Cool Things To Do In Paris

Everyone has heard a phrase “Paris is the most romantic city in the world”, but to me Paris is more like an open museum. Every street, every building, every park has its own unique long history and important meaning. If you point to any building and say this is something important, I am 99% sure that you will be correct. And although this makes Paris an incredible city, it also makes it a place that hard to plan and explore. What sights to choose, what to see first, what not to miss, especially if you don’t have lots of time? That is why after visiting Paris and after long time I have spent on making my own “plan for Paris” I present a list of the most important and cool places you need to visit in Paris if you have just a few days in this city.

Table Of Contents (Cool Things To Do In Paris):

1. Eiffel Tower
2. Louvre Museum
3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
4. Palace of Versailles
5. Arc de Triomphe
6. Champs-Élysées
7. Champ de Mars
8. Tuileries Garden
9. Musée de l’Orangerie
10. Place de la Concorde
11. Pont Alexandre III
12. Musée d’Orsay
13. L’église de la Madeleine
14. Catacombs of Paris
15. Père Lachaise Cemetery
16. Sacré-Cœur

Eiffel Tower

One of the iconic must-do places in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. How can you come to Paris and not see this most recognized monument in the world? The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and at the time it was criticized by other architects for its unique structure.

There are a few ways you can visit and enjoy the Eiffel Tower. You is to go up to the second floor or to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The second floor is a famous viewing platform, which is 115 meters above the ground.

To read how to visit the Eiffel Tower and where all the best spots with the best view of the tower click here!

Key Information:

Price: Click here to buy your ticket on the official website;

The ticket to the second floor for an adult costs: using the stairs – 10,4 €; using the elevator – 16,6 €. For children under 4 years old – free; 4 – 11 years old: using the stairs – 2,6 €; using the elevator – 4,1 €; 12 – 24 years old: using the stairs – 5,2 €; using the elevator – 8,3 €.

The ticket to the top floor for an adult costs: using the stairs – 19,7 €; using the elevator – 25,9 €. For children under 4 years old – free; 4 – 11 years old: using the stairs – 5 €; using the elevator – 6,5 €; 12 – 24 years old: using the stairs – 9,8 €; using the elevator – 13 €.

Remember to bring your ID, especially for anyone in your group who has a reduced price ticket!

Hours: during the low season you can access the Eifel Tower by the elevator from 9:30 AM until 11 PM and by stairs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. During the high season (middle of June -to the end of August) by the elevator from 9:30 AM until 11 PM and by stairs from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM.;

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France;

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. It is home to the famous “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci, and many other treasures. Of course, if you are travelling to Paris, you cannot skip this place as well.

The museum is in the very heart of Paris, in the former royal palace. The museum began its existence when the king of France moved the royal palace to the palace of Versailles just outside the city. The palace of Louvre was a place to keep the royal collection of statues and other art pieces.

Nowadays, the Louvre museum is the most visited museum in the world (around 10 million visitors a year). There are more than 38000 objects starting from the prehistoric period. With the number of visitors, you better plan your visit early and get tickets in advance. In the high season (June-August) the tickets can be sold out, so do not wait until the last moment.

Here you will find all the information you need to plan a perfect day in the Louvre museum!

Key Information:

Price: 

The ticket to the Louvre museum costs 17 € online and 15 € at the door;

On the first Saturday of each month between 6 PM and 9:45PM, and all day on Bastille Day (14 July) you can get in free. Every Friday from 6 PM to 9:45 PM has free admission for all visitors under the age of 26. Entrance is also free for everyone aged under 18 all year.

Don’t forget to bring your ID.

Click here to go to the official website of the Louvre museum to buy the tickets!

Hours:  Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 9:45 PM; Tuesday is the day off; The museum is closed every year on January 1, May 1 and December 25;

Location: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France;

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Have you noticed that Paris has a lot of things and places that you can name “one of the most…”? Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris is also one of the most famous and beautiful cathedrals in the world. It became even more famous after Victor Hugo wrote the novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”.

The cathedral is a great example of French Gothic architecture. Of course, the highlight of this cathedral is the famous stained-glass windows called “rose windows”.

On April 15 in 2019 a tragedy happened. The spire and roof of the Notre-Dame de Paris caught fire. Luckily, the fire did not destroy the rose windows, however it damaged a big part of the roof.

For more about when the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral will be reopened and about my visit to the cathedral back in 2018 read here!

Key Information:

Price:  before the fire the entrance to the cathedral was free and the entrance to the top of the cathedral cost 10€ (for people younger than 18 years old or for those who are citizens of EU and younger than 25 years old is 8 €);

Hours: temporarily closed due to the renovation after the fire in 2019;

Location: 6 Paris Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France;

Palace of Versailles

I have already mentioned that the palace of Versailles became an official royal residence after the palace of Louvre. In 1682 King Louis XIV decided to move his royal residence outside the city of Paris and chose Versailles for this purpose.

Nowadays, the palace of Versailles is open to the public. It has many beautiful art pieces displayed in the palace. You can see royal rooms and imagine what their day-to-day life was like. Especially beautiful is a mirror room with a fantastic ceiling and huge mirrors facing the same size windows that lead to the garden.

And of course, one of the Versailles’ highlights is the magnificent garden with ponds, fountains, and sculptures. You actually need more time to explore the garden than the palace itself.

Everything you need to know to visit the palace of Versailles, including how to get to the palace, how to buy the tickets to escape long lines, and when is the best time to visit here!

Key Information:

Price: the basic tickets costs 20 € per person;

Click here to buy the tickets to the palace of Versailles.

Hours: every day except on Mondays from 9 AM to 5 PM (last admission) ;

Location: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France;

Arc de Triomphe

Maybe I am wrong, but I think that Arc de Triomphe is more valuable as a symbol than as an architectural piece. After visiting Rome and seeing the Arch of Titus, I didn’t find Arc de Triomphe to be unique or that beautiful, however, the location and what this monument represents make this arch very special.

The Arc de Triomphe was built to honour everyone who died in the French Revolution and during the time of Napoleon. And underneath the arch lays a grave of the unknown soldiers who died in World War I. Powerful meaning, isn’t it?

The location of the Arc de Triomphe is unique. In what way? The arch is located at the western end of Champs-Élysées, in the middle of a circle with intersection with twelve connected avenues.

Cody and I often found ourselves walking near the arch on the way from our hotel to the Eiffel Tower, and it looked powerful to me, no matter it was a day or a night.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: Arc de Triomphe;

Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is one of the most recognised avenues in the world. It is located between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. What is so special about this avenue? Simply because there are lots of restaurants, cafes, and expensive stores.

It is a nice place for a romantic walk. I would not say that this avenue is incredibly special, but you do need to walk it to get to the Arc de Triomphe, plus the view of the arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées is majestic.

The Champs-Élysées has also an important role on Bastille Day. There is held a military parade. Overall, the Champs-Élysées avenue is not that unique, but you can’t really skip it.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: Champs-Élysées;

Champ de Mars

One of the best spots for a great picnic is Champ de Mars. Champ de Mars is a park that contains a few long green fields between the Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire.

It is an open public park that has become an iconic picnic place in Paris. You can always see couples, groups of friends, or families sitting on the grass with French bread and cheese, enjoying the best view of the Eiffel Tower. I would say that this is one of the most romantic places in Paris and if you are looking for something relaxing then this place is for you.

To know how to organize a perfect picnic at Champ de Mars (including all the rules about drinking in public) click here!

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France;

Tuileries Garden

Jardine de Tuileries is a garden between the Louvre museum and the Place de la Concorde, and it is one of the favourite parks of Parisians. The Tuileries Garden was once a private park until the French Revolution when it became a public place.

It is full of the fantastic statues, fountains, and great spots with magnificent views. The Tuileries Garden has become our favourite spot for relaxing and people-watching.

Read more about the Tuileries Garden and the best spots here.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France;

Musée de l’Orangerie

One of the must-visit places in Paris should be the Musée de l’Orangerie. This museum is a home to the famous “water lilies” by Monet. His creation of “Water lilies” is described as one of the best paintings Monet had made.

The Musee de l’Orangerie is located in the Tuileries Garden and it is quite easy to visit. You don’t need to buy the tickets in advance, since most of the time the line isn’t long. The museum is quite small, although it is full of great paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and others.

To read more about the Musée de l’Orangerie click here!

Key Information:

Price: adults – € 9; Free admission for kids under 18 years old and all visitors on the first Sunday of each month;

Click here to check the official website of the Musee de l’Orangerie.

Hours: every day except Tuesday from 9 AM to 6PM; The museum does not work on May 1, the morning of July 14 and December 25;

Location: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France;

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the biggest public square in Paris. This square has a long history and sometimes not a very pleasant one. Place de la Concorde was a place where public executions took place. For example, during the French Revolution the French king Louis XVI was beheaded on this square.

Nevertheless, the square is extremely beautiful. It is decorated with fantastic fountains, charming statues, and a tall Egyptian obelisk. I suggest paying attention to every detail, the fountains are just stunning. The square also has a view of the Eiffel Tower, which makes it a great place for a walk. The square looks especially romantic after sunset, when everything is lit up, including the Eiffel Tower.

Place de la Concorde is a place not to miss. Especially because from this square you can work your way through the charming Tuileries Garden to the famous Louvre museum.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: 75008 Paris, France;

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is the fanciest bridge in Paris. It is an arched bridge decorated with a stone tower on each side. The stone towers have beautiful golden statues on top of them.

Pont Alexandre III is a magnificent bridge, decorated with lots of golden elements and incredibly beautiful streetlamps. It is a nice place to visit at night, when the lamps are lit up and the atmosphere is very romantic.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: 24/7;

Location: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France;

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is another awesome museum in Paris. It is located in the old train station building “Gare d’Orsay”. So, we know where the name came from. The museum hosts a big collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. In the Musée d’Orsay you can enjoy paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Renoir, Van Gogh and others.

The museum is well operated and there are usually no long lines. We waited just about 10 – 15 minutes to get inside. At the entrance there is a security check that you have to pass. The first floor layout is done very nicely and there are mostly paintings and on the second floor there are some beautiful sculptures.

Key Information:

Price: adults €14; Free admission for kids under 18 years old and all visitors on the first Sunday of each month;

Click here to check the official website.

Hours: every day except Mondays, from 9:30 AM until 6 PM; on Thursdays until 9:45 PM;

Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France;

L’église de la Madeleine

L’église de la Madeleine is very specific Roman Catholic church in Paris. It was built in 1842 and meant to be a pantheon in honour of Napoleon’s armies.

It is a great little church with its special style. L’église de la Madeleine is open to public and you can stop for a quick visit (10 -15 minutes should be enough). The church is located not far from Place de la Concord and on the way there you can make a short stop at the L’église de la Madeleine and hit another interesting structure in Paris.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours: every day from 9:30 AM to 7 PM;

Location: Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France;

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms underneath the city. These catacombs were created in the 18^th century due to the overflowing cemeteries. The government moved more than 6 million people’s remains to the catacombs of Paris.

For a while this place was forgotten, until it become a place with a spooky atmosphere, where people organized concerts and other events. Later the catacombs where renovated and opened to the public like a museum.

The catacombs of Paris do have a spooky atmosphere even now. Some of the rooms are lit up and the others remain in darkness, and of course those remains of 6 million people are not helping one to feel relaxed.

I recommend coming early in the morning, even before the opening time, since there are only allowed a certain amount of people at all times and the line moves really slowly. Or just by a ticket in advance. At the entrance you can get an audio guide and learn more about this place. The visit takes about an hour, but you can stay longer if you want.

Key Information:

Price: adults €14;

Click here to check the official website.

Hours:  every day except Mondays from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM;

Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France;

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris. It is the first municipal cemetery in the city. Here are buried some important people from different times. Some of the most famous are Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, d’Honoré de Balzac and others.

The cemetery is a huge tourist spot nowadays and often is crowded with people; however, it is still worth a visit. Each part of the Père Lachaise Cemetery has its own story and I must say a unique creepy beauty that is mesmerizing.

I recommend you get a map at any of the small stores next to the cemetery or at the subway station before entering the Père Lachaise Cemetery. In this case you can be sure you will visit all the important spots. The walk around the cemetery will take not less than an hour.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge;

Hours:  Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5:45 PM., Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM, Sunday and holidays from 9 AM to 5:45 PM;

Location: 75020 Paris, France;

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur is a huge and fantastic white basilica that overlooks the city, since it is located at its highest point. The basilica was built after the first World War and it is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You can visit it for free, just remember that this is a sacred place and you need to dress accordingly.

The interior, same as exterior, is majestic. The beautiful stained-glass windows, murals and mosaics are fantastic. You can also go to the top of the dome of the basilica, but for this you will need to pay 7€.

Key Information:

Price: free of charge, the top of the dome – 7€;

Hours: every day from 6 AM to 10:30 PM; dome is open from 8 AM to 8 PM;

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France;

Cool Things To Do In Paris