What to do when in Paris- a breakdown. Do you want to experience the city of love in style? Of course you do! Here are some ideas of what to do when in Paris, from top attractions to best places to stay.
Tourism in Paris
Tourism in Paris is hugely significant, bringing in 30 million tourists a year! Paris is the 3rd most visited city in the world, along with the entire of France being the most visited country. Paris hosts The Louvre, the worlds most famous visitor attraction, with an outstanding 9.7 million visitors a year!
Why visit Paris?
Paris is iconic for a reason, the street life, the views and the attractions are like no other. Whether you are strolling down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées or watching the glamorous lights of the Eiffel, there’s always an element of magic in every step.
Whether its your first trip to Paris or you have visited multiple times, there is also something new to do in this exciting city.
The best places to stay in Paris
Before we get onto what to do when in Paris, Where are the best places to stay? We all know how stunning Paris is, but what about accommodation? Paris can be expensive, so here is a range of recommended hotels for every budget, including hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower!
Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = ‘text/javascript’; s.async = true; s.src = u + ‘?v=’ + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, ‘script’, ‘//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js’);Hotel Lutetia
Hotel Lutetia is a stunning five star hotel in Paris, boasting every facility you could ever need for that once in a life time trip! Boasting a dreamy interior with a spa, it hosts services including waxing. manicures, Jacuzzis, and saunas, which makes a perfect wellness tourism destination. Click here to book.
Ibis Paris Hotel
Ibis Paris hotel is situated only a short walk from The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Luxembourg gardens, making it an amazing location! The services are top notch, offering free Wi-Fi across all areas of the site, evening entertainment, and an amazingly modern bar and restaurant with a great food selection at a great price. Click here to find out more.
Cosy studio in the heart of Montmartre
Cosy studio is a great connecting location, just opposite the Château Rouge metro station, and only just a 6 minute walk to Marcadet–Poissonniers metro. This beautiful apartment is spacious and filled with natural light, equipped with a washing machine, kitchen, private bathroom and dining area. Wake up from the comfiest nights sleep and explore the attractions around it, featuring the Sacré-Coeur, only a 5 minute walk away! Click here to find out more.
loft VEDA
loft VEDA is a beautiful apartment located right in Paris’ city centre. The earthy toned rooms and wooden furnishings make for a relaxed and comfy accommodation, with a garden view to gaze upon in the evenings. They offer great facilities such as free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. Click here to find out more.
Things to pack when visiting Paris
You know the ordinary packing list, but what about a Paris packing list? Here are all the essentials for what to do when in Paris.
A coat/jacket
A coat sounds like a simple thing to pack, but you’re going to be needing one in Paris’ cold temperatures. Find a stylish one to stroll down the most famous streets in Paris in style.
Tote bag
Tote bags are perfect for a shopping spree in Paris…or simply just to hold your essentials. No need to buy a bag with your stylish and environmentally friendly tote bag in whatever colour, size, shape or graphic you want! Click here for recommendations.
Sunglasses
Depending on the time of year, sunglasses are a classy addition to your Paris streetstyle. Live your life through rose tinted glasses, whilst protecting your eyes and looking fabulous! Click here for women’s sunglasses and men’s sunglasses .
Scarf
Other than being a fashion statement, scarfs can keep you that little bit warmer on summer evenings, or go nicely with a warm coat in winter. Scarfs are convenient to pack and easy to throw on wherever Paris takes you. Here are some recommendations.
Selfie Stick
Being in Paris means vast photo opportunities. And what’s better to prove you were watching that beautiful sunset than with a selfie? Selfie sticks can be folded to a small size, so they are easy to pack, and perfect for bringing on a visit to the Eiffel! Click here to browse.
What to do in Paris in summer
What to do when in Paris in summer? We’ve got you covered. The summertime is perfect for exploring Frances great outdoors. So, its time for picnics, walks along the Seine, enjoying the cherry blossoms throughout the city and picture taking all holiday long! Keep reading for what to do when in Paris in summer…
Enjoy ice cream at Berthillion
Berthillion, situated on 31 rue Saint Louis I’lle, is a top rated gelato in Paris. With a mouth watering selection, from fruity sorbets to rich caramel sundaes, there truly is nothing better. Close to the Notre Dame, its a perfect summers day stop, with the best ice cream to go along with it. If you’re looking for some more amazing ice cream places in Paris – be sure to check out this list!
Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace is a 17th century marvel, with absolutely gorgeous grounds. At first it was built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, but his son, Louis XIV, loved it the most. Explore ground breaking architecture and the outstanding Versailles gardens, perfect for strolling in summer. View amazing garden events such as the fountain shows and musical gardens, which create a beautiful display on a hot day.
Seine river cruise
Why not make the most of the sunshine with a boat ride over the Seine where you get some of the best views in Paris? The Vedettes du pont Neuf (one of the top sightseeing boats in Paris!) has a journey time of an hour, and passes a wide range of Paris’ most famous attractions from The Eiffel to the Notre Dame cathedral. long with this, the boat ride is at an exceptionally good price! Click here to find out more.
Celebrate Bastille day at Trocadero
If you’ve ever wondered what to do when in Paris in summer, celebrating Bastille day is an amazing way to connect with not only Paris itself but the local people too! Every July 14th is another celebration of Bastille day, which commemorates the storming of bastille in 1789, along with the turning point in the French Revolution. Trocadero is the most amazing location to watch the incredible Eiffel firework displays, so be sure to get the camera ready!
What to do in Paris at Christmas
Paris in the festive season adds that extra sparkle everyone needs at Christmas. With its beautiful markets, gorgeous lights and fuzzy hot chocolate, Paris is sure to get you in the spirit. Here is what to do when in Paris at Christmas..
Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Avenue des Champs-Elysees is described as ‘the worlds most beautiful avenue’, so you can only imagine how gorgeous it becomes at Christmas time. The whole street is wound in beautiful fairy lights, illuminating the avenue into what feels like a Christmas dream. There are hundreds of little Christmas markets to make your heart sing, everything from traditional cheeses to churros, and of course not forgetting hot chocolate. If you want an embodiment of the ‘Christmas spirit’ visit the Avenue des Champs Elysees!
Go ice skating at Patinoire de L’AccorHotel Arena
If you have ever wondered what to do when in Paris at Christmas, Ice skating is perfect! The Patinoire de L’AccorHotel arena welcomes everybody, whether it’s your first time or you’re a skating pro; there’s room for everyone to enjoy! The rink remains open “by night” where you can enjoy the DJ set and skate to some iconic Christmas hits.
Paris Christmas gourmet food tour
The Paris Christmas gourmet food tour is simply wonderful. What’s better than delicious food at Christmas? Well when all of your favourite’s are combined with Parisian gourmet cuisine, it makes it so much more magical! This tour takes you on a walk through the traditional European Christmas markets to sample all kinds of mouth watering sweet treats, from spiced wine to yule logs. You will be able to explore and shop in the best that Paris has to offer, all illuminated in the festive spirit! Click here to find out more.
Paris Christmas lights open top bus tour
What to do when in Paris is to view the city of lights in all of its Christmas glory on the 90 minute open top bus tour! Gaze at the stunning views of Paris, passing some of the most famous attractions in all their festivity, including The Louvre and The Eiffel tower. Make sure to bring your blankets and jumpers to wrap up warm, and enjoy the hot drinks provided, as well as all of the Christmas classics playing to keep the spirits up! Click here to find out more.
What to do in Paris to be romantic
What to do when in Paris to be romantic? Well, Paris is the City of love… it’s bursting with romance. But where are the best places to go for that extra luxury you’ve been looking for? Here are some specially selected restaurants, hotels and attractions that will enhance your experience.
Wall of Love
The Wall of Love is a 40 square Mural which depicts ‘I love you’ in 250 languages! Located in Jehan Rictus garden square, this sweet piece of art was made by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito, and it definitely embodies Paris and all things romantic. You and your partner can visit free of charge.
Restaurant Lasserre
Restaurant Lasserre is a luxury gourmet restaurant in Paris, boasting bright and gorgeous interiors to set the scene for romance. Running for 80 years, this restaurants has mastered the art of cuisine, supplying mouth watering French dishes that you and your partner can indulge in.
Champagne Tour
The Champagne tour allows you to visit three different champagne producers, along with being able to taste 7 of the worlds best champagnes and enjoy a four course meal at Vineyard all included in the price. Along the way you will get to visit Moët et Chandon, Paul-Etienne Saint-Germain and Dom Caudron, all boasting champagne delicacies for you and your partner to enjoy. Click here to find out more.
Seine river dinner cruise
The seine river dinner cruise is just what to do when in Paris for that romantic dream you’ve pictured. It makes for a magical evening in Paris , cruising past the lit up Eiffel and the Louvre, whilst you and your partner dine together with a 3 course gourmet meal. You can choose a ‘romance package’ with rose petals, window seating and souvenir photos to make it that much more special. Click here to book.
What to do in Paris with kids
What to do when in Paris with kids? Luckily Paris has loads of family friendly attractions, so you can have the most memorable days out. Your kids are sure to adore it as much as you do. Here is what to do when in Paris with kids, all price friendly.
Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is an amazing zoo in Paris, great for a day out with the kids. They take care of 150 species from the giant tortoise to the Arabian oryx, so learning about the animals is super interesting. Roughly one third of all of their animals in care are endangered, so the zoo is providing the best sanctuary they need to be catered to at all times. Enjoy wandering around site and creating memorable experiences for both you and your kids.
Private Louvre tour with ‘skip line’ access
The private louvre tour is just what to do when in Paris as a family! With ‘skip line’ access it is geared at families wanting to discover the culture, artwork and creativity that Paris holds within its Iconic gallery. You can tailor the tour to your kids interests, so they can learn whilst having fun! Along the way your guide will talk you through the exhibits, to make sure you all leave with new knowledge. Click here for more information
Playmobil Funpark
Playmobil funpark is the go-to when it comes to deciding what to do when in Paris with the kids! The building is made entirely from Playmobil, so it’s sure your little ones will be in heaven. There are 11 play areas with loads of exciting sections where they can play in fantasy world with dragons and princesses or discover the animals in the Playmobil zoo! Let them burn energy in the dance area, whilst you relax in the restaurant with a hot drink.
La Tête dans les Nuages
La Tête dans les Nuages is one of the biggest gaming rooms in Europe! The family leisure centre boasts all kinds of exciting games, from Mario karting to state of the art gaming chairs, and from VR to 4D cinema, it has it all! There are sections dedicated to your very little ones, called ‘Kids universe’ with a load of fun activities they can take part in, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
What to do when in Paris- further reading
If you enjoyed this article on what to do when in Paris, I am sure that you will love these too!
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- The 21 best things to do in Weston Super Mare
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- Tourism in Cornwall visitor guide- The best things to do in Cornwall
- Tourism in the Isle of Wight- what you need to know for your trip