The Ten Best Things to Do in Paris
The sheer number of world-class museums, stunning monuments, and awe-inspiring viewpoints in the City of Light can be overwhelming for any visitor. Here are our top picks for the ten best things to do in Paris.
See The Thinker at the Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin is located in the former home of the sculptor. In addition to Rodin’s sculptures and studies, this charming museum also houses the work of Camille Claudel, his mistress and model. In the garden are a number of famous sculptures, including Le Penseur (The Thinker). The museum and the beautiful garden can be visited independently of each other.
77 Rue de Varenne, 7th arr.; www.musee-rodin.fr; Tue-Sun 10am-6:30pm; €13;Metro 13 to Varenne
Marvel at the enormous clock at Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a 19th-century train station that was renovated and converted into a museum in 1986. The enormous station clock still hangs in the impressive hall. Sculptures stand on the wide balconies, and the rooms display Impressionist paintings. Within the museum are a café and two restaurants that are definitely worth a visit (open only to museum visitors).
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 7th arr.; www.musee-orsay.fr; Tue-Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thu 9:30am-9:45pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am-6pm; €16; Metro 12 to Solférino
Stroll along cobblestone alleys and grand boulevards, discover chic restaurants and trendy shops, and bask in la vie Parisienne like a local: on foot!
Musée Picasso has art created and collected by Picasso
Among the narrow streets of Le Marais stands a monumental 17th-century hôtel particulier. Here you can see the world’s largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso: paintings, drawings, ceramics, sketches, and more. On the top floor of the Musée Picasso, you can admire his personal art collection.
5 Rue de Thorigny, 3rd arr.; museepicassoparis.fr; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm; €14; Metro 8 to Saint-Sébastien-Froissart
Check out impressive photo exhibits at Le Bal
Where there used to be a dance hall in the 1920s, you will now find Le Bal: one of the neighborhood’s hot spots. There is an exhibition space where contemporary photographers and video artists display their work, and a shop selling luxury art books. In the coffee corner, you can enjoy an English brunch on the weekend.
6 Impasse de la Défense, 18th arr.; www.le-bal.fr; Wed noon-8pm, Thurs-Sun noon-7pm; €8; Metro 2, 13 to Place de Clichy
Wander around the famous Louvre Museum
The current Louvre Museum has had many uses, from a medieval castle to an imperial palace. In 1793 Napoleon decided to open the palace to the public, and today the Louvre is the richest and most visited museum in the world. There is so much to see, even a quick glance at all the works takes a day or two. Tip: Buy your tickets online to avoid long lines.
34-36 Quai du Louvre, 1st arr.; www.louvre.fr; Mon & Wed-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-9:45pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm; €17; Metro 1, 7 to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre
Admire the magnificent Fondation Louis Vuitton
In the middle of the Bois de Boulogne is the Fondation Louis Vuitton museum. The futuristic building, designed by Frank Gehry, is worth a visit. The museum has a permanent collection and changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Sometimes classical concerts are held here. Restaurant Le Frank is open for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (reservations required).
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 16th arr.; www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr; Mon & Wed-Fri noon- 7pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm; €16; Metro 1 to Les Sablons
Find impressive fine art at Musée Cognacq-Jay
The Musée Cognacq-Jay is a relatively unknown but delightful museum. The museum houses the private collection assembled by Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie Louise Jay between 1900 and 1925. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves paintings, drawings, sculptures, porcelain, and 18th-century furniture.
8 Rue Elzévir, 3rd arr.; museecognacqjay.paris.fr; Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; permanent collection free; Metro 1 to Saint-Paul, 8 to Chemin Vert
View Paris from the steps of Sacré-Coeur
The basilica of Sacré-Coeur, built at the end of the 19th century to ask forgiveness for the blood shed during the Franco-Prussian War, stands atop the hill of Montmartre. Climb the 222 steps (or take the elevator) to enjoy a magnificent view from the top. In the dome, you will see a large mosaic with one of the largest images of Jesus in the world.
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 18th arr.; sacre-coeur-montmartre.com; daily 6:30am-10:30pm; free; Metro 12 to Abbesses
See groundbreaking exhibits at Palais de Tokyo
The exhibitions in the experimental 21st-century exhibition space Palais de Tokyo are always unique and groundbreaking, with light and sound effects and moving objects. The space is huge, so large objects can be displayed. The museum shop is also worth a visit. The restaurant with terrace serves international cuisine, and there is even a nightclub called YOYO.
13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arr.; palaisdetokyo.com; Mon & Wed-Sun noon- 10pm; €12; Metro 9 to Iéna
Discover film and music at Bassin de la Villette
At the end of a beautiful day, you can stroll along the water, sit, or play boules at Bassin de la Villette. Groups of friends gather here for a picnic or a drink during the warm summer evenings. You can even go to the cinema on both sides of the water. Buy your ticket on the bank where your film is not showing and take a boat across.
Quai de la Loire, 19th arr.; free; Metro 2, 5, 7b to Jaurès, Metro 2, 5, 7 to Stalingrad
Expanding your trip?
From awe-inspiring monuments and museums to cozy pubs and cafés, get to know these iconic cities like a local with author Chris Newens.
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