Things to Do in Paris
50 curated spots from Paris itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Louvre Museum
Focus on a curated route through a few masterpieces rather than trying to see everything, then exit toward the gardens and arcades nearby.
3h · $22-25 or Free on select days
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionist masterpieces like Monet's water lilies.
2h · $18
Luxembourg Gardens
Picnic, sail boats, Medici Fountain stroll.
1h 30m · Free
Marché des Enfants Rouges
Oldest street market; sample cheeses, charcuterie, olives (11am-2pm). Walkable from lunch.
1h 30m · $15-25 or Free
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Stroll artist streets, visit basilica for views, and enjoy street performers.
2h · Free-$60
Seine River Cruise
1-hour Bateaux Parisiens cruise from Eiffel area, pass landmarks.
1h 30m · $20
Musée d’Orsay
Explore Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces inside a grand former train station, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
2h 30m · $18-22
Sainte-Chapelle
Stunning stained-glass Gothic chapel; arrive early (Metro 10 min from Marais).
1h · $15
Arc de Triomphe
Climb for panoramic views; best photography from terrace at sunset.
1h 15m · $16
Centre Pompidou
Explore modern art collections like Picasso and Matisse; rooftop for Seine photos.
2h · $20 or Free
Eiffel Tower
Ascend for panoramic views, then watch the sparkling light show at night.
2h · $40-100
Jardin du Luxembourg
Stroll manicured paths, Medici Fountain, and minimalist gardens; rent model sailboats or people-watch (15-min walk from Orsay via metro Line 12).
1h 30m · Free
Canal Saint-Martin Stroll
Walk along the tree-lined canal, watch boats navigate the locks, and enjoy the relaxed, local feel.
1h · Free
Seine River Evening Cruise
Walk to a nearby pier (e.g., Bateaux Parisiens) for a 1-hour cruise timed to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.
1h · $18-25
Marais Walking Tour
Place des Vosges, Jewish Quarter, street art photos.
1h 30m · Free
Palace of Versailles
Tour Hall of Mirrors, gardens; rent bikes optional.
6h · $30
Tuileries Garden
Stroll manicured paths, ponds; prime photography with Louvre backdrop.
1h · Free
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
Ascend tower (book summit), picnic on lawns, watch hourly sparkle show.
2h · $30 or Free grounds
Le Marais Shopping
Boutiques and bookstores on charming streets; focus on independent shops.
1h 30m · Varies
Le Marais Walking Tour
Explore passages, boutiques, Place des Vosges.
2h · Free
Musée Carnavalet
Museum of the history of Paris set in two elegant mansions, covering everything from medieval times to the Revolution and beyond.
1h 30m · Free (permanent collection)
Musée de l'Orangerie
See Monet’s Water Lilies and a concise collection that works well as a second museum stop without museum fatigue.
1h 30m · $12-15 or less
Musée du Louvre
Explore highlights like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Egyptian wing; use family trail map.
3h · $20/adult, Free under 18
Palais Garnier
Self-guided tour of grand staircase, Chagall ceiling, and opulent auditoriums (metro Line 8 from Luxembourg, 20 min).
1h 30m · $15
Covered Passages & Grands Boulevards Walk
Explore Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and nearby passages with their glass roofs, vintage shops, and old cafés.
2h · Free
Jardin des Plantes
Botanical gardens with tropical greenhouses, alpine rocks; free explore.
2h · Free ($10 greenhouse)
Jardin des Tuileries
Formal gardens with fountains, playgrounds, carousel, and rentable toy boats near Place de la Concorde.
1h 30m · Free (small fees for rides/boats)
La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class
2.5hr market-to-table class (10am start, €89); learn pastries. Book online.
2h 30m · $100
Latin Quarter & Panthéon Walk
Loop past the Panthéon, Sorbonne, and quiet side streets; pop into bookshops and photograph winding lanes and historic facades.
2h 30m · Free (Panthéon interior ~$15 if you choose to enter)
Latin Quarter Walk
Wander medieval streets, bookshops, and lively squares evoking bohemian student life.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café de Flore
Legendary literary café; order croissants, café au lait, and tartine.
1h · $20-30 per person
Chez Janou
Provençal bistro; order ratatouille or moules frites, cozy outdoor seating.
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Breizh Café
Artisanal vegetarian galettes (buckwheat crepes) with cheese, eggs, or veggies, and cider (5-min walk).
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
La Maison Rose
Picturesque spot for salads, quiches.
1h · $25-40 per person
Café Constant
Neighborhood bistro; viennoiseries, coffee.
45m · $30-45 per person
Le Consulat
Historic rustic cafe; order coffee with pain au chocolat or croissants fresh from local bakery.
45m · $10-15 per person
L’As du Fallafel
Famous counter-service spot on Rue des Rosiers; grab an overstuffed falafel pita and eat it on a nearby bench or in a small square.
45m · $10-15 per person
Bouillon Chartier
Classic French dishes like escargot or steak frites in lively, historic brasserie atmosphere.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Bouillon Pigalle
Large, lively brasserie-style restaurant with classic dishes at very reasonable prices; expect a short wait at peak times.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Café Marly
Museum café with viennoiseries, views.
1h · $20-30 per person
Le Procope
Historic brasserie; order onion soup, boeuf bourguignon, and crème brûlée.
1h 30m · $60-100 per person
Le Refuge des Fondus
Fondue house in wine bottle-shaped glasses; try cheese fondue with local charcuterie.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Angelina Paris
Legendary tearoom famous for thick hot chocolate and Mont Blanc pastry; spacious for families.
1h · $25-45 per person
Bread & Roses
Artisan bakery; pain au chocolat and tartines.
45m · $8-12 per person
Holybelly 5
Beloved brunch spot with great coffee, pancakes, and egg dishes; arrive near opening to avoid waits.
1h · $18-25 per person
Le Petit Cler
Casual café on pedestrian Rue Cler; order a café crème, fresh orange juice, and a tartine or croissant to start your first morning like a local.
1h · $10-18 per person
Les Philosophes
Classic Marais bistro known for well‑executed French standards and good salads; try the onion soup or tartare.
1h 15m · $25-38 per person
Semilla
Modern French bistro with seasonal tasting menus; elegant, romantic interior.
2h · $45-50 per person
Coutume Café
Specialty coffee and light pastries or breakfast plates in a calm, modern space popular with locals.
45m · $10-18 per person
Ladurée Champs-Élysées
Macarons and light salads; elegant budget.
1h · $15-20 per person