Best Tours in Paris
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Top sights in Paris
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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.
Explore a former palace and riverside prison on Paris's medieval Île de la Cité. Witness the prison cells, including Queen Marie Antoinette's, from the French Revolution. Originally a royal palace in the 14th century, this Gothic structure later served as a prison when the royal family relocated to the Louvre and Vincennes. During the French Revolution, it gained the chilling moniker "the antechamber to the guillotine." Attractions include Europe's largest medieval hall, the Salle des Gens d’Armes, and the dreaded Bonbec Tower, a torture chamber. The name 'Bonbec' derived from prisoners confessing under duress (bon meaning 'good' and bec meaning 'mouth'). Explore the turbulent history of the French Republic at the Conciergerie. Unlike its former inhabitants, you're free to leave after your visit. Use the Histopad, an augmented reality tool, to discover medieval and revolutionary spaces, including vanished areas, offering a journey back in time.
Once a hunting lodge, the Château de Vincennes served as the French royal family's residence for centuries until they relocated to the Palace of Versailles (prior to their execution and exile). This historic complex boasts a moat, six towers, three gates, and a towering keep that stands at a remarkable height of 52 meters, making it the tallest in Europe. This ticket grants you access to all the main attractions and allows you to enter through the priority entrance. Similar to the Tower of London and other former royal residences located further from the city center, a visit to the Château de Vincennes offers an immersive encounter with the turbulent history of European monarchies. Situated within Paris, this compound features a splendid cathedral (although it suffered significant damage during the French Revolution) and the highest fortified tower in Europe. Moreover, this site has witnessed pivotal historical events. The donjon (tower) served as the place of King Henry V's demise from dysentery, while the chapel once housed the Crown of Thorns before its relocation to Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Additionally, during its time as a state prison, it incarcerated renowned figures such as the Marquis de Sade, the philosopher Diderot, and the controversial Count of Mirabeau.
The Panthéon and Basilica of Saint-Denis now serve as the final resting places of some of France's most important figures. Inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis, royalty still reigns, and their magnificent tombs mirror the might they held in their lives. Beneath the intricately designed domes of the Panthéon, heroes of the French Republic reside. Literary greats like Victor Hugo shared the space with philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire in a neoclassical building that rivals St. Peter's Basilica. With this ticket, you can get access to both of these must-sees, as well as benefit from priority entrance.
Explore the world of wild animals with over 600 species to see on a visit that lasts around 5 hours. Watch various animal feedings with commentary, enjoy a 4D animated film, and hop on the Trans'félins train for a tour of the Lumigny Safari reserve. Visit the educational farm and let children play in the playground.
The stunning Château de Rambouillet has welcomed some of the greatest figures in French history over the years. See the place that King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon I, Charles de Gaulle, and other prominent leaders all loved to escape to in the heart of a beautiful forest.
Look out for the Big Rock, a 65m artificial mini-mountain and the hallmark of the Parc Zoologique de Paris! As it comes into view, anticipate an encounter with diverse wildlife like giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, seals, and young lions. Don't leave your camera behind for this animal-filled adventure. Previously known as Bois de Vincennes Zoological Park, the park underwent a 27-month refurbishment and reopened in 2014. It now features five biozones, allowing you to journey from Europe to Madagascar, Africa to Patagonia, and even the Amazon. In Africa, spot lions, giraffes, and zebras, while Europe houses wolves, lynxes, and otters. The Amazon zone is a haven for jaguars, monkeys, and macaws, while Patagonia hosts penguins, pumas, and pudus. But that's not all! The park is also home to a plethora of birds, lizards, snakes, tarantulas, frogs, fish, and mammals. If you're an animal enthusiast, you're in for an unforgettable treat that will leave a lasting smile on your face. The Parc Zoologique de Paris is more than a zoo — it's a worldwide wildlife expedition in the heart of Paris.
This self-guided audio tour is designed for anyone interested in exploring the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene of Paris. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this tour will guide you through some of the most iconic and historically significant sites in Paris. The tour begins at 'The World Of Banksy Expo,' where you'll delve into the enigmatic world of street art and the works of the anonymous artist Banksy. From there, you'll make your way to landmarks such as the grand Palais Garnier, the elegant Place Vendôme, the historic Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, the Louvre Museum, and the Conciergerie, among others. Along the way, you'll experience the medieval grandeur of the Conciergerie, the stunning stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, and the architectural beauty of the Pont Alexandre III. You'll also explore the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former train station, and stroll through the charming Rue Cler, known for its high-quality specialty shops and traditional Parisian life. The most memorable experiences will include the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, the historical significance of the Hôtel des Invalides, and the picturesque views of the Seine from the Pont des Arts. Although entry ticket to The World of Banksy Expo is included, please be aware that there is no guided tour. You are invited to explore the exhibit at your leisure.
Get ready to challenge your perception, ignite your curiosity, and immerse yourself in a world of paradoxes and illusions at the Paradox Museum Paris! Here's where immersive exhibits play with your senses, leaving you questioning what's real and what is an illusion. Test your problem-solving skills and provoke your brain with puzzling challenges throughout the museum. If you're scratching your head, you're doing it right. Discover hidden clues, solve riddles, and unravel mysteries as you navigate through fun and immersive environments, designed to challenge your intellect. Don't forget to charge your phone - the photo ops are endless.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of French culture with this self-guided audio tour of Paris. Crafted for art enthusiasts and history buffs, it navigates through the city's rich tapestry of historic landmarks and artistic milestones, revealing the stories behind the heart of Paris. The journey begins at the innovative Atelier des Lumières and concludes with the stately Panthéon, guiding you through time and imagination. From the echoes of Impressionism at Musée Carnavalet to the romantic verses within the Maison de Victor Hugo, the path invites explorers to witness the evolution of Paris, where every corner holds whispers of the past. Along with the artistic narration, you will delve into the city's culinary heritage, discovering how French gastronomy has been an art form in its own right. Marvel at the ingenuity of ancient master builders at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and ponder the legacy of famed French citizens at the Panthéon. The tour is sprinkled with opportunities to engage with the city's culture, including visits to historic cafes and lush gardens. By the tour's end, the immersive storytelling will leave you with a deep appreciation for the French capital, its enduring spirit, and its emblematic contribution to world heritage.
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About Paris
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.