What to do in Paris? Looking for the best things to do? Paris, the city of love, offers endless possibilities for cool sights and original activities. Of course, a visit to iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre is a must, but there is so much more to discover than the well-known tourist attractions. Wander through the charming streets of Montmartre, enjoy a delicious picnic along the Seine or explore the atmospheric districts such as Le Marais. For those who love shopping, the chic boutiques on the Champs-Élysées or the many vintage shops are an absolute must. Or visit the best markets.
Discover the hidden passages of the city, such as Galerie Vivienne, where you will find a nostalgic atmosphere between the antique bookshops and boutiques. Art lovers can visit the best museums or Atelier des Lumières, where paintings come to life through impressive projections. Paris always surprises with unique and unforgettable experiences. These are the best activities and things to see and do in Paris. Are you going to Paris today or this weekend? Have fun with these outings and original tips!
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Visit the 10 most beautiful sights of Paris
What to do in Paris? On a first visit you should definitely see and do the following sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacré-Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg, Père-Lachaise, boat trip on the Seine, Montmartre and Château de Versailles. The city is an open-air museum and has more than 10 highlights and tourist attractions. There is really so much to visit. We also discover at least 5 new places or fun things to do on every walk.
• Read also: Top 10 famous places & attractions to visit in Paris →
2. What to do in Paris today and this weekend: exhibitions, events and fairs
Curious about what to do in Paris today and this weekend? The city is known worldwide for its rich culture and vibrant art scene. Every year, millions of art lovers flock to the French capital to be inspired by the many exhibitions and expositions in the best museums. Whether you are a fan of classical masterpieces, modern art, fashion or photography, Paris has something for everyone. Of course, there is no shortage of (cultural) events either, especially during the weekend.
What great exhibitions, expositions, events and fairs are currently on display? Discover our page with the latest exhibitions, expositions, events and fairs.
• Read also: Best exhibitions in Paris 2025, events & full agenda →
3. Take a walk through the beautiful hidden passages
Walking through a piece of authentic Paris? Then definitely visit the beautiful covered passages. There are still about 20 shopping arcades left, almost all from the 19th century. With nice bookshops, restaurants and even theaters. If you look at the map, you will see that most covered shopping arcades are almost all around the Grands Boulevards. And therefore easy to visit via a walk. The secret passages are completely free to visit and one of our favorite activities.
• Read also: 5x Best covered passages in Paris & arcades walking tour →
4. Discover the best neighborhoods and arrondissements
Paris is full of charming neighbourhoods, each with its own unique vibe. In Le Marais, you’ll find narrow streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and cosy cafés, perfect for an afternoon of strolling. Montmartre exudes artistic romance with its cobbled streets, atmospheric squares and of course the iconic Sacré-Cœur. For a hip and vibrant atmosphere, head to Canal Saint-Martin, where locals picnic by the water and trendy bistros flourish. And then there’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés, an elegant neighbourhood full of classic cafés and literary history. Whether you’re into art, fashion, gastronomy or just plain strolling, this city has a neighbourhood to suit everyone.
• Read also: 7x Best arrondissements to stay in Paris with hotel tips →
5. Explore the vibrant Canal Saint-Martin district + original boat trip
Canal Saint-Martin is a hip spot where old charm and young vibes effortlessly come together. Think a mix of cozy cafes, street art and locals chilling by the water with a baguette and a glass of wine. This historic canal, once built by Napoleon, winds its way through the 10th arrondissement and offers a unique view of the city. Think charming bridges, cozy waterside cafes and street art that give the quays an artistic vibe. You can take an original boat trip here along the romantic tunnels, secret passages and historic locks. Highly recommended and very fun to do, especially at sunset!
• Tickets for a cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin to the Musée d’Orsay (2h30) →
• Tickets for the cruise from Musée d’Orsay to Canal Saint-Martin (2h30) →
• Overview of all cruises on the Seine + combination tickets →
6. Enjoy culinary delights with the best restaurant tips
Where to eat out in Paris? The city of light is a capital for gourmets with many nice and trendy restaurants, authentic bistros and cafés to enjoy culinary delights at any time of the day. Paris has a wide range of different cuisines where you can eat not only French. Fans of world cuisine will not be left hungry either. With countless cozy restaurants in Paris (more than 44,000), choosing the perfect hotspot for a trendy lunch or dinner can be a challenge.
7. Go shopping: from Le Marais to Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Where to shop in Paris? Looking for the best shopping streets and shopping malls? Paris is known as the city of light and love. But as every fashionista knows, it is also the fashion capital of the world. There are nice shopping streets and covered shopping malls in almost every Parisian neighborhood. It is also home to fashion brands such as Dior (be sure to discover the beautiful La Galerie Dior museum), Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. In addition to expensive shopping streets, there are also some cheap shopping opportunities in the city center. Tip: shopping on Sunday? Then you can go shopping in the Jewish district Le Marais.
• Read also: 7x Best shopping streets in Paris: from budget to luxury →
8. Rent a bike and experience Paris in a different way
Walking is always a good idea, but it does limit the distance you can cover. Spring or summer is one of the best times to rent a bike or book a nice bike tour with a Dutch guide. When the parks and gardens are in full bloom, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the days are filled with sunshine, cycling is wonderful. In recent years, many new cycle paths have been constructed and it is becoming easier and safer to cycle.
• Read also: Best (electric) bike rental tours in Paris & Vélib app →
9. With children to Paris: fun day and weekend tips
Looking for the best things to do in Paris with kids? From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Le Marais or Montmartre, Paris is a destination for young and old. We often get asked which district or arrondissement is best to stay in with the family and is child-friendly. All districts are well connected, but the 1st to the 8th arrondissement are very central and suitable for families. The Quartier Latin (5th) and Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) districts in particular are ideal because of their proximity to Jardin du Luxembourg and the many child-friendly hotels and restaurants. There are many (free) museums, parks and sights that are great fun with toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers. Or from a day at Disneyland to a visit to the zoo in Paris. Have fun!
• Read also: 10x Best things to do with kids in Paris right now →
10. Take a macaron making workshop at Galeries Lafayette
A day when the weather is a bit less? Experience Paris a little differently and follow a workshop making macarons. You can buy this French specialty on every street corner and Paris is also known as the macaron capital of the world. You will learn from an expert to make different macarons in a cozy studio and afterwards you can simply take your creations and recipes home with you. Of course very fun to do!
• Read also: 7x Best French macaron shops in Paris & making class →
Extra: some more fun things and original activities to do
• Visit the best Emily in Paris film locations and see the City of Light through the eyes of Emily Cooper.
• Enjoy art at a number of free museums such as Petit Palais, Musée Carnavalet or Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
• Visit the Institut du Monde Arabe, a cultural centre that highlights the Arab world and its civilisations through exhibitions, lectures and events. With a rooftop terrace and stunning views!
• The Grande Mosquée de Paris is a beautiful oasis of calm in the heart of the city, with its graceful minaret, lush garden and atmospheric tea room. Since 1926, this mosque has welcomed visitors for prayer, relaxation and a delicious cup of mint tea.
• Palais de Tokyo is the hotspot in Paris for contemporary art lovers, with cutting-edge exhibitions and a raw, industrial vibe. This art centre on the Seine never fails to surprise with creative installations, late-night openings and a lively atmosphere.
• Rivoli 59 is a colourful artists’ collective housed in a former squatted building, where art and creativity burst from the walls. This lively studio in the heart of Paris is freely accessible and offers a glimpse into the world of local and international artists.
• Atelier des Lumières is a magical art experience where masterpieces come to life with immersive light and sound shows. In this old foundry in Paris, you’ll be surrounded by moving paintings and mesmerising projections.
• The Ballon de Paris Generali, located in the Parc André Citroën, is the place to go for a unique view of the city. In just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself 150 metres above the ground, with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.
