Top 12 Must Do Things In Paris
Paris, what more can I say. It’s on almost anyone’s bucket list. Whether you are going for romance, history, castles, wine, art, fashion or just some delicious croissants, Paris has a little bit for you. With 350+ museums, landmarks and attractions. We have made a list of the top # must do things in Paris that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Eiffel Tower
Now of course we started with the Eiffel Tower. You can’t travel all the way to Paris and not see the most famous tower in the world. Building started January 1887 and finished in record time on March 31st, 1889. Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.
2. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is another can’t miss sites in the city. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. The Arc was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome. Commissioned in 1806 it honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Below lies the vault of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI.
3. The Lourve
This museum should be on everyone’s bucket list. You don’t need to like art to appreciate everything you might see inside the Lourve. With 10,000 years of history to explore, it has something for everyone. Aside from the Mona Lisa, discover Roman, Egyptian, Asian and other arts from around the world. They even have gardens to enjoy.
4. Notre Dame
With the horrific fire in April of 2019, the cathedral is currently still closed. That doesn’t mean you can’t marvel at the exterior. This is my go to place for Paris. The French gothic architecture is astounding with its unique flying butresses. Building began in 1163 and it was mostly complete by 1260. Before the fire, around 12 million people visited this cathedral yearly.
5. Catacombs Paris
Looking for something a little more involved? Descend beneath the city to the underground labyrinth of the Paris Catacombs. In the late 18th century, major public health problems tied to the city’s cemeteries, led them to move tombs underground. Evacuations were made beginning in 1785. Originally called the Paris Municipal Ossuary, it became known as the Catacombs after the public’s fascination with the Roman catacombs that had been discovered.
6. Seine River Cruise
There are many types of Seine River cruises. You have a choice of brunch, lunch, dinner, champagne, historical and site-seeing. You can also choose between day or night cruises. Why not do both?!
7. Moulin Rouge
Head down to see the best cabaret in the world. Founded in 1889, this is the birthplace of today’s can-can dance. If cabaret isn’t your thing, don’t worry, they also have opera and ballet performances.
8. Grand Palais
This historic site, known in English as the Grand Palace, is also a museum and exhibition hall. Built in 1897, it was designed to be a artistic venue. Only French architects were appointed to work on the building. The stone, iron and glass facade are beautiful to see.
9. Petit Palais
Construction on the “Small Palace” also began in 1897. Located across from the Grand Palais, it houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
10. Pantheon
What a beautiful building. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, construction began in 1758 and was intended to be the Church of Saint Genevieve. In 1791, it became a mausoleum with the remains of Victor Hugo being added in 1885.
11. Sacre Coeur
A gorgeous Basilica to see and FREE to visit. There is an extra charge if you wish to climb the dome…and you do! Construction started in 1875 and finished in 1914. The facade is a gorgeous white limestone, littered with beautiful statue around the building and do forget the spectacular stain glass.
12. Champs-Elysees
How can a visit to Paris be complete without a stroll along the Champs-Elysees? It can’t. Filled with luxury shops and cafes, you can’t come to Paris and not walk along this avenue. And the best part, if you travel this road, you can visit almost everything on this list.
I hope you enjoyed this Top 12 Must Do Things In Paris. There is so much more to see and do…maybe we should make a bucket list! If you liked this article, check out some of our others below.
