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I’m a Paris, France local who’s spent the last ten years exploring all of Paris’s best activities.
To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve compiled this list of Paris attractions ranging from the classic to the unusual.
In this guide, you’ll find traditional sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. I also share activities and attractions around Paris that only locals know about, like a museum of antique carnival rides and other hidden gems.
Don’t forget to bookmark my guide on the best places to stay. Are you ready to see Paris now?
Affiliate Disclosure: Trel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
76 Best Things to Do in Paris The Eiffel TowerSee sprawling views of Paris from the most iconic symbol of the French capital.
Me on a sunny afternoon by the Eiffel Tower
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)8 92 70 12 39 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 11:45 pm daily | Entrance: €14.50-€36.10 adults, €7.30-€18.10 ages 12-24, €3.70-€9.10 ages 4-11, free 4 and under | 👉 Book Guided Eiffel Tower Climbing Experience Tour
The Eiffel Tower symbolizes the French capital. Most visitors to Pairs don’t consider their trips complete without a glimpse of the famous tower!
You can visit the second floor if you want an easier climb. But the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is accessible by elevator if you want an even better view. A skip-the-line tour is worth it for this popular attraction. Early morning and weekday visits also let you minimize crowds.
In my experience, one of the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower is when they turn the lights on for the night! Find out when this is by searching for “Paris sunset” and the date you want to visit.
Be sure to read my complete Eiffel Tower guide beforehand for a hassle-free experience.
Notre DameVisit France’s famous cathedral located in the heart of Paris.
Betty and me in front of the cathedral entrance
Notre Dame is on the Île de la Cité, in the center of the city
Visit in the afternoon to see the stained glass light up the main room
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 34 56 10 | Website | Hours: 7:50 am – 7 pm Mon-Fri, until 10 pm on Thursday, 8:15 am – 7:30 pm weekends | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Notre Dame’s Island with Sainte Chapelle and Marie Antoinette’s Prison Tour
The Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité is at the center of Paris. This Gothic masterpiece is a famous cathedral for its stained glass. These artworks cover more than a thousand square feet.
The cathedral recently reopened, so be sure to se my visitor’s guide to Notre Dame so you know what to expect before you go. On my recent visit, I found the cathedral busy but not overwhelming due to their new online booking system. Notre Dame also offers open access lines if you forget, though!
Notre Dame makes a great combined visit with the chapel, Sainte-Chapelle, and its stained glass windows. Sainte Chapelle is across the island.
The Louvre MuseumSee some of the world’s greatest and most famous artworks at the Musée du Louvre.
Fellow TL Writer Betty in front of the Louvre Museum pyramid
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 20 53 17 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Mon, Thu, Sat & Sun, 9 am – 9 pm Wed & Fri, Closed Tue | Entrance: €22, adults, free under 18 | 👉 Book Louvre Museum With Reserved Entry Tour
The Louvre Museum is home to the best of European and French culture. This is where you’ll find the iconic paintings, the Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo.
The Louvre’s building is a former royal palace where French kings once lived until King Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles. In other words, it’s huge. Plan to spend at least a few hours here. It is a good idea to map out your trip in advance if you are not taking a guided tour.
My recommendation is to see the highlights during your first time at the museum. Then, come back a few times to explore one or two rooms in depth. This makes the museum feel much more intimate. I also love doing it because it helps you oid crowds and getting overwhelmed!
Skip-the-line tours and tickets are worth it at the Louvre. These tickets will help you oid the crowds while taking you to the enormous collection’s highlights.
For more, check out my article on things I wish I’d known before going to the Louvre.
The Arc de TriompheClimb to the top of this historic memorial for unusual views of Paris.
The Arc de Triomphe is at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées boulevard
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 55 37 73 77 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm Wed-Mon, 11 am – 10:30 pm Tue | Entrance: €16, adults, free for under 26 EU residents
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées and serves as a symbol of France, along with the Eiffel Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe is an important part of French history. Napoleon I commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806. It commemorates soldiers who died in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. It also hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
You can also climb the Arc de Triomphe monument. Be prepared, though. There are almost 300 steps to the top!
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Get Your Itinerary The Luxembourg GardensSeek out the hidden treasures in the Luxembourg Gardens, such as the Medici Fountain.
The Luxembourg Gardens are a popular spot to sunbathe on warm days
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 34 20 00 | Website | Hours: Sunrise – Sunset | Entrance: Free
The “Jardin du Luxembourg” (Luxembourg Gardens) are my forite place to sit and relax in Paris. I love to read by the Medici Fountain. For people-watching, the large area in front of the Senate building is best.
The Luxembourg Gardens are an important part of French history in the center of the Left Bank of Paris. It was built for Marie de’ Medici, wife of King Henry IV. Today, it is home to the French Senate. However, visitors are welcome in the gardens, which take up 62 acres.
Don’t miss the Medici Fountain, which is the home of many ducks. Meanwhile, you can see an orchard, flower beds, and players focused on the French game of pétanque, which is a bit like a bocce ball.
The Palais GarnierExperience French luxury and see live performances at the gilded Palais Garnier Opera House.
The fancy architecture and detailing make the Palais Garnier a visitor forite (photo: Isogood_patrick / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 1 58 18 35 57 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: €15, adults, free under 12
The Palais Garnier is the most famous opera house in Paris. It is the setting for the musical The Phantom of the Opera and has an ornate and gilded interior. Tickets to operas and ballets can be surprisingly reasonable if you book in advance. Inside the theater, check out the dream-like ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.
If the opera and ballet are not in season during your visit, you can also take guided tours of the building. I’m so obsessed with this setting that one of my novels takes place here!
👉 Local Tip: There is another opera house at Bastille, but it is modern and less famous. This is the “Opéra Bastille” rather than the “Opéra Garnier.”
The Rodin MuseumRelax among artistic masterpieces in the Rodin Museum’s gardens.
I like to stroll the Rodin Museum gardens on sunny days
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 18 61 10 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €14, adults, free under 18
Visiting the Rodin Museum is one of my top Paris recommendations. There are many art museums in Paris, but this small museum focuses on just one artist: sculptor Auguste Rodin. His works are featured in his former mansion and its beautifully manicured gardens.
The gardens at the Rodin Museum are a perfect location to sit and relax on a sunny day. There is a kiosk to buy drinks and snacks.
It may seem too crowded for peace because of the lines outside. But the grounds can be surprisingly relaxing, particularly at the back of the gardens! I love taking a book and lounging around to get a sense of what rich Parisians’ lives felt like 100 years ago!
🛎️ Need a Hotel? La Belle Juliette is a reasonably priced boutique hotel between the Rodin Museum and the Luxembourg Gardens.
The Musée CarnaletDiscover the history of Paris in this recently renovated Marais museum.
The entrance to the Musée Carnalet
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 59 58 58 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free
I always recommend that visitors begin their trips at the Musée Carnalet. This Marais museum focuses on the history of Paris. You can follow the development of the city from ancient to modern times. My forite exhibition displays old Parisian street signs. The Musée Carnalet is also a great place to plan your activities!
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also has great temporary shows. One of my forites focused on photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson’s images of Paris.
👉 Local Tip: After your visit, he lunch in the newly installed garden restaurant.
The Place des VosgesPicnic in the sun in Paris’s oldest planned square.
The Place des Vosges offers a touch of nature in central Paris
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Opens at 8 am weekdays & 9 am weekends, closes around sunset | Entrance: Free
This seventeenth-century garden is the oldest planned square in Paris. A visit is perfect for a sunny day in the historic Marais district. I like to take a picnic here when the weather’s good and stake out my own sunny corner on the grass.
On colder days, it’s still fun to wander through the leafy alleys. The surrounding restaurants are overpriced, but local bakeries offer good sandwiches and salads. I suggest the Moulin de Rosa at 32 rue de Turenne, just around the corner.
Then, wander the galleries and museums on the ground floors of the red-brick mansions. Try a dessert from the award-winning baker at Cour des Vosges!
👉 Local Tip: In recent years, the Place des Vosges has been open late in the summer. It’s a great spot for an outdoor dinner picnic.
Les InvalidesVisit Napoleon I while learning about his battles at Les Invalides.
Canons on display outside of Les Invalides
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 42 38 77 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: €17, adults, free under 18
The complex of Les Invalides used to be a military hospital. Today, it is the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, former emperor of France. Les Invalides is also home to multiple military museums. These include the Army Museum, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (military models), and the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération (liberation museum).
A guided tour is useful if you’re totally unfamiliar with French history or are a serious history enthusiast. The grounds are big and it’s easy to get lost.
Damman FrèresMake a stop at this charmingly antiquated shop to buy and try the tea of kings.
The interior of Dammann Frères – Place des Vosges Location
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0) 1 44 54 04 88 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7:30 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 7:30 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free
Damman Frères is the perfect shop for lovers of tea, history, and Parisian souvenirs. Don’t let the fancy entrance on the Place des Vosges intimidate you. The inside is cozy, the shop assistants are friendly, and the price points are reasonable.
This tea shop has been in business since 1692. French kings even frequented it. Today, you can buy tea bags, loose-leaf tea, and gift boxes. They make black, green, and herbal teas. My forite gift to bring back from France is their caramel tea bags. They he just a tinge of sweetness and are a steal at 11.50 € for a box of 25.
Shakespeare & CompanyFollow in the footsteps of literary giants at the historic Shakespeare & Company bookstore.
Many famous authors he visited the Shakespeare & Company bookshop
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 43 25 40 93 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Wed, 10 am – 9 pm Thu-Sat, 12 pm – 7 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Paris has a rich literary history. This is why visiting the English-language bookstore, Shakespeare & Company in the Latin Quarter is a worthwhile stop.
Shakespeare & Company takes its name from the Lost Generation store owned by Paris bookseller, Sylvia Beach. Many famous writers he visited the current location, including James Baldwin and Allan Ginsberg.
Today, the bookshop gives young trelers from around the world a place to stay. It also hosts events, including book signings.
Paris Museums & CultureBelow are the highlights from my full guide to the best museums in Paris.
The Musée d’OrsaySee Impressionist masterpieces in this railway station-turned-museum.
The main hall of the Musée d’Orsay
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm Tue, Wed & Fri-Sun, 9:30 am – 9:45 pm Thu, Closed Mon | Entrance: €16, adults online, €14, adults in person, free under 18 | 👉 Book a skip-the-line Impressionists tour of the Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is an Impressionist art museum in a former train station. You can see its former railway station routes in the huge clocks on its facade. Today, Musée d’Orsay is a worldwide center for 19th-century Impressionist art. This is a great site to see before a day trip to the Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh houses outside Paris.
Fans of 19th-century art should consider skip-the-line access, particularly in summer. This popular destination can get crowded.
The Centre PompidouWitness groundbreaking contemporary art while getting stunning views of central Paris.
The Centre Pompidou Museum shows top contemporary art (photo: pisaphotography / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 78 12 33 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Fri-Mon & Wed, 11 am – 9 pm Thu, Closed Tue | Entrance: €17, adults, free under 18
⚠️ Closure Notice: The Centre Pompidou will be partially closed between 2025 and 2030. Limited access is still ailable to the permanent collections, some exhibitions, and restaurants. Check the museum’s website to see what’s open on-site and at satellite locations.
The Centre Pompidou is a must-see for fans of contemporary art. It has a big permanent collection as well as groundbreaking temporary exhibitions. The building also houses a library and a center for music research.
The staircases on the outside of The Centre Pompidou are locally known as the “caterpillars.” You can access them for free to get great views of Paris.
Musée de L’OrangerieSurround yourself with artist Monet’s water lilies in this iconic art museum.
A visitor taking a photo at the Monet lilies exhibit
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 50 43 00 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Wed-Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: €12.50, adults, free under 18
Musée de L’Orangerie is a small museum famous for housing many 19th-century artworks. Most importantly, it has eight large Claude Monet Water Lily murals. A visit to Musée de L’Orangerie is a must before considering a day trip to Monet’s home at Giverny.
Musée de L’Orangerie is just off the Place de la Concorde. So, it is the perfect way to end a stroll through the Tuileries Gardens.
Adventurous art lovers can combine their trip to Musée de L’Orangerie with a visit to the Jeu de Paume. This contemporary art museum is at the other end of the Tuileries. It is also a former athletic court for the “jeu de paume,” an ancestor of tennis.
The Picasso MuseumFollow artist Picasso’s career as you see his paintings as well as his personal art collection.
The Picasso Museum is in the center of the historic Marais district
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 85 56 00 36 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €16, adults, free under 18
The Picasso Museum shows the works of master painter Pablo Picasso. It is in the Hôtel Salé in the Marais, an important historical monument. The Picasso Museum is chronological. It includes many Picasso works as well as works that he collected.
The museum also puts on temporary exhibitions, which you can usually find on the second floor. For some, they use other parts of the museum, as when Sophie Calle exhibited here in 2023. Her creative use of the space made me entirely rethink some of Picasso’s most famous works!
👉 Local Tip: A “hôtel” in French can mean a private mansion. If you see “Hôtel de X,” like the attraction, “Hôtel de Sully,” (mentioned later in this article) it is (or was) a private home.
The Grand PalaisThe architecture of the Grand Palais Museum is overwhelming and impressive to see up close.
Inside the Grand Palais (photo: Vlasyuk Inna / Shutterstock.com)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 13 48 00 | Website | Entrance: Varies by exhibition; generally around €17, adults, €14 under 25, free under 6
The glass-domed Grand Palais Museum was built for the Universal Exposition (World’s Fair) in 1900. It is currently closed to the public until 2024 when it will reopen for the Olympic Games. The important Beaux-Arts style exterior combines classical and Art Nouveau features. Therefore, it is still an important stop for architecture and history lovers when visiting Paris.
The Palais de TokyoSee unique and ever-changing works of contemporary art on your way to or from the Eiffel Tower.
The Palais de Tokyo shows contemporary art in an Art Deco building (photo: olrat / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 81 97 35 88 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Wed & Fri-Mon, until 12 pm on Thu, Closed Tue | Entrance: €13, adults, free under 18
The Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary art center that hosts many important exhibitions. However, it does not he a permanent collection. Instead, its temporary installations come and go, letting the museum highlight the most up-to-date contemporary work.
The Palais de Tokyo also puts on performances and architectural exhibitions. Its location, facing the Trocadero, makes it a great stop on your way to or from the Eiffel Tower.
Hidden Gems in Paris The Cluny MuseumStep inside a religious abbot’s home in the center of Paris to see medieval art.
The Cluny Museum is impressive for its architecture and its art
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 53 73 78 00 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:45 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €12, adults, free under 18
The Cluny Museum houses a unique collection of medieval art. It is not on most people’s Paris itinerary, but it should be. You don’t he to be a medieval specialist to enjoy the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry series or the late 15th-century building.
This might not seem like a kid-friendly attraction, but older children may enjoy the unusual artifacts. It was one of the highlights of a trip my family and I took when I was younger!
Fans of older architecture will enjoy taking their time exploring the grounds at the Cluny Museum. This former abbot’s home still has a medieval chapel and remnants of thermal baths, including a frigidarium.
🖨️ You can also get a free, printable version of my 5-day Paris itinerary here!
Fragonard Perfume WorkshopThis French Perfumery lets you experiment with perfume creation through a tour-and-workshop combo.
The Fragonard Perfume Museum (photo: Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 47 42 04 56 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am – 4:30 pm Sun | Entrance: Free (€31 Mini Perfume Workshop)
Visitors who love the finer things in life will adore the Fragonard perfume workshop. This mini-workshop comes with a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum. It’s ailable in English, Spanish, or Chinese.
The workshop will teach you how to create your own “eau de toilette,” or lighter perfume. You’ll also learn about the history of perfume and the brand itself.
Clos de MontmartreA Paris institution, the Clos de Montmartre lets you visit the only remaining vineyard within the city
Clos Montmartre (photo: 18th Studio / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm Sat, 7:30 pm Wed (by appointment) | Entrance: €39
Wine lovers should clear a Saturday afternoon for a guided tour of Clos de Montmartre, the only operational vineyard in Paris. Offered through the Montmartre Museum, this €39 tour includes a visit, tasting, and museum pass.
If you can’t find a tour date that works, check out the Montmartre Museum’s gift shop. They sell bottles of this “Montmartre wine.” Lastly, make sure you request an English-speaking guide when booking, as the tours default to French.
Nicolas Flamel’s HouseFind out about the real Nicholas Flamel, a famed Harry Potter character and a real-life person, at the oldest house in Paris.
Nicolas Flamel’s house is the oldest private home in Paris
📍 Google Maps
Fans of Harry Potter will already know the name Nicholas Flamel. But in real life, Nicholas Flamel was a French scribe, alchemist, and the owner of what many consider the oldest house in Paris. Built in 1407, the Flamel house is still a private residence.
Because private residents live here, it is not possible to tour the inside. But you can see parts of it by dining at the ground-floor restaurant, Auberge Nicolas Flamel.
The Atelier des LumièresThese digital art and history exhibitions literally immerse you in the culture you’re discovering.
The unassuming facade of the Atelier des Lumières
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 80 98 46 00 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: €17 adults, €10 under 12
The Atelier des Lumières means “Lights Studio,” and it doesn’t disappoint. This exhibition space projects enormous images on the walls. Visitors can see intimate details on each.
Exhibitions constantly change, so make sure you see what’s offered before booking. In late 2024, for example, exhibitions included one on the French cartoon character Astérix. However, you can also experience The Egypt of the Pharaohs, The Orientalists, or Foreign Nature.
The blend of popular culture, history, and art makes this an unforgettable experience. Consider combining exhibitions on a single visit for a well-rounded experience.
Officine Universelle Buly 1803Treat yourself to luxury beauty products at this elegant, but old-school Parisian beauty shop.
Luxury products at Officine Universelle Buly 1803
More classic, luxury products
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 72 28 92 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Officine Universelle Buly 1803 is a beauty emporium and my all-time forite Parisian shop. You can buy beauty products based on ancient recipes, from body oils to hair brushes. The brand dates back to 1803. It has 25 stores worldwide, but my forite is on the rue de Saintonge in the Marais. Here, you can get beauty treatments.
Staff are trained in calligraphy. They write your name beautifully on your packages. You can also order monogrammed items if you he time to come back for them. Personalized Buly 1803 products make great presents and souvenirs.
This is the place I go to buy presents for the person who has everything. Their scented oils, lip balms, and tools are incredibly luxurious!
Cuvée PrivéeTaste the best of French wine at this charming and thorough Marais boutique.
The interior of Cuvée Privée wine shop
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0) 1 84 80 42 44 | Website | Hours: 2:30 pm – 8:30 pm Tue-Fri, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm Sat, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: Free
Cuvée Privée stands out among the hundreds of Parisian wine shops for its variety, services, and personal touches. I discovered it by accident when picking up a misdelivered package. However, I soon found myself enraptured by the offerings and walking away with three bottles!
Cuvée Privée isn’t just for wine lovers, though. They also he great cider, whiskey, and olive oil, too.
The boutique has incredible gift offerings. My forite is a five-glass tasting set that makes a great birthday present. They also he incredible services. You can adopt a vineyard through them or just come in for a course to learn more about wine.
Coulée Verte René-DumontSurround yourself in nature in the heart of Paris on the Coulée Verte.
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a green alleyway in the east of Paris
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 7 am – 9:30 pm Tue-Sun, 7 am – 8:30 pm Mon | Entrance: Free
Visitors to Paris rarely see its eastern side. However, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated leafy walkway that takes you from Bastille to the eastern edge of Paris. At just under three miles, Coulée Verte René-Dumont makes a great running, biking, or walking route. It is also a calm place to sit with a coffee when you need a break.
Those who want a longer journey can continue at the eastern end of Coulée Verte René-Dumont. The actual path ends at the Bois de Vincennes (Vincennes Park). Here, you can continue a run or walk on extensive trails.
Museum of Hunting and NatureLearn about nature and the tradition of hunting at this unique museum in the Marais neighborhood.
The Museum of Hunting and Nature is housed in an old private mansion (photo: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 53 01 92 40 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €11, adults, free under 18
Nature lovers and hunters alike will find the Museum of Hunting and Nature fascinating. It focuses on the relationships among humans, the environment, and hunting. The Museum of Hunting and Nature has three major areas: weapons, trophies/taxidermy, and art about nature and hunting. The collection is housed in a historic mansion that’s worth a trip itself.
👉 Local Tip: Avoid the museum if you are not a fan of taxidermy. It features hundreds of specimens sprinkled throughout the permanent collections. I’ve jumped more than once during a visit here!
Ligne de la Petite CeintureExperience a little-known side of Paris with this abandoned railway line.
The Ligne de la Petite Ceinture offers a quiet walk away from Paris’s noise (photo: ldgfr photos / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
Sometimes, the Paris activities don’t involve monuments at all. The Ligne de la Petite Ceinture is an unusual green space that’s part of an abandoned railway line at the edges of Paris. Parts of it are now open to the public.
You can access the Ligne de la Petite Ceinture in the 20th arrondissement between Ménilmontant and Couronnes streets. Go to the Parc George Brassens and follow the signs for La Petite Ceinture.
👉 Local Tip: Be careful to stay within the marked limits of the Ceinture. Going into other sections is considered trespassing, and you can get fined.
Clay AtelierBecome an artist as you learn or perfect potting techniques at this hip ceramics studio.
The Clay Atelier workshop
and the first works I created there
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 am – 10 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12 pm – 6 pm Sundays | Entrance: Varies by course
This charming ceramics studio is located down a pedestrian cobblestone passageway. Here, you’ll find courses on everything from hand-throwing to wheel-throwing to enamels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll be able to find a class that fits your needs. These range from single afternoon and weekend classes to months-long experiences.
Note that classes are usually offered in French. However, I’ve taken several courses here myself, and several instructors speak English. Check in advance if you prefer instruction in English to see what’s ailable. I’ve always had great experiences with the staff and other students.
Pieces may not be fired for several weeks or months after your visit. If you’ll be leing Paris, contact the office to see if they can arrange shipping.
The Sully GardensTake a deep breath and relax in this hen of peace in the middle of the bustling Marais neighborhood.
The gardens at the Hôtel de Sully are perfectly manicured
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 78 49 32 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Fans of the French TV show Call My Agent may recognize the Sully Gardens from the Isabelle Huppert episode. Others will simply enjoy the unexpected peace in this hidden corner of Marais, one of the busiest neighborhoods in Paris.
This private mansion has well-preserved architectural details from the 17th century. Visitors can see the back and the front of the building. You can also access its courtyard with unusual sphinx statues. The manicured gardens in the back are also open to the public.
The building itself is not open to the public except for a small hallway. Instead, it hosts the National Monuments Center. However, the hallway opens to a bookstore that history buffs will love.
This is where I come to sit outside when the nearby Place des Vosges is too crowded for me. It only has a few benches and steps, but the setting is gorgeous.
🚗 How to Get There: You can enter the Hôtel de Sully from the Place des Vosges, but it’s easier to find the entrance at 62 rue Saint-Antoine.
Parks & Natural Attractions in ParisI’ve got a full guide to the best parks in Paris you can read too, but here are the can’t-miss parks and natural attractions:
The Canal Saint-MartinPicnic like a Parisian along the banks and bridges of this locally-loved canal.
The Canal Saint-Martin is a popular meeting spot on good weather days (photo: Page Light Studios / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
It doesn’t get any better than the Canal Saint Martin on a sunny day if you’re looking for something local to do in Paris. This canal runs through the 10th arrondissement and is slightly off the beaten track for tourists.
The bridges and banks at Canal Saint Martin make it a good picnic spot on sunny days. Meanwhile, the surrounding area has bohemian boutiques and cafés worth checking out.
Sitting on the canal side is fun — but be careful not to go in the water! I’ve seen people throw everything from bottles to bikes in there.
The Banks of the SeineWander along in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps as you see the banks of the Seine.
Betty beside the Seine outside of Notre Dame
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
The banks of the Seine River make a beautiful spot for relaxing and picnicking, but they’re more than that. The banks of the Seine are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bike lanes on the Right Bank are a sporty way to see many of the city’s monuments. Consider the “Bateaux Mouches,” or fly boats, that provide guided tours from one end of the river to the other if you want a more relaxed tour.
Walking along the river is one of my forite ways to relax in Paris. It’s the perfect activity after a long plane ride! You’ll stretch your legs while seeing at least a few iconic Paris attractions.
The Bateaux-MouchesThe best way to see Paris, these “fly boats” offer expert tours of the city on the Seine River.
A full Bateaux-Mouches sailing on the Seine River
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (01 42 25 96 10 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm daily | Entrance: Varies by cruise | 👉 Book a Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise
One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. A boat cruise along the Seine in a Bateaux-Mouches (fly-boat) helps you do this! Most cruises will let you see major Paris monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and much more from the comfort of your seat. Meanwhile, a guide can provide historical information as you pass each attraction.
For an upgraded experience, try a dinner cruise. These often provide a variety of choices from a fixed menu. Some even offer a champagne upgrade. Seeing the City of Lights lit up at night in the open air is the perfect activity in summer. In winter or bad weather, make sure you choose a covered boat tour!
Buttes-Chaumont ParkDiscover the local side of Paris and surprises in this hidden gem park in the 19th arrondissement.
Sybille’s Tower is one unique feature of Buttes-Chaumont Park
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 48 03 83 11 | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Buttes Chaumont is my forite Parisian park. But you don’t often find it in other trel guides because it’s in the 19th district, far from the center.
The Buttes Chaumont has rolling hills with unusual monuments like Sybille’s Tower. These hills are the perfect place to throw down a blanket and picnic. They also make a great place to train if you’re a runner! With a few exceptions, Paris doesn’t he many hills.
The beer garden at Rosa Bonheur is a hidden gem and makes this park one of my forite places to go in Paris. Check out my list of activities off-the-beaten path to discover more of my forites!
The Tuileries GardensSee French gardens at their best by walking through the Tuileries.
Take a leisurely stroll among the flowers and statues
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Tuileries Gardens are hard to miss. In the city center, the Tuileries run between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum. In summer, it’s a great place to take children, as the Tuileries Gardens offer rides and a mini-carnival atmosphere. Adults may find the sculptures, manicured walkways, and museums (Jeu de Paume and l’Orangerie) more appealing!
Palais-RoyalDo some people-watching and surround yourself with history in the “Royal Palace” gardens.
The Cour d’Honneur at the Palais-Royal
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 47 03 92 16 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8:30 pm daily (winter), 8:30 am – 10:30 pm daily (summer) | Entrance: Free
Palais-Royal is a former French palace that once belonged to the royal family but it is now a public park. The Palais-Royal is in the city center and has small floral gardens and galleries filled with art and shops.
I recommend getting a coffee and pastry from Café Kitsuné, then sitting by the fountain to people-watch. Getting a chair can be tricky on warmer days. I’ve found that patience is rewarded, though!
The Jardin des PlantesExplore nature year-round in Paris’s family-friendly botanical gardens.
The Jardin des Plantes features a rose garden
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 79 56 01 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm daily (winter), 7:30 am – 8 pm daily (summer), 8 am – 6:30 pm daily (October) | Entrance: Free
The Jardin des Plantes are botanical gardens and a good place to take kids on a warm day. The garden is open year-round and has eleven garden areas in total. Jardin des Plantes has a maze, a zoo, and other year-round attractions as well.
If it’s a rainy day in Paris, it’s not a problem at the Jardin des Plantes! Indoor attractions include the Children’s Gallery, the Cabinet of Virtual Reality, and the Greenhouse.
Churches & Houses of Worship in Paris The Grand Mosque of ParisTreat yourself to Turkish baths and tea at Paris’s Grand Mosque.
The Grand Mosque of Paris has attractions for worshipers and visitors (photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 45 35 97 33 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun, Closed Fri | Entrance: €3, adults, €2 under 18
The Grand Mosque of Paris is the oldest and largest mosque in France. A guided tour is the best way to see the many parts of the Grand Mosque. It includes Turkish baths for women, a tea room and restaurant, and places for prayer and religious education. A library and gift shop are great resources for those who wish to learn more.
The Sacré Coeur BasilicaWitness the best views in Paris at the Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre.
There is almost always a crowd at Sacré Coeur in Montmartre
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 53 41 89 00 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 10:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Sacré Coeur Basilica is at the very top of Montmartre and provides some of the best views of Paris. I often tell visitors that it’s one of the better places to go in Paris if you’re looking to take great photos. It’s even better than the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe in my opinion!
Sacre Coeur is worth the trip even if you he already visited other churches like Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle.
I’ve found tons of other visitors behind the cathedral every time I’ve visited. This can seem like a fun way to meet people, but always keep safety tips in mind! I’ve also encountered scammers here.
👉 Local Tip: If you are athletic, walk up the hill from the Abbesses metro station. You’ll see the charming cobblestoned Montmartre neighborhood on your way.
Sainte-ChapellePrepare to be stunned by the enormous amounts of stained glass in the church, Sainte-Chapelle.
Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its stained glass – photos cannot do its beauty justice
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 53 40 60 80 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (winter), 9 am to 6:30 pm daily (summer) | Entrance: €19, adults, free under 18
The Gothic-style Sainte-Chapelle chapel is lesser-known than the Notre Dame Cathedral. However, its stained glass windows make it just as stunning. The 15th-century Rose Window on the western side is particularly impressive.
On the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is less than a ten-minute walk from Notre Dame. Combining the two into a single visit makes a lot of sense. I like to recommend taking a combination tour of Saint-Chapelle, Notre Dame, and La Conciergerie nearby. La Conciergerie is where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, and today, they often put on excellent exhibitions.
Cathédrale de la Sainte-TrinitéThis Russian Orthodox cathedral features striking gold domes and stunning architecture.
The Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)7 67 09 81 01 | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Fans of religious architecture or the Russian Orthodox faith can’t miss the Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité. This cathedral is part of a larger religious complex opened in 2016.
The exterior features a stunning combination of traditional golden domes and more modern stone walls. Inside, the main space is simple and lightly decorated. However, the church does feature a collection of ancient icons that will interest fans of the form and those interested in learning about it.
For those who still want more information about the culture, there is a cultural center on Quai Branly nearby.
Saint-Germain-des-PrésTreat yourself to classical music at this 6th-century church.
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church is smaller than a cathedral but it has many concerts
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 55 42 81 10 | Hours: 24 hours Tue-Sat, 9:30 am – 8 pm Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church gives its name to the surrounding neighborhood within the 6th arrondissement. Saint-Germain-des-Prés began in the 6th century and may seem less impressive than some of its neighbors, such as Notre Dame.
However, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a center for cultural events. The church particularly highlights classical music. Some of my forite concerts he featured selections from the composers, Vivaldi and Mozart.
👉 Local Tip: Some events at Saint-Germain-des-Prés cost money, but the church offers free organ concerts, too. These are generally on the last Sunday afternoon of the month.
Food & Drink in Paris Les Deux MagotsTake a break from exploring Paris with a coffee at Les Deux Magots café.
Les Deux Magots café has a large terrace, perfect for watching the world go by (photo: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 45 48 55 25 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 1 am daily
Les Deux Magots is a renowned restaurant in the 6th arrondissement. It has an equally rich history to the nearby Café de Flore, yet Les Deux Magots is often left off of Paris restaurant lists. I recommend it for its service, and it’s a lot easier to get a table! When you sit down at Les Deux Magots, you may be in the chair of one of its famous patrons. These range from writers James Baldwin and Ernest Hemingway to chef Julia Child.
My parents had a black-and-white poster of the café on their wall for years. I was delighted to find out it’s still running today!
L’AmbroisieTreat yourself to a sumptuous meal at the Michelin-starred L’Ambroisie restaurant.
L’Ambroisie has a discreet, almost hidden entrance
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 78 51 45 | Website | Hours: 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm & 8 pm – 9:15 pm Tue-Sat, Closed Sun & Mon
Paris has several Michelin-starred restaurants. You can’t do better than the iconic L’Ambroisie restaurant on the Place des Vosges. L’Ambroisie offers twists on French classics that will please even the pickiest eater. Be prepared to make a dent in your wallet, though!
As much as I’d love to eat here every day, L’Ambroiserie is best sed for special occasions. The last time I made a reservation, I had to pay several hundred euros per person as a deposit.
Le Restaurant du Palais-RoyalTry exceptional food at reasonable prices at the Restaurant du Palais-Royal.
The desserts at the Restaurant du Palais-Royal are part of a fixed lunch menu
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 20 00 27 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 2 pm & 7 pm – 9:30 pm Tue-Fri, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Mon, Closed Sat & Sun
Getting a Michelin star can make a restaurant’s prices skyrocket. Le Restaurant du Palais-Royal has two Michelin stars—and yet, its lunch menu is still relatively reasonable. You can get multiple courses for around €145.
Although Le Restaurant du Palais-Royal costs more than the erage bistro in Paris, it’s at the low end for a restaurant of this quality. You’ll soon understand why it’s one of the best restaurants in Paris. I’ve celebrated more than one birthday here thanks to its incredible offerings!
👉 Local Tip: The menu is set, so look over offerings on the website before you go.
Cour des Vosges TearoomTaste one of the best chocolate croissants in Paris in this hidden gem tearoom.
The Cour des Vosges tea room offers great views facing a square
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 50 30 30 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Cour des Vosges is an unassuming tea room at the Place des Vosges, which is easy to miss. But it serves some of Paris’s best pastries! Cour des Vosges Tearoom is led by pastry chef Yann Brys, who has won national competitions.
Cour des Vosges Tearoom offers light breakfasts and lunches. It also has exceptionally well-crafted pastries, coffees, and teas throughout the day. Any food tour of Paris should begin with breakfast here. I recommend a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) first thing in the morning when it’s right out of the oven.
Only plan on visiting the tea room if the weather’s warm. I he a high cold tolerance, but their outside-only tables work best from spring to autumn! If you’re willing to bre the cold, it’s easy to get a terrace table in winter, though.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Cour des Vosges tearoom is attached to the five-star hotel of the same name.
Marché d’AligreBuy ingredients for a truly French meal at this buzzing local market.
The Marché d’Aligre gets busy on weekends as locals buy produce (photo: Noppasin Wongchum / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 45 11 71 11 | Hours: 8 am – 1 pm & 4 pm – 7:30 pm Tue-Fri, 8 am – 7 pm Sat, 8 am – 1 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book Paris Local Market & Bastille District Food Tasting Tour
France has many markets, but Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement is one of my forites. Marché d’Aligre is known for its fresh produce. Vendors will often hand out samples for you to try. There is also a flea market in the same square. The combination of the two markets has kept me there for hours, and I highly recommend checking it out!
In my experience, the food here is super fresh. This is a huge benefit, obviously, but plan ahead for it! I’ve had organic produce start to turn earlier than I’d expected. I prefer to buy from the market for things I’m cooking in the next two days.
👉 Local Tip: The covered market at the center (known as the Marché Beauvau) has cheese, meats, and other grocery items.
Bar HemingwayDrink like famous ex-pats at this swanky Ritz Paris Hotel bar.
Betty and I got white roses in our cocktails, a testament to being the first bar in Paris that allowed women to drink
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 43 16 33 74 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am daily
Bar Hemingway is a bar inside the Ritz Paris Hotel that is worth splurging on. Bar Hemingway has hosted many famous Americans throughout its history, from writer Ernest Hemingway to actor Gary Cooper.
Unlike many Paris bars, the drinks here are perfect. You won’t get the watered-down cocktails that lesser bars serve! Just brace yourself: the bills can be eye-watering! I treated a friend to a couple of celebratory drinks here a few years ago and had to stifle a shriek at the total!
Café de la PaixImmerse yourself in luxury at this delicious and elegantly decorated French restaurant.
Café de la Paix has a luxurious interior that contrasts with its simple exterior (photo: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 07 36 36 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm Mon-Fri, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 6 pm – 11 pm Sat & Sun
The Café de la Paix is the perfect place for a pre-opera meal. The inside of this historic French restaurant matches the lish luxury of the Palais Garnier across the street.
Meanwhile, Café de la Paix boasts many famous patrons. For more than 150 years, it has been host to writers Oscar Wilde and Émile Zola, actress Marlene Dietrich, and King Edward VIII of England. It’s even been featured in the Disney movie The Aristocats!
The gilded interior is perfect for celebrating special occasions. I celebrated a friend’s birthday here, and it was the ideal venue. The interior is spacious, the menu is long, and the experience is exciting.
Le Train BleuEat in artistic surroundings at the unique Le Train Bleu restaurant in the Gare de Lyon.
Le Train Bleu has uneven food but the decor makes the restaurant worthwhile (photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 43 43 09 06 | Website | Hours: 11:15 am – 2:15 pm & 7 pm – 10:15 pm daily
Le Train Bleu is one of the best restaurants in Paris, and it’s in a train station! Le Train Bleu is at the Gare de Lyon railroad station. Restaurateurs created it for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. It has now been around for more than 100 years.
41 painters decorated the walls of Le Train Bleu. The food can be uneven, but it’s worth a visit just to see the architecture and decor.
Café de FloreDrink a coffee and spot celebrities in this celebrated Paris café.
Elegance is in the details at this famous cafe
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 45 48 55 26 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 2 am daily
Café de Flore is a famous café in the 6th arrondissement. It has been the forite of celebrities for more than a century. Today, Café de Flore is the perfect place to get a café au lait and watch people going by.
I recommend bringing New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik’s book, Paris to the Moon, with you. You can read his essay, “A Tale of Two Cafés,” and learn about the history and fame of Café de Flore.
In my experience, the Flore has gotten more and more crowded over the last twenty years. On a recent trip to the area, I saw a line for a table stretching nearly a block! Unfortunately, the café doesn’t take reservations, so plan to wait during busy times.
The Little Red DoorCozy up with a cocktail at this hidden and intimate bar.
The entry mat and the actual little red door are the only signs you’ve found the Little Red Door
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Mon-Sat
Some Paris bars can be intimidating, particularly when they’re famous. That’s not the case for the Little Red Door. This Marais bar has a friendly and intimate atmosphere. It also features inventive cocktails that will make you happy to splurge. It can get crowded later in the evening, so go early for one-on-one conversations.
LaduréeBite into the perfect macaron at one of Paris’s famous Ladurée patisseries.
The blue Marie Antoinette macaron is my forite
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 78 91 72 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily
Ladurée is a famous Paris pâtisserie, best known for their macarons. As much as I’d love to play the snob and tell you not to go to Ladurée, the fact is that their macarons are the best. These meringue cookies are delicately filled. Flors range from traditional (vanilla) to experimental flors (cherry yogurt).
There are different branches of Ladurée around Paris. I he found that the store on the rue de Bretagne in the 3rd arrondissement is typically less crowded.
Macarons don’t trel well, but one of my forite hacks is to buy a small box at the airport. Then, I can give them as a gift when I trel — or eat them on the airplane.
MeertPick up some tasty sweet treats as unique souvenirs for friends at a Meert candy store.
Meert offers old-fashioned candies as well as chocolates and waffles
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 49 96 56 90 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 7 pm Tue-Sat, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm Sun, Closed Mon
Meert is a famous French confectionery best known for its waffles and sweets. Many of France’s delicious sweet treats are ailable in airports and American cities, but you must visit Meert in France! The confectionery is a good place to take kids on a rainy day. It also provides reasonably priced gifts to bring back home.
Café CharlotSample French classics any time of day at the Café Charlot.
Café Charlot’s street patio is second-to-none
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 54 03 30 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 2 am daily
The Café Charlot is the perfect French bistro for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Its specialty? French classics. The Café Charlot is in the Arts and Métier quarter. What’s great is that Café Charlot offers continuous service. In other words, it serves food throughout the day, which many French restaurants don’t do.
Wild & the MoonSample Paris’s take on vegan food with nutritious and delicious offerings.
Wild & the Moon is a good choice for vegans and vegetarians
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 86 95 40 45 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 8 pm Sat-Sun
Wild & the Moon is a vegan French restaurant and one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Paris. Wild & the Moon has several branches throughout Paris, some of which deliver. Their juices are especially good. They also offer healthy salads, sandwiches, “superbowls,” and desserts.
Le ProcopeSurround yourself with luxury and charm at the oldest restaurant in Paris.
Le Procope offers both a communal dining room and private rooms (photo: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 46 79 00 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 12 am daily
Le Procope is a Left Bank café and is supposedly the oldest restaurant in Paris. Le Procope predates the French Revolution and is a must-stop on any food tour of Paris. You can sit in the luxurious main room to watch fellow diners. Le Procope also offers several private rooms that you can reserve separately for a more intimate dining experience.
Shopping Attractions in Paris La SamaritaineThis beautiful department store is a Paris icon, now open again after years of renovations.
La Samaritaine’s recent renovations he polished the store to impressive heights (photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 88 88 60 00 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily
La Samaritaine is an iconic and classic Paris department store just off the Pont Neuf bridge. I first came to La Samaritaine as a child. It then closed for more than a decade, only opening again in 2021. La Samaritaine looks very different after its makeover!
Today, visiting La Samaritaine will make you feel like you’re entering into a world of luxury goods and accessories. Go up to the first floor for women’s clothes and down to the basement for beauty products. When you’re tired of shopping, take a break at the bar, lounge, or restaurant.
MerciExperiment with new styles at this Parisian boutique frequented by trendsetters.
The lower level of Merci
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 77 00 33 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm Mon-Wed, 10:30 am – 8 pm Thu-Fri, 10 am – 8 pm Sat, 10 am – 7:30 pm Sun
The quiet storefront of the boutique Merci hides three floors of shopping behind it! This is one of the best boutique shops in Paris. The buyers at Merci focus on beauty and function. You’ll find everything here from home goods to the latest fashions. The cafe has a great selection of used books for sale (mostly in French) when you’re ready to relax.
This is my forite place to catch up on new trends. While the clothes are generally expensive, you never know when you’ll snag a bargain! And the homeware section is fun, with everything from candles to bath products.
Les BouquinistesBrowse the unique offerings of local booksellers along the banks of the Seine River.
Me by a “bouquiniste” selling posters and used books on the banks of the Seine
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Approximately 11 am – sunset Tue-Sat, 2 pm – 6 pm Mon, Closed Sunday
The booksellers along the Seine are a French institution. Don’t hesitate to stop and browse as you wander along the banks of the Seine. Even if you don’t read in French, some booksellers offer volumes in English. Other vendors sell posters and postcards as souvenirs.
You can still snag a bargain here, even though Les Bouquinistes are very well known. The bouquinistes make a great visit after touring the Seine by boat.
MonoprixDiscover everything from necessities to cheap fashion at France’s version of Target.
Monoprix is a great go-to store for necessities and fashion
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies by branch
Monoprix is the French version of Target: affordable and fun. It’s a great food shop, but it also offers some surprisingly chic fashion and home goods. I especially love Monoprix for baby gifts. Meanwhile, you can find personal items, from toothbrushes to razors, that you may he forgotten at home.
Marché aux PucesDig through miles (literally) of antiques at this Paris flea market to find hidden treasures.
The Marché aux Puces offers a huge range of products (photo: Stefano Ember / Shutterstock.com)
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun, 11 am – 5 pm Mon, Closed Tue-Fri
The Marché aux Puces is Paris’s most famous market. It’s a collection of 12 markets just north of Paris. I recommend hing a plan in mind of what you want before you go. Some items, such as vintage postcards and antique glassware, are in very different places.
If you he the time, exploring the Puces is the perfect way to find a great souvenir. On my first trip here, I found an Art Deco mirror that I used for decades!
Depending on where you are staying in Paris, plan to devote at least four hours to a trip to the “Puces.” With transport and walking around the market itself, the time will go fast.
Free Things to Do in Paris Victor Hugo’s HouseWalk through the famous writer’s well-preserved 19th-century home.
Victor Hugo’s house is in the southeast corner of the Place des Vosges
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 42 72 10 16 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free
You don’t he to be a fan of Les Misérables or The Hunchback of Notre Dame to enjoy visiting this author’s home. Victor Hugo’s House is a well-preserved example of a rich 19th-century home on the Place des Vosges. Admission to the permanent collection is free because the house is part of the City of Paris Museums network.
Musée BourdelleStep back in time at this early 20th-century sculptor’s studio.
The Musée Bourdelle shows the work of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle (photo: NEKOMURA / Shutterstock.com)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 49 54 73 73 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free
Musée Bourdelle is a hidden gem that takes you back in time to see a sculptor’s studio from the turn of the 20th century. Collections focus on artist Antoine Bourdelle’s work. However, they also include works from his personal collection, including those by Eugène Delacroix and Auguste Rodin.
The permanent collections at Musée Bourdelle are free to the public. Musée Bourdelle is in the 15th district of Paris.
The Wall of LoveConfess your love surrounded by endless variations of “I Love You” at this charming Montmartre wall.
Me sporting a heart sign at the Wall of Love composed of individual blue tiles
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm weekdays, 9 am – 7:30 pm weekends | Entrance: Free
The Wall of Love has the words “I Love You” written on tiles in 250 languages. The wall is in the Jehan Rictus Square in the Montmartre neighborhood. It is close to the Abbesses Métro station. The Wall of Love makes a romantic start to a visit in this charming area, whether you’re just visiting with friends or honeymooning in Paris.
From here, I recommend taking the Funicular to the top of the hill and the Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Point ZeroStand on the small ground marker that marks the exact center point of Paris.
Point Zero shows the center point of the roads in France
📍 Google Maps
Point Zero is a geographic spot that marks the center of Paris. Point Zero is located at the base of Notre Dame Cathedral and can be easy to miss. Scan the pement and find the small circle embedded in the concrete. Stand in the center of it and you’ll find yourself at the true center of Paris! Also know that when the French calculate distances from Paris, they calculate from Point Zero.
The Statue of LibertyWitness the matching gift Americans ge back to the French near the Eiffel Tower.
Paris’s Statue of Liberty is ¼ the size of the New York statue (photo: Franck Legros / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps
No, I didn’t get my New York and Paris guides mixed up! There’s a Statue of Liberty in Paris, too! It’s west of the Eiffel Tower on an artificial island in the Seine. Americans living in Paris ge the one-quarter scale model to the city in 1889 to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution.
There is also a full-size replica of the New York statue’s torch in Paris. You can find it at the Post de l’Alma tunnel, where Princess Diana died.
Père Lachaise CemeteryWalk through Parisian history by visiting the gres at Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Père Lachaise Cemetery is filled with small pathways and mausoleums (photo: mehdi33300 / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 55 25 82 10 | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 6 pm Sat, 9 am – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
A cemetery may not sound like a great Paris destination. However, Père Lachaise is both peaceful and beautiful. It is also the final resting place of many famous French residents. These include writers Colette and Oscar Wilde, composer Frédéric Chopin, and singers Édith Piaf and Jim Morrison, among many others.
👉 Local Tip: Wear good walking shoes. The cobblestoned alleys are charming, but I he seen more than one person take a hard fall here. For more clothing advice, see my full guide to what to wear in Paris.
Unique Things to Do In Paris Did Mallett SalonGet the ultimate French haircut as a souvenir of your time in Paris.
The Did Mallett salons offer top-notch hair care
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 40 20 00 23 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Tue & Thu, 8 am – 7 pm Mon, Wed & Fri, 9 am – 7 pm Sat, Closed Sun
I can’t think of anything better than a haircut at Did Mallett for an extremely personalized Paris souvenir. This legendary hair stylist has two salons in Paris, including one at the Ritz. I recommend going to the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires location, as prices are much lower.
You can book an appointment with Mr. Mallett himself — he’s cut many famous heads of hair, from Charlotte Gainsbourg to Natalie Portman. Alternatively, I’ve had amazing cuts with hair stylists Yann and Yuta. The staff, including the receptionists, generally speak excellent English.
👉 Local Tip: When you get your hair colored in France, you are often expected to pay separately for the blow-dry (“brushing”). Factor this in when booking appointments.
The Cinémathèque FrançaiseExperience Paris’s cinematic history at this impressive movie theater and museum complex.
The façade of the Cinémathèque Française
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 71 19 33 33 | Website | Hours and Entrance: Varies by film/exhibition
The Cinémathèque Française is fascinating even before you set foot in it. Frank Gehry’s sweeping curves and sharp angles make the building an attraction in its own right. But step inside to see why Paris and cinema are so linked.
See a film from the wide rotating selection. If you don’t speak French, look for English-language films offered in VO (with subtitles, not dubbed). At any given time, you’ll find everything from classics to obscure films you’ve never heard of being shown.
Make sure to book well in advance — and arrive early — for better-known films. Even lesser-known films can sell out! I once saw a compilation of short films about witches here. Although we arrived before it started, my friend and I still couldn’t get seats together.
The space also includes a museum with temporary exhibitions and a film library for true cinephiles. You can also grab a drink at the café before or after your visit.
Gloss’UpTreat yourself to an afternoon at Gloss’Up and lee feeling polished and beautiful.
The Marais branch of Gloss’Up has a simple, flowery exterior
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)9 64 03 23 19 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 7 pm Sun
Gloss’Up is a beauty salon with five locations in Paris. Paying a visit to Gloss’Up is the perfect way to treat yourself if you’re in the mood for a beauty pick-me-up, especially since Paris is the fashion capital of the world. You can choose from a variety of services. You can get your nails done, get a facial, and more.
Gloss’Up shops he cute pastel interiors and friendly staff, so you’re sure to get the care you need. They also take group bookings and host beauty parties. However, I’ve seen them turn people away at the door — they don’t accept walk-ins.
👉 Local Tip: 15-20% tips aren’t necessary for services in France. However, a large coin or small bill for good service is a nice gesture.
The Musée des Arts ForainsTour former amusement park attractions, from the expected to the strange.
The entrance of the Musée des Arts Forains gives you a taste of the carnival atmosphere to come (photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 43 40 16 22 | Website | Hours: Varies by ailability of guided tours. Generally open Wed, Sat, Sun & during French vacations | Entrance (including 90-minute tour): €18.80, adults, €12.80 under 11, free under 4
Musée des Arts Forains shouldn’t be missed if you’re a fan of fairgrounds. This unusual museum has hundreds of unique objects. These range from old rides and carousels to automatons performing Italian opera.
Musée des Arts Forains is one of the best places to go in Paris with children. However, the strange and fun amusement park attractions appeal to adults, as well! Friends visiting Paris just had a delightful time viewing antique carousel ponies.
👉 Local Tip: You can only see this museum by tour, so schedule in advance online.
The Montmartre FunicularHop right to the top of Montmartre’s hills in this famous funicular.
The funicular makes getting up Montmartre’s steep hills much easier (photo: olrat / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 6 am – 12:45 am daily | Entrance: €2.10, adults, free under 4
Montmartre is a hilltop Parisian village that artists and Bohemians he called home for centuries. However, many people first learn about Montmartre from the 2001 film Amélie! Montmartre is just as charming as it is in the movie. But, it is incredibly hilly.
Taking the Montmartre Funicular is a great option if you want to reach the Sacré Coeur Basilica but the walk isn’t possible. The Montmartre Funicular has been in operation since 1900, but don’t worry! It was rebuilt in 1991.
👉 Local Tip: A funicular ride costs the same as a metro ticket.
The Catacombs of ParisExplore the dark side of Parisian history by wandering through bone-filled catacombs.
Michael observing one of many bone constructions within the catacombs
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 59 58 31 | Website | Hours: 9:45 am – 8:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €31, adults, €12 under 18 | 👉 Book Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour
The Catacombs of Paris consistently top lists of the city’s most popular attractions, and for a good reason. Visiting offers a fascinating underground glimpse into Paris’s history. The Catacombs are also a popular activity if you’re treling with teenagers who he a taste for the macabre.
The catacombs were created in the late 18th century. They contain the remains of several important French Revolution leaders, including Maximilian Robespierre. Now, part of this Left Bank ossuary is open to the public. A guided tour is the best way to learn about the history of this unusual place.
Le Louxor CinemaSee your forite movie in French (or English!) at this renovated Art Deco cinema.
Le Louxor’s Art Deco roots are visible in its entryway (photo: Lucille Cottin / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 44 63 96 96 | Website | Hours: Varies by film programming | Film Tickets: €11.50 adults, €6 under 26
Le Louxor Cinema is a unique Art Deco theater located in the 18th arrondissement. Paris has many famous movie theaters, from the Cinémathèque to the revival art house cinemas near the Sorbonne. But Le Louxor Cinema is my forite. It is the only Parisian theater with Egyptian inspiration.
It is now open to the public after renovations, and the theater still has its unusual decorations. The Louxor shows some films in English.
👉 Local Tip: Look for “VO” on the listing for a subtitled (rather than dubbed) version of English movies.
The Paris Sewer MuseumDiscover a new side of Paris by heading underground at the Paris Sewer Museum.
The Paris Sewer Museum’s entryway is modern and clean (photo: Henri0711 / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +33 (0)1 53 68 27 84 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €9, adults, free under 18
The Paris Sewer Museum is a strange museum that probably won’t top anyone’s list of Paris attractions. However, Paris tours of the city’s sewers show a little-known history.
A guided tour will tell you everything from the number of fish species in the Seine (32) to the public health changes that the sewers introduced. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!
👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in France
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Want More? Listen to My Paris Podcast Episode!
My podcast episode covers everything you need to know before treling to Paris
If you liked this post, you’ll love my Paris episode on the Trel Lemming Podcast. It’s ailable on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Trel Lemming Paris”).
I talk about the best things to do in Paris at minute mark 13:05.
The host, Betty, and I also discuss where to stay in Paris (04:40), language & cultural tips (22:03), how to get around Paris (24:38), how to stay safe (31:09) and all the other common questions about trel to Paris.
Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Paris.
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You could spend days exploring Paris’ iconic landmarks, historic sites, museums, restaurants, and more. The list of things to do in Paris is truly endless. What’s your forite activity on this list? Tell us about it in the comments below!
If you’re looking for a break from the City of Light, consider taking one of my top day trips from Paris!
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