Things to do in Paris

Best Things to do in Paris

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Paris? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2025.

With over 3880 activities in Paris, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 176, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Paris in October and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Incredible Things to Do in Paris: A City That Teaches You to Look Up Again

About Paris

You don’t visit Paris—you feel it. In the way your coffee tastes better when sipped on a quiet street in Le Marais. In the way the Eiffel Tower sneaks into view when you turn a random corner. In the way time slows just enough for you to notice your breath again. It’s not just a destination; it’s a rhythm, a mood, a hello from a stranger walking aimlessly in chic alleyways.

Whether you’re into art, architecture, shopping, history, or simply wandering with no plan, there are endless things to do in Paris. And each one manages to feel both grand and intimate—just like the city itself.

Unique Experiences

Montmartre: Where Artists Still Whisper on the Walls

There’s something raw and magical about Montmartre. Maybe it’s the uphill cobbled paths, the scent of crepes drifting from corner stalls, or the ghosts of artists who lived here—Van Gogh, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec. Sit at Place du Tertre and watch modern-day painters capture tourists and lovers in brushstrokes. Then hike to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for that cinematic view of the city below. This is one of those quietly unique things to do in Paris—a neighbourhood that still feels like a painting in progress.

Where: 18th arrondissement

Pricing: Free to explore, donations at the Basilica

Timing: All day, but early morning or twilight hits different

When to Visit: Year-round, but spring offers less tourist chaos

Paris Catacombs: Beneath the City of Light, a City of Bones

If you want to see a side of Paris that most people don’t talk about, go underground. The Catacombs hold the bones of over 6 million Parisians, neatly arranged in patterns that are eerie, beautiful, and oddly respectful. Walking these dark tunnels isn’t just creepy—it’s oddly humbling. Easily one of the most unforgettable and unique things to do in Paris.

Where: 14th arrondissement

Pricing: INR 1,200+

Timing: 10 AM – 8 PM (closed Mondays)

When to Visit: Weekdays, early morning (no lines, less echo)

Top Attractions

The Eiffel Tower: Still Worth It

Let’s get the obvious out of the way—yes, you should visit the Eiffel Tower. It’s a cliche for a reason. But here’s the trick: go early in the morning or after sunset. Either way, it feels like you’re seeing it for the first time, even if you’ve seen it on a thousand postcards. Whether you go to the top or picnic on Champ de Mars, this is the most iconic of all things to do in Paris.

Where: 7th arrondissement

Pricing: INR 1,500+ for second floor; INR 2,500+ for summit

Timing: 9:30 AM – 11:45 PM

When to Visit: Late evening for golden lights and fewer crowds

Louvre Museum: Get Lost, On Purpose

You will not “do” the Louvre in a day. So don’t try. Instead, wander. See the Mona Lisa, sure—but also find the quiet rooms. The Islamic art section. The crown jewels. The giant winged victory of Samothrace at the top of a staircase. Getting lost here is part of the magic. One of the most essential tourist attractions in Paris and still one of the best.

Where: 1st arrondissement

Pricing: INR 1,200+

Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

When to Visit: Late afternoon or Wednesday night hours

Sightseeing Tours

Seine River Cruise: Watch Paris Unfold Like a Poem

There’s something calming about drifting down the Seine, watching Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel glide past. Day cruises are lovely, but night cruises with the city lit up feel like a love letter written in lights. This is one of the most relaxing and undeniably fun things to do in Paris.

Where: Departures near Pont Neuf or Eiffel Tower

Pricing: INR 1,000+ (INR 2,500+ for dinner cruises)

Timing: Day and night options

When to Visit: Sunset onwards for full glow effect

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: A Smart Introduction

You’re tired. It’s your first day. You want to see everything without moving too much. Enter the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It’s not glamorous, but it works. With stops across every major tourist attraction in Paris, it’s a great way to orient yourself and rest your feet at the same time.

Where: All across Paris

Pricing: INR 2,000–INR 2,800

Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM

When to Visit: First day or if you're short on time

Day Trips

Versailles: Where Decadence Got Invented

The Palace of Versailles isn’t just big—it’s monumental. The Hall of Mirrors, the opulent gardens, the quiet corners where revolution brewed. Take your time. Walk the gardens. Rent a bike. Pretend you’re royalty. It’s one of the most dramatic and overwhelming things to do in Paris, and worth a full day.

Where: 40 mins from city center by train

Pricing: INR 1,500+ for full access

Timing: 9 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed Mondays)

When to Visit: Spring or early autumn for the garden shows

Giverny: Monet’s Quiet Genius

Step into an actual impressionist painting. Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, is a garden lover’s dream. The lily pond, the green Japanese bridge, the house in pastel blue—it’s all here. Peaceful, floral, and full of light. This is one of the most soulful unique things to do in Paris if you want to breathe slower for a bit.

Where: 1.5 hrs from Paris by train + taxi

Pricing: INR 1,000+

Timing: 9:30 AM – 6 PM

When to Visit: Late April to June for full bloom

Boat Tours

Canal Saint-Martin: Local, Lush, Laid-Back

Most tourists don’t come here—and that’s what makes it gold. A Canal Saint-Martin boat tour feels personal. Intimate. You pass locks, bridges, and quiet cafes, and see Paris at its most local. It’s the opposite of sightseeing—it’s slow-seeing. Definitely one of the most offbeat activities in Paris.

Where: Starts near Bastille

Pricing: INR 1,200+

Timing: Daytime

When to Visit: May to September

Dinner Cruise: The Eiffel Tower, Dessert, and Jazz

Combine gourmet food, live music, and gently floating past the lit-up cityscape on a Seine dinner cruise. You’ll pass iconic landmarks while sipping champagne, and at some point, someone at another table will propose. One of the most memorable and undeniably famous things to do in Paris.

Where: Boarding near Eiffel Tower

Pricing: INR 5,000–INR 7,500

Timing: 8 PM departure

When to Visit: Any night you want to remember forever

Getting Around

• Metro: Fast, reliable. It’s one of the cheapest options to travel around the city.
• Walking: Honestly, Paris is best explored on foot. However, if you’re planning to travel between far-off areas, book a taxi or get an Uber.
• Velib Bikes: Easy rental system. Great along the Seine. This is another budget transportation option.
• RER Trains: For day trips (Versailles, Giverny). These are perfect to explore other places of interest near Paris.
• Taxis/Uber: More expensive, but handy late at night. They are also safer than other transportation options.

Traveller Tips

• Currency: Euro (€); INR 1 = €0.011
• Language: French. Learn a few phrases—it helps.
• Safety: Generally very safe, but watch for pickpockets at stations
• Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–November
• Dress Code: You don’t have to overdress, but keep in mind that Paris does dress sharp