Seeing the magnificent monuments of Paris is one of the nicest things to do there. It is well-known as a must-visit location for good reason. The numerous historic structures and monuments will delight history buffs, fashionistas will enjoy shopping in the newest boutiques, foodies will be ecstatic to experience the excellent food and wine, and the list could go on forever.
What activities in Paris are the best?
Eiffel Tower
When you visit Paris, you really must see the wrought iron lady, or the “wrought iron lady” as the French say. It’s impossible to miss at 324 meters in height, 3 stories, and a 674-step stairway. The second floor houses a French macaron bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant, while the third floor houses a champagne bar. Due to its global recognition, the Eiffel Tower is a busy location; if you wish to take the elevator to the top, you should purchase a ticket online in advance. Watch out for con artists that prowl the Eiffel Tower plaza.
Location: Right next to the Seine River on the Champs de Mars in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris, France
Open: Daily, from 9.30 am to 11 pm
Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées Avenue, a famous thoroughfare in Paris, stretches for over two kilometers between Place Charles de Gaulle and Place de la Concorde. It is well-known for its chic cafés and restaurants, upscale shops, department stores, and theaters. For a breathtaking perspective of the avenue lined with trees and the Voie Triomphale, or Triumphal Way, climb to the summit of the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle. The Grande Arche of La Défense, the Obelisk of Place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel are all in a straight line formed by the roadway.
Location: northwest of Paris in the 8th Arrondissement, France
Arc de Triomphe
Without a question, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most recognizable structures. The imposing building, which was first constructed to honor Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz in 1805, was dedicated in 1836 and now serves as a memorial to the French soldiers who died while serving in the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and the French Revolution.
The massive 50-meter building is located in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. All of France’s wartime victories and generals are listed on the Arc’s walls, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located beneath the building. The 280 steps of the Arc can be climbed for stunning views of the Paris skyline.
Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Louvre museum
At this ancient royal home, which is now the most well-known museum in France, everything appears to be extravagant. In addition to almost 350,000 things on display, The Louvre has 35,000 pieces of art, ranging from drawings to sculptures and from archaeological finds to paintings. The size of the permanent collections is 60,600 square meters. Getting a map and an audio tour at the ticket desk before beginning your visit to one of the biggest museums in the world is a great way to start your day.
Location: Rue de Rivoli in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, France
Open: Friday and Wednesday from 9 am to 9.45 pm; other days from 9 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesdays
Notre Dame Cathedral
Located at the southeast point of Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral commands a view of the Seine River. It’s a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture and one of the biggest church structures on Earth. Notre Dame Cathedral transports you on a magical historical walk, from the significant Catholic relics housed in the cathedral treasury to the magnificent gargoyles and sculptures adorning the cathedral towers. The best time to visit there is around 5:30 p.m. if you want to avoid the crowd.
Location: On Île de la Cité in the 4th Arrondissement of Paris
Open: Daily from 7.45 am to 6.45 pm (7.15 pm on weekends)
Montmartre
One of the city’s most charming neighborhoods is Montmartre. It’s a charming area in a large metropolis that has the atmosphere of a village. With the magnificent Sacré-Coeur Basilica as its focal point, it is situated atop a hill. Renowned for its creative milieu, which continues to draw painters, musicians, and authors, Montmartre is a rather bustling neighborhood after dark. Nightclubs, live music venues, and the renowned cabaret act at Moulin Rouge are located on the southwest slope.
Location: 18th Arrondissement of Paris, France
Seine River
The Seine, the fifth-longest river in France, passes right through the heart of Paris, providing you with a unique perspective on many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Funny enough to be called “bateaux mouches” (fly boats) in French, these long, thin open excursion boats are used for slightly longer cruises that take in a lot of sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Town Hall, and many more. A dinner cruise on the Seine River is a great way to treat yourself if you truly want to go all out. The monuments look even more stunning at night.
Location: Port de la Conférence, Port de la Bourdonnais, Quai Branly and Quai de Montebello are a few of the Seine River excursion boats embarking ports in Paris, France
Disneyland Paris
Families should make time to visit Disneyland Paris, which is situated in Marne-la-Vallée, 32 km east of the center of Paris. Many rides and attractions, such as those inspired by Star Wars and Marvel, are located throughout the 20 square kilometer park. Savor rides with themes, a pirate ship, a haunted home, and more. Seven hotels and more than fifty eateries are located within the park. The nine- and eighteen-hole Golf Disneyland courses are also open for play.
Location: In Marne-la-Vallée, 30 km east of Paris center, France
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located roughly 20 km southwest of the city center, therefore it is not quite in Paris. This shouldn’t deter you from seeing this amazing structure. One of the most popular historical places in France, the palace serves as a symbol of the absolute monarchy that came to an end with the French Revolution in 1789. Today, it is a museum. Going through the Hall of Mirrors or into the King’s Apartment truly gives you the impression that you have transported back in time because it has been completely restored to its 17th-century appearance. Versailles’ surrounding gardens serve as a striking example of jardin à la française, or French-style gardening. Versailles Palace allows you to completely lose oneself for the day, which is a good
Location: In Versailles, 20 km southwest from Paris city center, France
Open: November–March: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm. April–October: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6.30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Paris vineyards
Paris has been producing wine and growing grapes since the Roman Empire. The Clos Montmartre is a vineyard where you may visit and taste wine made in Paris, however it’s not as well-known as the neighboring vineyards in Burgundy and Champagne. Just 300 meters separate this 1,550 square meter vineyard from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. It makes a Gamay/Pinot Noir wine that is quite good. It is commemorated at the annual Harvest Festival of Montmartre, which takes place in October.
Location: Rue des Saules, in Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement of Paris, France
