Paris needs no introduction – the city of romance, it’s a huge draw for LOADS of visitors each year keen to soak up the artsy atmosphere, unique culture and delicious food.
Use our list of things to do in Paris for every budget to help you plan your Parisian adventure.
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The Best Free Things To Do in Paris
A lot of the joy of Paris is just soaking up the vibes, watching the world go by and exploring the different parts of the city.
Explore the chicest areas
The areas of Paris are called ‘arrondissements’ and are numbered, although some have names as well. You can either just wander and discover them at your own pace – or head to a few key spots:
1st arrondissement
The historic heart of Paris, where you’ll find the Louvre, Tuileries gardens, Palais Royal and its gardens, Place Vendome and Sainte-Chapelle.
Le Marais (3th & 4th)
Le Marais is quintessential Paris – a charming neighbourhood right in the centre with plenty of cobbled streets, cute cafes and little boutiques.
Montmartre (18th)
Quaint Montmartre – historically home to many artists and creatives – is beautiful, and has amazing views over the city.
7th arrondissement
A picturesque and posh area on the River Seine’s left bank which includes the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and the Eiffel Tower.
9th arrondissement
Home to Paris’ beautiful opera house, and department stores Le Printemps and Galleries Lafayette. Even if you’re not here to shop, you’ll appreciate the buildings’ Art Nouveau architecture.
Get your Eiffel Tower pics
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, so it’s understandable you’ll want to get some epic shots.
Go to the Champ de Mars or Trocadero for a great close-up view or head to Pont Bir Hakim if you want the River Seine in the shot too.
If you’re desperate to replicate a dreamy shot you’ve seen online, it’s a good chance it was taken on Rue de l’Université, but go early – it gets busy!
At night the tower’s lights sparkle briefly every hour, on the hour – which is something else you’re going to want to capture!
Watch the boats in Luxembourg Gardens
If the weather is nice, go to Luxembourg Gardens and sit by the pond (near the palace) to watch the sail boats. It’s a tradition dating back hundreds of years that children play with these little wooden boats.
It’s very picturesque in these gardens, with lots of planting and orchards as well as statues and even a modern art museum (plus the palace here is where part of the French government is based).
You aren’t actually meant to walk or sit on the grass here – nab one of the many green chairs knocking around instead.
In quite a few major European cities, museums will have free entry on a certain day each month. In Paris, it’s the first Sunday – so keep this in mind if you’re a museum buff on a budget. Just check their website to see if you need to reserve in advance.
You’ll get entry to world-class spots like the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and the Pompidou Centre for nowt, nada, zilch! Plus in low season (November to March) even more places are added, including the stunning Palace of Versailles.
Visit Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur basilica is perched high up in the 18th district and you can see it from loads of different spots in the city.
It’s pretty stunning inside – there’s an enormous mosaic on the ceiling – and even if there’s a queue, it should move pretty quickly.
When you’re done, take the steps down to Square Louise Michel and grab a spot on the grass – you’ll see the whole of Paris laid out before you. And don’t miss exploring the rest of boho Montmartre while you’re up here. This area was once a popular haunt of artists and creatives like Vincent Van Gogh and Victor Hugo.
And as far as famous churches go, don’t forget to visit Notre Dame, recently restored after a devastating fire in 2019. It’s free to enter too, although pre-booking a timeslot is recommended to avoid hanging around. You can do it up to a couple of days before you go.
Go window shopping
These Paris department stores are built different. Poke your head inside Galleries Lafayette Haussman and you won’t be disappointed – it’s a huge store with gorgeous Art Nouveau details. There’s also a killer view from the rooftop terrace, where they sometimes have pop-up restaurants.
Another stunner is Printemps, also on Boulevard Haussman. Then hop over to the Left Bank and Bon Marché – reported to be the world’s first department store – which dates from the 1850s, for a dose of Art Deco.
There are also a few beautiful shopping passageways in the city – rows of cute shops covered with historic glass roofs and intricate tiled floors. Check out Galerie Vivienne and Passage Verdeau.
Take a hike in Fontainebleau park
For something a little different, strike out of the city and head to Fontainebleau, a forest that’s a 40 minute train ride from Paris.
You can explore yourself for free – an app like All Trails will sort you out – or book onto a tour to learn more about the forest and its animals and plants. You can even book a bouldering session or a hike with donkeys!
Fontainebleau is also famous for its ridiculously grand chateau which was home to royalty for centuries, as well as Napoleon.
The Best Cheap Things To Do in Paris
Lots of things in Paris won’t break the bank – particularly some of their delicious food and wine. Go on, you won’t be in Paris forever!
People-watch over a glass of wine
Paris is amazing for people watching! Take a seat at a cafe with some pavement tables and sip a glass or two of wine.
While you soak up the Parisian vibes, check out the seriously chic locals, and plot how you can move here and have lunch out every day of the week!
La Barav
Natural wines in the Marais. Order by the glass, or buy a bottle from the shop next door (and pay a nominal corkage fee).
Les Papilles
This is a classic spot in the 5th – perch outside or dine inside, and there’s a wine cellar and food shop too.
Cafe Francoeur
Like something straight out of a postcard, have a seat at Cafe Francoeur after you’ve had your fill of Montmartre and get the ‘plat du jour’ – dish of the day.
Le Bouchon Parisien
Le Bouchon Parisien is near the Eiffel Tower – it doesn’t have the views, but is a smart bet for a tasty, well-priced meal if you’re right in the thick of things.
This former rail station-turned-eco-restaurant is a cute hidden gem out by the Port de Saint-Ouen flea market. Their dishes are homemade with lots of veggie options, and there’s a focus on minimising waste and being socially conscious. They run workshops on things like DIY and repairs, and they have an urban farm too!
- Glass of wine from €5.50 / £4.75
Savour some pâtisseries
Yes the pastries (pâtisseries) in Paris are next level, and yes, you will need to try them all over the city! Here are some to get you started…
Le Grenier a Pain – Classic pastry treats in Montmartre
Du Pain Et Des Idées – Known for their snail-shaped pastries
Boulangerie Liberté – Delicious pastries – I still dream about the one I had there!
Dunes Blanches – Delicious choux buns
Land and Monkeys – Get your vegan, socially-conscious croissants here!
- Pastries from €4.50 / £3.90
Veggies and vegans
France in general has a reputation for being pretty meaty when it comes to food – but you can increasingly find decent veggie- and vegan-friendly spots in Paris. Check out Green Farmers and Le Potager de Charlotte for delicious vegan menus. Les Apôtres De Pigalle and Le Florimond are both acclaimed spots that have vegetarian options. Plus don’t forget La REcyclerie cafe, where 50% of the menu is vegetarian.
Shop at a flea market
If you love to browse for bargains wherever you go, then check out the city’s huge flea market MAP (Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen). It’s over on the northern side of the city and open weekends, Mondays and Friday mornings. There’s also Les Puces des Vanves, over on the south side.
In France you also get vide greniers – basically car boot sales (yard sales) – it literally means empty attic – as well as brocantes, which are more like vintage/ antique fairs with specialist sellers. There’s a website that lists them by location – it’s in French but just use the translate feature in your browser.
- Bargains from whatever your budget!
Snack on falafels
For a cheap (and veggie-friendly) eat, there are plenty of spots in Paris serving up delicious falafels and other Middle Eastern specialties.
L’As Du Fallafel in the Marais is a cult favourite – get your falafel to go, don’t even think about trying to get a seat! – but if you want somewhere a bit more low-key, try Le Daily Syrien or Le Daily Syrien Veggie.
- Falafel from €4.50 / £4
Looking for Paris hotel inspo?
Browse our round up of the best hotels in Paris for every budget.
The Best Affordable Things To Do in Paris
With a bit of a budget you can see some world-class art and explore beyond the city – you could even have a drink or snack within view of the famous Eiffel Tower!
Check out a world-class museum
Paris is home to amazing art and architecture and some incredible museums that are famous across the world. Many of these are open for free on the first Sunday of every month, so if you can time your visit then – and you don’t mind the crowds – it’s a super affordable way to appreciate the creativity of this incredible city.
If you fancy a dose of art and culture, here are some of the highlights…
Grand Palais
Open 9.30am-8pm Tue-Sun, late opening Fri, closed Mon
This rather grand exhibition space plays host to all sorts of cool events – from solo modern art shows to tapestry exhibitions and even a summer festival. It’s been recently restored so you can enjoy it in all its glory.
- Entry from €17 / £15
The Louvre
Open 9am-6pm Mon, Thu, Sat & Sun, 9am-9pm Thu & Fri, closed Tue
This celebrated art museum needs no introduction. The Louvre is famous for its world-class art collection and glass pyramid entrance – the Mona Lisa is on display here. Reservations are required – still, be prepared to queue.
- Entry from €22 / £19
Musée d'Orsay
Open 9.30am-6pm Tue-Sun, late opening Thu, closed Mon
This famous Paris gallery holds shedloads of iconic French art in an attractive former railway station. Spot masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh (whose iconic Starry Sky is here) and more.
- Entry from €16 / £14
Musée Rodin
Open 10am-6.30pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon
A lovely spot in some beautiful gardens, Musée Rodin contains lots of works by French sculptor Rodin.
- Entry from €14 / £12
Atelier des Lumières
Open daily 10am-7pm
Immersive digital installations are a big thing these days – and they’re a cool way of making art and culture more accessible.
Atelier des Lumières hosts exhibitions on everything from artists like Van Gogh and characters like The Little Prince to topics like the natural world and the Egyptian Pharaohs. Book in advance!
- Entry from €15 / £13
If you prefer a more low-key attraction with fewer crowds, check out…
Carnavalet Museum
Open 10am-6pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon
The Carnavalet Museum – in a very grand building – charts the history of Paris, and is an interesting alternative to the headline museums in the city. It’s a whopper, so you might want to just pick a few sections to explore. It’s also free!
- Free
Sainte-Chappelle
Open daily 9am-6.30pm
Gothic Sainte-Chapelle was built as a royal chapel, and is full of beautiful stained-glass windows, paintings and sculptures. It’s breathtaking, and well worth an hour or two of your trip.
- Entry from €12.75 / £11
Dine with an Eiffel Tower view
For a romantic meal out, try these spots that have that all-important Eiffel Tower view.
Restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Chez Francis
Soak up the epic Eiffel Tower views from the covered terrace at Chez Francis in the 8th. Mains from €29.
Girafe
Admire sweeping Eiffel tower views from the terrace at Girafe, located near the Trocadero. Mains from €35.
6 New York
6 New York is great spot for dinner, and to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle after dark. Mains from €36, set lunch menu from €45.
If you’re not fussed about a view, but want to have a meal in this area and be sure you’re going to eat well, then check out these spots…
Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower
Brasserie Lipp
Traditional French brasserie, Brasserie Lipp, serves up lots of meaty dishes including excellent steaks. Mains from €24.
Café Ruc
Café Ruc on Rue Saint Honoré near the Louvre is a Paris institution – just be aware it has the prices to match. It’s a good place for a fancy snack. Mains from €25.
Chez Georges
Famously the favourite spot of celebrated chef Julia Childs, Chez Georges is an iconic location for classic French brasserie food. Mains from €27.
Allard
Allard is a traditional bistro from top chef Alain Ducasse, where you can get a set lunch from €28.
- Dine with a view from €29 / £25
Looking for an affordable Paris hotel? Stay further out of the centre and you can bag a lovely hotel stay for less, like Mob Hotel Paris in St Ouen. Check out the full review of my stay.
Stroll through the catacombs
For a slightly macabre adventure, head beneath the ground and explore Paris’ catacombs. When the city’s cemeteries were closed for health reasons in the late 18th century, their contents were moved underground – and you’ll be exploring the intricately stacked bones and skulls – yes really – during your visit.
Tickets have to be pre-booked and get snapped up pretty fast – you’ll need to hop on their website a week before you plan to go. There’s a free audio guide to help you figure out the history behind what you’re seeing.
- Tickets from €12 / £10.50
Take a day trip to Versailles
The stunning Palace of Versailles was once home to the Kings and Queens of France, and let me tell you – it is a banger.
The whole palace and its gardens have been intentionally designed, and everywhere you look it’s breathtaking. There’s the enormous palace, jaw-dropping interiors – including the famous Hall of Mirrors – and the beautifully laid-out lawns.
Of course it was the French Revolution that ended Versailles’ purpose as a royal palace, and it’s now a museum. It’s worth a day trip to explore and enjoy this key location in the country’s history.
- Tickets from €32.50 / £28
The Best Luxury Things To Do in Paris
If you want to splurge in Paris, it’s no problem. From immaculate luxury hotels to world-famous cabaret and wine tours, there’s plenty to occupy you.
Enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch
If you’re after certified delicious food, then you’re in the right place. Where better to enjoy a Michelin-starred meal than Paris?!
I’d say check out one of these Michelin-rated spots – dine at lunchtime during the week and you’ll find they can be suprisingly well priced…
Aldehyde
Savour French and Tunisian flavours in a contemporary setting at Aldehyde, where you can get a set lunch from €35 (a bargain!)
Ze Kitchen Galerie
Artistic, Asian-inspired cooking is served up at Ze Kitchen Galerie by celebrated chef William Leduil – set lunch from €43
Auguste
Auguste serves delicious Modern French cuisine. They do a set lunch from €47
Pantagruel
Pantagruel Restaurant is haute cuisine at its best – opt for the set lunch from €65. They also have a (more affordable) bistro, Panurge
Relais Louis
Go big with 5 courses at Relais Louis, which has a fabulous historic setting in a former convent – set lunch from €85
- Michelin-starred dining from €35 / £30
Watch a cabaret show
The art of cabaret originates from France, and so the French capital is a great spot to catch a cabaret show.
Cabaret is basically a bunch of musical or artistic acts performed while you enjoy dinner and drinks, and has its roots in the more artsy and subversive culture of the city.
So typically you might watch dances, songs – and even striptease performances. You can find more or less raunchy versions – a couple of iconic spots are the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse.
- Ticket from €108 / £94
Take a swim at the Molitor Hotel
Paris’ iconic Molitor Hotel offers day passes, so if you can’t quite stretch to the funds to stay the night, you can spend a day enjoying the swimming pool and channeling some serious luxury vibes.
Opt for their lunch and swim package which runs Monday to Thursday, and you’ll get lunch (a €110 voucher) followed by use of the facilities until 10pm for €230pp.
- Day pass from €230 / £200
Do a Champagne tour from Paris
Go bougie and book a tour of the Champagne region, so you can try a range of tipples to your heart’s content without having to worry about how you’ll get back home!
It’s a couple of hours’ drive from Paris to this celebrated area known for producing high quality sparkling wines. You’ll visit a Champagne house and learn about how this famous drink is made, and sample 8 different types! Hic!
- Private tour from €250pp / £217 pp
The Best Things To Do In Paris for Every Budget
Make the most of your Parisian adventure and let our handpicked tips help you plan your stay. From free wanderings to fancy activities, we’ve got you covered. Bon voyage!
