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Things to do in Paris

Things to do in  Paris

Welcome to Paris

Even first-time visitors experience a sense of familiarity when they arrive in Paris, with its instantly recognizable monuments, tightly packed bistro terraces, and chic boutiques. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum are three attractions rarely left off any itinerary—and for good reason. For more, add on a Seine River cruise, Montmartre walking tour, Moulin Rouge dinner show, and day trip to the Palace of Versailles. But for all its iconic scenery and artistic treasures, there’s something to be said for discovering the City of Light like a Parisian, with leisurely visits to cafés, boulangeries, and the narrow alleyways of ‘arrondissements’ (neighborhoods).

Top 15 attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

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The Eiffel Tower isn't just a symbol of Paris but a symbol for all of France. Erected by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, the 1,050-foot (320-meter) tower once held the title of the world's tallest structure. Despite having been dwarfed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and The Shard in London, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. View the architectural icon from afar, or stop in at the three observation levels for stellar city views.More

Louvre

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Primarily associated with the steady gaze of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa, Paris' Louvre museum is home to a 35,000-strong collection of paintings and sculptures considered one of the greatest in the world. The contemporary glass Louvre Pyramid heralds the museum's entrance, which millions of tourists flock to every year to feast their eyes on masterpieces that span from antiquity to the 20th century.More

Notre Dame Cathedral

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Second only to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) is one of Paris' most iconic attractions, a marvel of medieval architecture that was immortalized in Victor Hugo's classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Today, the Gothic grandeur and stained-glass windows of the UNESCO World Heritage site continue to reign supreme from Ile de la Cite, an island in the middle of the Seine River.(UPDATE: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently off-limits due to fire damage.)More

River Seine

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The lifeblood of Paris, the River Seine acts as a dividing line between Paris’ historically sophisticated and bohemian halves, while providing transportation via riverboat and plenty of opportunity for romantic strolls. The banks of the famous river are a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with the city’s top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Louvre.More

Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay)

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Rivaling the Louvre as Paris' favorite art museum, the Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay) is known for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and art nouveau works from 1848 to 1914. Equally impressive as what’s inside the museum is its exterior: a former Beaux-Arts railway station with an enviable location on the banks of the Seine River. Both architecture and art buffs will want this museum on their Parisian itineraries.More

Moulin Rouge

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Expect bright lights, extravagant costumes, and raucous music at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Opened in the Belle Epoque of 1889 to celebrate Paris' thriving creative scene and the end of the civil war, the windmill-cum-cabaret hall has never stopped basking in fun and frivolity. As a staple of Parisian nightlife, an unforgettable evening at the Moulin Rouge is a must on any traveler's France itinerary.More

Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

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Paris’ Latin Quarter is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.More

Montmartre

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Crowned by the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, historic Montmartre in Paris’ 18th arrondissement is famed for its cobblestone streets, artsy past and present, and central hill. Visitors flock here to imagine what life was like during the Belle Epoque—when artists such as Dalí, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso lived and worked in Montmartre—as well as get their portrait sketched in Place du Tertre.More

Grand Palais

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The Grand Palais is one of Paris’ most beautiful and recognizable structures. Debuted in 1900 in time for the World’s Fair, the architectural marvel is famed for its colossal nave, Beaux-Arts architecture, and immense glass roof. Today, the Grand Palais houses several gallery areas and also hosts tournaments, Chanel fashion shows, and other major events.More

Pont Alexandre III

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One of many bridges that cross the Seine, Pont Alexandre III was officially unveiled in 1900. Widely considered the city’s most beautiful and opulent bridge, it connects the Champs-Élysées and Grand Palais on the Right Bank with Invalides on the Left, making it a popular thoroughfare for tour groups and amblers.More

Place de la Concorde

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Situated on the right bank of the Seine River and flanked by the idyllic Tuileries Garden and the grand boulevard of Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. The infamous guillotines of the French Revolution were located here, but today the square is best known for striking monuments, elegant hotels, and elaborate fountains.More

Arc de Triomphe

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An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, commemorates French soldiers and military victories. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.More

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

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The Arc de Triomphe looks down upon the grand tree-lined boulevard that is Avenue des Champs-Élysées: one of Paris’ most memorable sights and one of the world’s most famous avenues. It’s not just the striking architecture that captivates visitors—the shopping street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine restaurants.More

Palais Garnier

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Home to the Opera de Paris, ballet performances, and the fictional Phantom of the Opera, the grand 19th-century Palais Garnier—also known as Opera Garnier—recalls the splendor of France’s Second Empire, an era synonymous with elegance and extravagance. Beyond its opulent exterior and foyer, the 2,000-seat auditorium is a riot of red velvet, gold, and bronze, with a massive chandelier and a colorful ceiling painting by modernist master Marc Chagall.More

Le Marais

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With its maze of cobbled lanes and medieval buildings sprawling along the banks of the Seine River, the historic district of Le Marais is one of Paris’ most atmospheric, with a lively Jewish Quarter, a great selection of museums and art galleries, and a thriving LGBTQ community.More

Trip ideas

The Do's and Don'ts of the Paris Catacombs

The Do's and Don'ts of the Paris Catacombs

Top activities in Paris

Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Summit with Host and Optional Cruise
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Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Venus de Milo & Mona Lisa
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Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

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Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour
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Louvre Museum Paris - Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)
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Paris Montmartre walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
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Versailles Palace Priority Access Guided Tour Optional Show - Pickup by Minivan
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Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting
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Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise
Special Offer

Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise

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Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Access from Paris
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Versailles Palace Guided Tour from Paris with Optional Gardens & Fountain Show
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Recent reviews from experiences in Paris

star-5
Fun night
Lorrie_C, Mar 2023
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
Just a fun way to see Paris by night.
star-5
Must do
Kelly_B, Mar 2023
Private Boat Trip on the Seine in Paris
Great way to see Paris!
star-5
Andrew was a great guide,...
Andrew_A, Mar 2023
Paris See 30 Plus Top Sights with a Fun Guide
This tour was a great way to see many of the major sights of Paris all in one go.
star-5
Fun way to see Paris!
jenny_a, Mar 2023
Paris Local Districts and Stories Off the Beaten Track Guided Bike Tour
This tour allowed us to see beautiful, interesting and "non-touristy" parts of the Paris in a fun and efficient way.
star-5
An absolutely must do walking tour of Paris
VALERIE_T, Mar 2023
Paris See 30 Plus Top Sights with a Fun Guide
It was a wonderful way to see sooo many Paris highlights in one walking tour and get to know some great places for a coffee, snack or lunch, as well as learning to navigate the metro.
star-5
The perfect way to see the city!
Dena_D, Mar 2023
Segway tour Paris
The segways were so much fun and what an amazing way to see the town and to get around.
star-5
Great tour!
Russell_C, Mar 2023
Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery Day Trip from Paris
We stopped half way for bathrooms and snacks, then when we were in Normandy, we were able to see all 5 beaches and have lunch - fresh seafood!
star-5
Louve tour
Peyton_R, Mar 2023
Louvre Museum Paris - Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)
She customized our trIp and gave great recommendations for other things to do in Paris as well.
star-5
Do it!
harry_h, Mar 2023
Seine River Guided Cruise and Snacks Options by Vedettes de Paris
It was great to see Paris and especially the bridges from the perspective of the Seine.
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Pete Lachaise
Sue_G, Mar 2023
Famous Graves of Père Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour
The cemetery is a wonderfully peaceful place and a highly recommended location to visit in Paris.
star-5
Fantastic lunch cruise
Charles_R, Mar 2023
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise
Do not miss this opportunity to see most of the highlights in Paris!!
star-5
Great Experience
Marina_C, Mar 2023
Bike Paris treasures with a live guide - Families & Friends
I really recommend the tour, we got to see Paris from anotber point of view and we learned a lot.
star-5
Glad we picked this tour
Inessa_A, Mar 2023
Paris Layover Tour
He met us and took us to many Paris attractions.
star-5
Romantic night
Linda_W, Mar 2023
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
It was wonderful way to see some of Paris’s most beautiful treasures in the evening!
star-5
Amazing Views
catherine_f, Mar 2023
Seine River Guided Cruise and Snacks Options by Vedettes de Paris
The perfect way to see all the top sights while relaxing on the spacious top deck of a boat!
star-5
Great Way to see Paris
MEGANN_W, Mar 2023
Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
This was such a convenient way to see the big sites in Paris without having to walk everywhere.
star-5
Highlights on a short time
Connie_L, Mar 2023
Paris Layover Tour
We were able to see the highlights of Paris on a really short time.
star-5
Excellent tour
Stephanie_C, Mar 2023
Normandy D-Day Small-group trip to Top Sights from Paris by Minivan with Lunch
It made for a very long day with the drive from Paris and back, but was wonderful to see so many sites on the Normandy coast in one day.
star-5
A memorable first night in Paris
David_T, Mar 2023
Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches
Love the touch of music last night as well and all that to see Paris and it’s splendor.
star-5
Great
Jessica_V, Mar 2023
Eiffel Tower Skip The Line Summit with Host and Optional Cruise
I enjoyed listening about the history and getting to see all of Paris!
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