Looking for some cool things to do in Paris? This epic compilation is for you! Whether you’re wondering what to do in Paris this weekend or planning the ultimate Paris vacation, here are our top picks for exploring the iconic city of love, cuisine, and architecture.
One of the best things about Paris is the sheer number of things to see and do—and, of course, eat! Our most recent trip to Paris was our second time to the magical City of Lights. This time around, we did a ton of research before we arrived to discover the best off-the-beaten-path restaurants, shopping spots, and other hidden must sees in Paris. We also wanted to leave time to re-discover a handful of quintessential Paris attractions.
We didn’t have time to check everything off our Paris sightseeing bucket list. With fifty things to do in Paris in just six days, we would have gone crazy if we tried! But while though we didn’t test everything firsthand, we wanted to ensure our hours of research went to good use. After all, who knows when we’ll be back to finish checking out the best places to visit in Paris.
So here you have the fruits of our labor: 50 Cool Things to Do in Paris. We’ve organized our Paris sightseeing list into four categories: Iconic Attractions, Entertainment, Wining and Dining, and Shopping. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth visit to Paris, you’re bound to discover a new, useful, or inspiring idea below!
Table Of Contents
Paris Attractions
1. The Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with the obvious. Love it or hate it, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to this iconic Parisian landmark. It will cost you €15.00 and countless hours of your day to take the elevator to the top of The Eiffel Tower. Instead, consider purchasing a ‘skip the line’ ticket, or simply take a selfie at the base of the Eiffel Tower and continue on with your Paris sightseeing.
2. Palais Garnier
Take a visit to this opulent opera house to view the grand staircase and auditorium adorned in marble and gold leaf. Be sure to look up at the ceiling and spectacular chandelier. Though the setting for Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, you likely won’t find any masked men haunting the stage; today, the Palais Garnier is primarily used for the ballet.
3. Canal St. Martin
Escape the crowds with a visit to the quaint Canal St. Martin. Take a leisurely boat ride or enjoy the walkway. On a sunny day, you’ll have plenty of locals to keep you company.
4. Notre Dame
This historic cathedral dating back to 1163 is more than just the home of Quasimodo—it’s also considered one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture of all time. Marvel at the gargoyles and then climb the towers for a great view over the city. Update: Due to the tragic fire that destroyed portions of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the church is closed to visitors until further notice.
5. Take a Seine River Cruise
Discover Paris from the Seine River on a bateau mouche, or open-air excursion boat. The tours operate during the day or at night and are an inexpensive way to familiarize yourself with the city and snap some great photos.
6. Climb the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte and a symbol of Parisian victory. If you do any ‘climb to the top to see the view’ excursions, make it the trip to the Arc’s panoramic viewing terrace. From here, you can enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as well as admire Paris’ broad boulevards and geometric urban plan. Many visitors to Paris often forget about the city’s Roman past. Visit the Museo de Cluny to see the Gallo-Roman baths, believed to date back to the 3rd century. A stop at this museum also makes a great excuse to get out and explore the Latin Quarter. This famous avenue leading up to the Arc de Triomphe is worth a stroll, especially if you go for a dusk visit. With its crowds of tourists and high-end retailers, it’s not the most charming part of Paris, but it’s still worth a walk and some people watching. This Roman Catholic Church is perfectly perched on the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city. The sheer size of the Basilica is spectacular, as are the views of Paris from the top of the hill. Most Parisians seem to think the Pompidou is a monstrosity on the eyes; it only takes one glimpse of the art museum to understand why. Its exterior ducts and escalators resemble a plumbing system, and are in many ways a Paris attraction of their own right. Wander the grounds around the royal chateau, and then take a tour of the court that was once the center of political power in France. It’s impossible to miss the luxurious Hall of Mirrors, where King Louis XIV not only entertained his guests but also intimidated them—the mirrors reflected every guest’s move hundreds of times across the hall. Notably, it was also in the Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Visit this chapel to see the intricate stained glass collections; watching the light play through the massive windows is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Though not as famous, many people consider Sainte-Chapelle to be more beautiful than Notre Dame. Even if you’re not an ‘art person,’ don’t rush your visit through the Louvre. It’s one of the most important museums in the world, with over 1 million works of art. Do a bit of research or pay extra for an audio guide so you know what it is you’re looking at—you’ll appreciate the museum much more. We used our Paris Pass to skip all the lines, which was fantastic. This complex of buildings was once a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Today, most tourists visit to view the burial site of Napolean Bonaparte, though you’ll find plenty else to entertain if you’re a history or war buff. For a slightly creepy addition to any romantic Paris vacation, take a visit to the Paris Catacombs. The catacombs are a 170-mile network of caves, tunnels, and quarries beneath the city, filled with the skulls and bones of nearly 6 million deceased. We say it’s a must on any trip to Paris! Always travel with Travel Insurance. Unfortunately, on our trip to Paris, our expensive DSLR camera was stolen on the train from Paris to Reims. While we lost most of our photos from Champagne, we’re SO grateful our travel insurance helped us to cover most of the replacement costs. You never know what travel incidents could happen! We always use World Nomads as our travel insurance provider and highly recommend them. There are multiple cabaret experiences to be had in Paris, most notably the Lido, the Crazy Horse, and the Moulin Rouge. We opted to see the latter as it is the most historically French (though nowadays you won’t see many Parisians there). This historic cinema dates back to 1921; After a recent refurbishment, it re-opened to the public in late 2013. Le Louxor hosts a range of films, with new premiers, cinema workshops, children’s seances, concerts, and local cine-club. In this one-person English comedy show, learn how Parisians view the tourists who come to their city. The show has smashing reviews and is on the top of our list if we ever return to Paris. Paris certainly isn’t one of the cheapest cities in the world. Luckily, there are always a variety of free events going on, especially during the summer months. Entertainment ranges from concerts to photo exhibits to festivals. I learned how to make macarons, but if you’re not up for the labor (making these babies is intense), there are numerous other cooking classes. This unique French cooking experience was a highlight of our trip to Paris. Choose one of Paris’ neighborhoods and just get lost. This is where you’ll stumble upon quintessential Paris. If you’re a Hemmingway aficionado, consider using your Paris vacation to revisit some of his favorite spots, including where Hemmingway mingled with the greatest artists of his time and found inspiration for A Moveable Feast and The Sun Also Rises. A Guide to Hemingway’s Paris will uncover the cafes, restaurants, and even hotels and landmarks immortalized by the author. Enhance your knowledge of French food and wine with a personalized walking tour through one of Paris’ most romantic neighborhoods, Montmartre. This was one of our absolute favorite things we did in Paris (if not all of France). Everyone we’ve recommended the tour to has loved it as well. Read the full post here to learn more about this must-do in Paris. In Belle Époque Paris, the Grands Boulevards were the place to see and be seen. While they have lost a bit of their splendor with the advent of chain stores and fast-food chains, the Boulevards are where you’ll find the Palais Garnier (listed above) and some of the best shopping in Paris (listed below). Spend an afternoon exploring this natural island in the Seine; it’s easily accessible and connected to the rest of Paris by four bridges. Don’t miss a stop at the luxury ice cream shop, Berthillon, which many consider to be the best ice cream in all of Paris. This off-beat museum boasts a variety of amusement park memorabilia dating from 1850-1950, including rides, carousels, merry-go-rounds, swings, and more. Not your everyday Paris museum! Dance the night away at this popular nightclub under the Pont Alexandre III Bridge, once a former boat hangar. It’s not a cheap night out, but it’s also the kind of place you’ll only find in Paris. Update: Showcase has since closed since the writing of this post. Check the comments below for more recommendations on what to do in Paris. There are numerous private wine tours that operate out of Paris, taking guests to small villages with local wineries and vineyards. We always say you can never go wrong with a wine tour! This particular tour is a two-hour private wine and cheese tasting in a Parisian’s apartment and comes highly recommended. This wine shop is allegedly the oldest in all of Paris. The charming “cave” is jam-packed with bottle after bottle of wine, so whether you know exactly what you want or are just browsing, you’re bound to find something to suit your palate. I never realized just how close Champagne is to Paris (only 45 minutes on the TGV). In my opinion, few things are better than a day spent hopping around the renowned Champagne Houses. We opted to sample the bubbly at Veuve Clicquot, Pommery and Lanson. Our day trip to Champagne was another one of our favorite experiences during our Paris trip. Even if you’re not a huge champagne fan, the beauty and history of the city warrants a visit. One of the best markets in Paris is the Bastille Market, also known as the Richard Lenoir Market, open Thursdays and Sundays. The market features excellent fish, cheese, and meat vendors, as well as a variety of food stalls including Middle-Eastern, Spanish, French cuisine, and more. Alternatively, the President Wilson Market (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays) is a good option. Some of the world’s best restaurants are in Paris. This article listing ten of the best authentic French bistros and restaurants in the city had us absolutely drooling, though we never got around to trying any of them for ourselves. You are in Paris, after all. Pick any boulangerie you pass and try not to think about the major diet you’ll need to go on later. Paris is known for its large number of elegant parks and gardens. Visit one of the markets listed to pick up fresh local produce, bread, cheese and, of course, wine. Not sure where to go on your Paris picnic? Try starting at the lovely Place de Vosges. If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, try one of Paris’ Supper Clubs. The most renowned is likely Jim Haynes’; he has run a Sunday dinner party for the past 30 years. The dinners attract around 60 people, making this a great place to mingle. We ended our Paris trip with dinner at this small French restaurant on the recommendation of the concierge at the Hyatt. It’s not all that fancy, but what this authentic brasserie lacks in décor it makes up for with deliciousness. Reservations are strongly recommended. If you know your way around a kitchen, take a visit to G. Detou to stock up on anything a cook or baker could ever need. It also makes the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs for the foodie in your life. The two most famous macaron shops are Laduree and Pierre Herme. Laduree is famed for selling the original macaron, and is named after the grandfather of French macaron inventor Desfontaines. Pierre Herme is known for his innovative flavors like chocolate foie gras and strawberry wasabi. Try them both to choose your favorite. The Marais is one of my favorite areas of Paris, right after Montmartre. There are loads of magnificent, one-of-a-kind, vintage shops in the area, but you have to keep your eyes open for them. While you’re wandering, be sure to visit the République, Oberkampf and Hôtel de Ville Rue de Rivoli is one of the longest streets in Paris. It starts near Saint Paul, runs along the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre, and goes all the way to the Hotel de Ville. There are too many shops here to count, with everything from crappy souvenirs to bohemian boutiques to high-end designer shops. This restored warehouse village doesn’t have the best shopping in Paris, but it is a cute outdoor strip mall and off the beaten path location to do some window shopping. We only passed the jewelry shops because we were staying at The Hyatt, steps away from Place Vendome. But if you happen to have the money and an itch to buy outrageously expensive jewelry, this is the spot for you. It would be the perfect addition to any romantic Paris itinerary. Most tourists (myself included) pick up an inexpensive piece of artwork along the Seine River or the Place du Tertre (Artist’s Square). Alternatively, visit any number of small art galleries in the city to purchase an authentic, original painting. With its plethora of bookshops and literary history, Paris is one of the best places in the world for a bookish escape. La Belle Hortense tops our list of favorite bookshops—the walls are lined with books and bottles, meaning you can find inspiration leafing through a novel while simultaneously sipping a glass of vino. Whether you’re up for shopping or not, visit this upscale French department store to view the stained glass dome ceiling—the lavishness is so worth it. We debated with putting this item in the ‘Wining and Dining’ section, but ultimately it ended up here, as there is plenty of other shopping on and around this famous street. However, the main reason to visit the market street of Rambuteau is for a visit to a few of its gourmet food shops. There are also a great variety of restaurants if you’re shopping on an empty stomach. Paris boasts numerous secret passages across the city. Galerie Viviene is one of the most chic, with expensive boutique shops, elegant restaurants, well-preserved architecture and all around cool vibes. If you’re looking for cutting edge designer shops like Marc Jacobs, Pierre Hardy or Corto Moltedo, then visit the Palais-Royal. While window-shopping, enjoy the 17th century arcades, the Palais-Royal Gardens and learn about the history of the palace and grounds. Visit this large-scale, open-air market on Thursdays and Saturdays for a great variety of high-quality food, including meats, cheeses, fish, and vegetables. There’s also clothing, jewelry, linen and a few other odds and ends for sale. If you’re a big bargain hunter, a visit to one of Europe’s largest flea markets is a must. St-Ouen Market has over 2,500 stalls divided into 14 specialty groups. You’ll need plenty of time and patience to devote to this market if you want to find something genuinely worthwhile. For our trip to Paris, the Paris Tourism Board gave us complimentary Paris City Passports. These City Passports gave us free access to a number of Parisian attractions, the metro, and the Seine River Cruise. Even better, we got to skip the long lines at many of the Paris attractions listed above. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in Paris, or you just don’t want to waste valuable time standing in line, then we highly recommend purchasing a Paris City Passport for convenient and efficient savings. Hotel Joke – Astotel Hotel Joke receives raving reviews for a reason. The staff are friendly, the location is nearby a metro, and the overall ambience of the place is just plain fun. It’s a steal for what it offers at its price point. Hotel Scarlett This fully renovated hotel offers stylish rooms at a convenient location nearby two different metro stations. Guests say the beds are particularly comfortable. Hotel Le Six This 4-star boutique hotel on the Paris Left Bank is as romantic as can be. Many of the most popular attractions are right outside your door, including Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens. The sweeping buffet breakfast is always a highlight of any stay here. Hôtel Saint-Marc The Saint-Marc is a chic option if you’re looking for luxury without the jaw-dropping price tag. (Remember, this is Paris!) Guests particularly love the Art Deco design, garden views, and filling breakfast. The staff is also friendly and welcoming. Mandarin Oriental Hotel If you’re going to go luxury, then Paris is the place to go all out. The Mandarin Oriental is as romantic and lovely as can be, if you your budget allows. After a long day walking around and site-seeing, The Mandarin Oriental is a divine spot to relax with a cocktail in hand. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth stoping by for a drink. Le Ritz Paris Another classic option in Paris, Le Ritz is famous for a reason. Pure luxury in the heart of Paris. Again even if you don’t stay here, stopping by the bar named after Hemingway is a must for all his fans and cocktail lovers. The history of Le Ritz is fascinating as well. 7. Museo de Cluny
8. Champs-Élysées
9. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
10. Centre Pompidou
11. Palace of Versailles
12. Sainte-Chapelle
13. The Louvre
14. Hotel des Invalides
15. The Paris Catacombs
Important Insider Tip:
Paris Entertainment
16. See a Cabaret
17. Catch a Film at Le Louxor Cinema
18. How to Become a Parisian in One Hour
19. Look for Free Events
20. Cookin’ With Class
21. Get Lost
22. Revel in Hemingway’s Footsteps
23. Take a Food Tour
24. Stroll Les Grands Boulevards
25. Meander Ile St.-Louis
26. Embrace Your Inner Child at the Funfair Museum
27. Go Clubbing at Showcase
Where To Eat in Paris
28. Take a Wine Tour
29. Wine Hunt at Caves Auge
30. Take a Day Trip to Champagne
31. Purchase Goodies at a French Market
32. Splurge on Fine Dining
33. Eat Croissants
34. Have a Picnic
35. Attend a Supper Club
36. Dine at L’Ardoise
37. Foodie Shopping at G Detou
38. Taste Test Macarons
Shopping In Paris
39. Vintage Shopping in the Marais
40. Rue de Rivoli
41. Bercy Village
42. Jewelry Shop at Place Vendome
43. Hunt for Art
44. Get Lost in a Bookshop
45. Galeries Lafayette
46. Gourmet Food Shopping on Rue Rambuteau
47. Hidden Shopping Passages
48. The Palais-Royal
49. Saxe Breteuil Market
50. The St-Ouen Flea Market
Now That You Know What To Do, Here’s Where To Stay In Paris
Budget Accommodation In Paris
Mid-Range Hotels In Paris
Luxury Accommodation In Paris
Have you been to Paris? Anything to add to our bucket list? Anything on this list that caught your eye?
Not Sure What To Pack For Paris? Check Out Our Ultimate Him And Her Paris Packing List!
Did you enjoy this post? Then you’ll LOVE our newest addition to the series, 50 Cool Things To Do In NYC!
Love, love, love this post. Great job of getting the essence of Paris all in one list! Made me do a lot of reminiscing!!
Thanks Gma Lorene! Glad we could take you back :-)
Have to agree here – it really is quite a post! As if visiting Paris for the first time wasn’t intimidating enough, I’ve now got a list as long as my arm to keep my busy while I’m there ;-)
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Thanks for the incredible list !
You can also live authentic experiences in Paris here
my favs are Lux Gardens and Blvd St Michel area. also went to Marche d’Aligre this past April and it was the best outdoor market ever in the world.
Thank you soooo much for this info
I feel like i was visiting paris not you bekoz of the deep details
Thank you again and keep up
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I am french and I agree with your post very well made but never forget that Paris is one of the best destination for the robbers of europeans and non europeans contries . So be careful all the time with your bag and your money !!! Enjoy and return safe .
I wish we did look at the Hemingway’s Footsteps whilst in Paris, that would have been pretty cool! Next time! :)
Franca recently posted…Siena, A City Of Red Brick Amongst The Hills of Tuscany
There’s always something else to see in Paris. Just another reason to go back :-)
This is really helpful, thanks! I’m going Paris soon and will be doing most of these things! Especially eating lots of croissants haha
Elliott Giles recently posted…How To Plan a Backpacking Route
The croissants are delicious, as is just about every other food in Paris :-p
I’d love to do the Hemingway spots when I go back. For me, being obsessed with Impressionism, I thought the Musee d’Orsay was far more worth my money than the Louvre – and the line was about 30 minutes shorter, too!
Thanks for recommending the Musee d’Orsay! We actually toured it after the Louvre just for the special exhibit on Van Gogh which was really interesting.
Nice blog. thanks for posting nice views…
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Thanks!
Fantastic list – I love how you broke it down by category! Definitely bookmarking this for when I make it to Paris one day.
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Thanks Katie! I hope you get the chance to use it soon :-)
On my next visit to Paris I’d love to make “A Midnight in Paris” detour (yeah it’s kind of cheesy, but I loved the movie so much!). Got a list of locations already, just need to put it all on the map!
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That would be a fun tour! I loved the movie as well and I think it would be really fun to recreate :-)
Wow, what a very comprehensive list, I’ll make sure to bookmark this when I visit this magical city sometime in the near future hopefully!
noel recently posted…Travel photo: town hall at Trieste, Italy
Thanks Noel! So glad you found it helpful. Hope you make it there soon!
We didn’t do the Paris City Passport but we were lucky enough to be visiting during the 1st Sunday of the month meaning many of the museums were free! We managed to fit in three that day—Rodin, D’Orsay, & Orangerie—and I’m so glad we did; the D’Orsay is absolutely gorgeous as it is in an old train station and has one of the best Impressionist collections in the world. And the Orangerie has Monet’s stunning Waterlilly paintings and was my personal favorite visit of our entire time in Paris. I didn’t see you mention either of those museums but even for casual art fans, I would say both of those are “can’t miss!”
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That’s awesome that you got to fit in three museums on the day that they were free! Were they crazy busy? We of course weren’t there for that, but I always wonder if they are out of control or not. Great additions though! We actually went to D’Orsay and loved it as well, especially the Van Gogh exhibition going on at the time. I debated for a long time about adding it to the list, but ultimately put in the catacombs instead for a bit of diversity. Though I will admit if we were going to go back, I would sub out the Louvre for D’Orsay. We didn’t get to Orangerie on either of our visits to Paris, but next time I definitely want to go there as well. I think we could easily have done a post that was ’50 Art Encounters in Paris’- it’s unbelievable how much there is to see!
What a nice, complete list! And the food photo made me drool…
Lillie – @WorldLillie recently posted…Is It Worth It to Travel During the Low Season?
Thanks Lillie! The food is Paris is absolutely fantastic! I can’t remember the last time I ate that much cheese in one sitting… and don’t even get me started on the crepes :-p
Lots of great suggestions here and of course the food section was my favorite!! Nice job putting it all together in one place…
Val-Eating The Globe recently posted…Date A Girl Who Eats
Thanks Val! Parisian cuisine is amazing and certainly not to be missed :-)
This is a great list! I love how you organized it. I’ve never done a cooking/baking class with Cookin’ With Class but La Cuisine offers some great classes – they have a fun one I did with my mom where you make a French dinner and enjoy it afterwards with the class and some wine. I loved that you mentioned to go to a market – the Bastille market is a great one! I would add to check out famous Marché d’Aligre with its outdoor stalls and covered market…and then get a glass of wine at one of my favorite spots, Le Baron Rouge (really reasonable prices too).
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Thanks for your suggestions! The cooking class was one of my favorite things we did in Paris and of course the wine is not to be missed :-)
Unbelievably, we’ve never been to Paris. We look forward to attacking your recommendations with relish. Top work, fellahs.
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Thanks! I hope you get the chance to go soon :-)
That’s an epic list. My lord! Impressed…..
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Thanks Theodora!
When I was 2 years old I was kid napped and taken to France and now live with my real parents in paris
I can’t wait to do them all! I’ve been to Paris twice before, but as a teenager. I’m really looking forward to returning now that I have a much bigger appreciation for art and history. Plus, I’ll go with my husband rather than 15 high school classmates so the tone of the trip should be a lot different :-)
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This was our second time to Paris (first time together) and we really felt like we appreciated it a lot more being older and seeing it together!
Great list Casey and Dan! It seems like you’ve pretty much covered everything. One of my favorite Parisian memories was going to the Lapin Agile cabaret in the Montmartre . We were clearly the only Americans which of course, I loved.
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That’s great you were able to find a spot where you were the only Americans. That can be tough to find in a place like Paris :-)
Wow great list! I had a friend who was looking for an onsite on Paris when you showed me the link…I’ll be sure to share it with him! Also, thanks for including the small things like the wine caves and a reminder of the small shopping passages…this is EXACTLY where you would find me spending my day! lol ;-)
Ron | Active Planet Travels recently posted…Amazing Food at the Luang Prabang Night Market in Laos
Paris is definitely one of the best cities I visited this year.
Hind from Morocco.
http://accordingtohind.com/4-things-paris/
I will be taking 10 high school Juniors to Paris this summer and wanted to catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, but I can’t seem to find anywhere to say whether it is appropriate for this age or not. Opinion?
Hmm I would say it depends on the maturity level of the students. We definitely saw teenagers while we were there, but there are also parts where the women are completely topless. It’s a hard one to say.
Sadly, the original Berthillon on the Ile St Louis is closed now. ;-(
I would also add the Marche aux Enfants Rouges in the Marais — lots of different, and DELICIOUS, food stalls.
Ah we didn’t know that!! Thank you so much for the update and the suggestion about Marche Enfants Rouges
I’m 99.9% sure Berthillion is still open. It IS closed Monday & Tuesday and the entire month of August, however.
We are visiting Paris, for the first time, in a few weeks and am so thrilled to have such a wonderful list to work with. Thank you for sharing these ideas with us. I’m hoping to see several of the places you mentioned and am even more excited, if you can believe that, than I was before!!
Awesome!! Paris is so magical, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!!
Try plopping your but down at a sidewalk cafe and watch Paris stream by you. Street musicians, arguing couples, tourists, schoolchildren – all of it makes for a great show you can enjoy with a plate of frites and the beverage of your choice.
Yes I agree, that’s a wonderful way to experience the city :)
Having been to Paris numerous times I can firmly say that this list is magnifique!!
Thanks so much!
Awesome list!! Happy to have done most of them, but there are still some I gotta do soon during my next trip to Paris :D always happy to come back!
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We always need an excuse to return to a place, so we like leaving a few items unchecked ;-) Not that you ever need an excuse to visit Paris! :)
Also a must see is Pere Lachaise Cemetery. So much history and so beautiful. Download the app or go early to get a paper map. You can wander around for hours.
This is a fabulous list! My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary on a 2 week European trip in October. We are piggy backing 2 days in London and 2 days in Paris on our Greece tour. This is a pretty extensive list to pack in 2 full days. Do you have suggestions we must do during our short time there? I have been there before and done all the touristy things, but my husband has not. I also saw that you got the Paris City Passports complimentary, how did you do that? Thanks so much!
What a great post! I can’t wait to try as many of these things as I can when I go in September :) We’re only going for 3 days but we’re hoping to cram as much in as possible in the short amount of time!
xx
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What a lovely list! Would like to add the following though:
Le Bon Marche department store with its beautiful Eiffel roof and locals doing their shopping
Rent a bicycle!
Merci – a little shop in the Marais. It is a treasure trove of awesome gifts
Prey got close to the Opera for clever, beautiful storage solutions. The tote bags that fold into a teddy bear are my fav’s
Hey, Leanette! Thanks for those suggestions! Love, love, love it!! I will be totally be keeping that in mind for the next time I have the privilege of making it back to that beautiful country. :-)
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We just moved to Paris! Definitely planning on slowly doing this whole list but while we were staying in a hotel while we arranged for an apartment hunt, we got to explore the neighborhood of Vincennes and the Chateau d’Vincennes there. You have to make a reservation to go into the highest tower but the rest of it is just as cool. A lot of French history there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Vincennes
Oh, wow! That sounds amazing! Thank you so much for this awesome tip, and for sending some of that French history. I love it! I will definitely check out the tower next time I go. :-) All the best!
A Cruising Couple recently posted…Enjoy Your Holiday and Stay at Grand Aston Yogyakarta
France is my favorite country. Last year I visited it twice. First time I was there for 4 days only and I couldn`t visit almost nothing. Second time I stayed for 2 weeks. I manage to see the The Louvre. It is amazing! Trust me You should visit this gorgeous country. Best regards!
So happy to hear you’ve been able to experience the best of the best that France has to offer! Must admit, it’s become one of my favorite places as well. All the best to your travels! :-)
A Cruising Couple recently posted…Enjoy Your Holiday and Stay at Grand Aston Yogyakarta
Love this! I’ve been to Paris twice and am planning to go again soon. One cool thing to do is go to the Shakespeare Book Company in the Latin Quarter. It’s a must!
How cool! I hope you enjoy your next trip. :-) Thanks for the awesome tip! I’ll totally be checking out that place next time I make it over there. :-D
A Cruising Couple recently posted…Enjoy Your Holiday and Stay at Grand Aston Yogyakarta
Actually I live in Paris haha! It was really funny to read this post because it reminds me of my dear city! I live in the 11th district (between Bastille and Nation). If you like markets, I recommend you Aligre’s one which is near Rue du faubourg st antoine which is a great street to shop! The market really big and quite cheap but really fun!
You’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful city. :-) Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for that awesome recommendation. Next time I’m in Paris, I will definitely be checking it out. :-)
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What a wonderful list. I will definitely add many to my list for my family’s first trip to Paris this June. Would you recommend staying in the Montmartre area?
Thank you for your suggestions!
Hi, Shellie!
YES! We would definitely recommend staying in the Montmartre area. That’s actually right where we stayed, and we loved it!
Enjoy your trip!! :-)
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Don’t forget Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. English books in this quaint and cozy shoppe! Unless they have changed, they even allow writers to sleep here overnight, sandwiched between the aisles of books!
Parisian here! I would add to these recommendations:
* Hang out with artists that will make works of art for you, right in the middle of Paris! There’s a 6 story building, 5 minutes away from the Louvre Museum that you can visit for free and engage with the artists as they’re doing their works. 58 rue rivoli
* Visit the sewer system. The entrance is right off the Eiffel Tower, and features the story of Paris told through the eyes of the development of the water system. “Visite des egouts”!
* Go out for drinks with a parisian (this is self promotion!). We take a small group of travelers (maximum 7), start at a popular wine bar with locals, and then we visit 2, 3 more spots, depending on what the group wants to do! Cocktails, Dancing, live music, beer, all away from the crowds. http://likealocalin.paris
Enjoy my beautiful city!
Thanks for sharing your tips!! Would love to go for a drink with a Parisian next time we are there :)
Hi! This is such a great list and the way you broke it down into categories was perfect. I studied abroad in Paris a few years back so all of the museums were free with the student visa. I’m curious, were you happy with the Paris Discovery Passport? I will be visiting with my bf in June and would love to know if the passport includes Versailles in the list of museums that you’d have entry to. In addition, did they really include pickup and drop off from the airport?
Love the list! We took a cooking class in Paris through Cookly (www.cookly.me).
Highlight of our trip!
Have you guys gone shopping at Le Marais yet? It may sound commercial, but there are a lot of quirky shops in that neighborhood :)
Comprehensive list nonetheless – definitely going to visit this page again on my next trip to Paris in a couple months!
Merci!
Mick
I actually love Le Marais! Great addition. Hope you enjoy your trip to Paris :)