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Where do you start in this marvellous metropolis? We'll help. This is our pick of the very best things to do in Paris
There’s so much to do in the city of love, it can feel impossible to know where to begin. Unlike some of its neighbours, Paris is a huge, expansive city, and each of its districts tells a different story from the others. So you’ve got options. Will you spend your days strolling through its brilliant art galleries? Are you braced to visit all of its greatest attractions? Dorn an Emily in Paris-esque outfit and head for the most Instagrammable breakfast you can find?
Alternatively, of course, you can try to squeeze every single bit of it into your three-day stay. God loves a trier, after all. But whichever way you plan to take on this wild and brilliant city, there are some things you absolutely can’t miss. So, just for you, we’ve rounded up the 78 best things to do in Paris, and we’ve ranked them too. Whatever you’re after, it’s here on this list. Here are the best things to do in Paris in 2023.
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🏺 The best museums in Paris
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This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut’s unique restaurant venture in Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
Why go? Offering up two tasting menus (one a little more extravagant than the other), this is a dining experience for a special occasion. Interiors feature antique ornaments, huge mirrors and bare wood, and the food is delicate, fresh, and expertly balanced.
Don’t miss: It can get booked up a year in advance. If you can’t get a table, try Septime La Cave next door.
What is it? Two of the best museums near the Eiffel Tower.
Why go? A pair of museums with totally different vibes. The first, the Musée d’Art Moderne, pays tribute to the Avant-gardistes, while the second, the Palais de Tokyo, combines installations, videos and new-age icons, cementing its status as a temple of contemporary art.
Don’t miss: Grab a bite at Monsieur Bleu, the Palais de Tokyo restaurant.
What is it? Storied picture houses that put on obscure screenings at low prices.
Why go? A historic flytrap for Parisian cinephiles, the 5th and 6th arrondissements are still full of independent cinemas, most notably Le Champo on Rue des Écoles, where many of the Nouvelle Vague directors hung about in the ’50s and ’60s.
Don’t miss: Legend has it that on his travels to Paris, Quentin Tarantino would often make a pilgrimage to the Latin Quarter’s Filmothèque.
What is it? A former coal station turned live music hotspot.
Why go? The MU collective has made the most of this old coal station’s architectural quirks and turned it into an events space reminiscent of underground Berlin. Explore its three rooms, an outdoor stage, and two indoor stages, playing everything from hardcore punk to pure techno.
Don’t miss: The edgy atmosphere and budget-friendly prices.
What is it? It’s the Louvre, duh.
Why go? The thing Paris is known for, this spectacular glass pyramid has been around since 1983, when it was commissioned by Mitterrand. You could spend hours wandering around the outside of it with a coffee, but the inside is a never-ending treasure trove of cultural artefacts, from the likes of the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians. And yes, the Mona Lisa is in there too, but there’s also a ‘feminist tour’ you can take, for something a bit different.
Don’t miss: Make a plan before you go and stick to it. We can’t stress enough how much stuff is in there.
What is it? An iconic theatre in Nanterre (the western suburbs of Paris) which has been around since 1976.
Why go? We'll be the first to admit that this theatre is a little way off the usual beaten track, but if you've got a bit more time, it's worth it. Positioned as a major player in French theatre in the ‘80s by Patrice Chéreau, elevated by Philippe Quesne, and now under the direction of Christophe Rauck, the theatre hosts the crème de la crème of today's actors, choreographers, and directors. Our top tip? The bar and restaurant area offers seasonal dishes to recharge before heading back to the bits.
What is it? A small food market that feels like – and is? – the 'real' Paris.
Why go? This historic Parisian market takes its name from the Enfants Rouges (Red Children) orphanage, which was built in the 16th century and closed down just before the revolution. Saturdays are when the market is at its liveliest, but expect a hard time choosing between the different stalls: Moroccan, Italian, Lebanese, or a refined blowout at the Enfants du Marché. Try it all if you can.
Don’t miss: Take a look around the cactus shop Les Succulents.
Why go? Because no visit to Paris is complete without a spin around Beaubourg.
Why go? Behind Richard Rogers’ and Renzo Piano’s piping and air ducts lies one of the richest collections of modern art in the world. Step inside the Centre Pompidou to fall under the spell of Picasso, Magritte, Duchamp, Pollock, Warhol and Tinguely.
Don’t miss: Head to the top floor for a truly eye-popping view.
What is it? A funky, inventive and genuinely cool bar in Paris (and one of the 50 best bars in the world, according to 50 Best).
Why go? Fréquence is run by Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza, who are equally as passionate about fine drinks as they are about Motown on vinyl. The fruits of their labour have culminated in this delightful bar, where turntables and records share the spotlight with bottles and shakers. The cocktails are as clever as they are slap-you-in-the-face strong, like the doud (salted pine nuts, white Cap Corse, shochu and calvados for €12).
What is it? Undoubtedly the world’s best-known graveyard.
Why go? A favourite among Parisians and tourists, the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise allows bookworms to enjoy an intimate moment with some of their literary heroes and learn about the Paris Commune. It is also beautifully picturesque: a vast, shaded labyrinth with snaking hillside paths and pretty stone stairs. Careful not to get lost...
Don’t miss: Treat yourself to a spooky late-night grave walk with the park’s ‘vampire expert’.
What is it? One of Paris’s most impressive museums.
Why go? A spectacular building designed by starchitect Frank Gehry hosts the collection of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Far out in the western suburbs of Paris, this brand-new stage for contemporary art showcases the biggest names of our time, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Charlotte Perriand.
Don’t miss: Its prime location by the Bois de Boulogne makes for a convenient forest stroll.
What is it? The best restaurant in the city, according to the editors at Time Out Paris.
Why go? If you've got enough time to book in advance, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable meal, cooked by some really brilliant chefs. Le Clarence is incredibly eccentric, impeccably OTT, and certainly not cheap, but to sample veal sweetbread gyoza, ink and cuttlefish tartare and a poached oyster all in a single lunch? That's once-in-a-lifetime stuff. It ain't cheap, we'll warn you (but you might have guessed that already).
What is it? A gargantuan 10,000-square-metre cultural complex in fast-gentrifying Pantin.
Why go? Following in the thriving footsteps of Ground Control and Grands Voisins, the Cité Fertile is the latest multidisciplinary cultural pop-up to pull in the summer crowds. Opened in a former train depot in August 2018, it’s got a three-year licence from national train firm SNCF and, like its predecessors, has a wide array of food offerings, a rich cultural programme, a vast 800-square-metre urban farming lab, and – perfect for families – a beach where you can play volleyball, pétanque and ping-pong.
Don’t miss: Canal de l’Ourcq institution Paname Brewing Company brews on-site.
What is it? A homey cocktail bar run by Elena Schmitt and Margot Lecarpentier (formerly of Experimental Cocktail Club).
Why go? Perched atop Belleville hill, Combat’s cocktails are punchy and well-balanced. We also like their bar snacks, especially the terrine, prepared by Repaire de Cartouche chef Rodolphe Paquin and served with pickles and pain de campagne.
Don’t miss: The Parc de Belleville across the road. Those views are unbeatable.
What is it? THE place to be during the summer months.
Why go? Spread out over 35 hectares, this is the largest of Paris’s parks, and from mid-July, it hosts the annual open-air cinema festival. There’s always a good vibe, and we’ve even witnessed a crowd of more than 2,000 get up and dance beneath the stars at the end of ‘Grease’. It was a moment, to say the least.
Don’t miss: Round off the night at beach-style nightclub Plage du Glazart, which is kitted out with sand and deckchairs.
What is it? The city’s best-looking concept store.
Why go? In a light-filled building at the end of a courtyard on the Rue Beaumarchais, Merci brings together a collection of influential stylists and designers, from Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney. There’s also an array of luxury stationery, homeware and accessories. It’s hard to know where to look.
Don’t miss: Enter via the ‘literary’ cafe for a break, order a fresh OJ and let your eyes wander around the book-lined walls. Why not read one if you have time?
What is it? A beautiful reading room with over 20,000 books, 9,000 comics and 160 cosy reading spots.
Why go? For its three-hundredth anniversary, the historic site of the National Library fully reopened its shelves in September 2022. Besides a new museum, its astonishing Ovale room, with 18 metres high and crowned by a glass roof, is now accessible to all. The best part? It's totally free.
What is it? The best Italian restaurant outside Italy. (Yes, we went there.)
Why go? Since ex-Rino chef Giovanni Passerini opened this eponymous Italian restaurant in 2015, it has been one of our favourites for a simple, traditional Italian meal among friends. Nothing beats their cult pasta all’amatriciana.
Don’t miss: The top-notch menu of sulphite-free French and Italian wines.
What is it? For fifty years, the Autumn Festival has been the pulse of contemporary stage creation, setting the hearts of thousands of spectators racing in various cultural venues across Paris.
Why go? A must-attend event dedicated to the performing arts in all their diversity – and their radicalism – the festival has witnessed the rise of some of the biggest names in the international contemporary scene, from American choreographer Merce Cunningham to director Robert (known as Bob) Wilson.
What is it? A much-awaited contemporary art gallery in a restored historical monument, which opened its doors (finally) in spring 2021.
Why go? This museum is as grand and central as it gets, fully restored from floor to dome by Tadao Ando with a nine-metre-high concrete cylinder right in the middle. It took something this impressive to house François Pinault's private collection of 10,000 artworks. Within the 7,000 square meters of the Bourse, you'll find 24 creations by Bertrand Lavier, feminist photographs by Cindy Sherman, and a wonderful collection of African and African-American figurative paintings.
What is it? A bopping bar at the very top of Paris's largest park, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Why go? This is one of the most vibrant hangouts in the capital. Run by Mimi and Zouzou, former owners of iconic noughties lesbian club Pulp, this riverside bar hosts some of the wildest queer nights in the city. Come on a Sunday when the tracks get especially wild. It's legendary.
What is it? An old network of railway lines has been transformed into the perfect romantic walk.
Why go? Built 150 years ago, La Petite Ceinture is almost 32km long. A public transport network until 1934, it was then used to transport goods until the late 1970s. Untouched for years, it has been cut up and transformed into various distinct sections, much like New York’s High Line. The Petite Ceinture’s best-known part begins in the 12th, a bucolic vision of plants and trees, but stretches across the 15th, 16th and 18th arrondissements, too.
Don’t miss: Grabbing evening drinks at The Recyclerie, a bar at the former Boulevard Ornano station
What is it? After a first year of testing the waters, this electronic hub tucked beneath the ring road hit full speed in 2023.
Why go? Led by Rag, Benjamin Charvet, and Samy Znimi, who respectively head up Barbi(e)turix, Badaboum and Panic Room, the lineup – gender-balanced and inclusive – takes the plunge into the realm of cutting-edge electronic music. From headliners to emerging gems, must-know labels and collectives of the moment, it's all about techno, house, and disco here.
What is it? A mecca of impressionist art in a stunning former train station.
Why go? In the old Gare d’Orsay, you’ll find one of the finest collections of 19th-century art. It’s got Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Pointillism and all the other great ‘isms’ that appeared between 1848 and the beginning of the 20th century.
Don’t miss: Savour a coffee in the fantastic coffee shop nestled behind the clock, designed by the Campana brothers in tribute to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.
What is it? A pan-genre record shop that hosts dangerously good DJ sets.
Why go? From New Orleans jazz to Japanese ambient, the racks overflow with deep cuts. And prices aren’t bad, either. Finally, north Paris has the record store it deserves.
Don’t miss: Grab a beer at one of the Friday-night DJ sets.
What is it? Remember Gaston Lagaffe's brilliant book storage ideas? Well, Regard Moderne is like that... but better. Stacks of books towering several meters high, inaccessible shelves hidden behind columns, and narrow passages where you can only squeeze through by sucking in your stomach.
Why go? It was Jacques Noël who conceived this place, before passing the baton to his successor upon his death, who diligently stored all of these precious volumes, whether they be beautiful works about Duchamp, collections of surrealist poetry or Beat novels in their original language. If you've got an interest in the peculiar in literature, this is the place.
What is it? One of Parisians' favourite cultural events.
Why go? Every year since 2002, Nuit Blanche has illuminated Paris with its artistic brilliance. And here's the new twist: since 2023, the event has ditched the autumn gloom and moved to the summer. What hasn't changed is that, for one night, a multitude of artists from all stylistic backgrounds descend upon the capital, turning it into an immense open-air museum with a flurry of creations and unprecedented openings. If you can make it down in the summer, it's a must.
What is it? This eco-conscious festival is the most talked-about event in Paris’s spring calendar.
Why go? When it comes to top-tier festivals, all Paris had ten years ago was Rock en Seine and Solidays. Fast forward to today, and We Love Green has displaced the pair as the most eminent music event of the year. The line-up brings together Pitchfork-approved rap, indie rock and techno.
Don’t miss: The food is almost as much of a draw. The likes of Septime, Cheval d’Or and Les Enfants du Marché have all taken part.
What is it? A seriously classy cocktail bar in the far west of Paris.
Why go? While its new little big brother in the Latin Quarter has reigned over the Left Bank since the summer of 2023, Franck Audoux's original establishment remains a safe bet (if not the only one) for cocktail enthusiasts in this neighbourhood. In a fully Art Nouveau setting from floor to ceiling, you can sample drinks that are all about simplicity; few ingredients, no garnish, and a very delicate balance.
What is it? Paris’s ultra-modern temple to classical music, near the gently flourishing Pantin area.
Why go? The Philharmonie, which forms part of the Cité de la Musique, has a rich and abundant live music programme. In addition to its impressive concert hall, the Philharmonie has an exciting exhibition space and an educational centre like its neighbour, the Cité des Sciences.
Don’t miss: The prices are super-accessible, so you can experiment without breaking the bank.
What is it? An elegant, old-school bistro serving fuss-free French cuisine.
Why go? At this excellent Right Bank spot, the charismatic maître d’ perches behind a bar and advises punters on the best red to enjoy with their confit beef cheeks (or whatever else they order). It’s perfect for Sunday lunch, a boozy dinner with mates, or even a solo trip. However you do it, you’ll savour every single bite.
Don’t miss: You won’t find sausage and mash like this anywhere else, so loosen your top button and dig in.
What is it? Put simply, the most beautiful swimming pool in Paris.
Why go? This legendary establishment and listed building was bought by the AccorHotels group several years ago. The result? A luxury complex with a five-star hotel, an excellent restaurant, a 48-metre spa and all-around architectural beauty.
Don’t miss: Order cocktails from the bar without leaving the pool.
What is it? A deli serving the best ham and cheese baguette in the city.
Why go? It may be a tight squeeze inside, but the interiors are charmingly retro, with old-fashioned kitchen scales, vintage enamel advertising signs and yellow tiles on the walls. Take your pick from the mouth-watering menu; think classic Prince de Paris jambon-beurre, smoked chicken baguette and chorizo tortilla.
Don’t miss: The perfect way to eat on the run while rushing to catch a show at the Théâtre de la Bastille.
What is it? A former train station-turned-jazz bar.
Why go? Every day at 9pm, this former train station foyer hosts free jazz concerts. The setting is perfect: the airy four-metre-high space enhances the warmth of the saxophones and trumpets.
Don’t miss: Make a beeline for the patio in summer.
What is it? A cheese shop that's been serving the best of Paris-made fromage since 2017.
Why go? Pierre Coulon, a former employee of Androuet and a connoisseur of local cheese, has been turning organic milk into palate-pleasing delicacies at the heart of Goutte d'Or for a while now. This urban cheesemaker produces exceptional soft cheeses, such as a Saint-Félicien with raw cream, a Brillat-Savarin made with triple cream, or a Labat crafted with Breton goat milk... You can also find cheeses from small local producers, aged on-site, and a Normandy camembert from Pierre's farm in the city of the same name.
What is it? A design hotel and bar with a sordid past.
Why go? Inspired by the Parisian brothels from the Belle Époque period, Maison Souquet’s hidden frontage leads to a vision of orientalist splendour designed by Jacques Garcia. Styled on Arabian Nights, it’s all pretty pleasing to the eye: from the 1895 Cordovan leather on the walls to the Moorish tiles, porcelain, copper and vintage furniture.
Don’t miss: If you fancy a private pool party, you can rent theirs by the hour.
What is it? France’s foremost film institution presided over by the good-natured ghost of film archivist Henri Langlois.
Why go? For just a couple of euros, you can spend the day exploring hundreds of hidden cinematic treasures within the library and network, attend talks, join cinema clubs inspired by the legendary Jean Douchet, or even visit the tongue-in-cheek exhibitions dedicated to filmmaking.
Don’t miss: After indulging your inner cinephile, catch a gig at the Accor Arena.
What is it? One of the most important sporting events in the world.
Why go? Hot sun, commentary from Nelson Montfort and orange-bordered shoes: three signs you’re at the second tennis grand slam of the year. This is always a highlight of the Parisian spring calendar – time to dust off your best summer hat and get down to Porte d’Auteil. Who will lose to Rafael Nadal in the final this year?
Don’t miss: Start proceedings early with a pre-game picnic in the Jardin d’Acclimatation.
What is it? Opera and ballet in styles old and new, performed across two spaces.
Why go? The Palais Garnier is one of the city’s pride and joys, and since its inauguration in the second half of the 19th century, the stage has played host to only the most refined ballet and opera productions.
Don’t miss: If you fancy an adrenaline rush after the show, try the Opéra Escape Game.
What is it? A 6,000-square-metre food and shopping hub in a former train station a few minutes from the Gare de Lyon.
Why go? Comprising 4,500 square metres of indoor space and 1,500 square metres of open-air terraces, Ground Control is a vision of sustainable consumption. Expect street food stalls, bars, grocery stores, shops, yoga workshops, pilates, Reiki... it’s every bobo’s dream.
Don’t miss: Eat at La Résidence, a training kitchen for refugee chefs run by the Refugee Food Festival.
What is it? A remarkable showcase of Monet's work at one of our favourite museums in Paris.
Why go? This Monet showcase is now firmly on the tourist radar: expect long queues. The look is utilitarian and fuss-free, with the museum's eight, tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies) paintings housed in two plain oval rooms. They provide a simple backdrop for the astonishing, ethereal romanticism of Monet's works, painted late in his life. Depicting Monet's 'jardin d'eau' at his house in Giverny, the tableaux have an intense, dreamy quality – partly reflecting the artist's absorption in the private world of his garden.
What is it? The capital’s flagship football stadium.
Why go? Since the arrival of the Qataris and Neymar in particular, the Parc des Princes has become a tourist hotspot. The club now offers a raft of activities around the site, including an escape room that will delight all football fans. Lionel Messi is also here, which is, you know, sort of a big deal.
Don’t miss: After the match, everyone heads down to the Brasserie d’Auteuil for hearty Italian comfort food.
What is it? A 300-square-metre studio space dedicated to digital art, bang in the middle of the 11th arrondissement.
Why go? A former iron foundry, this building remained empty for nearly two decades until Culturespaces decided to launch the city’s first digital art centre. Its goal? To give the works the attention they deserve by projecting them across the ten-metre-high walls using first-rate equipment, including 140 film projectors with BARCO lasers and 50 state-of-the-art Nexo speakers.
Don’t miss: Have a beer at the excellent Enkore next door.
What is it? A green haven in the centre of Paris.
Why go? For an idyllic wander. You can choose between a small zoo with more than 1,200 animals, recently renovated greenhouses, and museums of mineralogy, geology, palaeontology, anatomy and botany.
Don’t miss: Take the perfect profile picture under those Japanese cherry trees.
What is it? A fun, thriving restaurant that harks back to yesteryear Paris.
Why go? Open seven days a week from midday to midnight, the old-style Bouillon Pigalle packs out its huge 300-seater space just south of Montmartre at pretty much any time of day. The staff are sweet, and the food spans classics like beef entrecôte, salmon fillet in a sorrel sauce, and top-notch cauliflower cheese.
Don’t miss: The profiteroles are next level.
What is it? A matchless view worth every dizzying moment of the ascent.
Why go? Is Paris the world’s most beautiful city? You only have to stand on the third floor of the Eiffel Tower – with its 360-degree views and a clear horizon of 65 kilometres in good weather – to find out the answer. Check out Gustave Eiffel’s office and treat yourself to a drink at the champagne bar.
Don’t miss: After getting your head back out of the clouds, head to the Musée du Quai Branly to visit its unbeatable collection of indigenous art.
What is it? Opened in 1921 and once a temple of silent cinema, the Egyptian-inspired art-deco Louxor fell on hard times after the Second World War and became a drug den, club and gay disco before being abandoned for 25 years. It re-opened triumphantly as a cinema in April 2013.
Why go? The venue’s hedonistic past may be behind it, but its nightlife hasn’t died – you can still enjoy a glass of red from the more sanitised surroundings of its upstairs bar.
Don’t miss: The Salle Youssef Chahine is an Instagrammer’s dream.
What is it? France’s most famous cathedral, temporarily closed following a devastating fire.
Why go? Even after the inferno that tore through the roof in April 2019, the Cathédrale Notre Dame still stands majestic on the Île de la Cité. On your next visit, look up at its timeless façade and imagine the future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast?
Don’t miss: For an equally mesmerising experience, check out the beautiful stained glass at nearby Sainte-Chapelle.
What is it? One of Le Corbusier’s most celebrated structures.
Why go? The godfather of avant-garde architecture, Le Corbusier built this masterpiece on stilts in Poissy in 1931 to allow the Savoye family to park their cars. However, a few years later, problems ensued: there were leaks, and the former Simca car company threatened to destroy it. But it survived and retains all its original splendour (now deemed worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status). Villa Savoye is temporarily closed, with plans to re-open on December 27.
Don’t miss: The nearby Val De Seine leisure island has 260 hectares of forest and fields dotted with ponds and pools.
What is it? The quaint café at the city’s largest and most beautiful mosque.
Why go? Waiters hurry past with large trays of fresh mint tea to be taken with North African pâtisserie, sorbet and fruit salad. Over in the restaurant, you can enjoy copious portions of couscous and tagine.
Don’t miss: Bellies filled, take a look around the Grande Galerie d'Évolution.
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