Things to do in Paris
Paris is a city that flows between timelines. Massive ornate cathedrals, winding medieval streets and perpetually beautiful River Seine contrast Paris’ dynamic, multicultural food scene and rebelliously modern spirit. A city for everyone, sights like these may come close to explaining why Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
But who needs an explanation when you can come and see it for yourself? With over 191 museums and 2198 listed monuments, the capital is abundant with things to do and see. In fact, 2018 was a record year for visiting the capital, with 38 million tourists in the capital throughout the year. But for those who may find all this choice overwhelming, the travel experts at The Paris Pass have chosen the best things to do in Paris. These are all available through the pass, giving you the huge advantage of free entry to over 60 popular attractions and experiences, as well as exclusive fast-track entry at some of the busiest sites.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the most iconic art gallery in Paris, achieving an estimated 10,105,962 visits in 2018 alone. Its miles of priceless art and world-famous collections housed within it, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa, draw crowds of culture-lovers from around the world. Don’t miss its stunning 12th century architecture and the contemporary glass pyramid in the courtyard, either.
Orsay Museum
On the left bank of the River Seine, the Orsay Museum was once a busy train station until the turn of the 20th century. Now visitors can admire art from some of France’s most prolific painters such as Cezanne, Monet, Renoir and Manet – and still see the original hanging station clock.
Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon commissioned this triumphal arch in the early 1800s however he never lived to see it finished. Standing in the centre of the Etoile it’s now one of the most photographed landmarks on the city’s horizon. Climb to the top to watch the sunset and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, below the arch.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This 13th century French Gothic cathedral is famed for its gargoyles, chimera and stained glass windows, so a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Did you know that the bell that rings on the hour, every hour is called Emmanuele and weighs 13 tonnes?
Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou is one of the most important modern art galleries and exhibition spaces in Europe. Noted for its 50,000 works of art featuring Picasso, Ernst and Miro, the gallery promises to open your mind to the abstract and showcase the very best in modern art.
Palace of Versailles
Once the lavish home of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the world. Its opulence is unmatched and the rococo and Renaissance styles throughout make it one of the most impressive Paris sights. Make a day of it and explore the vast gardens and estate, too.
Paris Opera House
The Paris Opera House is one of three opera houses in Paris, and its best example of Beaux Arts architecture. Its stunning façade, marble staircase and decadent décor make it one of the most impressive buildings in central Paris. It even inspired Gaston Leroux’s hit Phantom of the Opera.
Orangerie Museum
If you like impressionist and post-impressionist art then this is the place to visit. The Orangerie Museum is set in the picturesque Tuileries Garden and filled with masterpieces by Monet, Renoir and Matisse. Did you know it was Monet who founded the museum by donating paintings in a celebration of the end to WWII?
Panthéon
A national monument-come-necropolis, the Pantheon is one of Paris’ most important historic buildings as it contains the tombs of France’s most famous and illustrious figures. This neoclassical landmark dates back to the 18th century, from an idea by King Louis XV.
La Conciergerie
Paris’ powerhouse, the Conciergerie is the seat of justice and has been for over 1000 years. The site dates back to an old Roman fortress and was an impressive palace in the Middle Ages. This is why its also known as the Palais de le Cite as it’s the oldest royal palace in Paris.
Sainte-Chapelle
Paris’ second most famous church after Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is in fact the older of the two. It’s famed for the world’s largest collection of original stained glass windows, dating back to the 13th century, but also for its religious relics. It was once the resting place of Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
Paris Bus Tour
See the Paris sights the easy way – a Paris Bus tour is a great way to experience Paris and familiarise yourself with the city. Sit on the top deck and pass the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe and hop on and off as you choose.
Bateaux River Cruise
Experiencing Paris by river is a magical experience and a river cruise along the Seine will open your eyes to a side of Paris you won’t have seen. See the Notre Dame, pass under the love lock bridge and past the Orsay Museum clock.
Wine Tasting Experience
At O Chateau, you can enjoy an introductory wine tasting experience from the experts! Be taught by trained sommeliers, sample different French wines and even learn to pair them with the right cheese. There’s no better place to learn about wine than in Paris!
Paris Story
Brush up on your French history and learn about the civilization of Paris as a city at Paris Story, an interactive museum that will teach you about the history of Paris from the Roman times up to the present day.
Grevin Wax Museum
Meet your music idol, shake hands with your sporting icon – at Grevin Wax Museum you’ll be shocked at these life-like waxwork creations. From Madonna to Michael Jackson, see historical figures and celebrities brought to life.
Montparnasse Tower
Montparnasse Tower is Paris’ only skyscraper so you’re guaranteed the best uninterrupted panoramas over Paris. Up on the 53rd viewing platform you can enjoy 360 degree views across the city – and up to 40kms away on a clear day!
Petit Train de Montmartre
Montmartre is one of Paris’ most quirky districts and was once home to the bohemian artists of the early 1900s. Explore this unique area with the Petit Train de Montmartre, and climb to the summit of the hill for views over Paris before winding your way back down the old cobbled streets.
Dali Exhibition
The Dali Exhibition is one of the lesser-known galleries in Paris, but it is home to the a large body of sketches and sculptures. If you’re a fan of this eccentric 19th century artist then the Dali Exhibition is worth a visit – plus it’s the only exhibition dedicated solely to Dali in France!
House of Auguste Rodin at Meudon
Just outside Paris, the House of August Rodin is a true testament to Auguste Rodin’s artistic achievements. Once his own home, a stunning Louis XVIII style mansion, the museum now features many of his neoclassical works, including The Kiss and The Thinker.
Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis
Perhaps one of the most important historic buildings in Paris, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis is a necropolis of French royalty. Here you’ll find beautiful sculptures, tombs and mausoleums – as well as the desiccated heart of Louis XVIII.
Archaeological Crypt of Notre-Dame
Underneath the Notre Dame Cathedral are the archeological crypt where you’ll find artefacts dating back to the Gallo-Roman times and old Paris settlements. It’s a small exhibition highlighting the original civilizations of Paris, over 2000 years ago.
Paris Science Museum
Boasting the title of the biggest science museum in Europe, the Cite des Sciences will keep you entertained for hours in all manner of science, industry, space and technology - it even has a planetarium and IMAX, too
From this long list of top Paris sights and different things to do in Paris it’s clear that it’s a city with so much to offer, historically and culturally. There are art galleries, landmarks and monuments to be explored – making Paris one of the most exciting cities to visit!
To make it even easier, we've created some itineraries to help you on your way, read on to make the most of your time.
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