Looking for the best things to do in central Paris? Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, the magic is in the mix – from world-famous landmarks to cobbled lanes, rooftop views, and café terraces that beg you to linger.

Woman in a yellow floral dress looking towards the Eiffel Tower from the Seine River in Paris.
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I’m Hazel – travel blogger, Paris obsessive, and unashamed cheese-and-wine enthusiast. After dozens of visits, I still get giddy every time I see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Here’s your go-to list of top things to do in central Paris. It’s ideal for a first-time Paris itinerary, weekend break, or anyone wanting to soak up Paris at its finest.

1. Take in the Eiffel Tower Magic 🗼

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s totally worth it.

Eiffel Tower, Paris - Full view of the Eiffel Tower rising above the fountains of Trocadéro Gardens under a cloudy sky.
Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Place.

Whether you picnic beneath it in the Champ de Mars or ride the lift to the top for panoramic views, the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must.

Tip: Go early morning or just before sunset to avoid the biggest crowds – and book tickets online to skip the queues. Eiffel Tower tickets here.

2. Wander Through the Louvre 🎨

Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and thousands of other masterpieces, the Louvre is an art lover’s paradise.

The glass pyramid entrance of the Louvre Museum in Paris on a sunny day, surrounded by the museum’s grand historic architecture.
The Louvre

Even if you’re not a museum nerd, the glass pyramid and the regal courtyards are a feast for the eyes.

Woman in a light blue dress walking along a sunlit Parisian street near the Louvre.
Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Paris — The famous Leonardo da Vinci painting displayed inside the Louvre Museum.
Outside the Louvre, and the Mona Lisa

My advice: Don’t try to see everything – the Louvre is massive. Read my guide to the Best Things to See in The Louvre to get the full lowdown before your visit.

Choose a wing or theme, like French paintings or Egyptian relics, and focus there. Or join a guided tour so you don’t miss the biggies (this one includes the Mona Lisa).

3. Stroll the Seine by Sunset 🌇

There’s nothing quite like a golden-hour walk along the Seine.

Pont Alexandre III, Paris — Ornate bridge with golden statues spanning the River Seine.
The river Seine

Start near the Pont Neuf and wander towards the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame, passing bookstalls, street musicians, and romantic couples on benches.

You can also hop on a Seine river cruise for a dreamy glide past the city’s most beautiful bridges. Check out boat tours on Viator.

4. Say Bonjour to Notre-Dame Cathedral ⛪

Though it’s still partly under restoration, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of the city.

Front view of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing its twin towers, detailed Gothic architecture, and rose window under a bright blue sky.
Notre Dame

Admire the gothic architecture from the outside, wander the surrounding Latin Quarter, and visit Shakespeare and Company, the quirky English-language bookshop nearby.

Nearby café break: Grab a coffee and people-watch at Le Saint-Régis on Île Saint-Louis. Très chic.

5. Climb the Arc de Triomphe (and Gasp at the View) 🏛️

Twelve grand avenues fan out from this triumphal arch, and the rooftop view is one of the best in Paris – you’ll see straight down the Champs-Élysées to the Louvre and beyond.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris — The monumental Arc de Triomphe surrounded by trees and traffic.
Arc de Triomphe

It’s open late, so it’s a fab spot for night-time skyline snaps. Tickets here.

6. Café-Hop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés ☕️

Saint-Germain-des-Prés embodies Parisian café culture at its finest. Think intellectuals, artists, and literary legends.

Café de Flore, Paris — Iconic Parisian café with flower-covered façade and outdoor seating on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Lunch at Café de Flore, Paris — Woman enjoying croque monsieur and coffee at a classic Paris café table.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Chill on a terrace with an espresso at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore and pretend you’re writing the next great novel.

Try: A classic croque monsieur with a glass of red. Instant Parisian vibes.

7. Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens🌿🧺

Lush lawns, fountains, and even miniature sailboats – the Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect green escape in central Paris.

Luxembourg Gardens, Paris - Elegant view of the Luxembourg Palace with manicured lawns, fountains, and flowerbeds in front.
Luxembourg Gardens

Grab a baguette, some cheese, and plonk yourself down for a très français picnic.

Bonus: The Medici Fountain is pure Instagram gold.

8. Browse Le Marais’ Boutiques & Boulangeries 🛍️

Once the aristocratic heart of Paris, now the coolest shopping neighbourhood in Paris.

Le Marais is full of trendy concept stores, vintage boutiques, falafel joints, and hidden courtyards.

Café in Le Marais, Paris — Elegant corner café with a red floral façade and outdoor seating in the Le Marais district.
Le Marais street, Paris - Narrow cobbled street with blue shutters, hanging plants, and classic Parisian architecture.
Le Marais

Don’t miss: Rue des Rosiers for lunch and Place des Vosges for a pretty park break.

9. Visit Sainte-Chapelle’s Stained Glass Wonderland 🌈

Forget the crowds at Notre-Dame – Sainte-Chapelle might be the most breathtaking church in Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris - Interior view of Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained-glass windows and ornate vaulted ceiling.
Sainte Chappelle

Its floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows glow like something out of a fairy tale.

Buy skip-the-line tickets (it gets packed) and go in the late morning when the sunlight really hits.

10. Catch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle ✨

Yes, again – but it’s different at night!

Eiffel Tower light show, Paris — The Eiffel Tower sparkling with golden lights during its evening illumination.
Eiffel Tower sparkle show

Every hour on the hour after sunset, the tower twinkles with 20,000 lights for five magical minutes. It’s cheesy, romantic, and unforgettable.

Best viewing spots: Trocadéro (for the wide-open view) or from a river cruise.

👉 Staying longer into the night? Read my guide to the Best Paris Landmarks at Night for the best illuminated spots and photo tips.

Map of Central Paris 🗺️

I’ve pinned all the sights from this list (plus a few extra café and photo stops) onto one handy Google Map so you can plan your day without zig-zagging across the city. This is the same map from my one-day-itinerary post.

💡 Tip: Save it to your Google Maps and download Paris for offline use before you go – it works perfectly without mobile data, which is a lifesaver in the Metro or when you’re wandering those beautiful cobbled streets.

FAQs About Visiting Central Paris 💡

First time in Paris? You’re not alone – here are the most common questions I get from readers planning their first trip.

Is Paris walkable? 🚶

Very. Most of central Paris is compact enough to explore on foot, especially if you cluster your sightseeing into neighbourhoods. Just bring comfy shoes – cobblestones are not high-heel-friendly.

Should I buy tickets for things to do in Paris in advance? 🎟️

For big attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle – absolutely. Queues can eat up hours of your day, especially in summer.

Is it worth getting the Paris Museum Pass? 🖼️

If you plan to visit several paid attractions in a few days, yes. The Paris Museum Pass covers many top sights and often includes skip-the-line perks.

Can I see all these sights in one day?

Yes you can see them all if you follow my One Perfect Day in Paris itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit Paris? 🌸

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak tourist season and can be hot.

How safe is central Paris? 🔒

Generally safe, but watch your belongings in crowded areas and on public transport – pickpockets do operate here.

Do I need to speak French in Paris? 🗣️

Not strictly, but learning a few basics like bonjour, merci, and s’il vous plaît goes a long way for friendly service.

Louvre Pyramid at night, Paris — Glass pyramid illuminated against the dark sky in the Louvre courtyard.
Louvre Pyramid in Paris at night

Final Thoughts: Paris is Always a Good Idea 💫

Whether you’re strolling the Seine, sipping espresso in Saint-Germain, or catching the Eiffel Tower sparkle for the third time, central Paris has a way of stealing hearts.

It’s not just about ticking off monuments, it’s about the moments between: the warm baguette in your hand, the soft hum of a violinist on a bridge, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Slow down, stay curious, and let Paris work its magic. Bon voyage! 🇫🇷💛

Related Posts You Might Like 📚

🥐 What to Eat in Paris.
📍 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Paris.
🎨 Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris: Art, Amour & Cobblestone Charm.
🏺 10 Louvre Highlights: What to See (and What I’ve Seen So Far).
🌙 Paris Landmarks at Night: The Most Magical Sights After Dark (With Photo Tips).
🇫🇷 The Perfect One Day in Central Paris: A First-Timer’s Guide.

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