Things to Do in Paris — Complete 2025 Guide: Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Insider Tips
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Paris — whether iconic sights, fun activities, romantic evenings, family adventures or non-touristy local finds — this complete 2025 guide gathers everything in one place. Use the quick jump links to find what you need, build 1–5 day itineraries, and discover unique and cheap things to do in Paris that most visitors miss.
- Why Visit Paris in 2025
- Top Things to Do in Paris — Must-Sees
- Unique & Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris
- Things to Do in Paris at Night & Evening
- Romantic Things to Do in Paris (Couples)
- Fun Things to Do in Paris for Young Adults & Teens
- Things to Do in Paris with Kids & Families
- Parisian Food Experiences
- Day Trips & Seasonal Highlights
- How to Spend 1–5 Days in Paris (Sample Itineraries)
- Practical Tips — Transport, Budget & Timing
- FAQ — What to do in Paris? & More
- Conclusion & Next Steps
Why Visit Paris in 2025?
Paris continues to be a global travel magnet: unrivaled museums, classical architecture, evolving food scenes and neighbourhoods that reward slow exploration. In 2025 the city pairs historic landmarks with fresh experiences — rooftop bars, immersive galleries and seasonal festivals. Whether you search “things to do in Paris France” or “fun things to do in Paris,” this guide helps you choose the best activities by interest, budget and time.
Top Things to Do in Paris — Must-Sees (Best Things to Do in Paris)
Start with the essentials. These top things to do in Paris are the icons that define the city and should be on most first-timer itineraries.
Eiffel Tower — view & picnic
Classic and unmissable. Visit early morning or at sunset for fewer crowds and golden light. A picnic on the Champ de Mars with tower views is one of the nicest things to do in Paris.
Louvre Museum — art highlights
Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of masterpieces. If time is tight, focus on the wings you care about and book timed tickets to skip long queues.
Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité
Even during restoration, the Notre-Dame area and Sainte-Chapelle are must-see stops for classic Gothic architecture and stained-glass splendour.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Wander the artists’ streets, watch painters at Place du Tertre, and enjoy sweeping city views from the basilica steps.
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Climb the Arc for a panoramic vista and stroll the famous avenue for shopping and classic cafés.
Musée d’Orsay & Musée de l’Orangerie
For Impressionist and post-Impressionist lovers — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh — these museums deliver concentrated delights without the Louvre’s scale.
Unique & Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris (Original & Unusual)
If you want original things to do in Paris — non touristy experiences and unique local finds — here are ideas that reveal Paris’s character beyond postcards.
Covered Passages (Passages Couverts)
Explore 19th-century arcades like Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas — small shops, bookstores and cafés that feel timeless.
Canal Saint-Martin & Belleville
Canal Saint-Martin offers an indie café culture and relaxed hip vibe. Belleville is vibrant with street art and international food stalls — great for unusual things to do in Paris.
Père Lachaise & hidden cemeteries
Wander tree-lined alleys and discover famous graves — a quiet and evocative way to connect with Paris’s cultural past.
Paris Catacombs (for adventurous visitors)
Book ahead — the Catacombs are an eerie, fascinating offbeat attraction for travelers seeking something different.
Things to Do in Paris at Night & Evening (Things to do in Paris in the evening)
Paris after dark is magical — lit monuments, music, and late-night cafés. These are top choices for evening fun.
Seine River Cruise at sunset
Glide past illuminated monuments for unforgettable views. Dinner cruises add a romantic element for couples.
Cabaret, jazz clubs & live music
For classic nightlife, consider a cabaret show. For something smaller and local, explore jazz clubs in the Latin Quarter and hidden speakeasy bars in Le Marais.
Evening strolls & illuminated viewpoints
Walk along the Seine, cross Pont Neuf, or head to Trocadéro for the best Eiffel Tower nighttime photos.
Romantic Things to Do in Paris (For Couples)
Paris is famous for romantic things to do in Paris France. These ideas are especially suited to couples planning a special trip.
- Sunset picnic near the Eiffel Tower or in Luxembourg Gardens.
- Seine dinner cruise with candlelit views.
- Private cooking class or wine tasting for two.
- Rooftop drinks with a skyline view.
Fun Things to Do in Paris for Young Adults & Teens
Searching for things to do in Paris for young adults? Paris offers street-food tours, rooftop bars, street art walks, and late-night markets that match youthful energy.
Street food & neighbourhood nights
Try Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin for late-night bites, food trucks, and casual hangouts.
Urban art & photography walks
Discover Belleville’s murals or arrange a photography walk to capture Paris beyond classic monuments.
Things to Do in Paris with Kids & Families (Family Friendly)
Paris is full of family-friendly activities that keep kids and teens entertained while adults enjoy the culture.
Jardin d’Acclimatation & parks
An amusement park, playgrounds, and family attractions perfect for younger children.
Interactive museums & treasure hunts
Choose shorter museum experiences, pastry-making classes, or a Paris treasure hunt to involve kids actively.
Parisian Food Experiences — Best Things to Do in Paris for Foodies
Eating is one of the best things to do in Paris. From boulangeries to markets and hands-on classes, food defines much of the city’s charm.
Bakeries & patisseries
Start with a warm croissant, seek out legendary pâtisseries, and sample éclairs and macarons.
Markets & picnic culture
Marché des Enfants Rouges and Marché d’Aligre are fantastic for picnic supplies and local flavors.
Cooking classes & food tours
Book a macaron class or a market-led food tour to taste Paris like a local.
Day Trips & Seasonal Highlights
Extend your stay with easy day trips or time your visit for seasonal events that add local flavor.
Versailles — royal splendor
Explore the Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens (half-day or full-day). Book advance tickets during high season.
Giverny — Monet’s Garden
Best in spring and summer — Monet’s water-lily gardens are peaceful and photogenic.
Seasonal events
Paris Plages (summer urban beaches), Christmas markets (winter), and open-air art fairs (spring/autumn) are worth checking for “what to do in Paris today.”
How to Spend 1–5 Days in Paris — Sample Itineraries (How to spend 5 days in Paris)
1-Day Quick Hit — Best things to do in Paris if you’re short on time
- Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro.
- Late morning: Louvre highlights (pre-booked).
- Afternoon: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame exterior, Sainte-Chapelle.
- Evening: Seine cruise or Montmartre at sunset.
3-Day Classic
- Day 1: Louvre, Tuileries, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe.
- Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain stroll and cafés.
- Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Canal Saint-Martin evening.
5-Day Deep Dive (How to spend 5 days in Paris)
Use two museum days (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay/Centre Pompidou), one neighbourhood deep-dive (Le Marais + shopping), one day trip (Versailles or Giverny), and one relaxed market/food/parc day.
Practical Tips — Getting Around, Budget & Timing
- Transport: Metro + RER for Versailles. Buy carnets for multiple short trips and use Citymapper for planning.
- Best months: May–June and Sept–Oct for comfortable weather and smaller crowds.
- Book ahead: timed tickets for Eiffel, Louvre and Catacombs reduce waiting times.
- Budget tips: picnic markets, rooftop viewpoints, free museum days (check official sites) and walking neighbourhoods.
- Etiquette: a simple “Bonjour” goes a long way in shops and cafés.
Book tours, skip-the-line tickets & local experiences
Frequently Asked Questions — What to do in Paris? (All common queries answered)
What to do in Paris?
Mix iconic attractions (Eiffel, Louvre, Montmartre) with local experiences: food markets, covered passages, and a Seine cruise. Tailor your days to interests — art-focused, food-focused, or neighbourhood exploration.
How to spend 5 days in Paris?
Plan two museum days, a neighbourhood day (Le Marais + Latin Quarter), a day trip (Versailles or Giverny), and a relaxed day for markets, parks and last-minute shopping. Pace yourself — Paris rewards slow travel.
What to do in Paris, France? / What to see in Paris?
See the major sights but leave room for wandering: Notre-Dame area, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, and hidden passages. Balance landmarks with time in cafés and markets.
What to do in Paris with kids?
Choose Jardin d’Acclimatation, Tuileries toy-boat sailing, short interactive museum sessions, pastry classes, and treasure hunts that keep children engaged.
What to do in Paris today? / What to do in Paris in the evening?
Check local event listings, but generally: a Seine cruise, rooftop sunset, evening jazz club, or a stroll across illuminated bridges are excellent same-day options.
What attractions are in Paris?
Major attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame (exterior), Sacré-Cœur, Arc de Triomphe, Palais Garnier and many world-class museums and gardens.
What are some activities to do in Paris?
Activities range from museum visits, river cruises, food tours, cooking classes, rooftop drinks, street-art walks, to seasonal events like Paris Plages or Christmas markets.
What should I do in Paris?
Prioritize a couple of “musts” (Eiffel or Louvre) and leave time to get lost in a neighbourhood — that’s when you’ll find the nicest, less touristy experiences.
What to see and do in Paris?
See the icons, do a neighbourhood walk, taste local food, and add one unique experience (passages couverts, catacombs, or a market tour).
Related: Romantic getaways for couples • Paris by season • Paris Activities Shop
