So the travel bug has caught you once again and you're thinking of setting sail for the City of Love, Lights and Great Wine. Well, whether it's your first trip or your hundredth to the French capital, located to the north of the country, there's sure to be an adventure waiting around the corner just for you.
So what to do first to maximise your time there? As a repeat traveller to Paris, a city renowned as a centre of art, culture, fashion and gastronomy, I've compiled a list of must-see destinations and fun activities to keep you as amusé(e) as a real Parisian, from local hangouts to can’t-miss photo opportunities. If you want the full tourist experience instead, try to book reservations for high-in-demand attractions to beat the lines as the city's known for getting crazy-packed during the summer months. It is one of the most visited cities in the world after all!
Here are 24 things you have to do the next time you’re in Paris and, trust me, you won’t want to miss out.
If you can’t tell by my get-up, I sometimes have a flare for the dramatic.
1. Buy a baguette. And some fromage. And maybe some paté
Maybe it’s due to my French Canadian roots but I think there’s definitely something to be had about French cuisine unless you’re a vegan celiac who’s afraid of trying new things. I’ll admit that the fare can seem off-putting at times (escargot, anyone?) but I promise that if you take a bite, you might just be pleasantly surprised by what you find, especially when it comes to a plethora of cheeses.
If you have more of a sweet tooth and aren’t gluten-intolerant then I’d head to the nearest boulangerie to get your snack on. Some recommendations to try out would be éclairs au chocolat, madeleines or some mille-feuilles. Really, if you love baked goods, then you can’t go wrong so go ahead and grab an amuse-bouche. Your palette is sure to appreciate it.
2. Become a flaneur/flaneuse
If there’s only one word for you to take away from your time in Paris, it should be flâner, which has to do with the art of strolling about town without a care in the world. Parisians have this skill down to a pat and since the best thing about Paris is the vibe, there’s nothing better to do on a sunny day than dillydally outside.
You’ll often see droves of locals partaking in this tradition on summer weekends as they tend to ensconce themselves more during the cloudier months. Make sure to join in when you can since, with such an enchanting city with secrets around every corner, you’re sure to never get bored.
Taking in the beauty of Place de Vendôme.
3. Jump on the Hop On - Hop Off Bus
If walking around flaneur-style is just not your thing or you have reduced mobility for any reason, then the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus just may be the thing for you. It might seem very touristy but at less than 45€ for a 2-day pass with a river cruise included it’s the best bang for your buck, especially as metro tickets are 1,90€ per trip. There’s the alternative option of getting a day pass for 5,80€ but you might have a hard time navigating around the city if you don’t have experience with large, underground transport systems.
The buses actually turned out to be the fastest way to move around the city centre between attractions last time I was there during a metro strike, which are want to happen. The bus service offers two routes to north and south of the city with a long list of destinations. Still, keep in mind that while there are several companies that offer similar packages, the burgundy and yellow buses tend to come with more frequency so they’re your safest bet. Hop on board today!
4. Take some pictures at Le Palais de Chaillot
Getting to this place is a breeze if you take my advice on the last number as this a popular stop for all Paris tour buses (it’s Metro Trocadero in case you don’t). Most people would automatically head to the Eiffel Tower but I would suggest heading here first as the place tends to get overcrowded in the afternoon, which makes it harder to take decent pictures through the throngs of people.
It’s best to head there earlier for a decent view and later make your way to the Eiffel Tower by the afternoon for some more ambiance, unless you’re planning to climb the metallic landmark (which I don’t recommend but more on that at Tip #7). You’ll already be at the top of Chaillot Hill if you come by metro or tour bus, which offers some of the best vantage points of the Eiffel Tower, but make sure to also wander down to check out the palace in its entirety. You won’t be disappointed.
It honestly took me about 20 minutes of waiting to get this shot.
5. Have a picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg Take all the goodies from Tip #1 outside to eat them in the floral splendor of these gardens, initially constructed in 1612 by Marie de' Medici right outside Luxembourg Palace. These gardens are free to visit and the perfect idyllic place in summer to relax in the sun like a true Parisian with a basket full of food and wine.
Your eyes and taste buds will surely thank you and after that you should head toward Le Quartier Latin just a few blocks away which is widely-known for its bookshops, endless cafés as well as the National Museum of Natural History with its own highly-regarded Jardin des Plantes. Take advantage of all the green spaces this urban paradise has to offer.
6. Stroll down les Quais de la Seine
If there’s one place that you must flâner about then I’d recommend La Seine, the river that separates the city in nearly two halves. Its name originally comes from the verb, seiner, which actually means to fish with a net, and the river helps power a large portion of central and western France.
At 777-kilometres long, the river has historically been a significant waterway throughout northern France and is now a place that Parisians flock to whenever the weather even hints at being warm. Take in the locals relaxing about the waterfront or drink in the famous monuments and buildings that line the water as their positioning allows for some unique vantage points.
Alternatively, you can also cruise the Seine for about one hour starting at 6€ with no extras directly at the waterside ticket office close to the Eiffel tour. It’s definitely worth the sights.
Feeling like the King of the World.
7. Shop ‘til you drop at Avenues des Champs-Élysées
A scenic stretch of 2 kilometers, the wide boulevard showcases numerous high-class boutiques from some famous French brands such as Louis Vuitton, Guerlain and Mont-Blanc as well as other international designers such as Ferrari and Sephora.
This 70-meter wide street that stretches from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomf is nearly as iconic as the Eiffel Tower and also boasts some world-class restaurants, nightclubs as well as some of the best museums (see more at #9). While you’re in the neighborhood make sure to stop at Tip #8 when you’re done living in the lap of luxury.
8. Climb to the top of Arc de Triomf (or better yet, take the elevator)
As I was saying at Tip #4, many people (in my humble opinion) make the mistake of trying to climb to the Eiffel Tower usually on their first day and, while I can understand the novelty of it, for me it has little recompense since you can’t see the tower once you’re in it and queues get ridiculous during tourist season.
The first time I went to Paris in 2015 I didn’t even bother, scared away by the daunting lines at the ticket office and entrance, but at least then I could still walk under the 324-meter metal structure. Ever since bombings and threats of terrorist attacks have become a factor, the underside of the monument has been cordoned off by 2-meter-high plastic shields for safety measures, which I understand but still take away from the wonder it once had, especially if you have to wait over two hours to be corralled past them.
Even with an advanced ticket there’s sure to be a line and if you’re climbing it for the view Arc de Triomf has a better 360-viewpoint of the city as well as of the Eiffel Tower itself. Its location more uphill means it has a wider visual scope than the former and sports a wider deck without the pesky metal mesh of the tower’s observation deck, all with only a fraction of the lines (still be sure to get there early-ish, though). It's the perfect place to see sunset as long if you can get up in time.
Sorry about the thumb, fam.
9. Swing by Le Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais
Just on the other side of Les Champs-Élysées lie these two great museums, the first built as a monument for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Le Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées is actually comprised of three sites: the Nave, the National Galleries and Le Palais de la Découverte, which host national and international events, large-scale exhibitions and cultural science events, respectively.
Le Petit Palais, also constructed in 1900, houses Le Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris as well as over 1,300 pieces of artwork from the Renaissance along with many 19th-century French artists such as Renoir, Monet and Delacroix. Make sure to check out both these œuvres d’art if you can as they’re only two minutes apart on foot.
10. Day-trip it to Le Château de Versailles
Constructed in 16331, this former residence was once the home of French royalty from Louis XIV in 1682 to Louis XVI in 1789. After the French Revolution, the monarchy was forced out of the 63,154 m² palace and its surrounding grounds which were then repurposed to become the Museum of the History of France by King Louis-Philippe in 1837.
Le Château de Versailles is comprised of Le Palais de Versailles, the Gardens, the Royal Stables and their the Coach Gallery as well as the Estate of Trianon. The Gardens are free to visit except during special events while you can buy a separate or combined tickets starting at 20€ for the other sites. The grounds are HUGE so prepare your to wear your walking shoes or, better yet, splurge for a 4-seat electrical car (golf cart, really) to get you around if you’re older than 24 years old and have a valid driving license. Prices fluctuate but it was 8€ per 15 minutes with a minimum of 30 minutes when my family went in April 2019, which wasn’t too bad if one split the cost.
We spent over two hours roaming the place in full which totalled to about 75€ and normally I would’ve balked at the the price tag (I mean, 18,75€pp is a whole meal) but, since my mom was paying, I didn’t even think twice as my feet and back were eternally grateful (thanks again, Mom!)
The palace is just a 45-minute train ride from Metro Invalides in Paris' city center and food is allowed outdoors so it’s a perfect place to plan a picnic and a day trip all in one.
Driving around the gardens of Château de Versailles in our electric car (left).
11. Visit Le Moulin Rouge
We’ve all seen the movie (and if you haven’t, please do), which brought this landmark located towards the north of Paris to life. Known as the most famous cabaret in the world, Le Moulin Rouge was founded all the way in 1889 and was the first ballroom where locals could go to dine, dance or take in some operettas without regard to socio-economic standings.
Since then, the cabaret has been offering shows 7 days a week and well as gourmet food by French chef David le Quellec to an audience of up to 1,800 spectators a night. Did I mention that the official drink is also champagne? All these factors combine to make the place one of the most exclusive tickets in town and tickets start at a whopping 185€ for the dinner show and can easily skyrocket to 500€ for special events.
Interested parties should also be forewarned that it is not allowed to take pictures or record videos during the show nor to take pictures in the hall, and be aware that children under 6 years old are not admitted. It is also forbidden to wear shorts, sports clothes and flip-flops of any kind. For more information on where to see a troupe of 60 artists from around the world get their can-can on at the “Feerie” show look here.
12. Trek up to La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre
Another gem located to the north of Paris, La Basilique du Sacré Cœur is always a stop when I’m in Paris as the stunning cathedral offers the best views of the city with tons of green space to stretch out on to take in the scenery at the second highest point in the city.
The 83-meter Roman Catholic cathedral was built on the hill of Montmartre which was a place of worship long before construction started. The place was specially built to allow the citizens of the city to be closer to God and (fun fact) the white stones are actually self-cleaning and originate from the Seine-et-Marne department. The church is currently free to visit outside of its dome but be warned that this place is usually a hot-spot for tourists and locals alike so come early.
Standing tall in front of the crowd at La Basilique du Sacré Cœur.
13. Walk around Montmartre Cemetery
If you’re already in the area from the last couple stops, then why not check out another free destination just right down the street? Officially known as Le Cimitière du Nord, it’s actually the third largest funeral park in Paris and was founded in 1825 as a response to the ever-increasing population of the city that was causing more bodies to need burying.
The site was initially a large quarry (leading to its original name Le Cimitière des Grandes Carriéres) that was once used to dispose of royals’ bodies after the French Revolution once they’d been beheaded by the rebels (the French and their guillotines, am I right?). The death toll had been in the tens of thousands during this period and majority of the victims were then interred in one way or another at the future cemetery, including Charles Henri Sanson who was the Royal Executioner that beheaded the last monarch of France King Louis XVI in 1793.
Other (in)famous celebrities have been put to rest there such as the French artist Edgar Degas, French writer Alexander Dumas, French director François Truffaut, French composer Hector Berlioz, German writer Heinrich Heine as well as Belgian inventor/musician Adolphe Sax who invented the saxophone. On sunny days it’s the idyllic, picturesque place to take a stroll, particularly past some beautifully ornate marble headstones, all dating back to the 19th century. Snap a photo or two o while you’re there, the residents won’t mind.
14. Wander around Le Louvre
This is a Patris must-see even for the most inattentive art-lover as the famed museum contains some of the greatest works of art ever created such as the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People as well as the Mona Lisa.
Not much else needs to be said about what is arguably the most visited museum in the world except that the lines can start to get ridiculously long in high tourist season. I recommend buying tickets in advance and taking the no-longer-so-secret entrance down through La Place du Carrousel, where the lines are marginally shorter than the ones above in the main courtyard.
Take notice of the five pyramids throughout the museum and the ensuite cafe provides also a great photo opportunity of the courtyard from above which is accessible only with purchase. Due yourself a favour and buy a 4€ bottle of water to take it all in.
The famed Winged Victory of the Louvre.
15. Check out the Labrouste Reading Room of La Bibliothèque Nationale de France
The main site of the national library is the François-Mitterrand Library which was built only in 1995 by architect Dominique Perrault yet welcomes an average of about 3,000 visitors per day. La Bibliothèque Nationale de France itself has been home to the various collections acquired by the royal family since the end of the Middle Ages and holds roughly 15 million copies of printed works and other literature.
The François-Mitterrand Library was built with a nearly 2.4 acre garden in the centre of the research and study rooms and its four angular towers represent four open books facing toward each other which all look over the banks of the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The place might be located a bit south of the city centre but it even has its own metro station and is certainly worth the journey for avid readers if only to see the stunning architecture of the Labrouste Reading Room in the Richelieu-Louvois annex of the national library. It was built by another architect of the same name, Pierre-François-Henri Labrouste in 1875 after a nearly 16-year construction project.
There’s a small fee to visit during the day but the library is typically free after 5PM and doesn’t usually close until 8PM so why not get lost in its nooks while you can?
16. Traipse through Le Musee d’Orsay
Said to be on par if not better than the Louvre, this next museum is nearly as world-famous for its vast collection of Impressionist art as well as sculptures, furniture and photography all created between 1848-1914. The site is hosted in the former Gare d’Orsay train station inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exposition and is situated on the Left Bank of the Seine. Built in grandois-style to resemble a palace, the museum was renovated in 2011 and added an additional 400 m² for the Pavillion Amont.
If your pockets are beginning to feel tapped out from the other items on this list, you’ll be in luck if you visit the first Sunday of the month as the museum is free to everyone then. Why not spend a Sunday afternoon taking in some original Rembrandts?
Having the Louvre at the tip of my fingers.
17. Take a tour of the Opera House
If you’ve never heard of the highly-reviewed Paris Opera House, then it’s time for this masterpiece of architecture and design to get on your radar. The 1,979-seat venue was commissioned by Empire Napoleon III in 1875 and took 14 years to complete, a fact not unnoticed in the intricacy of its details from the elegantly-painted high-vaulted ceilings to its glass-line halls which showcase a marvelous collection of costumes worn by its performers over the years.
Self-guided tours start at about 14€ during normal working hours but I suggest taking a guided tour after-hours for a more intimate viewing and the affair doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny as even tour agencies on Groupon offer the service up for only around 21€. Reserve yours today to ooh and aah your way through grandeur.
18. Visit the Eiffel Tower at night on Les Champs de Mars
Maybe it’s because my inner child never fully grew up but one of my favourite things to do every time I’m in Paris is head to Les Champs de Mars after nightfall to watch the Eiffel Tower light up. The tower was built in 1889 and its lights added in 1985, yet both were ill-received by the public at first, called monstrous and gaudy respectively, but now the nightly spectacle is a beloved event by both locals and foreigners.
It's currently the most visited tourist attraction in the world but was originally only meant to be a temporary 20-year structure which was just never taken down. Be sure to grab a bottle of wine for the road and to get there early to snag the best spots to sit and take in the hourly shows which usually last from 9PM to the stroke of midnight.
Be aware though, as the dark setting tends to also attract a lot of pickpockets so keep a close eye on your belongs (I even caught someone trying to swipe my mobile from my back-pocket last time I went!). Stay alert, my friends but don’t forget to sit back, relax and enjoy the twinkles.
19. Dance the night away at Chez Moune
If you’ve had enough of taking in the mellow Paris vibe and want a scene that’s a bit more lively, look no further than Chez Moune. While Paris isn't typically heralded for its wild nightlife (at least not without some posturing and crazy entrance fees), Chez Moune is in a class of its own.
As one of the only free clubs in the whole city, it usually has a line out the door and down the block, filled with French hipsters who come to see, be seen and dance until le petit matin while doing it. The music list is eclectic but mostly consists of electro-rock and the venue has hosted its fair share of underground DJs. The basement club tends to attract fashionable 20-somethings so make sure to dress to moderately impress as Parisian bouncers are known for being picky. Habillez-vous bien, mes amis!
20. Try more French cuisine
Now if you haven’t already followed my advice from the first suggestion then I’m here to implore you once again:
I know that there have been several dishes throughout the rich cuisine’s history that have not been geared toward the faint of heart but there are some really delicious fares to be had that won’t make your stomach turn if you’re feeling the least bit adventurous. For people who consider themselves more herbivores, there’s the vegan-friendly ratatouille and vegetarian-appropriate gratin dauphinois and tartiflette.
For others who are willing to try anything once like I am, there are riskier (but oh so yummy) dishes such as cuisses des grenouilles, escargots, quiche Lorraine and bouillabaisse. If you’re more of an omnivore but still want a safer option, canard confit is my usual go-to as it is served in nearly every major French restaurant and hard to beat when it comes to flavor for a glorified chicken breast.
Head over to Les Champs-Élysées neighbourhood to try out any of its various Michelin-starred restaurants if you can afford to indulge or let your nose lead you around Le Marais, which is chock-full of restro-bars that are sure to entice you to take a bite or two.
My personal recommendation would be Bistrot Victoires, which offers meal options for all dietary restrictions at affordable prices. Near Metro Port Royal, Académie de la Bière also serves some marvelous marinated mussels and great beer. Bon appetit!
21. Drink wine by Les Quais
It’s summertime, the night is warm and you’re yearning to get out and do something, anything. Well, then why not grab a bottle of wine or three along with a couple friends and skip on over to the nearest quay where locals are sure to abound?
Honestly the most popular activity to take part in summer, it’s typical to see Parisians sitting out in droves around quays throughout the city, catching up with friends over drinks. This is why it’s less likely to find locals in bars after a certain period of night and way more likely to see them lounging by the riverside with a stack of bottles mountain-high chatting into the wee hours.
If you really want to meet some new people, get out and join them while the breeze is warm, the alcohol is flowing and the conversation is a lively affair.
22. Rent a boat
Speaking of the waterside, if you crave a lazy afternoon of languishing in the sun, why not spend an afternoon cruising down the Seine or its many adjacent canals? You can even operate the boat yourself if you’re feeling brave enough and you don’t even need a license to rent a boat as French law dictates that it’s only necessary for boats with over 6 horsepower, which most rentals don’t.
A typical electric boat can hold between 6-11 people, aren’t usually too expensive (40-310€) and are available at several popular locations such as Marin D’eau Douce. The most prominent rivers in Paris are the Seine and the Bièvre and you can access up to 40 km (64 miles) based on different itinerary options from 1-hour to full-day rentals.
Explore everything from the Bassin de la Villette, Canal Saint Martina and the Canal de l’Ourcq past the city limits to Poudreries’s Park, situated in the northeastern suburban town of Sevran. If you can make it out to the Palace of Versailles, you even have the option to rent non-electrical boats by the hour so row, row, row that thing down a stream!
People-watching over the water at the Palace of Versailles.
23. Take a perfume workshop
One increasingly popular activity to take up while in the City of Lights are perfume workshops which have begun to pop up all over the city. This isn’t exactly surprising considering that France has several luxury brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and L’Oréal that have produced some of the most famous perfumes.
I was lucky enough to attend one such session with my mom when we were in Paris in April 2019 by snagging a last spot at L’Aurore and, while most workshops will offer classes in various selectable languages, the majority are in French like this one was. Thankfully this wasn’t an issue for us as we were both born francophones but those who don’t consider themselves polyglots should be advised to reserve a seat in advance in an appropriate dialect.
The workshops tend to be more intimate affairs typically with a maximum of six to eight participants and can last anywhere from one hour to three hours, where participants learn about the history of perfume-making and the art of mixing essential oils before being able to take home a 50-mL vial of their very own custom scent. My mom used rose oil for her base and I used sweet orange oil for mine so what do you think you’d choose? Only one way to find out.
24. Visit what’s left of La Notre Dame
It was one of the most shocking events of 2019 and one of the rare times the world came together in unity. Three days before my family and I traveled to the French capital for Easter weekend 2019 the medieval cathedral experienced a terrible fire which has left the building temporarily closed while it undergoes renovations. Its initial construction began nearly a thousand years ago in 1163 and took over 180 years to complete which made it even more of a travesty.
Though it’s not possible at this time to tour the gothic cathedral any longer, visitors can still observe it from outside and the entire outer structure (char marks and all) is easily visible from the riversides and boats. They say you never know what you have until it’s gone and they might be right so pay tribute to this once-great monument and keep hope alive that it will one day rise again from the flames.
Wearing my pumped-up kicks to the Louvre.
Well that’s my list, pals.
These are everything that I think makes Paris such a fun, dynamic city with a lot to offer so sound off in the comments with yours. What do you think are must-do activities in the City of Love and which destinations are must-sees? What would you add to the list and which one have you already visited before? Let me know below!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M