Top Things To Do in Paris
Drawing tourists for decades, the French city is the one. Paris is a beautiful city most people dreamed of visiting. This is a destination unlike any other, from its majestic historic monuments to its exquisite cuisine. Stroll through and out exhibitions, restaurants, supermarkets, breathtaking views and admire the capital’s charm. Whether you are looking for free things to do in Paris with kids or fun things to do in Paris at night, the city never disappoints anyone.
Whether the sun shines on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain or the melancholy shadows of the Seine, the cathedral of Notre-Dame is shrouded in the magical atmosphere of Paris. History, culture and lifestyle are fascinating and will surely give you a new life perspective. The Parisians are innovative people and this has shown through the city’s tourist attractions. From ancient monuments to more modern houses or just walking around the town.
It’s tough to bring it down to the essentials with so much to see and do in Paris while still having an experience that’s a fine blend of everything that the city has to offer. We have listed some of the top things to do in Paris France to make your trip memorable:
- Spend time looking at the Eiffel Tower
Without a doubt, the Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks. For many people, it’s thrilling the first time you see the Eiffel Tower. And for first-timers, a visit to Paris would not be complete without a trip up the Eiffel Tower. French architect Gustave Eiffel, also renowned for his bridges and tunnels, spent two years working on the construction of this landmark monument for the 1889 World Expo. Today, when every girder is traced in a sparkling cascade of lights originally planned to celebrate the turn of the millennium, it is most stunning at night.
It was designed in 1889 during the Exhibition Universelle at the Champs de Mars to commemorate the centennial year of the French Revolution. The goal was to demonstrate the other nations France’s power and industrial capabilities. Taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris at night.
- Admire the Louvre ‘s largest art collection in the world
The Musée du Louvre is the largest museum in Paris. Located in the center of Paris, right on the city’s edge, it is an ancient royal palace!
Paris’ most known icon is the Eiffel Tour but the Louvre is the true traveler’s reward. It’s and the oldest museum, with 675,000 square feet of works from virtually every culture on earth. Of course, the three most famous pieces here are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory. Your best bet after these must-sees is to concentrate on whatever interests you. You will also note that it is contained in the Axe Historique, also known as the Voie Triomphale, meaning, in English, “triumphal way.”
- Discover galleries at the Musée d’Orsay
The Orsay Museum is among the best places to visit in Paris to get a taste of Impressionist art history — from Monet’s soft brush strokes to Gauguin’s wild, vibrant scenes. This magnificent selection of Impressionist art is displayed beautifully in an expansive gallery. The set stands for the work of all Impressionist masters. Some of the most famous items of the collection include The Magpie by Claude Monet, Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Land, and Luncheon on the Grass; the self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh and Starry Night; and Renoir’s Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which portrays a festive party scene in Montmartre.
- Visit the Gothic Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral is the symbolic heart of Paris and, to others, of France itself. Here Napoléon was crowned, and before his altar kings and queens exchanged vows of marriage. Within the Gothic cathedral, there are a host of things worth seeing, particularly its famous windows. But the architectural features of the exterior and the incredible views of Paris, surrounded by stone grotesques.
The tragic fire in April 2019 was a disaster for any Parisian but as you get closer you can still experience the cathedral magic. Thanks to its Gothic architecture it is now one of the most outstanding cathedrals in France.
- Explore the Royal Garden- Palais Garnier
Far off from the chaos and busyness, this majestic traditional garden and exquisite vintage shops are hidden away behind the walls of a palace of the 17th century are a peaceful sanctuary and one of the best-kept secrets of Paris.
Formerly a royal house, the Palais-Royal ‘s hushed arcades, fountain and manicured gardens now are home to world-class perfumers, antique dealers, and designer boutiques — including Rick Owens, Stella McCartney, and Pierre Hardy.
The Palais Garnier is without doubt one of the city’s most significant landmarks. You’ll love to look at its details: the gold, the marbles and the delicate fabrics that decorate the façade, the stairs, and the theatre. But also its dome, the March Chagall painted. Spending some time with the Royal Garden is one of the cool things to do in Paris.
- Honor the glorious Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the beginning of Champs Elysees Avenue, gloriously. Throughout King Louis Philippe’s reign the Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 and was to commemorate both the Imperial and Revolutionary armies. This memorial is a national symbol that celebrates the country-wide festivities, such as Bastille Day, on July 14th each year, but also the France national football team victories.
- Explore the trendiest neighborhood in Paris- The Marais
Le Marais is a neighborhood in Paris, located in 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Marais, in English, means swamp. It got its name from its position that used to be an arm of the Seine River. The field had become really swampy.
Historically the Marais is Paris’ Jewish Quarter, and today the community is still very much alive.
- Recognize the “Thinker” at Musée Rodin
As once studio of the great sculptor, this stately mansion of the 18th century is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris and contains over 6,000 sculptures by Rodin, including his great masterpieces The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais and The Gates of Hell, and including 8,000 drawings.
The Musée Rodin’s beautiful grounds, complete with a pool, rose gardens and a nice outdoor café, make for a fun afternoon outdoors. The museum frequently holds special exhibits and a series of modern work expositions.
- See the Seine at Mouche Bateau
There is nothing quite like seeing Paris from a boat on the Seine — so there’s no shortage of boats to pick from. See the graceful bridges of Paris up close including the most renowned iconic landmarks on a relaxing boat ride of 2 to 4 hours. The Bateaux mouches deliver anything from fine dining, a champagne flute or just sightseeing thereby becoming one of the top things to do in Paris in December.
- Discuss modern art at the Picasso Museum
Center to the biggest public display of Picasso’s inimitable early work, it currently occupies nearly 54,000 sq ft in two buildings: the Royal Hôtel Salé in the 17th century and a vast modern facility devoted to temporary exhibits in the back garden. The specially designed furnishings by Diego Giacometti in the former shape an additional bonus.
What’s next waiting for you?
For most of the year, the weather in Paris is generally quite mild, with a fair amount of rain during the year. If you are looking for unique things to do in Paris at night or best things to do in Paris with kids, the above-mentioned list will help you to make the right choice.
Shop till you drop in Paris. This city is full of brands. From french labels to other goods, you are surely finding something here. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Paris then don’t forget to check our all in one Paris travel guide.
About Author: PRIYANKA TIWARI
