Best Tours in Paris
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Paris
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This self-guided walking tour is perfect for those interested in exploring Paris's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Your journey begins at the breathtaking Palais Garnier. Please note that the ticket IS NOT included in this audio tour! Buy it at operadeparis.fr Discover the renowned architectural masterpiece, delve into the creative mind of the gifted architect, listen to the tale of the phantom of the opera, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera and ballet. The route takes you from Palais Garnier through significant sites like the intimate Théâtre Édouard VII, the striking neoclassical Church of La Madeleine, and the historic Place de la Concorde. You'll stroll through the lush Gardens of the Champs-Élysées and along the celebrated Avenue des Champs-Élysées, culminating at the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Along the way, you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere of Paris's cultural heart and legendary avenues. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Opera Garnier, but is provided by an independent creator.
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.
The City of Lights is also the city of art, food, and architecture. Throughout centuries, many (food-)artists from around the world have worked on creating an urban atmosphere, that is as diverse as possible. Come and discover the oldest living quarters of Paris with its secret locations and hidden gems on this self-guided tour, while having the opportunity to taste some world-class food! Starting at Bastille you'll stroll through the Marais district, the famous aristocratic district of Paris. Marvel at Place des Vosges — the most beautiful square in Paris. See the Centre Pompidou, a large cultural center combining art and literature together, and the nearby Stravinsky Fountain well-known for its unusual sculptures. Your journey finishes at Les Halles.
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world. It houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from all over the world. Once inside the Louvre, you'll find yourself in the vast central courtyard, where you can see the iconic glass pyramid from another perspective. From there, you can explore the museum's collection, which spans over 60,000 square meters and features more than 35,000 works of art. One of the highlights of the Louvre is its collection of paintings, which includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. In addition to these masterpieces, the Louvre also has an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts, including mummies, sculptures, and sarcophagi. As you make your way through the museum, you'll also see decorative arts and furniture from various periods in history, including the Renaissance and the Baroque era. Overall, a visit to the Louvre is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. With its impressive collection and stunning architecture, it's easy to see why the Louvre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.
Villa Savoye is widely accepted as the basis for modernist architecture. It was so revered that it was listed as a historic monument while architect Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) was still alive. Fancy that! This iconic weekend retreat, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is waiting for your visit. Built with Le Corbusier's five points of architecture, the villa includes his staple design elements: pilotis, a roof garden, an open-plan design, horizontal windows, and a free façade.
Indulge in a captivating journey through the artistic legacy of one of the greatest sculptors in history with an entrance ticket to the Rodin Museum. Annually drawing over 700,000 enthusiasts, this cultural haven stands testament to Auguste Rodin's enduring popularity. The sculptor's foresight in dedicating a significant portion of his life's work to establish a museum in his honor has resulted in a mesmerizing collection that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The entrance ticket opens the doors to a world where Rodin's famed sculptures come to life in their original glory. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and profound artistic expression encapsulated in iconic masterpieces such as "The Thinker," "The Kiss," and "The Gates of Hell." The museum offers a unique opportunity to witness the original casts of these timeless works, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the genius and creativity of the master sculptor.
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.
Dive into the depths of France's capital with this in-app audio tour, crafted for travelers fascinated by history and architecture. Discover Paris at your own pace, starting at the Musée Rodin and concluding within the verdant embrace of the Jardin des Plantes. This journey is a gateway to the city's soul, combining the ease of technology with the allure of bygone eras. The tour's path weaves through Paris's grandeur, from the reflective gardens and artistic splendor of the Musée Rodin to the regal might of the Luxembourg Palace. It traverses the Seine via the ornate Pont Alexandre III, cuts through the literary corners of Shakespeare and Company, and navigates the exalted hallways of Louvre Museum. Start your adventure at the doorstep of the Musée Rodin, and prepare to be led through captivating narratives until reaching the living tapestry of the Jardin des Plantes. Feel the weight of history with each step, in places like the Panthéon and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and let the whispers of the past guide you through Paris's rich cultural landscape. This audio guide offers a unique passage through time, revealing vivid memories encapsulated within the city's enchanting monuments and streets. Although admission to the Musée Rodin is included, there is no guided tour available for the museum. You're welcome to explore it at your own pace.
The gardens at Château de Chantilly are something truly spectacular. With a ticket to the gardens, you can explore three unique areas, including an Anglo-Chinese garden that served as inspiration for Marie Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles. After you've walked by the rustic houses that exist in simpatico with the plants in the Chinese garden, take a leisurely stroll through your next stop – the English garden. Perfect for a romantic walk, you can stop at the Temple of Venus, breathe in the beauty of nature at the Beauvais Waterfall, and entrench yourself in the peace that highlights the wilderness of nature. Perhaps the most stunning elements at the Château are the French-style flower beds. Designed by André Le Nôtre, who also worked on the gardens at Versailles, reminisced that this was his proudest achievement. Immaculately manicured lawns stand beside the mirror-like grand canal, while statues and water features entertain the eye and show order amongst wilderness.
Discover masterpieces of French and international architecture inside Paris's City of Architecture and Heritage. Within one building, you can admire monuments of French architecture spanning from the Middle Ages through the industrial revolution and into the 21st century. At the heart of the collection are a number of sculpture casts and models displaying the beauty of the currently damaged Notre-Dame, with particular attention paid to the spire. If selected, you'll also be able to visit the regularly changing temporary exhibitions.
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About Paris
The best indoor tours in Paris for rainy days are:
The best tours to do in Paris with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Paris for a first visit are:
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.