Things to do
Things to do in Paris: the best sights, museums and day trips
How to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame without the queues, plus the neighbourhoods, views and day trips worth your time.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Book timed tickets for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower before you go; both sell out in busy months.
- Plan around closing days: the Louvre closes on Tuesdays, and the Musée d'Orsay and Versailles close on Mondays.
- Three to four days covers the highlights, with a half-day trip to Versailles.
| Days needed | 3–4 |
|---|---|
| Closed Tuesdays | Louvre |
| Closed Mondays | Musée d'Orsay, Versailles |
| Free to enter | Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur |
| Best time to visit | April–June, September–October |
The big three: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame
The Louvre is the world's most visited museum. Book a timed entry, arrive at opening and pick a few wings rather than trying to see everything; the Mona Lisa is busiest at midday.
At the Eiffel Tower, book lift tickets to the summit, or take the stairs to the second floor for a cheaper, quicker climb. For the classic photo, go to the Trocadéro across the river.
Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire, and entry is free. Next door, the Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass is breathtaking on a sunny morning.
More museums
- Musée d'Orsay: Impressionist masterpieces in a former railway station.
- Musée de l'Orangerie: Monet's huge Water Lilies paintings.
- Musée Rodin: sculpture and a lovely garden.
- The Centre Pompidou is closed for a long renovation, expected to last until around 2030.
Neighbourhoods and views
Wander Montmartre's lanes up to the Sacré-Cœur for views over the city, browse the boutiques and falafel shops of Le Marais, and explore the Latin Quarter and the Luxembourg Gardens on the Left Bank.
A Seine river cruise is the easiest way to see the bridges and monuments, especially at dusk. The roof of the Arc de Triomphe has one of the best views of the Champs-Élysées.
Day trips from Paris
- Versailles: about 40 minutes by RER C train. Go early, and leave time for the gardens.
- Disneyland Paris: about 40 minutes by RER A train.
- Giverny: Monet's house and garden, open from about April to October.
- Champagne: Reims and Épernay are about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by high-speed train.
Where to stay
For a first visit, stay in the central arrondissements: Le Marais (3rd and 4th) or Saint-Germain (6th) for character, near the Louvre (1st) for sights, or the 7th for Eiffel Tower views. Montmartre is charming but hilly and further out.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Paris?
The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, the Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre and a Seine cruise, plus a day trip to Versailles.
Which day is the Louvre closed?
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. The Musée d'Orsay and the Palace of Versailles are closed on Mondays.
Is Notre-Dame open again?
Yes. Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024, and entry to the cathedral is free.
