Monuments, museums and gardens, Paris is a city full of culture and oddity. One thing is for sure, there is always something to do in the capital. Be ready to discover the must-sees of the City of Love but also its hidden treasures with this bucket list of 101 things to do in Paris!
Monuments to visit
1. Eiffel Tower
The Iron Lady, the emblematic symbol of Paris. Whether you choose to go at the top or just enjoy a nice picnic at the bottom, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see on your visit to Paris at 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
2. Notre-Dame de Paris
Despite the fire that devastated Notre-Dame in April 2019, a visit to this emblematic Parisian symbol is still essential.
3. Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
A Parisian icon – when you reach the top of the world’s biggest arch, you will have a panoramic view of the capital, but more specifically of the Champs-Élysées.
Visit the Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
4. Hôtel National des Invalides
Discover French History through the Musée des Armées, but also through Napoleon’s Iast resting place at l’Hôtel National des Invalides, at 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
5. Palais Garnier
Whether you are a music lover or not, the Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra de Paris, is an architectural jewel that will dazzle you with its refinement.
Onyx, marble and gold will immerse you in a majestic and magical setting at the Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
6. Panthéon
Discover the necropolis of the greatest figures of French culture. Indeed, here is the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Alexandre Dumas.
A visit to the Panthéon is mandatory to fully understand the French identity – at Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
7. Grand Palais
Recognizable by its glass dome, this monument hosts many events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Grand Palais also has a museum and a cultural centre dedicated to science with permanent collections at 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris.
8. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Located at the top of the Montmartre Hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is worth visiting for its Roman-Byzantine style but also for a panoramic view of Paris from its forecourt at 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris.
9. Richelieu Library
This location of the BnF (National Library of France) allows you to discover French history and the richness of French collections in a unique setting.
Visit the Richelieu Library, vestibule Labrouste, 58, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris.
10. Les Deux Plateaux
Daniel Buren’s and Patrick Bouchain’s artwork in the main courtyard of the Palais Royal will be perfect for your souvenir photos!
Find Les Deux Plateaux at 2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris.
11. Holy Chapel
This magnificent religious building is at the heart of the Île de la Cité and will dazzle you with its Gothic style and impressive canopy.
Visit the Holy Chapel at 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
12. Saint Sulpice
Notice to all Da Vinci Code fans, this is the church from the cult film!
Slip into Tom Hanks’ shoes by visiting the church of Saint Sulpice at Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris.
13. Tour Montparnasse
Go to the top of the highest skyscraper in Paris and enjoy the most beautiful view of the city’s Eiffel Tower at the Tour Montparnasse’s observatory at 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
14. Astronomy Tower of the Sorbonne
Visit the former astronomical observatory of the Sorbonne (website in French) with its 6-inch diameter and 90-inch spotting scope at 17 Rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 Paris.
15. Palace of Versailles
Play pretend as one of the Royal Court’s members for a day by visiting the world-famous Palace of Versailles at Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles.
Book your tickets here.
Museums
16. Louvre Museum
The Louvre museum, which really needs no introduction, is one of the legendary Parisian museums; a hallmark from its pyramid to its famous Mona Lisa. Visit the museum at rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
17. Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art
This large glass building is the private institution entirely dedicated to contemporary art in the capital.
Visit the Fondation Cartier at 261 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris.
18. Musée d’Orsay
Located inside an old railway station, this museum is known worldwide for its important collection of impressionist art.
Visit the Musée d’Orsay at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris.
19. Musée du Quai Branly
Travel to Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas while staying at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower by visiting the Musée du Quai Branly at 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
20. Fondation Louis Vuitton
It is impossible to miss this building with its unique shape that houses contemporary and modern art.
Visit the Louis Vuitton Foundation at 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris
21. Musée Rodin
In its rustic country setting, find the largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s works of art ranging from sculptures, drafts to photos. Visit the Musée Rodin at 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
22. Musée Picasso
This museum is entirely dedicated to Pablo Picasso. Discover more than 5000 of his works, as well as thousands of documents and photographs that belonged to him, at Picasso Museum, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
23. Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo, recognizable by its marble building, is one of the largest European centres of creation and contemporary art – at 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris.
24. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
Discover all the secrets of science in the heart of La Villette at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris
Book your tickets here.
25. Musée de l’Orangerie
Located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden, discover the Musée de l’Orangerie which houses the Monet Water Lilies.
Book your tickets here.
26. Conciergerie
Travel back in time in this former prison that was momentous in the French Revolution’s history.
Visit the Conciergerie at 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Book your tickets here.
27. Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The Musée des arts décoratifs is one of the largest decorative art collections in the world to showcase applied fine arts, at 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
28. Atelier des Lumières
Live a unique visual and sound experience while discovering the works of Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt at Atelier des Lumières, 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris.
29. Museum of Lost and Found Objects
For all the flibbertigibbets, visit the Museum of Lost and Found Objects, at 36, rue des Morillons, 75015 Paris.
Places to eat and shop
30. Ladurée
The place to go if you want French pastries, let yourself be tempted by the famous parisian macaroons from Ladurée at 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
31. Café de Flore
The legendary Café de Flore de Saint-Germain-Des-Prés has become an iconic establishment by being the meeting place for artists and intellectuals at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris.
32. Le Perchoir
Reach for the sky and go up to the 7th floor that will take you to Le Perchoir, a magnificent rooftop with a summery ambience at 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris.
33. La Recyclerie
Be eco-responsible by eating locally produced and responsible dishes at the Recyclerie (website in French), 83 Boulevard Ornano, 75018 Paris.
34. Bistrot chez France
Enjoy traditional French dishes prepared with fresh products cooked on the spot at Bistrot Chez France (website in French) at 9 Rue Amélie, 75007 Paris.
35. Season
Enjoy a brunch in a restaurant halfway between the coffee shop, juice bar and neo-bistro. Season (website in French) offers you its world cuisine at 1 rue Dupuis, 75003 Paris.
36. Le Chiberta
Time to put on the Ritz in order to have dinner in a chic setting and savour Chilberta’s dishes; this Michelin Guide starred restaurant is at 3 Rue Arsène Houssaye, 75008 Paris.
37. Crêperie Blün
Discover the Crêperie Blün (website in French), which combines tradition and modernity by offering unique and original crepes at 17 Rue Saint-Marc, 75002 Paris.
38. Le Camion qui fume
Let yourself be tempted by a delicious burger that will delight your taste buds at the food truck Le Camion qui fume (website in French), at MK2 Bibliothèque, 132 avenue de France, 75013 Paris and at the 11 place de la Madeleine, 75008, Paris.
39. Saint Ouen’s Flea market
Go antiquing at the world’s largest flea market at the Marché de Saint-Ouen (website in French), Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen.
40. Grand Mosque of Paris
The Grand Mosque of Paris (website in French) is the perfect place to drink an authentic mint tea in an exotic setting at 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris.
41. Marché des Enfants Rouges
Stroll through the oldest food market in the capital by going to the Marché couvert des Enfants rouges at 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris.
42. Le Bon Marché
Go shopping in the first department store to open in Paris – Le Bon Marché (website in French), now the icon of French refinement, at 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris.
43. L’objet qui parle
L’objet qui parle (website in French) means the object that speaks, so be ready to find wonders in this store of objects of yesterday at 86 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris.
44. Merci
Discover a new kind of trendy concept store that donates funds to associations helping women and children in Madagascar.
Shop conscientiously at Merci 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Unusual places
45. Catacombs of Paris
One of the most unusual places in Paris. Walk through the underground passages of the Catacombs of Paris and discover its secrets at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
46. Wall of Love
As the City of love, Paris has a Wall of Love that will allow you to learn how to show your love for your partner in 311 languages at Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris.
47. Maison de Victor Hugo
Discover the house of Victor Hugo, the famous French writer, and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere at 6 place des Vosges, 75004 Paris.
48. Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf is every lovers’ favorite bridge. Seal your love on the Pont Neuf with a padlock at Quai de la Mégisserie – Quai des Grands Augustins, 75001 Paris.
49. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Yes, you heard correctly! A cemetery is on this bucket list. In the Père Lachaise cemetery you can see the graves of famous names such as Molière, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison at 8 Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris.
50. Sewers of Paris
Venture into the labyrinth that is the 1,300 miles of the sewers of Paris – the largest and most modern sewers in the world at 93 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris.
51. Manoir de Paris
Discover Paris’ scariest legends through stagings, each more frightening than the last.
Try your luck at the Manoir de Paris, 18 Rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
52. 59 Rivoli
This former artists’ squat will transport you into the world of several artists of all genres sharing the 6 floors of the building.
59 Rivoli is real artistic immersion in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.
53. Ballon Generali
Climb aboard the hot air balloon and rise more than 150 meters above the rooftops of Paris!
Take off with the Balloon Generali, Parc André Citroën, 75015 Paris.
54. IFLY La Villette
Are you looking for unique sensations?
Discover IFLY, an attraction that allows you to learn how to freefall indoors at 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris.
55. Fly View
Fly over Paris and its moments thanks to Fly View‘s virtual reality.
A breathtaking experience thanks to images captured by drones that will allow you to visit the city in an original way at 30 Rue du 4 septembre, 75002 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
56. Hotel Drouot auctions
Attend an auction at Hôtel Drouot, Paris’ main auction house.
You can enjoy the special atmosphere of this institution dedicated to the auction of art and collectibles at 9, rue Drouot,75009 Paris and 21, rue d’Oran,75018 Paris.
57. Asnières sur Seine’s Dog cemetery
Discover this peculiar cemetery dedicated to our pets at Asnières sur Seine’s Dog cemetery, 4 Pont de Clichy, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine.
58. Crazy Horse Cabaret
Experience a legendary show and enjoy the unique burlesque atmosphere of Crazy Horse at 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
59. Folies Bergères
Symbol of the music hall in Paris where legends such as Josephine Baker performed, enjoy a show at Folies Bergère 32 Rue Richer, 75009 Paris.
Book your tickets here.
60. La Gare
Enjoy a jazz atmosphere in the old Flandres railway station, which offers concerts to free and willing participation. La Gare (website in French), 1 avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris.
61. Playground Duperré
For basketball or design fans, come and discover the most original basketball court in the capital with its bright colours: the Playground Duperré, 22 rue Duperré 75009 Paris.
62. Le Clos Montmartre
Be surprised by the oldest vineyard in Paris at the Clos Montmartre, Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris.
63. L’horloge du Palais de la Cité
Be surprised by the capital’s oldest public clock, which has been giving Parisians the time since 1371.
Find L’horloge du Palais de la Cité at Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris.
Parks and gardens
64. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
With 25 hectares of greenery, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the largest green spaces in Paris. Enjoy its caves, waterfalls and imposing suspension bridge at 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris.
65. Coulée verte
Stroll among the trees and plants of the path that connects Bastille, the Porte Dorée and the Porte de Vincennes. Departure at 1 Coulée verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris.
66. Jardin d’Acclimatation
As a real leisure park, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is composed of 40 attractions associated with a preserved nature and a playful sports trail. Bois de Boulogne, Route de la Porte Dauphine à la Porte des Sablons, 75116 Paris.
67. Parc de la Villette
It is the ultimate Parisian urban cultural park. Enjoy the modern architecture of Parc de la Villette, its leisure areas and its theatres at 211 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris.
68. Bois de Vincennes
Take a walk in one of the capital’s two “green lungs”. Discover in the Bois de Vincennes an astonishing biodiversity with its arboretum and its Tropical Agronomy Garden at 46 Route de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris.
69. Square Colbert
For those that enjoy their time alone, find your bliss in Square Colbert, which is one of the most private gardens in Paris. Your peace is therefore guaranteed at 159, rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris.
70. Zen Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon
If you are looking for the exotic, go to the Zen Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon to enjoy its giant bamboos and intimate atmosphere at 19 avenue d’Iéna, 75016 Paris.
71. Square René Viviani
Be surprised by the Square René Viviani where you can find Paris’ oldest tree, planted in 1601.
72. Tuileries Garden
Take advantage of the Tuileries garden to admire its statues dating back to 1716, or enjoy its rides in summer!
73. Jardin des plantes
This magnificent botanical garden also houses the zoo of the Menagerie and the National Museum of Natural History. 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris.
74. Luxembourg Garden
With beehives, greenhouses and puppets, the Luxembourg Garden offers you many activities in both its French and English parts.
75. Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, this botanical garden is an example of French elegance thanks to the surprising architecture of its five greenhouses at 3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016 Paris.
Streets and Squares
76. Place des Vosges
Have a stroll under the arcades of the first of Paris’ 5 royal squares. The Place des Vosges has been classified as a historical monument since 1954!
77. Rue Sainte-Honoré
Located near many of Paris’ major monuments, rue Saint-Honoré also offers many major brands and designer boutiques, such as Longchamp and Channel.
78. Arènes de Lutèce
Travel through history in the heart of this Gallo-Roman vestige, perfect for picnics!
79. Place Vendôme
Designed to symbolize absolute power in the heart of Paris, the Place Vendôme now welcomes the greatest names in jewellery.
80. Place de la Concorde
This square is really a must-see for visitors – do not hesitate to admire its magnificent Luxor Obelisk by going either to the Louvre or to the Arc de Triomphe.
81. Avenue des Champs-Élysées
As the French song says “you’ll find everything you want” on the most beautiful avenue in the world!
82. Rue Mouffetard
This is the perfect street for foodies. Rue Mouffetard is full of good addresses that will delight your taste buds.
83. Rue Crémieux
Welcome to the Instagrammers’ paradise, who will not hesitate to take their pictures in front of the pastel-coloured buildings on this street.
84. Square de Montsouris
Yes, it is indeed, a street that will be perfect for your bucolic walks thanks to its climbing ivy and its paved road.
85. Quais de Seine
As 5 miles long 9, the Quais de Seine crosses Paris from west to east and is perfect for all pedestrian visitors.
86. Passage des Panoramas
It is one of the oldest Parisian passages and is the real meeting place for all gourmets.
87. Pont Alexandre III
One of the most emblematic bridges in Paris will give you a view of the most beautiful monuments in Paris by day and by night.
88. Rue Nicolas Flamel
For all Harry Potter fans, this is the street of the man who inspired J.K. Rowling in her saga.
89. Rue des Thermopyles
This flowered crossing will charm you with its simplicity and authenticity.
Neighbourhoods
90. La Défense
Feel free to venture into one of the capital’s most modern neighbourhoods.
La Défense is one of the largest business markets in Europe but also an open-air museum filled with murals and statues.
91. Latin Quarter
Wander through this relaxed, friendly but above all cultural district: the latin quarter.
At Rue Mouffetard, Panthéon, Arènes de Lutèces, there is something for everybody.
92. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Enjoy Parisian chic in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a district as refined during the day as it is at night.
93. Montmartre Hill
Have a walk in the area that all tourists dream of visiting.
A little away from the Parisian madness, the Montmartre Hill offers you a rural atmosphere where life is good.
94. Butte-aux-Cailles
Go for a change of scenery in the Butte-aux-Cailles district, which looks like a small corner of the countryside in the capital.
95. Île de la Cité
Visit Île de la Cité, the island that is full of monuments and culture – Notre-Dame de Paris, Sainte Chapelle, Palais de Justice… and more!
96. Le Marais
Explore the most versatile district of Paris with its mix of modernity and authentic charm. Le Marais is full of fashion boutiques, restaurants but is above all the largest gay district in France.
97. Île Saint-Louis
Let yourself be charmed by Île Saint Louis, which will surprise you with its splendour and undisturbed atmosphere.
98. Bastille
Relax in the cool and popular Bastille district, which offers a wide range of bars and festive places.
99. Belleville
This edgy district welcomes you to enjoy its trendy atmosphere that attracts daring creators and artists.
101. Montparnasse
In this district, which is above all a business district, you will find many shops that give Montparnasse its energetic atmosphere.
101. Canal Saint-Martin
Get on your bike to discover the Canal Saint-Martin and its romanticism.
Its locks and century-old trees guarantee you a unique and peaceful landscape.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
