Things to do in Paris

Many tourists planning a trip to Paris wonder about what they should see or do during their stay in the city of lights... Of course a visit of the Eiffel Tower is a must but there are many other (better) ways to really feel the unique atmosphere of Paris. One of them is simply to stroll the streets as city center is fairly small in comparison to other capitals. Please read our guide to things to do and places to see in Paris.

Our unmissable things to do list

Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in Paris:

Book a table in one of the best restaurants

Paris is certainly one of the best places to eat well in the world. Fan of the French cuisine and looking for the perfect dining experience? You are at the very right place... The city is indeed one of the great food capitals in the world. Here is our guide to Paris best restaurants

Have dinner or lunch in a brasserie or bistro

Paris bistros are among Parisians' favourite restaurants for lunch (and even for dinner during the week). The bistro classics are the Boeuf bourguignon, the blanquette de veau, the piece of meat (tenderloin) with blue cheese sauce or wine sauce, ... Read: Best bistros in Paris
A traditional Paris brasserie is a place where you can still feel, see and smell the real Paris. We also have reviewed and selected the best Brasseries in Paris

Don't miss out on Paris cabaret shows

Moulin Rouge, Lido, Paradis Latin, Folies Bergères, Crazy Horse, ... Paris is renowned worldwide for its cabarets. A cabaret show is a must when coming to Paris! For more information about shows, opening hours or tickets please refer to Paris cabarets

Do some shopping in Paris

Come and find out about the shops and the hidden addresses that make Paris the world capital city of fashion. The best spots for shopping will be found in the Champs Elysees with the greatest fashion brands stores (Vuitton, Cartier, Guerlain, ...), in Saint Germain des Pres district with its tiny clothes shops and of course in the Madeleine area home of the famous Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps department stores... Shopping in Paris

Walk along the Seine river left bank quays

Paris is worth visiting on foot and one of the best walk is probably the one along the left bank of the Seine river where quays are lined with book stalls (Les Bouquinistes). The logical starting point is the Austerlitz Bridge. From there just walk down to the quays and follow the cobbled pedestrian walkway lined with floating restaurants and cafes till you get to Notre Dame Cathedral.
Our tip: Take the walk at night to admire city lights reflecting on the river.

Get to the top of Montmartre by night

The top of Montmartre hill offers one of the best panoramic view over Paris however the place is usually crowded with tourists. If you want to take a walk off the beaten tracks just start climbing stairs at Lamark Caulaincourt metro station (Northern side of Montmartre). On your way to the top you will see the only vineyard in Paris called “Clos de Montmartre” and the Lapin Agile cabaret. Then head to the Place du Tertre where you can have your portrait done by one of the many painters or have a drink in a pavement cafe (If you are lucky enough to find a seat available). Finally reach the Sacre Coeur topping the hill to admire the breathtaking view.
Our tip: Take the walk at night before or after dinner in one of Lamark Caulaincourt's bistros.

Stroll street markets

Paris wouldn't be Paris without its open air street markets. These markets are very popular and really offer a true glimpse of Parisian life. There are about 80 different markets downtown Paris most of them being open two days a week. Here are the most pleasant ones: De Buci, Richard Lenoir, Mouffetard and Montorgueil street markets, Cité island flower market, Les enfants rouges or Aligre covered markets not to forget the Clignancourt flea market.

Buy a good bottle of wine... or two

For wine lovers Paris is the place where to be. You will find there more wine stores than in any other capitals in the world. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Cotes du Rhone, Languedoc, Loire Valley, Beaujolais, Champagne... Great wines from all regions of France are sold there.

Visit Paris gardens and parks

The city hosts gardens and parks of all sizes - One fifth of Paris city area is being dedicated to them. The Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes located respectively at the western and eastern limits of the city are the largest. Here is a list of our prefered spots: Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes (It is advisable to take a map), Luxembourg gardens, Palais Royal and Palais des Tuileries gardens, Place des Vosges, Monceau Park and Jardin des Plantes.

Experience the unique atmosphere of pavement cafés

Pavement cafés are very popular and Parisians usually go there early morning before work to have a strong black coffee, and also after work for a beer or a glass of wine. During summertime when temperatures rise, the shady terraces are crowded anytime of the day... Here is a selection of our favorite pavement cafes in Paris: The Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots in the Saint Germain Bvd, the very chic Cafe de la Paix near the Garnier Opera, Chez Prune facing St Martin's Canal, Cafe Beaubourg facing the Pompidou center, the Closerie des Lilas in the Montparnasse Bvd and of course the Fouquet's in the Champs Elysees Avenue or the Cafe Marly nestling in the Louvre museum courtyard.

Places to see

Like the French say "Paris wasn't made in a day" and the city has a very rich history, which goes back to 2000 years. The city center can boast indeed many oustanding historic landmarks or monuments and there is of course a lot more to be seen than just the Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre museum and Sacre Coeur at the top of Montmartre hill. Here is our selection of the best places to see, the best attractions not to be missed when coming to Paris: Places to see in Paris