What to Do in Paris – Our Insiders Guide To The Best Activities

You're in Paris and the clock is ticking — but where to begin? With museums, markets, monuments, and more food than is polite to mention, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. That's why we've put together this practical, opinionated, and insider guide on what to do in Paris.

We've rounded up tried-and-true favorites, traveler-approved experiences, and the best ways to avoid the one thing we all loathe: lines. If you're wondering what to do in Paris that doesn't involve guesswork, you're in the right place. Think of this list as your backstage pass to the City of Light.

What to Do in Paris – Our Top 10 Picks for 2025

The Eiffel Tower, lit for nighttime, seen from a dinner cruise boat on the Seine

Let's skip the vague stuff and get straight to the hits. These are the top ten activities our readers book again and again — and for good reason. From gliding along the Seine on a dinner cruise (champagne in hand, obviously) to getting a Louvre art history download without queuing for an hour, these are the experiences that consistently deliver.

We've combed through the data, listened to your feedback, and put together this shortlist of can't-miss activities. It's your Paris starter kit — heavy on pleasure, light on hassle. No guesswork, just good ideas.

Best Things to Do in the Latin Quarter

The Pantheon, sitting at the highest point of the Latin Quarter, photo by Mark Craft

The Latin Quarter doesn't play hard to get — it's old, atmospheric, and bursting with stories. The best way to get your bearings here is on a guided activity or walking tour. Trust us, you'll see more than if you go it alone — and you'll actually understand what you're looking at.

Between the student vibe of the Sorbonne, the leafy calm of Luxembourg Gardens, and the crêpes on every corner, there's plenty to occupy your time. A tour saves you from wandering in a daze, trying to remember who built that big domed building. (Spoiler: it's the Pantheon.)

The Top Activities in the Marais

A couple, and-in-hand, enjoy a walk in the Marais

If Paris were a box of chocolates, the Marais would be the one you'd want to hoard. It's a compact neighborhood packed with everything: history, fashion, falafel, and that rare Parisian species — charming quiet streets.

We always recommend a food tour here — you'll learn more with a guide than you ever could staring at Google Maps with melted pain au chocolat on your phone. Whether you're on a bike, on foot, or on a cheese mission, the Marais reveals its secrets best when you're not in a rush.

What's Happening in Paris Right Now?

It's one thing to know the Eiffel Tower is always here. It's another to know what's going on this week — concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and events that don't get a spot on the souvenir calendar.

That's why we update our monthly what's-happening-in-Paris guide. If you want to know what to do in Paris during your visit — not just in theory, but in real time — this is where to look. You'll find ballets, concerts, open-air events, and the occasional quirky gem that doesn't make it into most guidebooks.

First-Time Visitor Activities in Paris

First time in Paris? Bienvenue! Now stop trying to plan the perfect day and let us help. We've gathered the activities that never fail first-timers: the things that leave you gobsmacked, impressed, or just plain delighted.

It's not about checking boxes. It's about doing the things that make people fall in love with Paris — and brag about it later. Our list of essential activities strips away the fluff and focuses on what's actually memorable. If you're still wondering what to do in Paris, this is a very good place to start.

How to Skip the Lines in Paris

A long line-up of people waiting for tickets to the Eiffel Tower

If we had a motto, it might be "never wait in line if you don't have to". The truth is, some of the best things to do in Paris are also the busiest. But there are ways to slip past the hordes like a seasoned traveler (without shoving).

Skip-the-line tours are our not-so-secret weapon. Want to see the Mona Lisa without elbowing your way through a rugby scrum? Want to ascend the Eiffel Tower without losing half a day? We've gathered the smartest options to keep you on the move.

Ballet, Opera & Classical Music – Paris After Dark

Culture in Paris isn't a sideshow — it's the main event. And it happens in the most beautiful buildings in town. A ticket to the ballet at Palais Garnier or a concert at Sainte-Chapelle isn't just entertainment; it's time travel with excellent acoustics.

Even if you're not a classical buff, seeing Vivaldi in a Gothic chapel lit by candlelight will make a believer out of you. Bonus: these events let you inside historic venues without pretending to know French. (Though brushing up on "bravo!" never hurts.)

Classical Concert Resources

• La Sainte-Chapelle Concert Listings…
• Ballet, Opera & Music at Palais Garnier…
• Paris Ballet Calendar…
• Paris Opera Calendar…

The 10 Best Things To Do In Paris In Spring

Spring is Paris at its most persuasive. The city starts showing off — cafe chairs spill onto sidewalks, blossoms fluff out in the gardens, and everything seems possible with the right scarf.

We've pulled together the best spring activities that make the most of the season, from market visits and park picnics to Seine-side bike rides. This is the version of Paris you imagine when you close your eyes and sigh.

The 9 Most Romantic Things to do in Paris

It's not a myth — Paris really does seduce. It practically hands you the script. Champagne for two, candlelit dinners, rooftop views, bridges for kissing… it's all here, and it's not trying to be subtle.

We've gathered the most romantic things to do in Paris for those traveling with a partner (or, frankly, for anyone trying to impress one). From twilight cruises to jazz clubs, you'll find enough swoon-worthy ideas to fill a honeymoon — or at least a very memorable weekend.

Carnaval de Paris

Carnaval de Paris parade dancers wearing red, white & blue, photo Wikimedia by Julien Ricard

The Carnaval de Paris is a celebration of color, creativity, and community. From the historic Promenade du Boeuf Gras to the grand parade winding through the streets of Paris, this joyous festival brings the city and its denizens to life. Don your best costume, join the festivities, and immerse yourself in this joyful Parisian tradition. Don't miss Pimprenelle, the Carnaval's beloved mascot!

What to Do in Paris? Get to Know it from an Open-Air Bus

For first-timers and those who just want to have a fun experience, we like the hop-on open-air bus tours. You really get a feeling for Paris in just a short time. And the buses go all over the place, so you can see a lot. The great thing is that you can get off whenever you want and then hop back on when you're done exploring that quartier. Sure, it may be a bit touristy, but what a blast.

Romantic Ideas for Proposing in Paris

It's the City of Love, so could there possibly be a better place to propose? We don't think so, and we've collected some positively romantic ideas to help get your new life together started. How about this idea — propose during a private horse-and-carriage ride through Paris, complete with champagne, roses, and a professional photographer to capture the moment?

We also like the idea of popping the question during a dinner cruise on a private yacht. But, we're just getting started, so find out more. Did we mention the vintage Rolls Royce?

5 Unusual Things To Do In Paris

If you've already seen the Louvre, already visited Versailles, already ridden on the open-top buses, what's next? The great thing about Paris is that it is absolutely filled with things to do and see, so you never run out of new choices. And that's true for these five unusual activities that take you beyond the ordinary visitor experience — like a World War II tour of Paris, a hot-air balloon extravaganza at nearby Chateau de Fontainebleau, even cruising around Paris is a vintage Rolls Royce.

Skip-the-Line Museum Tours

Standing outside the Louvre Museum or Musée d'Orsay in a slowly-moving line while your feet go numb? Not on our watch. We've long championed skip-the-line museum tours — and not just for the time saved.

These tours come with an expert who knows the art, knows the layout, and knows how to keep you from wandering the wrong wing for 45 minutes. You see the highlights, you learn a thing or two, and you're out in time for a civilized glass of wine. (Of course you can stay in the museum as long as you want after the tour ends.)

Paris Honeymoon Planning

We've told you about the top romantic things to do in Paris, and shared our ideas for proposing in Paris. That's out of the way! So, now let's consider how to best plan your honeymoon in the most romantic city in the world. (Where else would you go?)

You'll want to learn about the most romantic honeymoon hotels, that's step one. But you'll also want to know about the extra-special honeymoon activities like a champagne-fueled horse-drawn carriage ride past the Eiffel Tower, with roses and champagne. Or a romantic dinner cruise on a private yacht. We have nine great ideas for you.

Paris for Kids

Let's see — we've covered romance, proposing in Paris, and honeymoon planning. It seems the next thing to talk about is what to do with your kids when you take them to Paris. That's is pretty easy, because there's plenty to see and do for children.

We've been traveling to the City of Fun with our son since he was a toddler, and over the years we've sourced some of the funnest places & activities that make kids happy — hands-on science museums and two great zoos top the list.

Paris Zoological Park – What to Do in Paris

A giraffe looks at the camera at the Paris Zoological Park, photo by Mark Craft

The large zoo on the east side of Paris has been completely remade during a multi-year, 200 million Euro renovation. The Paris Zoo is now a world-class animal park with 40 acres of additional space, cleverly designed biozones, and programs to preserve and protect endangered animals.

Let's take a trip on Metro Line 1 to Vincennes (the zoo provides no parking facilities) to wander the paths, visit the habitats, and marvel at the wildlife.

Shopping at the Iconic Department Stores

Paris is, of course, a great city for shopping and has some of the finest department stores in the world. In fact, you could say that department stores were invented here. The large department store Printemps opened its doors in 1865 and has remained a popular destination for Parisiens as well as travelers. We'll take you shopping at Printemps and three other fab department stores, including our personal favorite, Le Bon Marché.

Artisan Shopping at Viaduc des Arts

A young woman walks between shops, photo Viaduct des Arts

In the 12th Arrondissement, under the brick arches of an abandoned rail line, is a kilometer-long row of workshops and retail spaces featuring some of the most interesting artisans and designers working in Paris today. Creating the Viaduct des Arts revived this abandoned strip and turned it into a fascinating shopping mecca.

By the way, above the arches there is now a verdant pedestrian trail, the tree-lined Promenade Plantée, where there once were railway tracks.

What to Do in Paris – Final Thoughts

The best thing about Paris? You can return again and again and still find something new to do. From market strolls to museum marathons to rooftop champagne, the city keeps finding ways to charm you.

Whether you've got three days or three weeks, this guide should keep your time here packed with the good stuff. So go forth, skip some lines, see some ballet, and for heaven's sake, don't forget to look up.