The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Paris

The Ultimate Guide To Paris

A bucket list destination for people around the world, Paris is the city of light, love, and romance. If you’re planning a holiday, make sure you take it to the next level by using our ultimate guide to find the best things to do in Paris. Discover amazing attractions, fabulous places to eat and drink, regular events, the best time to visit the city, and so much more. Our guide includes:

- Fun facts and things to know about Paris

- Travel tips when visiting Paris

- The best time to visit Paris

- Top things to do in Paris for city lovers

- Top things to do in Paris for romantics

- Cool things to do in Paris with the family

- Explore Paris for the nature enthusiast

- Top cultural activities in Paris

- Top events in Paris

- How to get to Paris

- Getting around Paris

- Where to stay in Paris

 

Discover all the makings of a magical holiday in Paris below! The guide can be downloaded and taken with you wherever you go.

Fun facts and things to do know about Paris

Let’s start with a few fun facts and weird and wonderful things to know about Paris.

Paris is known as the City of Light

 

One of Paris’ most famous nicknames is the ‘City of Light.’ Some travellers assume it’s because of the lights that festoon attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, but that’s not quite correct. Instead, the moniker came about after the city became one of the first cities in Europe to install streetlights. This happened after Louis XIV commissioned the installation of streetlights to improve the city’s safety in the wake of recent wars.

Paris has seven statues of Liberty

 

The world’s most famous Statue of Liberty in New York was a gift to the city from France. What many people don’t know is that there are seven replicas of the statue sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi in Paris. They include one on the man-made island called Île aux Cygnes near Grenelle Bridge, one tucked away among the foliage in Jardin de Luxembourg, one inside the Musée d’Orsay, one inside the Arts-et-Metiers Museum, a tiny one peeping out of the breastplate on the 5m tall statue called Le Centaure at 2 Place Michel Debré in the 6th arrondissement, and one in the lobby of 5 rue du Cirque in the 8^th arrondissement, a private building.

Paris has an “underground city”

 

The catacombs of Paris are part of a network of underground tunnels built to consolidate the city’s old stone quarries. The catacombs are the final resting place of more than six million people. They were buried there as part of an effort to find a solution to the city’s overflowing cemeteries in the 1700s.

The first Bloody Mary cocktail was made in Paris

 

Enjoyed as an almost savoury yet refreshing cocktail (or hangover cure) around the world, the Bloody Mary was born in Paris. Sometime in the 1920s, Fernand Petiot, an American bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, mixed equal parts of tomato juice and vodka. Guests felt his initial concoction lacked a certain something, so he spiced it up with cayenne pepper, black pepper, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce, and an iconic cocktail was born.

Notre Dame Cathedral is Paris’ Point Zero

 

All distances in Paris (and France) are measured from Notre Dame Cathedral, which is considered to be the centre of the city. You can visit the actual point – it takes the form of a paving stone that looks like a compass engraved with the words, “Point zero des routes de France.”

 

Travel tips when visiting Paris

 

These simple travel tips can turn a good Parisian holiday experience into a great one. Use them when you visit the city.

Walk as much as you can: The best way to explore Paris is on foot, as you’ll get a feel for the authentic city. Walking also gives you the chance to find hidden gems, spot little details you’d otherwise have missed, and to find places that appeal to you but aren’t mentioned in travel guides. If you start feeling tired, or if you need to get somewhere in a hurry, you’ll have no trouble finding public transport links. Bring comfortable shoes!

Go on self-guided and free walking tours: Google “self-guided walking tours in Paris” or a specific part of the city and you should find plenty of options. You can also search for themed self-guided tours if you have specific interests, such as period architecture, religious history, or fashion. Free guided walking tours are great, as guides share local knowledge and anecdotes. Please note that guides usually ask for a tip at the end of the tour. This is normal, and tips are appreciated, so please give what you think the tour was worth.

Purchase a Paris Pass: A Paris Pass might be a good option for your holiday in the city. The Pass offers unlimited travel on buses and the Metro, as well as entry to numerous attractions and museums, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and a cruise on the Seine. The Pass is pricey, so do some research before purchasing one: Add up the entrance fees of all the attractions you plan to visit, include the cost of public transport, and compare that to the cost of the Pass. Passes are valid for two, three, or four days. If you don’t purchase a pass, buy tickets for things to do in Paris online in advance to avoid long queues.

Learn a few French words before travelling: You’ll find locals much friendlier and more willing to assist if you show them that you’ve learned at least a few words before visiting the city. You don’t need to be fully conversant in the language – a few simple words, such as “Bonjour/Bonsoir” (Hello/Good evening), “S’il vous plait” (Please), “Merci” (Thank You), and “Pardon” (Sorry) are a good place to start.

Best time to visit Paris

There are pros and cons to every season in Paris, so the best time for you to visit the city depends on what you’re looking for. The weather is at its best from May through August, although the main attractions and other great things to do in Paris become incredibly crowded with tourists in June, July, and August.

If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is between October and April. If you want relatively warm weather and fewer crowds, visit the city in October or April. The city sees larger crowds from mid-December until early January, so bear that in mind if you’re thinking of travelling to Paris in midwinter for the Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve events in and around the city.

Top things to do in Paris for city lovers

Looking to experience the highlights of this incredible city, but not sure where to begin? Take a look at five of the best things to do in Paris for city lovers.

Go on a specific tour of the Louvre: There are so many artworks and artefacts in the Louvre that it will take you years to see everything in its hallowed halls and galleries. Of course, if you’re a city lover, no visit to Paris will be complete without visiting the famous museum, so what do you do? Take a tour with a specific theme that interests you.

See the view from the Arc de Triomphe: Scores of tourists think that the best view of Paris is from the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view from up there’s certainly amazing, but the view from the viewing deck of the Arc de Triomphe arguably is even better. You’d be missing out if all you did was take a photo of the Arc for your Insta timeline.

Taste the city’s best crêpes at Breizh Café: Cafes are an integral part of Parisian life, and you’ll see plenty of them all over the city. Spending a few relaxing moments in at least one of them is de rigueur but choose wisely – not all Paris cafes are created equal. Head to Bertrand Larcher’s Breizh Café in le Marais and try the city’s best crêpes with a coffee (or one of the artisanal ciders from Brittany on offer) in a gorgeous, contemporary ambience.

Explore the Marché des enfants rouges: Markets have been part of the fabric of Paris since the city’s founding sometime around 259 BC. Indulge in that time-honoured Parisian tradition of market shopping by visiting one of the city’s best markets (and one of its most charming hidden gems), the Marché des enfants rouges in the Haut Marais near rue de Bretagne. Established in 1615, this is the city’s oldest food market, and you’ll find veritable feast to tempt your taste buds. Try get there on a Saturday, when the market’s at its liveliest.

Stroll around the Île de la Cité: One of two natural islands in the Seine, the Île de la Cité is the heart of Paris. At the time of writing, Notre Dame Cathedral is still closed following the April 2019 fire, but don’t let that stop you from admiring the famous church’s gothic façade. Don’t forget to check out the Zero Point stone in the square in front of the cathedral. When you’re done there, take a stroll to nearby Sainte-Chapelle. Originally built as a shrine for various Christian relics in the 1240s, the gothic monument’s greatest features are its exquisite stained-glass windows.

Top things to in Paris for romantics

Paris oozes romance, making it a top destination for lovers. Here’s our pick of some of the best romantic things to do in Paris.

Celebrate your love with a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower: Toast each other with a glass of bubbly while enjoying one of the best views of the city. Head to Bar à Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll also find delectable treats such as caviar and artisanal lemonade.

Take a sunset cruise on the Seine: A cruise on the Seine is a wonderful way to see some of the city’s finest landmarks from a gorgeous vantage point. Elevate the experience by choosing a sunset cruise, preferably one that offers dinner and/or champagne.

Visit the Montmartre’s Museum of Romantics: Montmartre is one of the most romantic neighbourhoods in Paris, so spend a day exploring it with your beloved. Before you start winding your way up the cobblestoned streets, pop into the Musée De La Vie Romantique (Museum of Romantics). Housed in an old mansion that was the home of romantic painter Ary Scheffer, the museum celebrates the mid-19th century era of Romanticism. When you’re finished at the museum, head up the hill and be charmed by quaint houses, the beautiful Sacré-Cœur basilica, and the famous Moulin Rouge. While in Montmartre, see if you can find Paris’ small, secret vineyard!

Go boating and enjoy a picnic in the Bois de Boulogne: Paris’ second-largest park, the Bois de Boulogne provides gorgeous settings for a summer picnic. The different areas of the park offer woodland vibes, a classic garden atmosphere, the beauty of roses, and the tranquillity of bubbling streams, and the shimmering and splashing of waterfalls and fountains. Hire a rowboat at one of the lakes, spend a few happy moments on the water, and then follow that up with an indulgent picnic lunch.

Spend a day in the Loire Valley: The idyllic Loire Valley is close enough to Paris for you to take a relaxed day trip. Join a day trip tour to some of the valley’s iconic chateaux and wineries, where you’ll have the chance to sample various wines and countryside produce, and to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Cool things to do in Paris with the family

A family holiday in the City of Lights is an incredible opportunity to make lasting memories. Here are some of the coolest things to do in Paris with kids (and your partner, of course).

Spend a morning at Jardin d’Acclimatation: Located in the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is popular with French children, foreign children, and families. You’ll find rides, puppet shows, a farm with livestock from Normandy, water-based activities, acrobatic obstacle courses, workshops, nature-based activities, and more.

Tour the Paris Catacombs: If your children (or teenagers) are fans of all things grisly and ghoulish, take them on a tour of the Paris Catacombs. Mentioned above, the catacombs were the city’s answer to the overflowing cemeteries of the 18th century. Your entertaining guides will lead you down arched tunnels to see memorials, strange sculptures, and walls of bone.

Discover French aquatic life at the Aquarium de Paris: With more than 7,500 sea creatures and 50 sharks from the waters of France and its territories across approximately 60 pools and tanks, the Aquarium de Paris is to be seen to be believed. What’s more, the aquarium has a host of interactive activities, workshops, and demonstrations, as well as a two-screen cinema.

Cruise on the Canal St Martin: A historic waterway in the city, the Canal St Martin connects the Canal de l'Ourcq to the Seine. See ‘Old Paris’ by going on one of Canauxrama’s Canal St Martin Cruises. Your family will be delighted by the hundred-year-old trees that line the canal, amazed by the lightshow that takes place as the boat cruises under the vault of the Bastille, and thrilled by passing through four double locks and two swing bridges before crossing the Bassin de la Villette to arrive at Parc de la Villette, where you’ll find the City of Sciences, The Geode, City of Music, and themed gardens.

Visit Parc Asterix for a day: What would French pop culture be without the indomitable Gauls? Loved around the world, the characters of the Asterix books and films come to life at Parc Asterix. The theme park is a fantastic alternative to Disneyland Paris. Visit the Gaulish village, ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, and the Land of the Vikings, where you’ll find a variety of rides, have the chance to meet characters, and enjoy a plethora of other attractions.

Explore Paris for the nature enthusiast

Paris parks, gardens, and other green spaces offer days of exploration to nature lovers. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Paris for nature enthusiasts.

Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries: The intricately landscaped Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is one of the city’s most famous public parks. Stroll along the walkways and paths and admire the many different trees, plants, and flowers, the ponds, and the sculptures by renowned artists placed in the garden over the centuries.

Explore Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Paris’ fifth-largest public park, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont invites exploration. Some of the highlights include an artificial lake surrounding the Île de la Belvédère, the Temple de la Sibylle modelled on the Roman temple of Vesta at Tivoli, the grotto and waterfalls, and the bridges.

Visit Bois de Vincennes: The largest park in the city, Bois de Vincennes contains the remnants of a forest that has been there since Gallo-Roman times, when the Romans knew the forest as ‘Vilcena’. In addition to wooded pathways and artificial lakes on which you can go rowing, you’ll find a botanical garden, an arboretum, an English landscaped garden, a zoo, horse- and bicycle racing tracks, and the mediaeval Château de Vincennes, a former royal residence.

Wander along the Coulée verte René-Dumont: Take a magical 4.5km journey along the Coulée verte René-Dumont, an elevated linear park created on top of disused railway infrastructure. You’ll find lime and hazelnut trees, climbing plants, rosebushes, other plants, reflecting pools, benches in shady areas, and fabulous views of the area below the park.

Discover the Jardin des plantes: France’s main botanical garden, the Jardin des plantes de Paris is a must for nature enthusiasts. Spend a day discovering themed areas such as the Garden of Useful Plants, the Alpine Garden, the Ecological Garden, the Rock and Rose Garden, and the Iris and Perennials Garden, as well as attractions such as the maze.

Top events in Paris

Whether you’re interested in fashion, food, cultural celebrations, or music, there’s an annual event for you in the French capital. We think the following annual events are right up there among the best things to do in Paris.

Fête de la Gastronomie: Held at ateliers, markets, and restaurants throughout Paris every March, the Fête de la Gastronomie is a three-day celebration of French food. Indulge in special market days, tastings, workshops, banquets, and other foodie events.

Fête de la Musique: Held annually on the summer solstice (longest day) in June, Fête de la Musique gets Parisian toes tapping with free concerts and parties throughout the city. You’ll find some of the best parties at the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Louvre, and Place Denfert-Rochereau, but don’t limit yourself. Wander around and prepare to be surprised constantly.

Quatorze juillet/Bastille Day: Known to the English-speaking world as Bastille Day, Quatorze juillet (Fourteenth of July) is the French national day and the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Watch the military parade on the Champs-Élysées in the morning, watch the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars or a vantage point such as the top of the Parc de Belleville, and then find a party!

Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau: Every November brings oodles of excitement for oenophiles in Paris, thanks to the Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau. Unlike most other wines, Beaujolais Nouveau offers its best flavour only a few weeks after harvesting, and the arrival of this fruity, zingy red wine in the capital is celebrated with gusto. Wine establishments throughout the city get into the spirit of the festival, so you’ll have no trouble finding a few bottles to sample.

Paris Fashion Week: Held twice annually, Paris Fashion Week is among the most important events on the global fashion calendar. Menswear and haute couture are shown in January and June/July, while womenswear is shown in March and September/October. If you’re more interested in the celeb-spotting aspects of the event, head down to Grand Palais or the Espace Eiffel.

How to get to Paris

There are a few ways to get to the Paris city centre if you’re flying to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Those options include shuttle, train, bus, taxi, and car.

Shuttle: Roissybus operates a shuttle between the airport and the city centre. A single ticket costs €13.70, and the journey takes approximately an hour or less.

Train: The regional RER train from Charles de Gaulle to the Paris city centre is the cheapest option. A single ticket for an adult costs €10, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. The train stops at several stations in the city, one of which is Gare du nord.

Bus: There are a few bus options for getting from the airport to the centre of Paris. If you land at the airport during the day or evening, you can take bus 351 to Paris Nation Metro station. A single ticket costs €6, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. However, Nation isn’t quite central, so you’d need to take another bus or the Metro to the city centre itself. The Le Bus Direct option is faster, although a single ticket costs €17.

Taxi: You can find taxis to the city centre outside the airport. Taxis should charge a flat rate of €60.

Getting around Paris

The city has a superb public transport system. Let’s look at your options for getting around the Paris.

Paris Metro: The Paris Metro underground railway is the fastest way for getting around the city. There are 16 interconnected lines and more than 214km of tracks. There are 308 stations around the city, and 64 of them offer transfers between lines. A single metro ticket (T+ ticket) costs €1.90, and you can use it for one journey, including all connections.

Train: The Paris Regional RER train can be used as a train and as a subway. The RER trains connect the city with various airports and with Disneyland Paris. You’ll pay €1.90 and upwards for a single ticket.

Bus: Next to the Metro, Paris City buses are one of the most popular methods of public transport. There are more than 60 day bus routes and more than 40 night bus routes in the city. A single fare is €2, however, you’ll pay less if you use a Metro ticket (T+ ticket) for your bus journeys.

Tram: There are seven tram lines in Paris’ outskirts. If you’re limiting your explorations in the city to the centre, there’s a good chance you won’t travel by tram during your stay. If you use a Metro ticket (T+ ticket), a single journey by tram in zone 1 and/or 2 will cost €1.90.

Taxi: There are more than 20,000 taxis on the streets of Paris at any given time. You can flag one in the street or go to one of the city’s many taxi ranks. Bear in mind that journeys by taxi can be expensive.

Where to stay in Paris

Located in the heart of Paris, you can experience everything the city has to offer while staying at one of our serviced apartments in the city.

Book your stay near the Champs-Elysées at Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées or stay near La Defense at Fraser Suites Harmonie la Defense.