15 INCREDIBLE Things to do in Paris [December 2024!]
You could spend a lifetime in the French capital and never tire of things to do in Paris. Nicknamed the City of Lights, you’ll find iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, famous art galleries and museums, world-class shopping and dining, a sophisticated night scene, and more.
But the popular European city is known for being quite expensive and there’s so much to do. Which is exactly why we wrote this bargain guide of the best things to do in Paris!
Paris doesn’t need to be as expensive as you may at first think and this guide is here to prove it. Written by our expert travel writers, this bargain guide will give you tons of options for activities in the city of lights – for all budgets!
This is the ultimate list of the best things to do in Paris. Some of them may even surprise you!
Additional reading – The 17 Best Hotels in Paris, The Best 5 Neighbourhoods for Where to Stay in Paris, and 13 Picturesque Day Trips From Paris
Table of Contents
Quick Answer – Best things to do in Paris
- Fun Things to do in Paris – Summit the Eiffel Tower
- Romantic Things to do in Paris – Wine Tasting Tour de France
- Things to do in Paris with Kids – Disneyland Paris
- Free Things to do in Paris – Visit Notre Dame
- Best Things to do in Paris at Night – See a Moulin Rouge Show
P.S If you’re looking to travel around France, check out our in-depth guides to Lyon (best things to do, where to stay and the best hotels to stay in!). Marseille has some stellar things to do, places to stay and more awesome hotels to stay in! Plus, our epic local guide to the 45 best things to do in France is designed to help you find an amazing day trip – no matter who you are travelling with!
Fun Things to do in Paris
Fun Things to do in Paris
We all travel to have fun, right? There is a heap of fun things to do in Paris and you will be surprised as to quite how much fun you can cram into just one day! Paris is well geared up for travelers who want to tick the must-visit spots off the bucket list!
#1 – Summit the Eiffel Tower
Coincidentally, summiting the Eiffel Tower is a great way to keep fit, as well as being a fun thing to do in Paris! Do you have the stamina to climb up the 704-steps to the second floor? It is well worth the puff and the pant. You can’t come to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower, right?!
On the first floor, you can stand on the suspended glass floor. That’s not so fun if you’re scared of heights though! Once on the second-floor observation deck, you can take in the magnificent views of the French capital.
Even on the rainiest of days, you won’t get a better view of Paris’s cityscape than from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Read this! Learn the things that Paris is most famous for!
#2 – Take a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Can you think of a more fun way to explore Paris than on an open-top bus? Surely not! It has never been easier to tick off all the must-visit sights in Paris. One ticket sees you dropped at the entrance to every major must-visit spot in the city.
In the course of one day, you can visit the Eiffel Tower, jump back on the bus and head to the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs Elysees and beyond. What’s more, there is a comprehensive audio guide service so you can learn on the go. You won’t miss a beat!
You can upgrade your ticket to a be valid for 2-days if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace.
Your trip getting near? Check out our boutique hotels in Paris guide so you’re sure to get a great room!
#3 – Segway Sightseeing Tour
Have you ever ridden a Segway before? It is definitely the most fun you can have on two wheels. One of the most fun things to do in Paris is explore the city streets on a Segway. Whizz around the French capital testing your balance as you go.
Riding a Segway is pretty easy and it is one of the most effortless yet immersive ways to explore Paris. Your guide will take you to all the must-visit sights and a few off the beaten track places too. They know all about the city and provide you with a tonne of interesting information to take away.
Your guide will give you a training session before you hit the streets. They will keep you safe!
Romantic Things to do in Paris
Romantic Things to do in Paris
Paris is the city of love. You can feel the romance all around you. There is a great selection of romantic things to do in Paris. Some of them are a little cliched and others are a little more innovative! At the end of the day, it is who you’re with that makes Paris romantic.
#4 – Wine Tasting Tour de France
What better way to romance your beau than by taking them on a complete tour of France, avec du vin! One of the most romantic things to do in Paris is to have a wine tasting experience.
Whether you are aspiring sommeliers or completely clueless about wine, there is something hopelessly romantic about staring deep into one another’s eyes while swirling a wine glass in your hand.
During the wine tasting, you can learn about the different wine regions in France and how to read a wine label properly. By the end, you will be able to tell the difference between your Cabernet Sauvignon and your Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
#5 – Electric Bicycle Tour
In all the movies about Paris, there is a scene with the lead character leisurely cycling about the city. It’s romantic and it’s dreamy. What isn’t romantic or dreamy though is getting sweaty and flustered in a hot and sticky city. Here is the solution, an electric bicycle tour.
One of the most romantic things to do in Paris is an electric bicycle tour with your lover. No need to even break a sweat, you can look fabulous throughout the adventure! Plus you get to stop at all the famous landmarks for some loved-up selfies.
The tour will take you to some of Paris’ hidden gems like shady parks, and winding alleyways.
Check this out – 51 MUST KNOW Facts about the History of Paris!
#6 – The Marais Walking Food Tour
What could be more romantic than strolling through Paris hand in hand with your lover, taking pit stops to stuff your faces with incredible French food?
Le Marais is a quieter neighbourhood in Paris that has boulangeries, patisseries and chocolatiers galore. Lest we forget the artisan cheesemongers and cured meats at the delicatessens. Crunch on freshly baked baguettes and let brie just melt in your mouth. Food is the way to the heart, after all.
This is an authentic and laid-back way to explore Paris and learn about French food culture together. You can learn recipes and gain some great cooking tips so you can recreate the experience when you get home.
You may not have heard this in History class! Read up on Bordeaux’s impressive past!
Things to do in Paris with Kids
Things to do in Paris with Kids
Paris is a city for all the family. The family is at the heart of French culture and as such, there is a wealth of things to do in Paris with kids. With so much history to explore there is something fascinating for them to discover in every museum and gallery. There are some more overtly fun activities in Paris too!
#7 – Disneyland Paris
No doubt about it, the best of things to do in Paris with kids is to visit Disneyland Paris. This whole theme park was created with kids in mind. Although Disneyland Paris is a holiday destination all of its own, it is possible to have an amazing adventure even in just the space of a day.
What could be more magical for the kids than meeting their on-screen heroes? There is fun for all the family with rides and attractions catering to every age group, the big kids too! The It’s a Small World attraction is a timeless classic, great for all the family.
You can get to Disneyland Paris from the city centre by train or by taxi.
Editor’s note – Check out our guide to 57 little known facts about the Eiffel Tower!
#8 – Grévin Wax Museum
You may be able to feel like a celebrity striding down the Champs Elysees but at the Grévin Wax Museum, you and the kids can mix with the stars. From Micheal Jackson to Barack Obama to George Clooney everyone can be found here.
The celebrity wax statues here are alarmingly lifelike and exploring who is hiding around the corner is great fun for all the family. Get your selfie sticks at the ready! There are over 200 wax statues on exhibit here. Certainly enough to keep the little ones entertained for an hour or two!
The Hall of Mirrors is good old-fashioned fun. It’s just like the traditional fairground attraction. You’ll look lovely!
Planning to visit Paris? Some of the AMAZING hotels are near the Eiffel Tower!
#9 – Paris Chocolate Museum
What do all kids love? What is one of France’s most famous foods? Chocolate! The Paris Chocolate Museum is a winner all round as far as fun things to do in Paris with kids go.
This interactive museum guides you through the whole process of chocolate. The museum teaches visitors about the history of the cacao plant and how it was cultivated by the Aztecs over 4,000 years ago.
There are over 1,000 artefacts to observe and at the end of the self-guided tour you can make your own mega hot chocolate. There is even a chocolate-themed treasure hunt for the kids.
You won’t believe this… Here are 61 facts about the history of The Louvre!
Free Things to do in Paris
Free Things to do in Paris
There is no need to break the bank while visiting Paris. There is so much to just observe and enjoy. From buskers to amazing architecture, there is something to enjoy everywhere you go. When it comes to free things to do in Paris, the opportunities are endless.
#10 – Visit Notre Dame
Easily one of the best free things to do in Paris is visiting Notre Dame cathedral. This icon of the city dates back to 1163. Visitors can explore the inside of the cathedral for free, which is amazing! You may have to queue for a little and you are not allowed to take photographs inside. It is totally worth it though.
If you want to explore the Bell Towers and get a glimpse of the incredible view over the River Seine there is a small entrance fee. It’s a nice addition to the visit but if you’re being super thrifty in Paris you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. You could pay for a guided tour if you wanted to learn more.
Interested in Lyon? Read up on the history of Lyon!
#11 – Admire Sacré-Cœur and Explore Montmartre
Montmartre is the budget traveler’s best friend in Paris. This is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Paris and one of the most affordable too. What’s more, it is home to one of the best free things to do in Paris, the Sacré-Cœur.
This beautiful basilica is one of the most magnificent buildings in all of Paris, and you don’t have to pay a cent to get inside. There is a small fee to visit the dome and the crypt, however.
Get chatting with locals, practice your French at Park Saint Micheal. You may just find out some more unusual things to do in Paris from those who know the city best!
Recommended Article – Take a look at our AMAZING guide about the best tours in Paris, France!
#12 – Put a Love Lock on Ponte des Arts
Photo credit: Guardian Liberty Voice
Kind of cliched, kind of romantic and always free, you can leave your mark on Paris and leave a love lock on Ponte des Arts bridge. This has become a modern cultural landmark and lovers, friends, families, solo travelers have left a little piece of their heart in Paris.
No money to buy a lock? No worries, you can tuck an ‘Ode to Paris’ in between the locks or just leave a flower. This is a really picturesque little spot. There are dozens of love-lock bridges in Paris. Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour and find a spot that feels right to you!
Best Things to do in Paris at Night
Best Things to do in Paris at Night
The only way to get a rounded experience of Paris is to get out and explore the city of an evening. From fancy nightclubs to beautifully lit landscapes, there are as many things to do in Paris at night as in the day!
Insider Guide! These are the absolute BEST times of the year to visit Paris!
#13 – See a Moulin Rouge Show
One of the top bucket list items for Paris is to see a show at Moulin Rouge. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Paris at night is to venture into this world-famous venue and embrace the glamour of the cabaret!
There are over 60 incredible performers in the show and you can sip away on Champagne and dine as you please during the performance. The energy is electric and it is a truly unforgettable experience.
The shows get booked out really far in advance, months at a time. Book as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
Editor’s note – Check out our guide to 38 little known facts about Notre Dame!
#14 – Paris Illuminations
It is undeniable that Paris is a whole new city at night, once you have experienced the Paris Illuminations. Beautiful in its own way during the day, it could be argued that Paris is a little grey around the edges. As the sun sets over the city the lights get switched on and what a joy it is to behold.
In the space of an hour-long cruise, you can admire Paris’ illuminated skyline and enjoy a drink or two as you go. Not only is this one of the best things to do at night in Paris, but one of the most romantic too.
Side note: Marseille’s museums have way more information about France than you could possibly find out on your own.
#15 – Paris Pub Crawl
There is one sure fire way to have fun in Paris at night and that is to join the Paris Pub Crawl. Not an activity that’s exclusive to the backpackers, the Paris Pub Crawl is open to every kind of traveler.
Tour the city with a fabulous new group of friends hitting up the city’s hottest bars and pubs. There are even free shots included in the price of your ticket! Your guide will point out all the important landmarks and take a heap of photos so you don’t forget a thing.
After the tour, you and the gang can explore Paris’ best nightclubs, such a great thing to do at night in Paris!
Recommendation for shoppers! This is where to shop in Paris (til you drop!)
Final thoughts on the COOLEST things to do in Paris
Whether you’re looking for a fabulous destination for a romantic getaway, a city where you can have fun with the kids, or somewhere to enjoy with your mates, Paris ticks all boxes.
From foodie adventures and sightseeing to visiting museums and bar hopping, the best things to do in Paris are definitely diverse. Start planning a trip to remember!
About the Author Nicola Smart
Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!