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16 minutes readContents
- See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
- Visit the recently reopened Notre Dame Cathedral
- Walk to the top of the Arc de Triomph
- Explore the Jardin du Luxembourg
- Visit Dior’s Flagship Store and Galerie Dior
- Take a photo outside Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
- See Paris from the Eiffel Tower
- Catch a show at Crazy Horse Paris
- Buy a souvenir from Shakespeare and Company
- Shop on the Champs-Elysees
- Take a cruise on the River Seine
- Take a day trip to Disneyland Paris
- Discover French History at the Pantheon
- Discover French Opera at the Palais Garnier
- Take a day trip to Versailles
- Explore the Paris Catacombs
- Experience an immersive tour at fondation Louis Vuitton
- Pay your respects at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery
- Don’t skip Musee d’Orsay
1. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
- Cost: €22 or free for under 18s + under 26-year-olds who are EEA residents.
- Where to stay: La Villa Haussmann
Almost 9 million people visit the Louvre annually with most treating it as a pilgrimage to see Da Vinci’s legendary Mona Lisa. The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and was previously a royal palace before it became home to over 35,000 pieces of artwork.
Visit early if you want a chance to see the Mona Lisa but be prepared for a long wait with a short time to view the painting.
Attendants are keen to keep the queue moving and usually give guests less than a minute with the painting. However, the Louvre is an art lover’s paradise with other famous pieces on display, including “Liberty Leading the People” and “Winged Victory of Samothrace.”
Photo: matt_86 / pixabay.com
The museum is open daily except Tuesdays. Pricing varies, like most Paris attractions, with free admission offered to those under 26 from countries in the EEA (with photographic ID!). Admission is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6pm – except for July and August. The Louvre is open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, ideal if you want to navigate the museum with fewer crowds.
2. Visit the recently reopened Notre Dame Cathedral
- Cost: Free with entry time-tickets available online.
- Where to stay: Hotel Mademoiselle
Notre Dame has finally reopened its doors after five years of extensive renovations following the 2019 fire. Iconic for its Gothic architecture, Notre Dame was completed in the 14th century and has undergone various work over its lifetime. While work on the exterior is scheduled to continue until 2027, tourists are once again able to explore the cathedral.
This Parisian monument houses several relics, including the Crown of Thrones and the True Cross. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere of the stained-glass windows, baroque sculptures, and tapestries.
Photo: NoName_13 /pixabay.com
You can book free admission to Notre Dame through its official website for timed entry or queue outside to wait your turn. Tickets usually appear only 48 hours in advance and are recommended for peak times. You can expect to spend around an hour or more at the Cathedral, making it a great afternoon activity in Paris.
3. Walk to the top of the Arc de Triomph
- Cost: €23.50 or free for under 18s+ under 26s who are EEA residents.
- Where to stay: Hotel Monterosa – Astotel
You’ll know you’re in Paris when you spot the Arc de Triomphe. This monument was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz but is now celebrated for the stunning views it offers of the city. You can take the elevator to the top or climb the almost 300 steps to see across the Champs-Elysees.
Entry to the Arc de Triomphe is free on the first Sunday of January to March and November to December.
If you’re not a fan of heights, you can admire the Arc de Triomphe from the ground without paying for a ticket. Look for the sculptures carved into the arch, which also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Photo: Mistervlad / Shutterstock.com
Pro-tip: The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider is relit daily at 6:30pm and can be seen from the viewing deck or ground level.
4. Explore the Jardin du Luxembourg
- Cost: Free with optional extra paid attractions.
- Where to stay: L’Empire Paris
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Paris as a tourist, but one of the best ways to explore the city is to take things a little slower. The Luxembourg Gardens offer escapism from the crowds and is a paradise oasis beloved by tourists and Parisians. Pack a picnic or take a casual stroll through these famous gardens to soak up the sun.
Photo: Mistervlad / Shutterstock.com
Nestled in the Sixth Arrondissement, the Luxembourg Gardens are free to enter but has a range of paid attractions, from pony rides to a merry-go-round and a traditional marionette show.
One of the hidden gems inside the Luxembourg Gardens is a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
There are over a hundred other sculptures located throughout these public gardens, making it a great alternative to an indoor museum on warmer days
5. Visit Dior’s Flagship Store and Galerie Dior
- Cost: €14 for adults, €10 for students and free for children under 10.
- Where to stay: Alba Opera Hotel
Paris is famous for many things – its culture, cuisine, and couture. Few designers have had as big of an impact on fashion as Christian Dior. If you’re a fashion devotee, you’ll want to visit Dior’s flagship store at 30 Avenue Montaigne, which originally opened in 1946. You don’t have to be planning to spend thousands of euros on a bag to visit this store.
Photo: galeriedior.com
The main attraction of Dior’s flagship store is Galerie Dior, an immersive museum that opened as part of the store’s recent renovations. This museum is spread across multiple levels and feels like a labyrinth, tracing the history of Christian Dior with a focus on the “new look”.
Like most things in Paris, the Galerie Dior is open daily except for Tuesdays and major public holidays. You can buy a ticket and reserve your time slot for entry to the Galerie Dior on its official website.
6. Take a photo outside Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
- Cost: Entry to the Basilica is free with a tour of the Dome costing €8 for adults and €5 for children.
- Where to stay: Edgar Suites Montmartre – Paul Albert
The Montmartre neighborhood is one of the most popular arrondissements in Paris – and for good reason! It’s full of tourist attractions, including the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre.
This Catholic Basilica is located on top of the highest hill in the city with only the Eiffel Tower sitting higher than it.
The building’s distinctive Roman-Byzantine dome can be seen throughout Paris. Named for the Sacred Heart, it’s easy to confuse this building with a castle due to its grand domes and white exterior. Make sure to look up when you step inside to view the largest mosaic in France with Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Joan of Arc appearing across this glittery ceiling.
Photo: picsart_ah / Shutterstock.com
The Basilica is open daily with free admission, however, it’s a small fee for a tour of the building’s iconic dome. It’s worth noting that there’s no elevator access and you’ll need to climb 280 steps of a narrow staircase to reach the dome.
7. See Paris from the Eiffel Tower
- Cost: Varies from €14.50 to €72, depending on ticket type.
- Where to stay: Hotel Le Walt by Inwood Hotels
Did you really go to Paris if you didn’t take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower? Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to stand for 20 years before being saved once its scientific potentialbecame apparent. The tower became the world’s most glamorous radio antenna.
Today, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and is synonymous with the romantic nature of the Parisian capital.
There’s a Michelin-star restaurant, Jules Verne, on the second floor, along with the small champagne bar at the top.
Photo: imonasaftas / Shutterstock.com
There are multiple ways to explore Paris’ most iconic monument with the cheapest option of €14.50 giving you stairs access to the second floor, while the more expensive €36.10 ticket gives lift access to the top of the tower. There are additional extras you can add to your ticket, like a glass of champagne with a ticket to the top via the elevator for €59.10. Buy your Eiffel Tower tickets via the official website to skip the queues.
Insider tip: You’ll get the best view of Paris – and a more comfortable experience – on the second floor.
8. Catch a show at Crazy Horse Paris
- Cost: Tickets start from €75 for mid-week shows to €300 for private tours.
- Where to stay: La Villa Haussmann
Crazy Horse Paris is popular with couples and groups in search of the city’s wilder side. It reimagines traditional cabaret with an avant-garde flair that you’ll only find in Paris. Best described as a modern burlesque show, Crazy Horse is housed inside a converted wine cellar close to the famous Champs Elysees. Celebrities like K-Pop star Lisa, vintage glamour icon Dita von Teese, and actress Pamela Anderson have all taken to the stage at Crazy Horse.
Photo: lecrazyhorseparis.com
It’s not just the show itself that attracts tourists. Crazy Horse is an intimate venue with plush velvet couches and an atmosphere that feels like you’re stepping back in time to the roaring 20s.
Shows happen at least twice daily with three shows on Saturdays.
Ticket prices vary from just €40 for students to €185 for a show ticket with food and drinks.
9. Buy a souvenir from Shakespeare and Company
- Cost: Free to enter with book prices varying.
- Where to stay: Hotel Chambiges Elysees
While macarons and a miniature of the Eiffel Tower might be on your shopping list, you can also pick up a unique souvenir from Paris’ most famous English-language bookshop, Shakespeare and Company.
Photo: Mike Cox / unsplash.com
This independent bookshop is all over social media and oozes history on every shelf. You’ll see plenty of “Shakespeare and Company” tote bags throughout the city. Next door, you’ll find an adjacent café with a signature coffee blend and clear views of Notre Dame.
10. Shop on the Champs-Elysees
- Cost: Free to explore.
- Where to stay: Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa
Paris is famous for its shopping and no street is more infamous than the Champs-Elysees. While New York has Fifth Avenue, the Champs-Elysees is equal parts art and shopping with stunning architecture and seasonal window displays. You’ll find flagship stores for fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel alongside more affordable mainstream stores like Zara and Nike.
Photo: Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com
Pro-tip: For attainable luxury, stop by the flagship Laudree store for a box of macarons. These are the most famous Parisian macarons in the world and worth the splurge.
11. Take a cruise on the River Seine
- Cost: Prices vary from €10 to over €200 for dinner cruises.
- Where to stay: Hotel Les Rives De Notre Dame
Have you ever dreamt of dancing on the Seine? The river runs through the heart of Paris with many of the best things to do in Paris dotted along its riverbanks. It’s the Seine that divides the city into the Left Bank and Right Bank.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll spend most of your time in Paris walking along the Seine.
Taking a cruise on the Seine will give you a unique view of the city with a variety of sailings available to suit every budget.
Photo: delpics / pixabay.com
If you’re visiting on your honeymoon or for a special occasion, splurge on a dinner cruise sailing at golden hour. You can expect these sailings to cost up to €200, but it’s a priceless experience to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling from the water.
12. Take a day trip to Disneyland Paris
- Cost: Ticket prices vary with a one-day ticket usually under €100.
- Where to stay: Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel
If you’re a kid at heart or traveling with kids, take a day trip out of Paris to explore Disneyland Paris. Smaller than the American parks, you can explore most of the two theme parks in one day. Enjoy a glass of champagne in a commemorative glass in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle or watch the new night-time spectacular Tales of Magic.
Photo: Leslin_Liu / pixabay.com
It’s worth noting that the theme park is currently undergoing extensive renovations throughout both parks with “World of Frozen” scheduled to open in Walt Disney Studios in 2026. Book your park tickets in advance and download the official app to check wait times and book Premier Access to skip the regular queues.
Pro-tip: Disneyland Paris has its own train station, Marne-la-Vallee-Chessy. Take the RER A from Chatelet station, with an average journey time of 40 minutes.
13. Discover French History at the Pantheon
- Cost: €13 for adults and free for EU residents under 26.
- Where to stay: Hotel & Spa Saint Jacques
Nestled in the 5th Arrondissement (known locally as the Latin Quarter), the Pantheon is a church, mausoleum, and gallery all in one. Completed at the end of the 18th century at the beginning of the French Revolution, the Pantheon features a replica of the Foucault pendulum that demonstrates the Earth’s rotation.
Photo: Ella Hanochi / Shutterstock.com
Several of France’s most significant individuals are buried in the crypt, including Marie Curie and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The Pantheon’s dome also provides a stunning view of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower.
While tickets typically cost €13 for adults, free admission is offered on the first Sunday of every month from November to March.
14. Discover French Opera at the Palais Garnier
Cost: Self-guided tours cost €15 with show tickets varying.
Where to stay: Chouchou Hotel
Palais Garnier, home of the French opera and ballet, is one of the most jaw-dropping buildings you’ll ever see.
Famous for its opulence, the Palais Garnier feels like stepping back in time.
The building served as inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s “Phantom of the Opera” with debate still ongoing as to whether the tale of the mysterious phantom might have been true.
Photo: Pignatta / pixabay.com/
If you’re a ballet or opera fan, you can immersive yourself into the Parisian culture by grabbing a ticket to one of its shows. Tickets are released several months in advance with the more affordable tickets often going fastest. If you’re not a ballet or opera fan, you can book a self-guided tour of this stunning building for just €15. This ticket allows you to explore the building’s public areas and any ongoing exhibitions.
15. Take a day trip to Versailles
- Cost: Tickets from €21 with combined and seasonal tickets available.
- Where to stay: Hotel Versailles Chantiers
Another popular tourist attraction close to Paris is the Chateau de Versailles. One of the most famous castles in the world, Versailles is synonymous with opulence, grandeur, and excess. You can reach Versailles by taking the RER C train from central Paris before a short 10-minute walk from the station to the palace grounds.
Versailles offers a range of tickets, including a “Passport” ticket for the whole estate or a designated Palace ticket for those taking a shorter visit. Popular attractions at Versailles include the Hall of Mirrors, the Gallery of Battles, and the Royal Chapel.
Photo: Armand Khoury / unsplash.com
Pro-tip: Versailles is open daily except for Monday and has an official app to help you plan your itinerary and must-see spots.
16. Explore the Paris Catacombs
- Cost: Tickets from €31 (including audio guide) with reduced rate tickets costing €25.
- Where to stay: Le Clark Hote
History fans and those who want to explore the darker side of Paris should head underground to the Catacombs. These tunnels are lined by skulls and bones, stretching for several miles under the city. Public access is limited to around one mile from Denfert-Rochereau, the only authorized entrance. Pack your sturdiest travel shoes and be ready to walk over 100 steps up and down to access the catacombs, as well as through potentially slippery surfaces inside the tunnel.
Photo: Mikhail Gnatkovskiy / Shutterstock.com
Tickets to the Paris Catacombs cost €31 (including audio guide) with reduced rate tickets costing €25. These tickets are for self-guided tours, but 2-hour guided tours are available on Tuesdays at 6pm and Thursdays at 1pm. However, these tours are only available in French with a maximum group size of 20 people.
17. Experience an immersive tour at fondation Louis Vuitton
- Cost: Full-price tickets cost €16 with a €10 ticket for under 26s and a €5 ticket for under 18.
- Where to stay: Melia Paris Champs-Elysees
Fondation Louis Vuitton opened its doors only a decade ago. Created in collaboration with LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, and Frank Gehry, an American architect, this immersive museum hosts some of the most popular exhibitions in the city.
Photo: Michael Heise/ unsplash.com
Contemporary and modern art is the focus of this museum with 11 galleries located throughout four floors. The museum is open daily, except for Tuesdays, with ticket prices typically costing €16. Expect smaller crowds than other popular museums, making it an ideal choice for returning visitors.
18. Pay your respects at the Pere Lachaise Cemetery
- Cost: Free to enter.
- Where to stay: Le General Hotel
If you’re a lover of literature and art, you’ll want to pay your respects to some of the most famous Parisians at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
Photo: AnastasiaNess / Shutterstock.com
Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Frederic Chopin are all buried here. Entry to Pere Lachaise Cemetery is free with guided tours offered throughout the week. Opening hours vary seasonally and the cemetery remains open during public holidays.
19. Don’t skip Musee d’Orsay
- Cost: Ticket prices range from €13 to €16 and free for EU residents under 26.
- Where to stay: Hotel Vinci Due & Spa
Musee d’Orsay sits on the Left Bank and houses art by Van Gogh, Monet, and other famous European artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This museum is often overlooked in favor of the Louvre, but it deserves its own moment in the spotlight.
It’s smaller than the Louvre, making it easier to navigate with smaller crowds. You can expect to see most of the museum in just a few hours.
Photo: Rohan_Reddy and pixabay.com
Ticket prices vary with online tickets costing slightly more than on-site tickets, however, you can expect to queue for these. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of every month with reservations required. Visitors from the EU or EEA under 26 get free access daily.
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