Things to Do · Paris
Updated June 2026The Best Things to Do in Paris
From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, a Seine cruise and a day at Versailles — here are the 12 experiences in Paris worth your time, and how to skip the queues.
The short answer
The best things to do in Paris are going up the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre, taking a Seine river cruise, wandering Montmartre, and a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. The big sights have long queues, so book skip-the-line tickets and tours in advance through GetYourGuide or Tiqets. Planning the whole trip? Browse our destination guides.
Key takeaways
- 3–4 days covers the headline sights, with time for a Versailles or Disneyland day trip.
- Book the Eiffel Tower and Louvre ahead — timed, skip-the-line tickets save you hours.
- A Seine cruise at dusk is the loveliest, easiest way to see the monuments lit up.
- Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and thinner crowds than peak summer.
- Lots is free — Montmartre, the riverbanks, Sacré-Cœur and window-shopping the grand avenues.
The highlights
12 best things to do in Paris
The icons you can’t miss, plus a few favourites worth squeezing in — with a note on what to pre-book.
Eiffel Tower
Ride or climb to the summit for the view that defines Paris — best at sunset and after dark when it sparkles. Timed tickets sell out fast.
Book skip-the-line on TiqetsThe Louvre
The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and miles of masterpieces. Go early or late, and book a timed skip-the-line ticket to avoid the worst queues.
Book skip-the-line on GetYourGuideSeine river cruise
Drift past Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower from the water. A dusk sightseeing or dinner cruise is the easiest way to see it all lit up.
Book on GetYourGuidePalace of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens of Louis XIV’s palace — an easy half- or full-day trip. A guided tour skips the notorious queue.
Book a tour on GetYourGuideMontmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb the hill to the white domes of Sacré-Cœur for a sweeping view, then lose yourself in the village lanes and artists’ square. A walking or food tour is the way to do it.
Book a tour on GetYourGuideArc de Triomphe
Climb to the rooftop terrace for one of the best views in the city, straight down the Champs-Élysées. Quieter and cheaper than the Eiffel Tower.
Book tickets on TiqetsMusée d’Orsay
The world’s finest collection of Impressionists — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh — in a beautiful former railway station. Smaller and more manageable than the Louvre.
Book tickets on TiqetsSainte-Chapelle & Île de la Cité
The breathtaking stained-glass chapel on the island where Paris began, beside Notre-Dame and the Conciergerie. Book ahead to skip the security queue.
Book on GetYourGuideThe Catacombs
The eerie tunnels beneath the city, lined with the bones of millions. Hugely popular and strictly limited — a timed, skip-the-line ticket is essential.
Book skip-the-line on GetYourGuideDisneyland Paris
The big family day out, 40 minutes from the centre by train. Book dated tickets in advance — they’re cheaper than at the gate.
Book tickets on TiqetsA food & wine tour
Taste your way through a Paris neighbourhood — cheese, charcuterie, pastries and wine with a local guide. One of the most memorable things you can book.
Book on ViatorLe Marais & Latin Quarter
Two of the most atmospheric districts — medieval lanes, cafés, boutiques and falafel in the Marais; bookshops and bistros in the Latin Quarter. Free to roam.
Find walking toursBeyond the city
Best day trips from Paris
Versailles
The palace and gardens are the classic day trip — half a day is enough, a full day if you love gardens.
Book on GetYourGuideGiverny
Monet’s house and the famous water-lily garden — beautiful spring to autumn, and an easy guided trip.
Book on GetYourGuideChampagne & Mont-Saint-Michel
Tour the Champagne cellars near Reims, or take a long day trip to the magical island abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Book on ViatorPlan it
Know before you go
Sorting flights and a hotel too? See our guides to cheap flights and the best hotel booking sites.
FAQ
Things to do in Paris: FAQs
What are the top things to do in Paris?
The must-dos are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a Seine river cruise, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, the Musée d’Orsay and a day trip to Versailles. Add the Arc de Triomphe rooftop and a neighbourhood food tour, and you’ve covered the best of Paris.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three to four days is enough to see the main sights at a relaxed pace — one day for the Eiffel Tower and museums, one for Montmartre and the Marais, and one for a day trip to Versailles or Disneyland. A long weekend works well.
How do I skip the line at the Louvre and Eiffel Tower?
Book a timed, skip-the-line ticket online in advance and arrive at your slot. Going early at opening or later in the evening also means shorter queues. For the Louvre, head straight to the highlights first before the crowds build.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and thinner crowds than peak summer. Summer is warm and busy; winter is quiet and atmospheric, with lower prices and Christmas markets.
Are there free things to do in Paris?
Plenty. Strolling the Seine and Montmartre, visiting Sacré-Cœur, window-shopping the Champs-Élysées and relaxing in the gardens all cost nothing. Many city museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, and the Eiffel Tower sparkles for free on the hour after dark.
Do I need to book Paris attractions in advance?
For the big ones, yes. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Catacombs regularly sell out, and advance, skip-the-line tickets save hours of queuing. Booking online is usually the same price or cheaper, with free cancellation if your plans change.
Keep planning
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