Direct answer: The best things to do in Paris include seeing the Eiffel Tower, exploring the Louvre, wandering around Montmartre, visiting Notre-Dame, cruising the Seine and discovering the city beyond its famous landmarks. This guide covers 25 Paris experiences I’d recommend for a memorable 2026 trip from the UK.
There are cities you visit for the sights, and then there are cities you experience.
For me, Paris is definitely the second kind.
You can arrive with a carefully planned list of museums, monuments and restaurants. However, some of the moments you’ll remember most often happen when you aren’t looking for them at all.
It could be a coffee outside a little café in Montmartre, a walk beside the Seine as the sun starts to disappear, or the moment you turn a corner and suddenly see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
That’s what makes planning a Paris trip so enjoyable.
Of course, there are famous Paris attractions you shouldn’t miss. At the same time, there’s a slower side to the city that deserves some of your time too.
Whether you’re travelling from the UK for a weekend, taking the Eurostar for a longer city break or combining Paris with a wider trip around France, I’ve put together the 25 best things to do in Paris I’d consider for 2026.
Most importantly, don’t try to see everything.
Leave some room to simply enjoy being there.
If you’re planning your trip from the UK, don’t forget to read our Paris travel guide for more practical information about getting there, getting around and planning your stay.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
If it’s your first visit, these are the Paris attractions and experiences I’d put highest on the list:
- See the Eiffel Tower
- Walk beside the Seine
- Visit Notre-Dame
- Explore the Louvre
- Wander around Montmartre
- See Sacré-Cœur
- Visit the Arc de Triomphe
- Take a Seine cruise
- Explore the Musée d’Orsay
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle
- Discover Le Marais
- Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
- Visit the Panthéon
- Explore the Paris Catacombs
- See the Palais Garnier
- Take a day trip to Versailles
- Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie
- Explore Canal Saint-Martin
- Walk around Père Lachaise Cemetery
- Visit Disneyland Paris
- Try traditional French food
- Walk along the Champs-Élysées
- Explore the Latin Quarter
- See Paris after dark
- Leave time simply to wander
Now that we’ve covered the highlights, let’s slow things down and look at each experience.
1. Start your Paris trip with the Eiffel Tower
There is no getting around it: if you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you’re probably going to want to see the Eiffel Tower.
And I think you should.
You might have seen it hundreds of times in photographs, films and travel guides. Nevertheless, standing underneath it feels completely different.
I like approaching it from the Trocadéro side because the view opens up gradually across the Seine. As you get closer, you can watch the tower rise above the city before you’ve even reached it.
It’s one of those moments where you naturally stop walking for a second.
If you want to go inside and climb the Eiffel Tower, check the official visitor information and book ahead where possible. However, you don’t have to go to the top to enjoy the experience.
Instead, walk around the surrounding area, cross the Seine and see the tower from different viewpoints.
Above all, don’t be tempted to leave immediately after taking your photograph. Give yourself a little time to simply take it in.
For me, this is one of the first things to do in Paris because it instantly makes the trip feel real.
2. Walk beside the Seine
After seeing the Eiffel Tower, I’d resist the temptation to jump straight onto public transport.
Instead, walk.
The Seine is one of the best ways to experience Paris without spending anything. As you follow the river, you can cross beautiful bridges, stop for photographs and watch the boats pass by.
Meanwhile, the city gradually changes around you.
As you head towards the centre, you’ll begin seeing more of Paris’s famous landmarks. More importantly, the city starts to feel less like a collection of tourist attractions and more like a living place.
For UK travellers arriving for a short break, this is one of the easiest ways to see a lot without constantly checking the time.
3. Visit Notre-Dame
Eventually, your walk along the Seine can bring you towards Notre-Dame.
The cathedral is one of the defining landmarks of Paris, so seeing it in person is something I’d definitely include on a first visit.
Rather than treating it as a quick photograph stop, take some time to walk around the outside and appreciate the architecture.
The surrounding Île de la Cité is also worth exploring, particularly if you’re interested in the history of Paris.
Afterwards, you can continue towards the nearby Latin Quarter, where the atmosphere becomes noticeably more relaxed.
4. Get lost in the Latin Quarter
By now, you’re probably ready for food.
This is where I think it’s worth abandoning the itinerary for a while.
The Latin Quarter is full of cafés, restaurants, bookshops and narrow streets that are perfect for wandering. Rather than searching for the most famous restaurant in the area, I’d walk until somewhere catches your attention.
For example, find a table outside, order a coffee and try a croissant or a traditional French dish.
Then simply watch people walking past.
It sounds simple, but these are the moments that can make a city break feel personal.
After all, you haven’t travelled all the way from the UK just to rush between attractions. Give yourself permission to stop.
5. Explore the Louvre without trying to see everything
Eventually, you’ll have to face one of the biggest Paris attractions of them all.
The Louvre.
And here’s my advice: don’t try to see everything.
You can’t realistically explore one of the world’s largest museums properly in a couple of hours. Therefore, choose what interests you before you arrive.
Yes, you’ll probably want to see the Mona Lisa. However, don’t let one painting become the entire reason for visiting.
The Louvre’s architecture, galleries and enormous collection are all part of the experience.
I’d allow several hours if you want to explore properly. If you’re visiting Paris for a weekend, however, even a shorter and more focused visit can still be worthwhile.
Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes.
Your feet will thank you later.
6. Escape the crowds in the Tuileries Garden
One of the easiest ways to slow down after the Louvre is to walk straight into the Tuileries Garden.
It’s right there, so there’s no complicated journey or extra transport to organise.
Simply leave the museum and start walking.
I like the Tuileries because it gives you a chance to sit down and watch Paris rather than constantly trying to photograph it.
Find a chair, have a drink and look around.
After a morning inside the Louvre, doing very little can feel surprisingly good.
7. See Paris from the Arc de Triomphe
From the Tuileries, you can continue towards the Champs-Élysées and eventually reach the Arc de Triomphe.
The monument itself is impressive, but I’d recommend going to the top if you’re comfortable with the stairs.
The view is what makes the visit worthwhile.
From above, you can see the famous avenues spreading out across Paris in every direction. As a result, you get a completely different sense of the city’s scale.
If you’re able to visit towards the end of the afternoon, the changing light can make the view even more impressive.
8. Spend an afternoon wandering around Montmartre
If I had to choose one Paris neighbourhood where I’d deliberately get lost, it would be Montmartre.
Don’t make the mistake of treating it as a quick visit to Sacré-Cœur. Instead, start lower down and walk.
As the streets become steeper, the buildings change and the atmosphere becomes different from the grand boulevards of central Paris.
You’ll find cafés, artists, independent shops and little corners that make the neighbourhood feel distinctive.
Eventually, you’ll reach Sacré-Cœur.
Turn around and look across Paris.
The view is fantastic.
Afterwards, I’d find a café and stay for a while. This is one of those best things to do in Paris where the journey is just as important as the destination.
9. Take a Seine cruise at sunset
After a day of walking, your feet might have had enough.
That’s when I’d take to the water.
A Seine cruise lets you see some of the city’s biggest landmarks while sitting down. From the river, the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and many of Paris’s bridges look completely different.
I’d particularly consider an evening cruise because the atmosphere changes as the daylight disappears.
Gradually, the city starts to light up around you.
As a result, what begins as a simple sightseeing trip can become one of the most relaxing ways to finish a busy day.
10. Discover the Musée d’Orsay
If you’ve visited the Louvre and still want more art, head to the Musée d’Orsay.
Personally, I’d recommend it even if you’re not normally someone who spends hours in museums.
The building itself is fascinating because the museum occupies a former railway station. Inside, you’ll find major works from artists including Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.
If Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art interests you, this should be near the top of your list.
What’s more, because it isn’t as enormous as the Louvre, it’s easier to fit into a busy Paris itinerary.
11. Step inside Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is one of those attractions that can easily get overlooked when you’re planning a first trip.
However, don’t let it.
From the outside, you might not expect what you’re about to see. Inside, the stained-glass windows completely transform the space.
The colours, height and incredible detail make it one of the most memorable interiors in Paris.
It’s also conveniently located near Notre-Dame, so you can visit both during the same part of your day.
12. Forget the itinerary in Le Marais
After a few days of ticking off famous landmarks, I think Paris becomes even more enjoyable when you stop following the map.
Le Marais is perfect for that.
Walk into a shop because something catches your eye. Then stop for lunch, find a bakery or sit outside with a coffee.
The neighbourhood is packed with historic streets, independent shops, restaurants and cafés.
You don’t need a strict plan.
In fact, I’d say it’s better without one because you can simply follow whatever catches your attention.
13. Make food part of your Paris experience
Food isn’t just something to fit between your sightseeing plans.
For me, it’s part of the reason to visit Paris.
Start the morning with a fresh croissant, stop for a crêpe and try a traditional French lunch. Later, pick up a baguette or sit down for a long dinner.
You don’t need to eat at expensive restaurants to enjoy French food either. In many cases, some of the best experiences can be surprisingly simple.
If you’re visiting from the UK, don’t be afraid to make an entire evening out of dinner.
After all, Paris is a city where taking your time over a meal feels completely natural.
14. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
After a few days of sightseeing, you’ll probably appreciate somewhere peaceful.
The Luxembourg Gardens are ideal.
Rather than rushing through simply to say you’ve been, walk slowly and find somewhere to sit.
You can watch the boats on the pond, have a coffee or read for a while if you want to.
Ultimately, this is one of those quieter things to do in Paris that gives your trip some breathing space.
15. Step inside the Panthéon
The Panthéon is another impressive building in the Latin Quarter.
From outside, its enormous columns immediately catch your attention. Inside, the scale is even more impressive.
If you’re interested in French history, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
I’d combine it with the Luxembourg Gardens and Latin Quarter rather than travelling across the city just to visit one attraction.
That way, you can make the most of your time while also seeing more of the neighbourhood.
16. Discover the darker side of Paris at the Catacombs
Paris isn’t all cafés, museums and beautiful architecture.
There’s another side beneath the streets.
The Paris Catacombs take you underground into a network of tunnels with a fascinating and unsettling history.
It’s certainly not one of the most traditional things to do in Paris. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in history and looking for something different, it’s an experience you’ll remember.
Before visiting, check the current visitor requirements because underground attractions can have specific access arrangements.
17. Admire the Palais Garnier
Paris knows how to do grand buildings.
The Palais Garnier might be one of the best examples.
Even if you aren’t attending an opera, the building itself is worth seeing. The staircase, ceilings, chandeliers and decoration make it feel almost like you’re walking into a film set.
I’d recommend taking your time rather than simply walking through and leaving.
Instead, look upwards and pay attention to the details.
There’s an incredible amount to see.
18. Take a day trip to Versailles
If you’re staying in Paris for four days or longer, I’d seriously consider a day at Versailles.
The journey takes you away from central Paris, but that change of scenery is part of the appeal.
Inside the palace, everything is grand. Then, when you step outside, you’ll discover the enormous gardens.
I’d avoid trying to fit Versailles into a half-day because there is simply too much to see.
Instead, give yourself the day, take your time and enjoy the change of pace.
For UK travellers staying for a longer city break, this is one of the best things to do near Paris.
19. See Monet’s Water Lilies
The Musée de l’Orangerie is another museum I’d recommend for art lovers.
The Water Lilies paintings by Claude Monet are the obvious highlight. What makes the experience special, however, is the way the paintings fill the rooms around you.
It feels completely different from looking at a famous artwork on a screen.
In addition, the museum is relatively easy to combine with the Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, making it a useful addition to a central Paris itinerary.
20. Discover Canal Saint-Martin
Want to see a different side of Paris?
Head towards Canal Saint-Martin.
This is where I’d go when the famous Paris attractions have already been ticked off.
Instead of following another sightseeing schedule, walk beside the canal, find somewhere for lunch and stop for coffee.
You can also simply watch people sitting beside the water.
There’s no pressure to “do” anything.
And that’s exactly why I like it.
21. Wander through Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise is one of the most unusual places on this list.
It’s peaceful, enormous and full of history.
The cemetery is the final resting place of numerous famous figures, but you don’t have to know their stories to appreciate the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the paths, old monuments and elaborate graves make it fascinating to explore.
Just give yourself plenty of time and wear comfortable shoes, particularly if you want to see more of the cemetery.
22. Spend a full day at Disneyland Paris
For families, Disneyland Paris is an obvious addition.
I’d make it a full-day trip rather than trying to combine it with central Paris. That way, you can enjoy the parks without constantly thinking about catching a train back for another sightseeing appointment.
For children, it’s also a welcome change from museums and historic buildings.
If you’re travelling with the whole family from the UK, it can easily become one of the highlights of the trip.
23. Walk along the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of those places you probably want to experience at least once.
I’d start near the Arc de Triomphe and walk down the avenue towards Place de la Concorde.
It’s busy and touristy, but that’s part of the experience.
You don’t need to spend hours here. Instead, enjoy the walk, look at the architecture and take in the atmosphere.
Afterwards, continue exploring somewhere quieter.
24. See what Paris looks like after dark
One of my favourite ways to experience a city is after most of the day’s sightseeing is finished.
Paris is particularly good at night.
The Eiffel Tower lights up, the Seine reflects the city and restaurants and cafés become busier.
As a result, the streets feel different from how they did during the afternoon.
Instead of booking another attraction, I’d simply go for an evening walk.
This is one of the easiest things to do in Paris at night, and it doesn’t need a ticket.
25. Leave one afternoon completely free
This might sound strange after giving you 24 other things to do.
However, I’d deliberately leave part of your Paris trip unplanned.
No museum.
No timed ticket.
No train to catch.
Just walk.
Find a bakery, have a coffee, sit beside the Seine or explore a street that wasn’t on your itinerary.
After all, once you’ve seen the famous Paris attractions, these unplanned moments can become the memories you take home.
What are the best things to do in Paris for a first visit?
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, I’d concentrate on the major sights rather than trying to complete the entire list.
My priorities would be:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre
- Notre-Dame
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Arc de Triomphe
- Seine cruise
- Musée d’Orsay
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Latin Quarter
- One relaxed afternoon exploring Paris without an itinerary
If you’re only there for a weekend, group attractions by area.
That approach saves time and means you’re not spending half your trip travelling backwards and forwards across the city.
What are the best things to do in Paris at night?
Paris becomes a different city after dark.
For an evening out, I’d recommend:
- Seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated
- Taking an evening Seine cruise
- Walking beside the Seine
- Having dinner in Le Marais
- Exploring Montmartre
- Visiting the Champs-Élysées
- Watching a performance at the Palais Garnier
- Sitting outside a traditional Parisian café
You don’t need to plan every evening, either.
Sometimes, an evening walk is all you need.
What are the best free things to do in Paris?
One of the best things about Paris is that you can enjoy plenty of the city without spending much money.
For example, some of my favourite free experiences would be:
- Walking beside the Seine
- Exploring Montmartre
- Seeing Notre-Dame from outside
- Walking through the Tuileries Garden
- Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens
- Exploring Le Marais
- Walking along the Champs-Élysées
- Exploring Canal Saint-Martin
- People-watching from a Parisian café
- Photographing the Eiffel Tower from different viewpoints
Even so, check official attraction websites before travelling because free-entry arrangements and special access can change.
What are the best things to do in Paris with children?
If you’re travelling with children, I’d keep the itinerary flexible.
The Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises and Disneyland Paris are obvious choices. However, parks and gardens can be just as useful when everyone needs a break.
I’d also avoid booking several museums on the same day.
Instead, a better family itinerary might be one major attraction in the morning, lunch somewhere relaxed and then a park, cruise or neighbourhood walk in the afternoon.
That way, everyone gets to enjoy the trip rather than simply following a packed schedule.
Is Paris easy to visit from the UK?
Yes. Paris is one of the most convenient European city breaks from the UK.
You can travel by Eurostar, fly or, if you prefer taking your own vehicle, travel via the Channel Tunnel or ferry.
If you’re driving, however, I’d think carefully about whether you actually need your car once you reach Paris.
For most city-centre sightseeing, walking and public transport are much easier.
Before driving from the UK, check the latest French driving requirements and make sure you have the documents and equipment required for your journey.
How many days should you spend in Paris?
I’d recommend at least three days for a first visit.
A weekend gives you enough time for several major attractions, although you’ll need to be selective.
Four days gives you a much better balance between sightseeing and actually enjoying the city.
If you want to visit Versailles or Disneyland Paris as well, I’d add another day.
That extra time means you won’t have to rush from one attraction to the next.
How can UK travellers save money in Paris?
There are several easy ways to keep the cost of a Paris trip under control.
For example, book major attractions in advance where appropriate, use public transport, walk between nearby attractions and mix paid experiences with free activities.
I’d also avoid eating every meal immediately beside the biggest tourist attractions.
Instead, walk a few streets away and look at the local cafés and restaurants.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of simply walking.
Some of the best things to do in Paris cost absolutely nothing.
What should I book before travelling to Paris?
For a busy trip, I’d check booking requirements for:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre
- Versailles
- Seine cruises
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Catacombs
- Popular restaurants
- Disneyland Paris
However, always check the official attraction website before travelling because opening hours, ticketing arrangements and visitor requirements can change.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Paris
You could spend weeks exploring Paris and still find another street, museum, café or neighbourhood worth discovering.
However, if you’re travelling from the UK for a short break, you don’t need to see everything.
Choose a few of the major sights.
Give yourself time to wander.
Eat something delicious.
Sit beside the Seine.
Watch Paris after dark.
Most importantly, don’t feel guilty about leaving a few things for your next visit.
The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and Montmartre are all worth seeing. Yet sometimes the best part of Paris is what happens in between them.
You might start your trip with a list of 25 things to do in Paris.
Just make sure you leave enough room for number 26:
the unexpected moment you never planned for.
FAQs about things to do in Paris
What is the number one thing to do in Paris?
Seeing the Eiffel Tower is the number one experience I’d recommend to most first-time visitors.
Is Paris suitable for a weekend trip from the UK?
Yes. Paris is well suited to a weekend city break, particularly if you travel by Eurostar or take a short flight.
Is Paris expensive for UK travellers?
Paris can be expensive, but you can reduce costs by walking, using public transport, mixing free attractions with paid ones and choosing accommodation carefully.
Is Paris easy to explore on foot?
Yes. Many central Paris attractions are close enough to walk between, although public transport is useful for longer journeys.
Do I need to speak French to visit Paris?
No. You can visit Paris without speaking French, although learning simple phrases such as bonjour, merci and s’il vous plaît is useful.
Should I take my car to Paris from the UK?
You can, but for a city break I would usually avoid driving in central Paris unless you have a specific reason to take your car.
Can I visit Versailles from Paris in one day?
Yes. Versailles is straightforward to visit as a day trip from Paris and is best given most of a day rather than squeezed into a few hours.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
For most visitors, a combination of walking and public transport is the easiest way to explore Paris.
