When we were searching for things to do in Paris, we noticed that most lists were pretty similar. While visiting the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower is a must, there’s so much more to Paris than just checking off famous landmarks.
We decided to explore the city with a focus on unique experiences and getting a deeper feel for Paris. We prefer to avoid tour groups, so even in one of the world’s most visited cities, we found our own special spots.
Using tips from locals, ex-pats, and our tour guides, we compiled a list of the best things to do in Paris, including some less touristy options. In this post, I’ll share the top sights and attractions, as well as some unique experiences that might become your favorites.
I’ll break down different areas of Paris by Arrondissement and highlight the best things to do in each. I’ll also provide directions for our top 5 favorite sightseeing walks, covering most of the must-see sights for your first or second trip to Paris.
We managed to see most of these sights during our 5-day trip, but you could see many of them in just a couple of days without feeling rushed, thanks to the approach I’ll outline in this post.
Paris is a fantastic city for walking, especially in the 1st to 4th Arrondissements where many historical landmarks are located. We’ll start with the must-see places that everyone recommends. Interestingly, the most visited place in Paris isn’t the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre—it’s Disneyland.
We highly recommend taking a free walking tour to see Paris while learning about the city. We booked ours with Sandemans and had a great experience with our guide, Oliver, who was knowledgeable and engaging.
The tour covers main sights in the 1st to 4th Arrondissements, including Place Saint Michel, Notre Dame, the River Seine, Pont Neuf, the Louvre’s exterior, the Palace of Justice, Sainte Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, and Place de la Concorde. At the end of the tour, it’s customary to tip the guide, usually around €5-10 per person.
The Louvre is a must-visit, with over 10 million visitors each year. We bought “Skip The Line Tickets” through Get Your Guide, which allowed us to enter the museum quickly. If you’re into art and history, consider joining a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
Notre Dame Cathedral, despite being mostly burnt down, is still a must-see from the outside. The Eiffel Tower, built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, is another iconic structure. While many people want to go inside, locals suggest going up the Montparnasse Tower for a better view of Paris.
Montmartre, with its Sacre Coeur Basilica, offers stunning views of Paris from its hilltop location. The Seine River is perfect for leisurely walks, with many top sites along its banks.
The Pantheon in the Latin Quarter is a beautiful example of neo-classicism, surrounded by other stunning buildings. The Bastille Market is a lively street market worth visiting if you’re in Paris on a Thursday or Sunday.
The Catacombs of Paris offer a unique and eerie experience, with the skeletal remains of millions of bodies. The Wall of Love, with “I love you” written in over 250 languages, is a quick but interesting stop.
Luxembourg Gardens is a beautiful park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The Promenade Planteé, an elevated park built on an old railway, offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
For foodies, Paris has plenty to offer. We enjoyed a wine and cheese tasting in a historic cave, a food tour through the city, and a historical dinner experience in an old atelier.
We also discovered some fantastic restaurants, including Bistrot Victoires, Le Coup de Torchon, and Chez Hanna. The Bastille Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and enjoy a picnic.
Walking is the best way to explore Paris, and we covered around 26,000 steps each day. Our favorite sightseeing walks included routes from Place de la Concorde to Jardin des Plantes, from Hôtel de Ville to the Catacombs, and from Saint-François Xavier to the Eiffel Tower.
Getting around Paris is easy with the metro and buses. We recommend getting an Orange SIM Card for data and using Google Maps for navigation. This makes it simple to find your way around and make the most of your visit.
Paris has so much to offer, and it’s important to take your time to truly experience the city. Don’t rush from one landmark to another; instead, wander around and soak in the charm of Paris.
