25 Best Things to Do in Paris
Publicado el 6 ago 2026 · 13 min de lectura · 25 cosas que hacer
Paris is a city of historic neighbourhoods, grand architecture, and world-class cultural institutions that rewards both structured sightseeing and unhurried exploration. Whether you are visiting France on a dedicated trip or as part of a broader journey across Europe that takes in destinations from Andorra to Albania, setting priorities helps you make the most of your time. This guide covers twenty-five essential sights and experiences, arranged to help first- and second-time visitors plan a balanced itinerary. Use it to combine major landmarks with quieter neighbourhood walks, famous art collections, and local culinary rituals.
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1. Eiffel Tower
Built for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower stands as Paris's most iconic landmark beside the River Seine. Visitors can take lifts or climb the stairs to observation platforms offering broad panoramas across the cityscape. The surrounding Champ de Mars gardens provide an ideal setting for relaxing on the lawns while taking in views of the iron structure.
¿Por qué ir?: It is an essential historic landmark that offers unparalleled panoramic views across the entire capital.
Consejo: Book timed-entry tickets online weeks in advance to avoid long queue times at the base lifts.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre2. Louvre Museum
Housed in a former royal palace, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum, holding thousands of works spanning antiquity to the mid-19th century. Highlights include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. Navigating its vast wings reveals Egyptian antiquities, Renaissance paintings, and French crown jewels.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers an unmatched collection of Western art and ancient artefacts housed within a historic royal residence.
Consejo: Enter via the Porte des Lions entrance or the Carrousel du Louvre underground mall to bypass the main pyramid queue.
HistoriaLujo3. Musée d'Orsay
Set inside a restored Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d'Orsay houses France's national collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterworks. The galleries showcase celebrated paintings by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. The building's massive clock faces provide framed views across the Seine towards the Sacré-Cœur.
¿Por qué ir?: It hosts the world's finest collection of Impressionist art in a spectacularly repurposed turn-of-the-century train station.
Consejo: Reserve a ticket for late Thursday afternoon when the museum stays open late and crowd levels drop.
Historia4. Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
Located on an island in the middle of the Seine, Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture with a history dating back to the 12th century. The surrounding Île de la Cité neighbourhood forms the ancient heart of Paris, filled with historic bridges and quiet quays. Strolling around the cathedral allows visitors to admire its flying buttresses and stone carvings.
¿Por qué ir?: It represents the geographical and spiritual birthplace of Paris with centuries of architectural history.
Consejo: Walk along the riverside quays near Quai aux Fleurs for quiet photo angles away from the main square.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre5. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre is a hilltop district known for its bohemian artistic legacy, steep cobbled streets, and sweeping views of Paris. At its peak sits the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica, constructed in the late 19th century. Walking through the neighbourhood reveals quiet residential stairways, small vineyards, and vibrant squares filled with street artists.
¿Por qué ir?: It delivers authentic village charm, artistic heritage, and one of the highest natural viewpoints over Paris.
Consejo: Visit early in the morning to enjoy Place du Tertre before tour groups and street vendors arrive.
HistoriaActividades al aire libreEconómico6. Seine River Boat Cruise
A river cruise along the Seine offers a unique perspective on many of Paris's grandest monuments and historic bridges. Boats run day and night between the Eiffel Tower and the Île Saint-Louis, passing the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay along the water. Evening trips provide views of illuminated bridges and floodlit landmarks reflecting on the river.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides a relaxing way to see major monuments without navigating traffic or walking long distances.
Consejo: Opt for an open-deck vessel around sunset to catch both daylight views and the evening monument illuminations.
Actividades al aire libreFamiliar7. Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
Commissioned by Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe sits at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle where twelve grand avenues intersect. Visitors can climb the stairs to the rooftop terrace for unobstructed views down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde. Beneath the arch burns the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honouring fallen service members.
¿Por qué ir?: It combines military monumental history with one of the best central rooftop viewpoints in the city.
Consejo: Use the pedestrian subway tunnels near the metro station to cross the busy roundabout safely.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre8. Sainte-Chapelle
Tucked inside the Palais de Justice complex, Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century Gothic chapel commissioned by King Louis IX. Its upper chapel features fifteen towering stained-glass windows depicting over one thousand biblical scenes in brilliant colour. Sunlight streaming through the glass creates a kaleidoscope of deep blues and reds across the stone interior.
¿Por qué ir?: It houses one of the world's most breathtaking displays of medieval stained glass architecture.
Consejo: Visit on a sunny morning or early afternoon when light levels through the stained glass are brightest.
Historia9. Le Marais District
Le Marais is one of Paris's oldest districts, escaping much of the 19th-century Haussmann redevelopment and retaining its narrow medieval streets. Today, it features historic aristocratic mansions alongside independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, and falafel shops. Walking through the area offers a blend of preserved history and contemporary city culture.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers a vibrant blend of preserved medieval architecture, boutique shopping, and diverse local dining.
Consejo: Explore on Sundays when main thoroughfares like Rue des Rosiers are closed to motor vehicles.
ComprasHistoriaComida y bebida10. Jardin du Luxembourg
Created in the early 17th century for Queen Marie de' Medici, the Jardin du Luxembourg covers over twenty hectares of manicured gardens, tree-lined promenades, and fountains. Locals and visitors gather around the central octagonal basin to sail wooden model boats or sit on the iconic green metal chairs. The park also contains tennis courts, chess tables, and the Italianate Medici Fountain.
¿Por qué ir?: It is the ultimate classic Parisian public garden for relaxing, people-watching, and outdoor recreation.
Consejo: Pick up pastries from a bakery on Rue de Vaugirard and claim a green chair near the Medici Fountain.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libreEconómico11. Centre Pompidou
Renowned for its industrial architectural design featuring colour-coded exterior pipes and ducts, the Centre Pompidou holds Europe's largest modern art museum. Its galleries showcase works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, and Duchamp across bright, flexible spaces. The top floor and external glass-enclosed escalators offer sweeping views across the rooftops towards Notre-Dame.
¿Por qué ir?: It presents exceptional modern art alongside radical 20th-century architecture and elevated city vistas.
Consejo: Take the external escalator up to the top floor at dusk for panoramic urban photographs.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre12. Palais Garnier Opera House
The Palais Garnier is an opera house built in the Napoleon III style, celebrated for its lavish interior ornamentation. Visitors touring the building can admire marble staircases, gold leaf trim, velvet seats, and Marc Chagall's colourful ceiling painting. The Grand Foyer resembles a royal gallery and reflects the opulence of late 19th-century Paris.
¿Por qué ir?: It showcases breathtaking Second Empire luxury and theatrical architectural grandeur in central Paris.
Consejo: Book a self-guided daytime entry ticket online to explore the auditoriums and foyers without performance crowds.
HistoriaLujo13. Musée de l'Orangerie
Located at the edge of the Tuileries Garden, Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for housing Claude Monet's massive Water Lilies murals. The paintings are displayed in two specially designed oval rooms bathed in natural light from skylights. Lower galleries feature works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Amedeo Modigliani.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers an immersive, tranquil viewing experience for Monet's largest Impressionist masterpiece.
Consejo: Book a combined ticket with the nearby Musée d'Orsay and arrive when doors open for quiet viewing.
Historia14. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Spanning over forty hectares in eastern Paris, Père Lachaise is the city's largest cemetery and a peaceful, tree-shaded park. Cobblestone paths wind past elaborate stone tombs, mausoleums, and sculptures dating back to the early 19th century. Notable figures buried here include Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, and Édith Piaf.
¿Por qué ir?: It combines atmospheric landscape design with the resting places of world-renowned historical figures.
Consejo: Download a digital map to your phone beforehand, as paths can be intricate among the dense stone monuments.
HistoriaNaturalezaEconómico15. Panthéon
Situated in the Latin Quarter atop Mount Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon was originally built as a church before becoming a secular mausoleum. The grand neoclassical structure contains the tombs of prominent French citizens including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie. In the central nave, a working replica of Foucault's Pendulum demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides deep insights into French history and honours the nation's greatest thinkers and writers.
Consejo: Buy a ticket that includes access to the dome for panoramic exterior views of the Latin Quarter.
Historia16. Canal Saint-Martin
Constructed under Napoleon I, Canal Saint-Martin runs through the 10th and 11th arrondissements with iron footbridges and tree-lined quays. Locals gather along the water in the late afternoon to picnic, sip coffee, or watch boats pass through the locks. The surrounding neighbourhood is lined with independent coffee shops, wine bars, and bakeries.
¿Por qué ir?: It delivers a relaxed, residential Parisian atmosphere far removed from crowded tourist hubs.
Consejo: Grab fresh bread and cheese from nearby shops for an informal late-afternoon picnic along the water.
Actividades al aire libreEconómicoComida y bebida17. Marché d'Aligre
Located in the 12th arrondissement, Marché d'Aligre is one of Paris's most vibrant and authentic daily markets. It combines an outdoor produce market, an open-air flea market, and the covered Marché Beauvau filled with cheese, meat, and fish mongers. Visiting allows you to experience local food shopping alongside neighbourhood residents.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers a genuine look into everyday Parisian culinary culture and market trading.
Consejo: Visit early on Saturday morning before noon to experience peak market energy and freshest food selections.
Comida y bebidaComprasEconómico18. Place des Vosges
Laid out in 1605 by King Henri IV, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, framed by thirty-six symmetrical red-brick and stone arcades. The central lawn is surrounded by vaulted walkways sheltering art galleries, tea rooms, and Victor Hugo's former home. Visitors can sit on the grass or stroll beneath the vaulted stone arcades.
¿Por qué ir?: It showcases perfect 17th-century residential architecture in a peaceful, enclosed park environment.
Consejo: Walk through the secret doorway in the corner courtyard to reach the hidden garden of the Hôtel de Sully.
HistoriaActividades al aire libreEconómico19. Les Invalides and Musée de l'Armée
Dominated by its gilded dome, the Hôtel des Invalides complex was created by Louis XIV as a home and hospital for wounded soldiers. Today, it houses the Musée de l'Armée, containing vast collections of military equipment, weapons, and uniforms spanning French history. Beneath the central dome lies the massive red quartzite tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
¿Por qué ir?: It holds immense national history and impressive military collections alongside Napoleon's monumental tomb.
Consejo: Allow at least two hours to comfortably see both Napoleon's tomb and the main military history halls.
Historia20. Rue Mouffetard Market Street
Rue Mouffetard is an ancient Roman road in the Latin Quarter that descends down the slope of Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. The narrow street is packed with artisanal bakeries, cheesemongers, fruit stalls, and small wine bars. Walking down the hill presents a sensory tour of traditional French food shops and lively pavement tables.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers a historic, narrow market street experience filled with traditional food purveyors.
Consejo: Start at the top near Place Contrescarpe and walk downhill towards the market square at Place Saint-Médard.
Comida y bebidaHistoriaEconómico21. Fondation Louis Vuitton
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a striking contemporary art museum in the Bois de Boulogne park. The building's glass sails rise above the trees, housing eleven galleries dedicated to 20th and 21st-century modern art. Terraces across upper levels offer broad perspectives over the surrounding woodland and La Défense skyline.
¿Por qué ir?: It combines cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions with visionary modern glass architecture.
Consejo: Take the dedicated electric shuttle bus from Place Charles de Gaulle for easy transport to the museum.
Actividades al aire libreLujo22. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Constructed on former limestone quarries in northeastern Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont features steep hills, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and a central lake. Atop a fifty-metre crag sits the Temple de la Sibylle, modeled after the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli. Suspended footbridges and winding gravel paths offer an energetic urban hike away from main tourist crowds.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides dramatic landscape elevation and quiet green space favoured by local Parisians.
Consejo: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park features steep gradients and uneven gravel paths.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libreEconómico23. Musée Rodin
Set in the 18th-century Hôtel Biron where sculptor Auguste Rodin once lived, this museum displays his masterworks in both indoor galleries and formal gardens. Famous bronzes such as The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais are positioned among roses and clipped hedges. The interior showcases original plaster casts, marble sculptures, and Rodin's personal art collection.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers an intimate museum experience combining world-class sculpture with tranquil formal gardens.
Consejo: Purchase a garden-only ticket if you are short on time and wish to view the major bronzes outdoors.
HistoriaNaturalezaActividades al aire libre24. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Roof Terrace
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a grand department store famous for its ornate glass dome and gilded balconies. On the top floor, an outdoor rooftop terrace provides panoramic views across central Paris, including the nearby Palais Garnier and the distant Eiffel Tower. Visiting combines classic Parisian shopping architecture with one of the best elevated viewpoints in the city.
¿Por qué ir?: It delivers free, unobstructed rooftop views of central Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
Consejo: Head directly to the rooftop via the main escalators right when the store opens to avoid crowds.
ComprasEconómicoActividades al aire libre25. Catacombs of Paris
Located underground near Denfert-Rochereau, the Catacombs hold the remains of several million Parisians transferred from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century. Visitors descend a spiral staircase into a mile-long network of tunnels lined with artfully stacked human bones and skulls. The site offers a sober, historic encounter with Paris's hidden subterranean past.
¿Por qué ir?: It presents a fascinating, unique look into the underground history and urban planning of old Paris.
Consejo: Bring a warm layer even during summer, as subterranean temperatures remain cool year-round.
Historia
Preguntas frecuentes
How many days should I spend in Paris on my first trip?
For a first visit, four to five days is ideal to see the main sights without rushing. This allows enough time to visit top landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre while reserving room for neighbourhood walks in Le Marais or Montmartre. Longer stays of a week or more give you space for day trips or deeper exploration of art galleries and local markets.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Paris Métro is efficient, affordable, and covers virtually every corner of the city. Walking is often the best way to move between adjacent attractions, as central Paris is relatively compact. For surface travel, the public bus network offers scenic routes across the river, while short taxi rides are readily available.
Do I need to book attraction tickets in advance?
Yes, booking timed-entry tickets online in advance is highly recommended for major sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, and Musée d'Orsay. Advance booking secures your entry window and helps you skip general box-office queues, especially during spring, summer, and autumn peak seasons.
When is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Spring from April to June and autumn from September to October offer mild weather, blooming gardens, and manageable crowds. Summer brings warm days and long daylight hours, though major sites can become very crowded. Winter sees lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, making it a great time for museum-focused itineraries.
Is Paris easy to visit on a budget?
While luxury options abound, Paris is well suited to budget travellers who plan ahead. Many famous parks, church interiors, and viewpoints offer free entry, while bakeries and local markets make picnic lunches affordable. Choosing public transport and visiting state museums on free days also helps stretch travel funds.
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