14 bucket list experiences in Paris

It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of Paris. With a reputation as being one of the world’s most romantic cities, Paris has long been a hot favorite for marriage proposals, pre-wedding photoshoots, and the like.

However, dig deeper, and you’d find that the city is actually a whirlwind tangle of scenic sights, cultural attractions, dynamic markets, and more. For an unforgettable trip, here are 14 things you must see and do in Paris.

Think of Paris, and the iconic Eiffel Tower immediately comes to mind. Take an elevator straight to the top of the 985-foot tower or, if you’re incredibly fit, you can climb 674 steps to the second floor, before hopping onto the elevator. To get more out of the experience, opt for a small group tour that will allow you to skip the lines.

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is perhaps the most reputed avenue in Paris, and for good reason. The mile-long street stretches from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, and is engraved with names of battle heroes. We recommend visiting during sunset, where a magical glow hovers over the majestic road.

While you’re there, pop by Galeries Lafayette, one of Europe’s largest departmental stores, for some retail therapy.

Built in 1806, this grand monument is a tribute to the sacrifices of those who lost their lives to the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Can’t get enough of Paris from above? Climb a set of stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to see a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Paris sparkling in all its glory.

The Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most well-known paintings. See it in the flesh at the famous Louvre Museum, which boasts a staggering range of art pieces. It’s easy to spend the entire day just wandering the museum’s many wings; make sure you don't miss anything with this skip-the-line guided tour.

And on days where time seems to crawl to a standstill, get some respite at the adjacent Jardin des Tuileries. Built in 1564, the gardens are a great picnic and people-watching spot.

Buttery croissants with a piping cup of coffee. What’s not to love? Enjoy French breakfast mainstays like toast, pastries, fresh fruit juice, and hot drinks; and for lunch or dinner, try traditional French food like coq au vin, escargots, onion soup, steak tartare, or beef bourguignon. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in some macarons, crepes, and eclairs.

“Here you leave today, and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” Indeed, Disneyland Paris is a magical place that enthralls adults and kids alike. It is a must-visit on any trip to the French capital; get ready for an enchanting day of rides, parades, and photos with cheerful mascots. The best part? The park is easily accessible from Paris itself. Find out how to get there and other Disneyland Paris tips and tricks with our handy guide.

Spend an afternoon exploring Montmartre, a vibrant artist’s enclave that is home to eclectic shops, quirky cafés, and aromatic bakeries. Head to Sacre-Coeur for a (free!) panorama of the city, and marvel at the Wall of Love, where you’ll find the phrase “I love you” scribbled over and over again in hundreds of languages.

P.S. If you’re a self-professed food aficionado, this French gourmet food and wine tasting tour of Montmartre might be just up your alley.

One of the most famous cabarets in the world, Moulin Rouge has dazzled many since its opening in 1889. Instantly recognizable by the iconic red windmill on its roof, Moulin Rouge wows with a show that’s not to be missed. Expect a flurry of intricate rhinestone-studded costumes, heart-thumping music, and a provocative can-can that will take your breath away.

Small and unassuming, Shakespeare and Company is a humble bookstore that has climbed its way up the ranks. The first store was set up in 1919 and visited by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. A second store was opened after the closure of the first, which has now found its home along Paris’ Left Bank. Like many of Paris’ best bookstores, it is a treasure trove and Narnia of books—you never know what you’ll find.

See Paris from a different perspective on a relaxing Seine River cruise, which passes by many major Parisian landmarks. In the summer months, some boats double up as restaurants where you can sightsee together with a gourmet dinner or lunch, or even see Paris light up after dark on a romantic night cruise.

Don’t forget to visit the bouquinistes along the Seine banks—vintage stands which ply used magazines, books, and artworks.

The 19th-century Palais Garnier opera house is a sheer aesthetic masterpiece, draped with impossibly ornate furnishings. If it looks at all familiar, you’ve probably recognized it as the setting for the acclaimed musical, The Phantom of the Opera. Take a tour or, if you’re lucky, snag tickets to the often sold-out operas or ballets.

Gain insight into local life at one of Paris’ many bustling markets. Make a beeline for the Bastille Market, where you’ll find a dazzling array of local produce, cheeses, and more. Jostle with locals at the Pyrénées traditional food market, or explore Marche aux Puces St-Ouen, which is said to be the world’s largest flea market.

Now, this is something different. Beneath bustling streets lie the Paris Catacombs, an eerie and mysterious labyrinth found twenty meters below the surface. The catacombs were created as a solution to overflowing graveyards, functioning as a home for the remains of around six million Parisians. You’d need just 90 minutes for this macabre yet one-of-a-kind attraction, which really puts a twist on everything else that Paris has to offer.

Make time for a visit to the stunning Palace of Versailles, which is steeped in many years of history. An icon during the French Revolution, the palace gets around a whopping 10 million visitors a year. Located just a 30-minute drive or 55-minute train ride from Paris, the palace can be explored with a guide, via an audio tour, or even on a bike tour.

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