What to Do in Paris

Paris is my favorite city in the world and I could visit over and over again. Sharing some of my favorite things to do in my favorite city. This list is just the beginning what to do in Paris.

Seine River

Take a walk along the Seine in the day or evening. We also love to take a cruise in the evening to enjoy the sights and lights. Make sure to time it so you can see the Eiffel Tower twinkle on the hour.

The Louvre

The Louvre is world’s largest art museum and you could spend weeks visiting all it’s exhibits. We made a quick trip into to see the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory which will take an hour or so. Book tickets ahead of time online or buy a Museum Pass if you plan on visiting other museums.

Palais Royale

Just across from the Louvre pay a visit to the Palais Royale, one of Paris Insider’s best kept secrets. Visit the former home of French royalty. Be sure to visit the inner courtyard to see the black-and-white art installation Les Deux Plateaux as well as the surrounding arcade shops and restaurants.

The Musee D’Orsay

This is my favorite museum in Paris because of it’s wonderful Impressionist exhibits. They have all my favorites including Monet, Manet, Gaugin, Degas, Renoir and others. It’s an old train station that has been converted into a museum.

Saint Chapelle Chapel

Just around the corner from Notre Dame is the gorgeous cathedral with what is considered one of the world’s best stained glass displays. It is definitely worth the wait in line.

Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the oldest cathedrals in the world. The stained glass is amazing and a trip to the top to view Paris with a gargoyle’s view is the best. (My visit was before the tragic fire)

Ile de la Cite

This is the small island in the center of Paris and the home to Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle. It is the heart of Paris and also the home to my favorite ice cream shop, Berthillion and many other darling shops.

Sacre Coeur

The Sacre Coeur Basilica is located on one of the highest points in Paris and has an amazing view of the city. Tour the basilica and then enjoy the view.

Montmarte Neighborhood

After your visit to Sacre Coeur wander the hilly streets of Montemarte neighborhood which is home to many artists. You can even watch them paint at the Place du Tertre. Have lunch in one of the cafes on the square. Check out the Wall of Love near the metro stop.

Eiffel Tower (Day and Night)

Paris’ most famous landmark is the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Paris. Be sure and visit in the day and take a trip to the top and then return at night to watch it twinkle. We like to watch it twinkle from a boat on the Seine River. Be sure to book your tickets to visit the tower ahead of time as lines can be hours long.

Place de La Concorde

The Place de La Concorde is a roundabout between the Tuileries Garden and the Champs-Elysees. It is where Marie Antoinette and King Louis the XVI were executed by the guillotine.

Tuilleries Garden

The Gardens are perfect to stroll through on your way from the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre. Sit by the pond and relax and do a little people watching.

Arc de Triomphe

At the top of the Tuilleries Garden sits the Arc De Triomphe. You can look down the Champs- Elysees from the Arc all the way to the Louvre. The Arc is a triumphal arch and an iconic symbol of French national identity and took 30 years to build.

Champs -Elysees

One of the most famous streets in the world. It connects the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Lots of shopping and people watching.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery

We ended up at the cemetary because we were in Paris on a holiday and everything was closed. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip and I highly recommend a visit. The tombstones and mausoleums are beautiful and they will give you a map of all the famous people that are buried there when you enter including Charlie Chaplin, Chopin and Moliere.

Luxembourg Gardens

The perfect spot to take a stroll and enjoy the flowers. You can even sail a wooden boat on the pond in the garden.

Angelinas

After your stroll through the gardens stop at Angelinas for a cup of their amazing hot chocolate!

Le Marais

This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. There are good restaurants and I love visiting the many antique stores found in the Village St. Paul in heart of Le Marais.

Shakespeare and Company

The famous bookstore that was started in 1919 by Sylvia Beach that was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and other famous American authors living in Paris. This is not the original location.

Eat a Crepe on the Street

You will find crepe vendors throughout the city. It’s a perfect snack or lunch on the go while you are out and about town.

Boulangerie

Visit as many boulangeries or French bakeries as you can to enjoy a daily croissant or baguette.

Macarons

Visit the famous Laudree for delicious macarons!

Sidewalk Cafe

Be enjoy a meal or two or at least a drink at one of Paris’ many sidewalk cafes.

Be sure and check out all my other travel posts here.