Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Stephen Leonardi, Pexels
Paris stands as a global cultural capital, captivating visitors with its iconic landmarks, deep-rooted history, world-renowned art and fashion scenes, and exquisite culinary experiences. The city offers a romantic ambiance, complemented by picturesque gardens and a vibrant tapestry of cultural activities.
Areas such as Le Marais thrive with a trendy, youthful energy, hosting numerous bars, cafes, and boutiques that cater to a lively social scene. The Latin Quarter similarly buzzes with a youthful atmosphere and diverse dining options, while Oberkampf is recognized for its vibrant nightlife and burgeoning establishments. Additionally, many hostels provide social hubs for solo travelers and backpackers through communal areas, bars, and organized events.
Top 7 Things to do in Paris
Activities in Paris typically involve immersing oneself in art, history, iconic landmarks, culinary experiences, and charming neighborhoods, often enjoyed through walking and scenic views.
1. Eiffel Tower Experience
Visiting the Eiffel Tower provides a quintessential Parisian experience. Ascend to its observation decks for panoramic city views. The tower sparkles with lights every hour after sunset, a memorable spectacle. Booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended to save time, especially during peak seasons.
Cost: Adults: Elevator to Summit €35.30; Elevator to 2nd Floor €22.60; Stairs to 2nd Floor €14.20. Concessions available for children and youth.
Transport: The Eiffel Tower is centrally located and accessible by Metro (Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire stations), RER C (Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel station), and various bus lines. These are within walking distance. A single Metro/RER ticket costs €2.50. A taxi from a central location (e.g., Louvre) might cost around €10-€15 depending on traffic.
2. Louvre Museum Visit
Explore the vast collection of art and artifacts housed in the former royal palace, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum is immense, so prioritizing specific wings or artworks can enhance the visit. Allocate at least half a day to fully appreciate its offerings. Pre-booking a timed entry slot online is essential.
Cost: General admission is €22.00. Entry is free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26.
Transport: The Louvre is centrally located, accessible by Metro Line 1 or 7 (Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station). A single Metro ticket costs €2.50. Taxis are readily available in the area, with costs varying by distance.
3. Musée d'Orsay Exploration
Discover a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, housed in a beautifully converted Beaux-Arts railway station. The museum's architectural charm, particularly its grand clock, adds to the experience. Visiting on a Thursday evening can be less crowded. Booking tickets online is advisable.
Cost: Adult admission is approximately €17.50 for online tickets. Entry is free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26. Free admission is also available on the first Sunday of each month.
Transport: Located on the Left Bank, the Musée d'Orsay is accessible via Metro Line 12 (Solférino station), RER C (Musée d'Orsay station), or various bus lines. A single Metro/RER ticket costs €2.50. Taxis are available; for example, from the Eiffel Tower area, a taxi might be €10-€15.
4. Seine River Cruise
Embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Seine River to admire Paris's iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. Many cruises pass by the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, offering informative commentary. Evening cruises are particularly magical as the city lights illuminate the monuments. Various options exist, from basic sightseeing to dinner cruises.
Cost: Basic 1-hour sightseeing cruises can range from €15-€25. Dinner cruises are significantly more expensive, starting from €60-€100+. Self-service options are not applicable as this is a specific tour activity.
Transport: Many cruises depart from piers near the Eiffel Tower (Port de la Bourdonnais) or Pont Neuf, both centrally located. These are accessible by Metro or RER. A single Metro/RER ticket costs €2.50. Taxi costs will vary depending on your starting point.
5. Arc de Triomphe Climb & Champs-Élysées Stroll
Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the grand avenues radiating from the monument. This viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the city's urban planning. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées, lined with shops and cafes, leading up to the Arc.
Cost: Adult admission to the Arc de Triomphe summit is approximately €13-€16. The Champs-Élysées is free to explore, with costs only for shopping or dining.
Transport: The Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It is easily reachable by Metro (Charles de Gaulle-Étoile station, lines 1, 2, 6) or RER A. A single Metro/RER ticket costs €2.50. Taxis are widely available.
6. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica Exploration
Wander through the charming, artistic streets of Montmartre, a historic bohemian neighborhood. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers stunning views over Paris from its elevated position. Climbing the dome of the basilica provides an even higher vantage point. The area is also known for its street artists and quaint cafes. Arriving early in the morning is recommended for fewer crowds.
Cost: Visiting Montmartre and the main basilica is free. Climbing to the dome of Sacré-Cœur typically costs a few euros (around €6-€8, but subject to change) and must be purchased on-site. The Montmartre Funicular (part of public transport system) costs a standard Metro ticket.
Transport: Take the Metro to Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12) stations, then walk or take the Montmartre Funicular up to Sacré-Cœur. A single Metro ticket for the funicular is €2.50. Taxis can take you to the base of Montmartre.
7. Day Trip to Palace of Versailles
Embark on a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence of French monarchs. Explore the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and the extensive gardens with their impressive fountains. Consider visiting Marie Antoinette's Estate for a glimpse into her private life. This requires a full day due to travel and exploration time. Pre-booking tickets for the palace is highly recommended.
Cost: Palace admission is approximately €19.50-€21. Full 'Passport' ticket (Palace, Trianon Estate, gardens) is around €21. There are separate costs for tours and audio guides. Gardens are generally free, but entry may be charged on fountain show days.
Transport: The most common and cost-effective way is by RER C train from Paris (e.g., Gare d'Austerlitz, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides) to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. A one-way RER ticket costs €2.50, so a round trip is €5.00. Alternatively, take bus line 171 from Pont de Sèvres, costing €3-€5. A taxi would be considerably more expensive, likely €30-€50+ one-way depending on exact location and traffic.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
