 1,083 feet, is a symbol of Paris. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city. You can take the elevator or climb the stairs for a unique perspective. At night, the tower lights up, making it even more magical. When considering things to see in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must. It’s often at the top of any list of the best things to do in Paris.
Location: Champ de Mars, Paris
Major Attraction: Eiffel Tower Summit
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel Station
2. Explore Louvre Museum
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels
The Louvre Museum is another must-see in Paris. It’s one of the largest art museums in the world, housing over 38,000 works of art. Famous pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are on display here. The Louvre was once a royal palace, and today, it’s home to art from many cultures. If you’re interested in history and culture, this is one of the best things to do in Paris. The museum’s stunning architecture, including the glass pyramid entrance, makes it even more impressive.
Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris
Major Attraction: Mona Lisa
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre
3. Admire The Notre Dame Cathedral
Photo: Ali Sabbagh / Wikimedia Commons
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. This 12th-century Gothic masterpiece is known for its beautiful architecture, including intricate sculptures and flying buttresses. Though it’s under restoration due to a fire in 2019, the exterior is still a sight to behold. What to do in Paris often includes a visit to Notre Dame. Its cultural significance makes it an essential stop for any visitor. You can also enjoy a peaceful picnic in the surrounding gardens while admiring the cathedral from a distance.
Location: Île de la Cité, Paris
Major Attraction: Notre Dame Exterior & Towers
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame
4. Explore Arc De Triomphe
Photo: Udit Kapoor / Wikimedia Commons
Standing at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and died for France. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, this monument has become a symbol of French pride. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris. It’s a significant historical monument, making it one of the best things to do in Paris.
Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris
Major Attraction: Arc de Triomphe Views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile Station
5. Stroll Around Montmartre
Photo: Gzen92 / Wikimedia Commons
Montmartre is a charming, historic neighbourhood known for its artistic vibe. It’s famous for the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a stunning white church on top of a hill. From the basilica’s steps, you get a panoramic view of the city. Montmartre is full of narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and art studios. You can spend hours exploring Place du Tertre, where local artists display their work. If you’re looking for a lively, cultural experience, Montmartre is one of the best things to do in Paris.
Location: 18th Arrondissement, Paris
Major Attraction: Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Anvers Station
6. Take A Walk At Champs-Élysées
Photo: Sam Greenhalgh / Wikimedia Commons
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world. Stretching 1.2 miles from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it’s lined with theatres, cafes, and luxury shops. The avenue is particularly lively, offering a great place to shop, dine, and people-watch. On the first Sunday of each month, it transforms into a pedestrian-only space, allowing visitors to explore without the noise of traffic.
Location: Paris
Major Attraction: Shopping & Dining
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Champs-Élysées–Clémenceau Station
7. Experience Royalty At Palace Of Versailles
Photo: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons
Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, it was expanded into a grand palace by Louis XIV. The palace is famous for its luxurious rooms and stunning gardens, which feature fountains and sculptures. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and stroll through the gardens. A day trip to Versailles is a great way to explore France’s royal history. This is one of the most beautiful things to see in Paris and its surroundings.
Location: Versailles, Île-de-France
Major Attraction: Hall of Mirrors
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Nearest Airport: Orly Airport
Nearest Train Station: Versailles Château–Rive Gauche Station
8. Sainte-Chapelle
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Sainte-Chapelle is a hidden gem located on Île de la Cité. This Gothic chapel is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, which tell stories from the Bible. The 13th-century chapel was built to house Christ’s relics. Today, it’s a peaceful place to admire the intricate details of its architecture. The colourful stained glass windows fill the interior with light, creating a breathtaking effect.
Location: Île de la Cité, Paris
Major Attraction: Stained Glass Windows
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Cité Station
9. Visit Latin Quarter
Photo: Mark Bonica / Wikimedia Commons
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Paris. It’s a lively area full of cafes, bookstores, and historic sites like the Panthéon. The Latin Quarter is known for its vibrant intellectual and artistic history. As you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll find many charming spots to relax or enjoy a meal. The area is home to the famous Sorbonne University, which gives it a youthful, energetic vibe.
Location: 5th Arrondissement, Paris
Major Attraction: Panthéon
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Luxembourg Station
10. Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise offers a unique way to see Paris. The boat takes you past some of the most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Whether you choose a daytime cruise or a romantic dinner cruise, the views are always spectacular. The gentle ride along the river gives you a chance to relax and enjoy Paris from a different perspective. If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, a Seine River cruise is one of the best things to do in Paris.
Location: Paris
Major Attraction: Seine River Views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nearest Train Station: Paris Gare d’Austerlitz
Paris is a city full of magic and charm. With so many things to do in Paris, you’ll never run out of places to explore. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to historic sites like the Palace of Versailles, Paris offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Paris or simply wondering what to do in Paris, this list will help you make the most of your visit. Book your visit with TripXL to embrace the beauty, history, and culture of Paris to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Anonymous / PxHere
