Things to do in Paris in January

Paris is a city full of culture, art, and romance. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Paris is truly one of the most iconic cities in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history, take a stroll along the river, or explore the many cafes and restaurants, Paris has something for everyone.

January is a great time to visit the City of Lights. The winter months provide a unique and beautiful atmosphere, with twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and cozy cafes. Plus, with fewer crowds and shorter lines at the major attractions, January is an ideal month for those looking for a more laid-back experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris in January.

Visit the Louvre Museum

The iconic Louvre Museum is one of Paris’s most famous attractions. With its vast collection of artworks and artifacts, it’s the largest and most visited museum in the world. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, with its convenient location right in the heart of Paris, it’s easy to access by foot, bike, or public transport.

It’s best to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance. You can also purchase a skip-the-line ticket or book a guided tour to maximize your time at the museum. During January, the Louvre is open from 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays).

Take a Cruise on the Seine

One of the best ways to explore Paris is from the waters of the Seine. Taking a river cruise allows you to witness some of Paris’s most iconic sites from a different perspective. There are several companies offering both day and night cruises on the Seine with various itineraries. Most of them also offer food and drinks on board, so you can relax and enjoy the views while sipping on a glass of champagne.

For an unforgettable experience, book a dinner cruise and watch the city’s skyline transform as the sun sets over the river. You can also opt for a sightseeing cruise that takes you past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other top attractions.

Explore Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris. It is home to some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the iconic Sacré Coeur Basilica and Place du Tertre. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and explore its many galleries, shops, and restaurants. For breathtaking views of Paris, take a ride on the Funicular up to Montmartre’s highest point.

On Sundays during January, you can also experience the famous flea market in Montmartre. This bustling market has hundreds of stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, and other treasures. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs or just soak up Montmartre’s vibrant atmosphere.

Experience a Classical Music Concert at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’s most stunning churches and it offers an incredible atmosphere for experiencing classical music. During January, this 11th century church hosts several classical music concerts where you can listen to some of the most beautiful pieces written by composers such as Bach and Mozart. The concerts usually last around an hour and they’re a great way to experience both music and history at the same time.

Book an Eiffel Tower Tour

The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’s most iconic sites and it’s an absolute must-see when visiting the city. There are several companies offering Eiffel Tower tours with various itineraries. Some tours include skip-the-line access to the tower’s observation deck as well as guided tours that explain the history and architecture of this iconic structure.

For an unforgettable experience, book a dinner cruise that takes you past the Eiffel Tower as you watch the city’s skyline transform as the sun sets over the river. You can also opt for a sightseeing tour that takes you to the summit of the tower for breathtaking views of Paris from above.

Book an Evening Food Tour

What better way to experience Paris than by tasting its delicious food? An evening food tour is an amazing way to explore some of Paris’s best restaurants and sample some of its most beloved dishes. There are several companies offering food tours with various itineraries that take you through some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.

Most tours include multiple stops at different restaurants where you can enjoy traditional French fare such as steak frites, duck confit, crêpes, macarons, and more. Some tours also offer an optional wine-tasting session so you can sample some of France’s finest wines while learning about their history and production methods.

Go Shopping at Les Halles

Les Halles is one of Paris’s top shopping districts and it offers something for everyone. From high-end boutiques to smaller independent stores, there are plenty of places to explore here. If you’re looking for souvenirs or unique items, this is a great place to find them. You can also find plenty of cafes and restaurants here if you need to refuel during your shopping spree.

Explore Versailles Palace

Located just outside Paris, Versailles Palace is one of France’s most iconic attractions. The sprawling palace was once home to King Louis XIV and it offers an incredible glimpse into France’s royal past. Take a guided tour of this breathtaking palace and explore its lavish gardens and grandiose rooms.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, consider booking a tour that includes access to some of Versailles’ secret chambers that are usually off-limits to visitors. You can also opt for a guided tour that takes you inside Marie Antoinette’s private chambers or experience an evening light show at night.

Book a Paris City Tour

A city tour is a great way to explore Paris if you don’t have much time to spare. Most tours include both guided walking tours and bus tours that take you past some of Paris’s top attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre Museum, The Eiffel Tower, and more. Many tours also include skip-the-line access to some attractions.

You can book an example tour here. Alternatively, book a night tour if you want to see Paris illuminated by its many twinkling lights after dark. You can book another example tour here.

To make your visit even more enjoyable, consider booking an accommodation near one of these attractions so you can easily explore them during your visit. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, vibrant nightlife and wealth of cultural attractions, Paris has something for everyone in January – no matter what type of traveler you are!