11 Touristy Things To Do in Paris That Are Absolutely Worth It

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Paris is one of those rare cities where the most famous things to do are famous for a reason. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a cruise along the Seine — yes, they are touristy. Yes, they will be busy. And yes, every single one of them is worth your time. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to fall in love all over again, Paris has a way of making the iconic feel personal.

From grand museums to riverside strolls and world-class food, this guide covers 11 genuinely unmissable experiences in the French capital. We’ve also included tips on getting there, where to stay, and how to make the most of every moment.

Getting to Paris

Before you explore the city, you need to get there. Start by comparing flights on Skyscanner to find the best fares available. Travellers from the UK then have two brilliant options once they’ve found their route. Eurostar runs a direct high-speed train service from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in around two hours and fifteen minutes — no airports, no security queues, and you arrive right in the heart of the city. It is, without doubt, one of the most civilised ways to travel in Europe.

Prefer to fly? Air France operates the most routes and connections to Paris, with regular flights from airports across the UK. Flights to Charles de Gaulle or Orly are short and frequent, making it easy to build a long weekend around your own schedule.

11 Touristy Things To Do in Paris You Should Not Skip

1. Go Up the Iron Lady

No list of things to do in Paris would be complete without the Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, this iconic iron structure stands at 330 metres and remains the most recognisable symbol of the city. The tower has three levels — the first and second floors are accessible by lift or stairs, while the very top is lift-only.

Go just before sunset to catch golden-hour views, then stay as darkness falls. Every hour after dusk, the tower sparkles for five minutes thanks to 20,000 twinkling bulbs. Book timed entry tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues, particularly during summer.

2. Spend a Morning at the World’s Biggest Museum

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, welcoming over ten million visitors a year. Its collection spans centuries and continents, housing around 35,000 works on display — including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The building itself, with its iconic glass pyramid entrance, is as impressive as the art inside.

A practical tip: visit on the first Friday of the month after 6pm for free admission (except July and August). For those who want to see the Mona Lisa without the crush, booking an early morning tour or visiting between 6pm and 9pm gives a notably calmer experience.

3. Drift Past the City’s Greatest Landmarks by Boat

A cruise along the Seine is one of the most relaxing ways to take in the city. In just one hour, you can drift past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, and a string of beautiful 19th-century bridges including Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III.

Standard sightseeing cruises typically depart from in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank. Dinner cruises are also available for those who want to combine sightseeing with a proper French meal and live music. Cruises generally start from around €17 for a standard one-hour option.

4. Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral

After years of restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors. The cathedral’s Gothic exterior — with its flying buttresses and twin towers — is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the world. Inside, soaring arched ceilings, extraordinary stained glass, and centuries of history await.

The towers are now open for visits, offering elevated views across the city and over the rooftops of Île de la Cité. Arriving early in the morning keeps queues manageable and lets you appreciate the cathedral at a quieter pace.

5. Walk Up the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, at the centre of a famous twelve-lane roundabout. From street level it is an impressive monument; from the top, it is something else entirely. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best views in Paris — you can see straight down the grand avenue to the Louvre, and across to the Eiffel Tower.

The arc is also the resting place of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath its vault, with an eternal flame that has burned since 1923. Entry to the top is ticketed; book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

6. Discover the Musée d’Orsay

Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Pissarro fill its galleries in a building that is itself a work of art.

Compared to the Louvre, the Orsay feels more intimate and the crowds more manageable. The first Sunday of each month brings free entry. Visiting in the late afternoon on a weekday tends to be quieter and the light through the station’s large windows is particularly beautiful.

7. Wander Through Montmartre

The hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre is one of the most atmospheric quarters in Paris. Cobbled streets, village-like squares, and the gleaming white dome of Sacré-Coeur Basilica make it instantly recognisable. The area has a rich artistic history — Van Gogh and Picasso both lived here — and the creative spirit lingers in its galleries and studios.

The views from the steps of Sacré-Coeur, looking out over the Paris skyline, are among the finest in the city and entirely free. The neighbourhood is also home to the famous Moulin Rouge, a vineyard, and historic windmills. Allow at least half a day to explore at a leisurely pace.

8. Stroll the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde

The Champs-Élysées stretches nearly two kilometres from the Arc de Triomphe down to the Place de la Concorde, lined with grand Haussmannian buildings, flagship boutiques, and pavement cafés. It is the most famous avenue in France and, on a bright morning, one of the most satisfying walks in Paris.

At the eastern end, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in the city, home to the ancient Egyptian Luxor Obelisk and spectacular fountains. From here, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches directly towards the Louvre, making it easy to connect several landmarks in a single route on foot.

9. Explore Le Marais and Sainte-Chapelle

Le Marais is one of Paris’ most vibrant and well-preserved neighbourhoods, with beautiful 17th-century architecture, independent boutiques, galleries, and some of the city’s best falafel. It is also home to the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, surrounded by red brick arcades and considered one of the finest squares in Europe.

A short walk away on Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’s hidden gems — a 13th-century royal chapel whose upper chamber is almost entirely made of stained glass. On a sunny day, the effect is breathtaking and unlike anything else in the city.

10. Visit the Palace of Versailles

Strictly speaking, the Palace of Versailles is just outside the city, but it is so close and so extraordinary that it deserves a place on any French capital itinerary. The former residence of the French royal court, Versailles is a palace of extraordinary grandeur — its Hall of Mirrors, formal gardens, and sheer scale leave a lasting impression.

The RER C train connects central Paris to Versailles in around forty minutes. Book tickets well in advance, particularly in summer, and aim to arrive early to beat the queues. Even if time is short, the gardens alone — with their fountains, topiaries, and canals — are worth the trip.

11. Capture the Magic of Paris

Paris is a city made for photography. Every corner offers a worthy shot — whether it’s the Eiffel Tower at golden hour, a reflection in the Seine, a quiet courtyard in Le Marais, or a perfect croissant from a boulangerie window. Once you’re home, Photobox lets you turn your favourite Paris photographs into personalised gifts and prints, from photo books and canvas prints to framed artwork and greeting cards. It is the perfect way to keep the magic of your Paris trip alive long after you return.

Where to Stay in Paris

Finding the right place to rest after a day of sightseeing makes all the difference. Accor is the largest hotel group in Paris, offering everything from stylish four-star city-centre options to iconic five-star addresses. Here are five of the best Accor properties to consider for your 2026 visit:

All five hotels are bookable directly through all.accor.com, where members of the ALL loyalty programme can earn and redeem points on every stay.

Practical Tips for Visiting Paris in 2026

• Book major attractions — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles — well in advance, especially if travelling between June and August
• The Paris Metro is excellent value and connects almost every attraction; buy a carnet of ten tickets to save money — read our Paris travel guide for a full breakdown
• Many museums offer free entry on specific days — always worth checking before you visit
• Paris is a walkable city; many of the central landmarks are within comfortable walking distance of one another
• Carry a small amount of cash; some smaller cafés and markets still prefer it

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do in Paris

1. What are the most touristy things to do in Paris that are genuinely worth it?

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, a Seine River cruise, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe are all genuinely unmissable. Despite their popularity, each offers a unique and memorable experience that justifies the crowds.

2. How many days do you need to see Paris properly?

A minimum of three to four days allows you to cover the main landmarks comfortably. Five or more days gives you the time to explore neighbourhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais more thoroughly, and to take a day trip to Versailles.

3. What is the best way to get to Paris from the UK?

The Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord is the most convenient option, taking around two hours and fifteen minutes with no airport transfers needed. Air France also offers frequent flights to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports from various UK airports.

4. When is the best time to visit Paris?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are widely considered the best times to visit Paris. The weather is mild, the city is lively but less crowded than in peak summer, and outdoor spaces like the Tuileries and Luxembourg Garden are at their most pleasant.

5. Is Paris safe for tourists?

Paris is generally very safe for tourists. The main concerns are minor pickpocketing in busy areas such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Metro. Keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and be cautious of anyone approaching with petitions or unsolicited offers around major tourist sites.

6. Where should I stay in Paris for a first visit?

Staying in a central neighbourhood keeps travel time short and puts you within walking distance of key landmarks. Accor offers a wide range of hotels across Paris under brands including Novotel, Mercure, and Sofitel, with options to suit different budgets and styles.

Paris: Where Every Visit Feels Like the First

Paris is one of those rare cities that lives up to every expectation. The touristy things to do here are famous because they are extraordinary — and no amount of Instagram saturation changes the feeling of standing beneath the Eiffel Tower for the first time, or stepping inside the Louvre as morning light falls across its pyramid.

Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and give yourself time to wander without a set agenda. Whether you arrive via Eurostar or Air France, stay at an Accor hotel in the city centre, and capture every moment with Photobox, Paris will reward you at every turn. The City of Light has a way of making every visit feel like a first.

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