Things to Do in Paris, France
The City of Light, Love, and Endless Discovery
- Average daily budget
- $120–$200/day
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- French
- Best for
- Romance, Art & Culture, Food, History
About Paris
Paris is one of the world's most iconic cities — a place where art, history, fashion, and gastronomy collide at every turn. From the glittering Eiffel Tower to the labyrinthine galleries of the Louvre, Paris rewards every type of traveler with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're strolling along the Seine, sipping espresso in a sidewalk café, or exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, Paris consistently earns its reputation as the most romantic and culturally rich city on Earth.
Top Attractions in Paris
Eiffel Tower
The world's most recognizable landmark rises 330 meters above the Champ de Mars. Visit at sunset for golden-hour views, or return after dark to see it sparkle with its famous light show every hour on the hour.
The Louvre
Home to over 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is the world's most visited museum. Book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid the longest queues.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece, currently under careful restoration after the 2019 fire, remains a symbol of Paris. The surrounding Île de la Cité is one of the city's most atmospheric areas.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the Orsay contains the world's finest collection of Impressionist art, including Monet's Water Lilies and Van Gogh's self-portraits.
Versailles Palace
A short train ride from central Paris, the Palace of Versailles and its immaculate gardens represent the pinnacle of French royal opulence. Allow a full day to explore the Hall of Mirrors and the vast grounds.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
This hilltop neighborhood is Paris at its most bohemian. Climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic city views, then wander the cobblestone streets where Picasso and Monet once lived and worked.
Seine River Cruise
A boat cruise along the Seine passes all of Paris's major monuments and gives you a perspective of the city that no walking tour can match. Evening cruises are particularly magical.
Centre Pompidou
This inside-out architectural marvel houses Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art. The rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in Paris.
Best Neighborhoods in Paris
Le Marais
Paris's trendiest neighborhood blends medieval architecture with cutting-edge galleries, LGBTQ+ bars, Jewish heritage, and some of the city's best falafel and pastry shops.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The intellectual heart of Paris, home to legendary cafés like Café de Flore, independent bookshops, upscale boutiques, and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.
Montmartre
Perched on the highest hill in Paris, this artists' village feels worlds away from the grand boulevards below. Explore Place du Tertre, vineyard walks, and hidden cabarets.
Canal Saint-Martin
A hip, local neighborhood lined with iron footbridges, indie boutiques, coffee roasters, and some of the best brunch spots in the city — popular with Parisian millennials.
What to Eat in Paris
- Croissants from Du Pain et des Idées
- Steak frites at Café de Flore
- Macarons at Ladurée
- Soupe à l'oignon (French onion soup)
- Escargots de Bourgogne
- Crêpes Suzette on Rue de Bretagne
Best Time to Visit Paris
April to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are busiest but the city hosts outdoor festivals and long evenings. December is magical for Christmas markets and lights along the Champs-Élysées.
Getting to and Around Paris
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is 25 km northeast of the centre. The RER B train reaches Gare du Nord and Châtelet–Les Halles in 35–50 minutes for about €13, and a taxi is a fixed €56 to the Right Bank or €65 to the Left Bank. From Orly, the Line 14 métro extension gets you to Châtelet in about 30 minutes for the same €13 airport fare. Inside the city the métro runs from roughly 5:30am to 12:40am (until 1:40am on Friday and Saturday) with 16 lines and a station rarely more than 500 metres away; a single ticket is about €2.50, cheaper in a carnet loaded onto a Navigo Easy card. The Navigo Découverte weekly pass (around €31 plus a €5 card) covers zones 1–5 including Versailles and both airports and runs Monday to Sunday, so it pays off if you arrive early in the week. Central Paris is compact: the Louvre to Notre-Dame, the Marais or Saint-Germain is a 15–25 minute walk, and Vélib' bikes cost about €3 for a day of short rides.
Where to Stay in Paris
First-time visitors do best in the 1st to 7th arrondissements, where most of the major sights are within walking distance. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais are the most atmospheric bases, with boutique hotels from about €180–€350 a night in shoulder season and noticeably more in June and September. Montmartre is cheaper and quieter after dark, with small hotels and apartments at €110–€180, though you will ride the métro to reach the river. Canal Saint-Martin and the 11th around Oberkampf give the best value for a longer stay, with apartments and design hostels from €40 a bed to €150 a room and the liveliest late-night food. Budget travellers should look near République and Gare du Nord for rooms under €100 and 20-minute métro rides to anything. Avoid the blocks immediately around the Eiffel Tower for lodging: the 7th is residential, quiet at night and thin on restaurants.
3 Days in Paris: A Sample Itinerary
Every stop below is one of the places named in this guide. Use it as a starting point, or let the planner build a version around your dates, pace and budget.
Day 1: The islands, the Louvre and the Left Bank
Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Île de la Cité before 9am, then cross the Pont des Arts to the Louvre with a timed 9:30 entry: go straight to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo before the Denon wing fills, then give yourself two hours for the rest.
Afternoon: Musée d'Orsay
Lunch on steak frites at Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, walk to the Musée d'Orsay for the Impressionist floor (Monet, Van Gogh), then rest your feet in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Evening: Seine River Cruise
A Seine River Cruise from the Pont Neuf at dusk passes every lit monument in an hour; finish with soupe à l'oignon and a late dinner in Le Marais.
Day 2: Montmartre, Pompidou and the Eiffel Tower
Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Croissants from Du Pain et des Idées by the Canal Saint-Martin, then the métro to Montmartre: Sacré-Cœur before 10am for the view, Place du Tertre while the painters set up, and the vineyard walk along Rue des Saules.
Afternoon: Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou for Europe's largest modern-art collection and the rooftop terrace, then an hour in Le Marais for falafel on Rue des Rosiers and macarons at Ladurée.
Evening: Eiffel Tower
Book a summit ticket for the Eiffel Tower an hour before sunset, then stay on the Champ de Mars for the light show, which runs for five minutes on the hour after dark.
Day 3: Versailles and a canal-side evening
Morning: Versailles Palace
Take the RER C to Versailles Palace for a 9am timed entry; see the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Apartments first, when the tour groups are still queuing.
Afternoon: Gardens of Versailles
Picnic in the gardens, rent a bike to reach the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's estate, and be back on the train to Paris by 5pm.
Evening: Canal Saint-Martin
Crêpes Suzette on Rue de Bretagne in the Marais, then a last drink on the iron footbridges of the Canal Saint-Martin, where Parisians gather along the water on warm evenings.
Plan this trip — get a personalized day-by-day Paris itinerary with drive times, restaurant picks and a packing list.
Paris Travel Tips
- Buy a multi-day Museum Pass to skip ticket lines and save money across 50+ attractions
- Use the Métro — it's the fastest way to get around and tickets are inexpensive
- Most major museums are free the first Sunday of each month
- Learn a few French phrases — even a simple 'Bonjour' earns you a warmer reception
- Pickpocketing is common near major tourist sites — keep bags in front and stay aware in crowds
Paris FAQ
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are busiest but the city hosts outdoor festivals and long evenings. December is magical for Christmas markets and lights along the Champs-Élysées.
How much does a day in Paris cost?
Plan on an average daily budget of $120–$200/day in Paris. The local currency is the Euro (€).
How do I get around Paris?
Use the Métro — it's the fastest way to get around and tickets are inexpensive.
What should I know about safety and etiquette in Paris?
Learn a few French phrases — even a simple 'Bonjour' earns you a warmer reception. Pickpocketing is common near major tourist sites — keep bags in front and stay aware in crowds.
What are the top things to do in Paris?
Top attractions in Paris include Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d'Orsay and Versailles Palace. Paris is best for romance, art & culture, food and history.
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