Things to Do in Paris: Your Complete 2025 Guide

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• Why Paris Is Always the Right Answer
• Top 10 Things to See in Paris
• Ultimate Paris Bucket List (50+ Activities!)
• What to Do in Paris: Perfect Itinerary Tips
• Unusual & Unique Things to Do in Paris
• Things to Do in Paris France All Year
• Seasonal Paris Highlights
• Paris for Families, Couples & Solo
• Things to Do in Paros Greece vs. Paris
• Expert Paris Travel Tips
• FAQ: Things to Do in Paris
• Conclusion: Paris Awaits

Why Paris Is Always the Right Answer

Few cities offer the sheer variety of things to do in Paris. From chic boulevards to cozy cafés, monumental history to hidden treasures, Paris is a dream destination—whether this is your first visit or you return every year. In this definitive guide, you’ll explore what to do in Paris, find the best things to see in Paris top 10, uncover things to do in Paris France tailored to each season, and even compare Paris with other European gems like Paros, Greece.

For a variety of romantic escapes, check out our related article on Inexpensive Vacations for Couples: Affordable Romantic Getaways and Best Vacation Spots for Couples: Seasonal Getaways.

Top 10 Things to See in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower: The ultimate Paris experience—book your ticket ahead, soar to the summit, and catch sunset views you’ll never forget.
2. Louvre Museum: Home of the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces. Early morning or late evening tickets provide the quietest viewing.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral: Visit the restored façade, the evocative riverside, and Île de la Cité’s charming streets.
4. Musée d’Orsay: For impressionism lovers: Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh in a gorgeous riverside setting.
5. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Wander bohemian lanes, see real artists at work, and climb for panoramic city views.
6. Seine River Cruise: A sunset cruise reveals the city’s romance from the water.
7. Arc de Triomphe: Stand at the center of history, walk the Champs-Elysées, and climb the arch for stunning perspectives.
8. Luxembourg Gardens: A lush escape with fountains, statues, tennis courts, and free seats for lounging.
9. Palais Royal & Passages: Perfect for strolls through royal gardens and secret shopping arcades.
10. Pantheon: Learn about Paris’s legends and France’s intellectual legacy in this imposing monument.

Ultimate Paris Bucket List (50+ Activities!)

Paris is a city of endless possibilities—more than 50 unique things to do in Paris and surrounding neighborhoods. Here’s an expert local’s bucket list for 2025:

• Admire Art Nouveau buildings on Avenue Rapp
• Visit Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris
• Climb Montparnasse Tower for the city’s highest panoramic views
• Wander Le Marais’s vintage boutiques
• Discover catacombs for spine-tingling history
• Walk the Canal Saint-Martin at sunset
• Visit Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass (book online!)
• Try gourmet hot chocolate at Angelina
• Find hidden medallions on Paris streets
• Lose yourself in Shakespeare & Company bookshop
• Explore Belleville’s international food scene
• Enjoy a street performance in Place des Vosges
• Take baking or cooking classes
• Have a picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Shop at Paris flea markets
• Try escargot, duck confit, and classic Parisian treats
• See Monet’s gardens in Giverny (day trip)
• Snap photos on pastel Rue Crémieux
• Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Go bouldering or parkour indoors
• Attend the Fête des Tuileries summer fair
• Take a master cheese tasting tour
• Stroll the Promenade Plantée (elevated garden walk)
• See fashion exhibitions at Musée des Arts Décoratifs
• Dance in a hidden jazz club in Saint-Germain
• Marvel at the Rodin Museum gardens
• Chill in a classic Paris café—order wine and people watch!
• Watch sunset from Parc de Belleville
• Visit Paris Plages urban beach in summer
• See Les Invalides for Napoleonic history
• Take family to Disneyland Paris (easy train ride)

This isn’t just what to do in Paris on a short visit—it’s a lifelong guide to how Paris inspires and amazes in every season.

What to Do in Paris: Perfect Itinerary Tips

For trip planning, break your Paris adventure by arrondissement (neighborhood), picking activities based on interest: culture, food, family, romance, or local life. Create morning, afternoon, and evening plans for each day.

• Morning: Tranquil parks, iconic landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Montmartre), or book a guided tour.
• Afternoon: Museums, food tours, shopping, or vintage market hunts.
• Evening: Seine river cruise, jazz club, rooftop dinner with city views.

Use the metro for quick travel or rent a bike using the “Velib” system. Always greet shopkeepers with “Bonjour!”—it’s essential Paris etiquette.

• Book skip-the-line tickets for museums
• Buy metro tickets in packs (“carnet”) for savings
• Check for public holidays—some attractions close!

Unusual & Unique Things to Do in Paris

Searching for things to do in Paris unusual or off the beaten path? Try these hidden gems:

• Hidden rooftop bars with Eiffel views
• Street art tours in Belleville
• Science-themed museums for families
• Secret speakeasies and craft cocktail bars
• Join locals for pétanque in Place Dauphine
• Make a wish at the Medici Fountain
• Spot film locations from “Amélie” or “Midnight in Paris”
• Bouldering and parkour classes with French athletes
• Wine tastings in historic cellars
• Medieval towers or Roman ruins tours

“Things to do in Paris unusual” brings you truly local adventures and authentic Parisian joy.

Things to Do in Paris France All Year

• Spring: Cherry blossoms, terrace cafés, new museum exhibitions.
• Summer: Nightlife, festivals, open-air cinema, rooftop swimming.
• Autumn: Wine season, foliage walks in Bois de Boulogne, photography tours.
• Winter: Christmas lights, skating, warm pastries, cozy brasseries.

Paris France transforms with each season—plan your “things to do in Paris France” calendar for new adventures every visit.

Seasonal Paris Highlights

• Top spring attractions: Tuileries Gardens, Père Lachaise Cemetery, picnics in Parc Monceau
• Best summer escapes: Paris Plages, sunset cruises, Montmartre artists
• Autumn musts: Art fairs, wine tastings, back-to-school free events
• Winter wonders: Ice skating, gourmet hot chocolate, Christmas markets

Paris for Families, Couples & Solo Travelers

Paris welcomes every type of traveler:

• Couples: Rooftop sunsets, romantic cruises, strolls through Montmartre and Luxembourg Gardens. For more romantic escapes, visit our Affordable Romantic Getaways page.
• Families: Children’s museum, park playgrounds, family-friendly city tours, Disneyland Paris
• Solo adventurers: Join interest-based group tours, art workshops, local cooking classes, café-hopping in the Latin Quarter

Things to Do in Paros Greece vs. Paris

Many travelers pair “things to do in Paros Greece” with a Paris adventure. Paros brings sun-baked beaches and Cycladic villages, perfect for island hopping after your Parisian escapades. Compare the best of both: Paris culture, architecture, and cuisine with Paros beaches, local tavernas, and traditional festivals. For more on Paros, see our article 50+ Things to Do in Paris: The Ultimate Guide for 2025.

Expert Paris Travel Tips

• Book all key attractions ahead: museums, river cruises, Eiffel summit.
• Use Google Maps for walks and hidden gems.
• Consider Paris Museum Pass for days packed with sightseeing.
• Try local food markets: Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre.
• Pick accommodations near metro stops for easy access.
• Blend must-see sights with spontaneous strolls—Paris’s magic exists between the lines.

FAQ: Things to Do in Paris

• What are the must-do things to do in Paris for first timers?
  Explore Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, and a sunset river cruise. Pre-book major attractions and explore Paris’s neighborhoods to uncover hidden gems.
• What is the best season for things to do in Paris France?
  Spring and early fall are ideal, but every season has exclusive highlights and festivals.
• Are there free things to do in Paris?
  Yes! Many parks, free museum days, walking tours, and riverside evenings make Paris affordable on any budget.
• How can I find unusual things to do in Paris?
  Check local travel blogs, take alternative walking tours, and ask locals for artisanal markets or hidden corners.
• Can I combine things to do in Paris and Paros Greece in one trip?
  Absolutely! Many travelers fly Athens—Paris and enjoy both European highlights in a single vacation.

Conclusion: Paris Awaits

Things to do in Paris are endless, evolving, and always inspiring. From the legendary top 10 sights to quirky local secrets, Paris is your stage. Refer back to this guide for planning—and don’t miss our cluster articles about things to do in Paris unusual, things to do in Paris France for every traveler, and top 10 things to see in Paris for your ultimate city adventure.

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