Paris – things to do for tourists
Do you think there is a city in the world that appeals to everyone? Indeed, there is, and that city is Paris. It’s so diverse! For some, Paris is the treasures of the Louvre, for others, it’s the Gothic reflections of Notre-Dame. Some crave endless shopping sprees, while for others, a simple moonlit stroll and a selfie against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower suffice. But whatever your interests and curiosities may be, you can always find it in Paris – the city of romance, pleasant melancholy, and astonishing landmarks.
Perhaps, talking about Paris is more challenging than about any other city. It’s even difficult to pinpoint specific landmarks or places that every tourist and visitor should see. And all because Paris itself is one grand monument of France. When is the best time to visit Paris? Well, Paris is beautiful all year round, so there’s no need for debate there. However, depending on when you visit, you might experience different sides of the city.
Many say that springtime is the best time to visit Paris, and we couldn’t agree more. We recommend coming to Paris in April, May, or early June. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and strolling around the city. During this time, Paris blooms with a variety of cherry blossoms, chestnuts, and beautiful flowerpots adorning the luxurious balconies of Parisians.
In late June, July, and August, Paris experiences the peak of the tourist season. Sunny and warm weather makes it ideal for sightseeing or relaxing on the artificial beaches along the Seine. However, keep in mind that sometimes temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable to stay indoors for too long.
But In December (until the evening of the 24th), Paris is enveloped in the incredible atmosphere of Christmas festivities – all the shops, parks, and even those Parisian balconies are adorned with garlands and wreaths. It’s incredibly beautiful and atmospheric, but prices tend to skyrocket during this time.
The least touristy time to visit Paris is January and February. While many would think that everyone wants to be here for Valentine’s Day, the city is actually quite empty. The weather in Paris during these months is unbearably cold, with damp and unpleasant air, and the wind is so strong that you just want to hop from one cafe to another.
Interesting facts about Paris:
- Surprisingly, the most popular place in Paris is not the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but Disneyland. It attracts around 13 million tourists annually.
- The cultural perception of Paris as the capital of beauty and romance is so strong that it gave its name to a whole psychological disorder. “Paris Syndrome” refers to the discrepancy between the cinematic image widespread in popular culture and the reality of the city.
- Paris boasts the highest number of 5-star hotels in the world.
- The metro system in Paris is exceptionally well-developed. Just take a look at the Paris metro map, and you’ll see it for yourself. The distance between metro stations is no more than 1 km.
- Paris is home to the world’s first pet cemetery. It was established in the late 19th century after Parisians were prohibited from disposing of animal carcasses in the streets.
Undoubtedly, the iconic symbol of Paris is the famous Eiffel Tower. The awe begins as soon as you emerge from the Champ de Mars metro station and catch a glimpse of its spire… then it appears in its entirety, colossal, majestic! There are many, many tourists around. The queues to ascend it are substantial (although probably shorter in winter and late autumn). If you have plenty of time at your disposal, it’s definitely worth it, but even without it, the emotions will still be overwhelming. Later, I’ll tell you where you can see a full-scale panorama of the city for free and without queues. Street vendors are everywhere, offering souvenirs and bottles of champagne. Tip: buy it in advance at a supermarket and take it with you on your stroll to the Eiffel Tower, as prices from trusted vendors are unreasonably high. Paris is a city of indulgence. So enjoy a sparkling glass of champagne in one of the most romantic spots in romantic Paris.
If you’re in Paris for the first time and only briefly, it doesn’t make sense to spend hours queuing to go up the Eiffel Tower unless it’s been your lifelong dream. And if it has, here’s a life hack: go to the website and buy tickets online. The price depends on your age and the height you plan to ascend to:
- first floor – €16.30 if you take the elevator and €10.50 – stairs;
- second floor – €25.50 by elevator and €19.40 – combined elevator+stairs.
With an electronic ticket on your phone, you theoretically skip the line, but keep in mind, there are also many people with electronic tickets, so it’s a matter of luck. Tickets can be booked online up to two months in advance.
Like a beautiful lover, the Eiffel Tower deserves not only a bright day but also a magical night. Be sure to find the time to return here when it gets dark, and millions of lights envelop the dark silhouette of the Tower. The main lighting comes on after dark, with additional twinkling lights illuminating every hour.
If conquering the famous tower isn’t crucial for you, and you just want to admire the capital of France from a height, here are other Parisian places with beautiful views. Of course, the Louvre deserves special attention. You’ll recognize it by its immense glass pyramid, which gleams incredibly in the dark. Beautiful, vast, and lively square. But the main treasures lie within… Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to unravel the mystery of Mona Lisa’s smile?
But let’s continue exploring terasses. On the top floors of the famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps at Haussmann, there are terraces with some of the best views of Paris. And it’s absolutely free!
A wonderful vantage point, the perfect place to admire the Opéra Garnier (you can almost touch its dome), the Eiffel Tower, and other landmarks. Photos come out unbelievably atmospheric, voluminous, and truly “Parisian”! In the winter, don’t forget to visit the central Christmas tree under the dome of the department store and admire the windows, captivating with their masterful displays.
- Address: 40 I 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
- Metro: Lines 7, 8 – Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette station
Take the summit of the Arc de Triomphe. Beautiful, spacious, and without crowds. From here, you’ll enjoy a marvelous view of the “eight-rayed” Place de l’Étoile, the splendid Champs-Élysées, the much more modern arch in the La Défense business district, the small arch near the Louvre, the Seine, and the elegant bridges connecting the two banks. The price is €12, and you can buy tickets online. Note: the internet connection is poor at the entrance to the Arc, so make sure to download or print your ticket in advance.
- Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Metro: Lines 1, 2, 6 – Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile station
Another interesting place in Paris is the Statue of Liberty. Until you get a chance to visit New York, you can catch a glimpse of it in Paris! Because the famous statue actually originates from Paris; it was a gift to the United States on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So where does its scaled-down version in Paris come from, you might ask? It was a response gift from the American diaspora. The replica is located not far from the Eiffel Tower. The path to it leads through a small artificial island called Swan Island. The Statue of Liberty against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower—isn’t it a wonder?
Just nearby, across the bridge, lies the business district of La Défense. Skyscrapers, whimsical urban buildings adorn its streets. Isn’t it a piece of Dubai in Paris? Zoom up the Grande Arche de la Défense with its panoramic glass elevators, lifting you 110 meters to the rooftop of this ultramodern structure. From there, you’ll witness the historic axis of Paris: the Louvre, Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Montparnasse Tower. The price is €12, but I couldn’t find options to buy online.
- Address: 1 Parvis de la Defense, 92800 Puteaux
- Metro: Line 1 – La Defense station
Experience a modern adventure at the André-Citroën Park with a ride in a hot air balloon tethered to the ground. Suspended at 150 meters, you’ll have a stunning view of the Seine and especially the western part of Paris. The price is €12, and buying online saves you €1 per ticket. Don’t forget to check the weather conditions; sometimes flights are canceled due to wind, for example.
• Address: 2 Rue Cauchy, 75015 Paris
• Metro: Line 8 – Lourmel station
You can reach the top of Montmartre hill by funicular. From the square in front of the snow-white Sacré-Cœur Basilica, at 129 meters above sea level, you’ll have a unique view of the entire Paris, and of course, the winding and steep streets of Montmartre, where everyone’s favorite Amélie Poulain used to stroll! And it’s absolutely free!
Also, I recommend climbing the bell tower of Sacré-Cœur. For €7, you’ll have the most beautiful view imaginable, all framed by white columns and lace-like architecture of the cathedral.
- Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
- Metro: Line 2 – Anvers station
Continuing to unravel the secrets of Paris, we head to avenue Rachel, 20, near the Blanche and Place de Clichy metro stations. Here lies the Montmartre Cemetery, where the famous singer Dalida, muse to I. Turgenev, singer Polina Viardo, composers Berlioz and Offenbach, artists Poulbot and Degas, filmmaker F. Truffaut, dancer V. Nijinsky, renowned writers Stendhal, Gauthier, Alexandre Dumas fils, the Goncourt brothers, and Émile Zola. Interestingly, Émile Zola’s body was transferred to the Pantheon; only his grave remains. Surprisingly, Montmartre cemeteries are not the kind of place that fills you with primal fear and makes you want to run away in terror. After the noisy, festive, and mad Paris, you’ll want to stroll along the avenues amidst magnificent sculptures, old and pensive gravestones, and contemplate eternity.
But it’s time to have some fun. And where else can you do it better than at the famous classic cabaret “Moulin Rouge”? From afar, the cabaret will be glowing red with passion, and above the entrance, a huge sign promises a real extravaganza! But beware! Tickets must be purchased in advance, and they are quite expensive. Only cabaret visitors are allowed inside, and you may even be politely refused if you ask to take photos inside. If time is limited, just visit this place, take a few unforgettable photos, as “Moulin Rouge” is one of the symbols of relentless Paris. For nightlife enthusiasts and quality show lovers, I also recommend checking out the equally splendid cabarets “Lido” and “Crazy Horse”.
In the fifth arrondissement, the Institut du Monde Arabe offers an exhilarating and unparalleled view of Notre-Dame and the heart of historic Paris from its panoramic terrace. And it’s also free of charge.
As you approach Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral gradually reveals its stone, chilly embrace, inviting you to immerse yourself in its grandeur. It’s a strange sensation—surrounded by hundreds, maybe thousands, of people just like yourself, yet feeling as though you’re alone, experiencing its magnificence solely for yourself. It’s essential to circumnavigate it to see it from all angles, as every single detail, carving, and sculpture is unique, as if guarding the tranquility of the grand cathedral.
“When God in heaven is bored, He opens a window and looks out onto the boulevards of Paris.” – In these words, Heinrich Heine captured the essence of the streets of this city. Because one may not even strive to go on a tour to have a fulfilling day full of impressions. Just settle down somewhere in a shady square and enjoy everything that surrounds you.
After a long stroll, it’s essential to recharge and taste some frog legs, French-style meat, and sweet crème brûlée. I recommend heading to the Latin Quarter and taking a leisurely walk through the narrow French streets, stopping at one of the cozy cafes. Don’t worry, even if you happen to get lost in the bustling life around you, Parisians are very friendly and always willing to help those who have lost their way. Why here? Besides reasonably good prices, there’s an opportunity to indulge in what they call a “set lunch” starting from 10 euros per person and upwards, where you can choose three dishes (the ones I recommended trying are listed above). Bon appétit!
For those who prefer a lively, active, and crazy vacation, I suggest heading to “Disneyland”. For lovers of beautiful nature, green parks, and magnificent palaces, I recommend visiting the Palace of Versailles and Luxembourg Garden.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the city, where the phantom figure of Julien Sorel, full of contradictions, rushes through the streets, where the clatter of D’Artagnan’s hooves and his faithful Musketeers resounds, where Amélie smiles at the world while sitting on the windowsill. I promise you that a part of Paris’s freedom and romance will forever reside in your heart. And, as a farewell, don’t forget to dance the last tango with Paris. Please share your impressions of Paris below!
