The 25 Best Things to Do in Paris (2026)
Paris is a city that rewards the curious traveler. Beyond the world-famous landmarks, there are hidden courtyards, vibrant street art scenes, serene canal walks, and culinary experiences that most tourists never discover. Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, our list of the 25 best things to do in Paris will help you experience the city like a local — from iconic must-dos to off-the-beaten-path gems. For more details, check out our Paris bucket list.
Iconic Landmarks You Cannot Miss
1. Eiffel Tower guide — No best day trips from Paris to Paris is complete without ascending the Iron Lady. Book tickets online for the summit or second floor. For the best free experience, picnic on the Champ de Mars with wine and cheese at sunset. The tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour after dark — a magical sight. For more, see our guide to 3 days in Paris.
2. Louvre Museum guide Museum — The world’s largest art museum deserves at least half a day. Focus on the highlights: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the crown jewels. Visit on Wednesday or Friday evenings when the museum is open until 9:45 PM for a less crowded experience.
3. Arc de Triomphe — Climb the 284 steps for one of Paris’s best panoramic views. Stand at the center of the Étoile where 12 avenues radiate outward, including the Champs-Élysées. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame at the base are deeply moving.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral — While the cathedral is still undergoing restoration following the 2019 fire, you can admire its exterior from the square and explore the surrounding Île de la Cité neighborhood. The crypt beneath the plaza is open and fascinating. The cathedral is expected to fully reopen in late 2026.
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica — Perched atop Montmartre, this white-domed basilica offers the most romantic viewpoint in Paris. The walk through the charming streets of Montmartre to reach it is half the experience. Inside, the mosaic of Christ in Majesty is one of the largest in the world.
World-Class Museums
6. Musée d’Orsay — Housed in a magnificent former railway station, this museum holds the world’s finest Impressionist collection. Don’t miss the giant clock face on the top floor — it frames a perfect view of the Seine.
7. Sainte-Chapelle — This Gothic gem features 15 stained-glass windows that depict over 1,000 biblical scenes in dazzling blue and red. Visit on a sunny day for the full effect — it feels like stepping inside a jewel box.
8. Palais Garnier (Opéra) — Paris’s opera house is an architectural masterpiece with a stunning auditorium ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Self-guided audio tours cost €14 and take about 45 minutes.
9. Musée Rodin — Explore the sculptor’s beautiful villa and garden, filled with iconic works like The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. The rose garden alone is worth the €14 entry fee.
10. Centre Pompidou — Europe’s largest modern art museum, with a colorful exterior of exposed pipes and a world-class collection including Picasso, Kandinsky, Dalí, and Warhol.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens
11. Luxembourg Gardens — Parisians’ favorite park features formal French gardens, the beautiful Medici Fountain, pony rides for children, and free tennis courts. Grab a green metal chair and watch the world go by.
12. Tuileries Garden — The historic garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde is perfect for a leisurely stroll with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
13. Canal Saint-Martin — This trendy canal in the 10th arrondissement is lined with cafés, vintage shops, and iron footbridges. Pack some cheese and wine for a sunset picnic by the water.
Unforgettable Experiences
14. Seine River Cruise — A one-hour cruise at sunset reveals Paris from a magical perspective. Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and Batobus all offer excellent tours from €12–€16. For more details, check out our Seine River Cruise.
15. Palace of Versailles — The Hall of Mirrors alone justifies the 45-minute train ride from Paris. Spend a full day exploring the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.
16. Walk the Champs-Élysées — From the Arc de Triomphe to the Grand Palais, this legendary avenue is worth experiencing at least once. Stop at Ladurée for macarons along the way.
17. Explore Le Marais — The hippest historic neighborhood in Paris, packed with boutiques, art galleries, falafel shops, hidden courtyards, and the stunning Place des Vosges.
18. Shop at Galeries Lafayette — Even if you are not buying, the Art Nouveau glass dome of this legendary department store is breathtaking. The rooftop terrace offers a free panoramic view of the Opéra and surrounding rooftops.
19. Visit a Parisian Food Market — Marché d’Aligre (daily), Marché des Enfants Rouges (oldest covered market), or Marché Bastille (Sunday morning) are all excellent. Taste fresh cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal produce.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
20. Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte) — Paris’s answer to the High Line, this elevated park built on a former railway viaduct stretches for 4.5 km through the 12th arrondissement, offering a peaceful green escape above the city streets.
21. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont — This hilly park in the 19th arrondissement features a suspension bridge, a waterfall, and dramatic cliffs. It is where locals go on weekends and feels far removed from the tourist crowds.
22. Shakespeare and Company — The legendary English-language bookstore on the Left Bank has been a literary institution since 1951. Browse rare editions, attend author readings, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
23. Paris Catacombs — Beneath the city streets lie the remains of over 6 million people, arranged in eerie artistic patterns of bones and skulls. Book tickets online — queues can be 2+ hours without advance booking.
24. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature — One of Paris’s most underrated museums, this quirky collection of hunting artifacts and taxidermy is displayed in a stunning 17th-century mansion with contemporary art installations. Free for visitors under 26.
25. Watch the Sunset from Pont des Arts — While the love locks have been removed, this pedestrian bridge remains one of the most romantic spots in Paris. Bring a bottle of wine and watch the sky turn pink and gold over the Seine.
Ready to book? secure your Eiffel Tower tickets.
