This summer, Paris is hosting the world for the Olympic Games, set against the backdrop of the iconic city's history, culture and timeless charm.
Whether or not you've got tickets to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics in person, visitors to the City of Light can experience everything from landmarks to hidden gems.
The list below is focused on sights to see and getting to know various neighborhoods. While specific restaurants and eateries aren't mentioned, there are endless options around these attractions to get your croissant and caffeine fix.
Without further ado, here are the 20 best things to do while you're in Paris.
Planning ahead for closures and delays
First things first: If you're traveling in Paris during the Olympics Games, there will be closures — whether it be roads, metro stops and everything in between.
That said, the city's transport system has created a helpful online tool you can use when planning your journey that should remain updated with which stations and bus stops are out of service. Check it out here.
Several metro stations near the River Seine, on which the opening ceremony is taking place July 26, will be closed starting July 18. Most will reopen following the opening ceremony but a few will not, so it's best to check before traveling around the city.
Tourists should also note that many of the museums and scenic sites along the opening ceremony route on the Seine will be closed on July 26 — like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Musée de l’Orangerie — and some will be closed for longer, so check the official websites for destinations to verify visiting hours.
Classic attractions
Eiffel Tower
Everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower — but in order to visit the monument, there are a few important steps to follow.
The busiest months to visit the Eiffel Tower are July and August, according to its official website. During busy months, the wait can be up to several hours, so check online to see if you can book your tickets ahead of time.
Once checked in, you can head to the top or if you're short on time, head to the second floor for great views. If you want to dine at either or both of the two restaurants located inside the Eiffel Tower, you'll need a reservation — if you have one, though, you get to skip the line outside.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Of course, the Notre Dame is on this list, as the cathedral's Gothic architecture is a must-see. Unfortunately, the cathedral is still closed following a 2019 fire, but you can take a free hour-long tour of the grounds, which is offered in several languages. Click here to see the times and languages available.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (or Arc de Triomphe for short) stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, a long shopping street known for luxury stores. The monument itself sits at the center of a large traffic circle and is meant to honor those who fought and died for France in theFrench Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Underneath the monument is theTomb of the Unknown Soldier, the body of whom was interred in 1920 following World War I. If you're interested in going inside and seeing the museum, you can book your ticket in advance on the official website.
Paris Catacombs
The Paris Catacombs are an underground ossuary that holds the remains of six to seven million people, according to the Smithsonian magazine. They were created in the late 18th century to alleviate the overcrowding of Parisian cemeteries and are now a popular historical and cultural site.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, located a short train ride outside of Paris, is a grand palace known for its opulent architecture and extensive gardens. Originally a hunting lodge, it was transformed into a symbol of monarchy under Louis XIV, showcasing French art, culture and power. These days, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and will remain open during the Olympics, even as portion of the estate will host the equestrian events.
Museums
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the national art museum of France and one of the most famous museums in the world. It's appeared in movies like "The Da Vinci Code" and "Wonder Woman" and holds some of the greatest art treasures, including the famous "Mona Lisa." As such, be prepared for long lines and big crowds.
The Louvre will be closed the day before and the day of the opening ceremony (July 25-26, 2024) and the museum is requiring prebooked tickets until Sept. 8, 2024. For more details, click here.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de L’Orangerie in Paris is a renowned art gallery famous for housing Claude Monet’s "Water Lilies" series in two large oval rooms. During the Olympics and Paralympic Games, the museum will be closed on July 25-26, as well as on Aug. 26 and Aug. 28.
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay is known for its collection of French art from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Artists like Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-AugusteRenoir line the walls of the museum housed in a renovated railway station, which also features a giant clock.
The museum will be closed July 25-26 and will have some modified hours throughout the Olympics.
Musée Marmottan Monet
If you haven't had enough artwork by French impressionists, there is an entire museum dedicated to Claude Monet. The Musée Marmottan Monet, located in the 16th arrondissem*nt, explores Monet's evolution as an artist and his legacy in the art world.
On July 26, the day of the opening ceremony, the museum will close at 4 p.m. local time.
Maison de Balzac
Near the Musée Marmottan Monet is the free Maison de Balzac. Once the home of famous French novelist Honoré de Balzac, this small but charming museum now features small, digestible exhibits about the late author who is well knownfor his series ofnovelscalled "La Comédie Humaine" ("The Human Comedy"). Maison de Balzac also features a secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
The museum will close early on July 26 at 2 p.m. local time.
Musée Picasso-Paris
For Pablo Picasso fans, the Musée Picasso-Paris is home to one of the world's most extensive collections of artworks by the famous artist, spanning his entire career. Located in Hôtel Salé, a private mansion in the 3rd arrondissem*nt of Paris, visitors can peruse Picasso's diverse styles and mediums, as well as read some of his historical records.
The Panthéon
The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical mausoleum in the heart of the 5th arrondissem*nt. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a secular mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. For an extra fee (and after hiking up 203 steps) you can take in a stunning panoramic view of Paris.
Best places to walk in Paris
Les bouquinistes de Paris
The traditional outdoor booksellers on the Seine, known asles bouquinistes, have existed in the heart of Paris for centuries, according to The New York Times. Stroll along the water while looking for literature that catches your eye and enjoy views of the Seine.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Known to be one of the biggest flea markets in the world, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen started as a shantytown outside the city limits and has since been organized into enclosed villages, some covered and others with open-air streets and antiques boutiques. Repeat visits to the market, which opened over a century ago, pay off and the more you banter with sellers, the more bargains you will unearth.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
This park in the 19th arrondissem*nt tends to attract more locals than tourists and is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It's been there since 1867 and features a miniature version of the ancient RomanTemple of VestainTivoli, Italy.
Jardin du Luxembourg
There's no shortage of parks in Paris, but Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is one to look out for. Located in the 6th arrondissem*nt, the park features forest, ponds and several statues and fountains. This park takes inspiration from the famous Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy.
Jardin des Tuileries
Located near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissem*nt, the Jardin des Tuileries, or Tuileries Garden, is a popular — and free — place to stroll. Look at the many statues around its grounds and enjoy the Parisian landscaping.
The Jardin des Tuilerieswill be closed from July 11 to Aug. 13 due to the Olympic Games.
Avenue de Camoëns
Located in the 16th arrondissem*nt, this very short public street features one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and is gorgeous to boot.
Promenade Marie De Roumanie
If you want a more garden-centric photo by the Eiffel Tower, check out Promenade Marie De Roumanie— the photos on Instagram speak for themselves.
Pére Lachaise Cemetery
This cemetery located in Paris' 20th arrondissem*nt is a popular site for visitors. Colette, Frederic Chopin, Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust and Oscar Wilde are all buried here, according to France's official tourism board website, and it's free to enter.
