Things to do in Paris

More about Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city that enchants the minds of travelers from all over the globe. Paris, renowned for its historical sites, artistic legacy, and romantic atmosphere, is a top destination for those eager to experience culture, history, and contemporary attractions. A journey to Paris offers you various options to do, including visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, as well as exploring charming areas like Montmartre or the Latin Quarter. Disneyland Paris is a wonderful place for families to have fun, it is located just outside the city and is enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Furthermore, one of the most relaxing things to do in Paris is definitely enjoying a river cruise which offers you a beautiful journey along the Seine River. You should list this Paris’ river cruise as one of your things to do on your Paris trip! This cruise ride will provide you with an unforgettable backdrop like Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and others. Lastly, you can't miss exploring its many museums, shopping in world-famous areas like Champs-Élysées, and indulging in French cuisine at charming bistros and patisseries. 

Have you figured out what to do in Paris? Here are a few Paris attractions that you shouldn't miss:

Best Things to Do in Paris

1. Have Fun in Disneyland Paris

A visit to Paris is only truly fulfilled with enjoying the enchantment of Disneyland Paris. Ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, Disneyland provides a combination of exciting attractions, entertaining performances, and opportunities to interact with beloved Disney characters. A quick train journey from downtown leads to a park filled with excitement and enjoyment. To skip queues, you can purchase your Disneyland Paris tickets ahead of time via Traveloka.

2. Sightseeing and Take a Cruise Around The Seine River Paris

The city of Paris was almost swallowed up by the Seine River, which spans 482.8 miles. Both banks, La Rive Gauche and La Rive Droite, are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provide distinctive Parisian experiences. The ideal way to discover the city is by walking around or going on a boat ride along the Seine. While walking by the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other famous landmarks, you will witness a special view of the beauty of this historic city. Taking a nighttime boat ride along the river in Paris is a fantastic way to experience the city's illuminated landmarks and is considered one of the most romantic activities in Paris.

3. Visit the Eiffel Tower

A must-visit attraction in Paris is without a doubt the Eiffel Tower, right? You can choose to ascend either by taking the stairs or the elevator to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. You can choose to eat at one of the tower's restaurants or relax at Champs de Mars park for a beautiful Parisian afternoon. Also, don't forget to take some photos too!

4. Enjoy Breathtaking View at Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

Famous for its architectural and iconic buildings, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is a Catholic church built in 1914, with interior mosaics, stained-glass windows, and a crypt. Visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. This vantage point is one of the highest in the city, offering a spectacular 360-degree view.

Paris Transportations 

1. By Metro

Using the Paris Metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. Featuring 16 lines and more than 300 stations, it links nearly every part of Paris. Buying single tickets for a single journey costs €1.90 EUR (about RM 8.98), but it is more convenient to buy a pack of 10 t+ tickets or a Mobilis day pass. The 10 t+ ticket book consists of 10 separate metro tickets available at a discounted price.

2. By Bus

The bus network in Paris covers areas not serviced by the metro, making it a great option to explore the outskirts of the city. You can use T+ tickets and metro passes to pay for bus trips – a ride costs the same as a metro ride which costs €1.90 EUR (about RM 8.98). Bus hours depend on the line, but generally buses run from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8.30pm.

3. By Train

The RER (Regional Express Train) system in Paris consists of commuter trains connecting the city to its neighboring suburbs. This is the ideal choice for those visiting nearby sights such as Versailles or Disneyland Paris. Tickets are available for purchase at every RER or metro station, with prices determined based on the distance between stations. You need to pay attention because the wait times for the train to destinations are longer on the metro, even though the hours remain the same.

5. By Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Paris, offering a convenient option for quick transportation without any delays, unlike public transportation. The fare begins at 2.60 euros (equivalent to around RM 12.29) and increases for each kilometer journeyed. Once the base fare is factored in, the cost for traveling between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday is 1.06 euros (equivalent to around RM5) per kilometer.

6. By Foot

In Paris, you can walk around easily, even in areas outside the city center. Strolling is also the most ideal way to enjoy Paris' renowned buildings and the city's sometimes enchanted ambiance.

Recommended Restaurants in Paris

1. La Maison d’Isabelle

Croissant is one of the most well-known and popular foods that everybody is familiar with. La Maison d'Isabelle offers the finest croissant in Paris, featuring large, fluffy, buttery, airy, and crispy layers on the surface. The only thing to mention is that there are no seating options available, so you just can do takeout orders.

Address: 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 6am - 8pm

2. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

This eatery is famous for its tasty steak served with crispy fries. They offer only the entrecote with fries, salad, and bread as their exclusive menu option, all bundled together at a fixed price. Try a traditional dish from Paris known for its succulent and tasty meat. The steak is extremely tasty, prepared perfectly, and accompanied by their unique sauce.

Address: 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Every day, 12 – 3pm and 6.30–11 pm

3. Ladurée

A location for all those with a love for sugary treats! Ladurée has multiple shops in the city and provides a range of desserts to choose from, including their renowned macarons. Make sure to jump on board when in Paris!

Address: 16 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Every day, 9am - 7.30pm

Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Every day, 8am - 9.30pm

Shopping in Paris

1. Galeries Lafayette

A spacious Paris store with a stunning dome. Here, you have the opportunity to explore different items across a range of prices. This department store on Boulevard Haussmann is definitely the number one spot for fashion enthusiasts to visit. Furthermore, the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette provides breathtaking views of Paris. The store can become very crowded during weekends, so make sure you are ready!

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8.30pm and Sunday, 9am - 8pm

2. Westfield Forum des Halles

Located in the center of Paris, Forum des Halles is a contemporary, attractive shopping center with architectural design, constructed on the grounds of a former market. It includes a range of shops, from popular chain stores to designer boutiques, along with a movie theater and dining options. This shopping center features both indoor and outdoor shopping spaces, as well as a large shopping area, so be prepared for extensive walking. The mall has direct access to a large train station nearby, making it highly convenient for visitors.

Address: 01 Porte Berger, 75001 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 8.30pm and Sunday, 11am - 7.30pm

3. Bercy Village

Bercy Village is a charming location for shopping and dining, located in the 12th arrondissement. Situated in a former wine market, the space now houses a range of boutiques, artisan stores, and dining options, making it an ideal setting for a relaxed shopping excursion. The shopping area provides a distinctly different experience in comparison to a typical shopping center, and offers you amazing dining choices and ambiance. This market has easy access as it is conveniently connected to the city, with bus stops and metro stations all within walking distance.

Address: 28 Rue François Truffaut, 75012 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Everyday, 10am - 2am

Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is accessible all year round for visiting, but the best time to go depends on your personal preferences. Spring and fall are considered the best times of year because of their nice weather and fewer crowds. Tourists flock to popular destinations during the summer months of July and August, attracted by the warm weather despite the downside of higher prices and longer wait times. In the colder winter months (December to February), you can still enjoy holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and fewer tourists despite the chilly weather.