Things to do in Paris

Picture-perfect Paris is one of the world’s foremost vacation destinations. Historic, visually stunning, and very much alive, Paris is filled with tourist sites and fascinating districts. The top things to do in Paris are hard to pin down, as there are simply too many stellar Paris attractions to create an itinerary that could encompass them all. Rather than cramming too many attractions into your time here, figure out what activities in Paris best suit your desires when planning your trip and remember that the top ten things to do in Paris include many—if not all—of the following.

Eiffel Tower

Sightseeing in Paris simply has to take in the Eiffel Tower, which is up there with the Statue of Liberty in New York and Big Ben in London in terms of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Standing more than 1000 feet tall, it’s a magnificent wrought iron structure that dominates the skyline. Taking the elevator up to the observation deck is easily one of the top Paris attractions.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the Gothic wonders of Paris. As impressive outside as it is inside, the cathedral has attained a level of immortality thanks to Victor Hugo’s famous story of a hunchback employed to ring the great bell of the cathedral’s south tower.

Paris Map

Arc de Triomphe

The large square structure of the Arc de Triomphe, found at the end of the Champs Elysees, is one of the more historically loaded Paris attractions. Commissioned in 1806, the Arc was designed to honor those who died fighting for France during the Napoleonic wars.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris may not be one of the most traditional of things to do in Paris, but it’s certainly one of the most popular. Almost a city in itself, the resort includes various Paris hotels, a golf course, Walt Disney Studios, and the theme park itself.

The Louvre

An itinerary of things to do in Paris should always include a trip to The Louvre, Paris’ premier art gallery. Located on the banks of the Seine, it includes some of the most famous artwork found anywhere in the world. Top activities in Paris must include a visit to the Mona Lisa, who sits behind bulletproof glass in the Louvre.

Centre Pompidou

The Pompidou Centre is a marvelous feat of postmodern architecture that is characterized by its externalized structural skeleton. Just gazing at this confounding place is one of the worthwhile activities in Paris, while those brave enough to venture inside can enjoy the excellent Museum of Modern Art, located on the fourth and fifth floors.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur Du Montmartre

Montmartre is one of those places that seem to have been made in a dream. Gleaming white and perfectly atmospheric, its streets are lined with boutiques and cafes that can satisfy visitors after days of nosy exploration. One place stands out while spending time here, however, and that’s the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which dominates the skyline. A massive Romano-Byzantine church, it sits atop a hill in the middle of Montmartre, offering stunning views out across the city as a whole.

Every city in the world has been compared to Paris at some point, and every city has come up short. It is the benchmark against which all other urban experiences are measured — for food, for architecture, for the particular pleasure of sitting at a café doing nothing useful.