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Paris Travel Guide | Top 20 Things To Do In Paris

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There a million and one things to do in Paris but in this post we will only cover 20 of those. A city that draws in millions of visitors from around the world in search of the picture-perfect, romantic shot with your lover.

 

Fashionistas exploring the most famous and fashionable quarter of the city, there is always something for everyone. Most people visit the city over the weekend but there is all so much more to the city that a weekend is never enough that you have to return many times to the city of light.

 

With so much to see and do in the city I thought I would compile a list of things to see and do in Paris to help you get started as well as not miss out on what the city has to offer. For inspiration on where to stay when you visit Paris, you can check out my stay on Champs Elysees with views of Arc de Triomphe and my Paris Apartment with views of the Eiffel Tower.

 
 
 
 

🇫🇷 Top 20 Must‑Do Experiences in Paris (Plus How to Book Them Smart)

Paris is packed with iconic sights, charming streets, and hidden gems — but how do you narrow it down? Whether you have three days or more, this curated list of the top 20 must‑do experiences in Paris will help you cover the essentials and a few local favorites, all while booking smarter and traveling with confidence.

🗓️ A Paris Itinerary for 3 Days with Major Attractions

Short on time? Here’s a quick Paris itinerary for 3 days with major attractions:

  • Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise, Champs-ÉlysĂ©es

  • Day 2: Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Montmartre at sunset

  • Day 3: Notre-Dame, Latin Quarter brunch, Sainte-Chapelle, Luxembourg Gardens
    Pro tip: Book ahead to skip the lines — and make room for that extra croissant.

🚆 The Best Day Tours from Paris, France

Looking to explore beyond the city? Consider booking one of the best day tours from Paris, France, including:

  • Versailles Palace – opulent gardens and royal history

  • Giverny – Claude Monet’s dreamy home and gardens

  • Loire Valley – fairy-tale castles and wine tasting

🛡️ Book Smart with Travel Insurance and Credit Perks

Protect your adventure with France travel insurance affiliate links, especially if your trip includes train travel, museum bookings, or non-refundable accommodations.

Add even more value by booking with Paris travel credit card deals that offer perks like lounge access, hotel upgrades, or cashback on flights and tours.

 
 
 

Top 20 Things To Do In Paris

Whether you are just doing a quick getaway weekend getaway from London or visiting Paris as part of an extended itinerary in Europe Paris has more to offer beyond being a fashion capital.
 
Amazing history, architecture, food and parks and all that is incorporated in the list of things to do in Paris below. Perfect whether you are a fashionista exploring the city or a photographer looking for the best spots to take pictures in Paris.
 
If you are exploring Europe and looking to extend your Paris trip, also check out my post on how to do London and Paris in one itinerary with tips on how to get travel between London and Paris with ease.
 
I also have another extended version that will have you touring London, Paris and Amsterdam in an itinerary. All with tips on places to visit, eat and sleep as well as travel between Paris and Amsterdam too.
 
 
The Louvre Paris. Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com
 
 

1. See Mona Lisa at the Louvre

The beauty of the pyramids are enough to call the world to the Louvre but dont forget about the art! There are many Louvre masterpieces to add to your Paris itinerary.
 
Filled from corner to corner with art that reveal stories in all the individual canvas. You can easily spend a day here, but just don’t forget to drop by on Mona Lisa. For more tips on what to see inside the Louvre, check out Lexie’s tips.
 
 

2. Eat Macaroons

I do have a sweet tooth and have indulged on many a Macaroon. You will find many great sweet shops that sells freshly made macaroons so don’t just think you have to head to LadurĂ©e – considering its on just about every Instagram account out there(other than mine).
 
Branch out. There are many more luxe macaroon shops with ridiculously delicious flavours too. You can also opt to learn how to make Macaroons in Paris.
 
 
Paris Macaroons - Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com

 

 

3. Experience the sunrise in Paris on Trocadero

I have had the pleasure of seeing many a sunrise but nothing compares to that feeling or being the first to reach a spot before the city wakes up.

Now that we are heading towards better weather months,  take the opportunity to see the sunrise. Trocadero is as good a spot as it gets without paying entrance fees or waiting in line. For tips on cool and hidden gems in Paris check out Wandering Sunsets.

 

Sunrise at Trocadero Paris. Photo by Bianca www.itsallbee.com

 

4. Explore Place des Vosges 

Located in the beautiful and chic Marais neighbourhood. Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris. Easily recognised for its ornate brick and stone arcades, gardens and fountains as well as former royal palaces.
 
With a list of famous people former residents, of whom, most notable is Victor Hugo, who lived at No 6 Place des Vosges. This is now a museum devoted to his memory.
 

5. People watch outside Parisien cafes

You are in Paris so get a taste of Paris life and chill with a coffee outside. Extra points if you can even manage a conversation in french.

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

6. Visit Notre Dame

This 850-year old church is a must see in Paris. The church is still in use and has masses still taking place even with the many tourists that are on the constant in this beautiful Gothic masterpiece.
 

7. See Paris from above Monteparnes Tower

This place offers up 360-degree views of Paris. It boasts Europes fastest elevator taking you up to the 59th floor in 38 seconds. Take a glimps of Paris 210 meters above the streets.
 
 
See Paris from above Monteparnes Tower - Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com

 

8. Head Shopping on Champs Elysee

The most famous avenue in the world. Stylish cafes, luxury boutiques and hundreds of tourists taking to the streets proving why a stroll on the avenue is another must when visiting Paris.
 
 
 

9. Explore Paris’s beautiful neighbourhoods

Many beautiful neighbourhoods in Paris waiting to be discovered so don’t spend all  your days looking at Eiffel Tower. Makes sure to check out Montmatre, Saint Germain, Canal Saint Martin, Latin Quarter, the list is endless with so many quiet streets in Paris
 

10. Watch Moulin Rouge

For a little evening entertainment, this is one show to add to your list when in Paris. Book Moulin Rouge tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

 

Moulin Rouge Paris - Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com

 

11. Climb the spiral steps at Arc de Triomphe

Take in the views of Paris and it’s 12 avenues that meet at the Arc de Triomphe. Another must is taking to Champs Elysees for a little retail therapy.
 

12. Go shopping at Printemps

This is a luxury bazaar in the heart of Paris. The sheer abundance and luxury of merchandise on offer will send you in a spin. Definitely worth stopping by. You can read about and check the views on the terrace cafe at Printemps.
 
 
 
Printemps Paris - Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com
 

13. Climb the steps of Eiffel Tower

Everyone makes their way to this beautiful city to have pictures with the Tower in the backgrounds but don’t forget to experience climbing up for the views. An easier option is skipping the queues to the top of Eiffel Tower and then enjoying a dinner cruise afterward.
 

14. Visit Sacré Coeur

Montmarte is a unique village within this beautiful metropolis.  SacrĂ© Coeur is open 6am to 10.30pm and free entrance, although you have to pay to climb the spiral staircase to the base of the dome to enjoy th views of Paris in the second-highest post in Paris after Eiffel Tower.
 

15. Eat croissants in Paris with a view

There tasty little buggers taste even better warm, fresh and if you have a good view while chomping them down then all the better. While you are in the land of croissants perhaps you can learn to make your own to take home too. The image below was taken during our stay at Radisson on Champs Elysses. This room also had views of the Eiffel Tower.
 
 
 
Arc de Triomphe - Paris - Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com

 

16. Stroll through Parisian Gardens of Tulleries and Luxembourg

With many parks to choose from these two are not to be missed. Especially when the flowers are in bloom head to Luxembourg Gardens and grab a seat by the fountains. Chill out with the Parisians that bring their books and a picnic and zone out for a bit. For more cool and unusual things to do in Paris check out N Tripping.
 
 
 

17. See Paris Street Art Quarters

The city is not just about luxe boutique shops and eating macroons as you burn plastic. For a little change in scenery head to Belleville and continue on to Canal Saint Martin and surround areas for a little more splash of colour.

 

18. Head behind the clock of Musee d’Orsay

It doesn’t get any prettier than this! You can also see Sacre Coeur and Louvre from the clock. While you are at it you can also check out the beautiful art.

 

Behind the Clock - Musee d'Orsay - Paris. Photo by Bianca - www.itsallbee.com
 
 

19. Walk Across Paris’ Bridges

Pont Alexander III draws the crowds perhaps almost as much as the Eiffel Tour these days. It’s also made a popular place to shoot for many a fashion brand and blogger.
 
Walk on the bridge, under it or even drift by on a tour boat. Many of the bridges in Paris are just a few of individual charm that whichever one you pick with come with views to boot.
 
 
Paris Bridge - Photo by Bianca www.itsallbee.com

 

20. City of Light – Light show

You have explored the city over its now time to end your tour with short stroll on the River Seine and pick a spot with a clear few of the Eiffel Tower and wait for the light show. It starts at the first hour after dark and runs on the hour until 1am.

 

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is absolutely stunning and I have had the pleasure of staying in amazing Paris Hotels With A View of the Eiffel Tower many of which can be found in various budgets. I have also used  Airbnb in Paris with views across Paris.
 
There are plenty of options to whether you want an apartment or a beautiful Hotels With Parisian Balcony for that home from home feel with a touch of Parisian locale feel to it too.
 
A lot of my booking I made via booking.com which has the largest selection of hotels and apartments to rental for quick and long getaways.
 



Booking.com