13 Unmissable Experiences in Paris

Rooksana Hossenally, co-author of the new Dinogo Planet Paris guidebook, shares her top recommendations for experiencing the best of Paris.

According to Euromonitor International’s latest report, Paris remains the top city destination worldwide, and it’s easy to understand why. As a local, I might be partial, but the French capital truly offers everything: centuries-old architecture, rich history, vibrant food and art scenes, and a diverse community driving creativity forward.

What truly captivates visitors are the unique experiences exclusive to Paris. From enjoying Michelin-star meals on the River Seine to treasure hunting at flea markets on the city’s outskirts, here are some must-do activities for your next Parisian adventure.

1. Enjoy dinner on the Seine crafted by Michelin-starred chefs

With so many dinner cruise options on the Seine, it can be challenging to decide. For a luxurious experience, consider the floating restaurants helmed by three-Michelin-star chefs Frédéric Anton and Alain Ducasse.

For a more personal dining experience, choose the Don Juan II, managed by Frédéric Anton. This Yachts de Paris vessel features only a few tables and has earned its own Michelin star under Anton's guidance. Inside, the ambiance is warm with mahogany paneling, plush carpets, and exquisite Pierre Frey fabrics. Departing at sunset, guests can admire Paris’s enchanting sights, from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower illuminated by twinkling lights, while enjoying a five-course seasonal menu that includes delights like creamy stracciatella with caviar and tender langoustine.

For a livelier experience, reserve a table on the sleek, glass-and-steel Ducasse sur Seine, which follows the same scenic route and offers four- to six-course menus created in collaboration with Alain Ducasse.

You can head up to the deck on both boats, which offers the best views of the Eiffel Tower sparkling every hour.

Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations well in advance, as both dinner cruises often fill up quickly. The ports can be challenging to locate, especially if you're unfamiliar with the quays, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive, as the cruises will not wait for latecomers.

2. Have a picnic with a view of Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is undoubtedly a must-see, but it has fallen prey to overtourism. While its interiors are stunning, if you prefer to avoid the long lines, there’s another way to appreciate it.

Bring along a picnic—perhaps some baguette, salted butter, ham, and cheeses—and set up along the small stretch of the Seine riverbank west of the Port de Montebello. From this vantage point, you can admire the cathedral’s wooden lattice known as the 'forest,' crafted from oak trees. Before the roof was lost in the 2019 fire, it was one of Paris's oldest frameworks and is currently being reconstructed. The 16 statues of the Apostles and Evangelists, which once looked down from the roof, survived the fire and will be restored in time for the Olympics.

Planning tip: Before organizing your picnic, always check the weather conditions to ensure a pleasant outing.

3. Rediscover your love for croissants

Though croissants are a daily indulgence in France, the meticulous effort involved in creating these buttery viennoiseries is often overlooked. After participating in a croissant-making class at the Seine-side La Cuisine Paris cooking school, I discovered that crafting croissants is a multi-day process. Each one comprises at least 81 layers of dough and butter that are carefully kneaded, rolled, and braided before baking. This was just one of the many fascinating insights we gained from the class, making it a unique way to explore French cuisine and culture.

Planning tip: Make sure to book early, as these classes are quite popular. La Cuisine also offers gift vouchers, which can be perfect gifts for friends and family visiting Paris soon.

4. Immerse yourself in Paris’ contemporary art scene with a personal guide

Trade the crowded museums of Paris for an art gallery tour throughout the city, from the stylish Marais to the artistic Belleville. Here, you'll discover much of the emerging talent in the art scene without the need to queue—often enjoying private moments in the galleries to appreciate the works. If you're fortunate, you may even meet the artists who stop by to view their exhibitions.

If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to Paris art guide Alexandra Weinress, who can provide a personalized tour in either English or French tailored to your interests. She can also suggest delightful stops, like lunch at one of her favorite modern brasseries.

5. Discover a mass grave beneath the city

First and foremost, a cautionary note: this experience isn't for the faint of heart. Venture 20 meters (66 feet) underground to explore the labyrinthine galleries of the Catacombs of Paris, which house the remains of several million Parisians. In the 18th century, public health concerns prompted the relocation of bones and skulls from the city's overcrowded cemeteries, arranged in towering displays along the walls of these subterranean passages. Today, you can enhance your visit with an audio guide that unveils another intriguing and unusual chapter of Parisian history.

Planning tip: Be aware that access to the Catacombs is via stairs only, including the exit, which may not be suitable for everyone.

6. Explore the world's largest museum

If you guessed the Museé du Louvre, you guessed correctly. While it may be a staple on the tourist circuit, there are good reasons for its popularity, chief among them its immense size. Once the royal residence of none other than Napoleon, the Louvre has witnessed centuries of history since its establishment in 1793. As the largest museum in the world, it boasts nearly 73,000 square meters (785,765 square feet) of exhibition space, 403 rooms, and 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) of corridors, showcasing 33,000 artworks out of almost 500,000 in its collection. The artworks span millennia and continents, from the Americas to Asia, with the Egyptian wing being a standout favorite.

For those who aren’t particularly fond of traditional museum visits, you can still appreciate the Louvre's grandeur and beauty by strolling its entire exterior from rue de Rivoli to its inner courtyards, which are free to access throughout the day.

Planning tip: The museum stays open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, making it less crowded during those times. Like many Parisian museums, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Be sure to check the Louvre website for the latest opening hours, as they may change with the seasons.

7. Step back in time to bohemian Montmartre

Montmartre is a quaint village with deep artistic roots. Perched atop the highest hill in Paris, it is dominated by the stunning white Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which opened its doors in 1910. One of the last villages to become part of the arrondissements of Paris, it has preserved its village charm, featuring narrow streets that wind down the hills, flanked by stone houses, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. This area was once frequented by artists like Pablo Picasso, who would often retreat to Le Bateau Lavoir—an artist residency that remains largely closed to the public—and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

The village was once dotted with windmills that ground flour and pressed grapes, giving rise to wild nights at the local cabarets and guinguettes (outdoor taverns where dancing was common). Some of these establishments have endured, like Chez Michou and Le Lapin Agile. Today, the only functioning windmill left is the Blute-Fin windmill, which is not open to the public. The Radet windmill, now part of the Moulin de la Galette restaurant on rue Lepic, was relocated here in the 1920s from its original spot next to the Blute-Fin. The Clos Montmartre vineyard still thrives, hosting an annual grape harvest festival in October, making it a worthwhile time to visit the city.

Planning tip: The best way to explore Montmartre is by following one of our itineraries in the latest Dinogo Planet Paris guidebook. Alternatively, you can take the Promotrain or Montmartrain, which transport visitors around Montmartre to the key sites. It’s about an hour’s round trip and is particularly suitable for those with limited mobility, families with young children, and visitors pressed for time.

8. Experience the enchantment of the Latin Quarter at sunset

The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’ oldest neighborhoods, with some areas tracing back to Roman and Medieval times. Remnants from the Roman era, such as the Arènes de Lutèce, an ancient amphitheater, and the baths at the Cluny Museum, can still be seen today. Additionally, medieval landmarks like the Church of Saint Séverin and La Sorbonne university, established in 1253, enrich the area’s historical tapestry.

Although the Latin Quarter is known for its vibrant atmosphere, it can also get quite crowded. A great way to experience it is during sunset, when many tourists head back to their hotels. One of the joys of Paris is walking around at twilight, as the buildings are beautifully illuminated, highlighting intricate details that often go unnoticed during the day. The Latin Quarter is no exception. Consider stopping by the Bombardier pub for a drink on the terrace, right across from the majestic Panthéon, the final resting place of some of France’s greatest minds, including Simone Veil and Victor Hugo.

9. Dive into the depths of France’s culinary landscape

France's culinary scene is a major attraction for visitors, and in Paris, you can find over 80 fresh produce markets, countless delis and bakeries, and thousands of restaurants and cafes. To truly grasp the locals' passion for food, learn about its cultural significance, and sample some beloved dishes, consider booking a guided tour.

Food guide Neil Kreeger ([email protected]) crafts personalized itineraries based on your tastes and unveils the secrets behind iconic French classics, from macarons and croque monsieur to a variety of cheeses and wines, as well as emerging food trends. Each experience lasts about three hours within a single neighborhood.

10. Reflect on the lives of departed luminaries

Exploring some of Paris's beautiful cemeteries offers a unique perspective on the city. The most renowned is Père-Lachaise, located in the 20th arrondissement, covering 44 hectares (108 acres) and housing around 70,000 graves. Established in 1804, it resembles a lush park interspersed with grand memorials, where grave styles range from Gothic mini chapels to impressive Haussmannian mausoleums.

Among its most famous “residents” are Oscar Wilde, Molière, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, and Jim Morrison, whose graves attract millions of visitors annually—approximately three million each year flock to the cemetery.

11. Discover your favorite perspective of the Eiffel Tower

While it’s undeniable that Paris is home to the Eiffel Tower, the question remains: where can you get the best view? This million-dollar query could spark a lively debate among locals. Enjoying glimpses of the Grande Dame from various spots around the city is part of the charm. For a clear, full-size view, the Trocadéro is the top choice. If you seek a 360-degree panorama from above, head to the rooftop observation deck of Montparnasse Tower. For more fleeting views, ride the metro line 6 between Passy and Bir-Hakeim. Additionally, there are several rooftop restaurants and bars offering dining with a view of this iconic monument, such as Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, as well as upscale hotel rooftops like the Peninsula’s L’Oiseau Blanc, Cheval Blanc’s Tout-Paris, and the Shangri-La’s summer champagne garden.

12. Revive the Phantom of the Opera

You can book tickets to see a performance at the Palais Garnier, Paris’ legendary opera house. Established in 1875 and designed by architect Charles Garnier, this Italian-style venue features a stunning ceiling fresco by Marc Chagall and accommodates up to 2,054 guests at once. Renowned as one of the most famous opera houses worldwide, it gained fame through the novel The Phantom of the Opera, perpetuating its ghostly lore.

Visitors can explore the lavish interiors of the opera house, complete with extravagant gilding and grand marble staircases. Wander through the labyrinthine corridors of dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces, beneath and behind the stage, and even glimpse the underground lake that lies beneath this opulent venue.

Planning tip: There are various ways to explore the opera house, including self-guided tours, guided experiences, an immersive game inspired by the fictional thief Arsène Lupin from 1905, and engaging games designed for children.

13. Immerse yourself in the world’s largest flea market

Although many of Paris’ must-see attractions are centrally located, it’s definitely worth venturing a bit further to visit the St-Ouen flea market, known as Puces de St-Ouen. As one of the largest markets globally, it consists of 15 distinct markets offering a wide array of items, from antique jewelry and furniture to clothing and vinyl records. Tucked away within the markets are delightful restaurants and cafes, perfect for taking a break and observing the lively atmosphere. Begin your journey on rue des Rosiers in St-Ouen, which lies just outside of Paris proper, and meander through the expansive markets housed in warehouse-like settings. You could easily spend an entire day discovering treasures here.