There are no shortage of attractions to see and things to do in Paris. Whether you’re planning a 2-day stay or a long weekend break, it can be tricky to pack it all in. We know, we’ve tried so many times.

What should first time visitors do in Paris?

First time visitors should leave enough time for the iconic Eiffel Tower (just remember to book your tickets in advance), the Louvre museum and Notre Dame cathedral. Make sure you don’t miss out on the mesmerising modern art collection at the Pompidou Centre either.

So what are the must-see sights to add to your to-do list? We’ve compiled a list of major landmarks for your next visit to Paris. 

 

Get your walking shoes on

A trip to Paris is all about its exquisite neighbourhoods – all promising something completely different than the last. And as Paris is such a walkable city, you can discover something new around every corner.

Taking a stroll down Champs-Elysees, Paris’s most famous avenue filled with designer boutiques and restaurants is well worth doing, as is checking out the vibrant student hub, the Latin Quarter. The area just around the station, Paris Gare du Nord is one not to be missed and will give you a real flavour of what to expect in the city as soon as you set foot off the train from London. For other delights to be found on foot, don’t miss Saint-Germain-des-Prés with its mix of quirky coffee shops that all promise the perfect spot to watch the world go by. Trendy Marais is well worth a visit for gothic architecture and charming cafes, while Montmartre is the current hangout for artists, writers and creatives.

Something even for those in the know

Seasoned Parisian veterans might think they’ve seen the best of the Paris on previous visits, but this city always gives something new on every trip. Whether that’s a new-found love for the darker side of the city with a journey into the catacombs, or an undiscovered gem in one of the city’s museums. There’s always plenty of new things to do in Paris, even for the locals.

What do the Parisians do in Paris?

Wow the French do love their food. And the Parisians really take it up a notch. From scrumptious street food vendors, to the most out of this world eateries, Paris caters for all tastes and all budgets.

Some of our favourites include the Paname Brewing Company, promising scenic views of the Canal Saint-Martin, as well as a quality mixture of beer, burgers and tasty snacks. Brasserie de la Goutte d'Or, Deck & Donohue and BapBap are ones not to be missed, while La Grande Crèmerie in St Germain is all about the cheese and wine. Or do you want to go all out for a meal to remember in a Michelin starred restaurant? Well Paris has plenty of those, including Guy Savoy, La Truffière, and Benoit Paris. You really can take your pick. Just remember to book well in advance.

So what are the must-see sights to add to your to-do list? We’ve compiled a list of major landmarks and attractions for your next visit. You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Paris.

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Top attractions to see in Paris

There really is so much to see and do in Paris. Any Parisian adventure should start with the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Get your camera at the ready and make your way to the walkways and waterways of the French capital and we know you won’t be disappointed.

Arguably the world’s most famous tower will be top of your list for Paris attractions. Constructed in 1887 and named after the engineer who designed and built it, the Eiffel Tower has been mesmerising visitors to the city for well over a century. Whilst it can be seen across the city, there’s nothing like the views from the top. Just make sure to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues. That’s just one handy tip – we’ve got five more to help you get the most of this wonderful, but sometimes chaotic attraction.

With the tower done, now you have the rest of Paris to explore. And there’s so much that you really don’t want to miss from Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Palais Garnier, and Jardin de Luxembourg. That’s just the start of this world-famous city. Here we’ll bring you all the best things to do in Paris for your first trip, second visit, and every time you decide to drop back in.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower

Visiting the Eiffel Tower can be a chaotic experience if not planned carefully. Thankfully, we've compiled six tips to make it easy for you. 

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Notre Dame De Paris

Historical cathedral Notre-Dame will take your breath away with its rose stained-glass windows and gothic architecture. 

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The top sights to see in Paris

The absolute must-see sights to visit on a first trip to Paris.

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Paris has plenty of things to do on a city break with kids.

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Palais Garnier Guide

Step back in time and explore the treasures and legends of the mythical Palais Garnier.

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Moulin Rouge guide

Featuring glamour, spectacular costumes and performances; the legendary Moulin Rouge promises an entertaining night. 

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The Louvre Museum insider guide

The Louvre in Paris is the world's largest museum and one of the most magnificent. Here is a guide to make the most out of your visit. 

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The Pompidou Centre guide

Once derided for its unconventional looks, the Pompidou Centre has become the chouchou of Parisians. 

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The Paris catacombs guide

Be prepared for your hair-raising visit to the most creepy underground ossuary in the city. 

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Fondation Louis Vuitton Guide

Visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton, home to modern and contemporary art.

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See more of Paris with Tootbus

Explore the sights and sounds of the city with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Eurostar customers get a 20% discount.

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What are the best neighbourhoods to visit in Paris?

Paris is a city just waiting to be explored. You can stroll coffee in hand like the locals, take a trip down the Seine, or hop on and off public transport. But you simply have to slip on your comfy shoes and take to the streets in some of the most famous neighbourhoods in the world.

There’s the flavour of the Latin Quarter, the hipster hangouts of Saint-Germain-des-Prés – a coffee at the arty Café de Flore is not to be missed. Nor is a stroll around the Jardin de Luxembourg.

For mind-expanding modern art, lunch like the locals at Le Mermoz, and of course a few selfies, the neighbourhood around the Arc de Triomphe is calling. For arthouse movies, hip hangouts, beautiful bistros and canal side strolls, put the neighbourhood around Paris Gare du Nord station on your itinerary. Why not explore it as soon as you set foot off your Eurostar train or just before you bid adieu to your new favourite city?

The essential guides to Paris

Ok, so you think you know Paris. But can anyone really know the full scale of what the French capital has to offer? Even the locals are learning new things about their city every day. So, while you think you might be scratching the surface every time you visit, we’re here to go you an insider’s view of how to make the most of your next Parisian getaway.

Paris isn’t all glitz and glamour. Fancy a trip into the depths of the city’s darker side with a journey into the catacombs? While this might not be the place for your newly bought designer threads, it gives an intriguing insight into the city’s past. Learn how to get the best out of your time in the 200 miles of underground tunnels.

But let’s not forget the glitz and glamour either. To really do as the locals do, with the best boutiques, unheard-of gems on the restaurant scene, or the best cultural hot spots, check out our expat guide to Paris. And while the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre will no doubt be on your Paris essentials check-list – with more than 350,000 pieces of art in the Louvre alone, you’ll need our essential guides to make sure you get the most out of your visit. We don’t want you to miss out on anything.

 

Paris Expat Guide

From katsu sandwiches to concept stores, here are the best new spots for your next visit.

Read more

The Pompidou Centre guide

Once derided for its unconventional looks, the Pompidou Centre has become the chouchou of Parisians. 

Find out more

The Paris catacombs guide

Be prepared for your hair-raising visit to the most creepy underground ossuary in the city. 

Read more

The Louvre Museum insider guide

The Louvre in Paris is the world's largest museum and one of the most magnificent. Here is a guide to make the most out of your visit. 

Read more

Where to stay in Paris

Now this is a big decision. Paris is packed with beautiful boutique hotels, classic grand offerings, and contemporary spots to lay your head. And most importantly, they’re all in walking distance of the best attractions.


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