Things to Do in Paris: Landmarks, Museums & Neighborhoods

Discover the symbols of Paris on foot or by hop-on hop-off bus. Climb the Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views, admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, visit the reopened Notre-Dame cathedral, and head up to the white domes of Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.

Paris is a paradise for art lovers. Explore the masterpieces of the Louvre Museum, the Impressionist collections of the Musée d'Orsay, and modern art at the Centre Pompidou. A Paris Museum Pass gives convenient, skip-the-line access to dozens of museums and monuments across the city.

Wander the medieval lanes of Le Marais, the lively Latin Quarter, and bohemian Montmartre with its artists' square. Browse boutiques and bookshops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, relax along the Canal Saint-Martin, and soak up the café-terrace culture that defines Parisian life.

Taste your way through Paris with buttery croissants, classic bistro dishes, and traditional bouillon restaurants. Try the famous falafel of Le Marais, fresh sushi and ramen, or rooftop dining with skyline views. After dark, enjoy wine bars, jazz clubs, and lively terraces across the city.

Cruise along the Seine past illuminated monuments, take the family to Disneyland Paris, or escape to the Palace of Versailles for the day. Hop-on hop-off bus tours make it easy to see the highlights, while nearby gardens, châteaux, and theme parks add variety to any Paris itinerary.

One of the oldest and most fashionable districts in Paris, Le Marais blends medieval streets with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and buzzing cafés. Home to the Place des Vosges, the Picasso Museum, and the city's best falafel, it's a perfect base for first-time visitors who want to be close to everything.

Centred on the historic Sorbonne university, the Latin Quarter is a lively student district full of bookshops, bistros, and atmospheric streets on the Left Bank. Explore the Panthéon, relax in the Luxembourg Gardens, and wander narrow lanes packed with affordable restaurants and cafés.

Perched on a hill in northern Paris, Montmartre is the city's most romantic and artistic neighbourhood. Climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views, watch painters at work in the Place du Tertre, and lose yourself in cobbled streets once home to artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.

Elegant and literary, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is famous for its historic cafés, art galleries, and chic boutiques on the Left Bank. Sip coffee where writers and philosophers once gathered, browse antique shops, and enjoy easy access to the Musée d'Orsay and the Seine.

The grand Champs-Élysées avenue runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, lined with flagship stores, cinemas, and cafés. This is the place for luxury shopping, iconic photo stops, and easy access to landmarks across the Right Bank.

Trendy and full of energy, the Bastille and Canal Saint-Martin areas are known for their nightlife, independent boutiques, and waterside picnics. Explore lively markets, modern bars, and creative restaurants in one of the city's most local and laid-back corners.

We recommend: Paris in 3 Days

We recommend: Paris Museums Itinerary

We recommend: Paris Highlights Itinerary

We recommend: Paris Family Itinerary

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Paris

Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most spectacular royal châteaux in the world. Wander the opulent Hall of Mirrors, explore the lavish state apartments, and stroll the vast formal gardens and fountains. Easily reached by RER C in around 45 minutes.

Europe's most popular theme park resort, Disneyland Paris is a magical day out for families and Disney fans. Enjoy two parks of rides, shows, and parades, just 35 minutes from central Paris by RER A. A perfect break from sightseeing for visitors of all ages.

The peaceful village of Giverny is home to Claude Monet's house and the famous water-lily gardens that inspired his Impressionist masterpieces. Wander the flower-filled paths and Japanese bridge, then visit the Museum of Impressionisms. A beautiful spring and summer day trip.

A short train ride north of Paris, the Château de Chantilly combines a grand Renaissance palace with one of France's finest art collections and beautiful gardens. Reached in around 25 minutes by direct train from Gare du Nord, it's an easy and elegant escape from the city.

The magnificent Château de Fontainebleau was a residence of French royalty for centuries, set within a vast forest popular for hiking and rock climbing. Less crowded than Versailles, it offers sumptuous interiors and sprawling grounds within easy reach of Paris by train.

The Champagne region is famous worldwide for its sparkling wine and historic cellars. Visit prestigious houses in Reims and Épernay, tour the chalk caves, and enjoy tastings among the vineyards. Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed TGV.