25 of the Best Things to Do in Paris That (Mostly) Won’t Break the Bank
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After my epic 8-day trip to Paris, I’m sharing my definitive guide to the best things to do in Paris, including iconic must-sees and affordable alternatives.
Whether you’re visiting for 2 days or 2 weeks, this guide has you covered!
But here’s the thing about Paris: with so many incredible things to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or worse, tourist-trapped into expensive experiences.
Having visited Paris on a tight budget, I’ve learned which attractions are worth your precious vacation time and hard-earned money, so my budget-friendly travelers, this one’s for you!
Paris Tourism Pass, Is it Needed?
Yes! If you plan on visiting a lot of tourist attractions rather than sipping wine and munching on baguettes, you’ll certainly need a tourist pass to save you time and money!
The Paris Museum Pass provides free admission to over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris. It also includes a skip-the-line access for certain attractions, helping you save time!
You choose the number of days you want to use it (2, 4, or 6 days), which determines the price of the pass. The more you visit, the more you save, since there’s no limit on attractions visited, only a limit on time.
Alternatively, the Paris Pass, by Go City, offers two options: the Explorer Pass and the All-Inclusive Pass. Both are geared more toward experiences and include some popular attractions.
The Explorer Pass offers a selection of 47 experiences and attractions, allowing you to choose a pass based on the number of experiences or attractions you want to enjoy.
The All-Inclusive Pass is based on the number of days you want to use it.
However, both Go City passes have a limit on how much you can ‘spend’ with them. If your pass is worth €180, the combined entry prices for the attractions you select cannot exceed €180.
My Pick: The Paris Museum Pass is the cheapest way to visit Paris.
🇫🇷 For a detailed comparative guide, check out my post on the differences between these Paris passes.
The Top Things to Do in Paris, France
1. The Eiffel Tower
Look, I know it’s touristy, but there’s a reason it’s the most visited paid monument in the world.
The tower is genuinely breathtaking, especially at night when it sparkles every hour on the hour.
And I say this as someone who had a wonderful, though partly traumatizing, afternoon there.
I have a fear of falling from a great height, so climbing the Eiffel Tower wasn’t something I was super looking forward to on my list of things to do in Paris, France.
Sure, when you’re in Paris, you have to go, and I knew I would; I just wasn’t going to be thrilled about it.
Now, for those of you who hate heights, like me, I say tough it out, or else you may regret it!
And this way, you won’t ever have to do it again!
Also, take the stairs. The line is so much shorter!
View From the 2nd Floor
The cheapest Eiffel Tower admission is a ticket with stair access to the second floor.
You have to pay more to use the elevator and more to get to the very top.
I only went to the second-floor landing, which was enough for me.
I don’t regret not going to the top.
I would have needed to be airlifted out of there because of the massive panic attack it would have caused, and that wouldn’t have gone well for the rest of my trip to Paris.
See the Eiffel Tower at Night
Visit the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon so that you can climb it in daylight. Then, you’ll just have to wait a little bit until the sun sets for it to light up.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night is a magical experience, making it a must for first-time visitors.
It lights up for five minutes at the top of every hour until 1 am, or 2 am during summer.
And you can sit on the grass at the Champ de Mars—a scenic green park right in front of the Eiffel Tower—with a snack while waiting.
There are plenty of guys walking around selling alcohol and snacks, so don’t worry if you didn’t bring any.
💰 Budget hack: Skip the expensive elevator rides and enjoy the tower from Trocadéro Gardens for FREE. The views are just as stunning, and your wallet will thank you.
⏳ Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours (if climbing)
🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance as this is a VERY popular attraction!
2. The Louvre
The Louvre is massive!
You could spend weeks here. Don’t try to see everything in one visit; you’ll just exhaust yourself.
Also, go to the Louvre first thing in the morning to skip the long lines! If you take nothing else from this post, remember that!
Before I visited, everyone told me to arrive early, and they were right. I got there just after it opened, and hardly anyone was there.
Start by visiting Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa followed by Venus de Milo.
I suggest starting with these, as they attract the most visitors and can become quite crowded.
Also, make sure to check out the Napoleon Apartments; they are absolutely gorgeous and feature their original furniture!
My strategy:
- Book timed entry tickets online (saves hours of standing in line)
- Focus on 2-3 wings maximum per visit
- Don’t forget to get a map at the front; otherwise, you’ll get lost, as I did
- Don’t miss: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace
💰 Budget hack: The Louvre is FREE on the first Sunday of each month (October-March) and for EU residents under 26. Also, the gardens around the Louvre are free and gorgeous!
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
🧑💼 Guided tour: Guided tours, storytime, and workshops are available.
🎧 Audioguide: Download Rick Steves’s Audio Europe app as it has a free Louvre Museum audio tour; this way, you won’t have to pay €6 for the official one.
Check out my comprehensive guide for even more excellent Paris apps!
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.
3. Sainte Chapelle
Having seen numerous churches in Europe, I didn’t think anything could surprise me anymore. However, Sainte Chapelle did!
It’s probably the most memorable thing I experienced during my trip to Paris.
It is the most beautiful church I have ever seen, on par with Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
The stained glass windows around Sainte Chapelle tell one of the Bible stories.
It’s difficult to see in the picture, but each section features an image that depicts part of the story.
They restore it by cleaning the stained glass with Q-tips! I wouldn’t want to have that job.
Try to visit on a sunny day to experience the full effect of the light shining through for a magical experience.
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour
🎧 Audioguide: Get an audioguide for an additional fee
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access or book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Conciergerie.
4. Conciergerie
In the 14th century, this former Palace stopped serving as a residence and was converted into a concierge by order of the king, with part of the building turned into a prison.
From the 15th century up to the Revolution, the Conciergerie served as one of Paris’s key prisons.
Her most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette.
I don’t remember much about this site when I visited Paris. I know I went there, and strangely, yes, I think prisons are interesting; I loved Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.
But nothing about this place stood out to me, so if you’re trying to decide what to skip on your list of things to do in Paris, I suggest skipping this.
However, it’s right near Sainte Chapelle, so if you’re just looking to pass the time, go for it!
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
🧑💼 Guided tour: Every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., subject to availability.
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access or book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Sainte Chapelle.
5. The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe memorial honors those who fought and died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
It’s beautiful but a little tricky to reach. You need to find the underground tunnel to get close to it.
Please don’t try to cross the traffic; it’s way too dangerous. You can access the monument through the Passage du Souvenir.
Its architectural design alone makes it worth a stop and a must-add to your Paris itinerary. There’s so much detail I didn’t know about until I saw it in real life!
You can go to the top of the Arc for an epic view, but it’s another set of spiral stairs.
Tired of stairs, my aunt and I decided to view it from the ground.
💰 Budget hack: Free admission on the first Sunday of Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, and Dec.
⏳ Duration: 1 hour (if climbing to the top)
📷 Photo tip: Visit during golden hour for the most stunning city views
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.
Cultural Experiences
6. Musee d’Orsay
On my trip to Paris, I didn’t head over to Musee D’Orsay and I regret it a bit.
I wasn’t a big fan of art at the time, still not completely now, but I feel like it’s one of those must-sees in Paris that I missed out on.
Housed in a beautiful former train station, this museum has the world’s best collection of Impressionist art. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, you can find them all here.
If you’re overwhelmed by the Louvre, this museum is a more manageable size, with a better flow of exhibits.
💰 Budget hack: Free for EU residents under 26
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this museum through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.
7. Opera Garnier
Another one I skipped on my own Paris itinerary, but I know so many theater fans that I’d be embarrassed not to include the Opera Garnier.
This opulent opera house inspired “Phantom of the Opera,” and it’s every bit as dramatic as you’d imagine.
💰 Budget option: Self-guided tours are much cheaper than attending a performance, and you still see the stunning Grand Staircase and auditorium.
⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours
🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance, as this is a VERY popular attraction for theater goers.
Free Things to Do in Paris
8. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Since the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, the building has not been as accessible to the public as it was before the incident.
However, you can still enter the Cathedral free of charge every day during its opening hours.
And I highly encourage you to do it, as it’s one of the top things to do in Paris!
Interestingly, all the gargoyles decorating it are unique, and there are thousands of them.
They are expertly crafted and have remarkably endured over time. I could have taken 800 photos of them—they left such a huge impression on me!
I don’t remember being very excited about the church’s interior, but it’s worth checking out when you’re there.
You can also visit the Treasury, which houses valuable items such as sacred vessels, ornaments, and liturgical books, for a fee.
You can also take an hour-long outdoor tour of the Cathedral to learn about its historical, artistic, and spiritual significance. This free tour is offered daily in French, English, and other languages depending on volunteer availability.
To view the tour schedule, visit their official website.
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
9. Stroll Along the Seine River
Free, romantic, and you’ll pass multiple iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, and the Tuileries Garden.
Start at Pont Neuf and walk to Pont de Bir-Hakeim, it’ll take you at least an hour, but it covers the center of Paris.
🕰️ Best time: Late afternoon into evening when the light is golden and the city starts to sparkle
⏳ Duration: 1 hour
10. Luxembourg Gardens
Perfectly manicured gardens, free chairs for people-watching (or napping), and that classic Parisian park atmosphere.
It’s also a great place to bring a picnic to!
Don’t miss: The Medici Fountain and watching kids sail toy boats in the pond
⏳ Duration: 1 hour
11. Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts is the famous love lock bridge in Paris.
You might have seen many loving couples lock a padlock here as a symbol of their love.
However, in 2015, the weight of thousands of those metal locks damaged the Pont des Arts, and unfortunately, a section of the bridge collapsed.
Glass panels now replace the fence, allowing you to see the locks, so it remains one of Paris’s most visited sites.
⏳ Duration: 15 minutes
12. Sacre-Coeur Basilica & Montmartre
I did not make it up to Montmartre even though I spend 8 days in Paris.
Why?
It felt like it was on the other side of the world.
Is it? No, I was just being a bit lazy and was so tired of wandering around that I didn’t make Montmartre a priority.
However, if you want to feel like you’re stepping into an old French film, you may want to add it to your list of things to do in Paris to check out those winding cobblestone streets, artist squares, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched on the hill.
💰 Budget tip: The basilica is free to enter
🚞 Transport: Take the funicular up to save your legs, then walk down through the winding streets
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
Paris Food Experiences
13. Experience Cafe Culture
What would be a French film or TV show without at least one shot at a cafe?!?
And that’s certainly something right media gets about Paris, everyone loves to hang out at a cafe.
While you may only have 2 days in Paris to spend, sitting around chilling may be the last thing on your mind, but use it as an opportunity to get a pick-me-up between attractions!
How to do it right:
- Order a café au lait and croissant
- Sit at an outdoor table
- Watch the world go by for at least an hour
💰 Budget hack: Drinks are cheaper at the bar than at tables, but its only an extra €1-2 for the full café experience if you’ve got the funds
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
14. Snack on Some Macarons from Laduree
Ladurée is the best place for macarons! Trust me, I’ve sampled the American macarons in Los Angeles, but they don’t compare!
Gossip Girl fans will recall this sweet treat from the episodes set in Paris.
The Ladurée store is stunning and a must-see to include on your list of things to do in Paris.
A friend mentioned that the Tea Salon offers excellent food.
I’ll trust his opinion because their macarons were superb!
I chose the pistachio and salted caramel flavors and really enjoyed eating them while strolling along the right bank.
⏳ Duration: 15 minutes
15. Try Some Hot Chocolate from Angelina
Angelina may look like any ordinary Parisian bakery from the outside, but inside, it’s like walking into Willy Wonka’s upscale pastry shop.
I think it’s the best bakery in Paris, but it’s much more than that!
The place is filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate, sugar, and cream.
Usually, there’s a line outside, but a separate door is available for pickup orders. If you’re stopping by just for desserts, use that entrance.
Alternatively, you can head to the tearoom.
Aside from all the incredible pastries you could admire for hours, what I really came for was the hot chocolate.
When my friend suggested I try it, I wondered how good it could truly be—it’s just hot chocolate, after all!
Boy, was I mistaken! It’s incredible! I don’t know what they put in it, but it’s like tasting heaven.
No chocolate bar or hot cocoa will ever taste as good!
They have a few locations, so check their website for your closest location.
⏳ Duration: 15 minutes
Day Trips from Paris
16. The Palace of Versailles
Yes, it’s outside Paris, but if you have at least 3 days in Paris to spend, you can likely make time to visit Versailles.
The palace is opulent, and those gardens are perfect for getting lost in.
It’s less than thirty minutes from central Paris, allowing you to arrive early and visit the Palace before returning to the city for the rest of the day.
I didn’t fall in love with Versailles, as I found it somewhat empty and emotionally shallow. Surprisingly, I know.
They overlooked many aspects that make it historically compelling.
Still, if you’re deciding whether to visit Versailles, it’s an easy day trip and one of France’s top attractions.
💰 Budget strategy:
- Take the RER C train (much cheaper than tour buses)
- Pack a picnic for the gardens
🎧 Audioguide: Download the free Rick Steves’ Versailles Palace Tour. Just remember to bring a pair of headphones with you!
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours (+ transportation time of at least 1 hour round trip)
🎟️ Tickets: Versailles is a popular attraction, so DON’T forget to book your tickets in advance to get the time slot you want! It is also included on the Paris Museum Pass.
17. Chateau de Pierrefonds
This stunning medieval castle looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, which is probably why the BBC used it as Camelot in their Merlin series!
The castle was dramatically restored in the 19th century by architect Viollet-le-Duc, creating this perfect blend of authentic medieval architecture and romantic Victorian vision of what a castle should look like.
It’s a perfect day trip from Paris for fantasy fans, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to feel like they’re in a medieval movie without the crowds at Versailles.
It’s also much more affordable than Versailles, with an entrance fee of €9 for adults.
🚆 Getting there: About 1.5 hours northeast of Paris by train to Compiègne, then a short bus ride or taxi to Pierrefonds village
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours (+ transportation time of at least 1 hour round trip)
🎟️ Tickets: Pierrefonds is included on the Paris Museum Pass, or you can easily book your ticket for Chateau Pierrefonds here!
18. Chateau de Fontainebleau
If instead you have the time, I highly recommend checking out the Palace of Fontainebleau.
It was recommended to me before my trip, but as a history enthusiast, I decided to visit Versailles.
I now regret that choice, so if you’re unsure about visiting Versailles, this is a great alternative as it’s an equally stunning palace, boasts fewer crowds, and is easier to explore at your own pace.
🚆 Getting there: It is an hour away from the city center
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours (+ transportation time of at least 2 hours round trip)
🎟️ Tickets: Pierrefonds is included on the Paris Museum Pass, or you can easily book your ticket for Fontainebleau here!
Unique Paris Experiences
19. An Evening Seine River Cruise
My Aunt had requested that we go on a Seine River cruise.
I usually don’t enjoy cruises, but I ended up having a wonderful time just sitting back and relaxing while we saw some of Paris’ most famous landmarks.
After exploring Paris’ numerous cobblestone streets, it was wonderful to chill and enjoy the views of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, along with several charming bridges and riverside buildings.
Most cruises typically include commentary throughout the tour, which lasts about an hour.
Some options also offer meals, making it a great way to combine sightseeing and dining.
I just hope you have a more beautiful day than we had; it was gloomy!
💰 Budget Alternative: Take the Batobus (hop-on, hop-off river bus) for transportation that doubles as sightseeing.
⏳ Duration: 1+ hours
🎟️ Tickets: I’m not sure which tour we took, as it’s been a while, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options available online.
20. The Catacombs of Paris
This underground ossuary holds the remains of over 6 million people in a labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city.
It’s equal parts fascinating and slightly creepy, and I’m TOTALLY PISSED I didn’t know about it before I visited Paris!
Yes, I’m a little dark, I didn’t say this things to do in Paris list was for kids 😂, just on a budget!
At around €15 for adults, that’s not a bad deal as it’s genuinely one of the most unique experiences you can have in Paris.
The artistic arrangements of skulls and bones are both macabre and beautiful.
Practical heads up: Book tickets online well in advance as they limit daily visitors, and it often sells out. The temperature underground is consistently 14°C (57°F), so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Not for everyone: If you’re claustrophobic or squeamish about human remains, this isn’t your activity. But if you’re fascinated by history and don’t mind the macabre, it’s unforgettable.
⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
🎟️ Tickets: It is highly recommended to book Catacomb tickets online in advance, as they sell out quickly.
If you’re looking to go beyond the standard checklist, Airbnb Experiences connects you with local hosts who offer one-of-a-kind activities—think perfume-making workshops, secret jazz-bar tours, and Montmartre sketching sessions that reveal a side of Paris most visitors never see.
Shopping & Souvenirs
21. The Champs Elysees
This list would be remiss without the most famous street in Paris, the Champs Élysées!
It’s similar to Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, so if you’re not into luxury shopping, you might prefer just strolling by rather than actually shopping.
I’d say you can skip this on your list of things to do in Paris, as it wasn’t one of my favorites.
However, if you’re really into shopping, then it’s a must-see.
⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours (to walk it)
💰 Budget tip: Grab a coffee or dessert from a nearby café and enjoy people-watching from a sidewalk table.
🎧 Audioguide: Download Rick Steves’s Audio Europe app as it has a free Champs-Élysées walking tour
22. Shakespeare and Company
This iconic English-language bookstore is cramped, chaotic, and absolutely magical.
Even if you don’t buy anything, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
Opened in 1951, it was initially called “Le Mistral” but was renamed “Shakespeare and Company” on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.
Today, it functions as a seller of new and used books, an antiquarian bookseller, and is a free reading library open to the public.
The shop also welcomes aspiring writers and artists who volunteer to help around the bookstore.
Since opening, over 30,000 people have slept in beds nestled between the bookshelves. The store’s motto, “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” is displayed above the entrance to the reading library.
You’ll also get to meet their resident cat, Athena!
As a bookish person, I loved wandering around this famous little shop! You may even remember it from the film Before Sunset.
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes (depending on how much you shop)
23. Browse the Bouquinistes (Book Stalls)
These iconic green book stalls have lined the Seine for over 400 years, making them a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s like the world’s most romantic outdoor bookstore.
Here you’ll find vintage French books, old postcards, antique maps, rare prints, and sometimes incredible first editions at surprisingly reasonable prices.
💰 Budget win: Browsing is free, and you might find unique souvenirs for just €5-15.
📍 Best stretch: From Pont Marie to Quai de la Tournelle, especially the section near Notre-Dame
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes
What to Do at Night in Paris
24. Sign Up for Dinner with Timeleft
I first discovered Timeleft while solo traveling in Barcelona.
The concept of Timeleft is that you meet strangers over dinner every Wednesday.
All you need to do is pay their subscription fee.
Each subscription lasts for 30 days, 3 months, or 6 months and automatically renews.
You then choose the Wednesday you want to sign up for and meet 5 strangers over dinner, all matched by their personality algorithm.
Founded in France, I figure it’s gotta be a fantastic way to meet people there, as I’ve used it across the States and Europe and have met many lovely people this way.
25. See a Cabaret Show
I think this list would be remiss without including a cabaret show, especially as they are gaining popularity with famous stars now guesting in them.
However, I will warn that they are one of the most expensive things to do in Paris on this list, with the Moulin Rouge costing around €87-200+.
It’s heard that it’s a truly spectacular show—the costumes, dancing, and atmosphere are incredible. Especially the Crazy Horse show, which has been featuring some famous faces!
💰 Budget alternative: Explore the Pigalle area for trendy bars and that bohemian Paris nightlife vibe. Or head to a jazz club for some live music!
Paris Travel Hacks I Wish I’d Known Earlier
I have a comprehensive Paris travel tips post, featuring advice on when to visit, how much money you’ll need, the tipping culture, and how to get around.
But my quick tips are:
Money-Saving Strategies
- Paris Museum Pass: If visiting 4+ paid attractions, this pass saves money AND lets you skip lines at some attractions
- Free museum days: Many museums are free on first Sundays of each month
- Happy hour timing: Many wine bars have 5-7 PM discounts
Time-Saving Tips
- Book timed entries: For the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and popular attractions
- Visit during lunch hours: Museums and attractions are less crowded 11 am-2 pm
- Walk between close attractions: Many major sites are surprisingly walkable from each other
- Check closing days: Many Paris museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays
- Make reservations for popular restaurants at least 2-3 days ahead
🇫🇷 Having trouble deciding how long to spend in Paris? See my detailed guide!
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll walk WAY more than you think
- Layers: Weather can change quickly in Paris, pack an umbrella and a waterproof coat (more packing for Paris tips)
- Crossbody bag: Keep valuables secure while exploring (here’s extra safety tips for Paris)
- Portable phone charger: For all those Instagram shots!
Related Paris Travel Guides
- How to Build an Itinerary for 3 Days in Paris
- Is Versailles Worth Visiting? A Helpful Guide to the Answer
- Practical Paris Packing List For Female Travelers + Security Essentials
- The Ultimate 2 Days in Paris Itinerary for First-Timers
- Is The Paris Museum Pass Worth It? Helpful 2025 Guide To The Answer
- Is Paris Worth Visiting? 12 Reasons I’m Hesitant to Return
- Helpful Paris Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Trip
- How Many Days in Paris? A Simple Guide for First-Timers
- How to Be Safe in Paris: 11 Tips for Solo Female Travelers
- How to Spend 4 Days in Paris Affordably: First-Timers Guide
- Paris Pass vs Paris Museum Pass: Ultimate Comparative Guide
- 25 of the Best Things to Do in Paris That (Mostly) Won’t Break the Bank
- 27 Fantastic Movies and TV Shows Set in Paris You Need to Watch
- Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Neighborhoods for Travelers
- 27 of the Best Travel Apps for Paris That are FREE
- How to Spend a Day in Paris, France: An Affordable, Speedy Itinerary
Photo by Liam Gant from Pexels
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