Paris delivers on every cliche: world-class art, grand boulevards, neighbourhood cafes, and a beauty that can stop you mid-stride. This guide covers the best things to do in Paris, from the essential icons to neighbourhood discoveries.
Iconic Landmarks
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s defining landmark. Book tickets online at least a month ahead for summer visits; summit tickets sell out fastest. Stairs tickets (to the second floor) are cheaper and often available at shorter notice (674 steps). The best views of the tower itself are from Trocadero across the Seine. Go early morning or at night when the tower sparkles on the hour. Allow 2 to 3 hours. The Champ de Mars park below is free and excellent for picnics.
The Louvre
The world’s largest and most visited museum houses the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and over 35,000 works of art. Book tickets online (17 euros) at least a week ahead. The museum is overwhelming; prioritize a few sections rather than trying to see everything. The Carrousel du Louvre entrance (from the metro) is less crowded than the Pyramid. Free entry on the first Saturday evening of each month. Closed Tuesdays. Allow 3 hours minimum.
Neighbourhood Life
Montmartre retains its village-like charm on the hilltop, crowned by the gleaming Sacre-Coeur basilica. The view from the dome is one of Paris’s best (300 steps, 6 euros). Le Marais offers medieval streets, trendy boutiques, and the Place des Vosges. Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the historic literary quarter with the Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots. The Latin Quarter buzzes with student energy and bookshops around the Sorbonne. The best Paris experience is often simply walking, stopping at a cafe, and watching the city go by.
