+50 Things to Do in Paris: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Things to Do in Paris 2025: Must-See & Unique Experiences

Quick Navigation

• Why Visit Paris in 2025?
• Planning Your Paris Trip
• Top Attractions Including Notre Dame Cathedral
• Must-Visit Museums & Culture
• Hidden Gems & Authentic Paris
• Parisian Food Experiences
• Nightlife & Evening Activities
• Day Trips & Seasonal Highlights
• Tips & Practical Essentials
• FAQ

Why Visit Paris in 2025?

Paris is a city you want to discover again and again. No matter the season, something magical awaits. The art, food, gardens, and its legendary sights mean every traveler can build their own perfect itinerary. If you’re interested in a recharge for couples, our romantic weekend guide offers more ideas.

Planning Your Paris Trip

How many days to stay? If it’s your first time, plan at least 5 days to enjoy key districts, local cuisine, and time for day trips or rest. Book hotels 2-3 months in advance, especially if you want a balcony view. Buy a metro pass (“Navigo Easy” or carnet) for easy transport. Get maps and download Citymapper for simple navigation.

Top Attractions Including Notre Dame Cathedral

1. Notre Dame Cathedral: This Gothic icon is undergoing reconstruction and will open soon. Even now, admire the intricate facade and riverside setting. Its bells, rose windows, and flying buttresses are Paris legends. Don’t miss Île de la Cité’s picturesque alleys nearby.
2. Eiffel Tower: Visit early or at sunset for beautiful panoramic views. Enjoy a picnic on Champ de Mars or capture the tower from Trocadéro square.
3. Louvre Museum: The home of the Mona Lisa. Visit off-peak for a calm experience and check out the Egyptian, Islamic, and decorative arts sections.
4. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Wander the atmospheric streets, glimpse artists at work, and catch stunning skyline views.
5. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: The arc offers a sweeping view of Paris. Walk down to Place de la Concorde or relax at a classic café.
6. Luxembourg Gardens: Find peaceful lawns, fountains, tennis, statues, and the romantic Medici Fountain amid historic landscaping.
7. Palace of Versailles: Take a half-day train trip for royal gardens, fountains, and the incredible Hall of Mirrors.
8. Musée de l’Orangerie: Stand among Monet’s Water Lilies, then explore modern masterpieces from Picasso and Modigliani.
9. Père Lachaise Cemetery: Walk beautiful tree-lined paths and visit the graves of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and many more.

Must-Visit Museums & Culture

• Musée d’Orsay: An impressionist lover’s dream. See iconic works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh in a former train station.
• Rodin Museum: Admire The Thinker in peaceful gardens. A hidden gem for sculpture fans.
• Moulin Rouge: Experience classic Parisian nightlife and cabaret on buzzing Boulevard de Clichy.
• Musée Picasso: Discover Picasso’s art in a historic Marais mansion.
• Sainte-Chapelle: Marvel at stained glass—the color is breathtaking on a sunny day.

Hidden Gems & Authentic Paris

• Explore the covered “passages couverts”—glass-roofed arcades lined with old shops and cafés.
• Wander Canal Saint-Martin, home to local bars, indie boutiques, and creative energy.
• Enjoy Belleville’s global food scene and colorful street art trails.
• Find secret rooftop bars with Eiffel Tower views.
• Join locals in Place Dauphine for an evening of pétanque.

Parisian Food Experiences

• Try breakfast at Stohrer, the city’s oldest patisserie—don’t miss their éclairs or baba au rhum.
• Reserve a table at a traditional bistro for classic onion soup or duck confit.
• Shop Marche Bastille or Rue Cler for cheeses, fresh breads, and produce for a Seine-side picnic.
• Experience a wine tasting evening at a Left Bank cellar.
• Dive into the city’s endless food markets—Marché d’Aligre is a great place to start.

Nightlife & Evening Activities

• See Paris illuminated from the Pont Alexandre III or the steps of Sacré-Cœur.
• Take a sunset cruise on the Seine for an unforgettable experience.
• Discover hidden speakeasy-style bars scattered around Le Marais and Oberkampf.
• Café-hop in the Latin Quarter, where musicians and students bring energy to the streets all night.

Day Trips & Seasonal Highlights

• Versailles: Tour the palace and gardens—a classic for history lovers.
• Giverny: Monet’s home and famous water-lily gardens, especially beautiful in spring and summer.
• Fontainebleau: A royal château and forest loved by locals for weekend hikes.
• Attend Paris Plages (man-made beaches) in summer or ice skating at Hôtel de Ville in winter.
• Enjoy wine festivals, autumn foliage walks, and open-air art fairs depending on the season.

Tips & Practical Essentials

• Use Citymapper for metro navigation. Book tickets to attractions in advance to save time.
• Choose central districts—Marais, Latin Quarter, or Saint-Germain—for easy walking and vibrant atmosphere.
• Always say “Bonjour” when entering shops or asking for help. Parisian etiquette matters!
• If possible, travel in May, June, September, or October for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
• Read more about planning for every season here: Paris by Season.

FAQ

• Is Notre Dame Cathedral open? Notre Dame is reopening soon after restoration! Meanwhile, the exterior and area are well worth a visit.
• What’s the best first-timer itinerary? Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Montmartre, a sunset cruise, and at least one authentic Paris food tour.
• Where can I find affordable Paris food? Local bakeries, marché stalls, and lunchtime prix-fixe menus are traveler favorites.
• How do I see more local Paris? Walk outside the center—try Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville, or the covered passages for a creative, authentic vibe.