Location: Paris
Top Things to do in Paris
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10 Things to Do in Paris That You Shouldn't Miss
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Musee d'Orsay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
This beautiful museum, once a railroad station, now houses a staggering collection of Impressionist art, as well as other items created between 1848 and 1914. In 2011, the museum is running a renovation of the top floor (impressionist gallery). Only ground and medium floor are accessible. The top floor will re-open on the 20th of October. Meanwhile, some impressionist masterpieces are not visible.
Reviewed By sargent0 - Swindon, United Kingdom
On our last full day in Paris we visited Musée d’Orsay. We got there early (and thank god we did) arriving at 09:40 just after opening to join a huge queue which stretched to the corner of the block. It took us just over an hour to get in, but it was worth the wait.
Also being the first Sunday of the month, entry was free which was a real bonus though the full price ticket is only €12 per adult.
On arrival we head straight up to the 5th floor to the only cafe which was open at the time. Worth noting that until 11:45 they only serve tea, coffee, cake and desserts so we ordered tea, a pint of cola and my husband had a Belgian waffle. Once lunch could be ordered I had the Salade Parisian and my husband the Fois Grais.
Both of which was very nice and all in all cane to around €45
We started our visit on the 5th floor after our lunch and it is without a doubt the best section.
With a huge collection of Monet, Renoir you would not be disappointed by the majority of Exhibitions. I particularly liked the Sisley collection.
Having arrived at 11:15 we departed around 14:30.
It’s a stunning museum with a collection which I am sure would have something for everyone.
I’ll be honest, I was very surprised by how much of the art work I really liked. I would never have classed myself as a fan of the Impressionists as our personal art collection is very modern day while quite eclectic to say the least but there were a number of the Monet and Sisley pieces which I found quite stunning.
For €12 each you cannot go wrong with a visit to this beautiful museum which in itself is a piece of art, originally an old railway station, this old building is something to be admired in its own right.
Would absolutely recommend if you can stand the queues.
2. Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
This performance hall hosts opera, ballet and chamber music Performances.
Reviewed By wiseguy1282005 - Hong Kong, China
Grand looking building both inside and outside, excellent place for photo taking. Just one minor issue regards left behind your ID before you can rent the audio guide. Really? That's a bit strange. I would rather to be asked for higher rental fee for it.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By Dave_Cowley_Road - Oxford, United Kingdom
I recommend visiting here if you are in Paris. It is quite unique: a vision of Paradise viewed through 13th century eyes. The upper chamber has the most exquisite and breathtaking stained glass on every side, drawing your eyes heavenward.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
This famous Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By davefields73 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Notre Dame is an unbelievable stucture with some of the largest bells in history. You can climb up the towers to the first floor where there are fascinating gargoyls and great views. You must check out the bell tower and see the biggest bell you've ever seen! If you dare you can go right to the very top of one of the towers and get some great shots of Paris.
5. Eiffel Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Completed in 1889, this colossal landmark, although initially hated by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride.
Reviewed By 01Elmartillo65 - Fort Worth, Texas
Although a constantly seen symbol of Paris, in person this is unreal, to think of the craftsmanship and the work it took to design build and erect this beautiful structure. Again this is one nest scene on two separate days. Spend an hour or two at Trocadero taking it all in. Then spend the next morning working your way up to the observation deck for a view that is remarkable. GO EARLY - in fact we did the skip the line and still had a bit of a line. It is still a must see and do in Paris if you have not done it.
6. Louvre Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world's greatest art museum, with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages.
Reviewed By Jen B - Kazan, Russia
I enjoyed the Louvre much more than I anticipated. It is beautiful. We purchased tickets for the opening time slot, which I highly recommend. Of course my first stop was the Mona Lisa. I have always wanted to see her, so I made sure to get there before the throngs of people showed up. Then it was fun to go back later in the day and see her as she really looks with hundreds of people trying to get that great picture, which I did get!
Also looked at the Venus de Milo of course and countless paintings, antiquities and other works of art that I thought I might never see in person. I think my favorite painting though was David's The Coronation of the Emperor Napoleon, just the sheer size of it was impressive!
We were there for about five hours and did not see everything, so plan accordingly if you are one who wants to see it all. I don't have kids, so I'm not really sure if children would truly appreciate what the museum has to offer. If you are taking kids, try not to go when it's too crowded. It's mostly standing around looking at beautiful works of art without much else for them to do. If you appreciate art and museums, this is the place for you. I will definitely return to check out what I missed this time around. Enjoy!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
These formal Gardens, open to only royalty before the French Revolution, now serve as one of Paris's most popular destinations for relaxation.
8. Musee de l'Orangerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Jabrd
Less crowds, more art. One of, if not the best Impressionist collections in the world. Buy ticket here for this and D’Orsay, and skip line at D’Orsay
9. Pont Alexandre III
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By FFFins - Atlanta, GA
We always visit this bridge around sunset when we go to Paris. The bridge itself is gorgeous and it has a great view of the Eiffel Tower. There is always lots of activity and good people watching. From here it is an easy walk to the Grand and Petite Palais or stroll all the way up to the Arc d'Triumph for a nice stretch of the legs.
10. Le Marais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Located on a land-filled swamp, this revitalized neighborhood, once a center of high culture, fell into disrepair following the French Revolution, but has regained prominence.
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