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Planning a trip to Paris? From iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower to charming sidewalk cafés and hidden gems tucked away in quiet arrondissements, this romantic capital has something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing art, fashion, food, or history, we’ve curated the best things to do in Paris to turn your visit into an unforgettable adventure.
Be sure to check out the comprehensive Paris Travel FAQ at the end of this article for essential tips and local insights to help you explore Paris like a true Parisian!
Whether you want to explore Paris on a tight budget or enjoy doing your own thing, audio guides are the answer. These top eight audio guides are the most popular ones. The reviews are excellent, so you know many have done it successfully before you.
Not everything in Paris costs money. There are many free things to do in Paris that are beautiful and an absolute must – it’s like adding the finishing touches to your trip. Also, don’t forget to save on sightseeing attractions by getting your city pass!
DID YOU KNOW: If you visit Montmartre in Paris, you’ll actually be higher than the top of the Eiffel Tower in terms of elevation!
Montmartre Elevation: Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, with an elevation of about 130 meters (426 feet) above sea level. This gives you fantastic panoramic views of the city, especially from the famous steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Eiffel Tower Height: The Eiffel Tower stands at 330 meters (1,083 feet), but it’s located on a lower elevation, only about 35 meters (115 feet) above sea level.
So, even though the Eiffel Tower is taller, standing in Montmartre puts you at a higher ground level!
If you’re looking for free things to do, there are numerous options, but simply exploring and people-watching at a cozy street cafe are among the best free activities. For example, this is how you get to see how the locals live. There are many gardens to explore, and some are even free, while others have incredibly low entrance fees.
Eat as many pastries as possible. The French pastries are fantastic.
Taste the real French Macarons. Ordering it back home is simply just not the same.
Do a French food picnic somewhere along the Seine River or in a park. Even if you are a solo traveler, this is amazing.
Visit a flower market. Even if you don’t buy any flowers, consider visiting a flower shop or market. It is a “Paris-thing-to-do”.
Go to the Tuileries Garden.
When you buy the Paris Pass, you get admission to plenty attractions including the Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Pompidou Centre, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus!
Go on a gourmet food tour in Paris, join a small group on a chocolate walking tour, or join a small cooking class and make your own macarons!
If you’d like to spice up your time in Paris, you can book day excursions (trips) to add some variety. It gives a bit of a break from the usual, and you get to meet interesting people on these day trips. Below are a few bestsellers that we can recommend. Early booking is recommended.
Another way to spice up your Paris vacation is to add a gastronomic dinner with a MasterChef, or be entertained in a cozy French home with traditional French home cooking. That’s French culture, experienced firsthand. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, but here you get to hear the real stories of Paris. Moreover, you get to find out where the locals hang out, all making your trip to Paris so much more authentic. I suggest you book your French Food experience(s) early in your trip, so you have sufficient time to take advantage of some of the travel tips that may be shared with you.
Yes! Instead of crossing the traffic circle at street level, use the underground pedestrian tunnel. Here’s how it works:
Location: The tunnel is situated on the Champs-Élysées side of the roundabout, making it a safer alternative to navigating the intense vehicle traffic.
Access Points: You can access this tunnel via stairs or an elevator, making it easy for everyone, including those with mobility concerns, to use.
This is the best option for a safe and stress-free visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe monument!
Visit Paris in the summer, which is June to August. The summer months bring art and music festivals to the parks, and people enjoy picnics everywhere.
Yes, English is widely understood (enough)
While a few polite French phrases go a long way, most people in tourism-heavy areas speak some English.
The French appreciate the effort, so even saying “Bonjour, excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?” opens doors more warmly than just launching into English.
Pickpocketing is real, especially around tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Gare du Nord, and on Metro lines 1 and 4. Wear a crossbody bag zipped up, and never keep valuables in your back pockets.
Avoid deserted parks or Metro stations very late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and main streets after dark.
Ignore scammers near attractions asking you to sign petitions or “return dropped rings” — just say “Non, merci” and keep walking.
Trust your instincts. If someone’s behavior feels off, move away confidently and find a café or shop to duck into.
If you’re worried about language barriers in an emergency, you can call 112 (EU-wide emergency number) and ask for an English-speaking operator.
Free city walking tours (like Sandeman’s or Paris Greeters) let you get the best of both worlds — a local intro with no obligation. You can always peel off after.
Picnic like a Parisian at the Luxembourg Gardens or along Canal Saint-Martin. A baguette, some cheese, and wine = happiness.
Explore beyond the Eiffel Tower. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Passage Jouffroy, and Rue Crémieux are magical and crowd-free.
Museums like the Louvre are best done solo, honestly. You can skip the audio guide, use the app, and just focus on what moves you — not the Mona Lisa mob.
The Metro system is fast, efficient, and safe, even for solo female travelers. Just avoid the last trains of the night and keep your belongings secure.
Yes! Signage is clear and often bilingual (French/English), and navigation apps like Citymapper or Google Maps work great here. Some of the most enchanting finds in Paris are discovered not in guidebooks but while wandering — like the artist ateliers of Montmartre or quiet corners of the Marais.
You’ll be completely safe exploring Paris solo with a bit of awareness. It’s a city that loves flâneurs — those who stroll with no fixed direction, just enjoying the beauty of the moment.
And who knows? Some of your best memories might come from getting lost just enough to find something unexpected. That’s Paris magic right there.
Unlock your dreams with a trip to Paris!
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