Paris, France's capital, is one of the world's most visited cities. Paris has something for everyone, with its beautiful architecture, rich history, and world-class museums. There's no shortage of things to see and do in Paris, whether you're interested in exploring famous landmarks, discovering hidden gems, or simply enjoying the French way of life. We'll cover the must-see attractions as well as hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences in this comprehensive guide. We'll also offer suggestions for day trips and other activities to help you make the most of your time in Paris.
Attractions You Must Visit
The Eiffel Tower
A trip to Paris isn't complete unless you see the iconic Eiffel Tower. The tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but it was only meant to be there for a short time. It was, however, so popular that it was never demolished. It is now the most recognizable landmark in Paris and a must-see tourist attraction.
To avoid long lines, purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance. You have several options, including access to the tower's top or a visit to the second floor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take the stairs to the second floor instead of the elevator. But take note: there are 704 steps!
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the world's most famous art museums, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in art and history. Over 35,000 works of art are housed in the museum, including the world-famous Mona Lisa.
The term "virtual reality" refers to the process of creating a virtual reality environment. Because the Louvre is such a large museum, it's easy to get lost or overwhelmed. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Crown Jewels are just some of the most popular exhibits. If you don't have much time, consider taking a guided tour of the museum to help you navigate it and learn more about its collection.
The Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the world's most famous Gothic cathedrals, and it's a must-see for anyone visiting Paris. The cathedral has a long and fascinating history, and it is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
Unfortunately, a fire in 2019 caused a lot of damage to the cathedral, and it is now closed for repairs. The exterior of the building, however, can still be visited, and it's worth taking a walk around to admire the intricate stonework and the beautiful rose windows.
Experiences Off the Beaten Path
St. Martin's Canal
Canal St. Martin is a charming neighbourhood in the 10th arrondissement. Locals love it, but tourists often don't pay much attention to it. The neighbourhood is well-known for its beautiful bridges, tree-lined streets, and trendy cafes and boutiques.
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Canal St. Martin. Begin at the Jardin Villemin, a lovely park popular with locals. You can walk along the canal and take in the beautiful scenery from there. Make a coffee or croissant stop at one of the many cafes along the way.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a bohemian area in the 18th arrondissement that is known for its artistic history and beautiful views of the city. The neighbourhood was once home to artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso, and it is still a popular spot for street performers and artists today.
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Montmartre. Begin at the bottom of the hill and work your way up to the top, where the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica can be found. You can stop along the way to admire the beautiful architecture, shop at the boutiques, and watch the street performers. You can even climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city if you're feeling brave.
Small Ceinture
The Petite Ceinture is a well-kept secret in the heart of Paris. It's an abandoned railway track that has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind urban park. The park encircles the city for 22 kilometres and is a great place to explore if you're looking for something off the beaten path.
The 15th arrondissement has one of the best sections of the Petite Ceinture, where you can walk along the railway track and admire the street art and urban scenery. The park is a popular destination for joggers and cyclists looking to get away from the city's crowds and noise.
Hidden Treasures
The Museum of Hunting and Nature
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is a unique museum dedicated to hunting and nature. The museum is in a beautiful mansion from the 17th century. It is full of interesting things to see, like taxidermy, old guns, and art inspired by nature.
The museum's beautiful courtyard, which houses a small garden and a flock of live pigeons, is one of its highlights. The museum is a great place to get away from the crowds and learn more about French history and culture.
The Pagoda
La Pagode is a beautiful cinema in the heart of Paris, housed in a Japanese-style pagoda. The cinema opened in 1896 as a ballroom before being converted into a movie theatre in the 1930s.
The cinema is a hidden gem, and it's a wonderful place to see a movie in a beautiful and unique setting. The theatre is ornately decorated with carvings and paintings, and it's a peaceful and atmospheric place to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
Panoramas Passage
The Passage des Panoramas is a covered walkway in the 2nd arrondissement with a number of shops and restaurants. The arcade was built in the early 1800s and is filled with beautiful architecture and vintage charm.
One of the best things to do in the Passage des Panoramas is to look around the bookstores and antique shops. You can also try some of the great food and wine at the many cafes and restaurants in the arcade.
Other Activities and Day Trips
Versailles Palace
The Palace of Versailles is a beautiful example of French architecture and design and a popular day trip from Paris. Louis XIV and his court lived in the palace, which is filled with beautiful art, furniture, and decorations.
To make the most of your visit, purchase your tickets in advance and arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. The Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, and the beautiful gardens are among the palace's highlights.
Paris Disneyland
A visit to Disneyland Paris is a must if you're travelling with children or a Disney fan. The park is just outside of Paris and is filled with Disney magic as well as French flair.
Roller coasters, parades, and character meet-and-greets are among the park's attractions and shows. You can also make a day of it by visiting the nearby restaurants and souvenir shops.
River Cruise on the Seine
A Seine River cruise is a relaxing way to see Paris from a new angle. The river runs through the city's heart, and a cruise will take you past many famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
River cruises come in a variety of styles, including day cruises, sunset cruises, and dinner cruises. Some cruises even include live music or a tour guide who can tell you about the sights you're seeing.
Conclusion
Paris is a beautiful and fascinating city with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you want to visit famous landmarks, look for hidden gems, or simply enjoy the French way of life, Paris has something for everyone. This guide has a lot of information about the best places to see in Paris, from the famous Eiffel Tower to the less-known Petite Ceinture. We've also included suggestions for day trips and other activities to help you make the most of your time in Paris. So, what are you holding out for? Begin planning your trip to Paris right away!
