Location: Paris
Top Things to do in Paris
Top 10 Things to do in Paris, Ile-de-France
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Musee d'Orsay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65,765 reviews
This beautiful museum, once a railroad station, now houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other items created between 1848 and 1914. In 2011, the museum is running a renovation of the top floor (impressionist gallery). Only ground and medium floor are accessible. The top floor will re-open on the 20th of October. Meanwhile, some impressionist masterpieces are not visible.
Reviewed By 576elizabethc576 - Montpelier Station, United States
Excellent museum, incredible use of old train station space, loads and loads of lovely and important French art, easy to walk, large open spaces, good cafes, perfect light. We walked right in in June, no waiting, arrived at opening. Highly recommend.
2. Eiffel Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140,260 reviews
Completed in 1889, this colossal landmark, although initially hated by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride.
Reviewed By MayaBToy - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Amazing place and I conquered my fear of heights ...if you are fearless go all the way to the top the view is mesmerizing... at night the light show from the Iron Lady is breathtaking
3. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71,255 reviews
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By ashwathramr - Kochi (Cochin), India
A must visit landmark Cathedral in Paris, I turned up at 7:45 AM.. early and entered inide at 8 : 00 AM, the exterior architecture is amazing magnificent , the cathedral is stunning with ornate and intricate statues and two bell tower , he facade of the Cathedral is well designed in Gothic architectural style, the interiors of the cathedral is impressive with high column and glass works ,as i walked inside the cathedral i was just lost in the era of the Gothic Period. This is one of the best cathedral that i ve ever visited in my life. You can capture some of the stunning views of the cathedral . My suggestion to visit the cathedral is enter the cathedral in the morning early hours , when the crowd is less, the entry is free, but you have to stand in line to enter and security check is there. the touristic crowd and group tour pours in so visit at early is always the best to enjoy your visit to this marvelous masterpiece.. At evening hour the views of the cathedral is also stunning...there is a huge open space in front of the cathedral for capturing beautiful views.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45,103 reviews
The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée. Inspired by the great arches of antiquity, the monument combines the commemorative with the symbolic and it has always played a major role in the national republican consciousness. Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. An exhibition portrays the history and explains its symbolic importance, nationally as well as internationally. The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues.-Opening hours : April to September: from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; October to March: from 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.-Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July (morning), 11th November (morning), 25th December-Entry fees: Adults = 9,5 €; Concessions = 6 €; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Aveiri - Cuernavaca, Mexico
You visit the Arc crossing underground from Champs Elyseés, visit the unknown soldier tomb and it fire, from there you can see Place de la Concorde Obelisk, the details in its walls are well detailed, the scenes that represent are monumentals, love to see under the roof
5. Louvre Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99,632 reviews
Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world's greatest art museum, with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages.
Reviewed By 419udays - Pune, India
This was my second visit here The place is mesmerising what with loads of historic information on the audio guide as you traverse through various lounges Painting and Sculptures were our forte then and now also
6. Montmartre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,757 reviews
Located in the 18th Arrondissement, this elevated rural neighborhood on the outskirts of the city has a collection of upscale shops and cafés and still exudes hints of old village charm.
Reviewed By RaeBar - Durban, South Africa
It's hard to believe that Montmatre is part of the frenetically-busy city of Paris! It has an old bohemian village feel about it and has much less traffic. There's loads to see, from the amazing Sacre-Coeur Cathedral towering above the city, to the famous Moulin Rouge, little streets meandering up and down the hillside, the buzzing artists' square of Place du Tertre, the fascinating old Cemetary, loads of cafes, restaurants & galleries and so much more!
7. Seine River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,513 reviews
This famous river flows from east to west through the heart of the city and divides Paris's Left Bank and Right Bank.
Reviewed By Matteomartinii28 - Paris, France
You can find moments on the bridges (des Arts for the romantic locks) or from the River itself on a Hop on Hop off boat - you can go from museum to museum (the Louvre to D'Orsay) and see the beautiful Eiffel Tower throughout...the best moments may be the cafes, street artists and crepe makers, but Paris charm resides in all of it! I love this city and its river!
8. Sainte-Chapelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,113 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By KVirgils - London, United Kingdom
Glorious and uplifting to walk around this beautiful chapel Every time I visit I marvel at the windows especially if you visit when the sun is shining !
9. Palais Garnier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,408 reviews
This performance hall hosts opera, ballet and chamber music performances.
Reviewed By globalfinder312 - Chicago, United States
Don't miss seeing the Palais Garnier, even if you never attend the opera or ballet. This is one of Paris' grand buildings, and I enjoyed the experience of learning it's history on a guided tour of it's exceptionally beautiful and ornate architecture, paintings, sculpture and more -- after hours without the crowds. You will learn the challenges of its design, about the architect (and how and where Garner became the first to memorialize his creation); about the history at its inception, followed by its opening after France had become a republic. I am not a devout Phantom of the Opera fan. Yet it was amazing to hear the story told where it took place. The 90-minute guided tour that begins at 5pm sells out so it would be best to reserve a space and pay for your tickets ahead of time. Easily done on the website. Bring a copy of your receipt and convert it into tickets at the box office. Our delightful tour guide Karen lead an informative and enjoyable tour, and was exceptionally kind to children in the group.
10. Musee de l'Orangerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,167 reviews
Reviewed By ayubq2013 - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Paris has numerous fascinating museums, but if I am asked to pick my favourite, I would probably choose Musée de l’Orangerie. This small museum, tucked in the West corner of of the famous Tuileries Gardens, next to the Place de la Concorde, houses a wonderful collection of impressionist and post impressionist paintings. The museum is most famous as the permanent home of the eight large water lily murals by Claude Monet. These 8 panels, 2 metres high and spanning 91 metres length, are arranged in 2 oval rooms purpose built for the paintings. Monet is said to have helped with the architectural design, with skylights for observing the paintings in natural light. The effect is absolutely stunning. A visit to the l’Orangerie only to see Monet’s water lilies can be a justification in itself, but the museum offers much more. It also contains fascinating paintings by Cezanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, Rousseau, Sisley, Utrillo and others. Built in 1852 as a store for citrus plants of the Tuileries Gardens, l’Orangerie was turned into an art gallery after WWI. It was remodelled several times since, notably once after WWI to house Monet’s water lilies and subsequently after 1960 to accommodate the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collections acquired in 1959 and 1963 respectively. We found the l’Orangerie less crowded than most other museums in Paris. if one is willing to spend 2 to 3 hours, it is possible to take in the entire museum in one visit, something not feasible in most other museums. Overall, a very pleasant and rewarding museum visit.
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