Looking for the best things to do in Paris?‌ Discover must-see attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and charming cafés in MontmartreExplore hidden gems, romantic Seine cruises, and local markets in our 2025 Paris travel guide!

As a proud Parisian who has called this city home for decades, I'm excited to share with you the hidden gems, must-see attractions, and local favorites that make Paris truly magical

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Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you experience Paris like a true local.

1. Exploring Paris by Arrondissement (Districts)

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its own unique character, history, and charmHere's a breakdown of some of the most popular areas and what they have to offer:

1.1 1st Arrondissement: The Heart of Paris

• Louvre Museum: Home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless other masterpieces, the Louvre is a must-visit for art lovers.
• Tuileries Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
• Place Vendôme: Famous for its luxury boutiques and the iconic Column of Vendôme.

1.2 4th Arrondissement: Le Marais

• Place des Vosges: Paris's oldest square, surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings and home to the Victor Hugo Museum.
• Le Marais Neighborhood: A trendy area with boutique shops, art galleries, and some of the best falafel in Paris.
• Musée Carnavalet: A museum dedicated to the history of Paris, with exhibits ranging from medieval times to the present day.

1.3 5th Arrondissement: Latin Quarter

• Sorbonne University: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a beautiful campus and a rich academic history.
• Panthéon: A monument to the great men and women of France, offering stunning views of the city from its dome.
• Rue Mouffetard: A lively street filled with markets, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for experiencing the local way of life.

1.4 6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• Saint-Germain Church: A historic church with a beautiful interior and a rich cultural history.
• Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots: Iconic cafes where famous writers and philosophers like Sartre and de Beauvoir used to gather.
• Jardin du Luxembourg: A beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and a pond where you can rent toy boats.

1.5 7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay

• Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris, offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks.
• Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, this museum is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
• Champ de Mars: A large park at the base of the Eiffel Tower, perfect for a picnic or a stroll.

1.6 18th Arrondissement: Montmartre

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A stunning white basilica with panoramic views of Paris from its steps.
• Place du Tertre: A square filled with artists selling their paintings and portraits, giving the area a bohemian vibe.
• Le Moulin Rouge: The famous cabaret where the can-can dance originated, offering evening shows with dinner options.

2. Culinary Delights: Food and Drink in Paris

Paris is a food lover's paradise, with a rich culinary tradition that spans centuries

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Here are some must-try dishes, local specialties, and iconic restaurants:

2.1 Must-Try Dishes

• Croissants and Pain au Chocolat: Flaky, buttery pastries that are a staple of French breakfasts.
• Coq au Vin: A classic French dish made with chicken cooked in red wine, mushrooms, and bacon.
• Escargots: Snails cooked in garlic butter, a traditional French appetizer.
• Steak Frites: A simple yet delicious dish of steak and fries, often served with a rich sauce.
• Crème Brûlée: A creamy dessert topped with a caramelized sugar crust.

2.2 Local Specialties

• Cheese: France is famous for its cheeses, and Paris offers a wide variety to sampleTry Camembert, Brie, or Roquefort.
• Wine: Paris is surrounded by vineyards, and you can find excellent French wines at reasonable prices in local bars and restaurants.
• Macarons: Colorful, delicate cookies filled with ganache or buttercream, available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry.

2.3 Iconic Restaurants

• Le Jules Verne: Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant offers stunning views and gourmet French cuisine.
• L'Ambroisie: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Marais, known for its elegant dining room and exquisite dishes.
• Chez L'Ami Jean: A cozy bistro in the 7th arrondissement, serving hearty Basque cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
• Breizh Café: A crêperie in the Marais, offering both sweet and savory crêpes made with organic ingredients.

2.4 Food Markets

• Rue Cler: A pedestrian street in the 7th arrondissement filled with food stalls, butchers, bakers, and cheese shops.
• Marché d'Aligre: A bustling market in the 12th arrondissement, selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more at affordable prices.
• Marché des Enfants Rouges: Paris's oldest covered market, offering a variety of international cuisines and local specialties.

3. Art and Culture: Museums, Galleries, and Performances

Paris is a cultural hub, with a rich artistic heritage that spans centuries

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Here are some of the city's top art and cultural attractions:

3.1 World-Class Museums

• Louvre Museum: As mentioned earlier, the Louvre is a must-visit for art lovers, with a vast collection spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
• Musée d'Orsay: Focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more.
• Centre Pompidou: A modern art museum with a unique architectural design, housing a collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
• Musée Rodin: Dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, including his famous sculpture "The Thinker."

3.2 Art Galleries

• Galerie Perrotin: A contemporary art gallery in the Marais, showcasing works by emerging and established artists.
• Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac: Another contemporary art gallery with locations in Paris and Salzburg, representing international artists.
• Galerie Yvon Lambert: A gallery in the Marais that focuses on conceptual and minimalist art.

3.3 Performances and Entertainment

• Opéra Garnier: A stunning 19th-century opera house, offering ballet and opera performances in a magnificent setting.
• Théâtre du Châtelet: A theater in the 1st arrondissement, hosting a variety of performances, including musicals, concerts, and dance.
• Philharmonie de Paris: A modern concert hall in the 19th arrondissement, offering a diverse program of classical and contemporary music.

3.4 Street Art

• Belleville Neighborhood: Known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings and alleyways.
• 13th Arrondissement: Another area with a growing street art presence, particularly around the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood.

4. Seasonal Highlights: What to Do in Each Month

Paris is beautiful year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm and activities

Here's a guide to what to do in Paris during each month:

4.1 January

• New Year's Celebrations: Paris celebrates the New Year with fireworks displays, parties, and festive events.
• Winter Sales: A great time to shop for discounted clothing, accessories, and more.
• Ice Skating: Several outdoor ice rinks pop up around the city, including one at the Hôtel de Ville.

4.2 February

• Valentine's Day: Paris is the city of love, and Valentine's Day is celebrated with romantic dinners, chocolates, and flowers.
• Chinese New Year: Paris's Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement hosts a lively parade and celebrations.
• Carnival: A pre-Lenten festival with parades, costumes, and music, particularly in the Latin Quarter.

4.3 March

• Spring Arrives: The weather starts to warm up, and the city's parks and gardens begin to bloom.
• Paris Fashion Week: A major event in the fashion industry, with shows and presentations by top designers.
• StPatrick's Day: The Irish community in Paris celebrates with parades, music, and traditional Irish food.

4.4 April

• Easter: Parisians celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs, special masses, and family gatherings.
• Foire du Trône: A large amusement park that sets up in the Bois de Vincennes, offering rides, games, and food.
• Printemps des Poètes: A festival celebrating poetry, with readings, performances, and workshops in various locations around the city.

4.5 May

• Labor Day (May 1st): A public holiday in France, with parades and demonstrations.
• Cannes Film Festival: While not in Paris, many Parisians travel to the French Riviera for this prestigious film event.
• Fête de la Musique: A nationwide music festival on the summer solstice, with free concerts in parks, squares, and streets.

4.6 June

• Bastille Day (July 14th) Preparations: Although the actual celebration is in July, June is when preparations begin, with military parades and rehearsals.
• Paris Pride: A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, with a parade, parties, and cultural events.
• Roland Garros (French Open): A major tennis tournament held at the Stade Roland Garros, attracting top players from around the world.

4.7 July

• Bastille Day (July 14th): France's national holiday, celebrated with a military parade on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and parties throughout the city.
• Tour de France: The final stage of the famous cycling race often finishes in Paris, with a sprint down the Champs-Élysées.
• Paris Plages: A summer event where the banks of the Seine are transformed into a beach, with sand, palm trees, and recreational activities.

4.8 August

• Summer Vacation: Many Parisians leave the city for vacation, but there are still plenty of things to do, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and markets.
• Rock en Seine: A music festival held in the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, featuring international and French artists.
• Open-Air Cinema: Several outdoor cinemas pop up around the city, showing classic and contemporary films under the stars.

4.9 September

• Back to School: The city comes alive again as students return to school and universities.
• Fashion Week: Another edition of Paris Fashion Week, showcasing the latest collections for the upcoming season.
• Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days): A weekend when many historic buildings and monuments are open to the public for free.

4.10 October

• Autumn Arrives: The leaves start to change color, and the city takes on a cozy, golden hue.
• Nuit Blanche: An all-night arts festival, with museums, galleries, and public spaces staying open late and hosting special events.
• Salon du Chocolat: A chocolate fair with tastings, demonstrations, and workshops, held at the Porte de Versailles.

4.11 November

• All Saints' Day (November 1st): A public holiday in France, with many people visiting cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones.
• Beaujolais Nouveau Day: The release of the new vintage of Beaujolais wine, celebrated with parties and tastings.
• Christmas Markets Begin: Some Christmas markets start to open in late November, offering festive treats, crafts, and decorations.

4.12 December

• Christmas Markets: Paris's Christmas markets are a must-visit, with stalls selling handmade gifts, food, and drinks

  The most famous is the one at the Champs-Élysées.

• Ice Skating Rinks: More outdoor ice rinks open, including one at the Eiffel Tower.
• New Year's Eve Preparations: The city starts to gear up for New Year's Eve celebrations, with parties and events being planned.

5. Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

While Paris's famous landmarks are a must-see, there are also plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences to discoverHere are some of my personal favorites:

5.1 Secret Gardens and Parks

• Square des Batignolles: A peaceful park in the 17th arrondissement, with a lake, a playground, and a variety of plants and trees.
• Jardin des Plantes: A botanical garden with a zoo, a greenhouse, and a natural history museum.
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A large park in the 19th arrondissement, with a lake, a waterfall, and a suspension bridge offering great views.

5.2 Lesser-Known Museums

• Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: A museum dedicated to hunting and nature, with a collection of taxidermy, paintings, and sculptures.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique: A museum in the 9th arrondissement, celebrating the Romantic era with art, furniture, and personal belongings.
• Musée de la Poste: A museum dedicated to the history of the postal service, with exhibits on stamps, mail delivery, and communication.

5.3 Unique Cafes and Bars

• La Palette: A historic cafe in the 6th arrondissement, popular with artists and writers.
• Le Baron Rouge: A lively wine bar in the 12th arrondissement, known for its affordable wines and oysters.
• Le Syndicat: A cocktail bar in the 10th arrondissement, specializing in French spirits and creative drinks.

5.4 Neighborhood Walks

• Canal Saint-Martin: A picturesque canal in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, with lock bridges, boutique shops, and cafes.
• Rue Crémieux: A colorful street in the 12th arrondissement, lined with pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets.
• Passage des Panoramas: One of Paris's oldest covered passages, with shops, restaurants, and a vintage atmosphere.

6. Q&A: Common Questions About Paris

6.1 What to do in 3 days in Paris?

• Day 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Musée d'Orsay

  In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine.

• Day 2: Explore the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Place VendômeIn the afternoon, stroll through the Marais neighborhood.
• Day 3: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (if open), Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin QuarterIn the evening, enjoy a show at the Opéra Garnier or a drink at a rooftop bar.

6.2 What not to miss in Paris?

• The Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris and a must-see attraction.
• The Louvre Museum: Home to some of the world's most famous artworks.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture (although currently closed for restoration, the exterior is still worth seeing).
• The Seine River: A beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of the city, offering great views and opportunities for boat tours.

6.3 What should I do for my first time in Paris?

• Take a Seine River Cruise: A great way to see the city's landmarks from a different perspective.
• Visit a Local Market: Sample local produce, cheeses, and pastries at a market like Rue Cler or Marché d'Aligre.
• Have a Picnic in a Park: Grab some food from a bakery or market and enjoy a picnic in a park like the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries.
• Take a Walking Tour: A guided walking tour can help you get oriented and learn about the city's history and culture.

6.4 What non-touristy things to do in Paris?

• Attend a Local Sports Event: Catch a soccer match at the Parc des Princes or a rugby game at the Stade de France.
• Visit a Local Library or Bookstore: Paris has many beautiful libraries and bookstores, like the Bibliothèque nationale de France or Shakespeare and Company.
• Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional French dishes like coq au vin or crème brûlée.
• Explore a Lesser-Known Neighborhood: Spend an afternoon wandering through neighborhoods like Belleville or Butte-aux-Cailles, where you'll find street art, local cafes, and a more authentic Parisian vibe.

I hope this guide has inspired you to explore Paris like a local and discover all the wonderful things this city has to offer