Highlights | Paris: 33 Top Things to Do

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The best thing about Paris? Paris.

Any season. Any date. Surrounded by history, pageantry and comforting food, anyone can fall love in this with this city.

Yes, cigarettes are alive and well. But so is locals whistling to themselves with glee.

This is an alpha city at its peak in a renaissance that sees no end. You really could spend forever here. Everyone knows the highlights and yet they are not to miss.

This article features all the hits organized into sections taking the reader through:

• Major Attractions
• Museums
• Parks & Nature
• Neighbourhoods
• Food

1. Eiffel Tower

See it for yourself. Walking towards the tower from the Pont d’Iéna bridge, you’ll be peppered with photographers for hire. Here are some other spots to get that photo:

• Av. de Camoens (map)
• Rue de l’Université (map)
• Place du Trocadero (map)
• Le Castel Café (map)
• Champ de Mars (map)

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Make sure you reserve a ticket. Based on the sea of folks I walked by one afternoon, I’d say it’s wise to go bright and early. [map] [website]

3. Sacre Coeur

Be sure to come with walking shoes as this famous basilica is surrounded by stairs and hills in the Montmartre neighbourhood. [map] [website]

4. Louvre

It’s crowded and a bit difficult to navigate but it’s still worth seeing The Winged Victory. Note, you cannot get a close look at the Mona Lisa. Napoleon’s apartment is violently opulent. [map] [website]

5. Musée d’Orsay

A haven for those who love the impressionists. Musée d’Orsay delivers a stunning collection of French art on the left bank. [map] [website]

6. Musée de l’Orangerie

A quintessential museum featuring serene oval rooms displaying Monet’s water lilies. [map] [website]

7. Musée Rodin

This garden and museum contains the master sculpture and his vast catalogue. Take your time through the garden and don’t miss the magnificent Camille Claudel room. [map] [website]

8. Carnavalet Museum

In the Marais neighbourhood, visitors find a stunning building exhibiting the history of Paris. From historical signage to a manicured garden, it is an essential (and free) introduction to the city. [map] [website]

*For more about the many museums in Paris, check out my in-depth article reviewing 17 museums in Paris and my top 3 Paris impressionist museums.

9. Seine

Stroll down the bank in the evening to find locals catching up with friends, dancing and drinking until dark.

10. Place des Vosges

The oldest planned square in the historical Marais neighbourhood. Find benches, picnics and fountains in this intimate city escape. [map]

11. Jardin de Luxembourg

This park screams historical regalty. Everything is pruned beautifully and larger than life. [map]

12. Tuileries Garden

Spanning a 20-minute walk from end to end, this garden features statues, elegant ponds and those (heavy!) green chairs. [map]

13. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont:

With a suspension bridge, a temple, dramatic terrain as well as a waterfall, this escape will shock visitors that all these features could be in one city park. [map]

14. Louvre [1st arrondissement]

This is where the major attractions lie in the heart of the city. Featuring the neighbourhood’s namesake museum, the Tuileries Garden, and many other major attractions.

15. Bourse [2nd Arrondissement]

An area soaking of ‘major attractions’, head to Rue Montorgueil to find the frenzy of visitors scouring for Paris’ renowned foods. This neighbourhood is also steeped in covered passageways including the marvelous Galerie Vivienne.

16. Marais [3rd+4th arrondissement]

The historic quarter that still carries a medieval feel. The 4th arrondissement features BHV, the oldest planned square Place des Vosges and city hall Hôtel de Ville. Find Merci, Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges and many artisan shops in the 3rd arrondissement.

17. Latin Quarter [5th Arrondissement]

This university neighbourhood on the left bank features the Grand Mosque, the Panthéon and delectable restaurants.

18. St Germain [6th Arrondissement]

Past the first two street nearest the Seine, you’ll find many unique artisan shops. This is a true crafts neighbourhood.

19. Passy [16th Arrondissement]

Beyond heading to the Eiffel, the 16th is an Art Nouveau treat. Pay close attention to the exquisite doors, windows and balconies.

20. Montmartre [18th Arrondissement]

A neighbourhood perched above the city, Montmartre has certainly become a space for tourists. Still, it’s charms shine with its considerable staircases, specialty shops, and Dalí museum.

21. Belleville [19th Arrondissement]

Natural settings rule Belleville where you’ll find Parc Des Buttes-Chaument, Parc de Belleville, and the canal running along Quai de Jemmapes.

22. Brasserie

Informal French fare.

23. Boullions

Canteen food that is a part of Paris history.

24. Foie Gras (or Pâté de Campagne)

Slice and place. Do not spread.

25. Crêpes

Try both sweet and savoury.

26. Aligot

Potato and cheese meet and take over the world.

27. Butter

Blogs will recommend Bordier butter, which is great. But any grocery store butter in Paris is great.

28. Duck

I tried duck tartare. Recommend beef tartare. Stick with the usual duck forms.

29. Ice Cream

Famous spots include Berthillon and Bachir. My personal favourite REŸS raises the bar on flavour.

30. Croissant

Never met a bad croissant in this city.

31. Raclette

Melted cheese.

32. Tartiflette

A wintertime favourite.

33. Macaron

Find out what the best tastes like.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and found something interesting and useful.

Safe travels!