35 Things to Do in Paris: See the City Beyond the Guidebooks
Of course, there are the places everyone comes to Paris to see: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. But Paris is much more than its most famous landmarks. The city is made up of neighborhoods, stories, cafés, gardens, markets, museums, hidden corners, and everyday moments that are best discovered on foot.
Whether you're visiting Paris for the first time or returning for another adventure, here are 35 things to do in Paris; from iconic sights to places and experiences that can help you see the city beyond the guidebooks.
Iconic Paris
1. See the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
Start with one of the most recognizable views in Paris. From Trocadéro, you can admire the Eiffel Tower from across the Seine before walking toward the monument and exploring the surrounding area. Take a moment to look at the architecture, the Champ de Mars, and the people gathering around one of the world's most famous landmarks.
2. Walk the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées stretches between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde and remains one of the most famous avenues in the city. Walk along the avenue, browse the shops, and take in the grand architecture before continuing toward some of Paris's other major sights.
3. Climb the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe isn't just impressive from street level. If you're up for the climb, the top offers panoramic views across Paris, with the city's avenues spreading out from the monument in every direction. It's one of the best places to appreciate just how carefully Paris was planned.
4. Explore the Louvre
You could spend days inside the Louvre and still not see everything. The former royal residence is now home to one of the world's most famous museum collections, including works such as the Mona Lisa. If you have limited time, don't try to see everything. Choose a few sections that genuinely interest you and give yourself time to enjoy them.
5. Wander through the Tuileries Garden
After visiting the Louvre, step outside and slow down in the Jardin des Tuileries. Stroll along the paths, sit beside the fountains, or find a chair and watch Paris pass by.
6. Visit Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the city's defining landmarks. After its reopening in December 2024, visitors once again have the opportunity to admire the cathedral and explore the historic area around it.
7. Admire the stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle
Just a short walk from Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its extraordinary stained-glass windows. Its interior is a reminder that some of Paris's most impressive details aren't always visible from the street.
8. Walk across Île de la Cité
Take some time to explore the island at the heart of the Seine.
Walk along its streets, discover historic buildings, and look for quieter corners away from the main attractions. The area around Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Seine can easily become an entire afternoon of exploration.
Discover Paris Through Art & Culture
9. Explore Montmartre
Montmartre is one of those neighborhoods where wandering is part of the attraction. Follow the cobbled streets, discover small squares, admire the architecture, and take in the artistic history that has shaped the neighborhood, and don't be afraid to wander beyond the busiest streets. Join our exploring Montmartre tour to get the full experience from a local’s perspective.
10. Visit Sacré-Cœur
At the top of Montmartre sits the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Whether you visit the basilica itself or simply enjoy the panoramic view from the steps below, this is one of the city's classic stops.
11. Discover the Musée d'Orsay
Housed inside a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is particularly famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections.
12. Visit the Musée de l'Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l'Orangerie is especially known for Monet's enormous Water Lilies paintings. It's a smaller museum than the Louvre, making it a great choice when you want a focused cultural stop.
13. Visit the Musée Rodin
For something a little different, explore the work of Auguste Rodin. The museum combines sculpture with beautiful gardens, giving you an opportunity to enjoy art both indoors and outdoors.
14. Admire the Palais Garnier
You don't need to attend an opera to appreciate the Palais Garnier. Its grand architecture and elaborate interiors make the building worth visiting in its own right. Look up, look around, and pay attention to the details.
15. Explore Paris's street art
Paris isn't only a city of classical art. Street art can be found throughout different neighborhoods, with colorful murals, installations, and constantly changing pieces adding another layer to the city. The official Paris tourism office also highlights street art and open-air art as an important part of exploring Paris.
Walk Through Parisian Neighborhoods
16. Get lost in Le Marais
Le Marais is one of Paris's most atmospheric neighborhoods. Walk through its narrow streets, explore independent shops, stop for food, and admire the historic architecture.
17. Explore the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter combines history, student life, bookshops, cafés, and some of the city's oldest streets. Take your time exploring the neighborhood around the Sorbonne and the Seine.
18. Walk through Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long been associated with Parisian cafés, literature, art, and intellectual life. Spend an afternoon walking through the neighborhood and stopping whenever something catches your attention.
19. Wander along Canal Saint-Martin
For a different atmosphere, head toward Canal Saint-Martin. Walk alongside the water, cross its footbridges, and explore the cafés and shops around the canal. It's a great place to slow down and experience a more everyday side of Paris.
20. Discover Île Saint-Louis
Just beside Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis feels quieter and more residential. Walk along the island, admire its historic buildings, and enjoy the views of the Seine.
21. Explore Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil and the surrounding streets are perfect for anyone who wants to combine walking with food. Explore bakeries, cafés, food shops, and restaurants while taking in the lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Discover Paris's Hidden Corners
22. Find the Point Zéro
Near Notre-Dame, look down at the ground for a small brass marker known as Point Zéro des Routes de France. It traditionally marks the point from which distances from Paris are measured.
Fun Fact: There's even a local legend that stepping on it means you'll return to Paris.
23. Discover the Fontaine Médicis
Hidden within the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Fontaine Médicis is one of the garden's most romantic corners. The fountain dates back to the 17th century and has undergone several transformations over the centuries.
It's an easy place to miss if you're simply trying to tick off major attractions.
24. Explore Paris's covered passages
Step away from the busy streets and discover some of Paris's historic covered passages. These elegant arcades are home to shops, restaurants, galleries, and architectural details that offer a glimpse into another side of Paris.
The city's tourism office specifically highlights the covered passages among Paris's unusual and lesser-known places.
25. Look for Villa Léandre
Tucked away in Montmartre, Villa Léandre feels surprisingly far removed from the busy streets nearby. With its charming houses and quiet atmosphere, it's a perfect example of the small discoveries that make wandering Paris worthwhile.
26. Find the oldest tree in Paris
Head toward Square Viviani near Notre-Dame and you'll find what is recognized as the oldest tree in Paris; a robinia planted centuries ago.
It's another reminder that some of the city's most interesting stories can be found in places you might otherwise walk straight past.
27. Discover Paris's unusual architecture
Keep your eyes up while walking. From Art Nouveau façades to unusual buildings and decorative details, Paris has architectural surprises hiding in plain sight.
The official tourism office points to everything from the Art Nouveau building on Avenue Rapp to the city's unusual houses and historic details.
Eat, Drink & Live Like a Parisian
28. Start your morning with a croissant
It may be a cliché, but there's a reason it became one. Find a neighborhood boulangerie, order a fresh croissant, and enjoy it slowly with a coffee.
29. Stop at a Parisian café
Order a coffee, sit outside, and watch the city move around you. Café culture is part of the rhythm of Paris, and sometimes doing absolutely nothing for twenty minutes is the perfect activity.
30. Visit a local food market
Markets offer a completely different perspective on Paris. Browse fresh produce, cheese, bread, pastries, and other local specialties while seeing what everyday food shopping looks like in the city.
31. Have a picnic in a Parisian garden
Pick up some bread, cheese, fruit, and pastries, then find a beautiful spot in one of Paris's gardens or parks. It's simple, inexpensive, and very Parisian.
32. Try a classic French crêpe
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, stopping for a crêpe is an easy way to add a little French tradition to your day.
Look for a neighborhood crêperie and try something beyond the most obvious choice. Experience Paris on Foot
33. Walk along the Seine
Some of the best views in Paris are completely free. Walk along the Seine, cross its bridges, and stop whenever you find a view worth remembering. The river connects many of the city's most famous neighborhoods and monuments, making it one of the easiest ways to explore Paris on foot.
34. Watch the sunset over Paris
Find a viewpoint, settle in, and watch the city change as the sun goes down. Montmartre, the Seine, and several elevated viewpoints around the city can offer beautiful evening perspectives. The trick is not to rush to the next attraction, instead, stay for the moment.
You can join our Paris tour for an unforgettable experience.
35. Explore Paris with a local guide
And finally, don't underestimate the difference a local can make.
You can read about Paris before you arrive. You can save hundreds of places to Google Maps. You can follow a guidebook from one landmark to another, but walking through a city with someone who knows it personally gives you something a map can't. A local guide can introduce you to the stories behind the streets, point out details you might otherwise miss, and share the places they genuinely love.
That's exactly what TipWalk is about.
Walk cities differently with TipWalk. Plan Your Paris Walk Ready to discover Paris beyond the guidebooks? Explore TipWalk's small-group walking tours and find the walk that matches your curiosity. Book for free. Walk with a local. Tip what the journey was worth.
