Awesome Things to Do and Tourist Places to Visit in Paris

September 7, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 3508 Views

Paris has been one of the most important cities in the history of modern civilizations. In many aspects it has been at the forefront of human history. The places to visit in Paris have played an important part in shaping modern politics and culture across the world. No matter which country you are from or which country you live in, Paris has had an impact on it. Paris is a pilgrimage for art, architecture, history and culture. Anyone interested in any of these must visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. The city is significant not only to France, but also to the world and everyone in it. The world owes many major parts of history to Paris. Humanity owns historical, artistic, scientific and cultural progress to Paris.

Paris is also known as the city of lights and the Fashion Capital of the World. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Paris, France. Many people visit Paris exclusively for shopping. You will find all sorts of fashion at several famous places in Paris and at all sorts of price ranges. In this article below you will see a list of some of the best shopping streets among Paris tourist attractions. Paris is also the City of Love. It is often been included among most popular romantic destinations. There is no shortage of romantic things to do in Paris. In fact, there are a few tours especially designed for couples to have an incredible and intimate experience. For those with more expensive taste, romantic things to do in Paris may include dining at the Eiffel Tower or some of the more luxurious restaurant in the city. You can also go for a romantic boat ride in the canal with musicians by your side. The romantic side of Paris has found expression in several movies such as Midnight in Paris, Before Sunset, Paris I Love You, 2 Days in Paris, La Vie en Rose, The Lovers on the Bridge, and many more.

Paris is actually of the most filmed cities in the world. The best places to visit in Paris have been featured in amazing films such as Midnight in Paris, Hugo, From Paris with Love, Amelie, Ratatouille, An American in Paris, Moulin Rogue, Les Miserables, Taken, Da Vince Code, and so many more. You won’t even need a Paris travel guide if you go through these films. Some people track down the locations of these films among fun things to do in Paris. These film show off many things to see in Paris. You will even get to know some hacks and interesting facts about Paris tourist attractions from many of these films. The city has a character of its own and its beautiful.

Among other top things to do in Paris is experience rich cuisine. As with other things foodies make a trip to Paris to eat at some of the finest restaurants in the world. Some would argue to include a few special restaurants among places to see in Paris. There a few offbeat and exotic cuisines as well which you may count under unusual things to do in Paris.

Just to get the technical out of the way, Paris is the capital city of France located at the northern center of the country. Being on of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there are loads of fun things to do in Paris, France. As anyone would do, you could begin with historical places to go in Paris. The best places to visit in Paris are also the best places to visit in Europe and the world. The two biggest items on Paris travel guide are of course the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Almost everyone is familiar with these two Paris tourist attractions. One of the Paris attractions to gain popularity recently owing to the fire in 2019 is Notre Dame Cathedral. Paris sightseeing would include several churches, cathedrals, palaces, museums, and art galleries. Art is one of the prime tourist attractions in Paris. There are a few experimental art galleries you can include as must see in Paris. Many enthusiast, artists, admirers and connoisseurs embark on Paris travel exclusively for old, modern, and contemporary art. Though do remember that most galleries charge an entry fee. There are a few which don’t charge an entry fee to include among free things to do in Paris, France. You would love to visit Paris if you understand and enjoy any form of art. Hopping between art galleries is one of the best things to do in Paris.

As you read through the article, you will know that there are numerous famous places in Paris. You might not be able to cover them all in one trip to Paris. But, even the few places you visit in Paris will be remembered for a lifetime.

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Table of Contents

7 Days Trip Itinerary To Visit Paris Tourist Attractions

This section explores Paris sighing in 7 days. Though not all the attractions of this fabulous city can be covered in a week’s time, this section tries to incorporate as many popular Paris attractions as possible which you can enjoy in a week’s time. You can check for more fun things to do in Paris in the section after this one. It has a complete list of almost each and every thing to do and place to visit on a trip to Paris.

Day 1

1. Eiffel Tower

Of course you must see the Eiffel Tower when you visit Paris, it is unmissable. Among all the things to see in Paris, this tower is the most important as well as the most popular. The Eiffel Tower, named after engineer Gustave Eiffel, was built in 1889 for World Exhibition. Since then it has gone many ups and down in popularity before becoming an icon of France and its capital city. The journey of best places to visit in Paris starts with the celebrated Eiffel Tower. While staring at this tower might be among free things to do in Paris, France exploring it is chargeable, but it’s worth the money. You will need 2 to 3 hours for the grand monument.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket of Eiffel Tower Summit in advance.

2. Seine River Cruise

This cruise is among the most romantic things to do in Paris. While enjoying a view of the city from river Seine, you can spot many Paris attractions. The boat ride also gives you great insight about the evolution of this city. The boat ride will require an hour’s time during Paris sightseeing.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Seine River Cruise in advance.

3. Champ de Mars

This huge park is one of the most well known places to visit during Paris travel. It connects Eiffel Tower to Ecole Militaire. This is the place where most people click pictures with the Eiffel Tower. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes of time for this park.

4. Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin)

This museum is dedicated to the legendary artist responsible for ‘The Thinker’, Auguste Rodin. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Paris as you explore life and works of this great sculpture. You will need an hour or two for the Rodin Museum.

I suggest you should book Entrance Ticket of Rodin Museum in advance.

5. Hotel des Invalidas / Army Museum

The name translates to The National Residence of the Invalids. It is again one of the interesting places to go in Paris to learn about a part of the history of France. This museum exhibits various aspects of military history of the country and you will need an hour to explore it.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of Hotel des Invalidas and Army Museum in advance.

6. Alexander Bridge (Pont Alexandre III)

It is one of the most decorated bridges you will come across during city sightseeing of Paris. If you had taken the river cruise, you will come across this bridge during the ride as well. Take a couple of minutes to enjoy the admirable work of aesthetics on this bridge.

7. Place de la Concorde

This is the largest square in the city and it features an elaborate fountain which people come to see. You will many places from Paris travel guide around this square. You should keep 15 to 20 minutes for Place de la Concorde

8. Arc de Triomphe

One of the most famous places in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, this iconic monument is the largest as well as the tallest triumphal arch in the entire world. You would need 30 minutes for this monument.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Ticket of Arc de Triomphe with Rooftop access.

Day 2

1. Church of Saint-Sulpice

This roman catholic church is dedicated to Saint Sulpice the Pious and is the second largest church in the city. The church is included among best places to visit in Paris for its iconic painted glass windows, a large church organ and its sundial gnomon. You will need one hour for this church.

2. Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It is home to several renowned masterpieces like The Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. There are numerous incredible works of art like paintings, sculpture and art installations among things to see in Paris at Louvre Museum. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this art museum.

I suggest you must get Skip-the-Line Ticket of Louvre Museum in advance.

3. Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)

These gardens stretch from Louvre museum to Place de la Concorde. The garden was an extension of Louis XIV’s palace and became open to public after the famous French Revolution and has since become popular among Paris tourist attractions. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this garden.

4. Palais Garnier Opera House

This opulent palace like theatre was founded by Louis XIV. This theatre is one of the most opulent Paris attractions you will ever come across. This Neo Baroque style structure was designed by architect Charles Garnier, after whom the Opera House is named. You will need about an hour to explore it.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Palais Garnier Opera House in advance.

5. Wine Tasting at Ô Château

Among the most fun things to do in Paris is exploring a variety of French wines at this popular wine bar. This is an activity much enjoyed by those who visit Paris. You would need an hour or so for this exploration of wines.

I suggest you should book a Wine Tasting and Dinner at Ô Château.

6. Grevin Wax Museum (Musée Grévin)

This wax museum is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. It depicts people and events from French history with wax figures. Even the baroque style building it is established in is among wonderful places to see during Paris sightseeing.

I suggest you can book your Entry Ticket of Grevin Wax Museum in advance.

Day 3

1. Montparnasse Tower (Tour Maine-Montparnasse)

This tower is one of the best places to visit for Paris sightseeing. The building also has Europe’s fastest elevator. If you are looking for a great picture of the city’s skyline along with famous places to see in Paris like the Eiffel Tower, this is the place to be with your camera. You would need about an hour for this tower.

I suggest you must book your Roof-Top Terrace Ticket of Montparnasse Tower in advance.

2. Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg)

The gardens are part of the Luxembourg Palace and is also holds the famous Medici Fountain. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for these gardens.

3. Pantheon

This 18th century church is one of the finest examples of Neo-classical architecture among places to see in Paris. The church is dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of the city. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

I suggest you should book Entry Ticket of Pantheon in advance.

4. Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages

This museum is among the most interesting places to go in Paris. The museum exhibits several artifacts from medieval period. You would need about an hour and a half to explore this museum.

5. Holy Chapel (Sainte-Chapelle)

Also known as La Sainte Chapelle, this church was commissioned by Louis IX. This church is also one of the holiest places you can visit on your trip to Paris. It holds the true crown of thorns as well as parts of the true cross. You will need 2 hours at this church.

I suggest you should book Skip-the-Line Ticket of Sainte-Chapelle in advance.

6. Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay)

This is the second most popular art museum to explore during city sightseeing of Paris after Louvre. The museum is housed in a Beaux art station style building and holds numerous masterpieces by renowned artists. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get Skip-the-Line Ticket of Orsay Museum in advance.

Day 4

1. Dali Museum (Espace Dalí)

This museum is dedicated to life and works of famous surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The museum is quite popular with artists and art admirers alike. Even if you have no clue about the world of fine arts, this museum would be an incredible experience. The popularity of the artist has made brought this museum on the list of famous places in Paris. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a Skip-the-Line Ticket of Dali Museum in advance.

2. Place du Terte

This square is known for its famous street art. It is also included in Paris travel guide as it has been home to several renowned artists throughout history like Van Gogh, Renoir and Salvador Dali. You would need an hour at this famous public square.

3. Sacre Coeur Basilica

This white domed cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks among best places to visit in Paris. It is also known as the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Paris. You will need an hour to explore this church.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre.

4. The Centre Pompidou

If you are looking for something offbeat or unusual things to do in Paris, this modern cultural center and modern art gallery is right up your alley. Even its architecture boldly yells out offbeat. You will need 2 hours to explore this center.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Pompidou Center.

5. Notre-Dame de Paris

This cathedral is among the most famous things to see in Paris. Known for its iconic gothic architecture, this church is also one of the most important historical landmarks of the city. You would need an hour or two to explore it.

Day 5

1. Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

The palace of Louis XIV is one of the biggest Paris tourist attractions. It is one of the finest palaces in Europe. This palace has been venue for numerous historical events which were significant to France as well as the world. The palace complex comprises of multiple buildings and gardens. You will need at least half a day to explore it.

I suggest you should get your admission ticket of Palace of Versailles and Garden in advance.

2. The Royal Palace (Palais-Royal)

This palace served as home for several well known historical figures such as Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIII. It was also home to young Louis XIV. You will need 2 hours to explore this grand palace when you visit Paris.

3. Orangerie Museum (Musée de l’Orangerie)

This is again a very popular art museum to visit among Paris attractions. It exhibits several impressionist and post-impressionist art work by renowned masters such as Monet, Sisely, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and more. It is also home to Claude Monet’s masterpiece art installation ‘Water Lilies’. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this art museum.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Ticket of Orangerie Museum in advance.

Day 6

1. Catacombs of Paris

These ancient underground cemetery is one of the most erring things to see in Paris. It’s macabre aesthetics are a stark contrast to the beauty above the ground. You will need about 2 hours to explore the catacombs.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line ticket of Catacombs of Paris in advance.

2. Carnavalet Museum

The museum is spread between two mansions and they tell the story of Paris. It is one of the most important inclusions in Paris travel guide as it gives you a whole new perspective on rest of the city. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

3. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)

This beautiful building has been the center of city’s politics since the 1500s. It is again among the most beautiful buildings to see during Paris sightseeing, though exploration inside is limited. You would need 30 minutes for the Paris City Hall.

4. Pont Neuf

This white stone bridge is the oldest standing bridge of the city. It was first built in 1578. You would only need to space 10 to 15 minutes from Paris travel for this bridge.

5. Museum of Decorative Arts (Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris)

This museum exhibits decorative arts and deigns spread across 9 floors. It is housed in Pavilion de Marsan. It is among the most interesting places to see in Paris for the variety of artifacts displayed from different periods of time. You will need 2 hours at least to explore it.

6. Madeleine Church (L’église de la Madeleine)

This church is renowned for its Neo-classical architecture reflecting a Greek Temple. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Paris. The interior of the church is as decorative as its exterior. You will need about an hour to explore it.

7. Avenue des Champs-Élysées

This famous street stretches for 2 kms, culminating in the Arch of Triumph. It is one of the best streets for city sightseeing of Paris on foot. You would need about an hour to walk its length.

Day 7

1. Grand Palais

The name translates to The Great Palace. This building is designed in Beaux art style and is one of the most ornate buildings among places to go in Paris. It is also houses a huge museum and has the largest glass roof in Europe. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

2. Petit Palais

It’s name means Small Palace, but it is still quite large. This building houses the Museum of Fine Arts and will require a couple of hours time to explore.

3. Printemps

If you are looking for fun things to do in Paris like shopping and general hobnobbing this grand store is the place to be. You can find almost everything that you are looking for in this one store, including souvenirs from trip to Paris. The store is quite large so you will need 1 to 2 hours to explore it entirely.

4. Galeries Lafayette

This shopping center is among the best places to visit in Paris for all kings of shopping. It is decorated like a palace and you can feel regality in the ambience. You will again need at least 2 hours to explore it.

If you plan to visit Paris for more than 7 days, which you totally should, check out the section below. It contains an exhaustive list of all the places to see and best things to do in Paris.

Things to do in Paris

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Paris

Eiffel Tower
Louvre Museum
Notre Dame Cathedral
Triumphal Arch
Sacred Heart Basilica / Montmartre Basilica
Orsay Museum
Palace of Versailles
Egyptian Obelisk
Holy Chapel
Les Invalides Museum
Catacombs of Paris
Palace Garnier / Palais Garnier / Opera Garnier
Grand Palace / Grand Palais des Champs Elysees
Rodin Museum
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The Royal Palace / Domaine National de Palais Royal
The Pantheon
Domaine National du Palais Royal
Concierge Royal Palace
Orangerie Museum
Place des Vosges Houses
Luxembourg Palace
National Picasso Paris Museum
City Hall
Grande Arche de la Defense
Quai Branly Museum
Cluny Museum
National Museum of the Middle Ages
Grevin Museum
Small Palace / Petit Palais
Paris Museum of Modern Art
Tokyo Palace
Medeleine Church
Saint Sulpice Church
Carnavalet Museum
Chateau of Vincennes
Marmottan Monet Museum
Museum of Decorative Arts
The Army Museum
National Museum of Natural History
The Thinker Sculpture
Montmartre Museum
Dali Paris
Jacquemart Andre Museum
Museum of Romantic Life
Metiers Art Museum
Victor Hugo House
Sewers Museum
Luxor Obelisk
Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis
Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Paris

Bois de Boulogne Nature Park
Wood of Vincennes

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Paris

Red Mill Cabaret / Moulin Rouge
The Center Pompidou
Garden of Plants
La Villette Park
Le Parc des Princes Stadium / Paris Saint Germain Stadium
Hotel de Crillon
Louis Vuitton Foundation
City of Science & Industry
Paris Lido
Acclimatization Garden
Shakespeare & Company
Arab World Institute
Asterix Park

Shopping in Paris

Boulevard Saint Germain
Bon Marche
Rue du Bac
Boulevard Hassmann
Rue Tronchet
La Madeleine
Rue du Commerce
Rue Saint Dominque
Rue de Grenelle
Rue Clér
Triangle D’or
Rue de Rivoli
Palais Royal
Place des Victories
Les Halles
Place des Vosges
Le Marias
Saint Ouen Flea Market
Avenue des Champs Elysees
Avenue des Ternes

Offbeat Places, & Adventure things to do in Paris

Seine River Boat Trip
Canal Boat Tour

Sightseeing in Paris

Champs Elysees
Tuileries Gardens
Luxemburg Gardens
Place de la Concorde
Field of Mars
Mont Parnasse Tower
Island of the City / Ile de la Cite
Pont Neuf Bridge
Canal Saint Martin
Trocadero Plaza
Alexandre III Bridge
Bastille’s Place Square
Pont des Arts Bridge
Saint Louis Island
Place du Terte Square
La Defense Business District
Buttes Chaumont Park
Rivoli Street
Trocadero Gardens
Place Charles de Gualle Square
Boulevard Saint Germain
Boulevard Haussmann
Place de la Concorde Square
Rue Mouffetard Street
Parc Monceau
Coulee Verte Rene Dumont
Saint Honore Street
Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore Lane
Montaigne Avenue
Bir Hakeim Bridge
Cremieux Street
Place Dauphine
Andre Citroen Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Paris

Cafe des Deux Moulins
Chez L’Ami Jean
Stohrer
David Toutain
Alma’s Bridge
La Scene
Du Pain et Dues Idees
L’Epicure
Claus
L’Arperge
Pain Pain
Le Grand Restaurant
Holy Belly
Maison Aleph
Cafe St Regis
Pierre Herme
Big Love Cafe
L’Eclair de Genie
Dersou
Jacque Genin
Fragments
Berthillon
Breizh
L’as du Fallafel
Carette
Frenchie To Go
Cafe Chariot
Le Bristot Paul Bert
Daroco
Au Passage
Hardware Soceite
Bistroy Les Paphilles
Le Lulli
Comice
Marcel
L’Astrance
Pizza Chic
Arnaud Nicolas

Where to Stay in Paris?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Paris. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Paris.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Paris

How to Reach Paris?

By Air

There are three major airports for Paris travel. Located north of the city are Roissy Charles de Guelle Airport and Beauvias Airport. To the south is Orly Airport. All of them are great choices to visit Paris.

Charles de Guelle International Airport also known popularly as Roissy is situated north east of Paris. It is usually the most common choice for Paris travel. You can get trains as well as buses for places to visit in Paris directly from the airport. You can also get cabs, though remember that cab fares from airport are high for all best things to do in Paris. There are trains running every few minutes which take you to several things to see in Paris. Buses run at longer intervals but are still a great option to visit Paris tourist attractions.

Orly Airport located south west end of Paris is a primary airport for Air France and European airlines. If you are flying by either of these, you will most likely land at Orly for Paris travel. You can reach Paris attractions from the airport via train, buses, and cabs. Journey by bus takes about half an hour to begin Paris sightseeing. While train takes 5 minutes on an average to get you to the city so you can begin with best things to do in Paris.

Beauvias is a small airport primarily used for domestic airlines. Here you only have the option of bus transport to visit Paris.

By Road

Paris is one of the most important cities in all of Europe and even the world. It is very well developed and incredibly well connected by road. Though the city does not have a particular central station for domestic and international trains for Paris travel. There are 6 stations which connect Paris with different cities. You can direct train to visit Paris from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy and so on. You also have easy access for top things to do in Paris from numerous cities in France via the train network. You can basically make a trip to Paris from almost any major city in Europe. The stations are fairly close to popular places to see in Paris. You will be able to cover a few must see places in Paris as soon as you get out of the station.

As well as Paris is connected by trains, it has even better road connectivity. It is basically the heart of France and all major roads seem to emerge for Paris travel. There are so many highways connecting to the French capital, that it would be rather difficult to list them all. If you get your own car for Paris sightseeing, there are a few places difficult to access for tourists you can enjoy. You can also enjoy a few free things to do in Paris, France at the outskirts of the city if you are traveling by car.

By Water

Paris is not a coastal city. So you won’t get any direct water route for Paris travel.

Image Reference

Eiffel Tower – Nuno Lopes / PixaBay
Seine River Cruise – amilalakmal / PixaBay
Champ de Mars – DUOTONE_ / PixaBay
Rodin Museum – ome Willem / PixaBay
Hotel des Invalides – David Mark / PixaBay
Alexander Bridge – MustangJoe / PixaBay
Place de la Concorde – Ra La / PixaBay
Arc de Triomphe – ian kelsall / PixaBay
Church of Saint-Sulpice – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) – matt_86 / PixaBay
Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) – Christelle PRIEUR / PixaBay
Palais Garnier Opera House – lino9999 / PixaBay
Wine Tasting at Ô Château – Scott Dexter / Flickr
Grevin Wax Museum (Musée Grévin) – Chabe01 / Wikimedia Commons
Montparnasse Tower (Tour Maine-Montparnasse) – Jacques GAIMARD / PixaBay
Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) – Carole LR / PixaBay
Pantheon – Nick Loyless / Flickr
Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages – Pline / Wikimedia Commons
Holy Chapel (Sainte-Chapelle) – ian kelsall / PixaBay
Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay) – RGY23 / PixaBay
Dali Museum (Espace Dalí) – Beatriz Mendes / Flickr
Place du Tertre – elPadawan / Flickr
Sacre Coeur Basilica – Mark Fischer / Flickr
The Centre Pompidou – Peter M Graham / Flickr
Notre-Dame de Paris – Leif Linding / PixaBay
Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) – Gary Todd / Flickr
Royal Palace (Palais-Royal) – Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Orangerie Museum (Musée de l’Orangerie) – Traktorminze / Wikimedia Commons
Catacombs of Paris – Rijin / Wikimedia Commons
Carnavalet Museum – Ernest McGray, Jr. / Flickr
City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) – Graham Hobster / PixaBay
Pont Neuf – Luc Mercelis / Flickr
Museum of Decorative Arts (Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris) – Telemaque MySon / Wikimedia Commons
Madeleine Church (L’église de la Madeleine) – David Mark / PixaBay
Avenue des Champs-Élysées – NakNakNak / PixaBay
Grand Palais – Ștefan Jurcă / Flickr
Petit Palais – foomtsuruhashi / Flickr
Printemps – LisArt / Flickr
Galeries Lafayette – 139904 / PixaBay