Key Takeaways

• Plan your itinerary stress-free with this “Must Things to Do in Paris” article! Visit the top sights such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Book tickets in advance and go during less busy hours, so you maximize your time!
  
• Soak up Paris’ special vibe by wandering around time-honored districts like Montmartre and Le Marais, where you’ll encounter local culture, food and art.
  
• Hop on one of the Seine cruises for a different perspective and to glimpse famous sights from the water – stunning at twilight.
  
• Visit green havens such as Luxembourg Gardens for relaxation, picnics and kid-friendly activities in the center of Paris.
  
• Try public transport passes for hassle-free city travel, and luggage storage if you’re carrying extra baggage.
  
• Discover essential tips to skip the tourists traps! Store your luggage with Radical Storage and explore hands-free. Sample local bistros and hop on food tours. Stay connected with an Ubigi eSIM to navigate and search on-the-go during your travels!

Must things to do in Paris include checking out the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine, and snapping photos at the Louvre. You catch art in ancient museums, drink coffee in bustling street cafés and discover local shops in secret lanes.

Paris blends old-world enchantment with modern-day edginess, so each corner has its own narrative. Here are my top spots and simple tips to making your Paris trip easy.

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower offers sweeping views over Paris from three levels. You choose your ascent, by stairs or elevator. The stairs contain 674 steps, a true leg burner, but you are allowed to pause at the first and second floors.

The first floor, 57 meters high, is home to a glass floor allowing visitors to look directly down below, as well as plenty of room for exploring. Two restaurants nestle inside, should you desire a dining experience with a view of this iconic Paris landmark.

Many visitors opt for an Eiffel Tower tour to learn more about the monument’s history and architecture, or even book a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tour to save time. Whether you admire the beautiful Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars or climb inside the iconic Eiffel Tower itself, the experience is unforgettable.

Pre-book to avoid long lines and consider visiting early or at sunset for city lights.

2. Explore the Louvre Museum

The Musée du Louvre is the globe’s largest art museum and one of Paris’s most famous attractions, a must for any culture buff. Its vast galleries house masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi, all within the walls of a former fortress and royal palace.

With 7.5 million visitors a year, it’s worth purchasing some skip-the-line Louvre Museum guided tour tickets or a Museum Pass online. Getting there early helps you beat the crowds and gives you more time for gems such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace and The Oath of the Horatii.

A knowledgeable tour guide can bring these treasures to life, while a private museum tour offers a more intimate and customized experience. Don’t miss exploring unique spots around the area like Les Caves du Louvre, a wine cellar experience, or the Carrousel du Louvre, a shopping and cultural hub beneath the museum itself.

Paris is full of fantastic museums, but the Louvre remains the crown jewel.

3. Stroll through Montmartre

Strolling through Montmartre really puts you in touch with Parisian culture and the city’s artistic spirit. The cobbled lanes not only have a vibrant atmosphere, but you’ll also find street artists at work and small shops lining the way. It’s a perfect setting for a walking tour during your Paris sightseeing trip.

Early mornings, especially during the week, provide quiet streets ideal for leisurely strolls. Sacré-Cœur perches high on the hill, its alabaster domes shimmering in the sun and offering a sweeping vista of the French capital. It’s a spot that captures the essence of Parisian romance, making it a must in any Montmartre itinerary.

Local cafés serve flaky croissants and strong coffee, ideal for a snack between stops. Art studios and galleries abound, their cobbled streets echoing with the creative spirit of 18th century Parisians. For those wanting guided insight, the site www.paris-walks.com offers themed tours to explore Montmartre and other top Paris sights in depth.

4. Experience Seine River Cruise

A Seine River cruise lets you see Paris from the water, with famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame coming into view from a whole new perspective. Whether by day, with sunny vistas, or at twilight, when the city glows under its lights, this experience is a true Paris bucket list item.

There are plenty of tour options: a classic 1-hour Seine River cruise, elegant Seine lunch cruise experiences, or romantic evening Seine boat tours with dinner and live music. Many travelers also enjoy casual Seine boat cruises, where you can sip champagne on deck while drifting past iconic Paris attractions.

With their leisurely pace and open-air decks, Seine boat cruises are perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the city’s atmosphere. The River Seine offers a relaxed, memorable way to discover Paris… There’s always a cruise to match every mood and budget.

5. Wander the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

After that, there’s the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. A famous Paris landmark and one of the city’s top attractions… Paris is at its liveliest here: leafy trees frame luxury shopping boutiques, international brands, bustling cafés, and historic theaters.

Snagging macarons from Ladurée, with flavors ranging from pistachio to rose, feels like one of those quintessential things Paris is known for. Wide steps lead you up to the Arc de Triomphe, where sweeping views unfold across the tourist favourite plaza, alive with painters, buskers, and classic car enthusiasts.

Both locals and visitors come here for Paris walks, people-watching, and to absorb the city’s vibrant pulse. The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe are must-sees in any Paris itineraries.

6. Discover Notre-Dame Cathedral

Then there’s Notre Dame de Paris, one of the most iconic sites on any Paris bucket list. It’s a true tourist attraction in the heart of the city. Famous for its soaring spires, glowing stained glass, and detailed sculptures, it stands as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.

Located in the 4th arrondissement on the historic Île de la Cité, it offers a serene, old-world atmosphere. Visitors enjoy peaceful Seine walks, crossing stone bridges and soaking in the charm of central Paris.

Although the cathedral has been closed for restoration since the 2019 fire, Notre Dame Cathedral reopened in December 2024. In the meantime, nearby cafés and boutiques provide a cozy pause, making it an essential stop on any Paris list.

7. Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

The serene Luxembourg Gardens provide a peaceful respite from the bustling streets of Paris. Located in the 6th arrondissement, this oasis features broad lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and elegant fountains, perfect for a relaxing Paris walks experience or a leisurely picnic along shaded paths.

Visitors can rent small sailboats at the Grand Bassin, while children enjoy playgrounds and marionette shows. The gardens also showcase beautiful statues, the Medici Fountain, and the impressive Luxembourg Palace, home to the French Senate.

For those who love exploring on foot, walking tours and regular walking tours often include the Tuileries Garden Luxembourg Gardens, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistry, greenery, and calm atmosphere. Nearby cafés serve snacks and drinks, so you can linger as long as you like during your walking tours.

8. Taste French Cuisine in Le Marais

Le Marais stands out for its lively culinary scene, making it a top spot for discovering Parisian foods. From relaxed cafés to upscale dining, places like Les Philosophes serve up classic French favorites.

Many visitors join Paris food tours, which often include original food tours combining walking and tasting. Start with local treats. Think falafel, crepes from Breizh Café, and dishes from Italian or Moroccan kitchens… Then settle in for a cozy wine tasting, ideal for cooler or rainy days!

While exploring the historic streets, you’ll pass charming boutiques and artisanal shops, all close to the tranquil Place des Vosges, a perfect spot to pause and soak in the classic Parisian atmosphere.

9. Visit the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay, located in the 7th arrondissement, is one of Paris’s top museums and a must-visit for lovers of Impressionist art. Housed in a former train station, the museum offers close-up views of masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, Cézanne’s still lifes, and Caillebotte’s “The Floor Sanders”.

The vaulted ceiling contains more metal than the Eiffel Tower, and natural light streams in through expansive glass panels, illuminating the works on display. With more than 80 galleries across three levels, the museum bridges the artistic periods between the Louvre and Centre Pompidou, making it a key highlight among Paris museums.

Visitors can also enjoy meals at one of three on-site restaurants, ranging from full dining experiences to casual brasserie fare or coffee on a terrace… All while surrounded by iconic landmarks!

Travel Tips for Paris

To make the most of Paris, time your visit during the spring or fall when the city seems at peace and the climate remains temperate. Winters can be chilly, so bundle up if you come to see it pre-March or post-October.

Splitting up your days allows you to savor the city’s magic without feeling overwhelmed. On the first Sunday of every month, premier museums such as the Louvre are free.

For a new scene, make a day trip to Versailles. In hot summers, see if your hotel has air-conditioning. Take a walk along the Seine for tranquil sunrise or sunset views.

Store Your Luggage with Radical Storage

Radical Storage allows you to leave your bags at secure partner locations throughout Paris, eliminating the need to carry them. By utilizing shops, hotels or even tiny cafés as drop-off points, there will always be a location near the key sights such as the Eiffel Tower or Gare du Nord.

Once your hands are free, Paris opens up! Hop on a spontaneous Seine River cruise, climb the steps of Montmartre… Or simply sip a coffee at a street-side terrace without worrying about your luggage! It’s THE perfect solution if you have a few hours to spend in the city before hotel check-in or after check-out.

Travelers also love the service. Radical Storage holds thousands of positive reviews online and boasts an average customer rating above 4.4/5. Many users highlight the friendly staff, secure process, and peace of mind that comes with knowing their belongings are safe. Get a 10% discount of your first reservation with the promo code UBIGI10 !

Stay Connected with Ubigi eSIM

Ubigi eSIM keeps you connected throughout Paris and beyond to other cities in France. Stop looking for wi-fi, Ubigi provides 5G connectivity in museums, shops or parks. It could be handy to retrieve your tickets in your emails or on GetYourGuide and Viator Apps.

The installation is easy. Download the Ubigi app, create a profile and pick your data plan. Once you land at destination, activate your eSIM and you’re connected in minutes. No plastic SIM swaps or store visits are necessary.

With reliable data, you’re free to check maps, use a translator app, book a café table or post photos on social media. For instance, you can bring up Google Maps for the Louvre or translate a menu in Montmartre.

Get Around with Public Transport Passes

Public transport passes cover your entrance to Paris’s metro and bus system. Metro lines extend to most neighborhoods and buses run frequently, even late at night.

Get around with pass for public transport. For easy getting around, many opt for a Navigo Easy card or day passes. Both options allow you to ride as much as you want, which is a huge time and money saver if you’re going to be hitting multiple sites in a day.

You can pick these little passes up at metro stations and reload them with ease.

Avoid Tourist Traps and Dine Like a Local

Dining like a local means to bypass the expensive cafes you’ll see around places like the Eiffel Tower. Most of these joints are overpriced for mediocre eats and quick turnover.

Just a short stroll down less traveled streets brings you to bistros and patisseries where craftsmen serve up handmade croque-monsieur or fresh éclairs, typically for better prices.

Locals respond warmly when you say “Bonjour” or “Merci” or whatever in French. Learning a few words can help you fit in and feel more at home.

Conclusion

Paris provides you not just with ancient monuments and gourmet cuisine. You stroll broad boulevards, admire masterpieces in world-class museums and soak up urban energy along river promenades or in city gardens.

You savor fresh bread in a tiny café, hear street music in Montmartre, or glimpse the Eiffel Tower sparkle at twilight. Every day presents a new face for the city, at times hurried, at others languid. You discover clever ways to navigate, drop off your luggage and avoid queues.

Paris spills open for any type of journey, regardless of your speed or schedule. Explore a new hangout, savor something adventurous, or simply steal a peaceful moment. Paris is ready for you to write your own legend. To explore stress-free, let Radical Storage take care of your luggage.

We hope that this “Must Things to Do in Paris” helped you prepare your itinerary!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Go early or late, when the crowds have thinned or are yet to arrive. These times provide pretty and improved views for photos.

How can you skip the line at popular Paris attractions?

Pre-book your tickets online, for instance, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Not only does this save you time, but it ensures you get in.

Is public transport in Paris easy to use?

Yes, Paris has a great metro, bus, and tram system. Purchase a public transport pass to save and get around the city easily.

Can you store your luggage safely while exploring Paris?

Yes, you can with Radical Storage. They provide safe storage at various convenient locations around Paris.

What are must-try French foods in Paris?

Indulge in local faves like croissants, baguettes, cheese, crêpes and French pastries. Le Marais great eats

Are Seine River cruises worth it?

Indeed, a Seine river cruise provides unique perspective on Parisian landmarks and a soothing means to sightseeing.

How can you stay connected to the internet in Paris?

Grab an eSIM from Ubigi to stay connected on your phone, wherever you are in Paris.