Things to Do in Paris: From Eiffel Tower to Secret Alleyways

Looking for the best things to do in Paris?‌ Discover must-see attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and charming cafés in Montmartre. Explore hidden gems, romantic Seine cruises, and local markets in our 2025 Paris travel guide!

As a proud Parisian who has called this city home for decades, I'm excited to share with you the hidden gems, must-see attractions, and local favorites that make Paris truly magical. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you experience Paris like a true local.

1. Exploring Paris by Arrondissement (Districts)

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its own unique character, history, and charm. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular areas and what they have to offer:

1.1 1st Arrondissement: The Heart of Paris

• Louvre Museum: Home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless other masterpieces, the Louvre is a must-visit for art lovers.
• Tuileries Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
• Place Vendôme: Famous for its luxury boutiques and the iconic Column of Vendôme.

1.2 4th Arrondissement: Le Marais

• Place des Vosges: Paris's oldest square, surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings and home to the Victor Hugo Museum.
• Le Marais Neighborhood: A trendy area with boutique shops, art galleries, and some of the best falafel in Paris.
• Musée Carnavalet: A museum dedicated to the history of Paris, with exhibits ranging from medieval times to the present day.

1.3 5th Arrondissement: Latin Quarter

• Sorbonne University: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a beautiful campus and a rich academic history.
• Panthéon: A monument to the great men and women of France, offering stunning views of the city from its dome.
• Rue Mouffetard: A lively street filled with markets, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for experiencing the local way of life.

1.4 6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• Saint-Germain Church: A historic church with a beautiful interior and a rich cultural history.
• Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots: Iconic cafes where famous writers and philosophers like Sartre and de Beauvoir used to gather.
• Jardin du Luxembourg: A beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and a pond where you can rent toy boats.

1.5 7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower and Musée d'Orsay

• Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris, offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks.
• Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, this museum is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
• Champ de Mars: A large park at the base of the Eiffel Tower, perfect for a picnic or a stroll.

1.6 18th Arrondissement: Montmartre

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A stunning white basilica with panoramic views of Paris from its steps.
• Place du Tertre: A square filled with artists selling their paintings and portraits, giving the area a bohemian vibe.
• Le Moulin Rouge: The famous cabaret where the can-can dance originated, offering evening shows with dinner options.

2. Culinary Delights: Food and Drink in Paris

Paris is a food lover's paradise, with a rich culinary tradition that spans centuries. Here are some must-try dishes, local specialties, and iconic restaurants:

2.1 Must-Try Dishes

• Croissants and Pain au Chocolat: Flaky, buttery pastries that are a staple of French breakfasts.
• Coq au Vin: A classic French dish made with chicken cooked in red wine, mushrooms, and bacon.
• Escargots: Snails cooked in garlic butter, a traditional French appetizer.
• Steak Frites: A simple yet delicious dish of steak and fries, often served with a rich sauce.
• Crème Brûlée: A creamy dessert topped with a caramelized sugar crust.

2.2 Local Specialties

• Cheese: France is famous for its cheeses, and Paris offers a wide variety to sample. Try Camembert, Brie, or Roquefort.
• Wine: Paris is surrounded by vineyards, and you can find excellent French wines at reasonable prices in local bars and restaurants.
• Macarons: Colorful, delicate cookies filled with ganache or buttercream, available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry.

2.3 Iconic Restaurants

• Le Jules Verne: Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant offers stunning views and gourmet French cuisine.
• L'Ambroisie: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Marais, known for its elegant dining room and exquisite dishes.
• Chez L'Ami Jean: A cozy bistro in the 7th arrondissement, serving hearty Basque cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
• Breizh Café: A crêperie in the Marais, offering both sweet and savory crêpes made with organic ingredients.

2.4 Food Markets

• Rue Cler: A pedestrian street in the 7th arrondissement filled with food stalls, butchers, bakers, and cheese shops.
• Marché d'Aligre: A bustling market in the 12th arrondissement, selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more at affordable prices.
• Marché des Enfants Rouges: Paris's oldest covered market, offering a variety of international cuisines and local specialties.

3. Art and Culture: Museums, Galleries, and Performances

Paris is a cultural hub, with a rich artistic heritage that spans centuries. Here are some of the city's top art and cultural attractions:

3.1 World-Class Museums

• Louvre Museum: As mentioned earlier, the Louvre is a must-visit for art lovers, with a vast collection spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
• Musée d'Orsay: Focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more.
• Centre Pompidou: A modern art museum with a unique architectural design, housing a collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
• Musée Rodin: Dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, including his famous sculpture "The Thinker."

3.2 Art Galleries

• Galerie Perrotin: A contemporary art gallery in the Marais, showcasing works by emerging and established artists.
• Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac: Another contemporary art gallery with locations in Paris and Salzburg, representing international artists.
• Galerie Yvon Lambert: A gallery in the Marais that focuses on conceptual and minimalist art.

3.3 Performances and Entertainment

• Opéra Garnier: A stunning 19th-century opera house, offering ballet and opera performances in a magnificent setting.
• Théâtre du Châtelet: A theater in the 1st arrondissement, hosting a variety of performances, including musicals, concerts, and dance.
• Philharmonie de Paris: A modern concert hall in the 19th arrondissement, offering a diverse program of classical and contemporary music.

3.4 Street Art

• Belleville Neighborhood: Known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings and alleyways.
• 13th Arrondissement: Another area with a growing street art presence, particularly around the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood.

4. Seasonal Highlights: What to Do in Each Month

Paris is beautiful year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm and activities. Here's a guide to what to do in Paris during each month:

4.1 January

• New Year's Celebrations: Paris celebrates the New Year with fireworks displays, parties, and festive events.
• Winter Sales: A great time to shop for discounted clothing, accessories, and more.
• Ice Skating: Several outdoor ice rinks pop up around the city, including one at the Hôtel de Ville.

4.2 February

• Valentine's Day: Paris is the city of love, and Valentine's Day is celebrated with romantic dinners, chocolates, and flowers.
• Chinese New Year: Paris's Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement hosts a lively parade and celebrations.
• Carnival: A pre-Lenten festival with parades, costumes, and music, particularly in the Latin Quarter.

4.3 March

• Spring Arrives: The weather starts to warm up, and the city's parks and gardens begin to bloom.
• Paris Fashion Week: A major event in the fashion industry, with shows and presentations by top designers.
• St. Patrick's Day: The Irish community in Paris celebrates with parades, music, and traditional Irish food.

4.4 April

• Easter: Parisians celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs, special masses, and family gatherings.
• Foire du Trône: A large amusement park that sets up in the Bois de Vincennes, offering rides, games, and food.
• Printemps des Poètes: A festival celebrating poetry, with readings, performances, and workshops in various locations around the city.

4.5 May

• Labor Day (May 1st): A public holiday in France, with parades and demonstrations.
• Cannes Film Festival: While not in Paris, many Parisians travel to the French Riviera for this prestigious film event.
• Fête de la Musique: A nationwide music festival on the summer solstice, with free concerts in parks, squares, and streets.

4.6 June

• Bastille Day (July 14th) Preparations: Although the actual celebration is in July, June is when preparations begin, with military parades and rehearsals.
• Paris Pride: A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, with a parade, parties, and cultural events.
• Roland Garros (French Open): A major tennis tournament held at the Stade Roland Garros, attracting top players from around the world.

4.7 July

• Bastille Day (July 14th): France's national holiday, celebrated with a military parade on the Champs-Élysées, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and parties throughout the city.
• Tour de France: The final stage of the famous cycling race often finishes in Paris, with a sprint down the Champs-Élysées.
• Paris Plages: A summer event where the banks of the Seine are transformed into a beach, with sand, palm trees, and recreational activities.

4.8 August

• Summer Vacation: Many Parisians leave the city for vacation, but there are still plenty of things to do, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and markets.
• Rock en Seine: A music festival held in the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, featuring international and French artists.
• Open-Air Cinema: Several outdoor cinemas pop up around the city, showing classic and contemporary films under the stars.

4.9 September

• Back to School: The city comes alive again as students return to school and universities.
• Fashion Week: Another edition of Paris Fashion Week, showcasing the latest collections for the upcoming season.
• Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days): A weekend when many historic buildings and monuments are open to the public for free.

4.10 October

• Autumn Arrives: The leaves start to change color, and the city takes on a cozy, golden hue.
• Nuit Blanche: An all-night arts festival, with museums, galleries, and public spaces staying open late and hosting special events.
• Salon du Chocolat: A chocolate fair with tastings, demonstrations, and workshops, held at the Porte de Versailles.

4.11 November

• All Saints' Day (November 1st): A public holiday in France, with many people visiting cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones.
• Beaujolais Nouveau Day: The release of the new vintage of Beaujolais wine, celebrated with parties and tastings.
• Christmas Markets Begin: Some Christmas markets start to open in late November, offering festive treats, crafts, and decorations.

4.12 December

• Christmas Markets: Paris's Christmas markets are a must-visit, with stalls selling handmade gifts, food, and drinks. The most famous is the one at the Champs-Élysées.
• Ice Skating Rinks: More outdoor ice rinks open, including one at the Eiffel Tower.
• New Year's Eve Preparations: The city starts to gear up for New Year's Eve celebrations, with parties and events being planned.

5. Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

While Paris's famous landmarks are a must-see, there are also plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. Here are some of my personal favorites:

5.1 Secret Gardens and Parks

• Square des Batignolles: A peaceful park in the 17th arrondissement, with a lake, a playground, and a variety of plants and trees.
• Jardin des Plantes: A botanical garden with a zoo, a greenhouse, and a natural history museum.
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A large park in the 19th arrondissement, with a lake, a waterfall, and a suspension bridge offering great views.

5.2 Lesser-Known Museums

• Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: A museum dedicated to hunting and nature, with a collection of taxidermy, paintings, and sculptures.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique: A museum in the 9th arrondissement, celebrating the Romantic era with art, furniture, and personal belongings.
• Musée de la Poste: A museum dedicated to the history of the postal service, with exhibits on stamps, mail delivery, and communication.

5.3 Unique Cafes and Bars

• La Palette: A historic cafe in the 6th arrondissement, popular with artists and writers.
• Le Baron Rouge: A lively wine bar in the 12th arrondissement, known for its affordable wines and oysters.
• Le Syndicat: A cocktail bar in the 10th arrondissement, specializing in French spirits and creative drinks.

5.4 Neighborhood Walks

• Canal Saint-Martin: A picturesque canal in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, with lock bridges, boutique shops, and cafes.
• Rue Crémieux: A colorful street in the 12th arrondissement, lined with pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets.
• Passage des Panoramas: One of Paris's oldest covered passages, with shops, restaurants, and a vintage atmosphere.

6. Q&A: Common Questions About Paris

6.1 What to do in 3 days in Paris?

• Day 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Musée d'Orsay. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine.
• Day 2: Explore the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Place Vendôme. In the afternoon, stroll through the Marais neighborhood.
• Day 3: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (if open), Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter. In the evening, enjoy a show at the Opéra Garnier or a drink at a rooftop bar.

6.2 What not to miss in Paris?

• The Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris and a must-see attraction.
• The Louvre Museum: Home to some of the world's most famous artworks.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture (although currently closed for restoration, the exterior is still worth seeing).
• The Seine River: A beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of the city, offering great views and opportunities for boat tours.

6.3 What should I do for my first time in Paris?

• Take a Seine River Cruise: A great way to see the city's landmarks from a different perspective.
• Visit a Local Market: Sample local produce, cheeses, and pastries at a market like Rue Cler or Marché d'Aligre.
• Have a Picnic in a Park: Grab some food from a bakery or market and enjoy a picnic in a park like the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries.
• Take a Walking Tour: A guided walking tour can help you get oriented and learn about the city's history and culture.

6.4 What non-touristy things to do in Paris?

• Attend a Local Sports Event: Catch a soccer match at the Parc des Princes or a rugby game at the Stade de France.
• Visit a Local Library or Bookstore: Paris has many beautiful libraries and bookstores, like the Bibliothèque nationale de France or Shakespeare and Company.
• Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional French dishes like coq au vin or crème brûlée.
• Explore a Lesser-Known Neighborhood: Spend an afternoon wandering through neighborhoods like Belleville or Butte-aux-Cailles, where you'll find street art, local cafes, and a more authentic Parisian vibe.

I hope this guide has inspired you to explore Paris like a local and discover all the wonderful things this city has to offer. Whether you're interested in art, food, history, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Paris has something for everyone. Bon voyage!