Paris To Do List: An In-depth Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities and also one of the most romantic. It is home to iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, which draw in millions of tourists from around the world. With its grand boulevards, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks, it’s no wonder that Paris is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Paris has a long and vibrant history. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it was originally known as Lutetia. Over the centuries, Paris has been an important cultural center, with art, literature, fashion, and cuisine all flourishing in the city. It is home to some of the world’s greatest artists and thinkers, who have left an indelible mark on the city.

Today, Paris is one of the world’s most livable cities, with a population of over 2 million people. It is renowned for its beauty and culture, and it is also a major economic hub. Paris is home to some of the world’s leading fashion houses and department stores, as well as numerous international corporations. The city is also a major tourist destination, with over 40 million visitors every year.

Paris is a city of contrasts, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication. From the historic streets of the Latin quarter to the chic boutiques of the Champs-Elysées, there is something for everyone to explore in this enchanting city. Here is our ultimate Paris to do list to help you make the most of your visit:

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, this magnificent Gothic cathedral has been standing for nearly 850 years. Built in 1163 by Bishop Maurice de Sully, Notre-Dame has seen countless changes over the centuries and remains an impressive testament to its long history.

The cathedral is best known for its stunning stained glass windows and awe-inspiring architecture. Inside, visitors can admire its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate sculptures and delicate stained glass windows. There are also numerous works of art and sculptures from various periods of history. Visitors can take part in daily guided tours which last around 45 minutes, or take part in a special evening tour which takes place once a month and includes a concert by Notre-Dame’s famous organist.

Visit the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest and most famous art galleries. Located in the heart of Paris on the banks of the Seine River, it houses an astonishing collection of artwork from antiquity to the 19th century. The museum is home to such famous works as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo sculpture.

The Louvre is divided into eight departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. Visitors can take part in guided tours or explore independently with an audio guide. There is also an interactive exhibit called “Museum Secrets” which offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at some of the museum’s most famous treasures.

Admire the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. This 324-meter tall wrought iron lattice tower was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. Today it stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year from all over the world.

Visitors can take an elevator or stairs to reach one of the tower’s three observation decks for spectacular views over Paris. There are also several restaurants located on different levels of the tower, offering breathtaking views over Paris’s skyline. At night, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights that can be seen all over the city.

Shop on Champs-Elysées

The Champs-Elysées is one of Paris’s most famous streets and a shopping paradise for visitors. This grand boulevard runs from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle and is lined with designer boutiques, luxury department stores, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Visitors can browse designer stores such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermes or pick up a souvenir from one of the many souvenir shops located along the street.

The Champs-Elysées is also home to several historic monuments such as Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and Grand Palais. Visitors can take a stroll down this grand avenue or take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a romantic ride through this famed street.

Discover Montmartre

Montmartre is an old village located on top of a hill in northern Paris. It was once a haven for bohemian artists such as Renoir and Picasso who frequented its many cafes and cabarets. Today it is still full of art galleries, quirky shops and charming streets lined with cobbled stones. Visitors can explore its winding streets and alleyways or wander around its many squares and gardens.

The iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica stands at the top of Montmartre hill and provides stunning views over the city. Visitors can also take part in a walking tour to discover more about this unique area or take part in a traditional cabaret show at one of its many venues such as the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris.

A Seine River Cruise

A Seine River Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Paris’s sights from a different perspective. From board, visitors can admire iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower and Pont Neuf bridge among others. There are several different types of cruises available ranging from 1 hour sightseeing cruises to romantic dinner cruises and day trips to Versailles or Giverny.

Visitors can book a tour with a guide or opt for an independent cruise. Most cruises depart from Quai des Tuileries near Louvre Museum and there are several different companies offering these tours such as Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes du Pont Neuf.

Book a Tour of Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace is one of France’s greatest treasures and a must-see for any visitor to Paris. Located just outside of Paris in Versailles town, this lavish royal palace was once home to France’s kings and queens until Louis XVI was overthrown during the French Revolution in 1789. Today it stands as an impressive testament to France’s past grandeur and visitors can explore its opulent interiors such as Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) or admire its stunning gardens designed by André Le Nôtre.

There are several different tours available ranging from guided tours inside the palace to day trips which include lunch at Château de la Reine restaurant or a visit to Marie Antoinette’s estate at Petit Trianon Palace. Visitors can book their tour online through Viator or GetYourGuide for an unforgettable experience at this incredible palace.

Wander around Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’ most beautiful parks located between Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde along the Seine River banks. This vast park was designed by André Le Nôtre in 1664 as part of Louis XIV’s grand renovations project and it has been enjoyed by many visitors ever since. The park features extensive landscaped gardens with several ponds, statues, fountains and groves as well as plenty of benches to relax on or have a picnic under its lush trees.

The park hosts several events throughout the year such as open air concerts, markets and exhibitions which visitors can attend for free or for a nominal fee. Jardin des Tuileries also offers several activities for children such as pony rides or carousels which will keep them entertained for hours on end!