Best Tours in Paris
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Paris
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Ever wonder just what a mineral is, or how it’s formed? You’ll have all these questions answered at the Geology and Mineralogy Gallery. There’s nearly 600 remarkable mineral treasures on display at the Geology and Mineralogy Gallery, including 20 giant crystals. You’ll arrive at the sight of giant quartz, weighing two to three tons each, and large geodes containing thousands of small crystals of amethyst. Learn more about them in a film that recalls their discovery in Brazil to their arrival in the museum in 1983. Alongside the natural wonder of minerals in their pure form, you’ll have the chance to see some rare crown jewels, including the grand sapphire of Louis XIV, the large opal of Charles X, and the diamond inlaid snuff box of Alexander I. While dazzling beauty is around every bend, you’ll also have the chance to learn fascinating insights about how these rare stones are formed.
For almost 100 years, the vast Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup has been a haven for trees and plant life. Situated on the grounds of the Royal Estate of Versailles, this fresh and airy landscape is just waiting to be explored. The Versailles Arboretum is a living museum of trees, protected and maintained by the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. See varying species of oak, maple, spruce and fir trees, as you wander freely around the 200-hectare grounds. Discover flowering meadows in summer and snow-sprinkled conifers in winter – there's beauty to be seen in all seasons.
The Ballon Generali will lift you 150 meters up into the sky and give you one of the most impressive views in Paris! The tethered helium balloon will rise straight up, then stay level while you enjoy 360º panoramas of the City of Lights. You'll be able to enjoy the whole cityscape of Paris with no obstructions around; you'll have the sky to yourself. Located just south of the Eiffel Tower, you'll get an idea of just how sprawling the metropolis of Paris is.
Musée d'Orsay is a renowned museum located in Paris, France, known for its extensive collection of 19th and early 20th-century art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and architectural designs. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored railway station, Gare d'Orsay, which was built in 1900 for the World Fair. The museum's collection is displayed on four floors, and visitors can explore the artworks at their own pace. The museum's galleries are arranged thematically, with each floor dedicated to a specific period or movement in art history. One of the highlights of Musée d'Orsay is its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. You can also see some of the most famous works of art in the museum, such as Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone, Manet's Olympia, and Rodin's The Thinker. In addition to its extensive collection of paintings, Musée d'Orsay also houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. You can admire beautiful Art Nouveau furniture, exquisite glassware, and intricate jewelry designs. Overall, a visit to Musée d'Orsay is an unforgettable experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Add a sprinkle of fairy dust to your life with a Disneyland® Paris with access to 2 parks over 2 days. Meet timeless Disney characters, feel the enchantment of the Sleeping Beauty castle, and enjoy the thrills on Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, and more! With more than fifty attractions – spread across five lands and Walt Disney Studios® – a Disneyland® 2-day ticket is the perfect way to see everything when you can't fit it into one day.
Step into the awe-inspiring Château de Versailles, where 55 fountains and pools spring to life at the twist of a lyre key! With a breathtaking array of 600 water features, this majestic setting promises to dazzle every visitor. But the spectacle doesn't stop with the visuals - the air is filled with the harmonious strains of the greatest Baroque maestros, from Lully to Handel. Imagine strolling through this royal wonderland, serenaded by timeless music.
Discover AURA INVALIDES, the immersive experience at the heart of the Dôme des Invalides in Paris. A unique multimedia creation combining orchestral music, video mapping and lighting effects, the immersive AURA INVALIDES show sublimates the architecture of the famous Parisian monument. Offered exclusively in the evening, AURA INVALIDES invites visitors to (re)discover the exceptional heritage of the Dôme des Invalides - through an extraordinary experience!
Have an unforgettable day in The Magic Kingdom with a Disneyland® Paris dated ticket. Meet your heroes, soak up the enchanting atmosphere, and feel the thrills on Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, and more! With more than fifty attractions spread across Disneyland® Paris and Walt Disney Studios®, this ticket option lets you fully enjoy all Disney has to offer.
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.
**Please note: Summit access with this ticket is optional and MUST be selected at checkout**. It goes without saying that going up _la tour Eiffel_ should be part of your Paris itinerary. Is there a more iconic building in all the world? Your adventure begins a short walk from the tower, where you'll be taught about its history by an Eiffel expert. Head to the viewing platform on the second level to learn more about the 18,000-part construction, which was once seen as an eyesore by grumbling Parisians. Then, mosey on up to the top in an elevator to admire Paris and beyond from the tower's summit (this is an optional extra - make sure to **choose the right ticket at checkout if you want to visit the summit**). You can see the former office of Gustave Eiffel himself or opt for a drink at the bar as you take in a view that millions have enjoyed before you!
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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.