30 best things to do in Paris

Paris is the capital city of France as well as its most populous one. Being the 3rd most visited city in the world, there are lots of Things to do in Paris. Founded in the 3rd Century BC, Paris is best known as the home to various most visited museums in the world.

Going to this city is such a great pleasure especially if you like romantic walks through the old streets and seeing some of the greatest architectural treasures. However it is not so easy as Paris is quite large, so prepare comfortable shoes and reserve few days for it. Here is a list of the most beautiful places in Paris you will definitely want to visit.

Evening in Paris, France by Joe deSousa

Things to do in Paris – Visiting Most Beautiful Places in Paris

1. The Louvre Museum

Considered to be the most visited art museum in the world, one must not forget the Louvre Museum as a destination to be in Paris.

It serves as the home of many artworks of the pre 20th-century era. The place has a lot of history in itself so visiting it would also mean travelling back in time.

Louvre Museum, Things to do in Paris, France by Dennis Jarvis

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Trips to Paris will never be complete without visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral which features architectural designs that date back to the 12th century.

It would definitely take your breath away to see one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of the Europe.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Things to do in Paris, France by Anna & Michal

3. The Eiffel Tower

Who can imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower? This is an attraction in Paris that already recorded around 220 million visitors.

Watch it glow with different colors of light during the night time and see why it is considered as a place to see when visiting the city of Paris.

Eiffel Tower at night, Things to do in Paris, France by Gilad Rom

4. Musée d’Orsay

Apart from The Louvre Museum, one must visit also the Musée d’Orsay in order to see another collection of classical artworks which will definitely take your breath away.

At night time, the museum is highlighted by lights which will definitely be hard not to watch.

Musée d’Orsay, Things to do in Paris, France by Yann Caradec

5. The Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter

If you are in Paris, take some time to visit The Sorbonne University which is considered to be one of the oldest universities in Europe, being founded in 1257.

After your visit, enjoy walking at the Latin Quarter which is just behind it for a relaxing unwinding.

Sorbonne, Things to do in Paris, France by Clem

6. Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées

Do you want to see a place that was built to show military power and great triumph? Try visiting this towering structure in Paris built by Emperor Napoleon.

You would also see why this destination has proven to be one of the tourist attractions in Paris and despite its military background; Arc de Triomphe is still popular among tourists.

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, Things to do in Paris, France by Norio NAKAYAMA

7. Centre Georges Pompidou

This art museum and cultural center were made famous because of its skeletal design that depicts blood vessels that evoke thinking.

If you are looking for a place of modern art collections, then Centre Georges Pompidou is the perfect place for you to be in Paris.

Centre Georges Pompidou, Things to do in Paris, France by Travel Stock Photos

8. Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre

If you want a little more adventure while you are in Paris, you should definitely visit the Sacré-Cœur, which is basilica that is located at the highest point of the city of Paris.

While you are at it, consider walking by the village-like streets of Montmartre.

Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre, Things to do in Paris, France by leo gonzales

9. Boat Tour of the Seine River

Do you want your experience in Paris to be extra special? Why don’t you try to go for a boat to the Seine River?

That way you can see all the beautiful sights in Paris while travelling through the calm waters of this beautiful river.

Seine river, Things to do in Paris, France by Joe deSousa

10. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Looking to pay respect for famous personalities in France that have become your inspiration and idol?

Then perhaps you should visit Père Lachaise Cemetery that is considered to be one of the famous cemeteries in Paris.

Père Lachaise Cemetery main entrance, Things to do in Paris, France by Coyau

11. Tour Montparnasse

This huge and 212 meters high skyscraper known as Tour Montparnasse is the office building visible from all over Paris. At the time of its completion (in 1972) it was the highest office building in Europe.

The elevator takes you to the 59th floor, and after some more steps, you get to the spacious roof from where you can admire spectacular views all over Paris.

View of Paris from Tour Montparnasse, Things to do in Paris, France by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

12. Les Invalides

Les Invalides was built in 1670 at the order of Louis XIV for his veterans. The building now houses the military museum, but if you are not a weapons enthusiast then you may go through the tree-lined promenade to the Seine river.

The main landmark of Les Invalides is not this building itself, but it is Dome of Les Invalides. During the sunny day, it is its golden roof that shines in the middle of Paris when you look at it from above. And it is right here where is the tomb of Napoleon.

Dome of Les Invalides, Montparnasse, Things to do in Paris, France by Victor R. Ruiz

13. La Défense

Although I am not a big fan of new architecture and glass buildings, La Défense is among the must-sees places of most of the travelers to Paris.

La Défense is the business district on the western outskirts of the city, which is the largest administrative center in Europe.

La Défense, Things to do in Paris, France by Linh Nguyen

14. Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris covering an area of 8 ha. Until the mid-18th century, there was a swamp only, however now this square is one of the most beautiful historic squares in all of the Europe.

Here you can see 23 meters-tall obelisk which is 3300 years old. The two monumental fountains which are in the middle of the square are among of the most beautiful fountains in Paris.

Place de La Concorde fountain and obelisk, Things to do in Paris, France by M.Maselli

15. Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic architecture jewel with beautiful stained glass windows and is considered one of the most fascinating architectural works of the Western world.

The chapel was built by Louis IX in 1248. During the French Revolution, the chapel served as a warehouse for flour and suffered serious damage. One hundred years later it was renovated by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and today it is a place of classical music concerts.

Sainte-Chapelle, Things to do in Paris, France by bvi4092

16. Saint-Jacques Tower

The impressive Gothic tower dates back to 1523. Saint-Jacques Tower was a part of the church that used to stand on this place, but was completely destroyed in 1797 by revolutionaries.

The tower is 52 meters high and is one of the major landmarks of Paris. Since 1998, the tower is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Saint-Jacques Tower, Things to do in Paris, France by Benh LIEU SONG

17. The Church of Saint-Eustache

The Church of Saint-Eustache can not be missed on the list of the most beautiful places in Paris. It was built in 1532 – 1637 and its interior was designed according to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The church gained in importance due to its location near the royal Louvre Palace.

Saint-Eustache Church, Things to do in Paris, France by Rog01

18. Fontaine des Innocents

Not far from Centre Pompidou in the Halles quarter, you can find one of the most beautiful fountains in Paris – Fontaine des Innocents.

This Renaissance fountain is the oldest fountain in the city built in 1549 to celebrate the entry of Henry II of France into Paris.

Fontaine des Innocents, Things to do in Paris, France by Moonik

19. La Madeleine Church

La Madeleine Church is a massive building that was built in the style of a Greek temple. It is surrounded by 52 columns and can be found near Place de la Concorde.

Its construction started already in the 12th century but was not completed until 1842 during the reign of Napoleon.

La Madeleine Church, Things to do in Paris, France by Jebulon

20. Opéra Garnier

The magnificent edifice dedicated to the art of ballet stands at the end of Avenue de L’opera and dominates the square of the eponymous name.

Gilded sculptures on the roof of the Opéra Garnier will dazzle you with their beauty on a bright day as well as night when the Opera House is richly illuminated.

Opéra Garnier – Grand Foyer, Things to do in Paris, France by Degrémont Anthony

21. Luxembourg Palace and gardens

Large garden with numerous ponds, fountains, beautiful statues and exotic trees invites you to rest, relax and recharge your mind. With a view of magnificent Luxembourg Palace, there is no better place to do so.

The former royal residence was built in 1617, now houses the French Senate.

Luxembourg Palace and gardens, Things to do in Paris, France by Adriano Ribeiro

22. Panthéon

Located on the left bank of the Seine river, Panthéon captivates you with its spectacular dome seen from all parts of Paris. It was built by Louis XV. in honor of St. Genevieve as an expression of happiness on his recovery from a serious illness.

Completed in 1790 Panthéon first served as a church, now as mausoleum; houses the graves of important French people (eg. Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Alexander Dumas, Emil Zola and others).

Panthéon, Things to do in Paris, France by Anna & Michal

23. Church of Saint-Sulpice

Church of Saint-Sulpice is known thanks to the movie based on the novel The Da Vinci Code. Its construction started in 1646 and lasted more than a hundred years.

Interesting are the two towers on the west facade of the church. When you look closely you’ll find out that they are not identical.

Church of Saint-Sulpice, Things to do in Paris, France by Mbzt

24. Palace of Versailles

What a mistake it would be not to visit Palace of Versailles, one of the most famous palaces in the entire world. You can find it only 17 km from the center of Paris.

Being surrounded by extensive gardens the whole complex is so large, that it is perhaps impossible to see everything in one day. Palace of Versailles was built as a symbol of absolute power and became a model for several other European palaces, from which the most famous replica is Schonbrunn Palace in Wien.

Palace of Versailles, Things to do in Paris, France by ToucanWings

25. Château de Vincennes

East of Paris you can step into the Middle Ages. Here you can find one of the most important palaces in French history – Château de Vincennes.

This Royal Palace, which was originally a hunting lodge was built in the 12th century.

Château de Vincennes, Things to do in Paris, France by Selbymay

26. Statue of Liberty

Did you know that Paris also has its own Statue of Liberty? It is not so big as the one in New York but it can be interesting to see the Statue of Liberty together with Eiffel Tower, what do you think?

The statue is located on the island of Cygnes in the southwestern part of Paris.

Statue of Liberty, Things to do in Paris, France by Fabrice Terrasson

27. Les Catacombes

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) originated after 1785 when the city started to tackle the problem with hygiene and with insufficient capacity of the Paris cemeteries at the same time.

There are about 2 kilometers of tunnels in the catacombs and the temperature is around 14°C so it is useful to take a jacket with you.

Les Catacombes, Things to do in Paris, France by Mariejo71

28. The Garden of Palais-Royal

The garden of the Royal Palace, or the Jardin du Palais-Royal is located in the 1st district near the Louvre. In the foreground is Neoclassical Palais Royal founded by Cardinal Richelieu in 1624.

The garden is suitable for a picnic or a resting after challenging walking tour of Paris.

Palais-Royal Gardens, Things to do in Paris, France by David Baron

29. Bois de Boulogne

Large park Bois de Boulogne was founded during the reign on Napoleon in 1852. The park has many lakes, at which the people are relaxing.

The park is suitable for children as they can have fun in the small amusement park with a small roller coaster, children’s train ride or you can rent a boat and sail the lakes. There are even a zoo and botanical garden. As it is typical for such places in Paris, one day is not enough here.

Bois de Boulogne, Things to do in Paris, France by Free On Line Photos

30. Elysee Palace

Elysee Palace is located in the heart of Paris, near the Champs-Élysées, after which takes its name.

Since 1873 is the seat of French presidents. The private residence of the President is located in the east wing of the building.

Elysee Palace, Things to do in Paris, France by Thomas Faivre-Duboz

How to get to Paris ?

To get to Paris, you can search on our partner’s website Skyscanner.

Where to stay in Paris?

The location where you will stay in Paris is important to optimize your trip during your stay in the capital. That said, since the Paris metro serves every corner of the city, you can visit the most famous monuments in Paris without having to stay very close to them.

Stay in Montmartre if you want to wake up in a district that looks like a village, and where the joy of living is felt. Stay in the Latin Quarter (Left Bank) if you like history and student spirit. Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés if you have the soul of a poet. La Motte Piquet Grenelle/Passy if you are a movie lover (near Eiffel Tower). Stay at Opéra/Grands Boulevards/Bourse if you wish to taste dishes in the best restaurants. Or stay in Bastille if you like nightlife and popular culture. You can find an cheap hotel in Paris by searching on this hotel aggregator.
Finally, we recommend you book a parking spot in Paris before you even get there to avoid wasting your precious time in this beautiful city time hunting one down.

These were Things to do in Paris. There are much more great places to see and visit in Paris and if you think that some of them should be listed here please let me know below in the comments.

And if you liked Paris you will also like the rest of France. The country boasts countless cities, towns, and villages that you should really see! Check these 50 most beautiful cities and towns in France.