Home › Destinations › Paris
Paris, France - Things to Do in Paris

Things to Do in Paris

Paris, France - Complete Travel Guide

Paris, the City of Light, stands as one of the world's most enchanting capitals, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with modern sophistication. From the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower to the artistic treasures housed in the Louvre, Paris offers an unparalleled collection of landmarks, museums, and cultural experiences. The city's tree-lined boulevards, charming cafés, and elegant architecture create an atmosphere that has inspired countless artists, writers, and dreamers throughout history. Beyond its famous monuments, Paris captivates visitors with its distinct neighborhoods, each offering unique character and charm. Whether strolling through the bohemian streets of Montmartre, exploring the trendy Marais district, or wandering along the romantic Seine riverbanks, the city reveals new delights at every turn. With world-class cuisine, unrivaled shopping, and a rich cultural scene encompassing everything from classical opera to cutting-edge contemporary art, Paris truly lives up to its reputation as one of the world's greatest cities.

Top Things to Do in Paris

Visit Iconic Landmarks and Monuments

Explore Paris's world-famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. These architectural marvels represent different eras of Parisian history and offer stunning photo opportunities and panoramic city views. Each monument tells a unique story of French culture, from medieval Gothic architecture to 19th-century engineering prowess.

Booking Tip: Many landmarks offer skip-the-line tickets online (€15-30) which are essential during peak season. Book Eiffel Tower tickets 60 days in advance, and consider evening visits for spectacular lighting. Look for combination tickets that include multiple attractions to save money.

Explore World-Class Museums

Discover artistic masterpieces at the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, home to works by Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Picasso. These institutions house some of humanity's greatest artistic achievements spanning from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. The sheer scale and quality of collections can easily fill multiple days of exploration.

Booking Tip: Museum passes (€78 for 6 days) provide skip-the-line access and significant savings. Book timed entry slots online, especially for the Louvre. Many museums are free on first Sunday mornings, but expect crowds. Consider guided tours (€40-60) for deeper insights.

Experience Parisian Food Culture

Immerse yourself in Paris's legendary culinary scene through food tours, cooking classes, and market visits. From sampling artisanal cheeses and wines to learning pastry techniques from professional chefs, these experiences offer authentic tastes of French gastronomy. Local markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges provide opportunities to interact with vendors and discover seasonal specialties.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from €60-120 per person and often include 6-8 tastings. Book morning tours when markets are most active. Look for small group experiences (8-12 people) for more personalized attention. Cooking classes (€80-150) should include market visits and recipe cards to take home.

Discover Historic Neighborhoods

Wander through distinctive districts like Montmartre with its artistic heritage, the trendy Marais with medieval streets and Jewish quarter, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés with its literary café culture. Each neighborhood offers unique architecture, local shops, and authentic Parisian atmosphere away from major tourist crowds. These areas showcase how Parisians actually live and work in their city.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost €20-35 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Choose tours that focus on specific neighborhoods rather than trying to cover the entire city. Early morning or late afternoon tours offer the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds.

Take Day Trips to Nearby Attractions

Venture beyond Paris to visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, the fairy-tale Château de Fontainebleau, or the champagne region of Reims. These excursions provide insight into French royal history, architecture, and wine-making traditions. The contrast between Paris's urban energy and the surrounding countryside offers a well-rounded French experience.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from €60-150 including transportation and skip-the-line access. Book tours that include round-trip transport from central Paris to avoid navigation hassles. Versailles requires a full day, while closer châteaux can be half-day trips. Small group tours (16-20 people) offer more flexibility than large bus tours.

Getting There

Paris is served by two major international airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), located 25km northeast of the city center, and Orly (ORY), 13km south of the city. CDG handles most international flights and connects to central Paris via RER B train (€10.30, 45 minutes), Air France buses (€12, 60 minutes), or taxis (€50-70). Orly connects via Orlyval + RER B combination (€12.10), buses, or taxis (€35-50). The city is also accessible by high-speed TGV trains from other European cities, arriving at Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, or Gare de Lyon stations, all connected to the metro system.

Getting Around

Paris boasts one of the world's most comprehensive public transportation systems, with 14 metro lines, RER trains, buses, and trams covering the entire city. Single metro tickets cost €1.90, but day passes (Navigo Easy at €7.50) or weekly passes offer better value for tourists. The city center is highly walkable, and many attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other. Vélib' bike-sharing stations throughout the city provide an eco-friendly alternative, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available but can be expensive during peak hours.

Where to Stay

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Le Marais
Champs-Élysées
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Louvre/Tuileries

Food & Dining

Paris's culinary landscape ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming neighborhood bistros and bustling food markets. Traditional brasseries serve classic French dishes like coq au vin and escargot, while modern bistros offer innovative takes on French cuisine. Don't miss iconic patisseries for croissants and macarons, fromageries for artisanal cheeses, and local markets like Marché Saint-Germain for fresh produce and specialty items. The city also embraces international cuisine, with excellent Vietnamese, North African, and contemporary fusion restaurants throughout different arrondissements. Expect to pay €15-25 for bistro meals, €40-80 for fine dining, and €5-8 for café fare.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Vincent

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

La Kiuva - Ristorante e Cantina con Cucina Tipica di Arnad

4.5 /5
(1478 reviews) 2
bar liquor_store store

Parc Hotel Billia - Saint-Vincent

4.6 /5
(1282 reviews)
bar lodging spa

Vinosteria Borracho

4.7 /5
(1173 reviews) 2

Adaggio

4.6 /5
(1131 reviews) 2

Massawa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(877 reviews) 1

Cantina Du Clou

4.8 /5
(364 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Paris is during late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) when weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and outdoor café culture thrives. Summer (July-August) brings warm weather and long daylight hours but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices, with many locals departing for vacation. Winter (December-February) offers a magical atmosphere with holiday decorations and fewer tourists, though weather can be gray and rainy. Each season has its charm: spring brings blooming gardens, summer enables evening strolls along the Seine, fall offers beautiful foliage in parks, and winter provides cozy indoor museum experiences.

Insider Tips

Many museums and attractions offer free admission on the first Sunday morning of each month, but arrive early to avoid long queues.
Parisians typically dine late - lunch around 1-2 PM and dinner after 8 PM, so plan restaurant reservations accordingly for the best authentic experience.
Learn basic French greetings like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci' - Parisians appreciate the effort and will often respond more warmly to polite visitors who attempt to speak French.

Explore Activities in Paris