The Best Things to Do in Paris to Really Experience the City
I get it. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you want to do it right.
But with so many “must-sees,” so many opinions, and your own pressure to see everything, what are really the best things to do in Paris?
And that’s where most lists fail. They don’t help you figure out what’s actually best for you.
Things that will bring you joy. Things that don’t feel rushed or forced. Things that, for a moment, let you get lost in the magic of Paris. Because there is such a thing. I was skeptical at first. But it’s real.
After spending time in Paris and doing it both ways (over-planning and slowing down), I’ve learned that the best experiences aren’t always the ones everyone tells you to do. They’re the ones that make the city feel alive to you.
That’s what this guide is about. It’s a curated list of the best things to do in Paris, focused on experiences that help you actually experience the city. You’ll find a mix of classic sights, worthwhile tours, slices of Parisian life, and a few day trips.
So if you’re ready to plan a trip to the City of Love your way—not the internet’s—this is the place to start.
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Classic Paris Experiences
These classics are touristy for a reason. But there are ways to experience them without feeling swallowed by the crowds. Walk more. Find a different spot. Visit during the off-season or off-peak hours. Give yourself time. Below are the classics I experienced on my first visit and still swear by.
Eiffel Tower
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you do have to see the Eiffel Tower.
My favorite ways to experience it are climbing to the top, having a picnic beneath it, watching it sparkle from the Arc de Triomphe, or spotting it unexpectedly from streets like Rue de l’Université, Avenue de Camoëns, and Rue Saint-Dominique.
If you want to go up to the summit, I recommend booking your Eiffel Tower ticket in advance here to secure your time slot and avoid the long lines.
Louvre
The Louvre is worth it.
Allot at least half a day and do not try to see everything. Focus on one wing and let yourself get lost, or join a guided tour so you have context for what you are seeing and do not feel overwhelmed. Plus, you get to skip the long lines!
You can also visit during extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is far less crowded.
A Walk Along the Seine or a Cruise
I love getting lost while walking along the Seine. It is one of the best ways to see the city, familiar landmarks, and a few hidden corners. That said, I still wish I had taken a Seine cruise, especially at sunset or at night. I am coming back for that.
If you prefer something easy and scenic, this 1-hour Seine cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower is a relaxed way to see the landmarks from the water, especially at sunset.
Montmartre
Go beyond Sacré Cœur. Get ice cream at Amorino, wander through the small shops, and visit the Wall of Love. Take your time walking through the village streets.
Notre Dame
We missed this on our visit, but it reopened in December 2024. Everyone I have spoken to says it is phenomenal. Note that entry to Notre Dame is free. You can reserve a time slot directly from the official website to reduce waiting time.
Explore Paris Neighborhoods On Foot
Paris is best explored on foot. Pick one neighborhood. Walk slowly. Stop when something catches your eye.
You do not need a long checklist. You need good shoes and time. Here are my favorite areas to wander.
Le Marais
Start with no plan. Wander the small streets and see where you end up. Cut through side lanes near Place des Vosges. Peek into open courtyards when you notice them.
If you get hungry, grab falafel on Rue des Rosiers and sit on the nearest bench. Le Marais works best when you slow down and notice the small details.
Latin Quarter
This area feels young and lived in. Walk along Rue Mouffetard for a local market vibe, then make your way toward the Panthéon. Browse secondhand bookstores and small cafés.
When your feet need a pause, head to the Grand Mosque of Paris. The courtyard is calm and shaded, and the tea room is one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Internal link: Latin Quarter walking guide.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Slow down here. Wander between art galleries, old cafés, and quiet streets lined with bookstores. Stop by Luxembourg Gardens and sit for a while.
You will see locals reading, meeting friends, or just enjoying the sun. Walk without rushing. This neighborhood rewards curiosity more than speed.
Montmartre
Go early. Enter from a side street and avoid the main staircase crowd. Walk uphill slowly and explore the residential lanes behind Sacré Cœur.
Look for small bakeries, ivy-covered houses, and quiet corners with city views. Skip the rush. Stay longer in the backstreets. That is where Montmartre still feels like a village.
Parks, Gardens, and Quiet Places
Paris has space to breathe. When the streets feel busy, step into green spaces and slow down.
Luxembourg Gardens
Sit by the fountain. Watch locals read, jog, or meet friends. Bring bread and fruit and picnic on a green chair. It feels simple and local. Pair it with a walk through Saint Germain.
Tuileries Garden
Walk between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Sit near the fountains. Come at sunset when the light hits the statues. It is central but still calm.
Canal Saint-Martin
This is where locals gather. Walk along the water. Sit by the edge with takeaway food. Come in the late afternoon when the light softens. It feels less polished and more lived in.
If you want to see it from the water, this canal cruise from Canal Saint Martin to the Seine is an easy and relaxing option.
Square René Viviani
A small garden near Notre Dame with one of the oldest trees in Paris. It is quiet and rarely crowded. Sit here after exploring Île de la Cité.
If you want more quiet green spaces and easy picnic ideas, see my list of the best parks in Paris to picnic away from crowds.
Culture and Museums
Musée d’Orsay
If you visit one museum beyond the Louvre, make it this one.
The Impressionist collection is housed in a former train station and feels easy to explore in two to three hours. I recommend booking a timed ticket in advance here to avoid the lines and save time.
Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou offers modern art and one of the best rooftop views in central Paris. Even if the galleries are not your priority, it is worth booking a Centre Pompidou entry ticket here for the view. The panorama is impressive and easy to fit into a walking day nearby.
Musée Carnavalet
Free entry! It tells the story of Paris through rooms, objects, and interiors. It is in Le Marais and easy to combine with a neighborhood walk.
Grand Mosque of Paris
Visit the courtyard and tea room even if you skip the hammam. It is one of the calmest spots in the city, and I shared more details and tips from my visit in this Grand Mosque of Paris guide.
Food and Parisian Life
You do not need a long restaurant list. You need a few good habits.
Café culture
Order a coffee. Sit outside. Face the street. Stay longer than you think you should. People watching is part of the experience.
Bistros
Look for a short menu written on a chalkboard. Go at lunch for better value set menus. Try steak frites or duck confit.
If you love classic French meals, this guide to French bistros in Paris helps you choose where to go and what to order.
Markets
Walk through Rue Cler for cheese, fruit, and pastries. Build your own picnic and head to a park.
Bakeries
Stop at a local boulangerie each morning. Order a croissant or baguette tradition. Eat it fresh.
Michelin restaurants
Book lunch instead of dinner. It is often more affordable!
If you want a special meal without the high price tag, these affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris are worth bookmarking.
WHERE DO LOCALS EAT? If you are wondering where locals actually eat, I shared my favorite neighborhood spots and go-to places to eat in Paris here.
Viewpoints
Classic viewpoints
If it is your first time, do at least one classic view. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe is worth the effort.
The Eiffel Tower is iconic if you do not mind the crowds. The rooftop at Galeries Lafayette is an easy win with great city views. Book tickets ahead to save time.
Free views
Some of the best views cost nothing. Walk up to Sacré Cœur and take your time at the top. Parc de Belleville is quieter and gives you a local view of the skyline.
The terrace at Printemps is another good stop. If you want more spots, this guide to the best views of the Eiffel Tower and my list of the best free views in Paris, plus a few secret spots, are worth saving.
Read More:
Paris at Night
Do not end your day after dinner. Take a walk.
Stroll along the Seine. Pause when the Eiffel Tower starts to sparkle. Wander through Saint Germain or Le Marais once the crowds fade.
I think that Paris feels softer at night. When everything feels a little bit calmer and the streets are slowing down.
If you are curious about the best things to do in Paris at night, I put together a full list you can check out.
Day Trips from Paris
If you have extra time, leave the city for a day.
Versailles
One of the things to do in Paris is day trips. What I would personally do is to avoid the biggest crowds. Take time to walk through the gardens. Visit the Grand Trianon if you want something quieter and more relaxed.
Pro Tip: Booking your ticket ahead of time lessens so much hassle. You can reserve tickets for Versailles here.
If you want to explore more of the estate, this guide to the Grand Trianon is a good place to start.
Train day trips
France makes day trips easy. You can visit charming towns within one to two hours.
Read More:
If You Want to Go Deeper
Paris doesn’t need to be “done” to feel like you did it right. Once you give yourself permission to choose what feels right, you start to truly experience the city.
If this approach resonates and you find yourself wanting to go beyond the obvious, you can explore my list of hidden gems in Paris. These are the overlooked places most people walk past without noticing, some of which I even found by accident.
Discover More Things To Do In Paris
- Where do Locals Eat in Paris? A Complete Guide
- Slow Travel Paris: How to See Paris Like a Local
- Our Perfect Picnic at the Eiffel Tower & How To Do It
- 15 Best Cooking and Baking Classes in Paris
- The Best Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris
- 19 of the Best French Bistros in Paris Locals Love
- 25 Best Parks in Paris to Picnic Away from Crowds
- Is Paris Overrated? Surprising Things I’ve Seen
- The 21 Most Eco-Friendly Hotels in Paris: Luxury to Budget
- 25 Quiet Hotels in Paris for a Stress-Free Stay
- 45 Best Views of the Eiffel Tower + Map to Find Them
- 23 Best Free Views in Paris (Plus 7 Secret Spots)
- 25+ Best-Kept Hidden Gems In Paris
- 15 Best Things to Do in Paris at Night: Insider Experiences
- Grand Trianon: The Ultimate Guide to Versailles’ Hidden Gem
- The Wall Of Love Paris: All You Need To Know
- Rue Cler: The Most Beautiful Market Street In Paris
- The Grand Mosque of Paris Ultimate Guide
- Rue Crémieux – The Most Beautiful Street in Paris
- Is Paris the City of Love or Lights?
- 12 Easy Weekend Trips from Paris by Train
