Things to do in Paris

All about Paris

When to visit

It’s hard to beat springtime in Paris. Flowers blossom in public parks like the Luxembourg Gardens, and picnics and outdoor café meals become inviting once more. Meanwhile, a busy festival calendar kicks off with things to do like the Fête de la Gastronomie and the French Open. Stick around for early summer to attend Paris Pride, the Fête de la Musique, and Bastille Day. Just leave before August, when much of the city shuts down for a month-long vacation.

Getting around

Served as it is by three airports—Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais—Paris is easy to get to. It’s also easy to explore from there, thanks to its extensive public transportation networks. Options for getting around include numerous metro lines, RER commuter trains, buses, and low-cost bike rentals. To hop from Paris to other French or international cities, you can use one of the city’s six major train stations.

Traveler tips

To venture beyond Parisian stereotypes—and to see part of the city that many tourists miss—head northwest. There, the Belleville neighborhood boasts a diverse community, including one of the city’s primary Chinatowns. It’s home to vibrant street art, plus trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Its edgy ambiance doesn’t feel like it came from a postcard—and is all the better for it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should you not miss in Paris?

Paris is home to many unmissable attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palais Garnier, and Sainte Chapelle. Then there are its world-class museums, including the Musée d’Orsay, home to canvases by Van Gogh and Monet. No visit is complete without strolling through atmospheric neighborhoods like Le Marais. And don’t forget green spaces like the Place des Vosges and Tuileries Garden.

What should I do on my first trip to Paris?

Make the most of your chance to discover the best things to do in Paris. Go on a Seine River cruise to admire views of the Eiffel Tower, and head to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. Spot the graves of luminaries like Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf in Père Lachaise Cemetery. And discover Left Bank neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter.

What are the local specialties in Paris?

Eating is one of the best things to do in Paris. The city’s decadent culinary specialities range from croissants and freshly baked baguettes to colorful macarons. Then there’s the timeless bistro fare, like hearty croque-monsieur sandwiches and steak frites. The best of French gastronomy is available here, including hundreds of cheeses, exceptional wines, and cured meats.

What entertainment is there in Paris?

There are so many things to do in Paris for fun. Choices range from rarified opera and ballet performances to racy cabaret revues at the Moulin Rouge. Its theaters host a range of plays, comedy nights, and concerts throughout the year, while the Stade de France hosts soccer and rugby games.

What do locals do for fun in Paris?

Paris locals often bypass touristy neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter in favor of the Canal Saint-Martin district. There, they picnic along the water and share bottles of wine in trendy bars. Other locals-frequented destinations include the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the hip Belleville district, and the Marais.

Is Paris expensive?

Yes, Paris is one of the world’s most expensive cities. Luxury is present at every turn, from high-end department stores to Michelin-starred meals. But there are cost-effective ways to explore the city. Enjoy panoramic views from Sacré-Coeur Basilica, window-shop on the Champs-Élysées, and see the cultural attractions of the Parc de la Villette.

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