Top 10 Things to Do in Paris for the “True, French Parisian Experience”
Get the most out of your trip to Paris with list of things to do from a travel expert.
July 16, 2026
8 minute read
Paris is an iconic city that lives up to its reputation with landmarks popping up seemingly everywhere and a Bonjour culture that envelopes you. With so many amazing things to do in Paris, it can be hard to know where to start planning your Paris trip.
This is why Collette has expert Tour Designers, like Sandra C., who know exactly how to plan a trip to Paris. This list is based on Collette’s Spotlight on Paris tour, which Sanda designed to give travellers the “true, French Parisian experience.”
“Paris is a large city without the tour we would have walked around in circles trying to get from point A to point B.” — Anna A., traveller on Collette’s Spotlight on Paris Tour.
The Short List: The Most Iconic Things to Do in Paris
For first-time and repeat visitors alike, the best things to do in Paris combine world-famous landmarks with local neighbourhoods. If you’re in a hurry, this short list hits all the highlights of Paris, or read on for more details and inside tips.
Visit the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world.
Take a day trip to Versailles to explore the palace and its gardens just outside Paris.
Spend time in Montmartre, a hip, chic neighbourhood known for cafés, artists in the streets, and sweeping city views.
Walk through Le Marais, one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, and visit the city’s oldest market.
See the Eiffel Tower at night, you can even dine at the Eiffel Tower for an extra special treat.
1. Explore the Louvre
The Louvre is a massive museum located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement.
Beyond the famous names, travellers often express surprise at how much artistic and historic variety lives under one roof. You can see sculptures from Michelangelo and Bernini, paintings from da Vinci, and works you stumble on by accident and fall in love with.
While some people wander the Louvre, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you want to see specific exhibits. Some parts of the museum will be crowded, and you’ll need to wait in line to see top attractions like the Mona Lisa.
Travellers with Collette visit the museum with a local guide who can help navigate the museum and show you the best paintings and the secret ones that people often miss.
Insider tip: The Louvre is one of the most in‑demand museums in the world; crowds are the norm and you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance.
2. Step Outside the City at Versailles
Versailles is located 18 kilometers/11 miles to the west of central of Paris, but is well worth the trip. Commissioned by King Louis XIV, the palace and gardens are impressive with their formal symmetry — and offer a nice contrast to the city.
Insider tip: Versailles sits outside Paris, so you'll need to arrange transportation if you’re planning this on your own. If you travel with Collette, you’ll get the added benefit of transportation and a local guide. On our France Magnifique tour includes a stay in Versailles giving you a chance to enjoy a more authentic experience after the crowds leave.
3. Wander Montmartre’s Streets and Hills
Montmartre is a different side of Paris. The white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilicas rises above a hip, chic, neighbourhood with pink houses, cafes, and artists painting on the streets.
It’s more colourful and layered than the rest of the city with surprises — like vineyards tucked into the hillside — that reward curious visitors.
“Montmartre — we loved it so much, went back on our post stay!” — Paula S., traveller on Collette’s Spotlight on Paris Tour.
Insider tip: Explore Montmartre on foot, strolling slowly helps you notice details many visitors miss.
4. Gaze up at the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks, and a highlight for nearly everyone who comes to the city. Initially built as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, the tower has become emblematic of Paris.
The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. People also gather around the base to gaze up or take photos.
For a special experience, some Collette tours include dinner at the Eiffel Tower with a chef-selected menu. You get to enjoy dinner while watching the lights come on across the city.
Inside tip: The Eiffel Tower area is busy year‑round, with lines and security cheques even for visitors who aren’t going inside. Plan to spend time waiting in lines, especially in the evening.
5. Walk Through Le Marais and Its Oldest Market
Le Marais is one of the oldest parts of Paris, and that history shows up in narrow streets, mixed‑use buildings, and shops that serve people who live nearby. Located across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank of the Seine (Rive Droite, in French), Le Marais is home to many historic buildings and architecturally important structures.
Stop at the city’s oldest market to get a taste of local life as vendors chat with regulars and locals choose produce for dinner.
Insider tip: Locals still shop here, so it’s a working market — not a staged attraction.
6. Visit the Area Around Notre Dame
Notre Dame anchors Paris in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re standing near it. The medieval Catholic cathedral commends your attention from its location on an island in the Seine (Île de la Cité), surrounded by centuries of history.
Insider tip: Access to the inside of Notre Dame depends on crowd control and current operations, but even from the outside it’s a core part of the Paris experience.
7. Experience Paris After Dark
Paris at night takes on a fairytale feel. Lights twinkle along the Seine and the evening light and shadows soften the edges of old buildings while throwing architectural features into relief.
The city slows just enough for you to enjoy floating along the river or sitting down near the Eiffel Tower.
Insider tip: Expect added security cheques and lines in the evening near the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine. These areas are busy year‑round.
8. Walk the Champs‑Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe
The Champs‑Élysées is one of my favourite parts of Paris. This 1.9-kilometre/1.2-mile boulevard in the 8th arrondissement of Paris runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Take your time and stroll along the street, explore the shops, and make your way to the Arc de Triomphe waiting at the far end. From here, streets radiate outward, giving you a sense of how Paris is laid out.
Insider tip: The Champs‑Élysées is an easy walk that leads directly to the Arc de Triomphe.
9. Use Le Métro Like a Local
Navigating Paris underground is easier than you might expect. Le Métro moves fast, connects everything, and has its own cultural vibe. People read, listen to music, and chat quietly while zipping around the city. It’s a great way to feel like a local.
“Learning to take the Metro really helped to allow getting to sites of interest during free time.” — Terence W., Paula S., traveller on Collette’s Spotlight on Paris Tour.
Insider tip: Le Métro is the fastest way to get around Paris, but be aware that many stations have stairs, with limited escalators or elevators.
10. Pause for Pastries and Something Sweet
Small pleasures and pastries are part of daily life in Paris. You notice it in the morning — trays are set out and locals stop by before starting their day. A flaky bite at a counter or a quiet moment at a café fits in naturally when you’re wandering the city.
Insider tip: Slowing down to savour local pastries connects you with everyday Parisian life.
FAQs About Things to Do in Paris
What Are the Best Things to Do in Paris for First-Timers?
For first-timers, this list is really the perfect way to experience Paris. If you’re short on time, choose the landmarks you most want to see and give yourself a little time to explore shops and sit at a café.
What Are the Top Places to Visit in Paris, France?
Top places to visit include the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the Notre Dame area, Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Seine — especially at night. Each one gives you a different ‘version’ of Paris: art and history, royal grandeur, the city’s oldest streets, bohemian corners, and river views.
What Are Fun Things to Do in Paris at Night?
Dinner cruising the Seine is one of the most fun nighttime experiences because it’s sightseeing without rushing — good food, lights on the water, and Paris unfolding around you. Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is another classic.
What Should You Buy in Paris?
Buy souvenirs that will remind you of your days — market finds, specialty foods, and small items you’ll actually use. Our Souvenirs for the France Traveller is a helpful guide.
How Do You Get Around Paris Easily?
The Metro is usually the easiest way to get around, but some stations have a lot of stairs.
Is Versailles Worth a Day Trip from Paris?
Yes — Versailles is the kind of place that makes French history feel tangible. It’s also a refreshing contrast to the city with its formal gardens.
Planning the Perfect Paris Trip
If you’re dreaming of Paris, consider Collette’s Spotlight on Paris tour. Sandra designed the tour to include almost everything on this list and free time for you to sit at cafés, stroll the Champs‑Élysées, or explore shops that catch your eye.
Looking to see more of France? Explore our guided France tours.
