Top 10doParis

Top 10 Best Places to Do in Paris

Paris offers endless experiences beyond its iconic landmarks. From romantic Seine cruises to hands-on cooking classes, cabaret shows to wine tastings, discover the best activities that make the City of Light truly unforgettable.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Seine River Cruise

Seine River Cruise
$$
Port de la Conférence, Pont de l'Alma, 75008 ParisWebsite

Glide past Paris's most iconic landmarks on a classic Seine river cruise. Watch the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Louvre drift by as you enjoy champagne and French cuisine aboard these legendary glass-roofed boats. Evening cruises offer spectacular views of the illuminated city.

Highlights

  • 1-hour sightseeing or dinner cruises
  • Views of 10+ major monuments
  • Evening cruises with Eiffel Tower light show
  • Champagne and gourmet dining options
cruiseromanticsightseeinglandmarks
2.

French Cooking Class

French Cooking Class
$$$
Various locations including Le Cordon Bleu, 13-15 Quai André Citroën, 75015 ParisWebsite

Learn authentic French culinary techniques from professional chefs in hands-on cooking classes. Master the art of croissants, classic sauces, and traditional dishes while discovering the secrets of French gastronomy in state-of-the-art kitchens.

Highlights

  • Half-day to multi-week programs
  • Professional chef instructors
  • Take home your creations
  • Learn classic French techniques
cookingculinaryworkshopgastronomy
3.

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience
$$
O Chateau, 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 ParisWebsite

Discover French wine regions through expert-guided tastings in historic cellars and charming wine bars. Learn to distinguish Bordeaux from Burgundy, understand terroir, and develop your palate with certified sommeliers in intimate settings.

Highlights

  • Taste 5-7 wines per session
  • English-speaking sommeliers
  • Food pairing options
  • Historic cellar settings
O Chateau
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
winetastingculturalsommelier
4.

Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show

Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show
$$$$
82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 ParisWebsite

Experience the legendary cabaret that invented the can-can and inspired countless artists. This dazzling spectacle features 60 Doriss Girl dancers, elaborate costumes with 1,000 feathers, and champagne in the iconic red windmill venue that has entertained since 1889.

Highlights

  • World-famous Féerie show
  • Champagne included
  • Dinner show option available
  • 60 Doriss Girl dancers
cabaretentertainmentnightlifeiconic
5.

Versailles Day Trip

Versailles Day Trip
$$$
Place d'Armes, 78000 VersaillesWebsite

Journey to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the ultimate symbol of French royal grandeur. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, opulent State Apartments, and Marie-Antoinette's private estate. The 800-hectare gardens feature stunning fountains, sculptures, and the Grand Canal.

Highlights

  • Hall of Mirrors
  • Marie-Antoinette's Estate
  • Musical Fountain Shows (seasonal)
  • Skip-the-line access available
day-trippalacehistorygardens
6.

Paris Bike Tour

Paris Bike Tour
$$
Various meeting points across ParisWebsite

Discover Paris on two wheels with guided bike tours through charming neighborhoods and along the Seine. Pedal past iconic landmarks, hidden courtyards, and local favorites while expert guides share stories and history that bring the city to life.

Highlights

  • Day and night tour options
  • All skill levels welcome
  • Electric bike upgrades available
  • Small group sizes
bikingoutdoorsightseeingactive
7.

Perfume Making Workshop

Perfume Making Workshop
$$
Musée du Parfum Fragonard, 9 Rue Scribe, 75009 ParisWebsite

Create your signature scent in a historic Parisian parfumerie. Learn about fragrance families, top, heart, and base notes from expert noses. Blend your own unique perfume using premium essences and take home your creation in an elegant bottle.

Highlights

  • 90-minute hands-on workshop
  • Create 100ml personal perfume
  • Expert perfumer guidance
  • Premium French essences
perfumeworkshopluxurycreative
8.

Louvre Guided Tour

Louvre Guided Tour
$$$
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 ParisWebsite

Navigate the world's largest museum with an expert guide who reveals the stories behind masterpieces. Discover the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory while avoiding the crowds with priority access and curated routes through 35,000 artworks.

Highlights

  • 2-3 hour expert-led tour
  • Skip all ticket lines
  • See 20+ essential works
  • Small group options available
museumartguided-tourculture
9.

Montmartre Walking Tour

Montmartre Walking Tour
$$
Meeting point: Abbesses Metro Station, 75018 ParisWebsite

Explore the bohemian heart of Paris on a guided walk through Montmartre's winding streets. Discover where Picasso and Van Gogh lived, visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and see artists at work in Place du Tertre while learning about this legendary artistic neighborhood.

Highlights

  • Sacré-Cœur Basilica views
  • Place du Tertre artists
  • Hidden vineyard visit
  • Stories of famous artists
walking-tourarthistoryneighborhood
10.

Champagne Tasting Experience

Champagne Tasting Experience
$$$
Various wine bars and champagne houses in ParisWebsite

Indulge in France's most celebrated sparkling wine with expert-led champagne tastings. Learn about méthode champenoise, discover prestigious champagne houses, and taste vintage cuvées paired with gourmet French appetizers in elegant Parisian settings.

Highlights

  • Taste 4-6 premium champagnes
  • Learn champagne history and production
  • Food pairing included
  • Expert sommelier guidance
O Chateau
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
champagnetastingluxurygastronomy

Best of 2026

1.

Renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral Visit

Renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral Visit
$
6 Parvis Notre-Dame, Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 ParisWebsite

Experience the magnificently restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened after the 2019 fire. Marvel at the painstaking restoration of medieval craftsmanship, new stained glass, and the rebuilt spire designed by Viollet-le-Duc.

Highlights

  • Newly restored interiors
  • Tower climb available
  • Free entry to cathedral
  • Historic Gothic architecture
landmarkarchitecturehistoriccathedral
2.

Paris 2024 Olympic Venues Tour

Paris 2024 Olympic Venues Tour
$$
Various locations across Paris

Visit the transformed venues from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Explore the swimming center at Saint-Denis, the climbing wall at Le Bourget, and see how the city has been reimagined for sports and public use.

Highlights

  • Multiple venue visits
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • Olympic history insights
  • New urban spaces
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
sportsarchitecturewalkingolympic
3.

Immersive Art at Atelier des Lumières

Immersive Art at Atelier des Lumières
$$
38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 ParisWebsite

Step inside masterpieces in this revolutionary digital art experience. Watch Van Gogh's Starry Night, Monet's gardens, or Klimt's golden works come alive across 10-meter high walls with an immersive soundtrack in a former foundry.

Highlights

  • 45-minute immersive show
  • Rotating exhibitions
  • Stunning photography opportunities
  • Historic industrial venue
artimmersivedigitalexperience

Winter Activities

1.

Ice Skating at Grand Palais

Ice Skating at Grand Palais
$$
3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris

Glide beneath the stunning glass dome of the Grand Palais on the world's largest temporary indoor ice rink. This magical winter experience combines sport with Belle Époque architecture and festive atmosphere.

Highlights

  • World's largest indoor rink
  • Evening DJ sessions
  • Skate rental included
  • Belle Époque architecture
Grand Palais
Also available on:Viator
skatingwinterlandmarkfestive
2.

Christmas Markets at Champs-Élysées

Christmas Markets at Champs-Élysées
$
Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

Stroll through twinkling Christmas markets along the world's most famous avenue. Sample vin chaud, browse artisan gifts, and enjoy the spectacular holiday lights adorning the chestnut trees.

Highlights

  • 200+ chalets
  • Open late November-January
  • Mulled wine and crêpes
  • Spectacular light displays
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
christmasmarketshoppingfestive
3.

Hot Chocolate Tasting Tour

Hot Chocolate Tasting Tour
$$
Starting at Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Warm up with Paris's finest hot chocolates on a guided tour of legendary salons de thé. Compare the thick, rich drinking chocolate at Angelina with artisan versions at smaller chocolatiers throughout the city.

Highlights

  • Visit 4 chocolatiers
  • Taste 5+ hot chocolates
  • Learn chocolate history
  • Indoor warm experience
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
chocolatetastingwalkingwinter

Spring Activities

1.

Cherry Blossom Picnic in Parc de Sceaux

Cherry Blossom Picnic in Parc de Sceaux
$
Parc de Sceaux, 92330 Sceaux

Experience Paris's answer to hanami under clouds of pink cherry blossoms. This stunning park south of Paris features over 150 cherry trees that bloom spectacularly each April, creating a magical setting for picnics.

Highlights

  • Free entry
  • Peak bloom late March-April
  • Bring your own picnic
  • Stunning photo opportunities
Also available on:ViatorGetYourGuide
naturepicnicseasonalphotography
2.

Giverny and Monet's Gardens Day Trip

Giverny and Monet's Gardens Day Trip
$$
84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 GivernyWebsite

Visit Claude Monet's home and the gardens that inspired his iconic Water Lilies. Spring brings explosions of tulips, wisteria, and the first blooms in the famous Japanese water garden with its green bridge.

Highlights

  • April-May best for flowers
  • Half-day from Paris
  • Skip-the-line tickets available
  • Monet's house and studio
day-tripgardenartimpressionism

Summer Activities

1.

Paris Plages on the Seine

Paris Plages on the Seine
$
Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Join locals at Paris's urban beach along the Seine. Swim in floating pools, lounge on imported sand, and enjoy free concerts and activities along the transformed riverbanks each summer from mid-July to late August.

Highlights

  • Free access
  • Mid-July to late August
  • Multiple swimming areas
  • Beach volleyball and activities
beachfreesummeroutdoor
2.

Outdoor Cinema at La Villette

Outdoor Cinema at La Villette
$
211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 ParisWebsite

Watch classic and contemporary films under the stars in Parc de la Villette. Bring a blanket and picnic for this beloved Parisian summer tradition with free screenings nightly throughout July and August.

Highlights

  • Free admission
  • July-August nightly
  • Bring picnic and blankets
  • Classic and new films
cinemaoutdoorfreesummer

Frequently Asked Questions

Paris offers many free experiences including visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral, strolling through Luxembourg Gardens, exploring Père Lachaise Cemetery, walking along the Seine, browsing the Marais neighborhood, and admiring art at Petit Palais. Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and Paris Plages beach is free in summer.

For popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles, advance booking is essential to avoid long queues. Skip-the-line tickets save significant time. Cooking classes, cabaret shows, and special tours should be booked at least a week ahead. River cruises and food tours can often be booked 1-2 days in advance.

Start early at the Eiffel Tower, then take a Seine cruise to see major landmarks from the water. Visit the Louvre with a skip-the-line tour (focus on highlights), stroll through the Tuileries to the Champs-Élysées, and end in Montmartre for sunset views. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus to maximize sightseeing.

Paris is very family-friendly. Kids love the Eiffel Tower, boat cruises, puppet shows in Luxembourg Gardens, the Paris Aquarium, and Disneyland Paris (30 minutes away). Many cooking classes offer family sessions, and parks like Jardin d'Acclimatation have rides and attractions. Most museums offer children's programs.

Uniquely Parisian experiences include learning to make croissants from a French chef, watching the can-can at Moulin Rouge, exploring the Catacombs with 6 million skeletons, attending a fashion show during Fashion Week, visiting the private apartments at Versailles, and picnicking under the Eiffel Tower at midnight when it sparkles.