What are the top 10 things to do in Paris?

Paris is one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the world.

From its historic landmarks to its timeless elegance and delicious food – it is visited by millions of people every year.

No matter if it is the walks along the river, or taking a tour across the capital, this holidays abroad guide highlights some of the must-see spots in Paris.

Advice for travelling to Paris

Driving and travelling across Paris often feels like stepping into a world of organised chaos – so preparation is key for any visit.

If you are using a vehicle, then make sure you know the rules of the road in Paris and if you need a clean air sticker.

I think it is best is best to avoid driving during the busiest periods and use public transport where appropriate...and also use a smaller car if you can, as parking is challenging and there are a lot of narrow streets.

Rush hour traffic is no joke, as are the giant roundabouts (and not just the one around the Arc de Triomphe).

This is why parking on the outskirts and using public transport is often the best way to go.

I did this and it meant that I could enjoy the city with less stress and at a more enjoyable pace.

Personal experience has taught me that although the city is incredible, getting around it is difficult.

This is why I suggest that you always allow plenty of time and always book your attractions ahead of time if possible.

Top 10 things to do in Paris

On my last visit to the city of Paris, these were the best places to visit – and what I learnt about them.

Eiffel Tower

Every time I return to the Eiffel Tower, I’m surprised by how it still manages to impress me.

No matter how many photos I’ve seen (or taken), nothing compares to standing beneath its iron lattice and looking straight up at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

I like to approach it from the Trocadero side because the view opens up dramatically as I walk toward it.

Before arriving, I booked a timed ticket, as I knew it would save me from the long queues that can stretch across the Champ de Mars and beyond.

Once inside, I take my time climbing or riding up to the second level.

From there, I can spot the River Seine winding through the city, the golden dome of Les Invalides, and all the people below.

I always go all the way to the summit – and suggest you do to if you can – for that exhilarating sense of standing above Paris.

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysees

I’ve driven around its famously chaotic roundabout before, and while it’s a thrill, you must be aware of your surroundings.

You can also climb the Arc itself!

The spiral staircase feels endless, but the 284 steps lead to a reward that is totally worth it.

At the top you will get a panoramic view of Paris.

From up there, the Champs‑Élysées stretches toward the Place de la Concorde like a grand red carpet is in view.

When I walk down the avenue, I like to mix the iconic stops with the quieter side streets. Both offer great shopping opportunities.

From luxury boutiques to cosy cafés, there is something for everyone.

I’ve learned that the Champs‑Élysées is best enjoyed slowly, ideally with a pastry in hand and no strict schedule.

At night, the boulevard transforms into a glowing ribbon of lights, and the Arc becomes a dramatic silhouette against the sky…and a great place for some photos.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Even after the devastating fire, the Notre Dame Cathedral remains a powerful symbol of Paris, and watching its restoration unfold has become part of the experience.

But with it now open, people can visit for free.

For centuries, pilgrims, kings, and everyday Parisians (and millions of tourists) have passed through the same space to marvel at this landmark.

I love walking around the back of the cathedral, where the flying buttresses look almost skeletal yet incredibly elegant.

The surrounding gardens also offer a peaceful moment away from the city’s bustle and chaos.

Inside you will find the restored interior, including the cleaned stone, restored paintings, and the great organ.

After spending time near the cathedral, I usually wander along the Seine, where more cafes await.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of those places I can never fully conquer, and that’s exactly why I love it.

Most people who regularly visit Paris admit they need to go a few times to truly appreciate all that it has to offer – and I am the same.

Every visit feels like entering a labyrinth of art, history, and unexpected discoveries.

I’ve learned not to rush from masterpiece to masterpiece and instead choose a theme or a wing and let myself wander.

Obviously, seeing the Mona Lisa is always a fun ritual but I find the quieter galleries far more captivating.

I’ve spent entire afternoons admiring ancient artefacts or getting lost in the intricacies of the French arts.

The building itself is world-renowned masterpiece. From the grand staircases to the ornate ceilings, there is so much to see and do.

I advise that you arrive early, as there will be queues – but also seeing the sun hit the glass in the morning light is incredible.

Palace of Versailles

Walking through the palace feels like stepping into a world where every detail was designed to impress.

From the glittering chandeliers to the intricate parquet floors, there is a lot to see and do.

The Hall of Mirrors is always the highlight for me. The reflections, the gilded arches, and the sense of history make it feel like a stage set for royal drama. But the gardens are where I spend most of my time.

I love renting a bike to explore the vast grounds, especially the quieter paths near the Grand Canal.

On ongoing theme about this list is that you may need to visit a few times.

The estate is so large that even a full day never feels enough, but that’s part of its charm.

Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs offer one of the most haunting and fascinating experiences I’ve had in the city.

Descending the narrow staircases feel like entering a forgotten world.

As I walk through the tunnels lined with neatly arranged bones, I’m struck by the strange mix of reverence and artistry.

It’s eerie, of course, but also deeply moving.

The history behind it is amazing – and if there are tours, I cannot recommend them enough.

Warning! The Catacombs aren’t for everyone, but for me, they offer a powerful reminder of Paris’s complexity and deep history.

Musee d’Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, the museum blends industrial architecture with artistic, Parisian style.

I love standing beneath the giant clock windows, watching the city framed in soft golden light.

The Impressionist and Post‑Impressionist collections are the heart of the museum for me.

However, I also enjoy exploring the lesser‑known works tucked into side rooms. I recommend you do the same!

Compared to the Louvre, the Orsay feels more intimate, if that is something that you’d prefer.

Palais Garnier

From the moment I enter Palais Garnier Opera House, and see the grand staircase, with its marble columns and sweeping curves, it makes me feel as though I’m stepping into the history of the city.

I love exploring the Grand Foyer, and the auditorium itself is breathtaking. The red velvet seats, the chandelier, and the Chagall ceiling create a sense of magic – something Paris’ landmarks are known for.

Even when I’m not attending a performance, the self‑guided tour lets me linger in the spaces that captivate me most.

However, if you can get tickets to a show – do it!

Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Climbing the steps to Sacré‑Cœur always feels like a small pilgrimage – and something I do most visits to the French capital.

The basilica’s white domes glow against the sky, and the view from the top is one of the best in Paris.

Inside, the mosaics shimmer softly, creating a peaceful contrast to the lively streets outside.

Montmartre itself is a joy to explore. It has a maze of cobblestone lanes, artists’ studios, and charming (and very popular) cafés.

I love wandering through the neighbourhood, and it is known for bring both nostalgic and ‘alive’ with the spirit of Parus.

I often spend hours getting lost in its winding streets, discovering hidden staircases, quiet squares, and unexpected viewpoints.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris always brings out my inner child – as it does for millions of adults around the world who come to visit.

From the moment I walk through the gates and see large castle, I feel a wave of excitement as I know a day of rides and ‘magic’ is upon me.

I like to start in the main park, where classic attractions blend with uniquely French touches.

Whether I’m soaring through space on Hyperspace Mountain or drifting through Pirates of the Caribbean, each ride feels like a little escape.

I try to make time for the parades and shows – so getting a fast pass is key.

The Walt Disney Studios Park adds a different flavour, with movie‑themed attractions and behind‑the‑scenes experiences.

I love grabbing snacks throughout the day. Who doesn’t love a Mickey Mouse‑shaped treat?

• A visual guide to France road signs
• The complete guide to toll roads in France
• Crit’Air clean air stickers – French driving advice

Map of Paris

Below is a map of the city, along with the RAC’s top 10 places to visit:

Driving around Paris

Driving around Paris has become one of those experiences I approach with equal parts curiosity and caution.

The city has its own kind of organised chaos, and once I learned to move with it rather than fight against it, everything became a far more enjoyable experience.

I always give myself extra time, because even a short journey can turn unpredictable with sudden traffic waves, roadworks, or a spontaneous demonstration that reroutes half the city.

Roundabouts are their own adventure, especially the one circling the Arc de Triomphe, but take your time no matter where you are in the city.

I remind myself to stay calm, commit to my lane, and trust the flow.

Parking, however, is a different battle entirely. I’ve learned that leaving the car on the outskirts and switching to the Metro saves me time, stress, and a lot of circling.

Tours of Paris

Paris has so many great tours to take part in, but my preference was to look at a mix of history and great food.

Here is my top 10:

1. Versailles Palace & Gardens Tour
2. Louvre Museum Highlights Tour
3. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour
4. Champagne & Oysters Food Tour
5. Devour Paris Food Tours
6. Notre‑Dame Exterior & History Tour
7. Citroën 2CV Private Classic Car Tour
8. Seine Boat River Cruise
9. Montmartre Food & Wine Evening Tour
10. Parc des Princes Stadium Tour

Best food in Paris

Eating in Paris always feels like a journey in itself, and I’ve learned that some of my favourite travel memories come from meals I never planned.

There is such a wide range of cuisines, but obviously you are here for the best France has to offer.

I love starting my days in a neighbourhood boulangerie, where the smell of fresh croissants practically pulls me through the door.

Even the simplest pastries feel like tiny works of art!

One thing you must do is head to a traditional bistro. These are the ones with red‑checked tablecloths and chalkboard menus – a classic French look.

Whether you are having boeuf bourguignon or the best onion soup you’ve ever had – Paris is the place to find it.

Parisian brasseries are another favourite of mine, where you can enjoy steak frites or a perfectly cooked confit de canard – often paired with a glass of wine or two.

For something more refined, I occasionally treat myself to a fine‑dining experience as Paris has no shortage of Michelin‑starred restaurants.

While they can be pricey, it is definitely worth a treat.

Dessert is a world of its own here. So, make sure that you grab some macarons, éclairs, and tarts.

Best things to do in Paris for free

Some of my favourite moments in Paris haven’t cost me anything!

Whenever I need a breath of fresh air, I head to the Luxembourg Garden. I love wandering past the gardens in the palace grounds.

Le Marais is perfect for aimless wandering for free. I stroll past medieval buildings and peek into courtyards.

Petit Palais is a museum that has a wide-ranging collection, from sculptures to paintings.

For something completely different, I love browsing the Puces de Saint‑Ouen, the city’s most famous flea market” Even if I’m not buying anything, wandering through stalls of vintage treasures and quirky collectibles.