Things to Do in Paris - Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Must-See Sights

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an iconic monument located at the junction of the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 and completed in 1836 under Louis-Philippe, it stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle where twelve avenues converge. It honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a nearly two-kilometer avenue following Paris's historic axis, connecting Place de la Concorde to Place Charles-de-Gaulle in the 8th arrondissement. Originally laid out by André Le Nôtre, landscape architect to Louis XIV, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful avenue in the world. Lined with theaters, cafés, and luxury shops, it hosts the annual Bastille Day military parade and the finish of the Tour de France.

The Eiffel Tower is a 330-meter iron lattice tower located at the northwest end of the Champ-de-Mars park along the Seine. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution, it has become the symbol of Paris and France. It was the world's tallest structure for 40 years and remains one of the most visited paid monuments globally, with over 300 million visitors since its opening.

The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, housed in the historic Louvre Palace in the 1st arrondissement. With 72,735 square meters of exhibition space, it displays Western art from the Middle Ages to 1848, plus ancient civilizations and Islamic art. Home to over 500,000 works including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace, it attracted 8.7 million visitors in 2024, making it the world's most visited art museum.

Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most iconic monuments of Paris and France. Located on Île de la Cité, this Gothic masterpiece was constructed from 1163 to around 1345. The cathedral has witnessed key moments in French history, including Napoleon's coronation in 1804. Though severely damaged by fire in April 2019, it was officially reopened in December 2024 after extensive restoration. Its two rose windows are among the largest in Europe.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre stands at the summit of Butte Montmartre at 130 meters altitude, making it visible from throughout Paris. Completed in 1923, this white-domed basilica was built following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as a symbol of spiritual renewal. With nearly 11 million pilgrims and visitors annually, it is the second most visited religious monument in Paris after Notre-Dame.

Le Marais is a historic district spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on Paris's Right Bank. Once a marshland, it became the preferred residence of French nobility in the 17th century, leaving a legacy of magnificent hôtels particuliers (private mansions). Today, it is one of Paris's most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its preserved pre-revolutionary architecture, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and diverse communities including the Jewish quarter and LGBTQ+ scene.

Les Invalides is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement containing museums and monuments relating to France's military history. Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670 as a hospital for war veterans, it now houses the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération. The golden-domed Chapel of Saint-Louis contains the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, making it a site of pilgrimage for history enthusiasts.

Montmartre is a historic neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement, dominated by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Once an independent village, it was annexed by Paris in 1860. Since the 19th century, it has been a haven for artists including Picasso, Modigliani, and Van Gogh. With its cobblestone streets, steep staircases, and village atmosphere, Montmartre retains a bohemian charm. The area contains Paris's highest natural point at 130.53 meters in the Calvaire Cemetery.

The Opéra Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier, is a 1,979-seat opera house built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera. Located in the 9th arrondissement, this masterpiece of eclectic architecture was designed by Charles Garnier under Napoleon III. Its opulent interior features marble, gold leaf, velvet, and the famous ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. The building inspired Gaston Leroux's novel 'The Phantom of the Opera' and remains a symbol of Parisian elegance.

The Palais Royal is a former royal palace located in the 1st arrondissement, north of the Louvre. Built for Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century, it later became a royal residence. Today, its beautiful gardens and courtyard with Daniel Buren's striped columns make it a peaceful retreat in the heart of Paris. The palace complex includes the Council of State and the Constitutional Council, as well as arcades with antique shops and restaurants.

The Panthéon is a neoclassical monument in the Latin Quarter's 5th arrondissement, originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve. Since the French Revolution, it has served as a mausoleum honoring distinguished French citizens. Bearing the inscription 'To great men, a grateful homeland,' it houses the remains of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and Simone Veil. Its dome was inspired by Rome's Pantheon, and it features Foucault's famous pendulum demonstrating Earth's rotation.

The Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris, covering 7.56 hectares in the 8th arrondissement. Originally named Place Louis XV, it became infamous as the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution where over 1,000 people were executed, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, it features the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk and magnificent fountains. It forms the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées and the historic axis of Paris.

The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, located in the Marais district. Originally called Place Royale, it was inaugurated in 1612 for the wedding of Louis XIII. This perfectly symmetrical square features 36 red-brick houses with steep slate roofs and arcaded ground floors. The square has been home to many famous residents including Victor Hugo. Classified as a historic monument, it exemplifies elegant French classical architecture.

The Pont Alexandre III is an ornate bridge spanning the Seine between the 7th and 8th arrondissements. Built between 1896 and 1900, it connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower areas. Named after Tsar Alexander III who concluded the Franco-Russian Alliance, the bridge is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at its four pillars. It offers spectacular views of Paris landmarks.

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built in the 13th century on Île de la Cité to house precious relics acquired by Saint Louis, including the Crown of Thorns. A masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, it is renowned for its soaring height and stunning stained glass windows that cover nearly the entire upper chapel walls. The 15-meter-high windows depict over 1,100 biblical scenes and are considered among the finest achievements of medieval glasswork.

The Banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer one of the most romantic ways to experience Paris. The riverbanks feature pedestrian promenades, historic bookstalls (bouquinistes), and stunning views of iconic monuments including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, picnics along the water, or simply stroll while taking in the city's architectural splendor. The banks have been central to Parisian life for over 2,000 years.

The Trocadéro, located in the 16th arrondissement across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, offers the most iconic view of the Iron Lady. The site includes the Palais de Chaillot, home to several museums including the Musée de l'Homme and the Maritime Museum. The expansive gardens with their fountains and statues provide a magnificent setting for photographs. The name commemorates the Battle of Trocadéro in 1823.

The Canal Saint-Martin is a 4.55 km canal running through the 10th and 11th arrondissements, connecting the Bassin de la Villette to the Port de l'Arsenal. Built in 1825 to supply fresh water to Paris, it features nine locks and two swing bridges. The canal has become a trendy area with hip cafés, boutiques, and picnic spots along its banks. It was featured in the film 'Amélie' and is a favorite among locals for its village-like atmosphere.

The Cloister of the Billettes is the only remaining medieval cloister in Paris, dating from the 15th century. Located in the 4th arrondissement near the Centre Pompidou, this hidden gem features Gothic arcades and a peaceful courtyard. Originally part of a Cistercian monastery, it now belongs to the Lutheran Church and offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling Marais district. It hosts occasional concerts and cultural events.

Île Saint-Louis is a natural island in the Seine, located just upstream of Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement. Developed in the 17th century, it offers a peaceful residential atmosphere with elegant townhouses, art galleries, and the famous Berthillon ice cream shop. Unlike its more touristy neighbor, this island maintains a quiet charm with its narrow streets, quayside promenades, and stunning views of the Seine and Notre-Dame.

The Passage des Panoramas is the oldest covered passage in Paris, dating back to 1799. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, this charming glass-roofed arcade connects Boulevard Montmartre to Rue Saint-Marc. It houses vintage stamp dealers, old-fashioned restaurants, and unique boutiques. The passage retains its historic character with mosaic floors and gas lighting, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Parisian shopping culture.

Place Dauphine is a triangular public square on Île de la Cité, named after the Dauphin (future Louis XIII). Created by Henri IV in 1607, it is one of Paris's five royal squares. Tucked away at the western tip of the island near Pont Neuf, it offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The square is lined with charming restaurants and provides a picturesque view of the equestrian statue of Henri IV.

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, formerly known as Promenade Plantée, is an elevated linear park built on a former railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. Predating New York's High Line, this 4.7 km greenway features gardens, tunnels, and elevated pathways offering unique views of Parisian architecture. The viaduct's arches now house artisans' workshops, creating a vibrant creative community beneath the walkway.

Rue Mouffetard, affectionately known as 'La Mouffe,' is a lively street in the 5th arrondissement's Latin Quarter. This ancient Roman road winds downhill from the Panthéon toward the Jardin des Plantes. The street retains a village atmosphere with its traditional food shops, cheese mongers, bakeries, and affordable restaurants. It comes alive in the evenings with students and locals enjoying the convivial atmosphere of this historic market street.

The Musée Carnavalet - History of Paris is dedicated to the history of Paris from its origins to the present day. Located in the Marais across two mansions, the museum reopened in 2021 after extensive renovation. Its collection includes over 625,000 works: paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, and historical artifacts. Highlights include Marcel Proust's reconstructed bedroom and memorabilia from the French Revolution. Admission is free.

The Grand Palais is a historic site and exhibition hall located on the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement. Built for the 1900 World's Fair, its 77,000 square meters feature an iconic glass-domed nave and Beaux-Arts architecture. The venue hosts major art exhibitions, fashion shows, and cultural events. After extensive renovation, it reopened to host fencing and taekwondo during the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaffirming its status as a premier cultural destination.

The Musée de l'Orangerie is an intimate art gallery located in the Tuileries Garden near Place de la Concorde. It is famous for housing Claude Monet's monumental 'Water Lilies' series in two specially designed oval rooms. Beyond Monet, the museum features an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani. The building originally served as a greenhouse for orange trees.

The Musée d'Orsay is housed in a magnificent Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 World's Fair. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine in the 7th arrondissement, it holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Visitors can admire works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, and Cézanne, as well as Art Nouveau decorative arts. The museum's grand clock and Belle Époque architecture are attractions in themselves.

The Musée de Cluny, officially the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is housed in a 15th-century mansion in the Latin Quarter. It holds one of the world's most important collections of medieval art, including the famous 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries. The museum incorporates ancient Roman baths, the Thermes de Cluny, which are among the best-preserved Roman remains in Paris. The combination of medieval artifacts and ancient ruins creates a unique historical atmosphere.

The Petit Palais is a Beaux-Arts building constructed for the 1900 World's Fair, now housing the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris. Located across from the Grand Palais, it features an impressive collection spanning antiquity to the early 20th century. The building itself is a masterpiece with its grand entrance, mosaic floors, and beautiful inner courtyard garden. Admission to the permanent collection is free, making it an accessible cultural gem.

The Musée Picasso is housed in the magnificent Hôtel Salé in the Marais district. It holds the world's largest public collection of Pablo Picasso's works, comprising over 5,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics. The collection was established from works donated by Picasso's heirs in lieu of inheritance taxes. The museum traces the artist's entire career from his early years to his final creations.

The Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is an ethnographic museum dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Located near the Eiffel Tower in a striking contemporary building designed by Jean Nouvel, it opened in 2006. The museum's vertical garden façade and innovative presentation of indigenous art have made it one of the world's most visited museums of its kind, with over 20 million visitors since its opening.

The Musée Rodin is dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Located in the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion in the 7th arrondissement, the museum displays masterpieces including 'The Thinker,' 'The Kiss,' and 'The Gates of Hell.' The sculpture garden is a highlight, featuring bronze works among rose gardens and fountains. The museum also includes a second location at Rodin's former home in Meudon.

The Marché Bastille is one of Paris's largest open-air markets, held twice weekly on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir near Place de la Bastille. With over 100 stalls, it offers an impressive array of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, seafood, flowers, and prepared foods. The market provides a lively atmosphere where locals shop alongside chefs from nearby restaurants. Its location near the historic Bastille site makes it a perfect stop for combining sightseeing with gourmet shopping.

The Marché d'Aligre is a bustling market in the 12th arrondissement combining a covered market hall, open-air stalls, and a flea market. Operating since the 18th century, it offers fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and international specialties at affordable prices. The market reflects the neighborhood's diverse community and provides an authentic, less touristy Parisian shopping experience. It's particularly lively on weekend mornings.

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris, established in 1615. Located in the Marais district, it takes its name from the red-clothed orphans who were cared for nearby. Today, it offers a vibrant mix of fresh produce, cheese, flowers, and international street food stalls. Visitors can enjoy meals at communal tables, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Parisian market culture.

The Luxembourg Gardens is a 23-hectare public park in the 6th arrondissement, created in 1612 for Marie de Medici. Featuring French and English-style gardens, the park includes the magnificent Luxembourg Palace (now home to the French Senate), tree-lined promenades, a large pond with model sailboats, and over 100 statues. In 2022, it was named the most beautiful garden in Europe. The gardens are a beloved spot for Parisians to stroll, read, and relax.

The Parc de Belleville is a hillside park in the 20th arrondissement offering one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Opened in 1988 on the site of a former vineyard, the park features terraced gardens, a waterfall, and open-air theater. At its summit, visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of the Eiffel Tower and the city skyline. The park celebrates the working-class heritage of Belleville, once home to many artists and revolutionaries.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a dramatic landscape park in the 19th arrondissement, inaugurated in 1867 during Napoleon III's reign. Built on former gypsum quarries, it features cliffs, a lake, a waterfall cascading into a grotto, and a temple perched on an island. This English-style garden offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Paris, with walking paths, bridges, and panoramic viewpoints. At nearly 25 hectares, it is one of Paris's largest green spaces.

The Tour Montparnasse is a 209-meter skyscraper in the 15th arrondissement, the tallest building within Paris city limits. Completed in 1973, its observation deck on the 56th floor offers spectacular 360-degree views of Paris, including an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. Though controversial for its modern design among historic Parisian architecture, the tower provides one of the best vantage points for photography, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.

The Tuileries Garden is a historic public park located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement. Created in the 16th century on the site of former tile factories, it was redesigned by André Le Nôtre in the French formal garden style. The garden features beautiful terraces, ponds, sculptures by Maillol and Rodin, and the Musée de l'Orangerie. It offers spectacular views of Paris's historic axis from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe.