There's a reason Paris tops many travelers' bucket lists. The French capital never fails to enchant, with iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich history to explore. But, with so many cultural and historical sites to visit, choosing what to see and do can seem daunting. That's where we come in! In this blog post, we'll reveal the 25 best things to do in Paris, ensuring you experience the very best of the City of Light.
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1. The Eiffel Tower
Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Best time to visit: It is best to visit the Eiffel Tower in the morning, before 10:30 AM, before the crowds arrive, especially in the summer months.
One of the first stops on any tourist's must-see list of Paris attractions is the Eiffel Tower. Visit the top day and night to see an expansive view of the surrounding city. Connect to the Eiffel Tower's web app using your Airalo eSIM and take a self-guided tour to enhance your experience.
2. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Location: Paris 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II 75004 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Go to Notre Dame in the morning to avoid crowds. The warmer months are preferable while it is still closed for reconstruction.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris has been closed to the public since a devastating fire in 2019. Although tourists cannot go inside, it's still worth a visit to see the stunning exterior architecture. On the square, meet at the Statue of the Virgin to participate in an artistic and spiritual presentation offered by volunteers.
3. Musée du Louvre
Location: 75001 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Mornings and evenings after 3:00 PM are less crowded, and purchasing tickets ahead of time is recommended to avoid the lines.
The Musée du Louvre is well-known for its iconic glass pyramid entrance. Once inside, visitors can view artistic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Explore the museum's vast galleries, tracing the evolution of human creativity from antiquity to the modern era.
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4. Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre
Location: 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre 75018, Paris, France
Best time to visit: The basilica opens at 6:30 AM, and it’s suggested that you arrive as early as possible. Visiting in the evening, after sunset, is also recommended.
The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre is a Roman Catholic church. The basilica's dome is the second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Tourists can climb to the top to take in spectacular views of the city while the interior boasts one of the largest mosaics in the world.
5. Jardin du Luxembourg
Location: 75006 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit the gardens anytime between May and October to see the plants and trees in full bloom.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a formal garden divided into a French Garden and an English Garden with ornamental flower beds and shrubbery. View the picturesque statues on one of the many green chairs scattered throughout this elegant park, or bring a blanket for a picnic.
6. Panthéon
Location: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit between April and October, as the dome is accessible during this time.
The Panthéon is the resting place of many famous authors, including Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas, and the notable scientists Marie and Pierre Curie. With its stunning neoclassical architecture and panoramic views of the city from its dome, the Panthéon offers visitors a glimpse into France's rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
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7. Arc de Triomphe
Location: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Go at 6:00 PM or the seasonal sunset to see the best views.
The Arc de Triomphe affords visitors a magnificent view of the Champs-Élysées from the top. A flame is lit every evening on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War.
8. Musée d'Orsay
Location: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit right at opening or around 3:00 PM to beat the crowds.
For those interested in Impressionism or Post-Impressionism, the Musée d'Orsay has it all. The building itself is a treasure as it's a former railway station with unique architectural details.
9. Hôtel de la Marine
Location: 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Extended hours are offered on Friday evenings until 9:30 PM, making it a good time to visit.
This museum offers an engaging experience for visitors through its audio guide. Originally constructed in the 18th century as a royal residence, it later served as the headquarters of the French Navy. Today, this architectural gem is open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore its lavish interiors.
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10. Jardin des Tuileries
Location: 75001 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit the garden from March through September to view the best in-season blooms and foliage.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a UNESCO World Heritage site located between the Place de la Concorde and the Musée du Louvre. Take a walk through the gardens and keep an eye out for The Kiss, one of Rodin's famous sculptures.
11. The River Seine
Location: With 37 bridges crossing the Seine in Paris, there are multiple access points along each bank.
Best time to visit: As with most places, the cooler months see fewer people; however, mornings and evenings are good times to walk along the river.
A great way to experience Paris is by cruising the River Seine. This waterway cuts through Paris and allows visitors to see the sites from the comfort of a guided river cruise.
12. Latin Quarter
Location: Quartier Latin, 75005 Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, on the Left Bank
Best time to visit: Visit between June and August. Even though this is peak tourist season, the area comes alive with live performances.
Paris's Latin Quarter has long been considered an intellectual enclave of creativity. It is home to the renowned Sorbonne University. Take a walking tour of this area to admire the architecture, and be sure to take in a movie at one of its famed arthouse cinemas.
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13. Palais Garnier
Location: Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds from the outdoor performances.
The Palais Garnier is also known as the Opéra Garnier. It was built at the request of Napoleon III and later made famous as the setting of the novel, "The Phantom of the Opera."
14. Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle
Location: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Best time to visit: The museum offers extended hours in the summer. Even with more people, it is a good time to go.
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle will have something for everyone. Whether travelers are interested in natural history, science and research, or animals, there is more than enough here to fill one day.
15. Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet
Location: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit right when it opens at 10:00 AM to avoid long lines.
The Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet is the premiere museum centered around the history of Paris. Visit this newly renovated and accessible building to learn more about Paris beyond its famous landmarks and attractions.
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16. Sainte-Chapelle
Location: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Best time to visit: The building opens at 9:00 AM and has the fewest visitors at this time.
The magnificent former residence of many Kings of France, the Sainte-Chapelle, has 1,113 stained glass windows. Make time to stop and take in all of the jewel-like panels.
17. Musée National Picasso-Paris
Location: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are the best time to see this museum’s works.
The Musée National Picasso-Paris is located in le Marais, a historic district in Paris. The museum is inside a 17th-century private mansion, which is a site to see. It is uniquely focused on the ever-interesting life and works of Pablo Picasso.
18. Maison Victor Hugo
Location: 6 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Best time to visit: See this venue when it opens at 10:00 AM to avoid any lines later in the day.
Anyone interested in the story of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" will want to make time to visit Maison Victor Hugo, the apartment he lived in after publishing the works. It has been turned into a museum after an extensive renovation.
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19. Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris
Location: 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Thursdays are an ideal day to visit since the building is open until 9:00 PM. Get tickets in advance to secure your entrance.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris explores the life and haute couture designs of the famous atelier Yves Saint Laurent. For those sartorial visitors, this is a cannot miss destination. Come for the fashion and stay for the history.
20. Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers
Location: 7 Av. Pablo Picasso, 92000 Nanterre, France
Best time to visit: The winter months see fewer people, but advance ticket reservations are always recommended.
The seasoned actors, directors, stage crew, and designers at the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers are sure to delight the senses with avant-garde and thought-provoking performances. While not technically located in Paris, it's worth the trek to visit this national public theater.
21. Place de la Concorde
Location: 75008 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Visit this historic locale from April to June and September to November.
The Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris. It is the site where Queen Marie Antoinette was guillotined. It is also the home to the Obelisk of Luxor, a 75-foot Egyptian obelisk.
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22. Champs-Élysées
Location: Champs-Élysées; Faubourg-du-Roule, 8th arrondissement
Best time to visit: The avenue becomes busy with shoppers, sightseers, and those looking for a place to eat from noon into the late evening. For casual sightseeing, go early in the morning to walk around.
The most famous street in Paris is perhaps the Champs-Élysées. It runs from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. This scenic avenue offers visitors a wealth of things to look at, from people-watching to window-shopping.
23. Musée Rodin
Location: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Go to this museum when it opens at 10:00 AM or an hour or so before closing at 6:30 PM.
Auguste Rodin's former home has been turned into Musée Rodin, where tourists can stroll through the expansive sculpture garden. A must-see is the bronze sculpture entitled The Thinker.
24. Philharmonie de Paris
Location: 221 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Purchase advance tickets to ensure a seat. The summer months bring more tourists to this venue.
The Philharmonie de Paris is a one-of-a-kind building that offers a museum and exhibitions in addition to the expected world-class concerts and shows. There is even a new space created specifically for children aged four to 10 to learn about the joy of music and theatrical performances.
25. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Location: 75020 Paris, France
Best time to visit: Mid-March through early May brings more flowers to the cemetery.
To cap off this list, a visit to the Père Lachaise Cemetery is in order. Visitors can see the graves of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Frédéric Chopin, and Marcel Proust while taking in the beauty of the cemetery itself.
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Why Airalo? Here are a few reasons to use an Airalo eSIM when you travel:
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Planning a trip to Paris? Get a France eSIM to stay connected during your trip.
