The Best Things to Do in Paris
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.
Guided Tours of Paris
Learn about the history behind famous Paris monuments, discover off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods…
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Experiences, Guided ToursOrigins of Paris Historical TourEnjoy a small-group historical walking tour in the streets of the Montagne Sainte Genevieve down to the river.
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Creative Activities, ExperiencesBrunch & A Bag WorkshopSpend the morning in a Saint Germain café, learning how to design and paint your own custom canvas tote. Paris-based designer Kasia Dietz will teach you her techniques for designing wearable art, sharing some examples of her work and explaining exactly how she develops and creates her designs. …
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Experiences, Guided ToursSee the Sights Along the SeineSpend 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!
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Experiences, Guided ToursParis Fashion ToursSpend a few hours with Paris designer Kasia Dietz to learn all about Parisian style, discover the city’s best boutiques, and meet other local designers. About the Tour As a designer who’s called Paris home for over nine years, Kasia will introduce you to shops exclusive to Paris and…
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Experiences, Guided ToursDiscover the Goutte d’OrDiscover 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 tr…
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Experiences, Gastronomic ExperiencesChampagne & Choux Baking ClassPâte à Choux or Choux pastry dough is what is used in making so many sexy French treats… Éclairs, Gougères (savory cheese puffs), Choux Salé, Chouquettes, Profiteroles (sweet cream puffs), Saint Honoré-Piece Monté (aka Croquembouche)…
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Experiences, Guided ToursGastronomy-Themed Louvre Guided TourTake 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 artist…
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Experiences, Gastronomic ExperiencesCafé Gourmand Cooking ClassThis baking class is all about exploring the thoroughly brilliant Parisian concoction – Le Café Gourmand – a wonderful coupling of a good Espresso, a pousse-café* and miniature versions of four or five French pastries. It’s a small, extravagant luxury – go on, treat yourself! *Pousse-café – a li…
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Experiences, Guided ToursDiscover a Greener Side of ParisLet locals Frederic and Nikki of TheWaysBeyond guide you through the small streets off the Canal Saint-Martin and introduce you to some of the most exciting actors and addresses on Paris’s eco-conscious scene. The Canal Saint Martin neighborhood has always attracted an eclectic crowd, …
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Experiences, Guided ToursLove Stories at the LouvreLove 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 d…
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.
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.
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Travel Services, Vacation PackagesWeekend in Paris Vacation PackageThis 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 hot…
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Concierge ServicesTailor-Made Trip to ParisWhether 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.
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Travel Services, Welcome ServicesParis Welcome Meet & GreetSettle 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 transport…
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Travel Services, Vacation PackagesParis-Champagne Vacation PackageSpecialized 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 …
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Travel Services, Vacation PackagesParis-Normandy Vacation PackageThis 7-day, 6-night Paris – Normandy vacation package includes everything you need to explore more of France in an effortless and authentic way.
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Welcome Services, Travel ServicesWelcome BasketsWhat 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 …
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Welcome ServicesParis Christmas Tree ServiceA Christmas Tree in your Parisian home Travel Light Paris will deliver and decorate a beautiful Christmas tree for your Paris apartment : Delivery & set up of the French pine at your apartment Decorating of the Christmas Tree Removal and cleaning at the end of your stay
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Travel Services, Concierge ServicesPlanning Assistance SessionYou 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…
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.
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.
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Top Recommendations8 Best Paris Flea Markets & Antique ShopsAfter some eco-friendly and off-the-beaten-path shopping in Paris? These top antique shops and flea markets are some of our favorite places for unique gifts and original home decor.
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Top Recommendations10 Things to Do with Teens in ParisBringing a teen or two to Paris with you but aren’t sure what activities to do together to make your stay special? These ten top things to do in Paris with teenagers will help make your family trip fun for everyone.
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Top RecommendationsOur Top 7 Best Churches in Paris to VisitRegardless of your religious beliefs, Paris’s amazing churches and cathedrals have a lot to offer visitors. Their incredible architecture and priceless pieces of art provide a window into French culture of both past and present. These are the ones you’ll want to make sure to add to your itinerary…
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Top RecommendationsParis Fashion Week FavoritesIf you’re not lucky enough to attend one of the fashion shows, don’t fret! Head to one of these stylish Parisian locations where the Fashion Week crowd can often be found.
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Top RecommendationsWhere to Shop the Sales in ParisUnlike 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.
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Top RecommendationsWhat to Do for New Year’s in ParisWhether 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.
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Top RecommendationsBest Holiday Decorations in ParisIf 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.
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Top RecommendationsOur Top 5 Best Market Streets In ParisWhat better way to discover the streets of Paris than by letting your tastebuds be your guide? To help you get started on your gourmet adventure, we’re sharing our five favorite food shopping streets in the French capital. Slip on some comfy shoes, grab a shopping bag, and set off to explore.
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Top RecommendationsWhat to Do for Nuit BlancheThis Saturday, October 1st, Paris will be up all night celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ‘White Night’ art festival with dozens of different activities and art exhibitions taking place all throughout the capital. Here are our tips along with a map of our top picks so you can enjoy the event ‘au maximum’!
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Top RecommendationsOur Top 5 Best Places for Fall Colors in ParisBesides the buzzing cultural calendar, maybe the best thing about Paris in the fall is that the city turns the most gorgeous shades of red, yellow, and orange. If you’re on the hunt for picture-perfect (or Instagram-worthy) autumn vibes, these are the five places you’ll find the best fall foliage in Paris.
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.
Recommendations from Paris Insiders
Wondering what to do in Paris with kids? Or perhaps you’re searching for the best little-known museums in the city? Either way, our Urbansiders have you covered! For family trips, romantic evenings, foodie tours, or art and history excursions, they’re sharing their personal recommendations so you can easily discover the best things to do in Paris for you.

8 Best Paris Flea Markets & Antique Shops

10 Things to Do with Teens in Paris
