1. Discover the Greatest View of the Eiffel Tower
The long-lasting skyline of Paris wouldn’t be practically as definitive and not using a view of the Eiffel tower, and certainly one of my favorite actions when visiting town is to proceed my by no means ending quest for one of the best view. Many will inform you one of the best view is available from Montparnasse (considerably true), however in case you ask me you possibly can beat the key road view from Avenue de Camoëns.
Learn extra: The 20 most Instagrammable Locations in Paris
2. Go to the Louvre
Likelihood is you’ve heard of the world’s most recognisable museum and its most well-known work, the Mona Lisa. However do you know the Louvre can be dwelling to greater than 35,000 items on show and 380,000 objects in its assortment? To not point out the constructing’s intricate interiors are a murals in themselves.
One essential replace: you possibly can now not merely flip up and purchase a ticket within the queue. The Louvre now runs a strict timed-entry reservation system, that means it’s essential to guide a particular 30-minute entry window on-line prematurely, and this reserving can’t be modified, exchanged or refunded as soon as made. As of January 2026, pricing can be two-tiered: EU residents pay €22, whereas non-EU guests pay €32. E-book properly forward, particularly in the summertime months when reservations are necessary for everybody no matter any membership or move chances are you’ll maintain.
3. Stroll the Alexandre III Bridge
With its gold trimmings and ornate particulars, the Pont Alexandre III is certainly one of Paris’ most romantic locations to look at the solar set or rise on the Seine river. Because the solar units and blue hour settles in, the nice and cozy lights flip this bridge into what may move as a film set, and certainly, it has been the placement for a lot of movies set within the metropolis.
4. Stroll round Ile de Cité
Because the centre of Paris, Ile de Cité nonetheless feels just like the beating coronary heart of town. The island is dwelling to an oversupply of ice creameries and quaint cafes, making it the right space to discover on a sizzling summer time’s day as you profit from the shelter offered by the shadowed buildings and the slender streets by which they reside.
5. Watch a Dawn on the Seine
Separating the Proper financial institution from the Left financial institution, the Seine river will eternally be some of the stunning locations to look at the solar rise over town of Paris. Whereas many guests to Paris make their strategy to the Seine for a Parisian picnic at sundown, you possibly can take pleasure in a lot of the Seine all to your self within the early hours of the morning earlier than town awakes.
6. Store at Merci Idea Retailer
Idea shops reached their prime within the early 2000’s and whereas many have since closed their doorways, Merci is among the few which have managed to final the space. The shop is crammed with French designers and artisans’ work, with the whole lot on supply from homewares to clothes and the whole lot between.
7. Let time move you by outdoors a Parisian Cafe
Passing time is an artwork kind in Paris and nowhere is that extra idyllic than out the entrance of a typical Parisian cafe. Whereas the famed households names resembling Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots are crammed with well-dressed out-of-towners, you could find probably the most distinctive and genuine experiences available within the Marais, Saint-Canal-Martin and on the corners of neighbourhoods away from town’s monuments and museums.
8. Purchase Macarons from Laduree
Positive, you’ve heard the controversy earlier than as to who possesses one of the best macarons in Paris and extra seemingly than not you’ve had quite a lot of solutions (let’s minimize to the chase: Pierre Herme can’t be beat for approach and intense flavours). Nevertheless the unique macaron service provider, Laduree, is a Parisian establishment in itself and must be visited no less than as soon as in your Parisian adventures (simply make sure to skip the Champs Elysees location).
Learn extra: In Search of the Greatest Macarons In Paris
9. Go to Notre Dame Cathedral
As probably the most iconic church in all of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral is a should see each in and out. Should you’re match and in a position, one of the best view of the cathedral is available by climbing the tower stairs, seeing Paris from the identical view because the gargoyles that eerily sit atop the towers overlooking town.
10. Purchase a guide from Shakespeare & Co.
This English bookstore has grow to be some of the common pitstops for travellers to Paris – thanks partly to its’ well-known inhabitants (the likes of Hemingway and Fitzgerald would go to on the common throughout their years in Paris).
Learn extra: The place to search out the Greatest Bookstores in Paris
11. Stroll the Streets from Arrondissement to Arrondissement
There are various methods to get across the metropolis of Paris – by bicycle, metro, and by foot are the most well-liked. Strolling town streets is among the greatest methods to see town and you’ll typically discover the journey between locations is extra value than the vacation spot itself! A few of the greatest neighbourhoods to wander round embody Canal-Saint-Martin (much less gentrified), Le Marais (bustling on a Sunday) and Montmartre (the artist’s quarter).
Learn extra: The place to Spend a Sunday in Paris
12. Go to as many French Patisseries as you can also make room for
Unbutton the pants! Paris is a mecca for pastry lovers and certainly, what most would think about the beating coronary heart of French pastry tradition. Whilst you’re on the town make sure to observe our information to one of the best pastry outlets in Paris – the place you’ll discover one of the best macarons, eclairs, croissants, tarts and extra.
Learn extra: The High 12 Pastry Outlets in Paris
13. Attend a Pastry Class within the basement of the Ritz
Just a few years in a row I’ve made it my responsibility to attend a brand new pastry class in Paris and this yr was the cherry on the cake: studying to make a chocolate gateau cake within the basement of the Ritz, Paris. These lessons are rather more costly and tough to come back by than different lessons in Paris (the place I realized to make macarons and breakfast pastries), nonetheless the talents realized within the 4 hour class have been invaluable. Many of the lessons are provided in French however don’t let that scare you – there may be an English translator assistant chef available that can assist you via the category.
Learn extra: Studying French Pastry on the Ritz Escoffier
14. Take pleasure in a Picnic on the Eiffel Tower
Should you plan to go to Paris over the hotter months you completely can not miss the chance to park up on the Eiffel Tower on a patch of grass and spoil your self in some native produce. Every year after I go to in spring I just do that – traipsing across the metropolis gathering native wines, cheeses, goodies and naturally, macarons!
15. Stroll via the Tuileries Gardens
Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde are a few of the most understated gardens in Paris, but arguably some of the stunning. Whereas many guests to Paris stroll via the gardens on the favored route between the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and finally the Eiffel Tower, many don’t make time to cease and spend a while within the gardens themselves. Within the Spring and Summer time you will discover ice cream stalls, a small Paul pastry stand and artists portray their inspiring surrounds.
16. Uncover Paris’ Secret Passages
Should you’ve checked off the vacationer monuments and points of interest or just on the lookout for one thing a bit of off the overwhelmed path, try a few of Paris’ hidden passages – an opulent look contained in the historical past of town. There are a selection of passages dotted across the metropolis, with our favorite choose being Galerie Vivienne.
Learn extra: A whole information to the key passages of Paris
17. Stroll the Canal of Saint Martin
A much less gentrified neighbourhood the place you possibly can really feel a way of “outdated Paris” is in Canal-Saint-Martin. This space is filled with nice boulangeries and small cafes and you may for probably the most half keep away from worldwide chains. You’ll want to cease by Du Ache et Idees (Bread and Concepts) for maybe one of the best pastries in all of Paris.
Learn extra: The place to Spend a Sunday in Paris
18. Go to Paris’ Cutest Cafes
Paris is a mecca for cute little cafes, particularly in case you transcend the principle streets and discover the hidden alleyways. Pictured is Au Vieux Paris, adorned with wildly rising wisteria within the hotter months.
Learn extra: 30 Lovely Hidden Places in Paris
19. See the traditional Moulin Rouge
To go or to not go? Paris’ most iconic cabaret present, the Moulin Rouge, has been operating since 1889 and nonetheless to at the present time attracts a packed home at a number of reveals every day. The present is a traditional look inside French cabaret reveals and in case you can stand the tightly packed viewers area, is a traditional present to see. Alternate options embody the Loopy Horse Paris and Lido on the Champs Elysees.
Learn extra: Outdated Paris immediately: The place to search out one of the best of outdated Paris
20. Ice Cream at Berthillon
If you end up in Paris throughout the spring/summer time, there’s no method you possibly can miss out on a go to to Berthillon, dwelling to one of the best ice lotions and sorbets in Paris. This luxurious glacier has constructed a reputation for itself in Paris, with a lot of places providing Berthillon all through Paris. For one of the best choice head to the flagship location at 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île.
Learn extra: The Final Sweets Tour of Paris
21. Attend a Macaron Making Class
The sugary almond cookies referred to as macarons have taken the world by storm previously decade however have been common in France for the reason that Nineteenth century. Should you don’t wish to spend as much as $4 per little cookie, guide in a macaron making class and be taught to make these common pastries at dwelling. La Delicacies supply an incredible introductory course in addition to a macaron masterclass, the place you’ll be taught each the French and Italian strategies to creating macarons with a professional French pastry chef.
Learn extra: French Pastry Class in Paris: Studying to Make Macarons
22. Go to Avenue de Camoëns
Whereas there are a lot of places all through Paris to take pleasure in views of the Eiffel Tower, arguably one of the best saved secret location is on the finish of Avenue de Camoëns. It is a stunning a part of city with a few of the costliest actual property in Paris, so it’s also an incredible probability to discover the neighbourhood.
Learn extra: The World of Wanderlust Full Information to Paris
23. Climb the Stairs to the highest of the Arc de Triomphe
One other nice view of the Eiffel Tower is available atop the Arc de Triomphe – in case you can survive the 284 steps to the highest!
Learn extra: My Paris Photograph Diary
24. Discover Paris’ most recognisable Artwork Nouveau Facades
Widespread within the late Nineteenth-century to the early Twentieth-century, Artwork Nouveau architectural affect has a small however pleasant presence in Paris, with a few of the most stunning facades hidden all through town.
Learn extra: A Information to Artwork Nouveau in Paris
25. Go to the Medici Fountain within the Luxembourg Gardens
This monumental fountain within the Luxembourg Gardens is among the prettiest locations within the metropolis, particularly throughout the Spring and Summer season. It may be discovered on the East facet of the Luxembourg Palace in a tree-lined, shady space of the park.
26. Journey a Bike across the metropolis
After strolling, biking a motorcycle across the metropolis is one other nice strategy to see town at nice size and with the velib system situated all through town, it isn’t solely an environment friendly but additionally inexpensive strategy to see town sights.
27. Go to Les Deux Plateaux
Positioned within the courtyard of the Palais Royal, Les Deux Plateaux is an artwork set up higher referred to as the black and white striped columns. The courtyard itself is a lovely sight to see, however the trendy artwork set up makes it further particular and worthy of a go to.
28. Strive a Chocolat Chaud from Angelina
Thick, wealthy and deliciously indulgent, the recent chocolate (chocolat chaud) at Angelina Paris is an expertise in itself. Served in a silver jug that permits you to pour your energy out in entrance of you, the wealthy chocolate is greatest accompanied with a dollop of cream to sweeten to your liking.
Learn extra: A Look Inside Angelina Paris
29. Make a Day Journey to Versailles
Simply half an hour by practice from the centre of Paris one can attain the Palace of Versailles, the official royal residence up till the French Revolution in 1789. You’ll want to guide tickets to Versailles forward of time to keep away from pointless queues, which get notably lengthy in the summertime season. A go to to Marie Antoinette’s gardens is a should within the hotter months, as it would actually put into perspective for you the size of the palace and its grounds.
Learn extra: Palace of Versailles Day Journey
30. Move time Individuals Watching
Paris is the best metropolis to take a seat again and other people watch, so pull up a chair outdoors one of many (by no means ending provide of) cafes and let the world move you by. Saint-Germain-des-Pres is a superb place to start out, in addition to the perimeter of the Place des Vosges in Le Marais on a Sunday afternoon.
31. Montmartre at Nightfall
That magical time often known as blue hour, nightfall is the right setting to see the creative neighbourhood of Montmartre come to life. Simply bear in mind that areas of Montmartre can grow to be fairly sketchy of the night, in order that magical hour doesn’t final lengthy!
32. Afternoon Tea at Plaza Athénée
Within the hotter months when the courtyards and gardens of Paris spring again to life from the chilly winters, there’s a sure sense of renewal all through town and nowhere is that extra stunning than contained in the courtyard on the Plaza Athénée. This luxurious resort prices a reasonably penny to remain the night time, however you possibly can expertise all of the glamour of the resort by having fun with an opulent afternoon tea setting within the courtyard.
33. Discover one of the best view of the Eiffel Tower from the Streets of Paris
As a predominantly solo traveller (save for a number of family and friends members who be a part of occasionally) I typically discover myself wandering aimlessly across the streets of a metropolis however in Paris I all the time have a function: to search out one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower! A few of my favorite moments have been stumbling upon a restaurant with a view instantly of the monument or a small road to take pleasure in all on my own – the checklist is countless! I received’t checklist my favorite finds right here as a result of the hunt is half the enjoyable!
34. Browse the Seine-side Booksellers and Artwork Prints
These conventional open-air Seine-side booksellers and artwork print sellers have been a staple within the panorama of Paris for the reason that sixteenth century when literacy gained recognition throughout the Renaissance and these so-called “vagabonds” arrange store on the Seine. To at the present time this is among the hottest spots in Paris to attain a cut price on a second hand guide.
35. Uncover Montmartre’s Hidden Again Streets
One in every of my all time favorite Paris books, The Solely Road in Paris, made me not solely realise however perceive my love for this neighbourhood in better depth. Montmartre and particularly Rue des Martyrs is an perception into the actual Paris: a mixing pot of artisans, ethnicities, cultures and traditions. This facet of Paris remains to be very a lot alive immediately, although past Montmartre has moved additional outwards to the outskirts of Paris.
36. Discover the Sinking Home in Paris
Likelihood is you’ve seen the images – however the fact is that this optical phantasm is a home that isn’t fairly sinking, however an incredible photograph alternative nonetheless. Positioned at Rue Margaux, the “sinking home” is situated proper by Sacré-Cœur on the best (in case you’re it).
37. Benefit from the View from Montmartre
While within the neighbourhood, make sure to make your strategy to the well-known Sacré–Cœur Basilica and make your method across the hilltop overlooking town to soak up the sweeping views of town.
38. Go to the Paris Opera
Whether or not you’re seeing a ballet, opera, or just taking a tour of the impeccable interiors, it’s essential to completely take within the Paris Opera Home in some unspecified time in the future throughout your visits to Paris.
39. Dine at Cafe de Flore
As certainly one of Paris’ most famous cafes (alongside its’ neighbour Les Deux Margots), Cafe de Flore is an expertise in itself, in addition to a people-watching mecca value ready for a desk for!
40. Eat your method across the Latin Quarter
Should you’re in Paris on a funds then look no additional than the Latin Quarter, a maze of low-cost road eats at your disposal. From crepes to kebabs and the whole lot in between, there are countless meals choices on supply all for the cut price worth of some euros.
41. Classic procuring in Saint Germain
On the lookout for a classic Chanel blazer or a pair of clip-on earrings from the 1950’s? Saint Germain is the place to go! This neighbourhood is filled with boutiques promoting all types of classic goodies, particularly in case you’re on the lookout for labels.
42. Picnic in Place des Vosges
One in every of my all time favorite locations to perch myself on a weekend (particularly if the solar is out) is Place des Vosges, arguably the prettiest public sq. in all of Paris. Seize your self some baked goodies from one of many patisseries surrounding the sq. (my favorite is Carette) and let time move you by as you soak within the opulent surrounds.
43. Marvel on the Structure of Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Likelihood is you’ve seen it, plan to go to it, however do you know you can too go inside? This Basilica is certainly one of Paris’ most visited monuments however most of the time guests keep on the surface, getting so caught up within the view of town that they overlook to go inside!
44. Decide up some Pastries from Angelina
Should you’re something like me the one weight loss plan you’ll be on in Paris is exactly no weight loss plan in any respect, so make your strategy to Angelina and replenish on some goodies.
45. Uncover Paris’ Opulent Staircases
One in every of my favorite and infrequently under-appreciated options of Paris is the eye to element taken within the staircases of gorgeous house blocks and Paris’ most luxurious accommodations. The above pictured staircase is situated inside Plaza Athénée, some of the iconic accommodations within the metropolis.
46. Cease by French Publishing Home Assouline
Should you’re after a present for that hard-to-buy-for individual or searching for the right espresso desk guide, then look no additional than Assouline in Saint Germain des Pres.
47. Go to Sainte-Chapelle
Constructed within the early thirteenth Century, Sainte-Chapelle chapel is dwelling to some of the attractive shows of stained glass you will discover the world over.
48. Discover the Artists’ District in Montmartre
On weekends particularly, the neighbourhood of Montmartre involves life and nowhere is that extra true than the artist’s district. This neighbourhood is after all an artist’s district in itself, having lengthy been the house of bohemians within the metropolis of Paris. These days you possibly can wander round at leisure, taking within the sights and sounds of certainly one of Paris’ most genuine, old-world-charm neighbourhoods.
49. Go to Paris within the Spring for Cherry Blossom Season
Whereas it solely lasts a few weeks each April, there isn’t a higher strategy to see Paris than in a blanket of pink cherry blossoms wistfully blowing within the mild breeze of Spring.
Learn extra: The place to Discover one of the best Cherry Blossoms in Paris
50. Carette
As my all-time favorite cafe in Paris (chances are high in case you’ve heard of it earlier than elsewhere on World of Wanderlust), I can not end this text with out recommending Carette. There are two places within the metropolis (one in Trocadero and one in Le Marais), with my favorite being the latter.
Over to you! What are your favorite issues to do in Paris!?
