Best Tours in Paris
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Paris
All self-guided activities
Take this in-app audio tour to explore the iconic Conciergerie! Standing in the center of Paris is a medieval Palace that is over 1000 years old. Note! This tour DOES NOT include include an entrance ticket! Buy it at www.paris-conciergerie.fr Built on top of Roman foundations, the Palace was home to the Kings of the Capetian dynasty who ruled France from 987 to 1848. Over the centuries each king embellished the Royal Palace, building the largest civic hall in Europe, adding kitchens, gardens and chapels. When the royal court was moved to the Louvre in 1360, the building was transformed into a prison, under the supervision of a warden known as the Concierge, thus the name of the building. The prison became (in)famous during the French Revolution of 1789 when some 4200 prisoners were held and tried at the Conciergerie for counter-revolutionary activities. This in-app audio tour allows you to discover this medieval palace, over 1000 years old, at your own pace. As you stroll through the exhibits, you will listen to the audio commentary and "meet" some of the more famous prisoners, such as Marie Antoinette and Madame Roland, who tragically died for a cause she believed in. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Conciergerie but is provided by an independent creator.
What do you think about the Montparnasse tower? It was erected 50 years ago, but discussions around it are still ongoing. It is the first and only skyscraper in the center of Paris; designing other skyscrapers was prohibited after its construction. Montparnasse tower symbolized France's technological and aesthetic changes and the ideal that French society aspired to. This tour will interest anyone who would like to look at the city from an unexpected angle. You will see Paris, which takes risks and is not afraid to transform. However, this walk also appeals to people in love with the classic Paris, with its cozy cafes that have not changed for centuries. Your tour will start here in the Montparnasse Tower, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. You will see a panorama of Paris with its iconic buildings, including the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. Further, as a bonus, the tour will take you around the Montparnasse quartier. You will see the legendary Bobino and those restaurants where Picasso, Hemingway, Modigliani, and many others used to meet. Your walk will end at the Montparnasse cemetery, where you can find the graves of your favorite writers, artists, or musicians. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Tower but is provided by an independent creator.
Have you ever wanted to visit a castle? With this in-app audio tour, you can visit an authentic medieval castle built from 1360-1410. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Buy it at www.chateau-de-vincennes.fr Located only 20 minutes from central Paris, the castle is easily accessible by metro. Come on my tour to learn about the medieval castle — its construction, its features, its defenses. We will take the drawbridge over the moat and enter through the main tower. We will visit the keep and its residential area. We'll make the rounds on the wooden terrace which commands views for miles around. We will climb a dizzying spiral staircase to the top of the castle and see the battlements with its bell tower, just like the soldiers who once guarded the castle. Then we descend into the dungeons and kitchens. I provide the historical context to help you learn about life in the Middle Ages! Note! This tour is not affiliated with Chateau de Vincennes but is provided by an independent creator.
Take this in-app audio tour to discover the amazing Sainte-Chapelle, a gem of Gothic architecture famous for being one of the most beautiful churches in the World. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Buy it at www.sainte-chapelle.fr This tour makes it possible for you to admire this unique monument and learn its fascinating history. The Sainte Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive churches ever constructed – three-quarters of the building consists of stained-glass dating from the 13th Century. Take a spiritual and artistic journey while discovering all of the details of this church. Each pane of its stained glass will tell you a story from the Bible depicted in a small scene and its facades will be a true delight for any architecture lover. Once you have visited the Sainte-Chapelle, no other church can compare to its architectural magnificence or its weightless beauty. Spend an hour admiring the spectacular stained-glass windows that contribute to making Sainte Chapelle the jewel of French Gothic architecture. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Sainte Chapelle but is provided by an independent creator.
Explore Les Invalides and the Army Museum with this in-app audio tour! Discover one of the most prestigious monuments in the heart of Paris. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! While walking through the halls of the museum the audio guide will relate the fascinating history of this place and explain the most interesting exhibits. You'll see the collection of medieval armor and weapons, one of the largest in the world. Exhibits in the museum cover the wars fought by Louis XIV through to the Cold War, with every major conflict in between. Artifacts, weapons, and uniforms help bring each moment to life. You will visit the beautiful Cathedral – a soldier's church – where classical concerts are offered in the evening. Your visit also takes you to the Dome of the Church, which since 1861 has been home to the monumental tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The tour finishes outside the church for a unique photo opportunity, while discovering the architectural details of the cathedral. This tour is not affiliated with Les Invalides and the Army Museum but is provided by an independent creator.
Take this in-app audio tour to explore the square which is considered to be the most beautiful in Paris. It is also the oldest, laid out in 1612 by King Henry IV. This was a project planned for wealthy aristocrats, who built 36 private mansions around the square. Built in the Renaissance-era Baroque style imported from Italy, with red brick and cream limestone, the buildings are all landmarked as historic monuments. They form a harmonious setting that makes this tour such a pleasant visit. With this in-app audio tour, you will learn about the rich history of the Place des Vosges and its marvelous mansions. Enjoy a stroll around the square to admire the historic buildings, stop for tea or coffee along the way in one of the cafés. You can even do a little shopping in the numerous boutiques and art galleries beneath the arcades. This self-guided audio tour also takes you to the home of Victor Hugo, the author of masterpieces such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables. He lived here for 16 years and his home has been transformed into a lovely little museum, open to the public free of charge. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Maison de Victor Hugo but is provided by an independent creator.
Take this in-app audio tour to explore the 2nd most visited monument in Paris at your own pace! Perched on the hill of Montmartre, overlooking Paris, it is hard to miss Sacré Coeur. Since it was built over a century ago, it has become the symbol of Montmartre – of its defiance in the face of the enemy, of its unique bohemian atmosphere, of its popularity amongst the faithful and the hordes of tourists who visit. Learn about its unusual architecture, styled in the Neo-Byzantine fashion, which makes Sacre-Coeur unique within Paris. Furthermore, its location at the summit of the hill provides visitors with the opportunity to see the city from high above. Climb to the viewing platform, situated in the dome at close to 200 meters above ground level, for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.
Take this in-app audio tour to explore a must-see museum for all the Romantic souls of the world! This tiny museum, unique in Paris if not the world, is a microcosm of the Romantic movement that swept Europe in the early 1800s. Inspired by a love of nature and an emerging sense of individuality, writers such as Byron, Shelley, Walter Scott & Goethe began writing Romantic novels that, in turn, inspired numerous artists. The Museum of Romantic Life is situated in a private mansion built in 1830 for one of these artists, a Dutch painter named Ary Scheffer. His circle of friends included Chopin, Lizst, Rossini, George Sand, Dickens, Turgenev, and Delacroix, to name a few. These artists gathered in Scheffer's mansion to exchange ideas, share their work and relax. The museum displays Sheffer's work – his paintings, sculptures, and other objects. Two leading figures of the day are highlighted – George Sand, the author; and Ernest Renan, related to Scheffer by marriage. The entire ground floor serves as a homage to Sand, the most popular author of her day in both France and England. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Museum of Romantic Life but is provided by an independent creator.
Some Parisians say that the Petit Palais has “power to educate the mind while it pleases the senses.” Feel this power with the tour of the Petit Palais' main masterpieces with the help of your own self-guided audio tour! The entrance is free, and with this in-app audio tour, you will get an immersive audio commentary along a planned route! Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, the Petit Palais still impresses tourists from all over the world with its grandeur. Today it is home to the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts' precious exhibits. Marvel at the works of some of the greatest artists of all times: Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne, Rodin, and many others. Learn about their works, sources of inspiration, and influences. Get close to the masterpieces and examine the finesse techniques of artistic geniuses. Dive into the atmosphere of Paris at the turn of the century. Learn more about the City of Love’s history and its heroes. You will discover marvelous things on your journey through the splendor of art. Breathe in the fresh air of the Petit Palais' wonderful gardens and get ready to explore the beauty. Note! This in-app audio tour is not affiliated with the Petit Palais but is provided by an independent creator. The palace has a free entrance!
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.