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France
Best Things to Do in Paris
Looking for the best things to do in Paris? We've gathered 5 experiences covering the best attractions Paris is known for — tours in Paris, food walks, cultural highlights and Paris day trips — every one bookable directly with GetYourGuide, our trusted partner for skip-the-line tickets and local guides.
Landmarks
The unmissable landmarks of Paris
The Eiffel Tower tops almost every list of things to do in Paris, and the view from the Trocadéro at sunrise is the single most photographed angle in the city. Arrive early to beat the crowds, then ride or climb to the top for the panorama.
Pair it with the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the hilltop village of Montmartre for a single well-paced circuit. For the full planning walkthrough, see our Paris travel guide.
Food tours
Eat your way through Paris
Paris is a city that eats as beautifully as it looks, and a guided food tour is the single best way past the tourist menus — someone else navigates the markets, translates the labels and steers you to the fromageries, boulangeries and pâtisseries the locals actually use.
For a deeper dive, read our Paris food tours guide covering markets, pastries and wine, or browse every food tour we offer worldwide.
River cruises
The Seine from the water
A Seine cruise is the most efficient sightseeing tour in Paris — a single hour carries you past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the grand bridges, all from the water. Go at sunset, when the stone glows and the city lights come on, and you understand why Paris is called the City of Light.
Many of our Paris tours bundle a landmark with a river cruise, which is the most efficient way to see both in a single evening.
Day trips
Escapes beyond the city
Some of the best things to do in Paris are actually outside it. The Palace of Versailles, Claude Monet\'s gardens at Giverny, the medieval island of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Champagne region all make rewarding Paris day trips — the easiest worthwhile escapes when you want to see more without changing hotels.
Browse our day trips hub to compare escapes worldwide, or open the full Paris travel guide for planning tips.
Frequently asked questions
Paris travel FAQ
What are the top things to do in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre and a walk along the Seine headline most first visits. Pair them with a food tour through a covered market and a sunset river cruise for a well-rounded trip.
What are the best Paris tours?
Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower and Louvre tours save hours of queuing, while a guided walking tour of Montmartre or the Marais adds context you would miss alone. Many Paris tours bundle a landmark with a Seine cruise, which is the most efficient way to see both in a single evening.
Where are the best food tours in Paris?
The covered markets and fromageries of the Marais and Latin Quarter, the pâtisseries of Saint-Germain, and the cheese-and-wine tastings around Montmartre. A guided food tour lets someone else navigate, translate and order, and is one of the best ways to taste Paris beyond the obvious bistros.
Are Seine river cruises worth it?
Yes — a Seine cruise is the most efficient sightseeing tour in Paris. A single hour carries you past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the grand bridges, all from the water. Go at sunset, when the stone glows and the city lights come on, to understand why Paris is called the City of Light.
What day trips can I take from Paris?
The Palace of Versailles, Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny, the medieval island of Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Champagne region are all reachable as Paris day trips. Versailles is the easiest and pairs well with a morning in the gardens before the palace crowds build.
How many days do I need in Paris?
Four full days is a comfortable minimum — enough to cover the major landmarks, take a food tour, fit in a Seine cruise and add one day trip without rushing. Add a fifth day for a second day trip to Giverny or Champagne if you want to see more of the region.
What is the best time to visit Paris?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for mild weather and smaller crowds are the most pleasant. Summer is busy but warm and full of festivals, while winter (December to February) is crisp, quiet and atmospheric, with fewer queues at the major museums.
Explore Paris tours
Every Paris tour above is bookable directly with GetYourGuide — skip-the-line tickets, local guides and free cancellation on most experiences. Ready to dive deeper? Open the full Paris travel guide.