What to do in Paris?
The capital of love and culture, Paris isn't just visited — it's lived. World-class museums, Michelin-starred food, strolls along the Seine and sun-soaked terraces: here are the best experiences to book for a successful city trip to Paris.
Paris highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Eiffel Tower
Paris's global icon, Gustave Eiffel's “Iron Lady” rises to 330 metres. Go up to the summit for a 360° view of the capital, or watch it sparkle each evening from the Trocadéro. Book your skip-the-line ticket ahead to avoid up to two hours of queuing.
Louvre Museum
A former fortress turned royal palace then the world's largest museum, the Louvre holds the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and 35,000 works. You can't see it all: target the highlights, or take a guided tour so you don't get lost in this maze.
Montmartre & the Sacré-Cœur
Perched on its hill, the former artists' village offers the finest panorama over Paris from the forecourt of the Sacré-Cœur. Get lost in the cobbled lanes of the Place du Tertre, among painters and cafés, to find the bohemian Paris of postcards.
Seine river cruise
The loveliest way to discover Paris: on the water, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame drift past. At sunset or on a dinner cruise, it's a magical moment, especially when the City of Light lights up.
Palace of Versailles
Forty minutes from Paris, the former residence of the kings of France dazzles with its Hall of Mirrors, state apartments and formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre. Plan a full day and a skip-the-line ticket: it's one of the most visited monuments in the country.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a former Belle Époque railway station, the Musée d'Orsay holds the finest Impressionist collection in the world: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas. More intimate than the Louvre, it can be enjoyed in half a day.
Plan your visit to Paris
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Paris?
Spring (April–June) and autumn offer the most beautiful light and pleasant terraces. Summer is lively but busy; January–February, quieter and rainier, is perfect for museums and avoiding queues.
Getting around Paris
The metro is the fastest way and reaches absolutely everything — a book of tickets or a weekly Navigo pass is enough. But the real joy of Paris is walking: from one neighbourhood to the next, the city reveals itself around every corner.
Where to stay in Paris
For a first visit, aim for the Marais (3rd–4th), Saint-Germain (6th) or around the Opéra (9th): central and well connected. Avoid staying too far out to save money — you'd pay it back in travel time.
Activities & tickets to book in Paris
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Paris by theme
Book your activities in Paris by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Paris, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Paris is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Paris and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Paris from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Paris on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Paris: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Paris like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Paris lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Paris. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Paris: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Paris?
Yes, strongly recommended. The most popular sites (Eiffel Tower, Louvre) often have 1-2 hours of waiting in high season. Booking a skip-the-line ticket online saves precious time.
How many days to visit Paris?
Three days are enough for the essentials (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, cruise). Add a day to include Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
Which area to stay in Paris?
The Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or around the Opéra: central, charming and well served by the metro, saving you long journeys.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October: mild weather, pleasant terraces and fewer crowds than in midsummer.
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