Paris remains a top tourist destination. Every year, the City of Light attracts around 40 million visitors. And for good reason: with its rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, historic districts, and the 2024 Olympic Games, there’s so much to see and do in Paris! Here’s a selection of the best things to do and must-see attractions.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower is the quintessential Parisian experience for travelers from around the world. This iron monument, now a symbol of France across the globe, remains the most visited paid landmark in the world.
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower has proudly dominated the Paris skyline for more than 130 years. Standing 330 meters tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Take the elevator to the top floor and admire Paris in all its splendor.
2. Wander through Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur
With its village-like atmosphere and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop its hill, Montmartre is arguably the most iconic neighborhood in Paris. Once a haven for countless artists, painters, and writers, it has retained its old-world charm and bohemian soul despite the crowds.
Stroll through its picturesque streets, browse designer boutiques, stop at legendary cafés such as Le Moulin de la Galette or Les Deux Moulins, and then climb (or take the funicular) to the top of the hill. Once there, have your portrait sketched by a caricaturist on the famous Place du Tertre and take in the stunning view from the Sacré-Cœur.
3. Explore the Louvre Museum
The Louvre, the largest and most visited art museum in the world, is a must-see for anyone passionate about art and history. A true cultural treasure, it houses thousands of works spanning from Antiquity to the 19th century, including the world-famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
4. Stroll through Le Marais
Located in the heart of Paris, Le Marais is one of the capital’s most charming and vibrant historic districts. Its cobblestone streets are lined with elegant mansions, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and trendy boutiques. Since the 1980s, it has also become the center of Paris’s LGBTQ+ community, especially around Rue des Archives.
From Hôtel de Ville to Place des Vosges, passing through Marché des Enfants Rouges (the city’s oldest covered market), a walk in Le Marais is one of the best ways to soak up the Parisian atmosphere.
5. Take a cruise on the Seine
Hop aboard a bateau-mouche or a barge and glide along the Seine, admiring the bridges and monuments that line its banks. You’ll see many of Paris’s architectural gems, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Grand Palais, Pont Alexandre III, Les Invalides, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Romantic and magical!
6. Venture into the Catacombs of Paris
Descend beneath the streets of Paris to explore the Catacombs. Created at the end of the 18th century and open to the public since 1809, this vast underground ossuary—one of the largest in the world—holds the remains of millions of Parisians. A unique and eerie experience, perfect for lovers of mystery, history, and the macabre.
7. Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral
In April 2019, images of Notre-Dame engulfed in flames shocked the world. Despite the devastating fire that destroyed its roof and spire, this magnificent Gothic cathedral remains one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
Although it’s currently closed for extensive restoration work, you can still admire it from the plaza in front. The cathedral is expected to reopen in December 2024.
8. Get lost in the covered passages
Paris’s covered passages—beautiful, historic glass-roofed arcades—are perfect for shopping or leisurely strolling.
Today, about thirty remain across the city. Galerie Vivienne and the Passages des Panoramas and du Grand Cerf in the 2nd arrondissement, as well as Passage Jouffroy in the 9th, are among the most stunning.
9. Discover the Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou, affectionately called Beaubourg, is a one-of-a-kind cultural and architectural landmark. Opened in the late 1970s, its glass façade, colorful pipes, and external escalators make it instantly recognizable.
Home to over 140,000 works, it boasts one of Europe’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art, featuring Picasso, Kandinsky, Chagall, and Mondrian. The complex also includes cinemas, theaters, a library, and research spaces.
10. Experience French Cancan at the oldest cabaret in Paris
Watching a French Cancan show is one of the most original and truly Parisian experiences on this list! This high-energy dance, born in the 19th century, has become an integral part of French cultural heritage. Several cabarets in Paris feature a Cancan act, but none rival the historic charm of the city’s oldest cabaret: Le Paradis Latin.
Built by Gustave Eiffel, the Paradis Latin opened in 1889. Steeped in history, this legendary venue presents breathtaking shows that blend tradition and modernity. Its signature revue, L’Oiseau Paradis, is a dazzling mix of emotion, daring, poetry, glamour, and humor. One of the highlights? The French Cancan, of course!
Alongside the show, guests can enjoy a refined dinner created by world-renowned French chefs—Guy Savoy (multi-Michelin-starred) and Pierre Hermé (voted World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2016). An experience to enjoy at least once in a lifetime!
