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When thinking about where to travel in Europe, Paris is top of the list for most. In fact, it’s been one of the most visited cities in the world for years! Paris has all the key factors to make it the perfect destination to visit. Award winning museums, gorgeous parks, world-renowned cuisine, historic landmarks and charming streets lined with beautiful architecture. What more could you want?
Because there are so many things to do in Paris for first time visitors, I know planning can be overwhelming. Here is a list of the top 25 things to do in Paris that includes the best attractions and activities you don’t want to miss!
Don’t forget to purchase a Paris Pass.
Having the Paris Pass is a must when you visit Paris for the first time. It includes entry to over 75 attractions such as major museums, and historical sites. With the Paris Pass you will save money by bundling entry tickets. Plus, it also includes access to a hop-on-hop-off bus, which is ideal since Paris is super spread out. You can pre-book your Paris Pass here.
HERE ARE THE TOP 25 THINGS TO DO IN PARIS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS:
Table of Contents
See the Eiffel Tower
Whether you have one hour or one month in Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must! The Eiffel Tower was constructed in the 1880s and is one of the most iconic structures in the world. Standing at 1,063 feet tall, it dominates the skyline throughout many parts of the city.
I highly recommend seeing the Eiffel Tower during both the day and night. There are many options for going up into the Eiffel Tower on your own, or through a tour. You can pre-book your skip the line tickets here, if you don’t like waiting in long lines!
Every evening, this iconic landmark lights up in a golden covering and sparkles for five minutes every hour on the hour. As beautiful as the videos and pictures are of this phenomena, it will never compare to seeing it with your own eyes. As cliché as it may sound, it’s absolutely magical to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle. I stand by that.
check out the world famous art in the Louvre
When it comes to things to do in Paris, a trip to the most visited museum in the world is necessary! The Louvre is home to some of the most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The Louvre is one of the biggest museums I’ve ever visited. Once a palace for royalty, the building itself is over 70,000 square feet! As you can imagine, as a first time visitor to the Louvre, it can be extremely overwhelming. There are over 38,000 objects within its walls. For this reason, it’s best to go into your visit knowing you won’t see it all. If you want to see the most famous highlights, I recommend booking a tour. If not, have a plan and make a list of some of the works of art you must see. I could easily have been there for two days straight and still not seen everything!
Here are the best ways to visit the Louvre:
- On your own with a skip the line entry ticket.
- On your own with an entry ticket and audio guide.
- On a tour with an expert guide.
Visit the Arc De Triomphe
At the west end of the Champs-Elysees stands the Arc De Triomphe, one of Paris’ most known landmarks. Built in the early 1800s, this triumphal arch is dedicated to those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It’s covered in detailed reliefs and sculptures depicting important battles from this time.
The Arc De Triomphe stands in the middle of 12 radiating avenues, which makes it daunting to get to. Here’s how to get to the Arc De Triomphe by metro, car, bus, and more.
Did you know you are able to go on rooftop of the Arc De Triomphe? I highly recommend it, since the views of Paris from the arch go on for miles! You can pre-book tickets here for a reasonable price.
Walk the Champs-Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in Paris. Spanning just over one mile long, this wide avenue is a worth walking down while admiring the romantic Parisian architecture. It’s also filled with charming cafes, theaters, high end shops and restaurants.
Fun fact: The Champs-Elysees is also the finish for the Tour de France.
Go under the city to see the Catacombs
If you’re looking for a more macabre tourist attraction, check out the Catacombs of Paris. The catacombs consist of underground limestone tunnels with millions of bones organized in a museum-like display.
Today, the catacombs are one of the top attractions in Paris. Therefore, tickets sell out quickly. It is highly recommended to get tickets for the catacombs in advance. You can expect some stairs and rocky pathways. The parts open to the public are about a mile long with some narrow paths. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes!
If you get a chance, read the history behind the catacombs of Paris. It is so interesting, and dates back to the late 1700s.
Don’t forget to get your skip the line catacombs tickets in advance!
Wander around & Get Lost in paris
One of my favorite things to do in Paris was to just wander. Letting yourself follow the scent of fresh pastries and crepes will never lead you in the wrong direction!
Paris really lives up to its name as the City of Love. The romance of the city comes alive when you walk the streets and see artists painting, charming old book stores, and authentic French restaurants. Although it may not be as it’s depicted in most movies, it’s hard to ignore that Paris is a VIBE.
Eat fresh croissants & Baguettes
That’s it, that’s the tip! The second you step foot in Paris, make it your mission to find fresh croissants or baguettes. Every bite of an authentic French croissant is filled with the perfect combination of butter and flaky dough. Quite honestly, bread has never quite been the same after leaving France.
See Notre Dame
Notre Dame is one of the most iconic examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. When it comes to things to do in Paris, visiting Notre Dame is a must! Plus, if you liked the Hunchback of Notre Dame when you were a kid, this is kind of a no brainer.
In April 2019, a fire destroyed many parts of Notre Dame, so unfortunately it is not open to visitors while they continue to restore the damage. However, it’s still worth seeing from the outside. You are still able to enter the crypt if you pre-book this tour. Notre Dame is a staple of Paris, so I highly recommend the visit!
Take a Cruise on the Seine River
There is nothing more romantic than seeing the city from the water! The Seine river runs through the city of Paris and has gorgeous views of main attractions like the Eiffel Tower. There are many different river cruises to do on the Seine, but my suggestion is a dinner or a champagne cruise. If you haven’t yet, add sipping champagne while watching the Eiffel tower light up at night to your bucketlist! A cruise on the Seine is the perfect activity for your first night in Paris.
Explore the village of Montmartre
If you’re looking for Emily in Paris vibes, Montmarte is the place for you! The winding cobblestone streets of Montmarte are filled with cafes, artists, and the stunning white domed Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. This church was built in 1147 and is on top of a hill, making it a staple of the Parisian skyline that can be seen from many parts of the city. This part of the city is also known for having a vibrant culinary scene with incredible restaurants.
Go inside Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is a Gothic style chapel that was built in the early 1200s by Louis IX. It was built to house many relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Although the chapel was badly damaged during the French Revolution, it was restored in the 19th century and still has some of the most extensive stained glass collections in Europe.
Sainte Chapelle is a very small church. However, it is one of the most impressive churches I have ever stepped foot in. I was in awe at detail of the floor to ceiling stained glass windows that wrap around the entire chapel. The colors of the glass as the sun shined through them was absolutely breathtaking to see in person!
Pre-book skip the line tickets for Sainte Chapelle here!
Dine in the Eiffel tower at Madame Brasserie
If you are looking to treat yourself to a fancy meal, this is a bucketlist restaurant you should dine at. Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, Madame Brasserie has a seasonal menu curated by top rated chefs. Here you will find some of the best food in Paris with a cozy atmosphere. Serving both lunch or dinner, it’s highly recommended to pre-book your dinner reservations.
Take a day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
Although Versailles is not in Paris, if you are staying for a while and have time for a day trip you should absolutely not miss the Palace of Versailles. The train ride is around 40 minutes and is typically around ten Euro.
Purchase day trip tickets from Paris to the Palace of Versailles!
The Palace of Versailles is the former residence of the royal family that started as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII. It quickly became a small château, then eventually a royal palace that housed the government. Today this huge estate has spans over 63,000 square feet, with many wings, rooms, and elaborate gardens you could easily get lost in! The ornate details and elaborate décor really take you back in time to the wealth of the French royals.
I highly recommend booking your day trip tickets well in advance. Entry tickets can often sell out during the busier months.
Eat Street Crepes
You have never tasted heaven until you’ve tried a crepe in Paris. I still can’t believe the smell of the warming crepe batter that fills the streets of Paris all day and night. With a variety of toppings and fruits to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect crepe for you. Once I tasted a fresh Nutella and banana crepe, I couldn’t control myself. I think I got one every day I was in Paris.. and I don’t regret it.
Have a Cocktail on a Rooftop Bar
What better way to take in the city of Paris than a fruity cocktail on a rooftop bar? I love grabbing a drink or food and just feeling out the vibe of a city. Plus, Paris has some gorgeous rooftop bars with spectacular views of the city. My favorite time to visit these are right before sunset when you can catch the city lights starting to turn on. So beautiful!
Visit the Pompidou Center
Built in 1977, the Pompidou Center holds over 7000 square feet of world-renowned works of art. This museum is home to some of the most famous pieces from the 20th century. Being a huge fan of modern art, I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the Pompidou Center and seeing collections from artists like Piet Mondrian, Marcel Duchamp, and Frida Kahlo up close.
Although this museum may not be the most talked about in Paris, I think it’s art really encapsulates everything that was going on in the world in the early 1900s. The collection of drawings, painting, prints and sculptures are fun to look at and really show how innovative artists of this time could be.
Pre-purchase skip the line ticket to Centre Pompidou here!
Have a Wine and cheese tasting
France is known worldwide for having some of the finest wine and cheese. If you are a fan of either, you have to do a wine and cheese tasting in Paris! Most tours will have you taste the most popular French cheeses that pair best with wine from the top wine regions in France including Bordeaux and Champagne.
There are so many different wine and cheese tours you can take, some with an expert sommeliers and others more low key so there’s something for everyone!
Step foot inside the Palais Garnier
Built in the 1800s, the Palais Garnier is one of the most well known opera houses in the entire world. What makes it stand apart from other opera houses is its overwhelmingly gorgeous detail. As soon as you enter the foyer, the grand staircase catches your eye. With extremely high ceilings, the interior is covered from floor to ceiling in velvet, gold leaf, chandeliers and sculptures. It exudes luxury!
Used primarily for ballet today, the Palais Garnier can seat 1,979 people comfortably! It’s luxurious details also attract the filming industry. Many movies have filmed scenes here including Midnight in Paris.
Even if you don’t have time to see a show at Palais Ganier, just stepping foot inside the main foyer will take your breath away. I highly recommend stopping in or purchasing a combo ticket with the Mussee d’Orsay.
Go on a food tour
What better way to experience Paris than through its incredible food? I think food tours are a fun way to get a feel for the city and even meet other travelers! Many of the food tours in Paris include a half day of walking to different establishments with a local guide and food expert. Taking you to all of the best culinary spots across Paris, you’ll be sure to see why exactly Paris has become a bucketlist destination for foodies across the world. My only recommendation is to arrive with an empty stomach!
Find the best food tours in Paris here!
Browse the collection of the Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay is most famous for its collection of impressionist paintings. From artists such as Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir, this museum holds over 6,000 works of art. The building of the Musee d’Orsay itself is stunning. What was once a train station, the building was converted to a museum when it first opened in 1986.
I was a huge fan of the Musee d’Orsay. Not as crowded and overwhelming as the Louvre, it was wonderful to get close enough to the works that you are able to view every brushstroke.
Walk Across The Pont Alexandre III
Spanning over the Seine river, the Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that I am positive you’ve seen pictures of at some point in your life. Connecting the Champs-Elysees with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower, this bridge is an iconic attraction in Paris.
Built in 1896, the Pont Alexandre III reflects a similar style to the Palais Garnier, which it leads to. Ornate details such as arches, gilded sculptures, and brightly lit lanterns cover the bridge. It’s no doubt the Pont Alexandre III is an iconic symbol of Paris. In fact, there is an extensive list of movies and shows that have filmed along the bridge. Even Adele’s music video for ‘Someone Like You’ was shot here!
Take a city tour
Another way to familiarize yourself with Paris is to go on a city tour. City tours are one of the best ways to ensure you see all the most notorious parts of the city, especially if you are short on time! There are so many different city tours available in Paris including biking, walking, car, boat, and more! So wether you are short on time, are traveling with kids, or just don’t feel like walking, you’ll be able to find the perfect tour for you.
Find the best Paris city tours here!
See a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge
One of the most famous places to see a show, the Moulin Rouge has been entertaining since the late 1800’s. Moulin Rouge is know for its dazzling shows with vibrant color and elaborate costumes. Their cabaret shows are known for being wildly entertaining and over the top!
Today, many people from around the world flock to Moulin Rouge for musical dance entertainment. Many even make a night of it and enjoy a French feast with champagne beforehand.
Book tickets for a show at the Moulin Rouge here!
Visit the Rodin Museum
One of the most famous artworks in the world, The Thinker, was created by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Rodin revolutionized sculpture in the late 1800s to early 1900s and is thought to be “the founder of modern sculpture.” Typically, his works were created in clay and later cast in Bronze.
The Rodin Museum is a smaller museum with an outdoor garden filled with many of his works. From The Gates Of Hell to The Age Of Bronze, these sculptures are studied by artists and historians to this day. As an art history major, I am a huge fan of Rodin’s work. His skill was so precise and detailed, you can see the veins in the head of his human sculptures.
Visit the Tomb Of Napoleon
Located at the Royal Chapel at Les Invalides in Paris, Napoleon’s tomb lies directly under the glistening golden dome of the building. Surrounding the tomb are many other monuments celebrating France’s military history.
Napoleon is most well known as being a military leader through the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. In 1804, he even crowned himself emperor. In 1821, Napoleon died as a prisoner from natural causes.
Napoleon’s tomb is so large, it takes up two levels of Les Invalides. Upstairs you can look down at the tomb and see the beautiful mosaic flooring it sits on. Sculptures of angels surround the tomb. On the lower level you can get a closer look at the tomb itself.
It wasn’t until 1840 that his remains were transferred to Les Invalides. His massive red sarcophagus was transported by boat up the Seine and eventually to a golden carriage pulled by white horses. The building had to undergo major excavation work in order to fit his tomb inside!
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You have quite the list of adventures for your first trip to Paris! Be sure to get your Paris pass to save money by bundling entry tickets to many of the attractions, sites, and museums on this list. Paris is a vibrant city, and I can’t wait for you to experience everything it has to offer. Enjoy a crepe (or two) for me!
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A nice collection of things to do and see whilst you’re in Paris and get a first feel for the city. How did you like it? I found it at first a bit chaotic and widespread but it grew on me. I haven’t rushed back as the city hasn’t engaged me as much as other places have, but I’m intrigued by Napoleon’s tomb and the Rodin museum. The louvre used to be free for Europeans under 26 not sure if it still is. It’s definitely a point of interest not to be missed even tho it’ll be busy.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Thank you Carolin! I’ll admit, when I first visited it was during the winter, so I feel like I didn’t get the best Paris experience I could have. I feel like going back in the spring or summer I would have a total different experience. I really enjoyed the museums, food and whole aesthetic of Paris. It’s absolutely beautiful. But I feel very similarly to you, where I have other placed I’d rather focus on before heading back.
Also, I did just research the Louvre pricing- they offer year-round free entry for those under 18. And on Friday evenings, it’s free to those under 26.
I can attest to this being a great list as it’s essentially everything we did during our four days there in 2019! With the exception of the Louvre and, more regrettably, the Rodin Museum, everything on here is so much fun to see! The only thing I’d maybe add is the Panthéon for history lovers!
Oh yes, great suggestion on the Panteon for sure!