As Audrey Hepburn once said  – “Paris is always a good idea.” I definitely agree with this saying! Plus I’m sure a lot of you think the same. I’ve been in Paris for a few times now, but every time I find some new cool spots. Either is the cool coffee shop or a cute street. There is always something. I can say that Paris is my favorite city, 100%. I just fell in love with this city, the very first time I step my foot in it! 

So now for the first time visitors and returning visitors to this charming city, I decided to do a post of top things to do in Paris!

Top things to do in Paris

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Landmarks/Museums/Churches

The Eiffel Tower

First of all, when you think of Paris, you probably think of the Eiffel Tower. It was constructed and designed in the late 19th century by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company. You can go all the way to the top for majestic views of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is medieval Catholic cathedral located on island Île de la Cité. It’s one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture as well as one of the most known churches in the world.

Louvre Museum & Pyramid

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and also the most visited one. The museum itself is hosted in Louvre Palace which was originally built as a fortress.

Arc de Triomphe 

 One of the most famous Paris monuments at the end of Champs-Élysées. Altogether twelve avenues juncture here. Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and in Napoleonic wars. You can get a nice view of Paris from the top!

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

This world-famous avenue is definitely worth strolling down all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. Here you will find the theatres, luxury shops and cafes where you can regain your power for some more walking or shopping. 

Grand Palais & Petite Palais

Two magnificent buildings across each other. Both of them are extraordinary examples of architecture. Grand Palais houses different exhibitions and planetarium. While Petite Palais houses Paris Fine Arts Museum.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris or shorter Sacré-Cœur is located in Montmartre area. It’s a Catholic church and one of the most known landmarks of Paris. From there you can get a nice view of Paris and you can even see Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Centre Georges Pompidou

Or shorter Centre Pompidou is complex building near Les Halles. It houses multiple institutions, but most famous is the Musée National d’Art Moderne. Which is the largest modern art museum in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. From the top of the staircase, you get a nice view of Paris. 

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay it’s one of the largest art museums in Europe. It’s housed in former Gare d’Orsay and it’s especially known for photos taken at its clock.

Trocadéro

One of the most popular places to take photos of/with Eiffel Tower. Here you have a perfect viewpoint of the tower, beautiful park and fountains. Just use your imagination and you can get wonderful photos from here.

Hôtel de Ville de Paris

The Hotel de Ville is a building in Paris that houses city’s local administration. It has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357. It’s a beautiful building and there is also a carousel in front of it now.

Place de Vendôme

Place de Vendôme is a square in Paris, located north of the Tuileries Gardens. In the middle of it, there is Vendôme column. The original one was built to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz (by Napoleon), but it was torn down in 1871. So the one nowadays is a copy.

Places Des Vosges

Places Des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. Originally it was named Place Royale and it’s located in Marais district. On sunny days you can find tons of people having picnics here or just hang out on the grass.

Palais Garnier

Magnificent building and one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Already outside is breathtaking, imagine what is even inside. Beautiful staircases and paintings everywhere. Perfect setting for a photo.

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is world famous cabaret located in Montmartre district in Paris. Its also birthplace of the modern can-can dance. It’s one of most known places in Paris. Also, there are few movies about it too.

Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is the royal chapel on the Île de la Cité. It’s built in Gothic style. Stained glass here is majestic as well as the building itself. Definitely a must!

Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare&Company is independent English language bookstore in Paris. It’s close by Notre Dame and it’s so beautiful inside. But usually very crowded. It has an interesting history so check it out!

Grand Mosque of Paris

Mosquee de Paris is one of the biggest mosques in France. It was built as a token of gratitude for fallen Muslim soldiers in World War I. It’s a really beautiful mosque and there is a nice cafe in the same complex.

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries and they were created because there were too many cemeteries in the city. So these catacombs are resting place for more than 6million people.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris. It’s also the most visited cemetery in the world, with about 3,5million visitors a year. Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and many more are buried here.

Canal Saint-Martin

It’s a 4,6 kilometers long canal that ends at Place de la Bastille. It’s just a beautiful place to hang out at or taking a stroll.

Galeries Lafayette

An upmarket French department store, right next to Palais Garnier. If you have enough money you can definitely splurge here. But this place is popular also because of its views of Paris. Go to the top and enjoy the view!

Chateau of Versailles

Chateau of Versailles was the principal residence of the Kings of France until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. It’s located about 20 kilometers from Paris. This Chateau is definitely one of a kind!

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Parks

Paris could be also called the city of parks. It has so many of them and they are beautiful. So pack up your picnic basket and head out to one of them. Here are some recommendations:

Jardin du Palais-Royal

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin de Luxembourg

Parc de Sceaux 

Jardin des Tuileries

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Beautiful streets

There are also some beautiful, charming little streets. 

Rue Cremieux

Passage L’Homme

Rue des Thermopyles

Rue des Barres

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Bridges

Beautiful bridges everywhere around the city:

Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Pont Alexandre III

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Others

But there is so much more to Paris than only it’s landmarks. Here are some other places/things not to miss:

Parisian Carousel

Passages 

Printemps Rooftop

Avenue de Camoëns

Disneyland Paris

Parisian rooftops

French food

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Areas

And these are some of my favorite areas of Paris:

Montmartre

The Latin Quarter

Marais

Canal Saint-Martin

Saint Germain

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Check out also my 5-Day itinerary for Sao Miguel, Azores