I’ve traveled around the world, but even after a dozen visits, Paris remains my favorite city. I never tire of its cafés, restaurants, parks, or opportunities to practice my French.
The city, which is expecting over 15 million visitors as it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics, offers countless attractions — many of which are filled with tourists.
After multiple visits, I’ve found a few lesser-visited spots and activities that I think everyone should check out. Whether you’re trying to avoid touristy spots or have already hit the popular places, here are seven of my favorite things to do in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower is iconic, but the view from the Montparnasse Tower is equally stunning
shomos uddin/Getty Images
I’ve been atop the Eiffel Tower several times, toasting a plastic flute of Champagne from the bar and peering at the skyline from every vantage point.
But if I were looking for Instagrammable views of Paris’ most famous landmark, I’d head to the Montparnasse neighborhood. The rooftop terrace atop Paris’ only skyscraper, Montparnasse Tower, has 360-degree city views and tons of space to spread out.
I recommend visiting during the evening hours to catch the sparkling light show on the Eiffel Tower, which occurs for five minutes at the top of each hour after sundown.
The Louvre may have the Mona Lisa, but the Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie house beloved Impressionist works
Like many tourists, I’ve marched through the massive halls of the Louvre to see pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and The Coronation of Napoleon. Though it is indeed filled with art, lots of people are surprised to discover that many Impressionist pieces are displayed in other museums.
Several Impressionist works are housed in the Musée d’Orsay. The museum is located in the former Gare d’Orsay, a gorgeous railway station, and has incredible artwork displays and a gift shop. When I went, I marveled at works from the masters I studied in French class, from Monet to Manet and Renoir.
If you’re a superfan of Monet’s Water Lilies, I also suggest visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie. The Water Lilies exhibit, which features eight panels displayed side by side in a small room, can get somewhat crowded. Still, it was a special experience to be surrounded by Monet’s iconic flowers.
Follow up a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery with a walk through Les Catacombes
Miguel Sánchez Villafán/Getty Images
I first made the pilgrimage to the Père Lachaise Cemetery to see former The Doors front man Jim Morrison’s bouquet-covered gravesite in high school. However, I’d also recommend visitors head to Les Catacombes.
The catacombs, built in the 18th century to solve the problem of Paris’ overcrowded cemeteries, hold the remains of more than six million people. I solemnly walked through the many corridors and past walls neatly lined with countless skulls and bones during my visit.
After you’ve had a drink at a café, do a cocktail crawl in the Le Marais neighborhood
There are no shortages of cafés in Paris. People watching over a croque madame (a French sandwich) is the quintessential Parisian experience. But as a wine and spirits writer, I appreciate a good cocktail — and the charming Le Marais neighborhood is full of renowned bars.
I loved the singular ingredient-focused drinks at Little Red Door, named one of the world’s 50 best bars.
I had a fabulous gin, aquavit, and fino sherry drink at The Cambridge Public House, a cross between a pub and cocktail lounge. I ended the night with a savory olive oil and balsamic martini riff at Le Mary Celeste, a cozy bar with an extensive wine list, and a spicy marg at La Mezcaleria, a cocktail bar inside the 1K Hotel Paris.
While you’re waiting for the Notre-Dame Cathedral to reopen, head to the Basilica de Sacré Coeur
Westend61/Getty Images
I was lucky enough to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral several times before the massive fire in 2019. It’s scheduled to open later this year, and it’s a must-see if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.
In the meantime, I suggest visiting the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, which is perched high atop the Montmartre hill and features great views of Paris.
On my way to the church, I walked through the restaurants and shops in the bustling Montmartre district and then took in the view atop the steps leading to the basilica. On some of my visits, I’ve even heard live music.
Finally, I walked down the steps and grabbed a table at Le Studio Café. I wouldn’t say the food is especially note-worthy, but the restaurant boasts an enviable view of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœu.
Once you’ve had your fill of crêpes, try an earthier, savory version of the dessert
I’m a sucker for a warm, freshly made crêpe from a Parisian street cart. But during one of my trips, I discovered the city’s galettes, buckwheat-flour pancakes from France’s Bretagne (or Brittany) region.
The flavor is earthier than its eggier cousin. It’s a perfect base for savory fillings, which are laid onto the pancake before its sides are folded over.
I found that most of the cafés serving these savory galettes were located in the Latin Quarter and the Le Marais districts. I stumbled upon Breizh Café, a chain known for this specialty, and tried a galette stuffed with mushrooms, Gruyere, and ham.
Skip the hassle of finding authentic art and get a France-inspired tattoo
Kelly Magyarics
Instead of trying to find a genuine art piece to take home, a friend and I decided to get matching tattoos at Freaks and Geeks Tattoo last year.
I saw another customer getting inked with an adorable cheeseboard design while we waited to get our Champagne-flute tattoos. This past summer, I returned for a lavender-sprig design.
The shop has talented artists, and the tattoos are my all-time favorite souvenirs from Paris.
