Paris is one of those cities that somehow always lives up to the expectations. It’s beautiful, a little chaotic, full of life and somehow manages to feel both elegant and completely relaxed at the same time. I’ve been a couple of times now and every trip has felt a little different — sometimes more sightseeing-focused, sometimes more about food and just enjoying the atmosphere. This is exactly what makes Paris so special: you don’t have to do everything to have a great time and you can always come back for more. It’s still a city, so it’s not always cos, clean and friendly and not necessarily somewhere I’d want to live but it’s a great destination for a city trip or short holiday.

So here are my Top 10 things to do in Paris, based on my trips so far — starting at 10 and working our way up to the absolute must-dos.

10. Musée d’Orsay

If you want to visit a museum in Paris but don’t feel like committing to something as big as the Louvre, this is a really good option. The building alone is worth it. It’s a former train station with a beautiful open space and that iconic clock window. A little tip that surprised me: tickets are often slightly cheaper on-site than online (roughly €14 in person vs. €16 online when we visited in the summer of 2025). The queue wasn’t too bad either, so it can actually be worth deciding a bit more spontaneously depending on the day.

Also worth checking: many museums in Paris offer free or reduced entry for EU residents under 26 and sometimes on the first Sunday of the month. As with any weekend visit though, just expect it to be busier then.

9. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Very touristy, very busy — but still something you kind of have to see at least once. Walking along the Champs-Élysées gives you that “classic Paris” feeling, and the Arc de Triomphe at the top is definitely worth stopping at. If you’re up for it, going up is a great experience. The view over the perfectly laid-out streets is actually really impressive. Personally, I find it enough to just enjoy the arch from the street.

8. Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité

Even aside from the cathedral itself, this whole area is just really lovely. Île de la Cité is one of the nicest places to walk around with little bridges, views over the Seine and lots of spots where you can just slow down for a bit. It’s also super easy to combine with other sights, so it fits nicely into a walking route through the city.

The cathedral has been rebuilt after the fire in recent years. The queue to get in can be quite long but entry is free, so it’s a nice stop to add to the trip. You can book tickets before hand to save some time. This is also free so be aware of scamming sights trying to charge for tickets.

7. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre has such a different feel compared to the rest of Paris. It’s a bit more chaotic, a bit more artistic, but also really charming. The walk up to the Sacré-Cœur is definitely worth it (even if it’s a bit of a climb), and the view from the top is one of the best in the city. It does get crowded, but if you wander just a few streets away from the main area, it quickly becomes quieter and even nicer. The artistic square is a great place to wander around and just take in the vibe.

6. River Seine – Boat or Walk

The Seine is kind of what ties the whole city together. Whether you go for a boat tour or just walk along the river, it’s such a nice way to experience Paris. It’s also perfect for connecting different sights without feeling like you’re rushing from one to the next. A sunset walk here is especially nice. Creating one of those simple moments that just sticks with you.

5. Getting Lost in Paris

This is honestly one of the best things you can do — and something I’d always recommend planning time for. Some of the nicest moments in Paris happen when you’re not really following a plan. Areas like Le Marais are perfect for this. There are lots of little boutiques, cafés and side streets that just invite you to wander. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine, walk around, stop whenever something looks interesting. Take your time and you’ll see that Paris really rewards that kind of slow exploring.

4. Eiffel Tower

I mean, it is the national landmark, so it has to be high up on the must-see list. There’s not really a way to visit Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower. Personally, I prefer seeing the Eiffel Tower from different viewpoints rather than going up. Spots like Trocadéro or just walking along the Seine nearby give you amazing views without the queues. And if you can, definitely see it at night. The sparkle every hour is one of those simple but really nice moments that brings together the city vibe.

3. Disneyland Paris

Always a highlight for me and something I genuinely think is worth including in a Paris trip if you have the time. There have been quite a few updates recently — especially with the ongoing transformation of the Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. They are always improving on various things which means some areas might still be under construction, but it also makes the park feel fresh and constantly evolving. Ride-wise, classics like Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror and Crush’s Coaster are still favourites, but it’s really important to check the app before your visit as things like ride availability, names and show schedules do change.

I’ve written a full Disneyland Paris guide with all my tips on timing, hotels and planning that you can check out here for more details. Let me know what you think!

2. Food & Drink in Paris

One of the biggest highlights of the whole trip and something you really shouldn’t rush. Paris is perfect for slower meals, café stops and just enjoying the moment. Whether it’s a croquet-monsieur in the morning or a relaxed dinner in the evening, the food scene is such a big part of the experience. A small tip: try to avoid the very obvious tourist spots right next to major sights like the Louvre, Palais Royal and Eiffel Tower and instead walk just a few streets further. You’ll usually find better food, better prices and a much nicer atmosphere.

Dare to try something new and traditional! French and especially Parisian food can sound a little strange at first but honestly, they certainly know food. I myself am a huge red wine and cheese fan but that doesn’t have to be expensive thing to enjoy. The supermarkets have great selections. If you plan ahead (also for Disneyland ;)) you can save some money and still have a fantastic and unique Parisian culinary experience.

1. Louvre Museum

This must-see may seem obvious but some things are famous for a reason. The Louvre is huge and can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. The key here is planning ahead a little. I’d strongly recommend booking your ticket online in advance and choosing a time slot because otherwise you can end up waiting quite a while.
Tickets are usually around €17 online, and again, EU residents under 26 can often enter for free. Also worth noting: the museum is closed on Tuesdays, which is something that can easily mess up your planning if you don’t check.

Inside, don’t try to see everything — it’s just too big! Pick a few highlights and then just enjoy wandering through the rest. Even just seeing the glass pyramid and walking through the entrance area is part of the experience. It’s one of those places that really sticks with you afterwards.

Paris is one of those cities that has a bit of everything: iconic sights, great food and those small in-between moments that end up being just as memorable. It’s not the cheapest destination, but if you plan it right, it doesn’t have to be overly expensive either.

If you’re interested in more detailed tips, have a look at my other post all about Paris and of course my Disneyland Paris guide.

If you’re interested in some Top 10’s, travel and packing tips or more information on different destinations, then check out some of my other Meg’s Places articles and stay tuned for more! In case your questions aren’t answered here, or you have any comments or personal experiences you’d like to share, don’t be afraid to get in touch, comment and let me know.  If you’re interested in Google Maps lists, feel free to message me on Instagram.

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