If you’re wondering what to do in Paris, congratulations – you’re landed right into the lair of a truly rabid Paris fan girl who has plenty of ideas.

As one of the most captivating and legendary cities in the world, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Paris whether you’re interested in fresh croissants, historic monuments or… oversized tombs. (More on that later).

Do Paris properly, and you’ll fall head over heels in love. My full list of Paris tips can help with that.

Fail to plan properly however, and you’ll likely join the increasingly large horde of folks who deem Paris to be one of the most overrated places on the planet.

In this post, I’ll share dozens of unique and most importantly, FUN things to do in Paris that will help you fall in love with the city – guaranteed.

From Paris’ top attractions to quirkier and more unusual things to do, this list of Paris activities is sure to get your trip off to a good start… and turn you into a babbling fan girl just like me.

So here we go – a list of the best things to do in Paris that are unique to the city.

First: Get Your Bearings

Given Paris’ sprawling size and lengthy history, it should come as no surprise that there’s many ways to divide the city up. Arrondissements, neighbourhoods, left bank vs right bank…

In this guide, I opted to go for the divisions I would personally find the most helpful as a tourist, which combines a bit of everything!

After sharing some quintessential experiences that aren’t bound to a single location, I’ll then tackle highlights in groupings of neighbouring arrondissements, focusing on the most interesting arrondissements for tourists and skipping the ones that are mostly residential (with additional scattered recommendations at the end).

For ease of navigation, feel free to jump to the relevant section:

• Quintessential Paris Experiences
• Things to do in Arrondissements 1-4 (Right Bank, Central Paris)
• Things to do in Arrondissements 5-7 (Left Bank, Central Paris)
• Things to do in Arrondissements 8-9
• Things to do Outside of Central Paris
• Notable Day Trips from Paris

My Free Map of Things to Do in Paris

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!

1. Glide past some of the world’s best known landmarks on a river cruise

We’ll start with my top must-do in Paris: a river cruise along the Seine.

While I usually aim to avoid tourist traps like pricey dodgeballs, I have to make an exception for this one because (while touristy) it’s one of the best ways to admire the city’s top landmarks in comfort, without the stress of traffic and navigation.

I interned at a French river cruise company years ago, which meant I got to glide along the Seine many times… and I still never got tired of it! Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle with a glass of wine in hand felt like a dream come true every time, so yes, don’t miss it!

There are a lot of cruises to choose from, ranging from basic to ultra-extravagant. In any case, definitely book one with an open roof deck and be sure to read reviews before booking. Here are some options to look into:

• (Cheapest!) 1 Hour River Cruise w/ Audio Commentary
• (Most Flexible) Hop On Hop Off Boat Cruise
• (Highly Rated) 2h River Cruise with Lunch
• (Highly Rated) 2h River Cruise with Dinner

2. Go for a long walk along the Seine

And whether or not you choose to take a river cruise while in Paris, you need to at least go for a lengthy walk along the Seine.

This is one of my favourite free things to do in Paris, and it’s something I have to squeeze into every trip.

While the river itself is crawling with harmful bacteria and lost bikes thrown in by drunkies, the Seine is one of the most magnificent rivers in the world, particularly the stretch that runs through central Paris from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, which takes just over an hour… or probably 5 hours if you count photo stops.

This walk will take you past iconic spots like Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), the Louvre (the world’s largest museum), Pont Alexandre III (the prettiest bridge in the city according to me) among countless other impressive monuments and bridges. 

Schedule your walk for sunset and I promise you’ll fall in love!

PS: Don’t forget to pay a visit to Paris’ famous bouquinistes as you explore! There’s hundreds of them along the Seine, selling all sorts of nostalgic goodies from vintage postcards and posters to antiquarian books.

3. Have a classic Parisian picnic

First time visitors to Paris are often stressed by the prospect of where to eat.

Well, let me take the guesswork out of it for you: the cheapest, and tastiest way to fill your stomach in Paris (weather permitting) is a Parisian picnic. It can be as fancy or no-frills as you want, but this is a must-do in Paris, especially with a scenic view.

So, grab a baguette, some dips, fresh fruit, pastries, and whatever other snacks call to you, and park yourself somewhere pretty for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your Paris trip.

Both the Champs de Mars and the Seine are iconic locations, but any of Paris’ parks (I have a soft spot for the Jardin du Luxembourg) will work as well!

4. Enjoy all the best sweet treats

French cuisine is famous around the world, and while I have a soft spot for French cheese and savoury Braisserie classics, where I think Paris really thrives is its sweet treats.

So, make sure to try as many as humanly possible, in the name of ‘cultural immersion’. Some classics include…

• Macarons: Colourful almond meringue cookies sandwiched with buttercream, ganache, or jam in the middle. Good quality ones will be pricey, but worth it! My go-to is Pierre Hermé.
• Éclairs: A classic French pastry consisting of an elongated and airy choux pastry filled with cream and typically topped with icing or chocolate ganache. SO GOOD.
• Crêpes: Thin pancakes served with all sorts of fillings, from sweet ones like jam and fruit to savoury ones like cheese and ham. A must-have – though be sure to read reviews and avoid ones in super touristy areas as not all crêpes are made equal.
• Fine Pastries in General: Parisian patisseries are known for their elegant edible creations that are so beautiful, they’re artworks in their own right. There are too many to list, but I’d recommend just heading to a patisserie and choosing what looks nice. I’m quite partial to a nice Millefeuille though!

NOTE: If you want to get especially behind-the-scenes, you can book a unique bakery tour like this one.

5. Visit the Louvre (or another epic museum)

Alright, now let’s move onto things to do in Paris broken down by neighbourhood, starting with must-sees in Arrondissements 1-4. The obvious first pick is Paris’ most famous museum: the Louvre.

Housed of course in a former royal palace, this massive museum is the largest of its kind in the world, home to over 35,000 works of art including ultra famous pieces like the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa, which is often considered one of the most disappointing tourist attractions in the world due to its tiny size and perma-line-up of on-lookers.

Still, it’s a very beautiful and impressive museum well worth visiting if you’re an art lover and have a few hours to spare… though I should stress, it does get busy here, so try to visit at off-peak periods whenever possible.

It’s worth noting though that the Louvre is only one of many, many museums in Paris, so don’t force yourself to visit just because it’s the most famous. 

On this side of the river, there’s plenty more options, like…

• Centre Pompidou: Europe’s largest modern art museum
• National Picasso Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of Spanish painter and sculptor, Pablo Picasso (who once called Paris home)
• Musées des Arts et Metiers: Full of cool scientific instruments and inventions

So, be sure to choose an option that speaks to your personal interests!

6. Stroll through the Jardins des Tuileries

Another must-see nearby are the elegant Jardins des Tuileries, picturesque gardens full of meticulously manicured lawns, statues, and fountains. 

First opened in to the public in 1667, this lavish public park was the first of its kind to be open to everyone in the city, a legacy that continues today, with frumpy tourists like you and me free to frolic amidst its scenic postcard scenes.

This is one of my favourite places in Paris to just unwind and people-watch. All over, you’ll find chairs, benches and green spaces to lounge at, with of course quite a few attractions located inside the park as well, including several sculptures and museums like the Jeu de Paume.

One highlight here for me is the Musée de l’Orangerie, where you can marvel at Monet’s water lilies displayed in two oval-shaped rooms specially designed to immerse visitors in his famous masterpieces. Super worth the visit if you’re a fan of Monet!

7. See Palais Royal

A short walk from here, you’ll find the beautiful Palais Royal, an elegant 17th-century palace surrounded by arcades, manicured gardens, and the now very famous Colonnes de Buren art installation, which makes for great photos and great skipping opportunities.

8. Stop by Place Vendôme

And 10 minutes from here is another elegant Parisian must-see: Place Vendôme.

This grand square is best known for its stunning column topped with a statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, but more importantly it’s surrounded by elegant luxury hotels and jewelry shops, making it one the swankiest squares in the city – perfect for capturing that Pinterest-worthy Paris vibe.

9. Explore Paris’ romantic covered passages

While in this area, you’re close to a very underrated Paris activity that I love to recommend, which is a wander through the city’s enchanting covered passages, or passages couverts, which were popular shopping venues in the 18th and 19th centuries, usually with glass rooftops and elaborate embellishments. 

Today, there’s about twenty of these passages that remain for your nosy perusal, though some are definitely more elaborate than the rest. My personal favourites are probably…

• Galerie Vivienne
• Galerie Véro-Dodat
• Passage des Panoramas
• Passage Jouffroy

But honestly, it’s fun to just wander around and discover them on your own! For the more Type A among us, it’s also possible to book a tour of them like this one.

10. Shop for Goodies Along Rue Montorgueil

Another street worth checking out close to these passages is the famous Rue Montorgueil, a bustling pedestrianized street in the heart of Paris known for its vibrant market atmosphere and gourmet delights, namely specialty food shops, cheesemongers, and bakeries including the oldest Patisserie in Paris, La Maison Stohrer, which was founded in 1730 by the pastry chef of none other than King Louis XV!

Named after the hill it led to once upon a time (Mount Proud, or Mont Orgueilleux), this market street has been a bustling hub for centuries, offering diverse delights for the city’s foodies, including Marie Antoinette who had a particular penchant for oysters.

In any case, if you plan on doing a picnic while you’re in town, this could be a fun place to grab all your ingredients!

11. Explore the Marais

Now another fun thing to do in this part of the city is a frolic around the Marais, a former marshland that became a go-to spot for aristocrats from the 16th century onwards.

This historically well-to-do neighbourhood is filled with a number of beautiful mansions, art galleries, and medieval streets that feel like a step back in time… making it the perfect place to wander around and absorb postcard snaps of Paris.

Some highlights of a visit here include…

• Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, which is also home to Victor Hugo’s house, now a popular museum 
• Musée Carnavalet, Paris’ oldest museum, dedicated to the history of the city
• And a few of the museums I mentioned before like the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou, the largest modern art museum on the continent (often considered one of the city’s ugliest buildings)

On the outskirts of the Marais, you’ll also find the Hôtel de Ville, Paris’ magnificent city hall known for its intricately decorated façade. While you can’t do much more than admire it from the outside, it’s still a pretty cool sight to ogle and photograph!

12. Wander around Île de la Cité

Now from here, you can continue your explorations around the city with a visit to Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the Seine River that is often considered the birthplace of Paris, since it was here over 2000 years ago that a Celtic tribe called the Parisii first established a settlement!

Needless to say, this island is home to a number of iconic sights, highlights of which include…

• The famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, known for its awe-inspiring Gothic design and lengthy history of over 800 years
• Sainte Chapelle, another  gorgeous Gothic chapel known for its intricate stained glass windows
• The Conciergerie, a gorgeous palace-turned-prison best known for being where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution
• And Pont Neuf, a stone bridge that is actually the oldest in the city, dating back to 1607

Needless to say, there are many beautiful sights all around this compact island, so a walk around is a must! I’ll be elaborating on some of the must-sees here below.

13. See Notre-Dame

While its interiors have been closed to the public since 2019 (after a devastating fire), the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris is set to reopen in December 2024… and even if seeing the inside isn’t yet possible, it’s still worth going to see its iconic facade in-person.

Celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture (and endearing hunchback), the Notre-Dame is one of the oldest and most famous churches in the world, with construction dating as far back as 1163. Some highlights of its exterior include its set of mysterious gargoyles, as well as its 69m high twin towers that frame its wooden spire perfectly.

Truthfully though, the church’s wow-factor is best appreciated from the inside, where visitors are transported to a stony world of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and dramatic stained glass windows, including the famous Rose Windows, known for their intricate circular pattern. All in all, the Notre-Dame is one of the most impressive structures in Paris, so definitely worth a look when you’re in town.

14. Be wowed by Sainte Chapelle

Another gorgeous must-see on Paris’ Île de la Cité is Sainte Chapelle, a former royal chapel originally built in the mid-13th century to house religious relics like the Crown of Thorns as well as a fragment of the True Cross… no big deal.

800 years later (!!!), the chapel has been gorgeously restored to the delight of its many visitors, with radiant stained glass windows are often regarded as some of the finest examples of medieval glasswork in the world. A fact you’ll easily believe once the light floods through the chapel windows and fills the room with colour… which it so often does given that there’s 1113 of them, a perfect match for the dramatic red, gold and blue paint that adorns the chapel interiors.

This is, to me, one of the most beautiful interiors to admire in Paris, so make sure you add it to your Paris bucket list.

15. Wander through the Latin Quarter

Moving across the river to the Left Bank of the Seine, we have another Paris must-see: the world-famous Latin Quarter, or Quartier Latin.

This historic student district is one of the oldest in the city, best known for its narrow cobblestone streets, lively cafes, and vibrant atmosphere… with a name of course that references the prominence of Latin as a spoken language here back in the Middle Ages.

There are a lot of highlights to enjoy in the Latin Quarter, inlcuding…

• The Panthéon, a neoclassical mausoleum that is absolutely breathtaking on the inside (more on this below)
• The beautiful Saint-Michel Fountain, an epic fountain that depicts the victory of archangel Michael against the Devil
• The Sorbonne Building, which housed one College of Sorbonne (one of the western world’s earliest universities)
• Musée Cluny, one of the world’s most extensive collections of medieval art and artifacts
• And the Museum of Natural History (self-explanatory), housed in the beautiful Jardin des Plantes

While in this area, history nerds can also check out the Arènes de Lutèce, an ancient amphitheater dating back to the 1st century (today sadly a popular spot for youths playing football).

Or, for something a bit more offbeat to to do in Paris, you can head to the Grande Mosquée de Paris, a stunning architectural masterpiece inspired by Moorish design filled with intricate tilework, lush gardens, and serene courtyards.

All in all, there is SO much to see and appreciate in the Latin Quarter – the best way is to honestly just walk around and discover them as you go.

Of course, one of the key highlights of the Latin Quarter is the Panthéon, which deserves its own entry on this list. To me, this is one of the incomparable must-dos of Paris, well worth the admission fee.

Completed in 1790 and originally intended to be a church, today the Panthéon is best known for the many iconic French figures who are interred here, like Marie Curie, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo.

Truly, wandering the crypt is like a ‘who’s who’ of French history books… and the main interiors are neck-crampingly impressive, with richly decorated ceilings propped up by soaring columns, along with grandiose sculptures and paintings dotted all around. This is one of the most beautiful and historic structures in Paris – so make sure you don’t miss it!

17. Join the Tumbleweeds at Shakespeare & Company

Even if bookshops aren’t typically your thing, one bookish Parisian institution well worth a visit is Shakespeare & Company, a cozy (though crowded) labyrinth of English language books artfully crammed into dark wooden shelves.

This legendary bookshop is best known for its prominence as a hangout spot for Lost Generation writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald….. though this historic honour actually belongs to the earlier incarnation of the shop established by Sylvia Beach, operated in a different location entirely.

Still, today’s iteration of Shakespeare and Company (opened in 1951 by George Whitman) is a special gathering place for writers and bibliophiles from around the world, most famously hosting over 30,000 “Tumbleweeds” over the years – special guests who can sleep in the shop’s cozy confines in exchange for reading a book a day, helping at the shop for a few hours and writing a short (one page) autobiography for the bookstore archives.

If that sounds like your idea of a nerdy paradise, this practice continues even today! You can learn more here on their official website.

PS: The store these days also runs a nice café next door, if you’re looking for a cute place to caffeinate before tackling more sights.

As a bonus nerdy thing to do in Paris, 5 minutes away, there’s another far quieter English language bookshop that’s worth checking out – the Abbey Bookshop, which happens to be Canadian and oh so cozy:

18. Wander through the Luxembourg Gardens

In terms of iconic parks, this part of the city has another beautiful option for picnics and general strolling: the incredible Luxembourg Gardens, a verdant oasis in the heart of Paris, with tree and flower lined paths, a big pond where visitors play with toy sailboats and the elegant Luxembourg Palace which is today home to the French Senate.

This is one of my favourite spots to relax and people-watch, so definitely schedule this in as a break from all the sightseeing when your feet (inevitably) feel like they’ll fall off.

19. Enjoy the wonders of Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Another historic neighourhood to explore just north of here is the gorgeous Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés, renowned for its literary cafes, galleries and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Granted, these days Café de Flore and Café Les Deux Magots are more tourist hubs than rogue meeting places for haunted creatives, BUT they are pretty – just like the rest of the neighbourhood, with key highlights like Église Saint-Sulpice ready for your nosy perusal.

Honestly, the best way to enjoy this neighbourhood, like with many others, is to just soak up the atmosphere while dreamily walking around.

Out of all the museums in Paris, this is one of my favourites, so if you’re having trouble deciding which museums to frolic through, here’s my pitch:

The Orsay is a gorgeous museum housed in a former railway station, with a focus on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, with thousands of works from famous names like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas, along with plenty of gorgeous art from the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Not only are the works on display here absolutely beautiful – the venue is like a work of art itself, with glamorous details like its iconic clockfaces, intricate ironwork, and a glass roof that floods natural light into the central hall, now used to display large sculptures. One of the best places to visit in Paris for art lovers? Most definitely.

Now if you spent a comically disproportionate amount of time learning about Napoleon in history class, another interesting attraction in Paris is his tomb, which is fittingly, disproportionately large.

You can find his grandiose sarcophagus in the iconic gold-topped Dôme des Invalides which was actually the tallest structure in Paris before the Eiffel Tower turned up.

Once upon a time, it was used as a royal church – today it is part of the Invalides museum complex that also includes the Museum of the Order of the Liberation and the Museum of Relief Maps. Luckily, one ticket gets you into everything!

22. Marvel at the sculptures at Musée Rodin

Another beautiful museum to see in the 7th is Musée Rodin, a collection of impressive sculptures from renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, whose most famous works include The Thinker and the Kiss.

If you’re a fan of sculptures looking for a more relaxed alternative to the Louvre or Orsay, this museum is a great choice, with an idyllic location in an 18th century rococo mansion, complete of course with its own set of manicured gardens.

23. Admire the famous Iron Lady

Now, we’re finally onto one of the most popular things to do in Paris – a visit to the city’s ultimate symbol, the Eiffel Tower. 

At the time of its construction for the the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world… a title it held until 1930, when it was dethroned by the Chrystler building. While considered by many to be an eyesore initially, there’s no doubt that the Eiffel Tower today is synonymous with Paris, so you definitely have to see it during your trip.

If you’re short on time, I’d say there’s no need to pay and wait in line to go up the Tower. After all, the most iconic views of Paris contain the Eiffel Tower in them, which makes the views up there feel weirdly incomplete. 

Instead, remember you can get great Eiffel Tower views from tons of different areas, the most popular being from Trocadéro or Champ de Mars, but with plenty of side streets and bridges offering unique vantage points too… so don’t be afraid to explore and branch out. A classic view is on the Line 6 Metro, between Passy and Bir-Hakeim stations.

Now, onto things to do in Arrondissements 8-9. We’ll start with the classic Arc de Triomphe, a monumental triumphal arch constructed between 1806 to 1836 to commemorate France’s military victories… commissioned by (you guessed it!) Napoleon himself.

This is probably one of the most famous sights in the entire city, at least as far as photo opps are concerned… and while almost everyone comes here for a photo, far fewer actually make the visit up to the top, which I think is a shame because its views are truly stunning – you get a great vantage point over the iconic Champs Élysées, plus the Eiffel Tower in the distance as well.

Just be warned that there IS a tunnel that takes you over to the arch, and you’re not meant to sprint across the roundabout (as I’ve witnessed many tourists try to do). Don’t let that be you.

25. Stroll along the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde

From here, you can enjoy a walk along one of Paris’ most famous boulevards, the Champs Élysées, forever immortalized in a classic song of the same name.

To be honest, this isn’t the best street to shop or eat in Paris, with many tourist traps along the way, but it’s still an iconic stop, and worth doing if you continue your walk to the end, since you’ll then reach one of the largest public squares in Paris, Place de la Concorde.

With a golden Egyptian obelisk (the Luxor Obelisk, AKA the oldest monument in Paris) as its centrepiece and two dreamy decorative fountains, this is a beautiful square well worth visiting.

Not so beautiful though is its history. This square was famously the execution site of many notable figures during the French Revolution, including Marie Antoinette… Though today it’s mainly a spot for nice photos. See? Look how I’m smiling and willfully ignoring the square’s bloody past?

From here, you’re about a 15 minute walk away from one of the most beautiful attractions in Paris… the Opera Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera House and yes, the real life lair of the Phantom of the Opera.

This legendary opera house is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and while the grandiose facade is nice to look at, you really need to step inside for the full impact, with a magnificent grand staircase, dazzling chandeliers, and sumptuous gilded décor all around.

Even if you can’t experience a live show in this cultural landmark, I can highly recommend booking a ticket to see the inside. It’s honestly stunning. 

27. Visit Galeries Lafayette & Printemps

Close by you’ll also find some of Paris’ most luxurious department stores: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

Even if you’re not a fan of designer shopping, a visit to these two is worth it to admire their ornate Belle Époque interiors and glorious rooftop views. 

28. Explore Montmartre

Finally, let’s move onto more things to do in Paris outside of these central arondissements. There are of course SO many but I’ll just highlight my favourites.

First, I’d say every visitor needs to visit Montmartre, once a village filled with artists, today a neighbourhood filled with tourists.

That said, touristy as it may be these days, it’s still one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Paris.

Highlights of Montmartre include… 

• The iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica, with its striking white domes and panoramic views
• The artist filled Place du Tertre, which is fun to browse, but beware of the restaurants/cafes around it which tend to be tourist traps
• The adorable Wall of I Love Yous, that shows ‘I Love You’ in 250 languages
• The Dalí Museum, a small museum that’s home to 300+ original artworks
• And of course the famous Moulin Rouge, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of cabaret with dazzling performances and iconic can-can dancing

Honestly though, the best thing to do here is to just explore and wander around – while it gets intensely busy here, there are still lots of cool sights and side streets to take in where you can escape the crowds. You can learn more in my things to do in Montmartre guide, co-written with a local!

NOTE: I would come here for sunrise if you can before the crowds hit. It can be truly magical at this time.

29. Hang out around Canal Saint Martin

This picturesque waterway is lined with fun cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy an afternoon or evening. If you’re looking for lively place to hang out in Paris with a chiller vibe than the tourist centre, this is a great pick.

Close to here you’ll also find one of Paris’ most famous squares, Place de la Bastille, built on the site of the former prison of the same name whose historic storming played a  key role in the early days of the French Revolution. 

Today there’s not much to do here apart from admire the Colonne de Juillet monument, but it may still be of interest for history buffs.

30. Visit the Atelier des Lumières

Buy Tickets

This super cool exhibition space is known for their immersive multimedia installations… housed in a former steel foundry of course for optimal cool points.

Today it’s home to floor-to-ceiling projections that bring iconic artworks to life with music and dynamic animations. I went to one about Van Gogh and it was amazing! I can highly recommend this as something a little different to do in Paris.

31. Shop at the largest antiques market in the world

Just north of the 18th, you’ll find the delightful Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.

Known as one of the largest and oldest flea markets in the world, here visitors can browse through eclectic stalls selling everything from retro clothing and antique furniture to quirky collectibles and unique souvenirs.

While I appreciate that most visitors don’t have the luggage space for giant gilded mirrors and antique lamps, it’s still a very fun place to browse and snoop around… with some stalls selling more souvenir-friendly items in a compact size.

It was also featured quite a lot in Midnight in Paris, if you’re the same brand of nerd as me!

I enjoyed my visit a lot just meandering around on my own, but for a more guided experience, you can book a tour like this one too.

32. Prance along Rue Cremieux

Out in the 12th is Paris’ most Instagrammable street, Rue Cremieux, a wonderland of charming pastel-coloured houses with flower-decked balconies and…. an endless parade of photoshoots.

I won’t lie to you – this street has become a bit of a dystopian nightmare, with people here at all hours of the day taking wielding selfie sticks and tripods, snapping photos, creating content, etc. so much that residents have begun to put up signs reminding people that their homes are private property.

I still include it in this list though in case you’re in the area and want to see what is (still) one of the most beautiful streets that Paris has to offer. Just please remember to be respectful if you do come through here.

33. Parade past millions of bones at the Catacombs of Paris

Now, from colourful to macabre, out in the 14th arrondissement, you’ll find the world’s most famous ossuary – The Catacombs of Paris, a spooky attraction perfect for those looking for low-key creepy things to do in Paris.

This spooky underground labyrinth is said to contain the bones of about six million Parisians, a pragmatic solution for the increasingly overcrowded cemeteries of the late 18th century. Today, a small portion of these tunnels are open to the public, allowing you to frolic among a sea of skulls and bones… if that’s your kind of thing.

34. Enjoy the view from Tour Montparnasse

Next, sticking out like a dark sore thumb in Paris’ 15th arrondissement is the Tour Montparnasse, a tower often referred to as the ugliest building in Paris.

This tower is Paris’ tallest skyscraper, and therefore offers sweeping views of the city’s iconic landmarks and skyline… though to be honest, there’s tons of great views around the city, so I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to come here…

Though the biggest hot air balloon in the world can be found nearby!

35. Explore the lush Bois de Boulogne

While the 16th arrondissement is a largely residential neighbourhood, one highlight here for those able to venture out is the tranquil oasis of the Bois de Boulogne, a sprawling parkland brimming with lush forests, serene lakes, and scenic walking trails.

Here, visitors can spend a leisurely day picnicking by the water, renting a rowboat on the lake, or simply strolling amidst the verdant paths. If you’re looking for something more low-key and offbeat to do in Paris, this is the place to be.

36. Admire the offbeat Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

In terms of beautiful parks though, one of my favourites in Paris can be found in the 19th – the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a whimsical parkland featuring dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque bridges. Definitely a great place to escape the tourist masses for an afternoon!

37. Pay respects to famous names at Père Lachaise

Finally, out in the 20th arrondissement is the historic Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of countless notable figures from the worlds of art, literature, and politics, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. 

Sure, visiting a cemetery seems like a strange thing to do, but if you have the time, this is definitely a peaceful and beautiful corner of the city to put on your list. 

38. Enjoy a fun Parisian experience

I admit, most of this ‘things to do in Paris’ list revolves around museums and sightseeing… but one of the best ways to truly fall in love with the city is to book a more hands-on experience that will give you memories and skills as the best souvenir.

Here are some memorable Paris experiences to consider:

• Take a French cooking class, like this one
• Learn to bake your own French treats, like in this croissant class or this macaron class
• Make your own perfume, like in this workshop
• Take a tour in a vintage 2CV like in this highly rated experience

39. Take an amazing day trip

Finally, it has to be said that Paris makes an amazing base for many day trips!

If you have the time, here are some to check out:

• Versailles: The world’s largest royal domain – a must-see if you’re into palatial grandeur. You can book a tour but they’re often overpriced – better to just get your own tickets here and go by public transport.
• Disneyland Paris: Europe’s very own Disneyland – a great trip for Disney fans, though sadly not too close to the center! You can read my full day trip guide from Paris here. Check out my Disneyland Paris Tips post for more helpful info, and of course also my Disneyland Paris Secrets post if you want to make the most of all the fun little hidden gems tucked away in the park.
• Giverny: Legendary home of Monet, where you can visit his beautiful house. Easily doable by public transport, or you can book a tour like this one for ease.
• Mont St Michel: A tidal island topped by a stunning abbey – a great longer day trip easily done with a tour like this one.

Did I Miss Any of Your Favourite Things to do in Paris?

Let me know in the comments!