Top 7 Things to Do in Paris

Cultural heritage and Paris are intertwined, as the history of the city, country, and Mediterranean is on display. Art, architecture, and the evolution of civilization emerge as Paris peels back the layers of the past along cobblestone streets and in grand architecture.

From the iconic Eiffel Tower, one of the best places to visit in Paris, to the unforgettable works displayed in the Louvre, contemporary art, and Neoclassical palaces, each adds to the heritage that makes Paris unique.

Best Places for Cultural Tours: Musée Louvre • Musée d’Orsay • Petit Palais • Centre Pompidou • Arc de Triomphe • Eiffel Tower • Place de la Concorde

France is known for its sensational cuisine and Paris embodies the gastronomic traditions that reflect French culture, past and present.

Throughout the city, quintessential patisseries and chocolateries create rich offerings connected to their regions, while brasseries and cafes provide a taste of local life.

From cheese to wine, charcuteries to trendy culinary concepts, you can embrace the authentic tastes of French cuisine in Paris.

Best Places for Food Tours: Bourse and Sentier • Montmartre • Champs-Elysées • Saint-Germain-des-Prés • Canal Saint-Martin • Grand Boulevards

Learn more: Food & Wine Tours in France

The markets of Paris unveil variety and beauty, whether seasonal ingredients, fashionable clothing, or beautiful flowers.

The best of them exude charisma authentic to their neighborhoods, attracting shoppers from across the city.

From historic lanes lined with food stalls to flea markets with upwards of 3,000 traders, the markets display history and culture.

Best Markets to Visit: Marche des Enfants Rouges • Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen • Les Puces de Saint-Ouen • Le Marché International de Rungis

Each arrondissement in Paris has its own culture and traditions, providing different perspectives on Parisian personalities.

Each neighborhood has reinvented itself across generations as innovative restaurants move in, art galleries represent new talent, and retailers provide insight into shifting trends.

You can find dynamic history and new energy, tradition and joie de vivre to enjoy a tapestry of characters.

Best Neighborhoods for a Walking Tour: Le Marais •  Saint-Germain-des-Prés • Montmartre • Latin Quarter • Montparnasse • The Marais

Fashion is indelibly connected to Paris as the epicenter of global trends, design, and style. No matter the neighborhood, Parisians exude impeccable style that’s revealed in boutiques, stores, and districts brimming with stores that make shopping an effortless and joyful experience.

From famous fashion houses to unknown designers, you can embrace the splendor of Parisian style or find items to suit your taste as you explore concept stores, arcades, and boutiques.

Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: Louvre and Tuileries District • Boulevard Haussmann • Place de la Madeleine • The Marais • Champs-Elysées • Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The parks and gardens across Paris provide exceptional greenery and color.

Roses, trees, and ponds add to the city’s luster, offering quiet corners in which to enjoy the country without ever leaving Paris.

Elegant statues, opulent landscaping, and regal connections offer an escape from the fast pace of the city’s streets for a more relaxing experience connected to nature.

Best Gardens to Visit: Jardin des Plantes • Jardin du Luxembourg • Coulée Verte • Jardin du Palais Royal • Jardin des Tuileries

Castles and palaces represent the grandeur of Paris as the home of architectural wonders that span centuries.

Fortified castles, Renaissance residences, and estates offer a regal ambiance that overlaps eras to combine remarkable architecture with captivating history.

Whether gardens adorned with fountains or elaborate halls decorated with gilded mirrors, you can walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, archbishops, and aristocracy.

Best Palaces to Visit: Palace Versailles • Palace Saint-Germain-en-Laye • Château de Rambouillet • Domaine de Saint-Cloud • Château de Vincennes

What you do during your Paris trip will influence how you remember your overall experience. Whether interested in dining in the Michelin-starred restaurant in the Eiffel Tower or eager to bicycle through the Versailles Gardens, you can enjoy a personalized trip tailored to your travel preferences and goals.

Visit our Paris vacation packages for inspiration on how to craft your best custom trip, one that includes one or more of these top things to do in Paris, or learn more in our France travel guide.