See and Do in Paris

When moving to Paris, you’ll certainly be familiar with some of the city’s iconic landmarks, but there is much more than meets the eye in this romantic city. The City of Lights has so many hidden treasures and an impressive array of activities to pursue.

You can cruise along the Seine, spend an hour over coffee and cake at a pavement café, or watch the street performers in any of the many city squares. There are also some lesser-known museums and galleries to visit and beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Recommended attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Your first stop in Paris has to be the world-famous Eiffel Tower. You can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from its top observation deck. For the best experience, visit on weekdays during off-peak seasons or in the early morning or evening hours to avoid crowds. The tower is open until 11.45pm, with the last ascent at midnight and the final closing at 12.45am.

Notre-Dame

Dating back to 1163 AD, the Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame is a quintessential Paris landmark that you can spend the day exploring. After a devastating fire in 2019, the iconic cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024, with some restoration work continuing through 2025. While some areas, like the apse and sacristy, will be completed in 2025, full restoration will finish in 2026.

Musée du Louvre

You’ll discover thousands of paintings, sculptures and antiquities at the Louvre, one of the world’s most famous art museums. Beyond the famous Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, make time to explore lesser-known sections like the Apollo Gallery, Islamic Art Collection, and Napoleon III Apartments. The museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024 and hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year.

Musée Rodin

This museum features a collection of Auguste Rodin’s marble sculptures in the historic Hôtel Biron, where the artist lived and worked. Some of the most famous pieces include The Kiss and The Thinker. The seven-acre sculpture garden surrounding the mansion offers a peaceful retreat with roses, ponds, and tree-lined paths showcasing Rodin’s masterpieces in a natural setting.

Jardin des Plantes

The expansive Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful botanical garden where you can relax. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore its labyrinth maze, making it a perfect spot to unwind after busy days of sightseeing.

Arc de Triomphe

The impressive Arc de Triomphe is a must-see during your time in Paris. The landmark is set within a star-shaped arrangement of picturesque avenues. To access it safely, use the underground tunnel from Avenue de la Grande Armée. From its observation deck, you’ll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and 12 radiating boulevards.

Les Invalides

Built by Louis XIV in 1670, the Les Invalides dome is the burial site for many of France’s war heroes, including the famous Napoleon Bonaparte. You can visit this historic monument to learn about France’s military history and admire its impressive gold-plated dome that dominates the Parisian skyline.

Pompidou Centre

The ultramodern Pompidou Centre is home to the Musée National d’Art Moderne, as well as cinemas and theatres that host a variety of arts performances. Its inside-out architecture is just as fascinating as the collections inside, with exposed structural elements and mechanical systems painted in bright colours.

Musée d’Orsay

You can see a vast collection of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries at the Musée d’Orsay, including art-nouveau, impressionist and post-impressionist pieces. The museum itself, housed in a former railway station, is an architectural marvel worth admiring for its massive clock faces and soaring glass roof.