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Illustrations representing various things to do in Paris

The Best Things To Do in Paris

PARISIANS SHARE WHAT TO SEE & DO IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

There’s so much to do and see in Paris, it’s impossible to do it all. There are, of course, many must-see places in the city, including the main attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre, but the French capital has a whole other side beyond its famous monuments. Enjoy Paris like a local by exploring lesser-known neighborhoods, stepping into some of the city’s 100+ small museums, enjoying a wine and cheese tasting, or eating typical French food in an authentic local restaurant. Here are our suggestions for the top things to do in Paris, France.

Guided Tours, Tastings, & Workshops

Learn a new skill, express your creativity, and explore the City of Light in a new way with the help of a local. These unique activities will help you experience a different side of Parisian life, whether you’re visiting Paris as a family, traveling solo, or on a romantic getaway. Reserve kid-friendly street art tours, historical sightseeing walks, private wine and cheese tastings, French baking classes, and more.

Private & Group Tours

What better way to discover the best parts of a city than with a local? Let us introduce you to some friendly and knowledgeable Paris guides who’d be happy to show you around.

Cooking Classes & Tastings

Get a true taste of life in the City of Light alongside local chefs and connoisseurs. Whether you’re baking or just tasting, these experiences will having you savoring the best of Paris.

Workshops & Artsy Ateliers

Paris has inspired artists for centuries, so where better to enjoy a unique experience and express your creativity?

Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences
French Caviar Tasting
The caviar you are about to discover is produced in the Dordogne region to the rhythms of the seasons and the life of sturgeons. This product of excellence, based on the valorization of unique terroir and innovative production techniques, is the reflection of impeccable standards. Research innovati…
Experiences, Guided Tours
Love Stories at the Louvre
Love is a universal feeling, but the ways of living it and representing it have changed over time and across civilizations. During this guided tour of the Louvre, professional local guides Emmanuelle, Marie, and Marie-Amandine of Ma-tisse invite you to discover some of the museum’s masterpieces dep…
Experiences, Guided Tours
Gastronomy-Themed Louvre Guided Tour
Take a tasty tour of the Louvre, looking at its artworks through an original and mouth-watering point of view! Professional local Paris guides lead you on a gastronomically themed discovery of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts while also teaching you about the culinary customs and artists…
Experiences, Guided Tours
Origins of Paris Historical Tour
Enjoy a small-group historical walking tour in the streets of the Montagne Sainte Genevieve down to the river.
Experiences, Guided Tours
Street Art Tour of Montmartre
See a different side of this romantic hilltop neighborhood by seeking out street art in its winding streets and learning all about this urban art form along the way. The perfect Parisian activity for families, this one-and-a-half-hour interactive guided Montmartre walking tour is fun for kids and a…
Experiences, Guided Tours
Discover the Goutte d’Or
Discover a side of Paris that most tourists never see. Frederic of TheWaysBeyond takes you on a walking tour you of his old neighborhood, La Goutte d’Or, one of Paris’s most authentic multi-cultural melting pots. Here, Parisians of dozens of different nationalities come together to share their trad…
Experiences, Guided Tours
See the Sights Along the Seine
Spend a leisurely morning like a true Parisian! Your local guide Sophie will meet you for a sightseeing stroll along the Seine, telling you tales of Paris past as you make your way east to explore a historic area before ending at a popular fresh food market just in time for lunch!
Creative Activities, Experiences
Totes & Treats Workshop
Spend half a day in a Parisian apartment learning how to design and paint your own custom canvas tote! Paris-based designer Kasia Dietz welcomes you into her Marais home where she’ll teach you how to create wearable art. She’ll share examples of her work along with the techniqu…
Experiences, Guided Tours
Street Art Tour of the Butte aux Cailles
Search out some of the best street art in Paris while discovering an area often ignored by visitors but adored by locals. Set off on a guided street art scavenger hunt with the whole family through the winding rues of the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood.
Experiences, Guided Tours
Walk Through History in Le Marais
Follow local guides Frederic and Nikki of TheWaysBeyond through the city squares and alleyways of Le Marais as you retrace the history of this iconic Parisian neighborhood. If many today consider Le Marais a must-see on any trip to Paris, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, in the early 20th centur…

Parisians’ Favorite Restaurants

If you love food, you’ve come to the right city. Paris has approximately 15,000 restaurants, meaning you’ll never run out of options for places to eat. But that also means it can be tough to decide where to go. To help you choose, our curated Paris restaurant guide includes only our absolute favorite eateries in the City of Light, covering all tastes and budgets. From fine French cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back bistros and tasty vegetarian street food, here are our local recommendations for where to eat in Paris like a local.

Semi-open rooftop dining patio at La Plume Rive Droite in Paris, surrounded by plants and ambient lighting.
A Sophisticated Spot To Savor Châtelet’s Scenery
Bright, elegant interior of Neige d’Été, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, with soft lighting, modern decor, and fresh floral arrangements on marble tables.
A Hidden Gem for Parisian Gastronomy
Three chefs holding a pizza they made in front of turquoise façade of La Cantina restaurant in Paris
For Cocktails & Pizzas near Père Lachaise
Simple but elegant wooden tables and chairs in Paris restaurant with windows looking out onto the city streets
Modern Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Montparnasse

Parisians’ Favorite Bars, Cafés, & Coffee Shops

Finding the perfect place to have a drink in Paris can get tricky, but certainly not for lack of choice. We’re letting you in on our favorite spots to quench your thirst, whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop with good Wi-Fi, a picturesque Parisian café terrace with excellent people watching, or to sip some of the best cocktails in Paris. Here are our suggestions for where to go in the French capital for a great cup of coffee, a refreshing pint, a crafted cocktail, or a good glass of wine.

Elegant Parisian cocktail bar with gold and red accents at Isadora
Cool & Classy Cocktails in the Center of Paris
Popular Paris patio of Les Fontaines bar and café
Chill Terrace with Cheap Drinks by the Centre Pompidou
Spacious bar with wooden tables and multicoloured chairs
Spacious Co-Working Café & Bar
Spacious outdoor patio of the Gallia bar and brewery near Paris
Cool, Spacious Spot For Pints in Paris
Concierge Services, Travel Services
Planning Assistance Session
You already know more or less what you’d like to do while in Paris, but wouldn’t you love to get some personalized planning assistance from a local? To make sure you have the best trip possible and to ease any initial concerns or answer any questions, chat with us during a one-time phone or Skype s…
Travel Services, Vacation Packages
Weekend in Paris Vacation Package
This 3-day, 2-night Paris vacation package includes everything you need to discover the best of the City of Lights in just a weekend. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you won’t have to lift a finger. A chauffeur will pick you up at the terminal and drop you off at your 4-star hotel…
Travel Services, Welcome Services
Parisian Welcome Baskets
What better than to be welcomed into your Parisian home with a true French touch? For those early arrivals, we’ll deliver delicious, carefully chosen, fresh food, and drinks directly to your apartment! Both little luxuries and the French essentials produced in France by brands we know, love, and tr…
Travel Services, Welcome Services
Paris Welcome Meet & Greet
Settle right into the City of Light with a personal welcome experience ​designed to leave you fully equipped to head out and explore Paris. Paris concierge Karina will spend the extra time with you at your apartment or in a local café to answer all your questions, explain how the transportat…
Travel Services, Vacation Packages
Paris-Champagne Vacation Package
Specialized boutique travel agency The French Travel will prepare a 6-day, 5-night trip for you, including everything you need to explore the capital city and the Champagne region of France in an effortless and authentic way. Upon your arrival in Paris, a chauffeur will pick you up at the ai…
Concierge Services
Tailor-Made Trip to Paris
Whether it’s your first or fifth time to the City of Light, let Travel Light Paris work with you to tailor-make the best possible experience.
Travel Services, Vacation Packages
Paris-Normandy Vacation Package
This 7-day, 6-night Paris – Normandy vacation package includes everything you need to explore more of France in an effortless and authentic way.

Parisians’ Favorite Places to Shop

Known for luxury fashion houses and beautiful department stores, the City of Love offers some of the best shopping in the world. But if you ask us, it isn’t the world-famous brands and avenues that make Paris shopping so good; it’s the pretty little boutiques by local designers tucked away in the shopping districts of Le Marais and Montmartre, the fine foods shops with a history going back generations, the oh-so-French fromageries selling 200 different varieties of cheese, or the enchanting bookstores full of as many stories as the pages of the books they sell. Here are the places where Parisians shop for fashion, home décor, wine, and more.

Necklace and earrings on display in the window of Parisian jewelry store, Pérouse
Uniquely Personal, Made-in-Paris Jewelry
Pink façade of Frenchie caviste Paris wine shop with large windows showing shelves of bottles
Our Favorite Wine Shop near Châtelet
Main table in a whimsical and colorful boutique
Where Whimsy Meets Wonder
Shelves full of a variety of green plants
Eco-Conscious & Budget-Friendly Plant Store in Paris

Parisians’ Favorite Sights to See

It seems every street in the City of Light has something worth seeing, whether it be a stunning gothic cathedral like the Sainte-Chapelle, a charming museum like the Musée Marmottan Monet, a hidden city square like the Place Dauphine, or a beautiful park like the Tuileries Gardens. When you want to surround yourself with art and beauty, there’s nothing better than a day of sightseeing in the French capital. Whether you’re lucky enough to live here or are just visiting, grab your camera and head to these must-see places in Paris.

Extravagant fountain at the Chateau de Versailles illuminated at night
See the Palace Gardens in All Their Glory
Monet Water Lilies room of the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris
Unique Paris Museum Home to Monet’s Water Lilies & Much More
Outside of the Musée d'Orsay
Elegant Art Museum on the Seine
Customers on a crowded, sunny Paris café terrace.
The Streets of Montparnasse
Sales shopping in Paris
Happening Now in Paris, Top Recommendations
Where To Shop the Sales in Paris
Unlike in the United States, stores in France don’t have random, year-round sales. The sales season here is limited to just 2 four-week periods each year, so you need to make the most of that time to take advantage of the best promotions. Here are our suggestions for shopping the sales in Paris.
Woman picnicking on the grass of the Champ de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Top Recommendations
Best Tours & Tickets Online To Visit the Eiffel Tower
The view from the Eiffel Tower is a defining moment for any trip to Paris, but securing that experience can feel daunting. With millions of visitors each year, planning is not just recommended; it’s essential to transform a potentially stressful wait into a cherished memory.
Christmas window displays at Galeries Lafayette.
Top Recommendations
Unique Winter Experiences in Paris
Although you might think that spring or summer is the best time to enjoy the City of Light, winter can be a magical time to visit Paris. Tons of fun, cold-weather activities are offered around the city and there are always beautiful Christmas lights and illuminations to be seen.
Christmas Lights in Paris
Top Recommendations
Best Holiday Decorations in Paris
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris in December, don’t miss out on the amazing holiday displays all across the city. Many streets and neighborhoods are decked out with twinkling lights and small ‘sapins,’ but here are our picks for the prettiest Christmas decorations in Paris.
Fireworks in Paris on New Year's Eve on the Champs Elysées
Happening Now in Paris, Top Recommendations
What To Do for New Year’s Eve in Paris
Whether you’re looking for a romantic way to ring in the New Year or if you just want to dance the night away with friends, Paris is the perfect place to celebrate. Champagne is never hard to find in the City of Light nor is an exceptional setting.
View of Paris and Seine river from above with gargoyle
Top Recommendations
How To Spend 48 Hours in Paris
You may not have weeks to explore the French capital, but with two carefully planned days, you can still experience its magic. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary ensures you’ll enjoy the very best of Paris in just 48 hours.
Paris river cruise on the Seine.
Top Recommendations
The Best Seine River Cruises
If you’re dreaming of floating past the Eiffel Tower at sunset with a glass of champagne in hand, you’ve come to the right place! This guide to choosing the best Seine cruise will help you get the most out of your time in Paris.
Comic books at shop in Paris 5th arrondissement
Top Recommendations
The Best Graphic Novel, Manga, & Comic Book Shops in Paris
A bit off the beaten path, Paris’s Rue Dante is a hidden gem for comic enthusiasts. Stroll down the street and into a whimsical journey through manga, graphic novels, superheroes, and even a touch of Harry Potter magic. Here are the stores you won’t want to miss if you’re in the mood for a nerdy shopping spree!
Best Paris vintage shops
Top Recommendations
The Best Vintage Shopping in Paris
Discover the hidden gems of Parisian vintage and thrift shopping. Uncover the city’s most charming boutiques, where timeless fashion and unique treasures await. From classic haute couture to retro chic, embark on a stylish adventure through the French capital’s rich secondhand scene!
Vegan hamburgers
Top Recommendations
Where To Find the Best Burgers in Paris
Indulge in the culinary fusion of traditional French cuisine and the beloved hamburger at some of the best burger joints in Paris. From classic smash burgers to bao burgers with an Asian twist, these establishments offer a wide variety of options to satisfy every craving. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the vibrant burger scene of the City of Lights.

Parisians’ Favorite Places to Relax

In a city where there’s always so much to do, sometimes you need to slow down and unwind. Nothing says self-care like an afternoon of pampering at a soothing spa or hammam. In the mood for a more high-octane outlet? Dancing the night away at a club or playing sports with friends is also a great way to let off some steam when in the capital. Here’s where we go to relax and have fun in Paris.

Stage lights during a concert at Paris live music venue, L'Élysée Montmartre
The Paris Concert Venue With Eiffel Arches
Best Paris jazz clubs
Legendary Montparnasse Jazz Club Where History Still Swings
Hammam of the Bains du Marais.
Turkish Hammam & Café in the Heart of Paris
Beautiful Moroccan tiled bench and fountain inside spa.
Moroccan Relaxation in the Heart of Paris
Concierge Services
Tailor-Made Trip to Paris
Whether it’s your first or fifth time to the City of Light, let Travel Light Paris work with you to tailor-make the best possible experience.
View of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro
Travel Services, Welcome Services
Paris Welcome Meet & Greet
Settle right into the City of Light with a personal welcome experience ​designed to leave you fully equipped to head out and explore Paris. Paris concierge Karina will spend the extra time with you at your apartment or in a local café to answer all your questions, explain how the transportation system works, and walk with you in your neighborhood to show you around. As your personal…
Planning Q&A session for your Parisian trip
Concierge Services, Travel Services
Planning Assistance Session
You already know more or less what you’d like to do while in Paris, but wouldn’t you love to get some personalized planning assistance from a local? To make sure you have the best trip possible and to ease any initial concerns or answer any questions, chat with us during a one-time phone or Skype session.
Basket of French breakfast essentials including orange juice, eggs, milk, jam, and sparkling wine.
Travel Services, Welcome Services
Parisian Welcome Baskets
What better than to be welcomed into your Parisian home with a true French touch? For those early arrivals, we’ll deliver delicious, carefully chosen, fresh food, and drinks directly to your apartment! Both little luxuries and the French essentials produced in France by brands we know, love, and trust.

Our Favorite Hotels in the City

Most of our Urbansiders started out by visiting Paris before deciding to make it home. Some have since moved out of the city but return frequently while a few others have a lasting long-distance love that brings them back several times a year. So although we’re local insiders, we have gotten to know some great places to stay. These are the Paris hotels we book for ourselves or recommend to friends.