Top 10 Things to Do in Paris

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Colorful, passionate, creative and a cultural wonder is how most people would describe the beautiful city of Paris. In fact, this city seems to oodle splendor in all life forms, from fashion to food, architecture, music, and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Paris from visiting the Eiffel Tower to eating at a chic café to shopping at high-end fashion stores or taking a stroll along the landscaped gardens and boulevards and much much more! This city will leave anyone spellbound with its magical sights and sounds and is truly a French wonderland.

#10: Stroll Along The Lush Lawns Of The Luxembourg Gardens

Enjoying a lazy afternoon or fun evening picnic in the chestnut groves and manicured lawns of the Luxembourg Gardens is one of the best things to do in Paris. Bordered by the Latin Quarter, these gardens are divided into the English gardens and French gardens with terraces and ponds in between.^[1]Paris – Jardin du Luxembourg

Napoleon fondly gifted this garden to the children of Paris. Of all of the things to do in Paris, this may be the most Parisian of them all. Here, kids of all ages run around and play with sailboats on the pond or watch the puppets in action and have a bevy of fun on the slides and the merry go round. You can either watch them in action or handle a remote-controlled boat yourself. For the more sporty travelers there is chess, bridge or tennis in the park as well. Try catching a fun concert and show in the bandstand. Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens and marvel at the wondrous statues like the Pavillon Davioud and the Orangerie. If you are adventurous and brave enough, you can also learn about bee keeping here. But remember to be safe.

#9: Enjoy The Homely Charm Of The Ile Saint-Louis

Not everyone who comes to Paris want to go to high-end stores and shop all day. If you are a traveler who likes the small-town experience, one of the best things to do in Paris is to head to the streets of Ile Saint-Louis. This eccentric neighborhood is like a tiny French village away from the high-end city bustle. Here you will see more locals who chit-chat with each other, visit weekly markets, enjoy a fine meal and guzzle down a wine.

Start the adventure here by savoring a scoop of the deliciously rich Berthillon ice cream. Then go on to view vintage pictures of Paris at L’Ile aux Images, go boutique shopping, try the different kinds of chocolates, watch street performances on the bridge connected to the Ile de la Cite and try the delicious fare at the cafes and bistros. You can end the day by saying a little prayer or just enjoying the calm and quietude inside the Baroque St-Louis-en-l’Ile Church.^[2]tripsavvy – Paris Neighborhoods: Ile Saint-Louis

#8: Get That Ideal Photo Op At The Iconic Eiffel Tower

How can one visit Paris and not go to the Eiffel Tower? It is one of the greatest Paris attractions known across the world and was built as a symbol of the French Revolution. In addition, if you want to check your fitness levels, you can climb up the 1,021 stairs on the first two levels of this tower. However, it is also possible to just take the elevator to the top.

Capture an epic moment on top of the tower that you can carry back as a memento. For the classiest photos of the Tower and city, try going here during sunrise or at night. After a good photo session, tantalize those taste buds with quality French cuisine at the Jules Verne restaurant on the 2^nd floor. After an exhilarating tour of the tower, come back down and watch some cultural performances.^[3]Marriott – Guide to Paris This is definitely a must do in Paris.

#7: Marvel At The Architectural Beauty Of The Notre-Dame

Stand in the spot where one of the greatest kings, Napoleon, was crowned at the Notre-Dame on Ile de la Cite. The beauty of this Gothic cathedral lies in the magnificent architecture all around.

Walk along the north and south tower and enjoy the brilliant gallery of birds and hybrid beasts here.^[4]TimeOut – Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Also, check out the Bourdon bell that is huge and makes quite a noise. The rose windows are also quite a sight to behold here. For a resplendent view of the city, head up to the south tower.

#6: Get Artsy At The Memorable Louvre

Watch the glittering pyramid-like structure of the Louvre museum sparkle in the sunlight and you will truly feel like a Parisian celebrity. If you are ever wondering what to do in Paris, this is the ideal this is one of the ideal things to do in Paris. Art lovers will have a ball here as there are classic works on display here from the Greek, Egyptian and Mesopotamian eras. In fact, some must see artworks here include the ever famous Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo and The Raft of the Medusa.^[5]Paris – Description

You should also check out the newly added Islamic arts section that was designed by and Rudy Ricciotti and Mario Bellini. Come here at night to get shimmering views of the Seine and Pei’s glass pyramid from this museum. Let that artistic side of yours out here!

#5: A Deadly Visit To The Cimetière Du Père-Lachaise

Although a cemetery might not be on the top of your list of things to do in Paris, this one definitely has some interesting people buried here. The Cimetière Du Père-Lachaise has many famous singers, artists, film stars and performers including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Cartellier, Chopin, Simon Signoret and more!^[6]a view on cities – Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

The best way to explore this cemetery and visit these famous dead people would be to join a tour. However, if you are adventurous, purchase a map from across the street and find the graves yourself. Oscar Wilde’s tomb has been withered a bit due to the amount of people who come to pay honor to his grave by rendering numerous kisses on it. Other famous people’s graves you could see here include Honoré de Balzac, Charles Nodier, Victor Noir, Alice B. Toklas, Max Ernst, Sarah Bernhardt, Rossini and Gertrude Stein. This is the perfect place to pay homage to these famous people.

#4: Partake In The Impressionist Vibe At The World Renowned Musée D’orsay

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art at the Musee D’orsay in Paris. This was initially the railway station Belle Époque Orsay. However, it was converted to a museum in 1986 and now houses some of the most famous artworks and artists. Some classics you have to take a look at include Monet, Van Gogh, Bonnard, Renoir, Courbet, Degas, Daumier, Gallé, Pissarro, Seurat, Vuillard, Sisley and more.^[7]Paris Museum Pass – MUSÉE D’ORSAY

Feel the French cultural vibe all around this museum while sipping on a cup of hot steaming coffee at the café here. Look at the giant transparent clock, pick up a book at the bookstore and then dine at the restaurant to have a memorable cultural experience in the city of love.

#3: Cruise Along The Scenic Waters Of The Seine River

You cannot escape the city of love’s mesmerizing Seine River that beckons you from every corner. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Paris if you are looking to get an all in one experience. Go on a day or night cruise along the sparkling waters of this river and watch the beautiful city go by. In addition, you will get to see some important attractions of Paris like the Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and more.^[8]Independent Travel Cats – Cruising the Seine River in Paris: How to Choose the Best Seine Cruise Boat Tour

There are several boat cruises you can opt for; however, the most popular being the Bateaux Mouches Seine Cruise. They have been operating since after World War II. In addition, they have some of the biggest boats and can accommodate private tours for up to 350 people. Other good boat touring companies include Bateaux Parisiens Seine Cruise, Canauxrama Seine Cruise and Vedettes du Pont Neuf Seine Cruise. However, there are several factors to keep in mind when picking a boat cruise. Do you want open boat cruise or closed boat tour? Does cruising during the day or night sound more appealing? Which attractions do you want to see? Do you want dinner while cruising? There is a lot to keep in mind. However, it is worth to think about it ahead of time for the best possible experience.

#2: Treat Yourself To A Little Shopping Therapy In The City Of Love

Retail therapy is always a win-win for any traveling experience, especially when it comes to a city like Paris. This city oozes out high-end fashion from every possible nook and corner. Therefore, it is no surprise that shopping here is one of the favorite things to do in Paris.

From luxury shopping at Champs-Elysees to fashionable boutiques at Rue Saint Honore, there is no dearth of options here. Champs-Elysees will have you stock up on luxury brands like Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Zara, Peugeot, Benetton, Disney and Gap.^[9]International Traveler – Rue Saint Honore: Paris’s must-visit shopping strip

In fact, the area has two main two streets. The first is Rue Saint Honore. Rue Saint Honore has small yet fashionable boutiques worth checking out if you don’t want to splurge. These include Goyard, Tosca Blu, Monies, Cotelac and more. The second is Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore. This street has high-end boutiques like Hermes, Versace, Yves Saint Lauren, Valentino and Prada. In addition, you can even grab a quick bite at the chic Le Castiglione café nearby. Go shopping in Paris and you will never be the same!

#1: Take In The Perfect View Of The City From The Masterpiece Panthéon

One of the best things to do in Paris is undoubtedly the Panthéon. It offers the best 360 degree view of this grand city. King Louis XV built the place. Over the years, it became the resting place of many famous people including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Simone Veil and more. Apart from the crypt, this building also has many paintings. With these, you can learn all about the beginnings of Christianity and Saint Geneviève.^[10]Paris – HISTORY OF THE MONUMENT

Fascinate yourself by watching the Earth’s rotation at the Foucault’s pendulum and then climb the spiral staircase up to the dome to get the most amazing view of the city. It will be surely be a treat for your eyes!