Paris is one of those cities I had to visit more than once before I really understood how I felt about it.
My first trip to Paris was in 2019, and that was also my first trip to Europe. I went with both of my sons, and it felt like one of those big travel moments you dream about before you actually start traveling more seriously.
Then I went back in 2022, when we were already moving more into full-time travel.
Then I visited Paris again in 2026, this time for a full month while Schengen shuffling, full-time traveling, and moving at a slower pace with my youngest son. My oldest is in college now, and my mom also came to Paris during this trip, so I got to experience the city in a different way again.
After three visits, I can say this clearly: Paris is not a city I think everyone experiences the same way.
Some people fall in love immediately. Some people feel overwhelmed. Some people think it is overrated. Some people need to visit again, slow down, and stop trying to force the perfect Paris trip.
I have done some of the big attractions more than once. I have been to the Louvre three times. I have seen the Eiffel Tower on every trip. I have gone back to Notre-Dame across different stages, before the fire, while it was closed, and after reopening. I have returned to Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre more than once. I have walked the Champs-Élysées and seen the Arc de Triomphe a few times too.
So this is not just a list of random things to do in Paris.
This is what I honestly think is worth doing after visiting Paris three times, seeing the famous places, repeating some of them, skipping some things, slowing down in other areas, and figuring out what actually made me enjoy the city more.
For my full city overview, read my Paris Travel Guide: Is Paris Worth Visiting After Visiting 3 Times? Guide.
1. See the Eiffel Tower
You cannot talk about the best things to do in Paris without starting with the Eiffel Tower.
I know it is touristy. I know everyone takes photos there. I know it is one of the most obvious things to do in Paris.
But it is still the Eiffel Tower.
I have seen it on every trip to Paris, and I still think it is worth seeing. There is something about turning a corner and seeing it in real life that hits differently, especially if it is your first time in the city.
On one of my visits, we actually climbed the Eiffel Tower, and I am glad we did it once. But you do not have to go up the tower to enjoy it. Some of my favorite Eiffel Tower moments have been from the ground, from nearby viewpoints, or just seeing it sparkle at night.
If it is your first trip, go see it during the day and at night if you can. The daytime view lets you take it all in clearly, but the nighttime sparkle is one of those classic Paris moments people wait around for.
Good places to see the Eiffel Tower include Trocadéro, the Champ de Mars, the Seine riverbanks, and different streets nearby where the tower suddenly appears between buildings.
If you want to go up, book ahead and compare whether you want stairs, elevator access, or summit tickets. If you do not care about going up, you can still have a beautiful Eiffel Tower experience without paying for a ticket.
For more details, read my Eiffel Tower Guide: Visiting the Most Famous View in Paris Guide.
2. Visit the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is one of the places I have visited three times in Paris.
That alone says a lot because Paris has so many museums, and the Louvre is not a small, quick stop. It is massive, busy, and easy to underestimate.
Most people go because of the Mona Lisa, and yes, I have seen her each time. But I always tell people the same thing: the Mona Lisa is smaller than many people expect, and the crowd around her can be a lot.
The Louvre is bigger than the Mona Lisa.
The building itself is part of the experience. The ceilings, staircases, sculptures, galleries, and old palace details are all worth noticing. If you go in only focused on one painting, you may miss how impressive the museum itself is.
I would not try to see everything in one visit. That is the quickest way to get overwhelmed. Pick a few things you care about, accept that you will not see it all, and give yourself permission to leave before museum fatigue ruins the experience.
If it is your first time in Paris, I do think the Louvre is worth visiting. If you are not a museum person, you may want to keep your visit shorter. If you love museums, you could easily spend hours here.
The Louvre is also one of the reasons to look into the Paris Museum Pass if you are planning multiple museum and monument visits. Just make sure you still check reservation requirements because some places need timed bookings even when you have a pass.
For more planning tips, read my Louvre Museum Guide: What to Know Before Visiting the Louvre in Paris Guide.
3. Visit Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame is one of the most meaningful places in Paris for me because I have seen it during three very different moments.
I saw Notre-Dame before the fire.
I saw it while it was closed and under restoration.
Then I saw it again after reopening.
That made the 2026 visit feel different.
Notre-Dame is not just another church to stop by because it is famous. It is part of Paris in such a deep way. Seeing it change across visits made me appreciate it more.
If you are visiting Paris now, I would absolutely add Notre-Dame to your list. Even if you do not go inside, the outside is worth seeing. The location on Île de la Cité also makes it easy to combine with Sainte-Chapelle, the Seine, Shakespeare and Company, and a walk through the area.
If you want to go inside, check the current visiting information before you go. Notre-Dame is free to enter, but crowds and visit flow can change depending on the day, service times, and special events.
This is also one of those places where I would not rush. Stand outside for a few minutes. Look at the details. Think about what the building has been through. Then decide if you want to go inside or just continue exploring the area.
For more of my experience, read my Notre-Dame Paris Guide: Visiting Before, During, and After the Fire Guide.
4. See Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is near Notre-Dame, so it makes sense to pair them together.
I visited Sainte-Chapelle on my first Paris trip, and it is one of those places that looks simple from the outside but completely changes once you step inside.
The stained glass is the reason to go.
It is colorful, detailed, and honestly one of the prettiest interiors I have seen in Paris. If you love architecture, churches, stained glass, or beautiful indoor spaces, Sainte-Chapelle is worth considering.
It is not a huge attraction that needs half a day. You can visit, take it in, and continue exploring the area. That makes it easy to add to a Paris itinerary without feeling like it takes over your whole day.
If you are deciding between Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, I would say they are different experiences. Notre-Dame is iconic and emotional. Sainte-Chapelle is smaller, more delicate, and visually stunning inside.
For more details, read my Sainte-Chapelle Paris Guide: Is It Worth Visiting Near Notre-Dame? Guide.
5. Explore Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre are places I have gone back to more than once, and I still think this is one of the prettiest areas in Paris.
Yes, it is touristy.
Yes, there are hills.
Yes, it can get crowded.
But I still think it is worth visiting.
Sacré-Cœur sits high above the city, and the view from the area is beautiful. The basilica itself is free to enter, and the outside view is one of the classic Paris scenes.
Montmartre is the kind of area where you should give yourself time to wander. Do not just go up, take one photo, and leave. Walk the streets. Look at the artists. Stop for a snack or drink if you want. Let yourself get a little lost in the pretty corners.
On one visit, I remember there being a bag check at Sacré-Cœur, so keep that in mind and do not bring more than you need. Like many popular areas in Paris, also keep an eye on your belongings.
Montmartre is also one of my favorite areas for souvenirs in Paris. If you want gifts, prints, postcards, or little Paris items, this is a good place to look.
For more planning tips, read my Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre Guide: One of the Prettiest Areas in Paris Guide.
6. Walk the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées is one of those Paris walks I have done a few times.
Is it my favorite area in Paris? No.
Is it still worth doing at least once? Yes, especially if it is your first trip.
The walk gives you that classic Paris feeling of moving toward the Arc de Triomphe. There are shops, restaurants, crowds, traffic, and that big city energy. It is not the quiet, romantic Paris some people imagine, but it is still part of the Paris experience.
The Arc de Triomphe is the real highlight for me. It is impressive in person, and seeing it at the end of the avenue makes the whole walk feel more worth it.
You can also go up the Arc de Triomphe for views over Paris. If you want a viewpoint that includes the Eiffel Tower, this can be a good option because when you are on the Eiffel Tower, the Eiffel Tower is not in your view.
Do not try to cross the traffic circle to reach the Arc. Use the underground passage.
For more details, read my Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe Guide: A Classic Paris Walk Guide.
7. Go Underground in the Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs are one of the more unique things to do in Paris.
This is not your typical pretty Paris activity. You are going underground into tunnels lined with bones, and it is definitely a different kind of experience.
I think the Catacombs are worth doing if you like history, unusual attractions, or things that feel a little eerie. It is one of those places that makes you remember Paris has layers beyond the beautiful buildings, cafes, and museums.
But I would not recommend it for everyone.
If you are claustrophobic, uncomfortable underground, or traveling with someone who may be scared or uneasy, think carefully before booking. The visit involves stairs, tunnels, and a very specific atmosphere.
Tickets can sell out, so plan ahead if this is high on your list.
For more of what it is actually like, read my Catacombs of Paris Guide: What It Is Really Like Underground Guide.
8. Visit Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is not in central Paris, but it is one of the biggest day trips people consider from the city.
For us, Disney is a big part of our travel story. We have visited every Disney park in the world, and Disneyland Paris was the final resort we needed to complete that goal.
That made our 2026 visit feel extra special.
Disneyland Paris has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World. Disneyland Park is the castle park with Sleeping Beauty Castle, classic lands, rides, parades, and the big Disney feeling. Disney Adventure World is the reimagined second park with World of Frozen, Marvel Avengers Campus, Worlds of Pixar, shows, and newer attractions.
If you are a Disney fan, I think Disneyland Paris is worth adding to your trip. If you only have three days in Paris and it is your first visit, I would think carefully because Disney can take a full day away from the city. But if you have enough time, kids, teens, or a real love for Disney, it can be a fun break from museums and city sightseeing.
For the full Disney breakdown, read my Disneyland Paris Guide: Is It Worth Visiting from Paris? Guide.
9. Visit Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is another museum I think is worth making time for in Paris.
It is inside a former train station, so the building itself is beautiful before you even get into the art. The big clock, open interior, and museum layout make it feel different from the Louvre.
If the Louvre feels too massive and overwhelming, Musée d’Orsay may feel more manageable.
This is a great museum if you like Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, or if you want a museum experience that still feels major without being as huge as the Louvre.
I would not try to stack too many museums into one day unless you really love museums. Paris has so much art and history that it is easy to burn yourself out.
For more details, read my Musée d’Orsay Guide: Is It Worth Visiting in Paris? Guide.
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10. Stop by Petit Palais
Petit Palais is one of the best free museums in Paris.
It is also close to the Champs-Élysées, so it is easy to combine with that area if you are already nearby.
I like Petit Palais because it gives you a beautiful museum experience without the pressure of a big ticket price. The building is gorgeous, the courtyard is lovely, and it is a good option if you want culture without committing to a massive museum day.
This is especially helpful if you are traveling on a budget or want to add a museum stop that does not feel too heavy.
If you are already near the Grand Palais, Champs-Élysées, or Arc de Triomphe area, Petit Palais is worth considering.
For more details, read my Petit Palais Paris Guide: A Beautiful Free Museum Near the Champs-Élysées Guide.
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11. Relax in Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is one of those places that reminds you to slow down in Paris.
Not everything has to be a museum, monument, ticket, or timed reservation. Sometimes the best thing to do is sit in a garden and let the city breathe a little.
Luxembourg Gardens is beautiful, free, and a good place to rest between bigger attractions. It works well if you are traveling with kids, teens, your mom, or anyone who needs a slower moment in the day.
I think parks and gardens are important in Paris because the city can be tiring. There is a lot of walking, a lot of stairs, a lot of people, and a lot of moving around. A garden break can help reset the day.
For more details, read my Luxembourg Gardens Paris Guide: A Beautiful Free Place to Slow Down Guide.
12. Visit the Panthéon
The Panthéon is another Paris stop that should be on your list, especially if you like history, architecture, or places that feel a little more serious and meaningful.
I visited the Panthéon during my 2026 Paris trip, and I am glad I added it in. It is one of those places that feels different from the prettier, lighter Paris stops. It is grand, historic, and a little more quiet in the way it makes you think.
The building itself is beautiful, but the reason the Panthéon stands out is because of who is honored there. It is the resting place of important French figures, including writers, scientists, political leaders, and people who shaped French history.
This is not the same feeling as going to the Eiffel Tower, walking Montmartre, or sitting in Luxembourg Gardens. The Panthéon feels more reflective.
It is also a good stop to pair with the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens. If you are already in that part of Paris, it makes sense to add it to the same day instead of treating it like a completely separate route.
I would not say every single first-time visitor has to prioritize it over places like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, or Sacré-Cœur. But if you have enough time, or you want to add something historic beyond the most obvious Paris attractions, the Panthéon is absolutely worth considering.
For more details, read my Luxembourg Gardens Paris Guide: A Beautiful Free Place to Slow Down Guide.
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13. Go to Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Galeries Lafayette is a department store, but the rooftop view is the reason I think many visitors should consider stopping there.
The inside is beautiful, especially the dome, and the rooftop gives you a free view over Paris.
I love free viewpoints because Paris can get expensive fast. Between attractions, food, transportation, and shopping, free stops are helpful.
The rooftop is a nice way to see the city from above without paying for another ticketed viewpoint. You can also pair it with the Opéra area if you are nearby.
This is not something I would build a whole day around, but it is a good add-on if it fits your route.
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14. Walk Along Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is a good option if you want a slower, less touristy-feeling Paris stop.
This is not where you go for the biggest monuments. You go here to walk, sit by the water, grab food or drinks nearby, and see a different side of the city.
I like areas like this because after you have done the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the big sights, you may want something that feels calmer.
Canal Saint-Martin is especially good if you have already been to Paris before or you are staying longer and do not want every day to feel like a tourist checklist.
For more details, read my Canal Saint-Martin Paris Guide: A Less Touristy Place to Slow Down Guide.
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15. Visit Marché Saint-Quentin
Marché Saint-Quentin is a covered market near Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord, and it is a good stop if you want to see a more everyday side of Paris.
This is not the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre type of Paris. It is more of a local food market where you can walk through, look at the different stalls, grab something to eat, and slow the day down a little.
I liked adding this to our Canal Saint-Martin day because it made the route feel more real. Instead of only doing the big tourist stops, we were walking through neighborhoods, stopping at a market, seeing a church, and then heading toward the canal.
That is the kind of Paris day I appreciated more after visiting multiple times.
If it is your first trip, I still think you should see the major sights. But if you have extra time, or you want a break from only museums and monuments, Marché Saint-Quentin is a nice place to add to your route.
You can pair it with Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, and Canal Saint-Martin for a slower Paris day that feels different from the classic checklist.
16. Stop by Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul is another stop you can add if you are walking through the Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Marché Saint-Quentin, and Canal Saint-Martin area.
We passed through this area on the same day we visited the market and walked toward the canal, and it was one of those stops that made the day feel less rushed.
Paris has so many churches, and not every one needs to be a major planned attraction. Sometimes it is nice to step inside, look around, take in the architecture, and keep going.
That is how I would treat Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul. It is not something I would plan an entire Paris day around, but if you are already nearby, it is worth a short stop.
It also works well because it connects naturally with a different kind of Paris route. You can start around Gare du Nord, stop at the church, visit Marché Saint-Quentin, and then continue toward Canal Saint-Martin.
After visiting Paris more than once, these are the kinds of smaller stops I started appreciating more. They give you a break from the crowds and let you see pieces of the city that are not only the famous postcard places.
17. Take a Seine River Cruise
A Seine River Cruise is one of those touristy things that I still think can be worth it.
Paris is beautiful from the water, and a river cruise gives you a different view of the Eiffel Tower, bridges, Notre-Dame, and the city’s riverfront.
This can be especially nice if you are tired from walking but still want to see more of Paris. It is also a good option if you are traveling with family because everyone gets to sit down for a while.
I would consider a daytime cruise if you want clearer views and photos, or an evening cruise if you want the city to feel more romantic and lit up.
A Seine River Cruise can also pair well with an Eiffel Tower visit since many cruises leave from nearby areas.
If you are building a first-time Paris itinerary, this is one of the easier activities to add without making the day feel too complicated.
18. Try a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
I know some travelers hate hop-on hop-off buses, but I think they can be useful in a city like Paris.
If it is your first visit, you are traveling with kids, your mom, or someone who does not want to walk nonstop, a Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour can help you see a lot without exhausting everyone.
Paris is walkable in sections, but it is still a big city. The distances add up fast, especially if you are trying to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and other areas in a short trip.
A bus tour is not a replacement for wandering, but it can be a good overview.
I would use it as a first-day orientation or as a low-energy sightseeing day when you still want to see the city but do not want to figure out transportation every few minutes.
19. Eat on a Budget in Paris
Food in Paris can get expensive, but you do not have to eat at restaurants for every meal to enjoy the city.
One thing we did a lot was simple grocery-store meals and easy budget food. I know that is not the glamorous Paris food content people expect, but it is real.
When you are staying longer, traveling full-time, or trying not to spend restaurant money every single day, places like Franprix, Monoprix, bakeries, and casual food spots become part of the trip.
We had a tradition of getting easy Monoprix-style meals, snacks, drinks, and simple things to take back to the apartment. That helped balance the cost of Paris.
You can still enjoy croissants, pastries, crepes, cafes, and a few sit-down meals without making every meal expensive.
For more, read my How to Eat on a Budget in Paris Without Feeling Like You Missed Out Guide and Franprix in Paris: My Favorite Budget Food Hack Guide.
20. Stop at McDonald’s in Paris
I know this one may sound funny, but I actually think McDonald’s in Paris can be worth a stop.
Not because you came all the way to Paris just to eat McDonald’s.
But because international McDonald’s menus are different, and sometimes it is fun to compare. Also, if you are traveling with kids or teens, sometimes a familiar food stop can save the mood.
When you are walking all day, tired, hot, cold, or trying to keep everyone fed without spending too much, McDonald’s can be a practical option.
I would not make it your whole Paris food personality, but I also would not judge anyone for stopping there.
For more, read my McDonald’s in Paris: Why I Actually Think It’s Worth Stopping In Guide.
21. Visit Paris Parks and Gardens
Paris has so many pretty parks and gardens that it is worth adding at least one or two to your trip.
Luxembourg Gardens is one of the main ones, but you can also spend time in places like Tuileries Garden, parks near major museums, and smaller green spaces throughout the city.
This is especially important if you are visiting Paris with kids, teens, older family members, or anyone who needs breaks between attractions.
A park stop can make the difference between a day that feels rushed and a day that actually feels enjoyable.
For more ideas, read my Best Parks and Gardens in Paris: Pretty Places to Rest Between Big Attractions Guide.
22. Visit More Paris Museums
The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are the big ones most people think about, but Paris has so many museums that you can choose based on your interests.
If you like art, history, fashion, architecture, photography, or smaller museums, you can build a whole Paris trip around museums.
But I would be realistic.
Do not overload your itinerary with museum after museum unless that is truly what you love. Museums take energy, especially in a city where you are also walking, taking public transportation, and visiting major attractions.
I think it is better to choose a few museums you actually care about than to force yourself through a long list.
For more, read my Best Museums in Paris: Famous Museums, Free Museums, and Ones Worth Making Time For Guide.
23. Revisit Places If You Have Time
One thing I have learned after visiting Paris three times is that some places are worth repeating.
I have gone back to the Eiffel Tower because it still feels special.
I have visited the Louvre three times because there is always more to see, and each visit feels different depending on who I am with and how much time I have.
I have returned to Notre-Dame because the story of that building changed across my visits.
I have gone back to Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre because the area is still one of the prettiest in the city.
I have walked the Champs-Élysées and seen the Arc de Triomphe a few times because it is part of that classic Paris route.
That is why I do not think you have to treat Paris like a one-time checklist.
If you love something, go back.
If you missed something the first time, try again.
If the weather was bad, revisit it on a better day.
If you are traveling with someone new, let yourself see it through their eyes.
Paris got better for me when I stopped trying to force the perfect version of it.
My Honest Tips for Choosing What to Do in Paris
Do the Eiffel Tower at least once.
See the Eiffel Tower at night if you can.
Visit the Louvre, but do not try to see everything.
Go to Notre-Dame and give yourself time around Île de la Cité.
Pair Sainte-Chapelle with Notre-Dame if you like stained glass and historic churches.
Visit Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, but be ready for hills and crowds.
Walk the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe once, even if it is not your favorite area.
Use the underground passage to reach the Arc de Triomphe.
Book the Catacombs ahead if they are a must-do.
Add Disneyland Paris only if you have enough time or really love Disney.
Add the Panthéon if you are already near Luxembourg Gardens or the Latin Quarter and want a historic Paris stop that feels different from the big postcard attractions.
Use the Paris Museum Pass only if your itinerary makes it worth it.
Try a Seine River Cruise if you want a beautiful, lower-energy way to see the city.
Use a Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour if you want an easy overview or are traveling with someone who cannot walk all day.
Build in free things like parks, gardens, rooftops, and walks.
Do not schedule every minute.
Leave room to wander, eat, rest, and change plans.
Use an Airalo eSIM so you can check maps, metro routes, tickets, and reservations without stress.
Carry a secure bag like a Travelon anti-theft bag, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.
Have SafetyWing travel insurance if you are visiting from abroad or traveling long-term.
How Many Days Do You Need for These Things?
If you only have three days in Paris, focus on the big highlights.
I would choose the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, one museum or garden, and maybe a Seine River Cruise.
If you have four days, you can add more breathing room, another museum, Canal Saint-Martin, Galeries Lafayette, the Panthéon, Marché Saint-Quentin, Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, or a slower food day.
If you have five days, you can add Disneyland Paris, the Catacombs, more neighborhoods, more parks, and a less rushed pace.
If you have a full week or longer, Paris becomes easier to enjoy because you are not trying to cram everything into every day.
For help planning your route, read my Paris Itinerary: How to Spend 3, 4, or 5 Days in Paris Guide and How Many Days Do You Need in Paris? Guide.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Paris
The best things to do in Paris depend on how you like to travel.
If it is your first trip, you will probably want the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and maybe Disneyland Paris if you love Disney.
If you have been before, you may want slower neighborhoods, budget food spots, gardens, rooftops, museums you missed, or a day where you do not rush.
After visiting Paris three times, I understand why people love it, and I also understand why some people feel overwhelmed by it.
Paris can be beautiful, expensive, crowded, magical, frustrating, romantic, tiring, and worth it all at the same time.
For me, the city became better when I stopped expecting every moment to feel like a movie and started letting the trip be real.
Some days were big attraction days.
Some days were budget grocery meals.
Some days were Disney days.
Some days were museum days.
Some days were just walking, resting, and figuring out the city slowly.
That is why I think the best way to visit Paris is to mix the famous sights with the quieter moments.
See the Eiffel Tower.
Go to the Louvre.
Visit Notre-Dame.
Walk Montmartre.
Take the photos.
Eat the simple meals.
Sit in the gardens.
Ride the metro.
Get a little lost.
And do not be afraid to revisit the places that made you feel something.
Add smaller neighborhood stops like Marché Saint-Quentin and Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul if you want a slower Paris day near Canal Saint-Martin.
That is the Paris that finally made sense to me.
Cavetta is the creator of LifeWithVetta.com and has been traveling the world full time since 2020. She has visited more than 60 countries while worldschooling her son and documenting what it really takes to live abroad. Her guides focus on travel, moving abroad, digital nomad life, and designing a life beyond the traditional path.
