65 Ultimate Things To Do In Paris (2024) | Anywhere We Roam
There are so many things to do in Paris it’s hard to know what to choose. Here is our list of the top 65 attractions to help you build your own Paris Bucket list.
LAST UPDATE: 30 Nov 2023
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There’s a timeless allure to Paris that doesn’t seem to fade.
Evolving from long historical roots, cobblestone streets evoke tales of romance and artistry. Majestic boulevards link architectural grandeur with contemporary vibrancy.
Admire an eternal masterpiece, soak up a captivating viewpoint, or amble bohemian neighborhoods. Dive into Paris’s traditional cafe scene or hit a hidden underground speakeasy.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Paris it’s hard to know where to stop. Our guide covers 65 attractions that are well worth incorporating into your Paris itinerary.
The first 15 are our top things to do in Paris that we think you shouldn’t miss. The rest are split into different areas of Paris so you can visit them as you explore the city.
IN THIS GUIDE
THINGS TO DO IN PARIS
We’ve organized this guide by the top sights, and then by neighborhood. Paris is divided into 22 Arrondissements, the number of the Arrondissement is the last 2 digits of the postcode.
TOP SIGHTS
1. EIFFEL TOWER
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of France. It was constructed in 1889 for the Paris Exposition and it’s undoubtedly one of the most photogenic landmarks in the city.
The Eiffel Tower has three viewpoints: the 1st floor, the 2nd floor, and the summit. The best view is from the 2nd floor. You can either walk up the stairs (674 steps) or take the elevator.
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer season.
TOP SIGHTS
2. OVAL ROOM AT RICHELIEU
The stunning Oval Room (Salle Ovale) in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France Library opened to the public in 2023.
It has ceiling-height bookshelves and ornamental arches under a 44-meter-long glass roof. This beautiful space is a wonderful free Paris attraction.
The historic Labrouste Reading Room (Salle Labrouste), in the same building, is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public, but you can admire it from the doorway.
Location – 58 rue de Richelieu, 75002
TOP SIGHTS
3. ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Built to commemorate French military victories, the colossal arch stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
You can visit the base of the arch for free to see the eternal flame and the grave of the unknown soldier. You can also admire the intricate carvings and stunning statues on the façade.
In our opinion, the climb to the top offers the best view of Paris with boulevards stretching out in all directions. Book tickets in advance to climb the 284 steps to the summit, stopping at the the museum on the way up.
TOP SIGHTS
4. PALAIS GARNIER
The Paris National Opera is a breathtaking building renowned for its opulent architecture. It holds operas and ballets showcasing the grandeur of 19th-century Parisian cultural life.
Even if you’re not going to a performance, it’s worth visiting this ornate Paris attraction.
Book either guided or self-guided tours of the Palais Garnier to be transported back to the location where the Phantom of the Opera took place.
Location – The entrance is at the corner of Scribe and Auber Streets, 75009.
TOP SIGHTS
5. LOUVRE
The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most visited museums.
It’s enormous, and it would take several days to see everything. We recommend either joining a guided tour or using the suggested visitor trails from the official website.
If you’re looking for ideas, we recommend the Italian Masters, the Apollo Gallery, and the Greek Sculptures. Along the way, you’ll see the Venus di Milo, Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Caravaggio masterpieces, and much more.
The Louvre is always hectic, but it opens late on Friday evening, which is an excellent time to visit. Book timed ticket entry tickets in advance.
Louvre Audio Guide Important Note // The audio guide is extremely frustrating as the guided tours on the device are out of date and take you to sections that are closed. It’s best to just type in the number of the artwork you want the information for.
TOP SIGHTS
6. NO ENTRY
Ready to unwind after ticking off some of the wonderful things to do in Paris? No Entry is a hidden cocktail bar with a seductive speakeasy vibe.
It’s located under the Pink Mamma restaurant in the hip district of Pigalle. There’s generally a queue for the restaurant, but just go to the front, tell them you’re going to the bar, and they’ll let you through.
Head downstairs, past the cool room, and through the fridge door with a “No Entry” sign on the front. Inside you’ll find a hidden gem in Paris and very reasonably priced cocktails.
Location – 20bis rue de Douai, 75009.
TOP SIGHTS
7. SAINTE-CHAPELLE
Sainte-Chapelle is a breathtaking Gothic chapel on the left bank behind the Palais du Justice. It’s renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes.
The upper chapel contains 15 extraordinary panels filling the entire wall space with stained-glass windows.
In total, there are 1113 windows in the chapel, many of which date to the Middle Ages. It’s one of the unmissable Paris attractions but it gets very busy.
Tickets – skip-the-line Sainte-Chapelle tickets
TOP SIGHTS
8. PANTHÉON
The Panthéon was originally designed to be a church, but by the time it was completed in 1790, the French Revolution had begun. As a result, it was transformed into a mausoleum to honor French revolutionaries.
It became a church two further times. But, since the funeral of Victor Hugo was held here in 1885, it has remained a secular temple to the French state.
Inside, Foucault’s Pendulum which was used to measure the rotation of the earth, hangs from the dome.
The crypt contains the tombs of famous philosophers including Jean Jacque Rosseau – the leading intellectual force behind the French Revolution.
Location – Place du Panthéon, 75005 // Tickets – skip-the-line Paris Panthéon tickets
TOP SIGHTS
9. CATACOMBS
In the late 18th century, major public health problems in Paris were linked to the city’s overcrowded cemeteries. In an effort to improve the situation, the remains were packed into the underground tunnels of an old quarry.
Today, the tunnels are 1.5 kilometers long with bones piled head-high on either side in careful construction In what has become a true temple of equality, none of the remains are named. It’s one of the most evocative things to do in Paris.
You can purchase a guided tour of the Catacombs or buy an entrance ticket from the Catacombs website. Tickets are only available up to 7 days in advance.
Visitor entrance – 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
TOP SIGHTS
10. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
Nowhere feels more quintessentially Paris than Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This arty district on the left bank has cobbled streets lined with luxury boutiques, antique stores, classy galleries, and stylish cafes.
It’s a lovely area just to stroll around. Don’t miss Cour du Commerce Saint-André, a picturesque passageway with lively cafes. Here are some of our favorite places in Saint-Germain-des-Près:
TOP SIGHTS
11. MUSÉE D’ORSAY
Housed in a former railway station, Musée d’Orsay has the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world.
You’ll find works by Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, and Renoir. The building itself is stunning. It’s one of our favorite galleries in Paris.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Louvre and a much more digestible collection. As a popular gallery, it’s a good idea to book an entry ticket in advance.
Location – Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007.
TOP SIGHTS
12. PLACE DU TERTRE, MONTMARTRE
Montmartre is one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit in Paris. It’s been home to artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso, an artistic legacy that lives on today.
At Place du Tertre, artists are allocated 3 feet of space which must be shared between two artists on alternating days. Have your portrait taken or peruse the landscapes, caricatures, and silhouettes for sale.
The charming streets around the square contain hidden cafes, artist studios, and indie galleries.
TOP SIGHTS
13. SACRÉ-CŒUR
The Romano-Byzantine Basilica of Sacré-Cœur offers a picture-postcard Paris experience with excellent views across the city.
Climb the 300 stairs to the top of the basilica for one of the best views in Paris.
The queues to climb the dome can be very long and unfortunately, there is no way to book skip-the-line tickets. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the day when it’s likely to be a bit quieter.
Check the Sacré-Cœur website for up-to-date opening hours.
TOP SIGHTS
14. LE MARAIS
Le Marais is a fashionable district known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. The area was favored by France’s nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries which has given Le Marais the elegant architecture you see today.
The best way to see Le Marais is to stroll the streets, go shopping or try some of the local restaurants. But some of the main attractions are:
TOP SIGHTS
15. PÈRE LACHAISE CEMETERY
Père Lachaise is one of the world’s most famous cemeteries. The 44-hectare space contains over 70,000 burial plots throughout a large English garden.
The graves are from a variety of styles with several famous residents. Some of the most visited include Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison.
Strolling the cemetery searching for famous graves is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Take a photo of the map as you enter to help find your way.
Location – Entrances are near Père Lachaise and Philippe Auguste metro stations.
MADELEINE
16. JARDIN DES TUILERIES
Situated between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries is a serene escape in Paris. The French formal garden has picturesque landscaping, sculptures, and two formal ponds perfect for a relaxing break.
The gardens were designed by the architect responsible for the gardens of Versailles and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great place for a morning stroll, particularly in spring.
MADELEINE
17. MUSÉE DE L’ORANGERIE
Musée de l’Orangerie is an excellent gallery, in the south-west corner of the Jardin Des Tuileries, containing impressionist and post-impressionist works.
The main reason to visit is to see Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. The museum houses 8 of the vast panels which were donated by Monet to the French state. He specified exactly how they should be displayed in the two egg-shaped rooms.
Location – Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 // Website – musee-orangerie.fr
MADELEINE
18. JARDIN DU PALAIS ROYAL
The box hedge symmetry and manicured gardens of the Jardin du Palais Royal make it a lovely place to explore in Paris. Some of the most beautiful shopping arcades surround the garden including Galerie de Montpensier, Galerie Beaujolais, and Galerie de Valois.
The palace is closed to the public; however, the black and white striped columns at the southern end are a popular photo spot.
MADELEINE
19. GALERIES LAFAYETTE HAUSSMANN
The flagship location of this upmarket department store is an iconic shopping experience. You’ll find every major luxury brand as well as up-and-coming designers.
If you’re not tempted by the shopping, it’s still well worth heading in. The Art Nouveau building is topped by a shimmering glass dome, which looks particularly festive at Christmas. The roof has a great (and free) view of Paris.
Location – 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009.
MADELEINE
20. PLACE VENDÔME
Place Vendôme is a historic square lined with upscale hotels, high-end jewelry boutiques, and other elegant retail outlets. The square was built on the orders of Louis XIV to embody the power of his Kingdom. Napoleon added the bronze column you see today which was made from 1,200 enemy canons.
MADELEINE
21. RUE SAINT-HONORÉ
Another prestigious shopping destination is Rue Saint-Honoré. High-end boutiques, designer stores, and elegant shops line this elegant street. It’s the perfect place in Paris for window shopping.
MADELEINE
22. ÉGLISE DE LA MADELEINE
Église de la Madeleine is a neoclassical church with a façade built like a Greek temple. It’s an iconic landmark in Paris framed by 52 Corinthian columns. It’s free to enter and explore the interior, however, it’s not overly decorative inside. The best time to visit is during a classical musical concert.
MADELEINE
23. CHAPELLE EXPIATOIRE
The neoclassical Expiatory Chapel is something of a hidden gem in Paris. During the Revolution, the chapel hosted the remains of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The chapel stands as a solemn tribute to the French monarchy’s final days.
On a visit, you can explore the chapel, the inner gardens, and the burial sites. It’s set in a lovely park which is a nice place to unwind in Paris.
Location – 29 rue Pasquier, 75008 // Tickets – expiatoire-paris.fr
MADELEINE
24. BANKSY MUSEUM
The Banksy Museum permanently exhibits around 100 recreated works thought to be by Banksy, the master of political street art.
Although all the works are replicas, they are well laid out and it’s good to see much of his artwork in one location. The descriptions of the pieces try to explain the political motivation behind them, which takes some of the impact out of the experience.
Nonetheless, we think it’s a worthy addition to your Paris visit.
You can also visit the Walled Off Hotel, a replica of the hotel Banksy created in Bethlehem. It was quiet on our visit, but you can book Banksy tickets in advance.
Location – 44 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
LE MARAIS
25. PLACE DES VOSGES
Places des Vosges is a historic square in the heart of Le Marais. It’s lined with picturesque buildings representing classic Parisian architecture known for its symmetry and elegance. It’s one of the most beautiful squares in Paris and worth popping into.
LE MARAIS
26. MOTORS COFFEE
Motors Café is a very busy café in the Marais district set in a snug, semi-industrial space. It’s a cool place in which to take a well-earned break.
It’s one of our favorite coffees in Paris but the standout was their excellent pastries and cakes. The cinnamon scroll was sticky and delicious and the various banana cakes with excesses of chocolate and roasted nuts were excellent.
Location – 7 rue des Halles, 75001
LE MARAIS
27. MUSÉE CARNAVALET – HISTOIRE DE PARIS
Musée Carnavalet recently reopened after a much-needed makeover. The new chronological layout covers the history of Paris without losing any of the charm of the two existing townhouses.
The museum has around 100 rooms containing a vast selection of artifacts, paintings, and exhibits narrating the city’s evolution over the centuries.
It’s one of the great free things to do in Paris. The section on the French Revolution and the development of Paris between 1848 and 1900 is particularly illuminating.
Location – 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 // Website – carnavalet.paris.fr
LE MARAIS
28. TOUR SAINT-JACQUES
The Saint-Jacques church was once the second largest in Paris. It was dismantled during the French Revolution, but as part of the agreement of sale, the tower was kept intact.
It was closed for almost 10 years and reopened to the public in 2022. You can now climb to the top of the tower on a guided tour to learn about the history of the building and enjoy a superb Paris.
Advanced bookings are required, and you can only visit on a tour that takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Location – Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, 75004 // Website – boutique.toursaintjacques.fr
LE MARAIS
29. CENTRE POMPIDOU
The Pompidou Centre is the stand-out building in Le Marais, famous for its inside-out design. The plumbing, air vents, and cables form the outside of the building providing complete flexibility over the internal layout.
Inside is the Musée National d’Art Moderne, a permanent contemporary art collection with works by Picasso Matisse, Warhol, and Pollock, to name just a few.
There’s also a cinema, a public library, and exhibition spaces aimed at children and teenagers.
Book skip-the-line tickets for the Modern Art Museum.
Travel Tip – You can go up to the sixth-floor roof of the Pompidou Centre for free to get an excellent view of the Paris skyline.
LE MARAIS
30. MERCI CONCEPT STORE
In the heart of Le Marais, Merci is an independent concept store with fashion, homewares, and curated items, spread across 3 loft-style levels. You’ll find up-and-coming designers as well as Merci’s own brand of style-savvy items.
There are 3 restaurants within the store. The Used Book Café is a cool long coffee shop decorated with books. FLOR Cantina is a Mexican restaurant, while Tommaso has Italian sandwiches.
Location – 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003
LE MARAIS
31. MUSÉE PICASSO
Located in a 17th-century private mansion in Le Marais, the Picasso Museum has an excellent collection of works by the Spanish artist. The comprehensive collection includes his paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, as well as sketches, notebooks, photographs, and drafts in various stages.
See more of Picasso’s works in his hometown with our guide to visiting Malaga, Spain.
Location – 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 // Website – museepicassoparis.fr
LE MARAIS
32. HÔTEL DE VILLE
Hôtel de Ville is the grand City Hall of Paris. It’s a stunning neo-renaissance building and one of the most enduring landmarks of the city. It hosts various cultural events and exhibitions from time to time, but for most visitors to Paris, the best way to see it is simply to admire the façade.
LE MARAIS
33. FORUM DES HALLES
This sprawling underground shopping mall benefited from a makeover in 2016 when a huge wavy roof was added. Nicknamed La Canopée, the refresh has turned Forum des Halles into a prime destination for hanging out in Paris.
In addition to shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, it’s also a major transportation hub with a busy train station.
LE MARAIS
34. ÉGLISE SAINT-EUSTACHE
Just next to Forum des Halles, Saint-Eustache Church is a magnificent Gothic church renowned for having the largest pipe organ in France. The interior is classical Renaissance and it’s a beautiful free place to visit in Paris. There are free organ concerts every Sunday at 5 pm.
LE MARAIS
35. BOURSE DE COMMERCE
Bourse de Commerce is a historic building transformed into an art museum with a regular rotation of temporary exhibitions.
The focal point of the building is the central rotunda, with works displayed under a massive skylight. Exhibitions focus on contemporary art and there are regular workshops for adults and children.
Location – 2 rue de Viarmes, 75001
LE MARAIS
36. FAUBOURG DAIMANT
Faubourg Daimant is a vegan restaurant setting a new standard for plant-based dining. All vegetable dishes blend creativity with a satisfying sense of indulgence. Silky sauces feature prominently, complementing robust textures and tasty creations.
The long bar-like space with an open kitchen and terrace is as sexy as the cooking. Surprisingly our favorite course was dessert. So often average in a vegan restaurant, they were the best thing on the menu. Be sure to reserve in advance.
Location: 20 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010
ÎLE DE LA CITÉ
37. NOTRE-DAME
A magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral has a rich history spanning over 850 years. Known for its intricate facade, stunning rose windows, and majestic interior, it’s a cultural gem.
Following the fire in 2019, the cathedral remains closed to the public, but it’s due to reopen in December 2024.
Notre Dame is located on L’île de la Cité, an island in the Seine. Don’t miss Ponte Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the Seine connecting Île de la Citéwith the left and right bank of Paris.
ÎLE DE LA CITÉ
38. LE MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS
The Flower Market on the Seine just near Notre Dame sells rare and unusual flowers in grand pavilions dating back to the 1900s. The huge selection of seasonal flowers, exotic orchids, and shrubs makes it popular with locals picking up some color for their living rooms. For visitors, it’s a wonderful free thing to do in Paris.
Location: Place Louis Lépine – Quai de la Corse, 75004
ÎLE DE LA CITÉ
39. CONCIERGERIE
The Conciergerie was the first royal palace of France which was converted into a prison during the Revolution. The most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette, who was held at the Conciergerie before she was sentenced to death.
The impressive Gothic building, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a huge, vaulted ceiling, and several interesting exhibits of the history of the building. The Clock Tower contains Paris’s oldest public clock.
You can book a combined Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie ticket to see two of Paris’s top attractions together.
LATIN QUARTER
40. LATIN QUARTER
The Latin Quarter is a vibrant district known for its lively atmosphere, historic streets, cafes, and buzzing bars. As the home of Sorbonne University, it’s a hub for students, intellectuals, and visitors, keeping the place feeling eclectic.
Some of the main attractions in the Latin Quarter are:
LATIN QUARTER
41. LES BOUQUINISTES
The iconic book stalls along the Seine River are an unmissable part of the Parisian landscape.
There are over 200 booksellers offering vintage books, prints, historic illustrations, engravings, and collectibles. They are so important to the culture of Paris that they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
They are located on the right bank from Pont Marie to Quai de Louvre and on the left bank from Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire.
LATIN QUARTER
42. JARDIN DES PLANTES & THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Jardin des Plantes is an expansive botanical garden in the heart of Paris. There are large spaces to stroll around, but also several paid attractions. The gardens include a Zoo, (La Ménagerie), a huge greenhouse, Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes, and the Natural History Museum.
The Natural History Museum is split into three sections. The Grande Galerie de l’Evolution houses a diverse collection of taxidermied animals. Fossils and skeletons are in the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée, and the Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie has a huge collection of crystals.
It’s important to note that none of the information in the museums is in English.
Website – mnhn.fr
SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
43. JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
One of Paris’s most beloved parks, Jardin du Luxembourg is on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The gardens cover 25 hectares including a French garden and English Garden and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
Within the park, the Luxembourg Palace adds a regal charm to this serene green space. The Musée du Luxembourg hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, check what’s on.
SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
44. JUDY’S BRUNCH
Judy is a lovely gluten-free café in a great corner location near Jardin du Luxembourg. The clean lines and blonde modern aesthetics flow through to the well-executed, clean-living menu items.
It’s a beautiful space serving more than just pastries and croque monsieur. There’s a great range of breakfast and brunch choices and plenty of options for vegetarians. It’s also one of the best coffee spots in Paris.
Location – 18 Rue de Fleurus, 75006
SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
45. MONTPARNASSE TOWER
The problem with going up the Eiffel Tower to see Paris is that you cannot see the most impressive building because you are standing on it. That’s not an issue from the top of the much-maligned Montparnasse Tower.
From the summit Paris sprawls out in front of you with the Eiffel Tower stands imperiously at the end of the Champs de Mars.
It is the best high-level view in Paris, but you’ll need to head a little out of the center of the city to see it. Book your timed entry tickets for dusk.
Location – 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris
EIFFEL TOWER
46. MUSÉE RODIN
Dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, the museum displays two of his most famous works: The Thinker and The Kiss. His sculptures are laid out in the Hôtel Biron, the beautiful rococo mansion on site, and outside in the French-style Garden.
The site was selected by Rodin himself who rented the property from 1911 onwards. Bathed in natural light, it’s a wonderful venue for seeing so many of Rodin’s sculptures in one place.
Location -77 rue de Varenne, 17007 // Website – musee-rodin.fr
EIFFEL TOWER
47. LES INVALIDES
Les Invalides was commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV to provide care facilities for wounded soldiers. Consisting of 15 large courtyards, the complex is capped by a magnificent church whose dome glitters in gold. Its sheer beauty and location on the Seine have made it a key location in French history.
Today Les Invalides houses the Musée de l’Armée – a collection of guns, cannons, and armor from the late Middle Ages to the Second World War. For history buffs, the highlight is Napoleon Bonaparte’s red marble tomb, which was placed under the Dome of the Invalides with great ceremony in 1840.
Location – 129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 // Website – Musée de l’Armée
EIFFEL TOWER
48. PONT ALEXANDRE III
Pont Alexandre III is an ornate bridge spanning the Seine River adorned with sculptures. It connects Le Grand Palais with Les Invalides and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.
It’s an excellent landmark to photograph, particularly at dusk, when the lights on the bridge and the Eiffel Tower are just beginning to come on.
EIFFEL TOWER
49. CRUISE THE SEINE
One of the most popular things to do in Paris is to take a boat tour along the Seine River. Take in panoramic views of Paris’s landmarks from a unique river perspective.
There are plenty of different cruises on offer from basic 1-hour trips through to all-inclusive dinner cruises. Check getyourguide.com for the best available cruises.
EIFFEL TOWER
50. GRAND PALAIS ÉPHÉMÈRE
The Grand Palais Éphémère is a temporary structure on the Champ-de-Mars right next to the Eiffel Tower. Shaped like a cross, its rounded vaults are supported by 44 wooden arches across which are stretched durable clear plastic.
The building has sound sustainability credentials with a modular design that can be reconfigured after events.
For the 2024 Paris Olympics, it will host judo, wrestling, wheelchair rugby, and para judo competitions. It’s expected to be removed in Autumn 2024.
EIFFEL TOWER
51. MUSÉE DU QUAI BRANLY
Musée du quai Branly is a museum showcasing indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. There are over a million objects in the collection; 3,500 are on display at any one time. Temporary exhibitions during our visit included a spotlight on Bollywood Superstars and a fascinating sound project.
Location – 37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007
EIFFEL TOWER
52. CITÉ DE L’ARCHITECTURE ET DU PATRIMOINE
The City of Architecture and Heritage Museum is dedicated to architecture and monumental sculptures. You’ll find models, drawings, and exhibitions related to the evolution of architectural styles and urban planning. The center is both a museum and a library and is perfect for anyone interested in architecture and town planning.
The location on Trocadéro Square also provides excellent views of the Eiffel Tower.
Location – 1 Place du Trocadéro, 75116
EIFFEL TOWER
53. PLACE DU TROCADÉRO
This elevated open space, opposite the Seine, is perhaps the best place to take in wonderful views of the Eiffel Tower. Leading from the square to the tower, the English-style Trocadéro Gardens contain the Fountain of Warsaw, a 22-cannon water feature. There are also sculptures in the gardens that are well worth checking out.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
54. MUSÉE D’ART MODERNE & PALAIS DE TOKYO
The monumental Musée d’Art Moderne houses the best of Paris’s contemporary art. The permanent collection is free, and you’ll find works by Matisse, Chareau, and Delaunay. Don’t miss the room hung with canvases by Dufy & Bonnard and the lovely views out the windows and over the Seine.
Next door, the Palais de Tokyo complex has avant-garde modern art installations and performances. Its cavernous structure has no permanent exhibition. Instead, its bleak lines of steel and concrete contrast with the contemporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
Location – 11 Av du Président Wilson, 75116. // Website – palaisdetokyo.com
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
55. MUSÉE YVES SAINT LAURENT
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent showcases the designer’s innovative designs, creative process, and impact on the fashion industry. It’s housed in the legendary building where he spent 30 years designing his collections.
Admire his dazzling creations and visit the original studio where the magic was created.
Location – 5 av Marceau, 15116 // Website – Yves Saint Laurent Museum
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
56. CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world and an unmissable thing to do in Paris. It’s lined with luxury boutiques, theaters, and cafes culminating in the avenue’s most famous landmark, the Arc de Triomphe.
Walking from Place de la Concorde, through the Jardin des Champs-Élysées, and up to the Arc de Triomphe, takes around 30 minutes.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
57. PLACE DE LA CONCORDE
One of the largest public squares in Paris, situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées. It’s notorious as being the execution site during the French Revolution and Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were guillotined here.
The Luxor Obelisk, in the square, was offered by the Khedive of Egypt. It’s 3,000 years old and was one of 2 obelisks to stand at either side of the Luxor Temple. The other remains in Egypt.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
58. LE PETIT PALAIS
The Petit Palais was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Today, it houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. See a diverse collection of art, sculptures, and decorative pieces in the elegant Beaux-Arts building.
The gallery has a free permanent collection containing several masterpieces, one of the most famous being Three Bathers by Paul Cézanne. The rotating temporary exhibitions are charged.
MONTMARTRE
59. DALÍ PARIS
Dedicated to the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, this museum showcases his distinctive artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Get an insight into the mind of Dalí who was obsessed with science, antiquity, alchemy, and religion.
There’s very good information (in English) to help you decipher the 300 pieces on display including a very handy breakdown of the symbolism he used throughout his art.
Location – 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018
MONTMARTRE
60. PLACE DES ABBESSES
Place des Abbesses is a charming square in Montmartre with a village-like atmosphere. It’s a great part of Paris to explore with the artistic and bohemian vibe that makes Montmartre what it is.
There are plenty of cool boutiques, cafes, and bistros to check out as well as one of the few original Art Nouveau metro entrance signs. The best way to see it is via a slow amble. Come on a weekend, grab a great Paris coffee, and enjoy the quirky second-hand market.
Don’t miss the Wall of Love just off Jehan Rictus Square featuring 612 tiles with the phrase “I love you” in 250 languages.
MONTMARTRE
61. AU LAPIN AGILE
Au Lapin Agile is the oldest cabaret show in Paris featuring several singers of various styles. Located in the backstreets of Montmartre it has a fantastic bohemian ambience. It’s a much more authentic cabaret experience than the Moulin Rouge and a wonderful thing to do in Paris.
Location – 22 Rue des Saules, 75018 // Reservations – au-lapin-agile.com
MONTMARTRE
62. MOULIN ROUGE
The iconic and risqué cabaret venue renowned for its extravagant performances offers a glimpse into the Parisian nightlife of yesteryear. Performances receive mixed reviews, mostly for the high cost, but it’s still a unique Paris activity. Even if you don’t go to a show, it’s worth getting a snap of the iconic windmill.
Location – 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018
OUTSKIRTS
63. MARCHÉ AUX PUCES DE ST-OUEN
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is a sprawling flea market on the northern edges of Paris. It’s the largest second-hand market in the world with an eclectic array of antiques, vintage goods, furniture, and unique finds.
One of the best areas of the market is Marché Paul Bert Serpette. It’s the trendiest section with fine furniture, art, and decorative items. For lunch try Paul Bert café, and old school diner packed with atmosphere.
OUTSKIRTS
64. FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON
Fondation Louis Vuitton is an art museum hosting contemporary exhibitions and cultural events. Their mission is to support contemporary artists and make art accessible to the broadest possible audience.
The building designed by architect Frank Gehry is stunning. Twelve sails and icebergs make up the glass structure.
Location – 8 Av du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 // Tickets – book skip-the-line tickets
OUTSKIRTS
65. LA DÉFENSE
At the tip of the historical Axis of Paris, La Défense is a modern business district characterized by skyscrapers, shopping centers, and impressive architecture. The main reason to come is to see La Grande Arche, a 110-meter cube and a modern interpretation of the Arc de Triomphe.
There’s also an outdoor art collection featuring sculptures by Calder and Miro, and the huge Red Spider by American artist Alexander Calder.
MAP | THINGS TO DO IN PARIS
Our map includes all the things to do in Paris that are listed in this guide so you can download it to take with you. Each attraction is sorted via area.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
MORE FRANCE GUIDES
- Our 3-day Paris itinerary puts several great experiences together each day so you can see more with less walking between sights.
- Enjoy a great coffee break with our guide to the best coffee shops in Paris.
- Discover the beauty of Arcachon Bay, home to the highest sand dune in Europe.
- Explore historic castles and beautiful countryside in our guide to visiting Dordogne.
