Things to do in Paris for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Paris
All self-guided activities
Explore Musée d'Orsay's artistic treasures with this captivating in-app audio tour, complete with an entry ticket for a seamless experience. Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time (2-3 hours), this tour unveils around 40 main masterpieces from the museum's extensive collection. As you enter the renowned museum housed in a converted railway station, let engaging narratives and insightful commentary serve as your personal guide. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history, fascinating stories, and breathtaking masterpieces that define Musée d'Orsay. Highlights include iconic works by celebrated artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, along with a journey through the museum's intriguing evolution from a railway station to a cultural landmark. The self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace, lingering at the artworks that capture your imagination. With your ticket, enjoy convenient access to Musée d'Orsay, bypassing long lines to maximize your time within. Delve into the beauty and brilliance housed within the historic walls of this Parisian gem—an enriching journey through the heart of art and culture. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Musée d'Orsay but is provided by an independent creator. An e-ticket is included for the customer's convenience at no charge.
Explore the Rodin Museum in Paris with this self-guided audio tour, which includes an entrance ticket! Auguste Rodin is one of the most significant sculptors in the history of art. He is known for his deep understanding of the human soul and his ability to capture emotions and anxieties using various materials. You will visit the mansion that once served as the sculptor’s studio and see models of some of his most important works. The stories behind these masterpieces will unfold as you explore the collection at your own pace guided by an engaging audio commentary on your phone. Then, you will take a walk through the garden and see The Gates of Hell, The Kiss, and The Thinker. You will also find works by Camille Claudel, his student and lover, and also a very talented sculptress in her own right. Prepare to plunge into the fascinating world of Rodin! Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Rodin Museum but is provided by an independent creator. An e-ticket is included for the customer's convenience at no charge.
What started out as a church, ended up as a burial site for the great men and women of France, those who have positively influenced the nation and its development. With this in-app audio tour with ticket, you will learn that the Pantheon is a solemn yet beautiful monument of great significance to the French nation. The monument is filled with artwork, from sculptures to frescos, paintings, tapestries, and more....all demonstrating the nation's fervor for the Republic. From the patriotic sculptures on the façade to the nationalistic artwork inside, the Pantheon honors the values of the Republic. A stroll through the crypt, with its sombre tombs, will reinforce the sentiment of patriotism one feels in this sacred place. Visitors will also be intrigued by Foucault's pendulum, a scientific installation beneath the dome. And for terrific views over the city, there is the newly-opened panoramic platform at the top of the dome. This in-app audio tour will provide visitors with the opportunity to visit the Pantheon at their own pace and learn more about this unique monument. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Pantheon but is provided by an independent creator. Tickets are included for the customer's convenience.
Explore the historic Conciergerie and the awe-inspiring Sainte-Chapelle with an in-app audio tour! Both buildings were part of the original Royal Court, the first in France, established in the 10th Century. The Conciergerie served as the first Royal Palace, while the Sainte Chapelle was built as the Royal Chapel for the Kings of France. Commencing at the Conciergerie, a medieval palace standing for over a millennium, delve into its rich history. Originally a residence for the kings of the Capetian dynasty, it was transformed into a prison during the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in this unique site, listening to audio commentary that introduces you to notable prisoners like Marie Antoinette. Continue the tour and discover the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle, celebrated for its Gothic splendor. Marvel at its stunning stained-glass windows dating back to the 13th century, illustrating biblical scenes. This architectural marvel captures the essence of French Gothic design and achieves the impossible: 70% of the building's surface is composed of stained-glass! Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Conciergerie and the Sainte-Chapelle but is provided by an independent creator.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and art with this self-guided audio tour through Paris, tailored for the curious traveler seeking to uncover the city's majestic past. This auditory adventure takes you from the artistic sanctum of the Grande Galerie to the soaring heights of the iconic Eiffel Tower, offering a seamless blend of audio narration and visual splendor at each turn. (!) Please note that the ticket to the Grande Galerie is included, but an audio tour inside the museum is not provided. After exploring the gallery on your own, traverse the city as the audio guide breathes life into the stones of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, whispers the dramatic tales of the Palais Garnier, and echoes the formidable presence of Hôtel des Invalides. Concluding with the grand Eiffel Tower, your path reveals a city shaped by kings and artists, revolutionaries and visionaries. Along the way, experience the grandiosity of Parisian architecture in the Louvre Palace, feel the artistic pulse at the heart of the Salle Richelieu, and become part of the legacy left by legends like Louis XIV and Émile Zola. Meander through the aromatic aura of the Fragonard Perfume Museum, and stand in awe of the Madeleine Church's neoclassical magnificence. Discover the city's capacity for wonder, its ever-present beauty, and the stories etched in its landscape, all while enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.
With this in-app audio tour, complete with an entrance ticket, you will discover the highlights of the magnificent Louvre Museum. Enter the museum through the Pyramid or the Carrousel entrance at 99, rue de Rivoli — take the green priority queue for visitors with tickets. Explore this extraordinary collection of art spanning from prehistoric times to Antiquity, through the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and up to 1848. Beyond the famous Mona Lisa, the museum reveals the treasures of human civilization: ancient Egyptian antiquities, graceful Greek sculptures, medieval European art, and Renaissance masterpieces. Your journey begins on the lower level, within the remains of a medieval fortress. You will encounter iconic works such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, also known as Nike. At the heart of the Louvre is its most celebrated masterpiece — the enigmatic Mona Lisa. Discover the secrets behind her famous smile and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The tour concludes in the Near Eastern antiquities section, where remarkable artifacts reveal the origins of writing. Designed for easy navigation, this tour focuses on the museum’s most essential works, guiding you to the iconic artwork that has marked our civilization. Please note: this tour is not affiliated with the Louvre. It is created by an independent author. The entry ticket to the museum is included for your convenience at no extra charge.
Paris is known as the City of Lights, the City of Love. The illuminated Eifel Tower and the splendor of the Louvre Palace attract tourists from all around the world. But not many people know there is another world underneath this majestic beauty. The labyrinth of dark tunnels lying 20 meters beneath the street level conceals secrets of the city’s past. These subterranean galleries preserve the remains of over 6 million Parisians. Their bones and skulls decorate the walls of the Catacombs. With this in-app audio tour, you will learn how the ossuary was created in the tunnels of the former quarries and reveal some of its mysteries. Experience a thrilling yet reflective journey through the maze of the Catacombs and admire the romantic side of this dark place. A visit to this “Empire of Dead” is a unique opportunity to look at the history of Paris from a new perspective. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket but may be used at any time during the Catacombs' opening hours.
This is a self-guided audio tour of the Orangerie Museum, a gallery of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Show your smartphone ticket at the "Visitors with Tickets" line. The larger-than-life Water Lilies by Monet are the main attraction, but they are far from the only reason to visit. Situated in an old greenhouse in the heart of Paris, this museum is also notable for having the Walter Guillaume collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. This in-app audio tour explains how Impressionism was born and how Monet's painting technique evolved over time. You will gain insights on the genesis of the Water Lily collection, Monet's creative vision, and how the Orangerie was adapted to accommodate the paintings. The amazing Walter Guillaume collection on the Lower Level allows the visitor to understand the evolution from Impressionism to Modern Art. The influence of African Art on the early Modernists led them to create the first abstract paintings. The visitor will also discover that the Orangerie building, once a greenhouse, was part of a large palace, a twin to the Louvre, constructed by Queen Catherine de Medici in 1564. This tour is not affiliated with the Orangerie Museum but is provided by an independent creator.
Embark on a journey through the heart of Paris with this self-guided audio tour, which includes a ticket to the Grevin Wax Museum. Note that while your ticket to the museum is included and available within the app, an audio tour inside the Grevin Wax Museum is not provided. After you finish exploring the Grevin Wax Museum, continue your journey through Paris with this tour. Along the way, you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Palais Garnier, the Petit Palais, the Musée d'Orsay, and Notre-Dame de Paris. Each stop is carefully curated to provide a deep understanding of Paris's architectural, cultural, and historical heritage. The tour concludes at the Place de la Bastille, a site of significant historical importance. As you navigate through the city, you will discover the intricate details of these iconic sites, learn about the transformative periods in Paris's history, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture. From the grand staircase of the Palais Garnier to the breathtaking stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, and from the historic significance of Notre-Dame to the modern innovation of the Centre Pompidou, this tour offers a comprehensive and memorable experience.
On April 15th, 2019, one of Christianity’s greatest icons suffered a terrible fate. After a titanic 5-year effort, the cathedral has been rebuilt, using traditional methods and tools. With this audio tour, you will discover (or rediscover) the beauty of this icon of Gothic architecture, restored to its original white color. Inside, the artistic highlights have been restored, renewed, brighter than ever. You will see how the church must have looked when it was first built. While you are waiting in line to get in, you can hear how it was constructed by medieval builders, using simple tools and basic math. You will learn about the building's rich history, and how it has evolved over the centuries. And you will be dazzled by the interior — the colors, the white limestone, the new liturgical fittings. It is all breathtakingly beautiful and this tour will take you through the details of the artwork, the statues, the windows, the frescoes... Tickets are not included in this tour — those may be procured on the Cathedral’s website (resa.notredamedeparis.fr/en/reservationindividuelle/tickets). Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance, and for a specific time and date. Visitors may also enter without a ticket, but the lines can be long, especially at peak times, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Whether you are a pilgrim or just a simple tourist, take the time to savor the beauty of this magnificent monument — one that belongs to all of humanity, not just Christians.
Cities in France
About Paris
The best tours to do in Paris with kids are:
The best tours in Paris are:
The must-see attractions in Paris for a first visit are:
The best indoor tours in Paris for rainy days are:
- Paris: Les Invalides Skip-the-Line Access Ticket & Army Museum Audio Tour
- La Conciergerie Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: From Royal Palace to Prison
- Paris: A Stroll Through Time with the Grande Galerie Ticket
- Paris: Louvre Ticket and Highlights Audio Tour
- La Conciergerie & La Sainte-Chapelle Ticket & In-App Audio Tour
Insider tips for visiting Paris
Sergio Clementini is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Paris on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Paris.
When I’m in Paris, I slip away to the Musée de la Vie Romantique in the 9th—it feels like a secret garden, especially if you pause in the rose-filled courtyard café. For quieter attractions in Paris, I also recommend the Promenade Plantée, the original elevated walkway that locals use long before they head to the crowds at bigger sights. If friends ask me what to see in Paris beyond the obvious, I send them to Rue des Barres near Saint-Gervais for medieval Paris at its most intimate. Even people who love classic tours in Paris often miss the Canal Saint-Martin locks at golden hour, when the neighborhood feels effortlessly local.
When I visit Paris, I usually tell first-timers to stay in the Marais: it’s central, walkable, and still feels lived-in. Around Rue de Bretagne, you’re near the Marché des Enfants Rouges for an easy lunch, and in the evening the side streets stay lively without feeling chaotic. If you want a more village-like Paris, I recommend South Pigalle near Rue des Martyrs—great bakeries, small wine bars, and quick access to the Metro. In my travel guide Paris notes, these two areas work best because you can actually enjoy the things to do in Paris on foot. If you visit Paris often, Canal Saint-Martin is another local favorite.
When I’m helping someone with a first trip to Paris, I always suggest mixing the icons with small neighborhood moments. Start early on Île de la Cité, then cross to the Left Bank for coffee on Rue de Buci before the streets fill up. For the best things to do in Paris, I’d pair the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay with a slow walk through the passages around Palais-Royal. If you’re wondering what to see in Paris without rushing, take time for the Seine at sunset between Pont Neuf and Pont des Arts. Even people focused on big attractions in Paris or classic tours in Paris often remember those quieter hours most.
If you want to visit Paris around a memorable local event, I’d pick June for Fête de la Musique, when all of Paris spills into the streets with free performances, especially around the Marais and the Latin Quarter. In my travel guide Paris notes, Nuit Blanche is another favorite: contemporary art takes over unexpected corners of Paris for one long night, and the city feels wonderfully awake. I also love January for the soldes, when locals hunt real bargains in the grands magasins and smaller boutiques. For seasonal things to do in Paris, Paris Plages in summer can be surprisingly fun if you know which stretches of the Seine feel more local.
When I visit Paris, I mostly use the Metro, but I’m picky about when: for short hops across central Paris, lines 1 and 14 save the most time, while buses are better when you actually want to see the city between stops. In my travel guide Paris notes, the biggest mistake is relying on taxis in busy hours, especially near Opéra or Saint-Germain. If you plan to visit Paris and linger in neighborhoods, walking is still the smartest choice—many of the best things to do in Paris are only a few bridges or boulevards apart. I also use Vélib’ on Sunday mornings, when Paris traffic feels much calmer.
When I’m in Paris, I see most visitors gravitate toward a few classics, but the best way to enjoy them is with timing. Among the most popular things to do in Paris, the Louvre is far better early or on a late-opening evening, and I always suggest pairing it with the quieter arcades near Palais-Royal. For what to see in Paris, people naturally head to the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise, but I prefer boarding near Pont Neuf at dusk, when Paris feels softer and less hectic. Even the biggest attractions in Paris and the usual tours in Paris become more memorable when you build in neighborhood stops like Rue Cler or Île Saint-Louis.
When I visit Paris, I tell people to look beyond onion soup and focus on what Parisians actually queue for: a good baguette tradition, flaky viennoiseries, oysters in season, and classic bistro dishes like steak-frites or œuf mayo done properly. In my travel guide Paris notes, one of the best things to do in Paris is to build a meal from different stops—cheese from a fromagerie, fruit from a market, and pastry from a neighborhood bakery. If you visit Paris in winter, I’d add hot chocolate and buckwheat galettes. Paris is also wonderful for North African food; a great couscous or tagine is as much a part of the city as any café terrace.