What to do in Paris?
The French capital of fashion and love, Paris and its long history and many attractions brings both tourists and French people to its bustling hub. In addition to its historical monuments, tourist sites, and its many opportunities to participate in the local customs, Paris has an undeniable charm, which can be appreciated just by walking on its avenues, with an open heart to the unknown. So, what is there to do, and see in Paris with family, friends, or your partner during your vacation?
What activities are there to do in Paris?
The museums
There are no lack of museums in Paris, a city rich in history and culture! There are of course the most famous ones: the Louvre museum, the Orsay museum, the Petit and Grand Palais, the Quai Branly museum, and many others, all of which open the doors to centuries of art and history, to the discovery of impressionism, cubism, ancient Egypt or ancient Greece, African art, or French history.
But you will also find lesser-known museums, such as the museum of General Leclerc de Hauteclocque and the Liberation of Paris - Musée Jean-Moulin, which, through the destiny of these two figures of the Resistance, tells us the course of the Second World War, the fate of occupied France, and the bravery of the Resistance.
Our favorite: “L’atelier des Lumières” (literally translated as “The studio of lights”). In this digital art center that opened in 2018 in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, you can discover works of art in total immersion thanks to their animated projection that covers the walls, ceilings and floors of the space, with music in the background. This is a one-of-a-kind way to discover the works of artists like Renoir, Monet, or Van Gogh. Please note that tickets must be purchased online; there is no ticket office on-site.
Cultural outings
When in Paris, why not spend an evening at the theater, the opera, or the cabaret? From the Lido to the Opéra Garnier, the Comédie Française, the Moulin Rouge, and the countless intimate or historical theaters, Paris is a gold mine when it comes to cultural offerings. Whether you want a puppet show for the kids, a classic theater or ballet, a burlesque show, or even stand up comedy, there is something for the whole family!
Paris also has a very rich music scene. From jazz cafés to large concert halls that can host famous international bands or stars, to mythical venues like the Olympia or the Cigale, to simple bars with open stages or dancing, if you're looking for music, you'll have no trouble finding it!
Gastronomic adventures
France is known for its gastronomy, and in Paris, there is something for every traveler’s palate! From the typical brasserie on a boulevard to the small bistro with an old-fashioned charm, passing by the gastronomic restaurant, the typical Breton crêperie (go near the Montparnasse tower to explore the "Breton district"!) or the small Savoyard restaurants, there are more than enough opportunities to have a taste of French cuisine!
Of course, it's not only French food that you can enjoy in Paris. The 13th arrondissement is famous for being the Chinese district of Paris, and the Opéra Garnier district is not to be outdone when it comes to Asian specialties. You will also find many excellent tapas bars and pizzerias, some Argentinian or Ethiopian restaurants, not to mention the countless burgers of all kinds available throughout the capital.
Off the beaten path
A world away from the sometimes overcrowded atmosphere of the tourist areas, Paris is full of small streets or quieter, village-like neighborhoods. Take the time to get away from it all, to wander through the streets of the 19th arrondissement, for example, and turn the corner to find yourself in a small village in the south of France.
Go to the Butte aux cailles for a Normandy vibe in one street, then experience the feeling of disembarking in the Notting Hill district in London two streets away! In the 14th arrondissement, small cobblestone streets that seem almost hidden bring a sense of infinite tranquility, with their small village atmosphere, neighbors having aperitifs on the sidewalk, and children playing ball just steps away.
Things to do in Paris
Stroll along the Seine
Walking along the Seine is a soothing way to discover Paris from one end to the other. It allows you to pass through different districts, to see many tourist attractions (like Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Conciergerie), and to admire different styles of architecture depending on the place...
The quays of the Seine are also an ideal place to spend a good time with family or friends:
- Have a drink on one of the numerous barges or guinguettes which are installed there, either towards the station of Austerlitz, or rather towards the Alexandre III Bridge
- Picnic at any time of the day and watch the barges go by
- Break a sweat by running, participating in various group exercises, rollerblading, or even salsa classes!
For those who love to read, you will find on a large part of the Seine quays (on the right bank, from the Pont Marie to the Quai du Louvre and on the left bank, from the Quai de la Tournelle to the Quai Voltaire) the "bouquinistes de Paris": booksellers of old and second-hand books. Nearly 300,000 books are offered for sale along the Seine, along with a large number of prints, magazines, or collectible cards, bringing a bohemian charm to the walk.
Enjoy the parks
Paris has countless parks, gardens, and squares where you can go for a walk or take a break during a visit to cut out the hustle and bustle of the street for a moment, breathe in, and experience the city differently.
If you went for a walk in the 5th arrondissement for example, you can go for a walk in the Jardin des plantes and take the opportunity to visit the Grande Galerie de l'évolution (Gallery of evolution), or enjoy the sun in the Jardin du Luxembourg and admire the Senate. For book lovers, don't hesitate to look for a small square hidden behind the Institut de France, not far from the Pont des Arts. You will soon discover why our team recommends it, but we challenge you to find it without us giving you its name!
If you are visiting for several days and feel like spending a day or a half-day in nature, don't hesitate to go to one of the woods around Paris. Between the Gardens of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes, or the Parc de Sceaux, there is no shortage of places to go and get some exercise or to walk in total peace and quiet without seeing any buildings. In Boulogne and Vincennes, you can even take a boat ride if you feel like it!
Good plans to spend less in Paris
Take advantage of free access to museums and monuments
Some Parisian museums and monuments offer year-long free access to their permanent collection. This is the case, for example, of the Museum of Modern Art, the house of Victor Hugo, or the Air and Space Museum at Le Bourget. Many museums and monuments offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, either all year round (e.g. the Centre Pompidou, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, or the Musée national Picasso) or for part of the year (e.g. the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Conciergerie). For its part, the Louvre opens its doors for free at night on the first Saturday of each month. You should expect to have to wait in line, but if you get there early, you should be through the doors relatively quickly.
Schedule outdoor activities
Because of the relatively small size of the city, it is quite possible to organize (if the weather is good) a totally free outdoor tour. From parks to monuments, from district to district, taking the time to appreciate your surroundings and allows you to enjoy Paris with fresh eyes. At the bend of a street, you will surely discover a colorful and lively neighborhood you had never heard of, a small unknown square to stop for a coffee, or a tiny square with a lot of charm... Let yourself be surprised without spending a cent!
Cheap accommodation with HomeExchange
If you travel mainly on foot and take advantage of the free opening days of museums, you will be left with lodging as a big expense. Thanks to home swapping, you can save up to 80% on your accommodation budget. Exchanging your home on HomeExchange will only cost you the annual membership fee of $175 and will allow you to travel as often as you want for a year! Home exchanging is also a more responsible way as it’s not encouraging mass tourism. On top of that, it will allow you to save money on meals, as you will be able to buy products and food from markets or supermarkets and prepare your meals yourself at your host's place. Your host will also probably have some great tips or recommendations of local things to do or see for a small budget!
The favorites of HomeExchange members
The XIVth arrondissement is both calm (a "green" arrondissement) and lively and allows you to live a real Parisian neighborhood life by shopping, for example, in the streets of the district (many stores), in the Montsouris park (ideal for picnics, walks by the water), or in the pedestrian area of the rue Daguerre (restaurants, cafés, bookstores...).
Philippe - 13 Exchanges
Ile Saint Louis is a paradise in the center of Paris. There is almost no traffic, so the area is very quiet and it looks like a village with many shops (grocery store, bakeries, butcher shops, the famous "Berthillon" ice cream, and a small supermarket). Surrounded by the river Seine, one can admire beautiful architecture like the hotel Lauzun and the hotel Lambert. Moreover, as this neighborhood is in the heart of Paris, it is easy to reach on foot many points of interest of the city: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris City Hall, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, Pantheon and even the Louvre.
Benoit - 1 Exchange
The Butte aux Cailles neighborhood is like a village in Paris: small houses, cobblestone streets... The atmosphere is very family-oriented and there are many bars to have a drink in the evening. There is also a lot of street-art in the area! (for example MissTic and Lézarts de la Bièvre). It's like being in the countryside in Paris: few cars, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, it's infinitely enjoyable to stroll around.
Johanna - 33 EXchanges
Accomodation in Paris