12 Must-Do Activities in Paris, France
Paris is more than a city—it’s a living masterpiece. Every corner tells a story, every café whispers a poem, and every sunset over the Seine reminds you why it’s one of the most visited places on Earth. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Paris never fails to leave you breathless. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, this guide highlights 12 must-do activities in Paris that belong on every traveler’s itinerary—whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, family, or someone special.
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Table of Contents
Must-Do Activities in Paris Mini Guide
Short on time? Here are the top 3 Must-Do Activities in Paris
1. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle at Night
We’re starting off strong with the most iconic Paris activity.
You can’t visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower—but the real magic happens at night. Every hour after sunset (until 1AM in the winter and 2AM in the summer), the tower twinkles with thousands of golden lights for five minutes. It’s one of those bucket-list moments that doesn’t feel real until you see it in person.
Pro tip: Head to the Trocadéro Gardens or the Pont Alexandre III bridge for one of the best viewpoints. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine to enjoy the show!
2. Cruise Along the Seine River
Want to see the heart of Paris from a new perspective? Hop on a Seine River cruise. These boats float past iconic sites like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, offering stunning views from the water. The best part? You can see all the sights without battling Paris traffic or riding the metro.
Choose your vibe: Take a daytime cruise for photos, or opt for a dinner cruise for a more elegant experience with food, wine, and live music.
3. Explore Montmartre’s Artistic Charm
Montmartre is a dreamy, bohemian neighborhood that feels like stepping back in time. Once home to Picasso, Renoir, and Dali, it still carries that creative spirit today.
Wander up the cobblestone streets to the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched on a hill with some of the best views in Paris. Then roam the area—discover street artists, quirky shops, and vintage cafés.
Some of my favorite Paris souvenirs came from street artists in Montmartre.
Don’t miss: Le Consulat Café and Place du Tertre, where artists paint portraits on the spot.
4. Spend a Day at the Louvre
The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and an essential stop for history buffs and art lovers alike. Even if you’re not an art expert (me), seeing the Mona Lisa in person is unforgettable.
The museum is massive and can be a bit overwhelming. This is definitely a stop you will want to strategize. We found the easiest way to have a quality experience is to pick a few exhibits to focus on or book a guided tour. This will ensure that you get the most out of your time.
Bonus: Visit at night on Wednesdays and Fridays when the museum stays open late—it’s quieter and more atmospheric.
5. Take a Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
This is consistently one of my favorite activities when visiting Paris!
A short RER train ride from the city, Versailles is a dazzling symbol of royal excess. From the Hall of Mirrors to the sprawling manicured gardens, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most visited places in France.
Bring your walking shoes as the palace and grounds are quite expansive. We prefer to book entry early in the morning to avoid as many crowds as possible and taking our time exploring the area.
Traveler tip: Rent a bike or golf cart to explore the Grand and Petit Trianons, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and hidden corners of the gardens.
6. Wander Through the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is lively, historic, and full of personality. With its maze-like streets, student cafés, bookshops, and hidden courtyards, it’s a place made for getting lost (in the best way).
Stroll along Rue Mouffetard for affordable eats, pop into the Panthéon, or browse the shelves at the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore across from Notre-Dame.
This is the perfect addition to a free afternoon or an after-dinner stroll.
Perfect for: Budget travelers, literature lovers, and anyone who loves a bit of old-world Paris charm.
7. Picnic in Luxembourg Gardens
Need a break from sightseeing? Embrace your inner Parisian and enjoy lunch outside.
Grab a baguette, some cheese, and fresh fruit from a local market and head to Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.
Lounge by the fountains, watch locals play chess or sail toy boats, or sit under shady trees with a good book. It’s the perfect place to slow down and take it all in.
Local tip: Get picnic supplies at Marché Raspail or Rue Cler nearby.
8. Climb to the Top of the Arc de Triomphe
Located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is a can’t miss on your next trip to Paris.
I believe it offers the best views of the entire city. Take your time wandering around the top of the tower and learning about it’s history. From the top, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the twelve avenues that radiate from the monument like a star.
Best time to go: Just before sunset, so you can watch the city shift from day to night
9. Visit Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a highlight of any trip to Paris. It is on of the most historically significant landmarks in the city.
This stunning Gothic cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, has stood since the 12th century and has witnessed centuries of French history. Known for its intricate stained-glass windows, dramatic flying buttresses, and imposing twin towers, Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Although the cathedral suffered significant damage during the 2019 fire, restoration efforts were successful and visitors can now re-enter.
10. Enjoy Parisian Pastries at a Boulangerie
A visit to Paris isn’t complete without indulging in French baked goods. Croissants, pain au chocolat, éclairs, mille-feuille, and macarons—you’ll find them in bakeries on nearly every block.
Must-visit bakeries:
Du Pain et des Idées (10th arrondissement)
Maison Pichard (15th)
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac (multiple locations)
Les Copains (Perfect if you’re gluten free, like me)
Pro tip: Try different ones throughout your stay and find your personal favorite.
11. Visit Saint-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a hidden gem in Paris that often surprises visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Tucked away on the Île de la Cité, just a short walk from Notre-Dame, this 13th-century Gothic chapel was originally built to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
12. Walk Along the Seine at Sunset
There’s nothing quite like walking along the Seine River as the sun sets. The city glows golden, the bridges light up, and the atmosphere becomes nothing short of magical.
Whether you’re walking from Notre-Dame to the Louvre, or from the Orsay Museum to the Pont Alexandre III, it’s a peaceful, scenic way to end your day.
Hot tip: Bring a crepe or gelato for the walk—you deserve it.
Helpful Travel Tips For Visiting Paris
To make the most of your trip, keep these quick tips in mind:
Get a Navigo Easy pass: It saves time and money on Metro rides.
Learn a few key French phrases: A simple “Bonjour” or “Merci” goes a long way.
Buy museum passes in advance: Skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles are worth it.
Walk as much as you can: Paris is best seen on foot.
Avoid tourist traps near big attractions: For food, walk a few blocks away for better value and quality.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, browsing vintage books in the Latin Quarter, or watching the sunset from Montmartre, Paris offers an experience unlike any other. Its blend of art, food, history, and style makes it one of the most inspiring cities on the planet.
These 12 must-do activities in Paris offer a perfect mix of iconic sights and local experiences that will help you create lifelong memories in the City of Light.
Bon voyage—and don’t forget to slow down and savor every moment. Paris is meant to be felt, not just seen.
Looking for More Paris Inspiration? Check out my posts on planning the Perfect Paris Trip:
4 Perfect Days in Paris: A Bucket-List Itinerary for Couples
3 Perfect Days in Paris: Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
