Things To Do in Paris: 22 Best Attractions & Hidden Gems

Paris had been on our travel list for a long time — after all, it’s one of the most iconic cities in the world. And it definitely didn’t disappoint. We tried to combine some of the most famous attractions with a few unique experiences and hidden gems, and it turned out to be the perfect mix.

From impressive landmarks to charming streets, Paris constantly surprised us with its beautiful architecture and endless photo spots. No matter where we went, there was always something fascinating to discover. And of course, we can’t forget about all the delicious buttery croissants we enjoyed along the way.

Choosing the right area to stay in also made a big difference in how easily we could explore the city and experience its atmosphere.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Paris, including must-see sights, scenic viewpoints, and a few special places that made our trip unforgettable.

Iconic Landmarks

1. See the Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and the symbol of Paris. The iron structure stands 330 metres tall, making it the tallest building in Paris.

We decided to visit on a guided tour to the second floor, which helped us better understand the history and construction of the tower.

After passing security, we took the historic elevator up to the first level. This level already offers beautiful views and features the famous glass floor. There’s also a bar and a restaurant, making it a nice place to take a short break.

We continued to the second floor, which offers some of the best panoramic views over Paris. From here, you can clearly see landmarks like the Seine River, Montmartre, and the golden dome of Les Invalides.

Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go:

• stairs to the second floor: 14.80 €
• elevator to the second floor: 23.50 €
• elevator to the summit: 36.70 €

Right across the river, the Trocadéro Gardens offer one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and are a perfect photo spot, especially at sunrise or sunset. We came for the sunset and waited until the Eiffel Tower lit up.

The sparkling happens every day after sunset at dusk and repeats every hour on the hour. During our visit the first one was at 8PM. It takes 5 minutes and ends at 1AM (2AM in the summer).

Official Website: www.toureiffel.paris/en

2. Pont Alexander III

The Pont Alexandre III is widely considered the most beautiful bridge in Paris. Built for the 1900 World Expo, it connects the Champs-Élysées area with the Invalides district and symbolizes the friendship between France and Russia.

The bridge is famous for its ornate Art Nouveau lamps, golden statues, and detailed sculptures, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city. At each corner, you’ll notice tall pillars topped with golden winged horses.

From the bridge, we got fantastic views of the Seine River, the glass roof of the Grand Palais, and the golden dome of Les Invalides in the distance.

3. Montmartre & Sacre Cœur Basilica

Once a separate village outside Paris, Montmartre still feels like a small town with its charming atmosphere and artistic history. Today, it’s one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the city — and it quickly became our favorite place in Paris.

We spent an entire afternoon wandering through its cobbled streets, discovering cozy cafés, small boutiques, and musicians performing on street corners. The area has long been associated with artists, and even today you can see painters sketching portraits.

For the liveliest atmosphere, head to Place du Tertre along Rue Norvins. This area is filled with artists and cafés, making it a great place to sit down, relax, and soak in the unique vibe over a coffee or glass of wine.

At the top of the hill stands the beautiful white Sacré-Cœur, one of the best sunset viewpoints in Paris. As the golden light spreads across the city, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, often accompanied by street musicians performing on the steps.

Tip: Allow time to explore the hidden gems of Montmartre — some of the most picturesque corners are found away from the main paths.

Official Website: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/en/

4. Cruise along Seine River

A cruise along the Seine River is one of the most relaxing ways to see Paris and many of its iconic landmarks from a different perspective.

We departed close to the Eiffel Tower and cruised along the river past famous sights like the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Petit Palais, enjoying beautiful views of the city’s historic architecture along the way.

We chose Bateaux Parisiens, one of the most popular operators, offering frequent departures and spacious boats. Tickets start from around €18 for adults, making it an affordable experience. During the ride, there was a guide explaining the main attractions we passed.

Tip: It can get quite windy on the open deck, especially in the evening, so bringing an extra layer is a good idea. Sunset cruises are particularly beautiful, as the city slowly lights up and creates a very romantic atmosphere.

5. Notre Dame & Sainte Chapelle

Located on a small island in the Seine, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction took almost 200 years to complete.

Its impressive façade is filled with intricate carvings, statues, and detailed stonework — the longer you look, the more details you notice. While entrance to the cathedral is free, it is recommended to reserve a free time slot in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Inside, the cathedral feels grand, with stained glass windows, including the famous rose windows. When sunlight shines through the colorful glass, the light creates a very atmospheric setting.

Just a short walk away is the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, often considered one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. The highlight is the upper chapel, famous for its floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes in extraordinary detail.

Even though Sainte-Chapelle is less known than Notre-Dame, it is definitely worth adding to your Paris itinerary.

Tip: Try to visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day, when the stained glass looks most vibrant and colorful.

Official Websites: www.tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr & www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/

6. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe surprised us most with its location in the middle of a huge roundabout that looks honestly quite chaotic at first glance. Cars are coming from all directions, yet everything somehow works.

The monument was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army, and beneath it burns the eternal flame, commemorating unknown soldiers who died in World War I.

While the Arc looks impressive from the outside, we think it’s worth going up to the top. A spiral staircase leads to the terrace, where you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

From here, you can clearly see how 12 grand avenues continue from the monument, creating a perfect layout. The view down the Champs-Élysées towards the Louvre is especially beautiful, particularly around sunset.

One thing we personally didn’t love was the tall iron safety fence around the terrace, which can slightly affect photos and he views.

Tip: Use the underground pedestrian tunnel to reach the Arc.

Official Website: www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en

Museums & Culture

7. Louvre & Tuileries Gardens

The Louvre is the largest museum in the world and home to the famous Mona Lisa — but honestly, we found some other artworks even more impressive. The museum is enormous and feels a bit like a maze.

Instead of rushing through the entire museum, we recommend focusing on 2–3 sections that interest you most. This makes the visit much more enjoyable and less exhausting.

While many people come mainly for the Mona Lisa, we were personally much more amazed by the large-scale historical paintings, which often cover entire walls.

One of our favorite hidden gems was the Napoleon III Apartments, which are far less crowded but absolutely stunning. The rooms are richly decorated with chandeliers, gold details, and luxurious furniture, giving you a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the French imperial court.

Another interesting spot is the inverted pyramid inside the Carrousel du Louvre shopping area. This entrance is usually less busy than the main pyramid entrance and can save you some time.

After visiting the museum, we really enjoyed walking through the nearby Tuileries Garden, a large park located right next to the Louvre. It’s a great place to relax, with wide pathways, blooming flowers, fountains, and plenty of chairs.

Official Website: www.louvre.fr/en

8. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier wasn’t originally high on our list, but it unexpectedly became our favorite building in Paris. From the moment we stepped inside, we were amazed by how incredibly ornate and luxurious everything looks.

The highlight is the Grand Staircase, one of the most impressive interiors we’ve ever seen. Made from different types of marble and surrounded by richly decorated balconies, it almost feels like walking through a palace rather than an opera house.

The level of detail is incredible — everywhere you look, you’ll see gold accents, sculptures, columns, and elaborate decorations.

Although you can’t enter the actual stage area during a standard visit, the accessible rooms alone are more than worth it.

One of the most memorable spaces for us was the Grand Foyer, a spectacular hall often compared to the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. The room is filled with painted ceilings, chandeliers, mirrors, and gold details.

Even if you’re not planning to attend a performance, the building itself is a masterpiece and definitely worth visiting for its architecture and interior design.

Insider Tip: If you want photos without crowds, book the last entry slot (around 3:30 pm) and wait until most visitors slowly leave. Towards closing time, some rooms become much quieter, making it much easier to enjoy the atmosphere and take photos.

Official Website: www.operadeparis.fr

9. Les Invalides & Napoleon’s Tomb

The Les Invalides complex is known thanks to its golden dome, which you can already spot from many viewpoints around the city. While the exterior is impressive, the real highlight is inside — the monumental tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon’s tomb lies directly beneath the dome in the Dôme des Invalides, and the scale of the space is truly striking. The massive red quartzite sarcophagus stands in the center of a circular crypt, surrounded by detailed marble floors.

We were surprised by how calm and uncrowded it felt compared to some of the more famous attractions. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, the architecture and symmetry of the interior alone make it worth seeing.

The wider complex also houses the Army Museum, where you can explore exhibitions covering French military history, armor collections, and historical artifacts.

Official Website: www.musee-armee.fr

10. Museé de l’Orangerie

The Musée de l’Orangerie is best known for Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies series, displayed in two specially designed oval rooms.

These rooms were created exactly according to Monet’s vision, allowing the large-scale paintings to surround visitors and create a very calm, immersive atmosphere.

Besides Monet’s works, you’ll also find paintings by artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse, offering a nice variety of styles without feeling overwhelming.

Because of its smaller size, the museum feels more relaxed and manageable compared to the Louvre, which can sometimes feel exhausting.

The location right next to the Tuileries Garden makes it easy to combine both in one visit.

Tip: To avoid long wait times, buy your ticket with reserved time slot in advance.

Official Website: www.musee-orangerie.fr/en

11. Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is one of those places many visitors walk past without realizing what’s inside — which is a pity, because it’s one of the most beautiful free attractions in Paris.

From the outside, it looks elegant, but the real surprise comes after entering the main hall, where you’ll find ornate ceilings, arches, mosaics, and decorative details that feel more like a palace than a museum.

The museum houses a varied collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art, ranging from classical works to pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Even if you’re not deeply interested in art, the building itself makes the visit worthwhile.

Because entry to the permanent collection is free, it’s easy to include Petit Palais in your itinerary without worrying about time pressure or ticket cost.

Tip: Combine your visit with a walk across Pont Alexandre III, which is located just a few steps away, making it a very convenient stop between major sights.

Official Website: www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en

Eiffel Viewpoints & Photo Spots

12. Port de Suffren

Located right next to the Eiffel Tower, Port de Suffren is surprisingly calm compared to the busy streets just a few steps away. We really enjoyed walking along the Seine riverbank, where you get beautiful views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro across the river.

There are plenty of benches to sit down and relax, making it a perfect spot if you want to slow down for a moment while still enjoying iconic views.

13. Port Debilly

Port Debilly lies directly below the Trocadéro area and is one of the best places to take photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

It’s also a nice place for a short walk along the Seine, especially if you’re moving between Trocadéro and Pont d’Iéna.

14. Rue Saint Dominique Viewpoint

Rue Saint-Dominique offers one of the most photogenic street views of the Eiffel Tower, yet it’s often less crowded than similar nearby streets. The combination of Parisian buildings, cafés, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance creates a perfect photo scene.

There are also many great restaurants here where you can enjoy a meal with a view. We chose Il Angelo, an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating, and loved the relaxed atmosphere together with the Eiffel Tower backdrop.

15. Rue Buenos Ayres

Rue de Buenos Ayres has become more popular recently, so you can expect other photographers here, but the view is definitely worth it. The slightly uphill street leads your eyes directly towards the Eiffel Tower.

The surrounding Haussmann-style buildings and elegant street lamps make a beautiful foreground.

16. Rue de Grenelle

Located close to the entrance of Les Invalides, Rue de Grenelle offers a nice perspective of the Eiffel Tower framed by historic architecture. The view feels slightly different compared to other photo spots because of the elegant buildings in the foreground.

It’s an easy stop to include when visiting Les Invalides, as the viewpoint is just a short walk away.

17. Metro Line 6

One of the most unique Eiffel Tower views comes from Metro Line 6, which runs above ground between the Passy and Bir-Hakeim stations. The train crosses a bridge over the Seine, offering fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower directly from the metro.

If possible, try to stand near the window on the left side — the view appears suddenly and only lasts a short moment, but it’s definitely memorable and a bit different from typical viewpoints.

Hidden Gems

18. Galeries Lafayette Hausmann

When we first saw photos of the interior, we honestly didn’t believe this was a shopping mall. The historic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann looks more like a museum or palace than a retail space — and it ended up being one of the most surprising hidden gems in Paris.

The highlight inside is the spectacular glass dome, decorated with colorful stained glass panels that let soft light fill the entire space. Surrounding balconies feature incredibly detailed decorations, gold accents, and elegant railings, creating a truly grand atmosphere.

In the central hall, there is often a large hanging installation or rotating sculpture, which makes the already impressive interior feel even more unique.

The real highlight of the visit, however, is the free rooftop terrace. It offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Paris, especially at sunset. From the top, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the beautiful Palais Garnier, and even Montmartre in the distance.

Tip: The rooftop usually closes around 7 pm, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to catch sunset views.

19. 59 Rue de Rivoli

59 Rue de Rivoli is one of the most unique and creative places we visited in Paris. Located in an old historic building right in the city center, this independent art gallery offers a completely different experience compared to traditional museums.

Inside, the building has multiple floors, each filled with studios where artists create and display their work. Every space feels different. Because each artist focuses on a different style or medium, the visit feels very varied and interesting.

What we liked most is that the atmosphere feels authentic and unfiltered, giving you a chance to see contemporary art in a more personal setting. In many studios, you can even see artists working on their projects.

Tip: The building itself is decorated with colorful street art, so you’ll notice it immediately when walking along Rue de Rivoli.

20. National Library

The Bibliothèque nationale de France – Richelieu was one of the biggest surprises for us and definitely feels like a hidden gem.

The highlight is the beautiful oval reading room (Salle Ovale), which looks more like a film set than a traditional library. The space is filled with natural light, surrounded by curved balconies and thousands of books.

Another impressive part is the historic reading rooms with high ceilings, decorative details, and classical design, showing how important literature and learning have been in French culture.

What we really liked is how quiet it felt compared to many other attractions in Paris. It’s a great place to slow down for a moment and experience a different side of the city.

Tip: Keep your voice low and respect the quiet atmosphere, as people actually come here to study and work.

21. Rue Cler

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler is a charming cobbled market street that feels much more local compared to the busy main avenues nearby.

The street is lined with fruit and vegetable stands, bakeries, cheese shops, and small restaurants, creating a very lively yet cozy atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can slowly stroll, pick up a fresh croissant or pastry, and enjoy a more authentic side of Paris.

We especially liked the combination of traditional Parisian architecture, small storefronts, and outdoor displays, which makes the street very photogenic as well. It’s a nice stop if you’re exploring the Eiffel Tower area and want to take a short break from the crowds.

Tip: Visit in the morning or around lunchtime, when the street feels most vibrant and the food shops are fully open.

22. Covered Passages: Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy

The historic covered passages are one of the most charming hidden gems in Paris and feel like stepping back in time. Built in the 19th century, these glass-roofed arcades were among the first shopping galleries in the city.

Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest covered passages in Paris. Inside, you’ll find a mix of small restaurants, vintage shops, stamp collectors, and traditional boutiques.

The narrow corridor, old signage, and mosaic floors create a nostalgic atmosphere that feels very different from modern shopping streets.

Just a short walk away, Passage Jouffroy offers a slightly brighter and more refined setting, with a beautiful glass ceiling, decorative details, and charming storefronts. It’s home to small bookshops, toy stores, cafés, and even a small wax museum.

23. Pantheon & Jardin du Luxembourg

The Panthéon is one of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in Paris, located in the historic Latin Quarter. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a mausoleum where many important French figures are buried, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.

From the outside, the Panthéon stands out thanks to its massive dome and elegant columns. Inside, the space feels grand and calm, with beautiful paintings, high ceilings, and detailed architecture.

Beneath the main floor, you can visit the crypt, where many of France’s most influential personalities are buried.

Just a short walk away lies the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most pleasant parks in Paris. We really enjoyed walking through the garden’s tree-lined paths, flower beds, and fountains, especially around the central pond where locals relax on the famous green chairs.

The park feels lively yet peaceful at the same time, with people reading, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. It’s a great place to take a break from sightseeing and experience everyday Parisian life.

Tip: Grab a coffee or pastry nearby and enjoy a relaxed stroll through the garden — it’s one of the nicest places in the city to slow down for a moment.

Where to stay in Paris

Choosing the right base can save you a lot of time and make your stay much more comfortable. We personally chose Le Cardinal, a beautifully renovated hotel that felt like a calm oasis in the middle of the city’s buzz.

Set inside a historic building, it offers cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to slow down after a full day of exploring.

One of the things we enjoyed most was the number of inviting corners where we could relax with a cup of coffee. A great bonus was the gym and sauna, which made it even easier to recharge between sightseeing days.

How to get around

For us, the combination of metro + walking worked perfectly. Paris is very walkable, and many of the main attractions are located relatively close to each other.

That said, we often ended up walking longer distances than expected, as the metro doesn’t always connect places in the most direct way.

The Paris metro is efficient and easy to use, but it’s also quite old in some areas. Expect narrow corridors, lots of stairs, and longer underground transfers, which can be a bit challenging if you’re traveling with a stroller or heavy luggage. Elevators are not available at every station.

We recommend getting the Navigo Découverte pass, which costs around €37 and gives you unlimited public transport rides (metro, RER, buses, trams) from Monday to Sunday within central Paris zones.

If you arrive later in the week (for example Thursday–Sunday), the Navigo pass might not be worth it since it always resets on Monday.

Single ride costs around €2.5, so day pass Navigo Jour (which is €12.3) is only worth it for 5+ daily rides.

Our favourite food spots

Here are a few places we personally tried and would happily recommend again. The mix includes traditional French food as well as some international options when you feel like taking a break from croissants and pastries.

La Cantine de Lourmel – serves classic French dishes, including escargots (snails) if you want to try something traditional. The atmosphere feels local and authentic, and it’s a great place to experience typical French cuisine.

Il Angelo – a very good Italian restaurant located near the Eiffel Tower with outdoor seating and views of the tower. We came here after visiting nearby viewpoints and really enjoyed both the food and the location.

Oh My Poke Washington – offers high-quality poke bowls with very generous portions. A great lighter option, especially if you want something fresh near the Champs-Élysées area. Popular with locals as well.

Pizzeria Lovine’s Opéra – one of the best pizza spots we found in Paris, with very good dough and quality ingredients. Ideal if you want something simple but really well done.

We Cantine – tasty Asian cuisine with large portions, perfect if you’re looking for something filling after a long day of exploring.

Final Thoughts

Paris easily lived up to the expectations — and in many ways even exceeded them. What we liked most is the variety the city offers.

One moment you’re visiting world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, and shortly after you find yourself wandering quiet streets, discovering small cafés, local markets, or unexpected viewpoints.

We tried to combine the most iconic attractions with lesser-known places, and that turned out to be the perfect balance. Some of our personal highlights included Montmartre, the elegant Palais Garnier, sunset views from Galeries Lafayette rooftop, and simply walking along the Seine.

Even though many places are very popular, Paris still feels incredibly atmospheric, and it’s easy to understand why so many people return again and again.

We recommend spending at least 3–4 days in the city to explore both the main sights and a few hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

If you’re currently planning your trip, the next step is choosing the right neighborhood. The location of your accommodation can significantly affect how much time you spend commuting between attractions and how enjoyable your overall experience will be.

To help with that, we’ve also created a detailed guide covering the best areas and hotels in Paris, including honest pros and cons for each neighborhood and our personal recommendations on where we would stay again.