Top Things To Do In Paris, France

ByKelsey Heinrichs Hours
The Eiffel Tower rises beneath a clear blue sky, framed by vibrant pink cherry blossoms and lush green trees in full bloom. Spring flowers surround the iconic Paris landmark, creating a colorful and picturesque seasonal cityscape.

There’s so much more to Paris than croissants, berets and all the Parisian clichés you’ve seen in films (and one particular Netflix series that shall remain nameless). Paris is my most-visited city in Europe, and I’m not sure I’ll ever get sick of it! There’s simply so much to see and do. I’ve visited dozens of times, yet no two trips have ever felt the same, thanks to the city’s constantly evolving neighbourhoods and endless list of whimsical things to experience.

From world-famous museums and rooftop drinks in Le Marais to vintage shopping at medieval flea markets, dinners with Eiffel Tower views, beautiful hotels, picnics along the Seine and exploring the eerie underground labyrinth beneath the city, this Paris guide covers it all.

Paris is undeniably beautiful, yet parts of the city are a little rough around the edges, and I personally think that’s part of its charm. The beauty of Paris isn’t just skin deep. Over the decades, I’ve watched the city evolve into an exciting mix of cultures, cuisines and creative communities, all of which have made me fall in love with it even more.

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The best Things To Do In Paris

Go on a Dinner Cruise Along the Seine

If it’s your first (or even third!) time in Paris, I can’t recommend a Seine dinner cruise enough. I’ve been to Paris more times than I can count, and I still found this to be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city.

You can tick off many of Paris’ most famous landmarks without the sore feet or having to navigate the sometimes confusing metro system. On a warm spring evening, I arrived at the departure point along the banks of the Seine, stepped aboard the boat and was promptly handed a welcome cocktail to kick off the evening.

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  • View from the deck of a river boat on the Seine with a cushioned lounge seat in the foreground and the Eiffel Tower rising beyond a bridge ahead. Trees line both banks of the river under a bright blue sky, highlighting a relaxed sightseeing experience in Paris

One of the things I loved most was being able to head up to the open-air deck for uninterrupted views and photos. I quickly snapped a few pictures with the Eiffel Tower before settling in for the first of three courses. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the food, and the portion sizes were far more generous than I expected.

As you cruise along the Seine, you’ll glide past some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay, all beautifully illuminated once evening falls.

The pace of the evening is super relaxed, with plenty of time between courses to soak up the views, enjoy a drink on the upstairs terrace and watch Paris drift by. Trust me when I say that seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the river is one of those classic Paris moments that actually lives up to the hype and shouldn’t be missed.

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  • Two Aperol Spritz cocktails and plated sandwiches on a sunlit table beside a river view, creating a relaxed dining experience aboard a boat.
  • Guest standing on the deck of a river cruise boat holding a cocktail while admiring the Eiffel Tower across the Seine on a clear day.

For an unmissable experience, I recommend booking the Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise, which includes a gourmet French dinner while cruising past Paris’ most famous landmarks. Alternatively, this 3-Course Seine Dinner Cruise is another excellent option if you’re looking for a romantic evening on the water.

I booked my dinner cruise via Klook, and I’m pleased to share my discount code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off this tour or any activity in Paris or worldwide.

  • View of Notre Dame Cathedral and a stone bridge over the Seine River on a sunny day, with pedestrians and boats moving through the historic Paris cityscape.

Take a Macaron-Making Class

Sure, eating macarons in Paris is fantastic, but MAKING macarons in Paris with a local pastry chef? A million times better! This hands-on macaron baking class takes place in a beautiful Parisian apartment near the Eiffel Tower and was honestly one of the most fun experiences I had in the city.

We started by settling in with drinks and tasting five different macaron flavours before voting on the two we’d like to make. We chose lemon curd and raspberry, which turned out to be an excellent decision, although they were all delicious, and we probably spent too long deliberating.

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  • Hand holding a box of colorful macarons on a quiet Paris street with the Eiffel Tower rising in the background between historic buildings.

Now, I’ll happily admit that my baking skills are questionable at best, but thankfully, our host was an incredibly patient teacher. He left a career behind to pursue his passion for cooking full-time, and his love for baking shines through in every part of the class. He breaks down what can be quite a technical process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, so even complete beginners can leave feeling like a Parisian pastry chef.

After a demonstration, we got stuck into mixing, piping and baking the macaron shells before making the fillings and assembling our creations. There was something very satisfying about seeing them come together, especially knowing how notoriously difficult macarons can be to make.

  • Close up of a baker whisking pink macaron batter in a mixing bowl beside lemons, flour, and fresh pink tulips on a kitchen countertop.
  • Hand holding a freshly made yellow macaron with pink tulips softly blurred in the background, highlighting the delicate texture and filling.

At the end of the class, everyone gets to box up their macarons to take home. We left with several boxes of our creations, one of which I demolished later that evening, and another I gifted to a friend.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or solo, this is such a fun way to experience a little slice of French culture, and you’ll leave with both new baking skills and a very delicious souvenir.

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  • Pastry chef piping pink and yellow macaron batter onto baking trays beside fresh tulips and lemons on a kitchen worktable.

Enjoy a Classic French Bistro Lunch

One of the biggest mistakes tourists make in Paris is dining at restaurants directly next to major attractions like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. And look, I get it. Your feet hurt, you’ve already clocked up 20,000 steps, and the idea of walking another few blocks for lunch is a bit of an ask. But trust me on this one: some of the best meals in Paris are found just a little further away from the crowds.

  • Outdoor garden dining table set for lunch with seafood dishes, white wine, fresh bread, and elegant place settings surrounded by lush greenery and wrought iron chairs.
    Hôtel Particulier

La Fontaine de Mars

One of my favourite bistros is located just a few streets back from the Eiffel Tower, serving classic French dishes like foie gras, duck confit, and steak frites. La Fontaine de Mars has a large bistro-style outdoor terrace, which is perfect for people-watching while sipping a glass of red.

  • A cozy outdoor dining setup at a Parisian restaurant, featuring a small table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth. The table is set with two plates of steak and fries, a basket of bread, a glass of red wine, a glass of water, and a bottle of sparkling water. The scene is framed by red wicker chairs and the wooden exterior of the restaurant, which has the words "Salon Particulier à l'étage" elegantly written in gold lettering. The inviting ambiance highlights the charm and warmth of traditional French dining.
  • A woman in a white, elegant outfit stands in front of La Fontaine de Mars, a charming Parisian restaurant. The restaurant features distinctive red and white striped awnings and has an inviting outdoor seating area with red wicker chairs and tables covered in red-checkered tablecloths. The woman is carrying a straw bag and smiling, adding to the welcoming and vibrant atmosphere of this classic Parisian dining spot. The stone archway and traditional decor enhance the timeless appeal of the scene.

Chez Janou

If you’re exploring Le Marais, I also highly recommend going for lunch at Chez Janou. Reservations are recommended in advance, as it’s incredibly popular, partly thanks to its famous chocolate mousse, which is dramatically scooped and PLONKED onto your plate tableside. While the mousse gets all the attention, I was equally impressed by the main courses. I ordered the duck breast and was very impressed.

Hôtel Particulier

For something a little more off the beaten path, head to Hôtel Particulier, tucked away down a hidden alleyway in the backstreets of Montmartre. This was easily one of the most magical dining experiences I’ve had in Paris.

I spent a sunny afternoon in the leafy courtyard, enjoying steak frites, half a dozen fresh Normandy oysters and tucking into desserts (order their Mille-feuille!) beside a trickling fountain, while the resident chickens and rabbits casually hopped between the tables. It felt like I’d wandered into a Parisian version of Snow White.

  • Guest enjoying an outdoor garden lunch at an elegant courtyard restaurant, seated beside seafood dishes, white wine, and lush greenery.
  • Romantic garden dining table with plated desserts and rosé wine beside a stone fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and elegant wrought iron chairs.

Paris Sightseeing Tour in a Vintage Car

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to see Paris, I highly recommend hopping into a vintage Citroën 2CV for this sightseeing tour around the city. You’ll whizz through the streets in this bright yellow classic car, with the roof rolled back and front-row views of some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.

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  • Vintage yellow Citroën 2CV parked beside the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower rising above the trees under a clear blue Paris sky.

During the tour, you’ll pass by sights like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Panthéon, while learning about the city’s history from your driver and guide. My guide, Clément, was such a vibe. Not only was he full of fascinating stories and local knowledge, but he also shared some fantastic recommendations for restaurants, bars and hidden gems around Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter.

  • Guest standing beside a vintage yellow Citroën 2CV in front of the Arc de Triomphe on a sunny day in Paris.
  • The Panthéon in Paris viewed from the street with a yellow Paris taxi in the foreground and its neoclassical dome rising against a clear blue sky.

One of my favourite parts was that we stopped at some of the best photo spots in Paris along the way. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with family, Clément is more than happy to play photographer and somehow managed to capture all my good angles – so you can totally trust him to take lots of epic photos of you and your loved ones.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the city, but it’s equally fun if you’ve been to Paris before and want to discover a few lesser-known corners of the Left Bank while travelling in serious style.

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  • Guest posing beside a vintage yellow Citroën 2CV with the Eiffel Tower rising above the Seine River on a clear day in Paris.
  • Person standing through the open roof of a vintage yellow Citroën 2CV in Place Vendôme, with elegant Parisian architecture and pedestrians in the background.

Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral

After the devastating fire in 2019, the Notre-Dame finally reopened to the public in December 2024 following a remarkable five-year restoration project. Seeing one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks restored to its former glory is pretty special, and I was genuinely excited to visit, as I never got the chance to step inside on my earlier trips to the city.

  • Wide view of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with visitors gathered in the plaza and trees framing the historic Gothic facade. The cathedral's twin towers and intricate stonework stand out against a clear blue sky.

One of the biggest surprises? Entry is completely free. Considering the scale of the restoration and the hundreds of millions invested into rebuilding the cathedral, I honestly expected there to be some sort of admission fee. Reservations are recommended during busy periods, but visitors can still enter without a booking.

  • Interior view of Notre Dame Cathedral showcasing soaring vaulted ceilings, Gothic arches, and stained glass windows lining both sides of the nave. Warm chandeliers illuminate the grand stone columns and symmetrical architecture leading toward the altar.
  • Close up of ornate gold chandeliers hanging from soaring stone arches inside Notre Dame Cathedral. Sunlight filters through colorful stained glass windows, highlighting the Gothic columns and intricate architectural details.

If you can, try to visit on a Sunday and attend Mass. Even if you’re not religious, listening to the choir beneath the soaring Gothic ceilings is a truly ethereal experience. Just be prepared for queues, particularly during peak hours. I’d recommend arriving shortly before opening or visiting later in the afternoon when the crowds begin to thin out.

After your visit, take a stroll around Île de la Cité to admire the cathedral from different angles and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship that went into bringing this Parisian masterpiece back to life.

  • Congregation gathered inside Notre Dame Cathedral during a religious service, with clergy standing at the altar beneath towering Gothic arches. A large stained glass rose window fills the background, casting colorful light across the historic interior.

Paris Food Tour at the Aligre Market

If you’re a foodie like me, you can’t miss this highly-rated Paris food tour! This activity is a great way to experience Paris like a local, and trust me, you’ll want to arrive hungry as you’ll eat well over 30 samples of food!

The tour takes you to the Aligre Market, located in the 12th arrondissement, where your local host will guide you on a 3-hour tasting adventure. You’ll learn about the origins of French cuisine, Parisian culture and traditional cooking methods, while munching on local delicacies and fresh market produce.

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  • Woman holding a glass of rosé outside a red storefront in Paris, standing between stacked wine crates and smiling toward the camera. White lettering on the window reads "PRODUITS RÉGIONAUX" and "Sur place et à l'emporter."
  • Hand holding a wooden charcuterie board topped with pâté crostini, cured meats, salami, and a ham sandwich with cornichons. Bright yellow sunflowers and purple flowers frame the scene beside a turquoise pool on a sunny day.

We tried plenty of pastries, slurped oysters from Normandy, sampled incredible French aged cheeses and charcuterie and even tried escargot! Every single bite was just sensational, plus we had pairings of local wine to go with each mouthful. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat, as I lost count of the endless cakes and tarts we were fed.

  • Slice of strawberry cake topped with fresh strawberries and cream, held by hand in bright sunlight. The golden sponge cake reveals a layer of strawberry filling, with a rustic wooden background softly blurred behind it.
  • Woman in a burgundy cardigan smiling while holding a slice of strawberry cake topped with fresh strawberries and cream. She stands beside a wooden doorway in warm sunlight, looking at the dessert in her hand.

We finished with a glass of rosé at a historic wine bar, and what I loved most about this experience is that it’s a small, intimate group, so by the end, everyone had become friends. I’ve been to Paris countless times, but it’s experiences like this that made me feel just a little more Parisian by discovering a side to the city I would have missed previously.

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  • Seafood platter on crushed ice featuring freshly shucked oysters, shrimp, salmon sashimi, sea snails, and scallops. A hand opens an oyster beside a sliced lemon, creating a fresh market style seafood dining scene.
  • Woman walking through an outdoor market in Paris wearing a burgundy cardigan and white skirt, carrying a shoulder bag and smiling toward the camera. Market stalls with red awnings and fresh produce displays line the cobblestone street behind her.

Where to Stay In Paris

Most Beautiful Hotels in Paris

Paris has no shortage of incredible places to stay, from historic palace hotels overlooking the Eiffel Tower to boutique stays hidden down cobbled side streets. I’ve put together a separate guide featuring my favourite luxury and boutique hotels in the city, all of which I’ve personally stayed at. Read my full guide to the most beautiful hotels in Paris.

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  • Steaming rooftop hot tubs overlook the Paris skyline at sunset, with the Eiffel Tower centered against a glowing orange sky. Wine glasses rest beside the tubs as soft evening light creates a romantic and luxurious atmosphere.
  • Person relaxing on a hotel bed in a white robe while holding a glass of champagne, surrounded by room service breakfast, newspapers, and a bouquet of pink roses. Ornate red patterned wallpaper, velvet curtains, and an upholstered headboard create a romantic and luxurious boutique hotel atmosphere.

Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower Views

Looking for somewhere special to stay? I’ve rounded up over 30 incredible Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views, from romantic penthouses to charming Parisian apartments with front-row views of the Iron Lady.

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  • Person standing in a luxury hotel suite looking out toward the Eiffel Tower through open glass doors at sunset. Warm pink and orange skies frame the iconic landmark, while elegant furnishings and a bouquet of flowers create a romantic Parisian retreat.
  • Person standing on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Paris skyline at dusk, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated against a pink and lavender sunset sky. The iconic landmark rises above the surrounding rooftops, creating a dramatic and romantic Paris evening view.

Most Beautiful Airbnbs in Paris

If you’ve always dreamed of staying in a Haussmann-style apartment along the Seine or in a cool converted loft in the hills of Montmartre, I’ve got you covered! Here’s my guide on the most beautiful Airbnbs in Paris. 

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  • Elegant hotel suite living room with a velvet sofa, marble fireplace, and herringbone wood floors illuminated by natural sunlight. A round dining table set with pastries, fruit, flowers, and orange juice creates a welcoming atmosphere, while ornate details and classic furnishings add Parisian charm.

Google Map of Paris

Here’s a Google map with all the best places to visit in Paris, so you can easily plan your trip!

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