10 Must-do experiences in Paris

Paris, the city of love, a city of fashion, and a cultural hotspot that everyone wants to experience for themselves. The capital of France is packed with historic and cultural things to see and do, as well as being super-accessible from all corners of the planet. If you’re lucky enough to be on a low-cost airline route, definitely make Paris a bucket list destination you visit sooner rather than later!

Of course, the sheer number of attractions in Paris can make it hard to whittle your choices down, so to help you, here are 10 must-do experiences in Paris to add to your list.

It has to be done! Swallow your fear of heights and head to the top for a stunning (but rather windy) view! Always book your tickets beforehand, otherwise you’re going to be in for quite the wait, but with this iconic sculpture dating back to around 1889, you simply cannot miss this experience. The observation platforms now have glass floors, so you really do feel like you’re literally standing on top of the city.

This iconic gallery has to be on your list, and if it’s not, you’re missing out! Even if you dedicate a whole day to exploring the Louvre, you still won’t have seen it all, but you can at least try and see as much as possible. Of course, there are certainly going to be queues, but you can try and avoid them a little by getting there early and pre-booking your tickets.

As home to one of the world’s most diverse and largest collections of art, sculptures and items from before the 20th century, the Louvre is also home to the Mona Lisa.

Whether you’ve always wanted to climb the power of the Notre Dame to get the same view as Quasimodo, or you simply want to marvel at the architecture, visiting here is a must. Packed with Gothic architectural nods, this cathedral dates back to the 12th century, and is truly dramatic and really quite stunning! Packed with stained glass, spires, towers, and soaring high into the sky, Notre Dame should be one of the first places you visit.

You cannot visit Paris and not walk down the stunning Avenue des Champs-Elysees! As you reach the end of the avenue you will find the Arc de Triomphe, built to respect the soldiers of Napoleon’s times. The arch itself is decorated with frescoes and sculptures, and it is an iconic photo moment to add to your collection.

Art fans will need to head to the stoning Musee d’Orsay, which shows both modern and classic art exhibitions. You’ll find work from Manet, Delacroix and Van Gogh here, as well as huge open spaces to make it feel like it is much less busy than it really is! There are three floors to explore, so take your time wandering around and taking in the culture all around you.

Photo by: Patrick Nouhailler

Paris’ Latin Quarter is a must visit and really has a different feel to the rest of the city. This is where the Sorbonne University is located, dating back to 1257, and is one of the oldest learning facilities in the whole of Europe. The small streets around the Latin Quarter are wonderful to wander slowly and take in the atmosphere, with cafes and small boutiques to explore.

The Centre Georges Pompidou is the beating heart of the city and is a great spot to head to either during the day or night. With plenty of museums and art galleries, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you occupied. You should also head to the National Museum of Modern Art in this part of the city, which has a stunning rooftop view.

For a relaxing and somber break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head for a walk through Pere Lachaise Cemetery. There are many historic people buried in this cemetery, including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. Head to the top of the cemetery when the weather is clear, and you can enjoy the sun, as well as exploring the several crypts which are very intricately designed.

Head to the top of Montmartre and check out the stunning Sacre Coeur, which sits right at the very top, with amazing views over the city. Built in 1909, the gold mosaics inside are a highlight, but the views really do steal the award! You don’t have to climb to the top of Montmartre if you don’t want to, as there is a funicular you can take to save your feet. Moulin Rouge is also around this area, if you want to spend a little longer!

Enjoy the nature and sights passing by you as you cruise down the River Seine. You’ll find countless companies offering tours, so it’s simply a case of shopping around for the best. Most take around one hour and you can hop on and off many of them. If you want to enjoy a night cruise, you’ll usually get dinner and an even better view of the city.

All of this and we haven’t even mentioned shopping and French food! Paris is a joy, and a truly wonderful assault on the senses.