France: Top Things To Do In Paris

Ahhhhhh.. Paris. Each visit I fall more and more in love with this fabulous city. Its unique architecture, museums, delicious food, luxe shopping, and charming atmosphere make it one of the most visited cities in the world… for good reason. Whether you’re a first time visitor or frequent flyer, this list of top things to do in Paris will help you plan an unforgettable trip!

Here are some of the best things to see and do here:

Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris would be complete without spending time appreciating this dreamy structure. My absolute favorite thing to do in Paris is to bring a bottle of wine (or two), a blanket, and snacks and sit in the grass nearby to appreciate the view. I highly recommend going at sunset, but you can enjoy this any time of day.

If you’re looking for iconic photos, the Trocadéro is one of the best places to get that picture-perfect Eiffel Tower shot. Make a reservation at Girafe, an upscale restaurant with a terrace & unobstructed Eiffel Tower views offering gourmet seafood dishes.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Walk along Avenue des Champs-Élysées for luxury shopping and at its western end you will find the Arc de Triomphe. The iconic monument was commissioned by Napoleon as a tribute for those who died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Its walls bear the names of battles and generals. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Another beautiful way to see the city from above is to climb the stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and admire a gorgeous view of Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.

Brunch or Dinner at Pink Mamma

This Instagram-worthy Italian restaurant is not only delicious, but aesthetic goals. It is extremely popular among young tourists looking for that trendy vacation post, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation in advance!

Helpful Tip: Order the truffle pasta 🙂

Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre

The district of Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement, far north from the city center. It is known for once inhabiting famous artists, including Picasso. In its maze of cobbled lanes and ivy-clad houses, you will find the famous Moulin Rouge burlesque club and chic cafes like La Maison Rose and Le Consulaat. Climbing the hill to the basilica is a heart-pounder, but once you’ve reached this top, you’ll be admiring one of the best views of the city!

Printemps Haussmann Rooftop

Take a break from shopping and grab a seat at this French department store with a rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant giving panoramic views of Paris. When you’re re-energized, just down the street is Galeries Lafayette, the largest department store in France, where you’ll find renowned high-end shopping in this dome-shaped iconic architectural structure. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann also has a terrace on the 8th floor free to guests where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital.

Luxembourg Gardens

Positioned on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, this garden is a beautiful place to slow down and wander through. On most days, you’ll find local Parisians playing chess, reading a book, and taking their children for a ride on the carousels.

Stroll Along the Seine River

Take a stroll along the river during your walking tour of Paris. During the summertime, locals bring food and drinks here to watch boats sail along. Pont des Arts in the 6th arrondissement is the most popular spot to stretch and hang out.

Louvre Museum

Paris boasts over one hundred museums filled with well-preserved art and culture. The world famous Louvre showcases thousands of medieval artwork including the Mona Lisa (if you ask me, a bit overrated). Make sure to buy your tickets in advance or you could potentially get stuck waiting for hours in line. Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and Musée Yves Saint Laurent are just some of the most sought-out museums for visitors.

Speakeasy Tour

Find out where Paris’s speakeasys are located on this walking tour provided by Airbnb. It’s a unique way to spend the night in some of the not-so touristy neighborhoods that you probably would have never ventured to. Some of my favorite stops include Mezcaleria, Bar Sotto, L’epeceir, Rehab, and Candelaria.

Walk Around Saint-Germain-des-Prés

If you are looking for the quintessential postcard Parisian neighborhood, then you must visit here to see the streets lined with famous cafes, shopping, and restaurants. It is one of the most expensive and trendy neighborhoods in Paris today. Grab a table at Cafe de Flore & Les Deux Magots: both restaurants where many famous French artists and philosophers once dined.

Eat French Food

One of the best parts of traveling is trying local cuisine. If you plan to visit Paris, eat all the croissants, steak & frites, croque monsieur or croque madam sandwiches, pastries, quiches, escargot, and macaroons. Make sure to try some of these classic Parisian hot-spots!

Carette Trocadero: located in the 16th Arrondissement by the Jardin du Trocadero – popular for pastries and delectable hot chocolate

Cafe de Flore: famous cafe on Boulevard Saint-Germain where many artists and philosophers once sat – now caterers to tourists

Les Deux Magots: another touristy cafe in Saint-Germain where Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway used as regular hangout spot

Cyril Lignac: arguably one of the best patisseries with multiple locations throughout Paris; it definitely stole my vote for the best croissant!

Laduree and Pierre Hereme: the hot spots for macaroons!

La Maison Rose: cozy, small restaurant on the Montmartre hill known popular for its pink, instagrammable outdoor walls

Le Consulat: dates back to the 19th century – one of the most Instagram-famous cafes in Paris known for its famous patrons including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

This iconic, medieval Catholic cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th Arrondissement. The church remains closed to the public while under construction due to the catastrophic fire in April 2019. French officials claim the church will be ready to reopen in December 2024, but you can still appreciate its beauty from afar!

Palace of Versailles

Located about an hour from Paris by car or train, be prepared to spend most of the morning and afternoon walking through this luxurious residence filled with exquisite artwork while learning about French history. The palace was the last royal residence of the French monarchy until 1789, when revolutionaries stormed its gates. King Louis XVI & Queen Marie Antoinette were both imprisoned and eventually put to death by guillotine.

Check out my complete guide to Paris here!