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What to Do in Paris: Top Tourist Attractions & Activities ✨

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Paris, the “City of Light,” is the capital of France, located in the Île-de-France region. Renowned worldwide for its history, art, cuisine, and vibrant street life, Paris offers an unparalleled variety of experiences.

Whether you’re researching “what to do in Paris” for your first trip or your fifth, this guide will help you uncover the city’s best tourist attractions, cultural experiences, culinary delights, and recurring events, as well as practical advice on finding the perfect hotel in Paris, apartments in Paris, B&B in Paris, or AirBnb in Paris.

Tourist Attractions

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1. Iconic Monuments and Landmarks

  1. Eiffel Tower
    • The ultimate symbol of Paris, offering panoramic views from its three observation decks.
    • Best time to visit: at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds and capture the golden light.
  2. Louvre Museum
    • World’s largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and thousands of other masterpieces.
    • Tip: Reserve timed-entry tickets online to skip long queues.
  3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
    • An architectural masterpiece of French Gothic art, famed for its flying buttresses, rose windows, and gargoyles.
    • Although still under restoration following the 2019 fire, the exterior and surroundings remain awe-inspiring.
  4. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
    • Climb the Arc for sweeping views of twelve avenues radiating from Place Charles de Gaulle.
    • Stroll down the Champs-Élysées for luxury boutiques, cafés, and the annual Bastille Day parade.
  5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica & Montmartre
    • Perched atop the Butte Montmartre, offering sweeping vistas of Paris below.
    • Explore the bohemian streets where artists like Picasso and Van Gogh once lived.

2. River Seine Experiences

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  • Seine River Cruise
    • Relaxing boat tours provide a unique perspective on Paris’s bridges and monuments.
    • Evening cruises with dinner offer a magical view of illuminated landmarks.
  • Quayside Strolls
    • Wander along the Seine’s banks, now pedestrianized in many sections, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.

3. Green Spaces and Views

  • Luxembourg Gardens
    • Formal lawns, geometric flowerbeds, and the Médicis Fountain make this the ideal spot for reading or people-watching.
  • Tuileries Garden
    • Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, featuring sculptures, fountains, and a small amusement park.
  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
    • A wilder, hillier park in northeastern Paris with cliffs, a suspension bridge, and waterfalls.

Cultural Attractions

Art and History

  • Musée d’Orsay
    • Housed in a beaux-arts railway station, showcasing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more.
  • Centre Pompidou
    • An avant-garde building featuring a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, plus a panoramic rooftop view.
  • Musée Rodin
    • Combines elegant mansion rooms with sculpture-studded gardens, featuring iconic works like The Thinker.

Performance Arts

  1. Opéra Garnier
    • A sumptuous 19th-century opera house with a grand marble staircase and Marc Chagall ceiling.
    • Guided tours reveal behind-the-scenes of ballet and opera productions.
  2. Théâtre du Châtelet & Théâtre de la Ville
    • Historic venues hosting dance, theater, and live music in the heart of Paris.
  3. Live Jazz Clubs
    • Explore intimate cellars in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, such as Le Caveau de la Huchette, for authentic Parisian jazz nights.

Literary Paris

  • Shakespeare and Company
    • The legendary English-language bookstore on the Left Bank, once a haunt of Hemingway and Joyce.
  • Café de Flore & Les Deux Magots
    • Iconic cafés where Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other intellectuals debated existentialism.

Culinary Attractions

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French Classics and Street Food

  • Boulangeries and Pâtisseries
    • Don’t miss freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes. Key tip: look for the “Meilleur Croissant de Paris” award stickers.
  • Crêperies
    • Savor sweet and savory crêpes in the Latin Quarter.

Markets and Food Halls

  • Marché Bastille
    • Open Thursdays and Sundays, offering fresh produce, cheese vendors, charcuterie, and flowers.
  • Le Food Market
    • A rotating collection of international food trucks and pop-ups under the highways near Boulevard de Belleville.
  • Grande Épicerie de Paris (in Le Bon Marché)
    • Luxury food hall with gourmet specialties from around the world.

Fine Dining and Michelin-Starred Restaurants

  • Le Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower)
    • High-end French cuisine with stunning views.
  • L’Arpège
    • Chef Alain Passard’s vegetable-focused, three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Septime
    • Modern, sustainable approach to French cooking, awarded stars and global acclaim.

Wine Bars and Bakeries

  • O Château
    • Offers wine tastings and pairing workshops.
  • Du Pain et des Idées
    • Famous for its “pain des amis” and stunning decor.

Recurring Event Attractions

  1. Paris Fashion Week (February/March & September/October)
    • World-renowned runway shows in venues like the Grand Palais or Palais de Tokyo.
  2. Bastille Day Celebrations (July 14)
    • Military parade on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and public dances in neighborhood squares.
  3. Fête de la Musique (June 21)
    • Free live music takes over streets, parks, and cafés throughout the city.
  4. Nuit Blanche (Early October)
    • All-night arts festival with installations, performances, and light shows in public spaces.
  5. Paris Marathon (April)
    • Scenic race through central Paris, passing landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
  6. Christmas Markets (November – January)
    • Festive stalls along the Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, and La Défense, offering crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.

Accommodation Guide

Finding the right place to stay is essential when planning “what to do in Paris.” Whether you’re searching for a hotel in Paris with Eiffel Tower views or a cozy B&B in Paris tucked in Montmartre, here’s what to consider:

Hotels in Paris

  • Luxury
    • Ritz Paris (Place Vendôme) – Timeless elegance, spa, and fine dining.
    • Le Meurice (near the Louvre) – Opulent rooms overlooking the Tuileries Gardens.
  • Mid-Range
    • Boutique hotels in the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offering modern design and personalized service.
  • Budget
    • Chain hotels like ibis or citizenM in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin.

Apartments and AirBnbs

  • Apartments in Paris
    • Ideal for families or extended stays. Look for fully equipped kitchens in central districts (1st to 7th arrondissements).
  • AirBnB in Paris
    • Unique lofts in Le Marais, Haussmannian flats with balconies, or artist studios in Montmartre. Check for Superhost status and positive reviews for reliability.

B&B in Paris

  • Charming Guesthouses
    • Small-scale, family-run, often in residential arrondissements (e.g., 12th or 20th), offering local insights and homemade breakfasts.

Practical Tips

  • Transport in Île-de-France
    • Paris has an extensive metro, RER trains, buses, and tramways. Purchase a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel zones 1–3, covering the city center.
  • Language
    • Basic French greetings go a long way: “Bonjour,” “Merci,” and “S’il vous plaît.”
  • Best Times to Visit
    • Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) combine mild weather with fewer tourists.
  • Safety and Etiquette
    • Keep an eye on pickpockets in crowded attractions. Respect the quiet atmosphere in churches and museums.
  • Currency
    • Euro (€). Inform your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
  • Connectivity
    • Free public Wi-Fi is available in many cafés and municipal parks. Consider a local SIM card for wider coverage.
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