Things to Do in Paris
50 curated spots from Paris itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Louvre Museum
Focus on a few sections (Italian painting, Egyptian, and sculpture) rather than trying to see everything; prebook a timed ticket.
2h 30m · $20-25
Luxembourg Gardens
Wander tree-lined paths, sit in green chairs by the bassin, and explore quieter corners plus the Medici Fountain.
2h · Free
Jardin du Luxembourg
Wander the formal gardens, sit for a break, and photograph the fountains and palace views.
1h · Free
Arc de Triomphe
Climb for Champs-Élysées views and romantic overlooks.
1h · $20
Centre Pompidou
Explore contemporary art collections and ascend to the top for panoramic city views; focus on modern exhibits.
2h · $17 or Free (under 26 EU)
Eiffel Tower
Ascend to 2nd floor, picnic in Champ de Mars afterward.
2h · $30
Jardin des Tuileries
Walk from the Champs-Élysées toward this elegant garden near the Louvre, relax by the fountains, and enjoy a cheap picnic on the chairs or lawns.[1][2]
1h · Free
Canal Saint-Martin Stroll
Walk along the tree-lined canal, watch the locks, browse small boutiques, and take relaxed photos on the iron footbridges.
1h · Free
Marais Walking Tour
Explore Place des Vosges, Jewish Quarter streets.
2h · Free
Canal Saint‑Martin Walk
Stroll along the canal from Rue Yves Toudic toward Quai de Jemmapes, crossing iron footbridges and browsing small boutiques.
1h 30m · Free
Covered Passages & Grands Boulevards Walk
Explore Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and nearby passages with their glass roofs, vintage shops, and old cafés.
2h · Free
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
Ascend tower (book summit), picnic on lawns, watch hourly sparkle show.
2h · $30 or Free grounds
Latin Quarter Walk
Stroll from the river into the Latin Quarter for old streets, university atmosphere, and layered medieval-to-modern city texture.
1h 15m · Free
Le Marais Shopping
Boutiques and bookstores on charming streets; focus on independent shops.
1h 30m · Varies
Le Marais Walking Tour
Explore historic mansions, trendy shops, Jewish quarter architecture.
2h · Free
Louvre Museum (Focused Visit)
Enter with timed‑entry tickets, prioritize a few wings (e.g., Italian painting for Mona Lisa, Greek sculpture for Venus de Milo, Egyptian antiquities), and enjoy the glass pyramid courtyard.[1][9]
3h · $22-25
Canal Saint-Martin Walk
Stroll along the canal’s iron footbridges and tree-lined banks, watching boats pass through locks and browsing small shops.
2h · Free
Canal Saint‑Martin Stroll
Walk along the canal, watching the locks, browsing independent shops, and people-watching on the quays.
2h · Free
Caveau de la Huchette
Legendary jazz club with live swing music and dance floor.
1h 30m · $25
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Stroll the famous avenue and admire the Arc de Triomphe; enjoy the grand architecture and window-shopping. Walking is free; you can skip the paid rooftop view to stay on budget.[3]
1h 30m · Free (walking)
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Area Walk
Walk around Notre-Dame’s exterior, see the Seine riverbanks and the flower market, and cross the small bridges to soak in the medieval heart of Paris.
1h 15m · Free
Île de la Cité & Notre‑Dame Area Walk
Stroll from Saint‑Germain across the Seine to the island, admire Notre‑Dame’s exterior and surrounding streets, and wander riverside bookstalls.[2]
1h 30m · Free
Jardin des Plantes
Botanical gardens with tropical greenhouses, alpine rocks; free explore.
2h · Free ($10 greenhouse)
La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class
2.5hr market-to-table class (10am start, €89); learn pastries. Book online.
2h 30m · $100
Latin Quarter & Panthéon Walk
Loop past the Panthéon, Sorbonne, and quiet side streets; pop into bookshops and photograph winding lanes and historic facades.
2h 30m · Free (Panthéon interior ~$15 if you choose to enter)
Latin Quarter Wander
Explore medieval streets, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and hidden passages (10-min walk from Luxembourg).
2h · Free
Le Caveau de la Huchette
Live jazz club; 9pm show (€15 entry + drink). Metro Line 1 to 10 (20 min).
2h · $25
Le Marais Walk
Spend the morning in the district’s elegant streets, historic hôtels particuliers, and small squares for architecture and neighborhood character.
2h · Free
Louvre Museum Highlights
Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo; timed entry for key masterpieces.
2h · $20
7th Arrondissement Architecture Walk
Stroll past elegant façades, embassy-like streets, and quiet avenues around Invalides and the surrounding blocks.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café de Flore
Classic bistro; onion soup and tart tatin.
1h 15m · $50-70 per person
Chez Janou
Provençal pastis bar; bouillabaisse or ratatouille.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
L’As du Fallafel
Famous counter-service falafel stand; order a stuffed falafel pita to-go and eat it on a nearby bench.
45m · $10-15 per person
Les Philosophes
Order a straightforward French classic and make the nut allergy explicit when seated; ask the server to confirm the kitchen can keep the whole meal safe, including dessert.
1h 30m · $35-65 per person
Bouillon Pigalle
End the day with another classic budget ‘bouillon’ near Montmartre, serving traditional dishes like boeuf bourguignon, oeufs mayo, and profiteroles at low prices in a lively setting.
1h 30m · $13-18 per person (if ordering simply and skipping alcohol)
Café Constant
Neighborhood bistro; viennoiseries, coffee.
45m · $30-45 per person
Coutume Café
Specialty coffee shop with light breakfast plates; get a flat white and avocado toast or granola to fuel a museum-heavy day.
1h · $12-20 per person
Breizh Café
Gourmet crepes with cider.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Hardware Société Paris
Australian-style brunch café near Sacré-Cœur; order the brioche French toast or baked eggs and good coffee.
1h · $18-25 per person
La Maison Rose
Pink house bistro; duck confit, house salad.
1h 15m · $50-70 per person
Le Petit Cler
Friendly bistro on a pedestrian market street; order a daily special and share a carafe of house wine.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Le Procope
Oldest café; coq au vin and crème brûlée.
1h 15m · $30-50 per person
Du Pain et des Idées
Famous bakery near the canal; try the escargot pastries (pistachio-chocolate is a favorite) and grab coffees nearby.
30m · $8-15 per person
Holybelly 5
Australian-style brunch; pancakes and specialty coffee.
1h · $15-25 per person
Le Consulat
Historic café with onion soup, wine.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Le Refuge des Fondus
Quirky, budget-friendly fondue spot known for communal tables and casual vibes—go for the set fondue menu if you’re hungry.
1h 15m · $20-25 per person (set menu)
Les Antiquaires
Refined but approachable bistro near the Orsay, serving updated classics and good wines by the glass.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Café Marly
Courtyard bistro; quiche lorraine, niçoise salad with Louvre views.
1h · $30-45 per person
Bistrot Victoires
Lively bistro with steak-frites, roast chicken, and salads in a traditional setting a few minutes from the Louvre.
1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Bouillon Chartier
Classic brasserie; escargot, duck confit; lively atmosphere.
1h 30m · $20-40 per person