Things To Do in Paris, Île-de-France

Activities, attractions and tours
Paris

Paris Attractions

As Audrey Hepburn once mused, a visit to Paris is always a good idea. The City of Lights certainly has a lot to offer nearly any type of tourist, from families and couples to independent travelers on a self-guided jaunt. Things to do in Paris, France, range from taste testing every baguette sandwich along the Champs -Élysées to eating up the artistic experience offered by the Musée d’Orsay. When you’re not sure where to start when it comes to tackling this French metropolis, Paris tours are a good place to start. Embarking on a single tour will serve up a stop at many local landmarks and Parisian points of interest.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Paris neighborhood offerings vary from the outdoor to the artistic, and everything in between. Whether you are in France on a romantic getaway, family trip, or in the company of friends, there is a neighborhood brimming with things for you to see and do.

Montmartre — While this hilltop community was once a small, quiet village, it’s now a tourist hub. Along the cobblestone streets you will find historical sites like windmills and the Sacre Coeur basilica. You can also take advantage of the many shops and eateries.

Right Bank (La Rive Droite) — Head to this part of Paris, along the north side of the Seine River, if you are in the market for a chic experience. Famous shopping strips, The Louvre museum, and other high-society venues are found here.

Left Bank (La Rive Gauche) — The southern side of the Seine River is known as the Left Bank, and exhibits a far more bohemian vibe than the Right Bank. Also considered the Latin Quarter, this part of the city is home to The Sorbonne University and preserved Roman ruins.

Things to See in Paris

Before you set out to experience the more active side of the city, considering exploring the spectacular things to see in Paris, many of which present awesome photo opportunities. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe are just a few of the top spots in Paris to capture photos worthy of your holiday cards or a spot on the mantle. Paris art and culture activities are also very much alive. If you want to be entertained, snag tickets to a cabaret show or French theater production at venues like Moulin Rouge.

Things to Do & Attractions in Paris

Paris is known as fashion-forward city, but visitors should still pack a pair of walking shoes to truly experience the best activities and attractions in Paris. Spend your morning perusing the Bastille Market and shopping at fine boutiques along the Champs-Élysées. In the afternoon, venture down into The Catacombs, which contain millions of human remains and a bit of a spooky atmosphere. If you want to burn a few calories in the spirit of working off your morning croissant, try a bike tour. In the evening, sign up for an escape game, where you and your friends must use your wits to find your way out of a locked room. Day trips from Paris can land you in places like the Palace of Versailles in just a few hours.


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Paris City Centre which includes a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture

Paris City Center

5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Paris City Center. Top attractions like Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame are major draws. Catch the metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station or Louvre - Rivoli Station to see more of the city.

Paris City Center
6th Arrondissement which includes a park and a statue or sculpture

6th Arrondissement

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in 6th Arrondissement. Check out top attractions like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church, and jump on the metro at Saint-Sulpice Station or Mabillon Station to see more of the city.

6th Arrondissement
Marais - Pompidou - Notre Dame de Paris featuring a square or plaza and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Marais

4.5/5(92 area reviews)

Travelers love Marais for its popular shops, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Saint-Paul Station or Saint-Sebastien - Froissart Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Carnavalet Museum and Picasso Museum.

Marais
8th Arrondissement showing a monument and street scenes

8th Arrondissement

4.5/5(258 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in 8th Arrondissement. Champs-Élysées is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Saint-Philippe du Roule Station or Miromesnil Station to see more of Paris.

8th Arrondissement
7th Arrondissement which includes street scenes and a city

Faubourg Saint-Germain

While you're in Faubourg Saint-Germain, take in top sights like Eiffel Tower or Orsay Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rue du Bac Station or Solferino Station.

Faubourg Saint-Germain
Latin Quarter - Pantheon featuring a fountain and heritage elements

5th Arrondissement

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Panthéon and Rue Mouffetard are top sights in 5th Arrondissement, and you should be sure to explore the charming cafes. Hop aboard the metro at Maubert-Mutualité Metro Station or Cardinal Lemoine Metro Station to see more sights in the area.

5th Arrondissement

Day trip destinations from Paris