If you’re seeking a blend of history and adventure in the city of romance, don’t miss these iconic stops.
Things to do in Paris
Marvel at the Eiffel Tower.
A trip to Paris is only complete once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. Standing 984 feet tall, the wrought iron structure was originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair.
Now it’s a world-famous landmark. Picnic with locals and tourists alike and watch its dazzling lights at night.
For an extra special treat, you can also take in the sights from above with dinner inside the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne.
See what it was like to live as a 17th-century king at the Palace of Versailles in the Île-de-France region. Spend the day touring King Louis XVI’s magnificent home, and take a peek into Marie Antoinette’s private Petit Trianon.
Then, walk through the famous Hall of Mirrors and roam through the gardens on a day trip from Paris.
Artists like Picasso, Modigliani and Hemingway called this area known for cheap rent home in the early 1900s. Though it’s a slight detour south of central Paris, it’s worth a stop-in at La Coupole or Le Dôme to drink where the greats used to cheers.
Under Parisian streets lie the catacombs, old mining tunnels that hold the bones of six million bygone folks. Originally buried in cemeteries, the remnants were moved in the 1700s and 1800s to stabilize the tunnels and clear graveyards. Nowadays you can tour the tunnels, lined with the bones of many famous French figures.
Study the Baroque Revival architecture of the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house that inspired the musical The Phantom of the Opera.
On a tour you’ll visit the grand foyer, main staircase, members’ rotunda and the auditorium, all of which show off the Neo-Baroque decor of the 1860s.
Left of the Seine lies the beautifully preserved Latin Quarter, originally named for students at nearby universities who conversed with professors solely in Latin until the French Revolution.
The Louvre may be most famous for the Mona Lisa, but don’t overlook its extensive collections of Greek and Roman art. Enter through the glass pyramid and prepare to be awestruck by thousands of masterpieces.
With so much to see in Paris, take it one landmark at a time. Make the most of your Paris rendezvous by plotting your route in advance and taking advantage of public transportation.
Frequently asked questions
No. The Louvre is closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1.
Yes! These museums are free all day, every day in Paris:
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday.
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