Mapping out a trip to Paris can be overwhelming: the City of Lights is filled with things to do. Thankfully, we’ve come up with a list of 10 amazing things to add to your Paris bucket list, a mix of must-see places to visit, legendary spots not to miss, amazing local addresses, as well as unusual and quirky things to do in Paris that one wouldn’t necessarily get off a classic guide book. Check it out.
First things first: getting to Paris! Busbud features many bus routes to Paris, from various cities in Europe. Check out our most popular routes from renowned bus operators, such as FlixBus, BlaBla Bus, Eurolines, Allianza and more.
In Paris, taking public transport (or walking) is always the best solution. To paint you a picture: traffic is chaotic, parking is hell and chances are if you get around with a rented vehicle, you’ll most likely end up being charged extra for dings and dents. The Paris metro doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?
If you have wisely opted for public transit, the RATP (public transport system in Paris) offers various rates. You can get a tourist day pass, but we recommend getting a new one every day (instead of buying several in advance), as the city now offers a discounted “anti-pollution” rate when the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
You can also check out the city’s electric scooter sharing service, quite neat to ride if you’re planning to discover the banks of the Seine or cruise around some of the many delightful gardens! There are a few options out there, but Rent & Go and Lime Scooters have an English website, which makes the reservation process easier to understand if you’re not fluent in French!
Insider tip: Postal codes in Paris can help you locate yourself quickly, as the last number or last two numbers represent the arrondissement. For instance, 75 004 is located in the fourth arrondissement! This can come in super helpful if you’re wondering if two places are close to one another!
Now, onto our list of top things to do in Paris!
In the summertime, if you’re walking along the banks of the Seine, you’ll be surprised to see that the area turns into a beach resort! It’s the perfect place to hang out when the weather gets stifling. Many stalls are offering cold drinks, and even warm drinks, which you can enjoy seated at a table or relaxing in deck chairs, under an umbrella. If you get too hot, simply look for the cold mist area and refresh yourself!
Insider tip: Although Paris Plage is always open, we recommend going during the day, before the sun sets. The crowd will be more pleasant and you can enjoy the view!
For a unique experience, you simply have to add the Catacombs of Paris to your Paris bucket list. This underground Paris labyrinth is home to the remains of some 6 million people and has been open to the public since 1809. It is the largest ossuary in the world, stretching out over close to one mile of paths, some 20 yards under the city.
Insider tip: Reserve well in advance by booking your tickets online and try to go there during downtimes. Plus, if you book beforehand, you don’t have to wait in line! Oh—and don’t forget a warm shirt, it gets really cold in the Catacombs, even in the summertime! Also, you can’t visit the Catacombs of Paris with a bulky bag or suitcase, so make sure you leave your travel gear behind for this visit!
Paris is often best enjoyed wandering the streets and taking in the architecture, the people, the noise. One of our favorite routes is heading down towards the Louvre Museum from Arc de Triomphe. You can walk down Champs Élysées and admire the luxury shops and fancy cars zooming by, and browse through the Champs Élysées Gardens for a breath of fresh air. Then, hop onto rue de Rivoli, perhaps grab a tourist souvenir, and walk down towards the Louvre. You’ll cross two renowned Paris sights: Place de la Concorde and Place du Palais Royal. If you are feeling up to it, make time to check out the Mona Lisa in person! If not, the Louvre Pyramid and Louvre Palace are still worth taking a look at.
Insider tip: To avoid long lineups, even during the offseason, book your tickets online before. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a LOT of walking!
Welcoming some 150K visitors a day, the Forum des Halles is THE Paris mall to see. Les Halles is a great place to shop, relax, entertain yourself and even grab a bite, and the architecture of the central forum is truly breathtaking.
The Forum des Halles is home to… Probably every store you can dream of! But one of the coolest shops is the Lego Store in Paris. Check out the shop windows and hop in to check out life-size Lego motorcycle and miniature replicas of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe, and many more exciting things. Once you’ve had enough shopping, you can go catch a movie at the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles!
Insider tip: In France, many venues are closed Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays, but Les Halles is open seven days a week! You might want to save this one to do on a rainy day or when your options are limited because of opening hours.
To get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to sample the Paris nightlife. There are many, many diverse bars in Le Marais, Paris’ LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood. With its buzzing nightlife, Le Marais is a popular destination for everyone. So if you’re wondering where to party in Paris, here are two of our fave places:
Owned by “cheap blonde bars”, the Lizard Lounge Paris is known for its mouth-watering burgers, served up until 11 PM on weekends. Once you’re full, you can stay on and drink a few pints with your friends.
Insider tip: Thanks to a five-hour-long happy hour, Lizard Lounge is a good place to get your buzz going!
Featuring a mixed crowd, with people of all ages and orientations, La Boite a Frissons is the perfect venue if you like to dance. They play a great variety of types of music, from “Musette” to Disco—and even world music—but never any techno.
Insider Tip: Admission varies according to the night or the event, but it’s generally quite reasonable (from 6 to 9 euros per person). Be sure to check out their calendar before heading there to confirm the admission fee and see the music program for the evening!
Honestly, one of the top things to do in Paris is to sample all the food. And, Paris is not Paris without a crêpe! Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re more a salty kind of gal or guy, you can find a fabulous crêpe pretty much on every corner. If you prefer to sit down to enjoy your food, you’ll want to head to the Crêperie de Cluny, one of the best addresses in town. The menu is simple and delicious, the staff is friendly and speaks English, and we’re convinced you’ll be back for more. Try a ham-cheese and egg crepe, or the classic chestnut jam-filled crepe. Once you’re full, why not take a stroll in the charming, tiny streets of Saint Germain des Prés, one of Paris’ most beloved neighborhoods? Check out the famous rue de la Huchette, Place Saint Michel and rue Saint André des Arts, to name only a few!
Insider tip: Even though Notre Dame de Paris is currently closed down, you’ll be a few minutes away on foot! At sunset, the cathedral is still a sight to see from the banks of the Seine.
Oh, the view from Pompidou is simply beautiful. Plus, it’s only five euros to climb up and you can take the escalators, or the lift (wheelchair accessible). Since Paris is quite low, most buildings don’t exceed five or six stories, you can see far, far away. Gaze at the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, l’Hôtel de Ville, and many more amazing Paris monuments from up top.
If you’re into art, you’ll want to purchase a ticket and check out the Pompidou exhibits. Once you’re done, take a stroll around this architectural wonder and stop for coffee in one of the pretty cafes nearby, perhaps even with a view of the Stravinsky Fountain (on rue Brisemiche).
Insider tip: The Pompidou Gift Shop is filled with quirky, fun things you can take home with you.
We couldn’t resist adding the Eiffel Tower to our list of top things to do in Paris… Seriously, you can’t visit Paris without stopping by. No need to climb it, but it’s worth it to go see it from up close. Today, the tower is surrounded by a towering glass wall so you can’t walk underneath it, but you can still get a decent view as you approach.
Insider tip: As you climb your way up to the top, you may have the impression that the tower is moving! You’re not crazy… It does move! The iron expands in the sun and the wind can also make it sway slightly.
For a little bit of cooling down, you can head to the Paris Aquarium, the biggest aquarium in France, located a 25-minute walk away from the tower, in the Jardins du Trocadéro. Walk through the various rooms filled with aquariums and watch the elegant medusae and imposing sharks swim in gigantic tanks.
Insider tip: Towards the end of the visit, you can even pet large, colorful fish.
The massive Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of Paris’ emblematic monuments. Located at the top of Montmartre Hill, it can be seen from various viewpoints in Paris. If you’re feeling in shape, you’ll want to make the ascent and climb the stairs up to the top, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Once you’ve taken it all in, you can join the queue to visit the interior of the basilica. Sure, you might have to be a little bit patient, but it’s well worth the wait. Once you’re inside, you’ll be able to admire France’s largest mosaic, measuring some 5,000 sq ft. You can also discover the Basilica’s crypt and climb up even higher up to the dome to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
Insider tip: If your health doesn’t allow or if you’re tired from so much walking, you can also take the funicular up.
A popular romantic destination, this beautiful bridge is fully pedestrian and connects the Louvre Palace to the Institut de Paris. For a long time, lovers gathered on the bridge to secure a padlock representing their love, on the bridge’s structure. But, in 2015, the city had to remove over a million locks to preserve the bridge’s integrity, as the weight of love was threatening to compromise it!
From the bridge, you can admire the Eiffel Tower, but the true attraction lies on the bridge. Enjoy the many art exhibits and photographs, set up freely across the bridge and chat with the artists. And, if you’re sharing your trip with that special someone, you can take a selfie on the bridge, the newly recommended practice
Insider tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, consider visiting Paris’ Sainte Chapelle, located a short 11-minute walk away! The gothic architecture and its breathtaking stained glass windows will leave you in awe. A bonus item to include in your list of things to do in Paris.
Sure, Paris in the summer is a classic. The sky is blue, the sun is shining… And after all, about a zillion other people have chosen Paris as their travel destination! But, visiting Paris in the Fall is also a great option.
Here are five reasons why you should visit The City of Light in the fall.
Visiting Paris after the summer rush means running into fewer tourists. This is convenient for visiting touristy areas, and not having to wait in long lines at major attractions. This also means being able to interact with more locals at restaurants, cafes, and shops! Plus, the staff tends to be more pleasant offseason.
Did you know that once temperatures drop, restaurants and cafes in Paris heat their outdoor terraces? This is why you can spot Parisians enjoying the outdoors, even as winter nears. Take advantage of soaking up the beauty of Paris’ outdoors by having a glass of wine or a coffee on one of the many terraces.
There are always plenty of great events and exhibitions going on in Paris, even in the fall. Visit the Palais de Tokyo or pass the Espace Fondation EDF and check out the exhibits of the moment. The Grand Palais and the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art are also quite cool to visit, aside from the great classics: Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, and Musée du Louvre.
Lower temperatures mean sipping on hot drinks to keep you warm. Take advantage of the autumn weather by sampling some of the city’s best hot chocolate. Drink up at Angelina, Les Deux Magots, Ladurée, and Les Marquis de Ladurée.
Colder weather also means layering and accessorizing. Dress up à la Parisienne/Parisien with chic, outdoor accessories. When in doubt, just add a scarf!
That’s it folks, our favorite 10 top things to do in Paris. Did we forget anything? Don’t be shy, share your favorite Paris attractions below!
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