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18 best things to do in Paris in 2024
Are you traveling to Paris? Read this article to discover all the things you can do, explore, and see in the City of Lights!
Paris is a dream holiday destination for millions of people worldwide. And with some of the most recognizable architecture in the world, fantastic museums, and unique cultural experiences — it’s easy to see why.
With so many places to visit and things to do in Paris, fitting everything into a single holiday can be a challenge. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do in the City of Light.
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What to see and do in Paris
The best way to truly get to know Paris is to explore. Hop into a comfortable pair of shoes, have your Google Maps ready, and get ready to do some walking.
1. Eiffel tower
Let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way first. You can’t really say you’ve been to Paris if you haven’t visited the Eiffel Tower. It’s become pretty much synonymous with the French capital and is the biggest draw in a city that has plenty to offer, even if it was without it.
You can find it on the Champ de Mars, in the 7th arrondissement, and it can be easily reached by metro (Bir-Hakeim station) or RER (Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station). Once there, you can take in the iconic skyline, take essential travel pictures, and ascend to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city.
The entrance price varies depending on the height you want to reach, starting around $15 to access the second level and $38 to get to the top. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bottom floor of the tower.
2. The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world, and it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss when visiting Paris. It houses an extensive collection of art that ranges from ancient pieces to mid-19th-century icons.
The museum is most famous for showcasing the Mona Lisa, but it has no shortage of other iconic pieces within it. The museum itself is located in the heart of Paris, near the Seine River, in a historic 16th-century building that’s no less impressive than some of the pieces within it.
Prices:
- Adults: $18.50
- Children (0-18 years): Free
Schedule:
- Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesdays) from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you don’t want to spend hours in line to get to the museum, you can put your eSIM for France to good use and book your Louvre tickets online.
3. Notre-Dame de Paris
Paris is known as the birthplace of Gothic-style architecture, and Notre-Dame de Paris, or Notre Dame Cathedral, is one of the most iconic examples of French Gothic architecture. Also known as the home of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, the cathedral first opened in 1345, although its construction started as far back as 1163.
The cathedral suffered from a huge fire in 2019, but it’s set to reopen in December 2024, so make sure to visit if you’re in France after that time. Even with the ongoing restoration, passing by the cathedral and admiring it from the outside should be on your travel checklist for Paris.
4. Café de Flore
If you’re starting to feel hungry from exploring the city, Café de Flore is one place you might want to visit. Opened way back in the 1880s, it’s one of the oldest cafes in Paris, and is just as famous for its drinks and snacks as it is for the people who visit.
Many great writers and artists used to frequent the cafe, including Pablo Picasso, Charles Maurras, and Remy de Gourmont. It’s still often visited by local and international celebrities today.
The cafe doesn’t accept bookings, so you might face a long line upon arrival. But that also makes Café de Flore one of the best places to go people-watching in Paris, as plenty of unique and interesting people gather here.
5. Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The Montmartre district is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, narrow cobbled streets, and being the home of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The basilica, locally known as Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, is located at the top of the hill and offers impressive panoramic views of Paris.
You can get to Montmartre by metro and take the stairs or funicular to the basilica. Here, you can explore the beautiful streets of Place du Tertre and enjoy the views from the top of the Montmartre hill.
6. Luxembourg garden
The Luxembourg Garden, located in the heart of Paris, is an enchanting place. This historic garden offers big green areas, elegant statues, and a beautiful pond that makes you feel as if you’re deep into the countryside.
It’s also a great place for architecture lovers since the garden is right beside the Luxembourg Palace, a stunning piece of French Baroque architecture that served as the royal residence in the 17th and 18th centuries.
7. Musée de l’Orangerie
If you’re a fan of impressionist art, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a must-see. This museum houses Monet’s famous Water Lilies, a series of paintings that will take you to a world of beauty and serenity. It is located in the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre Museum. You can get to the Musée de l’Orangerie by metro.
Prices:
Adults: $14.50
Youth (0 to 18 years old): Free
Schedule:
Wednesday to Monday (Closed on Tuesday): from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
8. Tuileries Garden
Once you’ve completed your tour of Musée de l’Orangerie, take some time to admire the Jardin des Tuileries. Its elegant paths, ponds, and sculptures make it an ideal place to take pictures and relax.
You can enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe from the garden, which makes for a skyline you wouldn’t want to miss when traveling to Paris alone or with loved ones.
9. Orsay’s Museum
You may already notice that visiting museums is an integral part of the Paris experience. So once you rest up at the Tuileries Garden, consider visiting the nearby Musée d’Orsay. It’s home to an impressive collection of impressionist and modern art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photographs by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
The museum is located on the left bank of the Seine River, just in front of the Tuileries Garden, so it’s all within walking distance from plenty of other places on this list.
Prices:
- Adults: $13
- Students and children: Free
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays): from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
10. Garden of Plants
The Garden of Plants, or Jardin des Plantes, is one of the oldest gardens in Paris. It is located right beside the National Museum of Natural History. Here, you’ll find an amazing variety of plants, greenhouses, themed gardens, and a wonderful gallery of evolution.
On top of more than 2,000 species of plants, the garden also features a zoo and a maze for visitors to enjoy, which makes it perfect for the whole family. You can get to the Garden of Plants by taking the metro to Jussieu station.
11. Le Marais neighborhood
Another of the most iconic places in Paris is the Le Marais district, known for its historic architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant environment. It’s located in the 4th arrondissement, and you can easily get there by metro (Hôtel de Ville, Saint-Paul, or Chemin Vert stations).
Le Marais is also known as one of the best places to stay in Paris. You can find yourself at the heart of the city and within walking distance of numerous places worth visiting. Sure, it’s far from the cheapest area when it comes to accommodation, but it’s well worth considering if you’re not on a tight budget.
Here you will find numerous fashion shops, charming cafés, and museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Pompidou Center. Walk through its streets, discover its fashion boutiques, and enjoy the gastronomic scene.
Prices will vary depending on the attraction or activities you choose, but many top attractions have a small entrance fee.
12. Pompidou Center
The Pompidou Center, or Centre Pompidou, is a museum of modern and contemporary art that has become an architectural icon of Paris. Here you will find a wide collection of works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Miró, as well as exciting temporary exhibitions.
The museum is also home to a vast collection of pop art, and together with its fairly modern architecture, it stands out amongst the numerous older museums in the city. The Pompidou Center is located in the Beaubourg district and can be easily reached by metro (Rambuteau station).
Prices:
- Adults: $16.50
Schedule:
- Monday to Sunday (closed on Tuesdays): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
13. Bagatelle Park
The Parc de Bagatelle is located in the far west of Paris, and it is an oasis of peace and beauty. This garden has beautiful paths, exotic flowers, and a charming cottage. It also houses the famous International Rose Competition, where some of the most beautiful roses in the world are exhibited.
You can get to the Parc de Bagatelle by taking the metro to the Pont de Neuilly station and then taking a short walk to the park.
14. Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel built all the way back in 1248, is a great representation of French Gothic architecture. Its breathtaking and slightly intimidating stature can only be overshadowed by what you’ll find inside.
The chapel is home to one of the most impressive stained glass mosaics in the world, made of 1,113 separate stained glass windows. This gives the inside of the chapel an explosion of color, a stark contrast to the mostly gray facade.
15. Take a cruise on the Seine River
If your feet are tired from all the walking, worry not—you can explore the city’s architecture by taking a boat tour of the Seine River, which runs right through the city center.
During the tour, you will see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and much more, all while resting your feet. The price of the cruise varies depending on the duration and the tour you choose, but it is usually around $17-25 per person.
16. Enjoy a show at the Moulin Rouge
Visiting the Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic things to do in Paris. And if you’re a fan of performance arts, you won’t want to miss out on the Moulin Rouge experience. The cabaret offers a dinner show that includes music, dance, and acrobatics. The price will vary depending on the type of show you choose and the location of the table.
The shows have been running since 1889, and you can rest assured that you’ll be taken back in time to experience timeless entertainment at the heart of Paris.
17. Tour the city by bike
Paris is an ideal city for cycling. There are plenty of bike rentals around town, as well as the popular Paris Velib shared bicycle system that lets you comfortably move around the city for a reasonable price. You can also join a guided bike tour to see the most emblematic places in the city. Again, the prices may vary depending on the option you choose.
It’s a great way to see the city’s many beautiful gardens and explore its architecture without having to walk everywhere. You’ll be able to explore a large part of the city in a single day, making it a perfect option if you don’t have a lot of time in Paris but want to see as much as possible.
18. Discover French gastronomy
No list of things to do in Paris is complete without mentioning the food scene. France is known worldwide for its cuisine, and Paris is one of the best places to enjoy it. Joining a guided gastronomic tour is a good idea since it’s easy to get lost in the city’s endless restaurants, cafes, and bars.
The prices may vary depending on the tour or restaurants you choose to visit, but you simply can’t leave France without tasting its famous dishes.
How to make the most out of your trip to Paris
Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe for a reason. Few other cities can compete when it comes to the number of top-quality museums, historical pieces of architecture, and incredible gardens packed into an area that can all be explored on foot.
That said, seeing all of the highlights that Paris has to offer will take some walking, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes and clothing with you.
Thankfully, Paris also has an advanced public transportation system, with its metro being one of the most efficient in the world. It will take you around town fast and for a cheap price. So you can limit your walking by just taking a short stroll from the station to the places you want to visit.
Stay connected in Paris with Holafly
Whether it’s using public transport, locating places on the maps app, or finding places to eat, you’ll probably want to have an internet connection in Paris no matter what you do. And the Holafly eSIM card for Paris might just be your best option.
It includes unlimited data and solid coverage throughout France, all at an affordable price. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of data or constantly monitor your data usage. Simply relax and enjoy your holiday without any unnecessary headaches.
FAQs about things to do in Paris
Whenever in Paris, you shouldn’t miss the local highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or the Louvre Museum. It’s also worth seeing a Moulin Rouge show and taking some time to enjoy the local gastronomy.
Experiencing Paris in three days is certainly possible. You can take a tour of the river Seine, which lets you see some of the city’s most important architectural wonders, hire a guided food tour to truly experience the gastronomy of the region, and spend a day visiting the most famous museums in Paris.
Whether it’s visiting museums that showcase everything from medieval to contemporary art, enjoying a night out in the city’s many lively streets, or bar hopping to experience the local gastronomy, there are plenty of fun things to do in Paris.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
