Things to Do in Paris
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Paris

50 curated spots from Paris itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Louvre Museum
Do
late_morning

Louvre Museum

Focus on a few sections like Italian Renaissance, French paintings, and the main antiquities; enter via the Pyramid with pre-booked time slot.

2h 30m · $20-25
Luxembourg Gardens
Do
afternoon

Luxembourg Gardens

Relax in the chairs around the central basin, admire the Medici fountain, and watch locals play pétanque; ideal spot for a mid‑afternoon rest with greenery.

1h 30m · Free
Jardin du Luxembourg
Do
afternoon

Jardin du Luxembourg

Relax among fountains, statues, and tree-lined promenades; sit with chairs by the central basin or stroll the orchard and Medici Fountain.

1h · Free
Arc de Triomphe
Do
afternoon

Arc de Triomphe

Climb for sunset views over Champs-Élysées.

1h 30m · $15
Centre Pompidou
Do
morning

Centre Pompidou

Modern art collection with city views from roof.

2h · $16
Eiffel Tower
Do
morning

Eiffel Tower

Ascend to 2nd floor, picnic in Champ de Mars afterward.

2h · $30
Jardin des Tuileries
Do
afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

Formal gardens with fountains, playgrounds, carousel, and rentable toy boats near Place de la Concorde.

1h 30m · Free (small fees for rides/boats)
Canal Saint-Martin Stroll
Do
morning

Canal Saint-Martin Stroll

Walk along the water, cross little bridges, and watch the locks; a relaxed, local side of Paris with street art and boutiques.

1h · Free
Marais Walking Tour
Do
morning

Marais Walking Tour

Place des Vosges, Jewish Quarter history; self-guided.[1]

1h 30m · Free
Canal Saint‑Martin Walk
Do
late morning

Canal Saint‑Martin Walk

Stroll along the tree‑lined canal, watch the locks in action, and browse indie shops and cafés.[1][2]

1h 30m · Free
Covered Passages & Grands Boulevards Walk
Do
afternoon

Covered Passages & Grands Boulevards Walk

From the Grands Boulevards area, explore 19th‑century covered passages like Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne with vintage shops and cafés.

2h · Free (shopping extra)
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
Do
afternoon

Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

Ascend for panoramic views or picnic on lawns; evening for sparkle show.

2h · $30 or Free
Latin Quarter Walk
Do
morning

Latin Quarter Walk

Stroll medieval streets, Shakespeare & Co bookstore, free explore ruins.

1h · Free
Le Marais Shopping
Do
evening

Le Marais Shopping

Boutiques and bookstores on charming streets; focus on independent shops.

1h 30m · Varies
Le Marais Walk
Do
morning

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
Le Marais Walking Tour
Do
morning

Le Marais Walking Tour

See Place des Vosges, Jewish Quarter, and revolutionary history.

2h · Free
Louvre Museum (Focused Visit)
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

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
Do
morning

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
Do
late evening

Caveau de la Huchette

Legendary jazz club with live swing music and dance floor.

1h 30m · $25
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Do
evening

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Walk part of the avenue and head up to the Arc’s rooftop terrace for sweeping city views at sunset.[1][4]

2h · $15 (under 18 often free for EU/other residents)
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Area Walk
Do
afternoon

Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Area Walk

Stroll around Notre-Dame’s exterior, the flower market, and the riverside quays for classic Paris views and photos.

1h 30m · Free
Île de la Cité & Notre‑Dame Area Walk
Do
afternoon

Île de la Cité & Notre‑Dame Area Walk

Walk around the island, see Notre‑Dame’s exterior and riverside views, then cross into the Latin Quarter’s narrow streets and bookshops.

1h 30m · Free
Jardin des Plantes
Do
morning

Jardin des Plantes

Botanical gardens with tropical greenhouses, alpine rocks; free explore.

2h · Free ($10 greenhouse)
La Cuisine Paris Cooking Class
Do
morning

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
Do
afternoon

Latin Quarter & Panthéon Walk

Walk from the Seine up via Rue Saint‑Jacques or Rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève to the Panthéon, exploring side streets and the church of Saint‑Étienne-du-Mont.

2h · $15 if entering Panthéon, otherwise free to walk
Latin Quarter Wander
Do
afternoon

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
Do
evening

Le Caveau de la Huchette

Live jazz club; 9pm show (€15 entry + drink). Metro Line 1 to 10 (20 min).

2h · $25
Louvre Museum Highlights
Do
afternoon

Louvre Museum Highlights

Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo; timed entry for key masterpieces.

2h · $20
7th Arrondissement Architecture Walk
Do
afternoon

7th Arrondissement Architecture Walk

Stroll past elegant façades, embassy-like streets, and quiet avenues around Invalides and the surrounding blocks.

1h · Free

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Café de Flore
Eat
morning

Café de Flore

Historic literary café serving classic tartines, eggs, and excellent hot chocolate on a bustling corner terrace.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Chez Janou
Eat
afternoon

Chez Janou

Provençal bistro; try ratatouille or bouillabaisse with pastis.

1h 15m · $50-75 per person
L’As du Fallafel
Eat
evening

L’As du Fallafel

Famous takeaway falafel and shawarma spot on Rue des Rosiers—get a stuffed pita and eat it on the street or in a nearby square.

45m · $9-12 per person
Les Philosophes
Eat
midday

Les Philosophes

Bustling yet traditional Marais bistro; go for soupe à l’oignon, confit de canard, or a classic quiche with a glass of house red.

1h 15m · $28-40 per person (food only)
Bouillon Pigalle
Eat
evening

Bouillon Pigalle

Large, very affordable bouillon with classic French dishes and fast-moving lines; come early or be prepared to wait.

1h 30m · $14-20 per person
Café Constant
Eat
evening

Café Constant

Market-fresh French dishes like duck confit, no reservations.

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Coutume Café
Eat
morning

Coutume Café

Third-wave coffee shop with excellent espresso and light breakfast plates or pastries.

45m · $10-18 per person
Le Petit Cler
Eat
evening

Le Petit Cler

Cozy bistro on a market street; try the steak-frites or daily plat du jour and enjoy people-watching from the terrace.

1h 30m · $22-28 per person
Breizh Café
Eat
morning

Breizh Café

Cozy creperie with savory galettes and sweet crepes; try buckwheat galette with ham and cheese.

1h · $10-18 per person
Hardware Société Paris
Eat
morning

Hardware Société Paris

Australian-style café near Sacré-Cœur with excellent coffee and creative brunch plates.

1h 15m · $18-25 per person
La Maison Rose
Eat
afternoon

La Maison Rose

Pink house bistro; coq au vin or salad.

1h · $15-20 per person
Le Procope
Eat
evening

Le Procope

Historic brasserie dating back to the 17th century; try a classic like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon and share a dessert.

1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Du Pain et des Idées
Eat
morning

Du Pain et des Idées

Beloved artisanal bakery known for escargot pastries and quality bread—grab a pastry and walk to the nearby canal.

30m · $5-9 per person
Holybelly 5
Eat
morning

Holybelly 5

Popular brunch spot with excellent eggs, pancakes, and coffee; aim to arrive near opening to avoid a long wait.

1h 15m · $25-30 per person
Le Consulat
Eat
morning

Le Consulat

Historic café; onion soup and coffee on Picasso's old terrace.

45m · $10-15 per person
Le Refuge des Fondus
Eat
afternoon

Le Refuge des Fondus

Quirky fondue spot known for casual vibes; go for the fun experience and budget set menu.

1h 15m · $18-22 per person
Café Marly
Eat
afternoon

Café Marly

Museum courtyard bistro; croque-monsieur and salads with Louvre views.

1h · $25-45 per person
Les Antiquaires
Eat
evening

Les Antiquaires

Warm, stylish bistro near the Seine with dishes like beef tartare, roasted fish, and seasonal vegetables plus a solid wine list; reservations recommended for prime evening slots.

1h 30m · $40-70 per person
Bistrot Victoires
Eat
afternoon

Bistrot Victoires

Classic bistro known for excellent value—duck confit, steak‑frites, and carafes of wine in a busy yet charming room.

1h 15m · $20-32 per person
Bouillon Chartier
Eat
evening

Bouillon Chartier

Classic French dishes like escargot or steak frites in lively, historic brasserie atmosphere.

1h 15m · $12-20 per person

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