The 7 Most Memorable Things to Do in Paris
From timeless icons to magical escapes, here’s how to experience the City of Light at its best.
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world — and for good reason. From world-famous monuments to magical family adventures, the City of Light offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for more, these top-rated activities will help you experience Paris like never before.
What to Do in Paris:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower
- Explore the Louvre Museum
- Cruise along the Seine River
- Escape to Disneyland Paris
- See the city on a sightseeing bus tour
- Experience the Moulin Rouge
- Discover the Palace of Versailles
1. Eiffel Tower
Rising 330 meters into the sky, the Eiffel Tower is more than a monument — it’s a rite of passage. Whether you ascend by lift to the summit or linger on the lower levels, the views are exquisite, particularly at sunset when the rooftops of Paris blush golden. Beneath the iron lattice, the Champ de Mars stretches like a velvet carpet, perfect for a picnic with wine and strawberries. By nightfall, the tower shimmers every hour, as if to remind you: this is Paris, and it is magic.
2. The Louvre Museum
Once a royal palace, the Louvre is now the world’s most celebrated museum — and for good reason. Within its grand halls, you’ll encounter masterpieces from every corner of civilization: the Mona Lisa, enigmatic and serene; the Venus de Milo, poised in timeless elegance; and the Winged Victory, rising from marble like a gust of myth. The building itself is a marvel — its galleries unfolding like a storybook, its pyramid courtyard shimmering under the Parisian sky.
3. Seine River Cruise
There’s something intimate and dreamlike about floating down the Seine. Day cruises reveal the life of the city in motion: joggers on the quays, booksellers along the Left Bank, and lovers stealing kisses on bridges. At night, the city transforms into a twinkling gallery of light. Glide past Notre-Dame, the glittering Eiffel Tower, and the historic façades of the Louvre as jazz drifts from onboard speakers and the wine gently warms in your glass.
4. Disneyland® Paris
Yes, Paris has its own castle — and it’s one you can walk through. Disneyland® Paris brings enchantment to every generation, with Sleeping Beauty’s Château at its heart and thrill rides like Hyperspace Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean just beyond. Kids squeal with delight as parades wind through pastel avenues; adults can’t help but surrender to the nostalgia. For an easy day trip, the RER A train from central Paris delivers you straight to the gates.
5. Paris Sightseeing Bus Tour
A hop-on hop-off bus tour might not be the most avant-garde way to see Paris, but it’s undeniably elegant in its simplicity. Recline on the open-air upper deck and let the city unfurl: the Arc de Triomphe rising from the Place Charles de Gaulle, the gilded dome of Les Invalides, the grand boulevards that once thrilled Hemingway. With audio guides in multiple languages, you can listen to stories of kings, revolutions, and artists — all while gliding through history.
6. Moulin Rouge
The red windmill of Montmartre has dazzled since 1889, and its legacy of opulence lives on in every cancan kick and sequin-studded costume. Inside the velvet-draped theatre, you’ll be transported to a world of cabaret fantasy — bold, colorful, unapologetically Parisian. Shows often include dinner service, with menus curated by top chefs. Dress to impress, arrive early, and prepare for a night that lingers long after the curtain falls.
7. Versailles Palace
Just 40 minutes from central Paris lies a world of mirrors, fountains, and powdered wigs. The Palace of Versailles — once the seat of French royalty — is an architectural poem. Inside, the Hall of Mirrors dazzles with chandeliers and gold leaf; outside, the formal gardens stretch for miles, a maze of clipped boxwoods and dancing fountains. Take a guided tour to understand how Louis XIV wielded power through spectacle — and don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s pastel-hued retreat hidden in the woods.
Final Thought
Whether you’re gazing across the city from the Eiffel Tower or sipping Champagne on a boat beneath it, Paris rewards those who linger — who look up, slow down, and let the romance of the city find them.
Disclosure
We’ve carefully selected these beloved activities and tours to help you make the most of your visit. We hope you find them useful and inspiring. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
