Whether you’re a Parisian by birth or by heart, there’s bound to be a place you’ve never seen in Paris. Here’s our to-do list of things to see and do at least once in your life in the City of Light. Take tea at the Grand Mosque, stroll along the quayside, visit a museum… there’s no shortage of things to do!
1 – Visit the catacombs
The catacombs of Paris are one of the capital’s must-see sights! This ossuary, the largest on the planet, is a veritable underground labyrinth. A unique hidden world, stretching over 300 km, where the remains of Parisians have lain from floor to ceiling since 1777.
📍1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
2 – A different way to visit Montmartre
Montmartre is certainly one of Paris’s most charming districts. Its hilly streets, Sacré Coeur basilica and unique view of Paris have always made it a favorite spot for artists. To soak up the magic of this place in an original way, why not take part in a guided tour? Here’s one that’s worth the detour! To progress through the story told by the guide, you’ll have to solve puzzles and riddles. Nice, isn’t it?
📍59 boulevard de Clichy, 75009 France
3 – Feast your eyes on the Sainte Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is certainly one of France’s most beautiful royal chapels. Its stained glass windows, whose color changes with the light, depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A jewel of French heritage, well worth a visit! Get ready to be amazed!
📍10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001
4 – Visit the Conciergerie
Abandoned by the kings of France towards the end of the 14ᵉ centuries, the Conciergerie became a prison and then a revolutionary court. A veritable theater of the French Revolution, it was home to protesters and sovereigns alike… like Queen Marie-Antoinette. A piece of French history you need to discover!
📍2 boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
5 – Getting lost in Père-Lachaise cemetery
The Père-Lachaise cemetery is probably one of the best-known in the world. Nestled in a surprisingly bucolic setting when you first enter it, the cemetery is home to a whole host of curiosities. You’ll be able to see some unusual and sometimes fantastic-looking tombs, and even find out where some famous people are buried. Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Molière, Frédérique Chopin… If you’re lucky, you might even come across a little fox! The cemetery is home to many wild animals.
📍8 boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020
6 – Take a trip to Disneyland Paris to see Mickey and friends
Are you a Disney fan? You simply can’t miss Disneyland Paris. Come and see Mickey, Minnie and all their friends in this magical park! Here you’ll find thrill rides such as Hyperspace Mountain mission 2 and the not-to-be-missed Mine Train. If you prefer more chill activities, Alice’s Labyrinth or the Haunted House might be more to your liking.
📍Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray
🚆RER A towards Marne-la-Vallée Chessy
7 – Eat a delicious pastry at the Ritz counter
For a well-deserved gourmet break, we recommend you try the pastries at the Ritz counter. Refined sweet dishes lovingly crafted by pastry chef François Perret. We love our filled madeleines, signature marble cake and red fruit tart. A pure moment of happiness!
📍38 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
8 – Attend a concert lit by hundreds of candles
For a magical, musical evening, we urge you to try Candlelights. The principle? Attend a classical music concert surrounded by over a hundred candles. Discover iconic pieces, classical favorites and more contemporary songs, and enjoy every moment.
📍2 Cours des Maréchaux, 75012 Paris, 75012
9 -Visit the Palace of Versailles, home of the Sun King
Okay, we’re not in Paris, but it’s impossible not to go! Versailles is France’s most extravagant royal palace. For 400 years now, this castle has fascinated and amazed. Home of the Sun King, this grandiose place steeped in history has seen the greatest pass through its doors. Come and admire the Hall of Mirrors, the Trianon estate and the meticulously tended gardens.
📍Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
🚆RER C then get off at Versailles Rives Gauche / Chantiers.
10 – Admire the Médicis fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg
The Fontaine Médicis is one of the most beautiful fountains in Paris. And with good reason: it was commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis in person, if you please! If it is still important today, it is because it is the only vestige of this type of construction commissioned by the Queen. Restored after the French Revolution, it has retained all its original splendor and beauty.
📍Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris
11 – See a ballet at the Paris Opera
The Palais Garnier is a national treasure not to be missed. Ranked among the three most beautiful theaters in the world, the Palais Garnier has always been the center of Parisian cultural life. King Louis XIV and his favorite composer Lully have trodden its boards, as have today’s biggest names on the artistic scene.
📍Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
12 – Take a bateau-mouche on the Seine
The bateaux-mouches are THE must-see Parisian cliché. For 1 hour or an evening, you’ll cruise the Seine and discover Paris from a whole new angle. An unusual cruise to take with your friends or crush.
13 – See the Louvre pyramids
As much adored as hated at their inaugurations in 1989, the Louvre’s pyramids are the 3ᵉ most visited works on the site after the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The five pyramids, including the inverted one, have not only brightened up the museum, but also, and above all, enlarged it. A must-see in Paris, that even Queen B can see up close.
📍Quai François Mitterrand, 75001 Paris
14 – Greeting the Mona Lisa
This little lady named Mona Lisa, with her shy smile, has seen many admirers! Its history is just as rocky as its reputation, and centuries later it is still the subject of much interest and theorizing. It has to be said that Leonardo da Vinci‘s painting draws crowds to the Louvre! Several million people from all four corners of the globe come here every year, perhaps to discover its secrets.
📍Quai François Mitterrand, 75001 Paris
15 – Go to the capital’s highest rooftop
If you want to take in the sights, we suggest you go to the TOO Tac Skybar. Why this rooftop and not another? Simply because it’s the highest rooftop in Paris. 120 meters high! Enjoy the capital’s most beautiful sunsets!
📍65 rue Bruneseau, 75013 Paris
16 – Climb to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower
You don’t think we’d forget that, do you? If there’s one thing you’ve got to see, it’s the Iron Lady! A symbol not only of Paris, but also of France, the Eiffel Tower fascinates. Its elegance is still intact 133 years later. If you’re not afraid of heights, we recommend climbing to the top floor to admire the view. Simply magical!
📍5 avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
17 – See Paris from the Montparnasse Tower observatory
Another beautiful view, but not just any view. A 360° view of the whole of Paris! For this, we suggest you visit the observatory at the Tour de Montparnasse. Perched at a height of over 200 metres, the view of the whole of Paris is breathtaking. From UP, you can see the Pantheon, the Sacré-Coeur and, of course, our beloved Eiffel Tower! It’s certainly one of the most beautiful views in the city.
📍33 avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
18 – Applaud the musical The Lion King
This musical has been around for 18 years. Since its Broadway premiere, The Lion King has enchanted audiences of all ages with its colorful sets and costumes. If you haven’t already, now’s the time!
📍 25, rue de Mogador, 75009 Paris
19 – See the “I love you” wall
A little poetry in this world! And what better way to conjugate love in 250 different languages than on the “I love you” wall? The “I love you” wall brings together over 300 ways of expressing love in several languages. And we need it!
📍Square Jean Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
20 – See the brand-new Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts gets a make over! The favorite spot for lovers, who once came to symbolically seal their love with a padlock hanging from its gates, has been completely rehabilitated. No more padlocks for security, but a new, highly resistant floor, and a sublime view over the Seine.
📍Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris
21 – See the Pompidou Center
The Centre Pompidou will close in 2025… for 5 years! So before it closes for renovation, be sure to visit one of the most daring Modern Arts museums of the 20ᵉ centuries.
📍Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris
22 – Making your own beer
For an original and unusual activity, we suggest you become a brewmaster for a day. Take part in a beer-brewing workshop with your bestie, select your recipe and create your very own bespoke brew. You can then enjoy your beer two weeks later!
📍La Beer Fabrique, 75011 Paris
23 – Doing the Musée Grévin
If you want to see lifelike wax statues of your favorite celebrities, this is the place. The Musée Grévin takes you on a journey through time, exploring France from centuries past to the present day. An unusual activity for the general public, unique in Paris!
📍Musée Grévin, 75009 Paris
24 – Passing through the Galerie Vivienne
One of the most beautiful covered galleries in Paris is certainly the Galerie Vivienne. Listed as a historical monument since 1974, this neoclassical Pompeian-style shopping arcade has lost none of its splendor. A charming, romantic place to stroll.
📍6 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
25 – Go to MAD for culture
Paris is the capital of fashion! If you love fine furniture and haute couture, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is simply the place for you. More than a million items from archives and collections rarely seen in public are on display.
📍107, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
26 – Take a trip to the Moulin Rouge cabaret to see a real French cancan
It’s impossible to visit Paris without visiting a real cabaret at least once. And who could be more iconic than the Moulin Rouge? Its fairy-tale revues and feathered, sequined costumes have been thrilling Paris for over 100 years. We go there to dine with friends and applaud the artists!
📍82 boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
27 – Hot chocolate at Angelina’s
For us, Angelina is one of the best hot chocolate bars in Paris. This rich, gourmet chocolate can be enjoyed on the premises or to take away, and above all: without moderation!
📍226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
28 – Brunch at Le Loir dans la théière
For a successful and cosy tea time, we highly recommend this address. You can sample the delicious home-made pastries for which it is famous, and choose from a fine selection of teas! Granted, this little tea room is often busy. But believe us, the wait is worth it!
📍3 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
29 – See the Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges is certainly one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. Surrounded by private mansions, such as Victor Hugo’s house nearby, this royal square has been delighting Parisians since 1612. In fact, it was one of the first places dedicated to walking! If you want a bucolic break in a historic setting, this is the place to go!
📍Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
30 – Saying hello to Notre-Dame
A jewel of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame is currently being restored and remains a Paris landmark. Built on the Île de la Cité, the cathedral has been closed to visitors for almost four and a half years. However, you can still admire it from the outside, and learn a little more about the pharaonic construction work that has been going on for some years, thanks to the panels that surround the site.
📍6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
31 – Enjoy a cup of coffee at Café de Flore
This is the Parisian literary café par excellence. A little cliché, but so charming, the Café de Flore has played host to some of the world’s greatest names. The couple Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre made it their HQ, and Guillaume Apollinaire had his offices on the first floor… In short, Café de Flore is the place to be for creatives and artists. Enjoy a good cup of coffee or a comforting hot chocolate in its inspiring setting.
📍172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
32 – Buy a book from one of Paris’s quayside booksellers
We’re continuing with the clichés, this time taking you on a stroll along the quays of Paris. You’re bound to have spotted a string of open-air boutiques on the quays of the Seine? That’s where we’re taking you. Since the XVIᵉ, these Parisian bouquinistes have been offering a selection of books to all the city’s onlookers. Today, you can find your literary nugget over 3 km long, as well as prints, stamps and more.
33 – Enjoy an ice cream at Berthillon
Let’s make a well-deserved stop to taste one of the best artisanal ice creams in Paris. Since 1954, people have been flocking here to try these tasty ice creams, whose recipe has remained unchanged since the establishment opened.
📍31 Rue Saint Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris.
34 – A feast for the eyes at the Galerie Dior
Come and immerse yourself in the world of fashion and luxury from the iconic brand! The Galerie Dior is a unique and fascinating 2,000 m² museum where you can discover the entire history of Christian Dior. We go there to admire archival pieces, original sketches and spectacularly staged models.
📍11 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris
35 – Rent a boat at La Villette then go to an open-air cinema
La Villette is one of the green lungs of Paris. We go there to rent a boat without a license, and cross the Canal de l’Ourcq with family or friends. In summer, it’s a great place to stroll and enjoy an open-air cinema on the deckchairs. The Program changes every year, and is designed for all ages!
📍Bassin de la Villette, 75019 Paris
36 – An immersive escape game
If you’re looking for an original and fun activity for several people, we recommend you try an immersive escape game at least once. The Live Thriller is a breathtaking criminal investigation in which you take on the role of an investigator. Join Inspector Nils and his team as they unravel the mysteries of this case.
📍Rue de Trétaigne, Paris, France, 75018
37 – An original games bar: the Player One
This geek spot par excellence is a paradise for lovers of retro-gaming and board games. It’s a bit like being at home here! You can choose one of the 60 games of your choice from the games library, sip a cocktail or read a manga. Certainly one of the most unusual bars in Paris!
📍224 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris
38 – Tour the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, stopping off at the Pavillon du Lac
As one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, the Buttes-Chaumont is well worth a visit. From here, you can stop off at the Pavillon du Lac to recharge your chakras and admire the exceptional view.
📍1-7 rue botzaris, 75019 Paris
39 – Eating a croissant at Chez Meunier
Voted best croissant in Paris in 2023, Chez Meunier bakery offers you fresh organic bread, amazing viennoiseries and creative pastries every day. Needless to say, everything is homemade!
📍185 rue de Crimée, 75 019 Paris
40 – Going to the Red Children’s Market
It’s the oldest food market in Paris! The Marché des Enfants Rouges has been a lively place since 1615, where people love to fill their baskets with good produce. You can also sit out on the terrace or eat delicious sandwiches on the go.
📍39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
41 – Drink and Paint with friends
How about an original and creative evening? To beat the monotony, we recommend Drink and Paint evenings. The goal is simple: Come alone or with your friends to the painting workshop and enjoy a glass of fine wine. You don’t have to be Picasso to take part! The idea is to reproduce a work of art as you wish, and have fun doing it. Paints, brushes, canvas… All materials are available. Conviviality guaranteed!
📍49 Rue Albert Thomas, 75010 Paris
42 – Visit the Ferme de Gally – Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole
If you’re craving nature, take a trip to Gally Farm. This educational farm offers an invigorating walk where you can discover the farm animals, the meadow, the lake and the Gally woods. The farm offers regular workshops for children aged 5 to 12, including bread-making and apple juice production. A relaxing return to our roots!
📍 CD 7, Route de Bailly, 78210 Saint-Cyr-l’École, France
43 – Laughing heartily at Don K
Le Don k is more than a comedy club: it’s a must for anyone who likes to laugh and make others laugh. From Paul Mirabel to Sugar Sammy and Amelle Chahbi… They’ve all been to the Don K! Here, 4 comedians perform every night to entertain you and make you laugh. The Program changes frequently, so you’ll always be surprised!
📍10 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007
44 – A real speakeasy at the Moonshiner
If you’ve never tried a speakeasy, you’ve got to at least check out the Moonshiner. Push open the doors of the cold room at Da Vito’s Italian restaurant, and plunge into the 1930s world of this hidden bar like no other. We go there for its cosy setting, and to enjoy tasty cocktails.
📍5 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris
45 – Taste the fine cuisine of Virtus, a Michelin-starred restaurant
In the “Best Michelin-starred restaurant” category, we find Virtus. This gourmet restaurant offers balanced, refined dishes that will awaken all your senses. Red tuna marinated in yuzu and bonito vinegar, carpaccio of button mushroom and summer truffle with melting artichokes…If you want to treat yourself to a weekday lunch, you can discover the 3-act menu for 50 euros. A budget indeed, but justified by the high quality of the products and service.
📍29 rue de Cotte, 75 012 Paris
46 – Visit the Petit Palais and relax in its garden
The Petit Palais, a museum dedicated to the fine arts in Paris, was one of the jewels erected for the 1900 exhibition. While its big brother, the Grand Palais, offers visitors a much larger surface area, the Petit Palais has nothing to envy. The interior garden, ideal for relaxation and contemplation, is the perfect place to relax after an exhibition.
📍Avenue Winston-Churchill, 75008 Paris
47 – See the BNF Richelieu library
A feast for the eyes: that’s what you immediately think of when you enter the studious atmosphere. After 12 years of work, the Richelieu site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France is a sight to behold, with its 1,200 m³ of floor space! A playground for lovers of books, culture and history. If the venue can be intimidating, know that the Oval Room is free and open to all, with no age limits.
📍58, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris
48 – A trip to the Samaritaine
Freshly renovated and reopening to the public in 2021, La Samaritaine is an Art Deco treasure trove. We like to go there to admire every nook and cranny of its architecture, have a coffee on the top floor and, of course, go shopping (if you’ve got the budget of course). A simply magical place.
📍9 rue de la Monnaie, 75001
49 – A splash in the Molitor swimming pool
A summertime refuge for Parisians for almost 60 years, the Molitor swimming pool is clearly a mythical Parisian landmark. Opened in 1969, the Molitor (which is also a hotel) has always been a place where it was fashionable to be seen. It’s always a pleasure to go for a dip, or to perch on top of the rooftop in fine weather! This is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels with swimming pool in Paris.
📍4 Rue Nungesser et Coli, 75016 Paris
50 – Tea in the Great Mosque
For a timeless break, we recommend a mint tea in the gardens of the Grand Mosquée, a place of worship for Muslims and a sublime place to see in Paris. Firstly, because the location is truly sublime, and above all because the tea and traditional pastries are excellent. A very different and unusual place in Paris!
51 – A horror escape game for a good thrill
On the unusual side, we suggest you try a horror escape game. It’s the perfect opportunity to share a thrill with friends, strengthen ties and have fun at the same time! Our favorite? The Paris slaughterhouse, where you’ll be pursued by a serial killer…
📍 23 rue servan, 75011 Paris
🎮 2 to 5 players
☠️ Difficulty all levels
52 – Buy flowers from the oldest florist in Paris
Giving flowers is a bit like saying I love you, isn’t it? Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or St. Ingelin’s Day, flowers are always a good idea. As for florists, we love L’Arroisoir, the oldest in Paris. For over 100 years, he’s been gracing the homes of Parisians with his fresh, seasonal flowers. The boutique is sublime, and can even be privatized for events! A unique place to discover!
🌷80 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris
53 – Getting lost in the Paris Aquarium
Did you know that Paris is home to the world’s oldest aquarium? The Aquarium de Paris was founded in 1867 and boasts some amazing species for the whole family to discover. A unique space in the heart of the city to see at least once in your life!
📍5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
54 – Take your time in a coffee shop
If you like coffee, Paris is full of great places to unwind for a cup (or two). Our favourite address? Coeur épicerie. A very cosy coffee shop, where you can enjoy a Colombian coffee to die for.
📍18 Rue du Général Guilhem, 75011 Paris
55 – Treat yourself to a delicious tea time in an exceptional setting
How about a comforting tea time? Whether at the Hôtel de Crillon, The Peninsula or the Lutetia, there’s bound to be a tea time for you. A delicious moment, away from it all, to enjoy with loved ones.