8 things to do in Paris

Are you planning a trip to Paris and looking for ideas for things to do during your stay? Whether you're travelling alone, as a couple, with family or friends, the capital of love is known for its history, culture, luxury boutiques and gastronomy.

In this article, we present 8 must-do activities to do in Paris during your stay.

Key Takeaways: 

• Explore Montmartre and its Sacré-Cœur Basilica, then head to Pigalle and the Marais to shop and learn about the history of Paris.
• Visit the famous Louvre Museum, the Picasso museum, the Centre Pompidou or the Dali museum for a full cultural experience.
• Enjoy unique experiences by visiting the city on a cruise aboard a bateau-mouche or by attending one of the iconic shows at the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle.
• Relax with a browse at the Saint-Ouen flea market or relax in the Luxembourg Gardens.

A must-see Parisian landmark, Montmartre is a must-see when you visit Paris. It is home to many of the city's iconic monuments, including the Basilique du Sacré Cœur, located at the top of Montmartre hill, 130 metres above sea level. Access to the dome gives you a breathtaking view of the city. You can also visit the crypt.

While you're in Montmartre, be sure to take a stroll around Place du Terte, also known as ‘The Painters' Square’ because of the many artists who draw there every day. Just a stone's throw from the Sacré Coeur, you can have your portrait taken here, enjoy the live music or simply stroll around and soak up the typical Parisian romanticism. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can sample some French specialities. You can also enjoy a crêpe from one of the many crêperies in the area.

The Dali museum is another not-to-be-missed activity on your visit to Montmartre. A permanent exhibition featuring over 300 works by the artist, the museum is open every day of the week from 10am to 6pm.

Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world, with over 70,000 m² of floor space. So it's a must-see for art lovers. 

Organised into 8 departments, it houses more than 550,000 works from Antiquity to 1848. The works on display are particularly varied, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics and archaeological objects.

Be sure to visit the Musée du Louvre during your stay in Paris. Here you can admire such must-see works as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Théodore Géricault's Raft of the Medusa, Veronese's Marriage at Cana and the Venus de Milo, to name but a few.

Discover Paris from a unique perspective by visiting the city on board a boat from the Seine! This activity allows you to see the city's main monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay and many others, while enjoying the commentary of a guide during the trip.

Located on the right bank, the Marais is a must-visit district during your stay in Paris. 

First and foremost, it is a historic district, with many private mansions dating back to the 17th century. They are easily recognisable by their large porches, which must have been able to accommodate horse-drawn carriages at the time they were built. Among them is the Hôtel Salé, now home to the Picasso Museum. If you happen to be passing by this historic building, take the opportunity to visit Place des Vosges. This is the oldest square in Paris, dating back to the Renaissance, and many famous people have lived here, including Victor Hugo, whose home you can visit. The house is particularly well preserved, as it was when the writer was alive.

The Marais is also known for its many museums and monuments. These include the George Pompidou Centre (which you may have noticed on your visit to Montmartre), famous for its extravagant architecture made up of colourful pipes. If you're a fan of modern and contemporary art, take the time to visit it. Be sure to visit the aforementioned Musée Picasso, where you can admire some of the Spanish artist's most famous works.

Last but not least, the Marais district is known for its many boutiques of all kinds. If you're a shopping enthusiast, head straight for rue Vieille-du-Temple, rue du Temple or rue Charlot. And don't miss out on the famous BHV Marais, where you'll find all the major ready-to-wear brands in an emblematic building.

Almost 150 years old, the Saint-Ouen flea market is a not-to-be-missed event when you're in Paris. Covering an area of 7 hectares, the flea market is home to some 2,000 vendors selling all kinds of items: antiques, clothes, garage sales, etc. 

Every year, no fewer than 5 million visitors flock to the flea market, making it the world's leading art and antiques market. The markets are organised around 3 main locations: rue des Rosiers, Porte de Montmartre and Porte de Clignancourt.

An iconic Parisian landmark known the world over, the Moulin Rouge is a cabaret founded in 1889 and located in Pigalle, at the foot of the Montmartre hill. Famous for its French Cancan shows, the venue welcomes no fewer than 600,000 visitors every year from all over the world to attend the shows it puts on.

There are 3 times a day to see the Moulin Rouge: 

• the 7pm dinner show
• the 9pm show
• the 11pm show

Whatever your choice, make sure you book well in advance to ensure you get a seat.

While you're at the Moulin-Rouge, make the most of the area that houses it: Pigalle. Situated at the foot of the Montmartre hill, this area of Paris's 9th and 18th arrondissements is considered to be the most sulphurous in the city, with its cabarets and former brothels. But don't worry: it's a very pleasant place to wander around. 

You can shop for leather goods, shoes and handbags. There are also a number of music shops.

The church of Notre Dame de Lorette is also a must-see. Built in 1823, it is listed as a historic monument and was the site of the baptism of the painter Claude Monet.

Finally, Pigalle is home to numerous restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a good meal. Take Bouillon Pigalle, for example, where you can sample tasty dishes typical of French cuisine at very affordable prices.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a walk not to be missed. Spread over an area of 23 hectares, this park in Paris' 6th arrondissement is famous for its collections of fruit trees and orchids. 

There are a number of listed buildings within the park, including:

• the Palais du Luxembourg, home to the Senate;
• the Musée du Luxembourg, which hosts a number of temporary art exhibitions;
• the Orangerie, where you can admire 180 plants in crates;
• the Luxembourg Garden greenhouses, home to over 400 species of orchid.
• The Luxembourg Gardens are an iconic park in Paris, where you can relax during the day or simply take a stroll to enjoy the exceptional setting in the heart of the Latin Quarter.