Things to Do in Paris: 50+ Insider Favorites & Hidden Gems (2025)

There are so many wonderful things to do in Paris, whether it’s your first-time, you’re visiting Paris with kids, or looking for those hidden gems most tourists never discover. 

Yes, you’ll want to see the Eiffel Tower, but you should also wander through Marché des Enfants Rouges, grab wine and cheese for a Canal Saint-Martin picnic, and discover why Centre Pompidou is my personal favorite museum in the city. 

I used to live in Paris, I visit my French family every year, and I’ve learned that the magic happens when you balance the iconic sights with the experiences that make you feel like a local (that’s what I’m here to share!).

From museums to non-touristy hidden passageways to mouth-watering restaurants and bars, here’s a complete guide to my absolute favorite things to do in Paris.

Things to Do In Paris Quick Guide

Bonus! A Google Map Of Everything In This Guide

Personally, I find it easiest to make a plan when I can see a map, especially related to where I’m staying. Everything in this guide can also be found in the Google Map below. Feel free to snag your own copy for free! 

Essential Things to Do in Paris for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time in Paris, first of all, I’m very excited for you to fall in love. Please eat all the bread, the strongest cheese you can find, and at least one pastry a day. 

I’ll break down my favorite activities by category below, but you should see:

• At least one museum
• Two famous monuments
• A few of my favorite restaurants or bars
• Definitely an evening activity (burlesque if you’re feeling spicy, a Seine river cruise if that’s more your speed!)
• If you have time, I love a food tour! It’s a great way to get to know Paris and taste delicious cheese and wine.

Whether you’re here for one day, three days, or more, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Paris. 

I also have a breakdown of where to stay in Paris to make sure you’re close enough to everything you’ll want to see. 

Things to Do In Paris: Iconic Monuments

These are the sights you’ve seen in every Paris movie, and honestly, they’re famous for a reason. While I’m glad we typically don’t put our people into poverty to build monuments these days, they are beautiful to look at and incredible to think about how long they’ve been around.

The Eiffel Tower

This is obvious and also non-negotiable. To be honest, no matter where you are in the city, you’ll see it, but it’s worth making a trip over to see it up close.Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also genuinely magical. 

My favorite time to see it is just after sunset when it sparkles every hour on the hour. 

You can watch from the Champ de Mars park (in front of it) or Trocadéro (behind it) for the classic photo, but I prefer the quieter spots along the Seine. 

If you want to go up, book tickets here in advance, the lines are rough (it is the most famous monument in Paris, after all). 

Notre-Dame Cathedral

This is my personal favorite monument in Paris and still worth visiting, even with the ongoing restoration. 

In an architecture class I took in Paris, they pointed out how you can see the architectural styles of the columns shift inside, because it took so long to build that what was “in fashion” changed while they were building. Pretty interesting!

The outside is stunning, and you can still appreciate the incredible Gothic architecture.

It’s free to enter, and I recommend getting there early (around 7:45 AM when it opens) to beat the crowds. 

Sainte-Chapelle

I love, love, love Sainte-Chapelle. It’s right by Notre-Dame and lots of people overlook it. It has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows you’ll ever see. When the light hits them just right, the whole chapel glows. 

It’s small, so you won’t need hours here, but it’s absolutely worth the visit. Combine it with a walk around Île de la Cité (consider getting Pho at Ha Noi 1988 after).

You definitely need a skip-the-line ticket for this which you can get here. I took my boyfriend and his dad last year without tickets, and after waiting for an hour, we bailed. Please learn from my mistakes. 

Arc de Triomphe

This gives you some of the best panoramic views in Paris, especially if you climb to the top (there are 284 steps to get there, with elevators reserved for those who need it). 

I actually think this is one of the better views in Paris because you can see the Eiffel tower at the same time.

It’s right on the Champs-Élysées, so you can combine it with shopping or just people-watching. 

Early morning visits are much less crowded than midday and if you don’t want to risk a line, you can reserve tickets here.

Things to Do In Paris: The Best Museums You Can’t Miss

Paris has some of the world’s best museums, and honestly, I could spend weeks just museum-hopping. But if you’re prioritizing, here’s where to focus your time. 

I also can’t recommend enough that you book skip-the-line tickets to all of these museums. It’s just not worth it to spend an hour+ in line really ever, let alone on a trip to Paris!

Musée d’Orsay

I know it’s crazy that I’m not starting with the Louvre, but honestly the Musée d’Orsay is still one of the best museums in Paris and one of my favorites.

The museum itself is stunning since it’s housed in a gorgeous former train station and the impressionist collection here is unbeatable (Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas – you name it, they’ve got it).

I get an audio guide every time I visit, even though I go pretty much every year. Make sure you head to the fifth floor to see the famous clock and get a great view of the city!

There’s also a café on the top floor (not the one in the lobby) where you must get a quiche.

Centre Pompidou

This is my personal favorite museum in Paris, though it’s definitely weirder, non-traditional art. The building alone is one of those “must see” things in Paris with its inside-out architecture, and the modern art collection is incredible.

Plus, the views of Paris from the top floors are some of the best in the city. It’s much less crowded than the Louvre, which means you can actually enjoy the art without fighting through crowds.

Musée de l’Orangerie

This one is a totally different experience to most of the giant museums in Paris. It’s perfect if you want something more intimate. 

Monet’s massive Water Lilies paintings fill two oval rooms, and it’s honestly one of the most peaceful art experiences you’ll have in Paris. It’s small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed, but the art is absolutely world-class.

The Louvre

The Louvre is, of course, iconic, and if you want to see the Mona Lisa, go for it.

But I cannot emphasize enough the importance of booking a guided tour with reserved access. 

The museum is absolutely massive, and without a guide, you’ll spend more time wandering around lost than actually seeing art. The lines are also brutal, so skip-the-line access is critical.

No matter which museum you choose, give yourself freedom to grab an espresso at the museum café when you need a break! Museum fatigue is a real thing, and taking a pause lets me enjoy more time there.

Other Museums in Paris

There are many other smaller museums I love like the Rodin Museum (it has gorgeous gardens filled with his sculptures) or the Carnavalet museum (which is one of the best free things to do in Paris!) and are worth visiting if you have more time.

If you want to visit lots of museums, it might be worth getting the Paris museum pass. 

Things to Do in Paris: Historic Neighborhoods to Explore

Paris is really about the neighborhoods. Each arrondissement has its own personality, and wandering through them is half the fun.

Le Marais

The 3rd and 4th arrondissements are the latest trendy places to be, for French people and tourists alike. You’ll find vintage shops, art galleries, and some of the best falafel in the city at L’As du Falafel. 

It’s also home to Place des Vosges, a beautiful park square, where I love to grab a coffee and people watch.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The 6th arrondissement is classic old-world Paris This is where Hemingway and Sartre used to hang out at cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. 

The Luxembourg Gardens are here too, and you should watch the locals play chess while you eat a macaron from Ladurée (I prefer the caramel macarons from Ladurée and the fruit macarons from Pierre Hermé, if you want to do a tasting!).

Latin Quarter

The 5th arrondissement has a bohemian, intellectual vibe thanks to the Sorbonne. 

Shakespeare & Company bookstore is a must for book lovers, and the narrow medieval streets are perfect for wandering through (you’ll want good shoes for the cobblestones). 

I also always love to pop into a Gibert Jeune (you’ll see the yellow and blue awnings) to buy a notebook, some pens, or a record as a souvenir.

Things to Do in Paris For Food Lovers: The Best Bakeries, Restaurants, and Bars 

Paris food culture goes way beyond croissants and wine (though those are important too). Here are some of my favorite bakeries, restaurants, and bars in Paris. All these spots are linked in my free Google Map. 

Best Patisseries in Paris

Paris bakery culture is legendary. Everything is full of butter and folded a million times to get you that perfect crisp, airiness (and now I’m hungry…). Every bakery has something good to offer (I mean it!) but these are the ones I go out of my way to visit.

Le Boulanger de la Tour

This bakery near Notre-Dame has my favorite pain au chocolat in all of Paris. They serve them warm so the chocolate inside is perfectly melted. I make a trip here every fall.

Du Pain et des Idées

This artisanal bakery is known for its creative pastries and excellent sourdough bread.

The pistachio escargot pastry is incredible (don’t worry, it doesn’t have snails, it just spirals out like one), and everything here is made with exceptional technique and quality ingredients.

Utopie

Utopie is in the17th arrondissement, this bakery has some of the best croissants in Paris. Grab one here, then wander through Parc Monceau nearby for the perfect morning combination.

Mamiche

This trendy bakery offers modern takes on classic French pastries. Their sourdough bread and creative pastries make it worth a visit if you’re near the 11th arrondissement.

Ladurée

The classic macaron destination on the Champs-Élysées. It’s expensive, I won’t lie, but the salted caramel macarons are genuinely exceptional. I always, always buy one (or five).

Pierre Hermé

Tied with Ladurée for the most famous macarons, these are also awesome (and expensive). I recommend the rose, raspberry or passionfruit (if they have it).

Best Restaurants in Paris

I’m not gonna lie, pretty much anywhere you eat in Paris will be delicious. But these are the spots my family and I love, and I go out of my way to visit.

You can make a reservation for most places on Opentable or The Fork (France’s version of Opentable). 

Again, every restaurant below is linked on my map.

Bouillon Julien

This is a really old world Parisian restaurant where you should definitely get the snails. It’s delicious, it’s affordable, and it’s one of the few Bouillons that takes reservations. 

Le 404 

This restaurant in the 11th arrondissement serves the best lamb tagine I’ve had outside Morocco. You’ll need reservations, but it’s worth planning ahead. The atmosphere is almost indescribable and authentically North African.

Get the mint tea at the end! 

Robert et Louise

This cozy spot in the 3rd is perfect for lunch. The snails are deliciously garlicky if you’re feeling particularly French, and the whole place has that authentic bistro atmosphere you’re looking for.

Le Christine

This restaurant offers seriously impressive French cuisine in an elegant setting. I went on a date night with my boyfriend and we were really blown away. The quality is consistently excellent, and it’s perfect for a special dinner when you want to experience elevated Parisian dining.

Magma – An Affordable Tasting Menu

For an affordable tasting menu experience, this spot offers creative, high-quality food at around 75 euros. It’s perfect when you want fine dining without the typical Paris fine dining price tag.

We took my mom for a celebration dinner and she definitely felt special!

L’As du Falafel

Located in Le Marais, this is some of the best falafel you’ll find anywhere. There’s usually a line, but it moves quickly and it’s absolutely worth the wait. Get it with everything on it.

Best Bars in Paris

Paris has an incredible drinking scene if you know where to look, from world-class cocktails to perfect wine bars. You guessed it, every bar below is also on my Google map!

Little Red Door

This is one of the world’s 50 best cocktail bars, and it’s hidden behind an unmarked red door in the 11th (so you can go after Le 404!). The cocktails are creative and perfectly balanced, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable. You’ll definitely need reservations.

Candelaria

This speakeasy is hidden behind a taqueria, giving it an authentic underground feel. They specialize in mezcal and tequila options (which I love from my time in Mexico City), and the cocktail menu is consistently strong. 

Le Syndicat

This bar has serious character. They focus exclusively on French spirits, creating innovative cocktails with a distinctly French twist. The energy is hip and modern, and the drinks are expertly crafted.

Harry’s American Bar

This is a classic Parisian institution with serious history. Come for the old-world cocktail experience and definitely get a hotdog (just trust me, it’s part of the authentic experience). 

Happy Hour Anywhere!

One of the things I love about Paris is the happy hour scene. Pretty much every café or bistro will offer a happy hour from ~5pm to 7pm.

I always order a mojito – something about the fresh mint and the French way of crushing sugar at the bottom instead of using syrup makes them so lovely. Enjoy!

The Best Food Tour & Cooking Class in Paris

The Most Fun Food Tour in Paris

While I love exploring on my own, a good tour can show you things you’d never discover otherwise. This award-winning food tour takes you through one of my favorite neighborhoods, it’s small (so you’re not walking around with a massive group), and you taste so much good cheese, charcuterie, macarons, wine and more. It’s hard to beat!

The best cooking class in Paris

If you have more than a day or two, I can definitely recommend a cooking class in Paris as well! This class is incredibly detailed and was a highlight of our most recent trip! We spent the morning at the market, learning about local ingredients, and the afternoon becoming professional French chefs (more or less).

Luc (the chef) was so patient and we learned how to make beautifully poached salmon, ratatouille and more.

Yes, it’s pricey, but considering all the food, wine, and instruction we got, I think it was totally worth it.

Things to Do in Paris: Evening Entertainment

Midnight in Paris is special, and there are experiences here you can’t get anywhere else (even if you don’t stay up until midnight). If you’re coming from a time zone that means jet lag will keep you up past 8pm, definitely take advantage of the nightlife here! 

It doesn’t have to be dancing (though there’s that), these are the shows and activities I love taking my friends to. 

Crazy Horse Paris

This burlesque show is a uniquely Parisian experience and I absolutely loved it.

Seriously, I cannot recommend Le Crazy Horse enough. The lighting, music and choreography are incredible, and it’s nothing like what you might expect. I have a complete breakdown here. 

For both this and the Mouling Rouge, tickets sell out months in advance, especially for weekends. You want to make sure to plan ahead!

Moulin Rouge

Also a burlesque show, but a little more like Vegas. It’s the most famous, the stages are bigger, and it’s truly spectacular. It’s worth getting a ticket that comes with a glass of champagne. 

Hidden Gems and Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris

I get it, we can all only see so many museums. Personally, I think it’s incredibly worth it to take some time to get to know local spots in Paris, sit at cafés or in parks, and watch the world go by. 

Below are some of my favorite things to see in Paris where you’ll find fewer tourists.

Secret Gardens and Parks

Paris has incredible green spaces beyond the obvious ones, and they’re perfect for escaping the tourist crowds.

Place des Vosges

This is my top recommendation for a reason. It’s one of the oldest planned squares in Paris, surrounded by beautiful red-brick buildings with arched walkways. Grab a coffee and just sit and watch Parisian life.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This is a little further out, depending on where you’re staying, but it’s lovely. It honestly feels like a secret even though it’s massive. The park has cliffs, waterfalls, and incredible views from the Temple de la Sibylle. Pack a picnic and sit near the temple for one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont

This is Paris’ version of New York’s High Line (I love a throwback to my U.S. home!) and is a former railway turned elevated park. I’ve run on it during the day and walked on it on my way to dinner.

I’d recommend it in the morning when it’s quiet, then end at Le marché couvert Beauvau for fresh pastries and unbeatable people-watching.

Parc André Citroën

This has something completely unique and pretty unusual: a tethered hot air balloon that gives you panoramic views of the city.

It’s surprisingly affordable (tickets are €14 for adults) and way less crowded than going up the Eiffel Tower.

Tuileries Garden

Okay this one isn’t a secret, but I still love to wander through them. These are the gardens right in front of the Louvre. They’re truly beautiful, with statues scattered throughout, and always make me feel like I’m a member of the Parisian court, strolling through the gardens. 

Local Markets and Food Experiences

I absolutely love a food market. One, because food is delicious, and two, because they’re so lively. There’s something about seeing the local ingredients, the whirling and twirling, that just makes it all so fun. 

Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges

This one is my favorite! It’s the oldest covered market in Paris, and it’s where locals go for lunch. You can grab everything from fresh oysters to Moroccan tagine, then eat standing up at communal tables. It feels authentically Parisian in the best way. I’ve had delicious pasta here.

Le marché couvert Beauvau

This is perfect for morning wandering. The combination of a traditional food market and vintage flea market means you can browse antiques and grab fresh fruit from the same vendors who’ve been there for decades.

Rue Montorgueil

This is a pedestrian food street that feels like stepping back in time. The bakeries, cheese shops, and wine bars here are where Parisians actually shop, not just tourist traps. 

You must buy a baguette and some Camembert cheese (it’s supposed to smell strong, trust me). 

Non-Touristy Neighborhoods to Explore in Paris

Some of the best experiences in Paris happen when you venture beyond the tourist bubble. These are the neighborhoods where you’ll probably find young Parisians sitting in the grass, talking and laughing over a bottle of wine, probably smoking a cigarette (there are some things in Paris that just won’t change).

Canal Saint-Martin (great for nightlife!)

The 10th arrondissement is where young Parisians go to relax. Go in the late afternoon, grab wine and cheese from a local shop, and claim a canal-side bench for sunset. It’s one of the most romantic spots in the city, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret. 

There are some great bars (like Le Comptoir Général) along the outskirts if you’re looking for nightlife!

Père Lachaise Cemetery

This sounds morbid, but it’s actually one of the most peaceful places in Paris. Wander without a map and you’ll stumble across the graves of Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. 

Then eat your way down Rue de Belleville for some of the city’s best Vietnamese and North African food.

Things to do in Paris: Shopping and Antiquing

Beyond the Champs-Élysées

Honestly, I like wandering into the Zara on the Champs-Élysées, but damn is it crowded. The best shopping in Paris happens in neighborhoods, not on the famous tourist streets.

Merci

Merci is pretty much where every Parisian (and many tourists, now) go shopping for gifts. It’s expensive, but it’s very cute.

Rue des Martyrs

This street in the 9th has incredible food shops and boutiques without the tourist markup. It feels like a village main street in the middle of Paris.

Marais Boutiques

Le Marais has unique boutiques and vintage shops you won’t find anywhere else. The narrow streets are perfect for discovering small designers and one-off pieces. Just head to the Marais and wander around.

Galeries Lafayette

This is worth visiting even if you’re not shopping, just for the incredible Art Nouveau dome. The rooftop terrace has great city views too.

Covered Passages

The passages in the 2nd arrondissement are like hidden shopping streets from the 19th century. Wander through Passage des Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne for vintage bookstores and intimate bistros.

Vintage and Antique Hunting

Paris has some of the best vintage shopping in Europe. Whether you’re looking for clothing, a writing desk, or a unique watch, you can find it in Paris.

Saint-Ouen Flea Market

This massive market north of the city is perfect for weekend browsing. You’ll find everything from vintage Hermès to antique furniture.

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

This is smaller and more manageable if you want vintage clothes and accessories without the overwhelming selection.

Day Trips from Paris

If you have extra time, Paris is perfectly positioned for incredible day trips. You can see the halls of Versailles, taste champagne in Reims, or see Monet’s home in Giverny. I have a complete breakdown here including those specifically available by train.

Getting Around Paris 

Paris is incredibly walkable, but knowing how to get around efficiently will save you time and energy.

Metro System

The metro system is fantastic and everyone, I mean everyone, uses it. You’ll see ads for Louis Vuitton in the Metro. It’s also often much more efficient than taxis because Paris traffic can be so bad.

You can buy tickets online, on your phone, or in-person at the metro. Most stations have an attendant that speaks English and will help you.

The metro is ubiquitous. I always say if you have to walk more than five minutes, you’ve done something wrong. It runs until 1:15am on weekdays and 2:15am on weekends, and I always feel very safe taking it.

That being said, keep your belongings zipped up in a crossbody or firmly in your front pocket with your hand on top. Pickpocketing is real.

Uber and Bolt

There are two main rideshare services in Paris, Uber and Bolt. Both are secure and easy to use! I pretty much always take a car when I have suitcases from the airport or if I’m out late and want to get home easily.

Quick Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to Paris

Don’t Over-Schedule

I know it’s tempting to try to “do it all”, but the key to a great Paris trip is balancing must-see sights with spontaneous discoveries and giving yourself time to breathe. Leave time between activities to get lost in neighborhoods, duck into cafés for a Noisette (espresso with steamed milk), or follow interesting streets just to see where they lead.

Prioritize Experiences Over TikTok hotspot

Yes, get your Eiffel Tower photo, but also spend time sitting in Luxembourg Gardens watching locals play chess, or sipping a glass of wine at a sidewalk café while watching Parisians walk by.

I spend so many people waiting in massive lines to go the “the one tiktok bakery” when there are amazing bakeries on either side of it. I wouldn’t waste your time in Paris waiting in line!

Mix Tourist Attractions with Local Experiences

See the Louvre, but also shop at a neighborhood market. Visit Notre-Dame, but also spend an afternoon wandering whatever park is closest to where you stay.

Where to Stay in Paris for Easy Access to Everything

Location matters in Paris, especially if you want to walk to most attractions.

I have a complete guide to where to stay in Paris, but for first time visitors, I recommend staying in the 1st through 10th arrondissements. You’ll be central to most major sights and can walk to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and major museums. The metro connections are also excellent from these areas.

Things to Do in Paris: Frequently Asked Questions

Things to Do in Paris: Wrap Up

The best things to do in Paris are the ones you’re most excited about. Love museums? See 3 or 4! Hate museums? Go to monuments or parks instead!

No matter what, you’ll experience amazing French culture, eat delicious food, and spend some fabulous time in a country unlike any other.

Yes, book your museum tickets in advance and make dinner reservations, but also leave time to follow interesting streets, duck into inviting cafés, and discover your own favorite corners of this incredible city.

Whether this is your first visit to Paris or your fiftieth, the city always has something new to show you.

Cheers to your next adventure! 🇫🇷🥐