Paris, France: Best Things To Do
Paris needs no introduction, but it always manages to surprise you. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, the City of Light has a way of pulling you back in with its effortless charm, world-class art, and the kind of café culture that makes you want to cancel your return flight. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Overview
Paris is the capital of France and home to roughly 2.1 million people within the city limits, though the greater metropolitan area swells to over 12 million. Situated in northern France along the Seine River, the city is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own distinct personality. The official currency is the Euro (€), and at the time of writing, $1 USD is roughly equivalent to €0.92. French is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Paris enjoys a temperate climate, with the most popular travel months being April through October. Spring and early autumn are the sweet spots — warm weather, manageable crowds, and longer daylight hours make sightseeing genuinely enjoyable.
Why visit Paris? Because few cities in the world pack so much history, beauty, and cultural depth into such a walkable, liveable space. From Renaissance masterpieces to Michelin-starred bistros, rooftop wine bars to century-old bookshops, Paris rewards the curious traveller at every turn.
Top 10 Activities
- Visit the Eiffel Tower: Obvious, yes — but skip it and you'll regret it. Book timed entry tickets online in advance (from around $18 USD for the summit) to avoid the notorious queues. Visit at dusk for the best light and stay for the hourly sparkle show after sunset.
- Explore the Louvre: The world's largest art museum is genuinely overwhelming, so be selective. Prioritise the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Entry costs around $22 USD; under-18s and EU residents under 26 enter free.
- Wander Montmartre: The hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre is the most atmospheric in the city. Climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for sweeping views, then get lost in the cobbled backstreets around Place du Tertre. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds.
- Stroll along the Seine: The riverbanks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Walk from Notre-Dame (currently being restored, with reopening expected) west toward the Musée d'Orsay, stopping at the bouquiniste booksellers along the way.
- Visit the Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a stunning former railway station, this museum holds the world's finest collection of Impressionist art. Budget around $20 USD for entry and arrive when it opens at 9:30 am to beat the school groups.
- Explore Le Marais: This is the neighbourhood locals actually love. It's home to the stunning Place des Vosges, excellent falafel spots on Rue des Rosiers, independent boutiques, and some of the best contemporary art galleries in the city. It's also Paris's LGBTQ+ hub.
- Take a Seine River Cruise: A Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise gives you a completely different perspective on Paris's architecture. Evening cruises run from around $20 USD per person and pair perfectly with a bottle of wine.
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle: Often overlooked in favour of Notre-Dame, this Gothic chapel on Île de la Cité houses some of the most breathtaking stained glass in the world. Entry is around $15 USD and the crowds are far more manageable.
- Spend an afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens: Pack a baguette and some cheese from a nearby fromagerie and spend a lazy afternoon in these immaculate gardens. It's free to enter and is a favourite among Parisians for a reason.
- Day trip to Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is just 40 minutes from central Paris by RER C train (around $8 USD return). Buy a passport ticket ($27 USD) that covers the palace, gardens, and Trianon estates for the full experience.
Practical Tips
- Buy a Navigo Easy card for the metro — a single journey costs around $2 USD and covers most of the city. A carnet of 10 trips saves money if you plan to use public transport heavily.
- Most museums are free on the first Sunday of each month, but expect very large crowds.
- Book major attractions well in advance, especially during summer. Tickets to the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and popular restaurants sell out weeks ahead.
- Tipping is not obligatory in France but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros at restaurants and cafés is always appreciated.
- Paris is an incredibly walkable city. Many of the main sights between the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are manageable on foot in a single afternoon.
Getting There
Plan your trip to Paris
Paris is served by two main international airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary hub and handles the vast majority of long-haul international flights, including direct routes from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), and many other major US cities. Flight times from the East Coast average around 7–8 hours. Orly Airport (ORY) is closer to the city centre and handles many European connections and budget carriers. From CDG, the RER B train takes you directly to the city centre in