From the Eiffel Tower to the beautiful streets and neighborhood of Paris, there are many things to do in this romantic city. Paris, also known as the City of Light, is home to a huge number of distinctive tourist attractions. You will find many towers, museums, streets, and interesting tourist attractions spread throughout the city. Walking through the city’s neighborhoods or checking out Mona Lisa at the Louvre, you will be left astonished at the city’s jewels. There are so many things to do in Paris that you will be confused which things are must to do. For your ease, we have made a list of the 15 best things to do in Paris. These things will make your trip exciting and leave you with an experience that you never had before.
The Top 15 Things To Do in Paris, France:
01. Visit the Louvre Museum:
Located on the Right Bank of the Seine River, the Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in Paris, France. It stands across from the Tuileries Gardens. Napoléon Bonaparte donated the museum to the people of France after a few years of its opening. The most notable thing about the Louvre is that it is home to the famous painting Mona Lisa. You will also get to see some paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and many other artists at the museum. If you are an 18 year old you can visit the museum for free. Admission to the museum is also free for 26 year old residents of the European Economic Area. Everyone can visit the Louvre for free on 14th July.
- Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Wednesday - Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday | 9:00 am to 9:45 pm; Closed on Tuesdays
02. Get to the Top of Eiffel Tower:
Paris is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower. Whenever someone talks about Paris, the first thing that comes to all of our minds is the Eiffel Tower. Locally known as "La dame de fer", the Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889. The tower consists of three levels- first floor, second floor and top floor. The first two floors of the tower are accessible via staircase and elevator. Whereas, the top floor is only accessible via elevator. Most tourists avoid climbing stairs to reach the top floor. However, if you want to skip the long queue of people waiting for the elevator, you should take the stairs. The views of the city from the top floor of the Eiffel tower is enchanting. Moreover, don’t forget to check out the tower at night when it's well-lit with lights.
- Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:30 am to 10:45 pm
03. Visit Sainte-Chapelle:
Sainte-Chapelle, built in the 1240s, is located on the Ile de la Cité. It is one of the most famous medieval chapels in France . The chapel is famous for its stained glass windows, some extraordinary exterior and interior. It includes access to some of the world's most famous artworks. Many events take place at Sainte-Chapelle. If there's an event taking place there, you should check it out beforehand. You can attend some events for free while others charge a small fee. Free hours vary depending on location; they're generally available on Sunday mornings.
Anyone under 18 years old can enter Sainte-Chapelle for free. EU or EEA nationals aged from 18 to 25 years old can also enter Sainte-Chapelle for free. Entrance is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. Also entrance to the chapel is free for everyone with a Paris discount Pass.
- Location: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
04. Explore Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris:
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is one of the world's most renowned museums. It consists of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art of the continent. As it is located in the 16th arrondissement, you can easily access it via public transport. The different floors of the museum are dedicated to different periods and styles of art. Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris hosts temporary exhibitions other than featuring a permanent collection of artwork. The permanent collection includes works of some renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse etc.
Another notable thing about the museum is that it houses a restaurant onsite for the relaxation of visitors. You can check out the permanent artworks of the museum for free. So, if you want to check out the centuries’ finest arts without spending a dime, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is the place for you.
- Location: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson - 75116 Paris
- Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; (ticket offices close at 5:15 pm); Thursday nights(for temporary exhibitions): until 9:30 pm; Closed on Mondays and on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December
05. Stroll Around the Tuileries Garden:
Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden is the first public garden of Paris. Catherine de Medici commissioned the construction of the garden in 1564. Back in those days, it was the venue of many palatial banquets and soirees held for the people of high society. During the French Revolution the garden was abandoned for a long time. But now it is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. At the northside of the garden, play areas and activities for children are available. Some activities require a small fee, others are free. You will also find many cafes and restaurants around the garden. Entry to the garden is free.
- Location: Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
06. Check out Palais Royal:
Originally known as Palais Cardinal, Palais Royal is one of the largest urban parks in Paris. It was the former private residence of the kings of France. Now, the museum stands at rue de Rivoli.the center of Paris. Architect Jacques Lemercier designed the palace building and André Le Nôtre designed its gardens. Now, the museum contains an antique carousel house, two theaters namely Cirque d'Hiver and Cirque d'été, and a small zoo. The fame of the museum is mostly due to its decorative value, art galleries, and major political meetings held years ago.
Other than learning about the country’s history, there are many things that you can do at this former palace. You can check out the rooms, art galleries or stroll around its gardens. Don’t forget to buy tickets in advance. Also, to enjoy the best experience, book an English-speaking guide.
- Location: 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am to 8:30 pm
07. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral:
When you are in Paris, you should not miss the chance to check out one of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the world. Notre Dame Cathedral is notably famous for its French Gothic architecture. The rib vault and flying buttress of the cathedral makes it stand out. Not only so, the large and colorful rose windows and abundant sculptural decoration are two other unique additions to its architecture. The musical components of the cathedral, namely its three pipe organs and church bells bear similar significance. Famous for its size, architecture and antiquity, Notre Dame Cathedral is visited by a large number of tourists every year. You won’t want to miss the gargoyle’s view from the top of the cathedral. The view of the city from the top of the cathedral is mind-blowing.
- Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Notre Dame Cathedral opening hours are 8 am to 6:45 pm on weekdays. The cathedral in Paris remains open till 7:15 pm every Saturday and Sunday.
08. Wander Around Arènes de Lutèce:
Arènes de Lutèce, a Roman amphitheater located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, was built around the 1st century AD. It was built as a public entertainment venue. Back in those days, the amphitheater was used for gladiatorial contests, theater performances, bullfighting, and public executions until the 5th century AD. You can learn a great deal of Roman history and culture if you visit Arènes de Lutèce. You can explore one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Paris and see its usage during ancient times. Entrance to the amphitheater is free. It remains open daily from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. You must visit this place if you are interested to see the Roman side of Paris.
- Location: 49, Rue Monge, Latin Quarter, 5th Arrondissement, Paris
- Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am - 7:30 pm or 8:30 pm
09. Take a tour of the Paris Catacombs:
If creepy underground things attract you, Paris Catacombs is the place for you. It was used as a burial place in the past. Now you will find all kinds of creepy artifacts and bodies at this underground network of tunnels. Around 6 million people have been buried here starting from 1786. If you want to take a timeless journey and learn about the history of Parisians, you must visit the Paris Catacombs. The bones at the Catacombs were gathered from former Parisian cemeteries. It’s better not to take children along to such a place because they will be creeped out by seeing the real bones. Anyone under 18 years old can enter the Paris Catacombs for free. For other people, an entrance fee is mandatory.
- Location: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday | 9:45 am - 8:30 pm; Closed on Mondays
10. Explore Musée de la Vie Romantique:
If romantic arts and their history fascinates you, you must visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is housed in an 18th-century bungalow. The museum features an extensive collection of furniture, paintings, and artworks from the Romantic period. Now, it is one of the most mesmerizing museums in all of France. The paintings, sculptures, books and manuscripts are around 200 years old. In total, the museum has 3,000 artifacts on permanent display. While you may be bored by the artworks of the museum, you will be mesmerized by its combined Gothic style and Art Nouveau/Villonian style architecture. The museum also has a beautiful garden for visitors to relax. There’s a pretty cafe onsite where you can satiate your hunger. You can enter the museum for free.
- Location: Hotel Scheffer-Renan 16, rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
- Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Closed on Mondays and on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December
11. Walk Along the Banks of River Seine:
When you are in Paris, walking along the banks of river Seine is a must. The Seine river cuts through the heart of Paris. It is an integral segment of the romantic city. The river is lined with a series of beautiful and historic bridges. On the left bank, there are a number of old-fashioned cafes, winding alleyways and bouquinistes. The right bank of river Seine, has strong links with trade and commerce. The independent book vendors, known as bouquinistes and the famous bridges are worth a visit. For a perfect Parisian experience, you can take a boat tour or a cruise.
12. Stroll Around Les Passages Couverts:
Have you ever seen a glass-roofed and mosaic tiled passageway? If not, then you should head to the Les Passages Couverts. They are chic passageways that consist of stained-glass ceilings, mosaic floors, and iron latticework. At both sides of the passageways, a significant number of cafés, traditional bistros, and small theaters are lined up. The Les Passages Couverts are the most significant neoclassical architectural gems of Paris. They are the perfect place to stop by on rainy days. Moreover, it is free to visit the covered passages.
13. Check out The Château De Versailles:
Visiting Château De Versailles is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Paris. It is a former royal residence located about 12 miles west of Paris. Around 15 million people visit the palace, park, or gardens of Versailles every year. The palace is a visual evidence of French architecture. Every material that has been used in the creation of the building was made in France. There are around 357 mirrors at the Hall of Mirrors of Château De Versailles. The palace is home to a number of rooms, apartments, chapels, galleries and operas. The garden of Château De Versailles covers an area of 30,000 acres. It consists of fountains, parterres and paths, sculptures, groves etc. You can buy the ticket in advance from the official website.
- Location: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
- Opening Hours: Palace: Tuesday - Sunday | 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Closed on Mondays) | Estate of Trianon: Tuesday - Sunday | 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Closed on Mondays) | Gardens: Everyday | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | Park: Everyday | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
14. Tour Around Montmartre:
Home of the Parisian bohemians, Montmartre is one of the most visited places in Paris. It is a historic district located on a large hill. Many famous films were shot in this location. Montmartre is home to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and La Moulin Rouge. If you visit Montmartre, you can learn a lot about the history of Paris. There’s also a beautiful vineyard located there, namely Vignes du Clos. From the top of the hill, Paris looks tremendously beautiful. It is a sight that you might not want to miss.
15. Visit Musee d’Orsay:
Musee d’Orsay is home to a large collection of Impressionist paintings. From Manet to Gaugin, you will find paintings of almost all of your favorite impressionist painters here. If you are a fan of art and paintings, this museum will be worth a visit. The museum is housed in a former railway station under a large glass roof. Other than paintings, a number of sculptures, decorative arts and architectural elements are on display at the museum. Before visiting, you have to book the ticket from the official website of the museum.
- Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
- Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday | 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; Closed on Mondays
Another's Top 20 Must-See Attractions in Paris, France: Especially for First-Time Travelers!
- Place des Vosges
- Moulin Rouge
- Conciergerie
- Pantheon
- Pere Lachaise Cemetery
- Disneyland Paris
- Musee de l'Orangerie
- Palais Garnier
- Les Invalides
- Seine Cruise
- Musee Rodin
- Les Catacombes
- Champs-Elysees
- Pont Alexandre III
- Palace of Versailles
- Place de la Concorde
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Centre Pompidou
- Musee d'Orsay
- Jardin du Luxembourg
Budget and Travel Cost for Paris, France:
A trip to Paris can be expensive. But that’s not always the case. If you know about the costs for a Paris trip and know ways to minimize the cost, you are good to go. If you pre-plan your trip correctly, you can minimize your cost and save money. And for that, you won’t have to give up on checking out the iconic attractions of the city. You just have to be aware of the costs involved and plan accordingly.
- Daily cost: You can expect to pay around $150-200 for accommodation ,food and transportation on a daily basis. The cost of food will range from $20-30 and transportation from $15-20. The rest of the money will be needed for accommodation.
- Accommodation: The type of accommodation that you will be staying in completely depends on you and your budget. Hostels are the best choice if you have a tight budget to follow. You can get a dorm room in Paris for as low as $20 per night. If you want a private room at a hostel, you will get one at $50 per night. Hotel rooms generally cost more than that.
- Food: Paris is full of food markets. You can grab your breakfast and lunch from one of those markets. Grocery shopping and cooking your meal is another way to save money on food. If you plan on eating at restaurants, order the set menu. Price of the set menu ranges between $10-20. In this way, you can have a full meal without spending much. Also remember that tap water in Paris is free. So, instead of bottled water ask for tap water at the restaurants.
- Transportation: You can save a huge amount of money if you travel through the city in public transports. You can take the RER B train or public bus while traveling inside the city. The cost of public transportation in Paris ranges from $10-20.
Money-Saving Tips During Your Trip in Paris, France:
- Many museums in Paris offer free visits on the first Sunday of every month. Some of them are Musée d’Orsay, Musée National d’Art Moderne – Centre Pompidou, Musée National Picasso, etc. So, plan your trip around the first Sunday of the month to visit these famous museums for free.
- Take a RER or a bus to travel throughout the city. Taking Public transportation is a great way to save money in Paris.
- There are many tourist attractions in Paris that can be visited for free. So, fill up your itinerary with free things to do in Paris if you have a tight budget.
- Paris is full of numerous fountains. You can fill your water bottle from these fountains and save money on water. The water of these fountains is filtered.
- You can stay in a hostel and save money.
- There are a number of parks and restaurants that offer free WiFi service. So, don’t pay for WiFi.
- You will find a number of free walking tours in Paris. Take one of them.
- Enjoy the free summer festivals of the city.
- The set lunch menu in Paris is cheap. So, instead of ordering different dishes separately, order a set lunch menu.
- Enjoy a Parisian picnic. The city consists of a large number of parks and gardens that have no entrance fee. So, plan a picnic in those spots and save money.
How to Getting Around Paris, France:
There are many transportation methods that can help you roam around Paris. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Metro: When it comes to getting around central Paris, the metro is the best option. Metro stations are available near most of the tourist attractions. It makes traveling within the city easier. It is also affordable for budget-travelers.
- RER: RER, short form of Réseau Express Régional, is one of the best transportation methods in Paris. However, train lines in Paris are limited. You might not find a train to reach most of the tourist attractions.
- Bus: Paris has approximately 70 bus routes. You will find many bus stops throughout the city. The bus fare is quite the same as the metro fare. You can also get better views of Paris if you travel via bus.
- Taxi: If you aren’t worried about the budget, you can choose a taxi as your transportation method. It is the most expensive transportation method in Paris. You can hire a taxi and reach your desired tourist attraction without any hassle.
Where to Stay in Paris, France:
Whether you are looking for a dorm room in a hostel or a lavish room in a luxury hotel, there are plenty of accommodation options available in Paris. You can also stay in an apartment or an Airbnb house. You will find a variety of accommodation options in Paris to suit your budget and needs.
A few mentionable places to stay in Paris in Bellow:
Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Paris, France:
- Park Hyatt Paris Vendome
- Le Bristol Paris
- Mandarin Oriental Paris
- Hotel Plaza Athenee
- Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris
- Four Seasons Hotel George V
- The Ritz Paris
- The Peninsula Paris
- Shangri-La Hotel Paris
- Hôtel De Crillon
Top 10 Best Budget Hotels in Paris, France:
- Mama Shelter
- Hoxton Paris
- Generator Paris
- Okko Hotels
- Idol Hotel
- Solar Hotel
- Hotel Jeanne d’Arc
- Hotel Port Royal
- Camping De Paris
- Hotel Passy Eiffel
Top 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Paris, France:
- Vintage Gare du Nord
- Generator Paris
- ibis Montmartre 18ème
- Welcome Hotel
- Port Royal Hotel
- Hotel Chopin
- Hotel du College de France
- France Louvre
- Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle
- citizenM Gare de Lyon
Best time to Visit Paris, France:
Paris is full of touristy things to do throughout the year. So, you can visit Paris anytime to enjoy a fun time. Every season in Paris can offer you something that you have never experienced before. However, the perfect time to visit Paris is during March to August. The weather is perfect during these months. But these months are the peak season, so everything will be expensive. From September to November, the crowd starts to thin. So, if you want to avoid long queues and visit Paris for cheap, these months are the best for you.
Planning the perfect Paris itinerary is a bit daunting. When you are in Paris, you wouldn’t want to miss all the fabulous landmarks of the magical city. Even the neighborhoods and markets of Paris are worth a visit. So, before going to Paris, make sure that you know about the best things to do in Paris. Although it is often thought that Paris is expensive, that's not always the case. You can visit many museums in Paris without paying a dime. Moreover, even the most famous tourist attractions in Paris are free to enter on specific dates. If you want to have the best experience of your life, plan your trip to Paris ahead of time.
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