66 Things to Do and See in Paris (2024)

Peruse the skylit arcades—Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Véro-Dodat, and Passage Colbert are all great options. They're the city's original shopping malls and full of tiny boutiques, bookstores, antique shops, cafés, and more uniquely Parisian spots.

One of the most extraordinary churches you'll ever see, this royal medieval chapel with its impressive gothic architecture and stunning 13th-century stained glass windows, is not to be missed.

Every summer, several spots around the city are transformed into pop-up beaches, each with its own unique theme. From sandy shores on the right bank in the center of the city to water sports at the Bassin de la Villette, these urban beaches bring a taste of the Riviera to Paris.

The largest cemetery within the city of Paris, Père Lachaise houses the graves of several notable writers, composers, and entertainers, including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Sarah Bernhardt, Marcel Marceau, Honore de Balzac, Marcel Proust, and even Jim Morrison.

Arguably the coolest, hippest, liveliest space for modern and contemporary art in Paris, the Palais de Tokyo is currently closed as new exhibitions are installed and will reopen June 23, 2016 with an entirely fresh collection.

Once a Beaux Arts railway station, this glass-ceilinged museum houses a permanent collection that ranges from neoclassicism to art nouveau—but the impressionist works by artists like Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and Seurat are the crown jewel of Musée d'Orsay.

For those more interested in medieval art, unicorn tapestries and Roman baths, head to the Musée de Cluny in the Latin Quarter.

Paris's answer to the High Line? No—the original High Line. Visit the Promenade Plantée (also known as Coulée Verte), the elevated railway-turned-park that inspired New York City's popular west side destination.

Separating the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde, the elegant Tuileries Gardens provide the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll. The French-style landscaping features statues and art throughout, two tranquil ponds, plus a ferris wheel and old-fashioned carousel. From June through August there is the Fête des Tuileries, a carnival with rides, games, and food.

Only recently made viewable to the public, Gustave Eiffel's secret personal apartment is perched on the third level of the tower. The petite space is still decorated in much of the original furnishings from when the architect used it as a cozy, quiet hideaway, as well as a spot for hosting prestigious guests.

Of course, no trip to the City of Light is complete without a stop at the Louvre. The central landmark is instantly recognizable by the iconic I.M. Pei designed glass pyramids that sit out front. Inside, you'll find a massive collection of over 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art—including, yes, the Mona Lisa.

Designed in the 1970s by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini, the Centre Pompidou garners attention for its high-tech style and unique colorful tubular façade. In addition to being an eye-grabbing feat of modern architecture, the Centre also houses the city's vast Public Information Library, the IRCAM music research institute, one of the city's best views on it's top floor and the Musée National d'Art Moderne, which is the largest modern art museum in Europe.

This stunning church sits atop the highest point in the city, overlooking Paris from the summit of Montmartre. Climb its famed steps and enjoy the views and be sure to explore the surrounding area while you're there—it's one of the most untouched, authentically Parisian neighborhoods in the city.

Take your pick of any of the several restaurants housed in the Eiffel Tower. On the first level you'll find 58 Tour Eiffel, which is open for lunch and dinner with breathtaking city views. Le Jules Verne is one floor up on the second level, offering exquisite contemporary French cuisine in an elegant, modern atmosphere. Finish your evening with a glass of bubbles at the Champagne Bar on the third level.

Just steps away from the Louvre is the elegant Belle Époque salon that's now home to Angelina, where you'll find the most decadent, velvety hot chocolate in all of Paris. Aim to go at an "off" time, if such thing exists, because on the weekends this place overflows with folks queuing up for that liquid cocoa.

Colette is Paris' go-to for a well-curated selection of designer pieces, tech accessories, books and jewelry, and Merci carries the best of everything from designer fashion labels like Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant to beauty goods, homewares, even flowers. This concept superstore also houses three cafés: Merci Canteen is great for brunch; the downstairs Used Book Café is perfect for a cup of coffee and a good read; Cinéma Café is a favorite place to stop in for a glass of wine and light bites.

Some might call it blasphemy to shop at a penny candy stand when you have all the wonderful Parisian chocolatiers at your doorstep. Nonetheless, there's something decidedly alluring about the vibrant, sugar-filled stalls lined up near the Odeon metro stop on the left bank. Plus, all those colorful confections make for a helluva Instagram pic.