Ah… Paris. If you haven’t already been, you certainly want to go. The city of love, you see it in movies, hear it in music and read it in books. We have been to Paris numerous times and we keep coming back! There is so much to do in this beautiful city, more than just the highlights. So we compiled this list to give you an idea of what to do, and not just something to do. But the best and different things to do in Paris. Keep on reading as we will give some unique tips on where to go and what to do.
The Eiffel Tower
In the 7th arrondissement of Paris lies the famous Eiffel Tower. There is a new addition to the site after the threat of terrorist attacks in Paris and other cities in Europe. A bulletproof glass wall has been built around the Eiffel tower that is 10 ft (3 meters) high. You could say that the wall changes the look and feel of the area, however, the glass does allow you to still have an unobstructed view of the tower. Unfortunately, these are the times we live in.
The Eiffel Tower lights up every evening at 9PM!
The Notre Dame
In the 4th arrondissement you will find the Notre Dame, an impressive cathedral built in the middle ages. After the fire in 2019 the cathedral remains closed for several years as the the Notre Dame will be rebuilt. Nevertheless a beautiful site to see from a distance!
Arc de Triomphe
A massive arch in Paris where the names of the generals and wars that have been fought are engraved on the insides and top of the arch. The arch is in the middle where twelve streets meet, this is why the Arc de Triomphe used to be called the square of the star or Place de l’Étoile. There are more arches in Paris to explore, have a look at Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel for example.
Sacre Coeur
A beautiful white church in the neighborhood of Montmarte. As you walk your way uphill, the massive church just suddenly appears in the pittoresque streets of Montmarte. We recommend seeing the church at the Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet park. The park is tucked away and you can still see beautiful views of the church, minus the tourists!
Enjoy the sunset at Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur also happens to be a great spot with a highpoint where you can look out over Paris. How romantic to see Paris when the sun sets. Walk around and see different views of the city, try to find a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower.
Visit Montmarte
This has to be one of our favorite neighborhoods in Paris. You will find a square with artists who sell their paintings and draw beautiful portraits of people on the spot. It feels like you step back in time as you stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets.
Walk on the intersection of Rue des Saules and Rue Norvins as this square is gorgeous and eclectic. Beware, because there are lots of steep hills and stairs in this neighborhood.
The cemetery Père-Lachaise
Why go to a cemetery you say? It’s the largest cemetery in Paris where you walk on cobblestone paths, you will see many (large) tombs and famous graves. Edith piaf, Chopin, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison are some examples.
Louvre
The iconic pyramid shaped museum where you could spend days admiring their treasures. The museum is free for everyone under 18 and under 26 for EU citizens only.
Catacombs
The underground city of the dead. You will take some narrow steps down into an underground tunnel system where you millions of human remains are stacked upon each other. The catacombs is an interesting part of Parisian history that cannot be left unvisited!
The Conciergerie and Saint-Chapelle
These two historical monuments are close in proximity, therefore easy to visit both of these sites combined. Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was kept prisoner in the Conciergerie and Saint-Chapelle is a beautiful chapel with impressive stained glass windows where scenes from the old and new testament are played out.
Versailles
The palace of Versailles is 60 to 90 minutes from Paris by train. An easy day-trip from Paris that you cannot skip. We recommend arriving early (as soon as they open) to be able to see the rooms with few people inside. There are many gardens to explore and we recommend exploring these by foot (if you are able to)!
The Moulin Rouge
One word, wow! Inside the Moulin Rouge you will find red velvet, small tables and chairs put closely together and champagne! The beautiful cabaret can be quite pricey, especially if you decide to have dinner inside as well. But oh, the feathers, the music and the dancing…
Pont Neuf and Bouquinistes
The bouquinistes sell books, record plates, stamps, souvenirs and more. They are part of the UNESCO world heritage site and a joy to look through the books they sell while looking over the Seine. The bouquinistes are close to Pont Neuf, an old bridge that lies in the heart of Paris.
Eat a crêpe
These thin pancakes are delicious and you will find them everywhere in Paris! You can eat them with nutella, sugar, fruits and so many more options.
Eat the baguette of the year
Every year bakers throughout Paris are competing for the best baguette of the year. The winner gets to deliver their baguettes to the president of France for a full year, how cool is that? So your trip to Paris will not be complete without eating the best baguette of the year. Google ‘Le Grand Prix de la baguette de la Ville de Paris‘ and find where the winner is located in Paris.
Walk the High Line of Paris
La Promenade Plantée is a garden built on a former railway. The garden is 32 ft (10 meters) above street level where you can see the city of Paris from high up. The entire walk will take you about 1,5 hours and is a nice escape of the hustle and bustle of the city. Smell the flowers, listen to the birds and you will even find a pool on your walk.
Antiques
At Le Village Saint-Paul you will find a tucked away village with vintage stores, art galleries and many antique markets.
We want to hear from you!
What did you do on your last visit to Paris? Let us know what you’ve seen or what you want to see!
