11 Incredible Things to Do in Paris You’ll Never Forget

There is something unique about Paris that stays with you as memories and lingering feelings that remind you of it long after you leave. No one is an exception to its peerless beauty, which is reflected in great attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and many other places. However, what makes a holiday in Paris special is how you spend your time here and the activities you choose to do. For this, having proper knowledge of its attractions is crucial.

This guide walks you through the top 11 things to do in Paris, from iconic landmarks to the smaller, quieter moments that make this city so memorable.

1. Stand Beneath the Eiffel Tower (and Go to the Top)

No list of Paris attractions would be complete without the Eiffel Tower. It is one of those rare landmarks that actually exceeds expectations in person. Photos simply cannot capture the feeling of standing at its base and looking straight into the sky.

There are three levels to visit. The first and second floors can be reached by stairs or lift, while the very top requires a lift. If you are comfortable with a bit of a climb, taking the stairs to the first floor means shorter queues and a sense of achievement.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, photography enthusiasts

Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

2. Visit the Louvre, the World's Largest Art Museum

The Louvre is enormous, and trying to see everything in one visit is a mistake that many first-time visitors make. It was once the home of French kings before being transformed into a museum during the French Revolution, and today it holds over 35,000 works of art across miles of galleries.

Best for: History lovers, art enthusiasts, first-timers

Must-see works: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace

Time needed: 2 to 4 hours

At a Glance: Louvre vs Musée d'Orsay

3. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, Now Fully Restored

After the devastating fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame went through a remarkable five-year restoration. It reopened to the public in December 2024, and the towers are now open to visitors, too. This is exciting news that many travel blogs have not yet updated, so it is worth knowing: you can now climb the towers and take in incredible views of central Paris from above. Also, the most appealing thing you are going to find is the Gothic architecture and the rose windows of the building, which make it one of the most breathtaking Paris attractions you will visit.

Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but you need to book a timed slot online in advance to avoid long queues. Also, to enter the towers, you need to purchase a separate paid ticket.

Best for: Architecture lovers, history buffs, those visiting Paris for the first time

Don't miss: The newly reopened towers and the restored rose windows

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

4. Wander Through Montmartre

Montmartre is the kind of neighbourhood that makes you want to slow down and simply take in the atmosphere. The beauty of this area lies in the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a Catholic church whose white domes can be spotted from many parts of the city. When you walk through the nearby streets, you will see artists selling their paintings and drawing portraits, which is one of the most charming tourist things in Paris that you can experience.

Best for: Slow travellers, art lovers, those who enjoy exploring on foot 

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter, more local atmosphere

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

Tribe Travel Tip: The Sacré-Cœur steps at sunset draw large crowds. If you want a peaceful Montmartre experience, go on a weekday morning when the neighbourhood still belongs to the locals and the light is soft.

5. Cruise Along the Seine River

A cruise on the Seine is one of the most relaxing things to do in Paris, France, and it also allows you to experience the city from different angles. As you drift along the water, you will see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the beautiful stone bridges of Paris all in one comfortable journey.

Best for: Couples, families, those who want a relaxed overview of the city

Options: Day cruises for sightseeing, evening cruises for a more romantic experience

Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours

6. Lose Yourself in the Musée d'Orsay

If the Louvre feels a little overwhelming, the Musée d'Orsay is the perfect alternative. Undoubtedly, visiting this attraction can be counted among the top things to do in Paris, France, as the building itself reflects remarkable architecture and historic charm. This place was once a railway station, but its beauty has only grown with time. One of its most striking features is the magnificent clock overlooking the Seine, offering scenic views of the city.

Best for: Impressionism fans, those who found the Louvre overwhelming

Must-see works: Monet's water lilies series, Van Gogh's self-portraits, Degas's dancers

Don't miss: The giant clock overlooking the Seine from inside the museum

Time needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

7. Walk the Champs-Élysées and See the Arc de Triomphe

The Champs-Élysées is Paris's most famous avenue, which stretches from the Place de la Concorde all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. So, if you take a walk here, you are likely to come across shops, cafés, and cinemas. The most intriguing sight is the Arc de Triomphe, which stands magnificently at the centre where twelve avenues meet. Another advantage is that it is generally less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, making it a pleasant place to spend some quieter time in the city.

Best for: Shoppers, casual walkers, those who enjoy wide open city boulevards

Activities: Window shopping, café stops, climbing the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views

Good to know: The Arc de Triomphe rooftop is far less crowded than the Eiffel Tower and offers stunning views down all twelve avenues

Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

8. Descend into the Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs are not for the faint-hearted, because this Paris attraction is a little scary. It is actually beneath the streets of the city, and here you will find bones and skulls of around 6 million people, which are arranged in carefully organised formations. This was actually used in the late 18th century when cemeteries were overflowing to relocate the remains of the dead. This is why it is one of the most popular stuff to do in Paris, which leaves you with a completely chilling experience. It is so popular that tickets often sell out quickly, so you may book in advance.

Best for: History enthusiasts, those who enjoy unusual and offbeat attractions

Come prepared: Wear layers as temperatures underground drop significantly regardless of the season

Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours

Tribe Travel Tip: Dress in layers even in summer. The temperature underground can feel shockingly cold if you are arriving from a warm Parisian afternoon.

9. Day Visit to the Palace of Versailles

Versailles is technically outside Paris, but it is only about 40 minutes away by the RER C train, making it one of the most popular and rewarding day trips from the city. The Palace of Versailles is a place of extraordinary opulence, and no matter where you stand, you are likely to find picture-perfect settings all around you. Inside the palace, you will find the Hall of Mirrors, a magnificent gallery that reflects the wealth and political power of King Louis XIV, who transformed Versailles into one of the grandest royal residences in Europe.

Best for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, those with an extra day in Paris

Getting there: RER C train from central Paris, approximately 40 minutes

Time needed: Half day for the palace only, full day to include gardens and the Trianon Palaces

Half Day vs Full Day at Versailles

10. Wander Le Marais, Paris's Hippest Neighbourhood

Le Marais is the neighbourhood that best captures the spirit of things to do when visiting Paris beyond the usual tourist trail. Even by simply walking through its streets, you will see medieval architecture in all its beauty. You can also step into art galleries, browse trendy boutiques, and savour everything from iconic falafel to delicious French pastries. In particular, the falafel spots along Rue des Rosiers are among the most popular lunchtime stops for locals.

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, those who enjoy neighbourhood exploration over tourist trails

Activities: Browsing art galleries, shopping independent boutiques, trying falafel on Rue des Rosiers, visiting Place des Vosges

Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

11. Eat Your Way Through Paris

Paris is not famous for its landmarks alone; its food culture plays just as big a part. The city is home to more than 120 Michelin-starred restaurants, but you do not need a reservation at any of them to enjoy exceptional food.

You can start your morning at a local boulangerie with a plain croissant, which tastes especially delightful when served warm from the oven. For lunch, a classic jambon-beurre baguette from a good bakery can be both satisfying and filling. These everyday cuisines can make you understand the popularity of Paris.

Best for: Food lovers, travellers who prefer local experiences over landmark-hopping

Conclusion

Paris is a city that blends history, art, culture, and everyday beauty in every corner. With so many interesting attractions, you are likely never to get tired of the incredible things to do in Paris. The Eiffel Tower can be a great starting point, followed by the Louvre and charming neighbourhoods like Montmartre, each offering a different sense of wonder and atmosphere. So, there are endless best things to do in Paris for every type of traveller.

If you would like to experience the best of Paris and France without the stress of planning, the advisors at Holiday Tribe can curate a personalised France holiday package for you.