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Bateaux Mouches in Paris

50 Best Things to Do in Paris 2024: fun activities, must does

by Imogen S

If you are visiting Paris , you probably want to make the most out of Parisian life. We propose you a list of best things to do in Paris in 2023. Whether you are just passing through the city or taking a long vacation, these activities can be done alone, with friends, with your significant other or with your family in 2023.

Cultural Events and Great Art Exhibitions in Paris in 2024

Manet / Degas at the Musée d’Orsay

Manet at Orsay Museum: Le Balcon
Manet at Orsay Museum: Le Balcon

The Musée d ‘Orsay organize a great exhibition that shows the contrats between the works of the two painters. Many works of the masters will be presented in partnership with the Orangerie Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

  • Where: Musée d’Orsay
  • When: from March 28, to July 23 2023
  • Price: 16€

>> Book your entry

Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce

The Bourse de Commerce has been restored and transformed into a Museums. It houses now one of the greates private contemporary art collection in the world: the Pinault Collection.

The inauguration was certainly one of the greatest cultural events in the city of lights.

  • Open everyday except on Tuesday
  • Price: 14€
  • > book now

Exhibitons at Louis Vuitton Fundation: Basquiat x Wahrol – Painting 4 hands

Exhibitons at Louis Vuitton Fundation: Basquiat x Wahrol - Painting 4 hands
Exhibitons at Louis Vuitton Fundation: Basquiat x Wahrol – Painting 4 hands

The Louis Vuitton Fundation continues the explorations of the work of Jean Michel Basquiat. This year a great exhibtion is devoted to the period between 1984 and 1985 when Basquiat and Wahrol created more than 150 paintings together.

  • Where: Fondation Louis Vuitton
  • When : From April 5 to August 28, 2023
  • Price: €22
  • > book now

Boat and cruising activities in Paris

Boat Tour in Paris
Boat Tour in Paris

This is one of the most popular things to do when you visit Paris for the first time and makes for some good times with friends. And it’s certainly one of the funniest ways to discover Paris.

Bateaux Parisiens (Parisian Boats) (Open)

Bateaux Parisiens dinner Cruise
Bateaux Parisiens dinner Cruise

This is one of the best-known boating companies in the city. From the simple trip passing by Paris’ most beautiful landmarks to a romantic dinner cruise, the choice is yours!

The boat leaves from near the Eiffel Tower and sails to the Port de la Bourdonnais. Prices: from €16 to €205 .
>>Book your Bateaux Parisiens tour online.

>> Book a dinner cruise

More info: Bateaux Parisiens boat tours

Bateaux Mouches (boat tours on the Seine) (open)

Bateaux Mouches lunch cruise
Bateaux Mouches lunch cruise

The Bateaux Mouches company also offers river tours and cruises leaving from the same area.

It is the most famous company in France. Its huge boats offer attractive 1 hour tours.
Prices from €15 € to €184 .

>>Book your unforgettable Bateaux Mouches cruise online.

Paris Canal

Paris Canal Boat tour
Paris Canal Boat tour

This is the most surprising boat ride in Paris. It goes from the Villette lake to Port de l’Arsenal and Orsay Museum , passing through a long tunnel on the St-Martin canal.

Vedettes de Paris

Leaving from Port Suffren, the Vedettes de Paris offer different types of boat trips and cruises on the Seine.

>> Book Your Boat Tour at 15€

La Marina de Paris

Marina de Paris Dinner Cruise
Marina de Paris Dinner Cruise

From a simple boat-ride to a romantic dinner on the Seine, it’s up to you.

The Marina de Paris proposes one of the most romantic dinner in Paris.

Find out more.

Vedettes du Pont Neuf

The famous Vedettes de Pont Neuf leave, as their name suggests, from Pont Neuf near Notre Dame.

Marins d’Eau Douce

Electric boats on the Villette lake, these small vessels and for hire and allow you to take your own trip on the lake or the Canal de l’Ourq.

Read more about boat tours in Paris.

Best attractions and Guided Tours

We have selected some guided tours and typical activities to do in Paris. You will find museums to visit or neighborhoods to discover.

Guided Tour of the Louvre

Liberty Guiding the People in the Louvre
Liberty Guiding the People in the Louvre

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful museums and see famous paintings like the Joconde or the Egyptology department.

A guided visit is highly recommended to have the gest of this great museum.

We would recommend to you :

>>book in advance your entrance

La Route des Impressionnistes (The Impressionist Way) – 

Orsay Museum
Impressionism at Orsay Museum

You can begin with a visit of the Musée d’Orsay or l’Orangerie and finish in Normandy, passing through Chatou, Auvers sur Oise, and Givrent. Book tickets here.

You will find many works of Monet in the Orsay Museum and the Orangerie. Giverny is a little bit more far from Paris Center but it is worth a trip.

>>Book a guided tour to Orsay & Giverny

Bargain-Hunting at Flea Markets

Paris- Saint Ouen Flea Market

Another activity to do just outside of the city in Saint-Ouen, where you will find Europe’s largest flea market.

You can find antiques, thrifts and vintage furniture and vinyls. It is located just at the North of Paris and it is certainly the most famous flea market in the world

More info: Paris flea Markets

Visit the Notre Dame

Christmas decorations at Notre Dames de Paris

Go to the lookout of Quasimodo and the gargoyles of Notre Dame by climbing the North Tower.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible de enter inside the Cathedral in 2019 but you can still admire it from outside.

Take an Open-Top Bus Sightseeing Tour – Take a tour of the most famous of Paris’ landmarks with an Open Bus.

Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe

By Climbing to the top of this monument, you can enjoy one of the best view in Paris.

Many lovers go there at the sunset to see the illumination of the Eiffel Tower. It is also the most iconic Monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower

>>skip the line ticket to the Arc de Triomphe

Visit Les Invalides Complex

Invalides esplanade
Invalides

Les Invalides are huge complex with an esplanade, a very interesting museum (Army Museum), the grave of Napoleon and a Iconic Church.

The Museum houses the greatest arm and armor collection in the world.

More infos: Les Invalides: tickets and tips

Enjoy a typical show in a Parisian Cabaret

Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show
Moulin Rouge Dinner & Show

Of course a show in a Parisian Cabaret can be considered as a cultural activity. You will be amazed by the choregraphy and the lights of those unique shows.

Moulin Rouge, Lido, Crazy Horse they many possibilities in Paris to see those wonderful dancers while having a gourmet dinner.

Read our guide to choose the good cabaret in Paris

For more ideas, take a look at our Guide to Visit Paris

Outdoor and biking activities in Paris

In Paris and its suburbs, many outdoor activities are possible. You can have a guided visit in one of iconic quarters of Paris. You can also have a stroll by yourself.

Visit the Montmartre Hill

Montmartre Neighborhoods streets and view
Montmartre Neighborhoods streets and view

Stroll through the steep and narrow streets of Montmartre hill and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of this quarter.

Whilst walking in the footsteps of the famous artists who once lived there.

The Neighborhood is clearly one of the most romantic place in the city of love. And 2021 is certainly the best moment to visit the quarter as it will not be crowded.

Read more about what to visit in Montmartre.

Visiting the Trendy Quarter of Le Marais

This is a quarter which is rich in color and incredibly lively is also one of the oldest in the capital with many historic hotels. You will find many old narrow streets, trendy shopping street and interesting museums (Picasso, Carnavalet).

Read out more about le Marais quarter in Paris.

Cycle along the Banks of the Marne

Marne banks Paris

If you want to venture outside of the city walls for a bike ride, you can cycle along the banks of the river Marne.

You can leave from the Vincennes woods or Nogent sur Marne, getting ever further away from Paris as you cycle next to the river.

Cyclorama Events offer bike-hire and route plans.

Online reservation for museums is required.

Cycle along the Seine Banks

Paris bike trail on Banks of the Seine River
Paris bike trail on Banks of the Seine River

You can also ride along the quays of the Seine and enjoy a beautiful view of Paris’ famous landmarks.

At springtime, it very pleasant to have a bike trail on the Seine Banks. As cars are forbiden, it also safe .

Read more: biking in Paris

Rollerblading in Paris

With Pari Roller, take a tour of Paris on skates! Trips leave every Friday at 10 pm from Place Raoul Daurty in the 14th arrondissement.

See also: romantic things to do in Paris.

Cultural Activities to do in Paris

See a Musical – There are always musical comedy events around Mogador, in Châtelet theatre, and in Casino de Paris – the choice is yours.

Go to the Theater – Is there anything more Parisian than going to the theater? You can visit small venues, the Comédie Française or of course other well-known stages.

Visit Art Galleries – If you would like to see the artistic side of Paris, there is far more than just the grand museums. You can visit one of the many art galleries in Paris in quarters such as le Marais, Saint-Germaine, Montmartre, and near the St-Martin canal.

See a Ballet – This is a spectacular experience for anyone who sees it. You can choose between Opéra Garnier (métro: Opéra), or the newer Opéra Bastille (Place de la Bastille).

Go and see the Street Art in Belleville or in the 13th Arrondissement – Art is everywhere in Paris, even in the streets. Admire these many creations in the 13th  arrondissement (rue Jeanne d’Arc or avenue d’Ivry), and on the Dénoyez wall in Belleville.

See a Film in one of the City’s Symbolic Cinemas – There are plenty of cinemas with that old French feel: Le Louxor, Le Grand Rex, and Le Champollion.

Go to a Jazz Club – For many decades Paris was the European capital of Jazz, and there are still plenty of events that will give you a night to remember such as Jazz Club Etoile.

Go to a Classical Music Concert – The Salle Pleyel is a popular venue for this.

Visit Art and Music Exhibitions – for Paris Philharmonic events, see Paris Exhibitions.

Read also our Paris museum guide.

Unique and fun things to do in Paris

Paris Catacombs Visit
Paris Catacombs Visit

Visit the Paris Catacombs – Descend several meters below ground to see centuries-old Catacombs.

Visit the Paris Sewers – This is one of the most unique museums in Paris. discover the sewers, the channeling, and the wastewater treatment systems.

Escape Game – This is one of Paris’ hit activities, teams of 5 to 10 people are locked in an apartment and must guess which of them is the assassin.

Treasure Hunts in the Breezeways – Several companies organize treasure hunts in the breezeways of the Belle Epoque. With this activity, a journey through time is guaranteed.

Spend a day Shopping with a Personal Shopper – Are you a shopaholic? Have you ever thought about getting a personal shopper? Go all out and treat yourself in the Fashion Capital.

Electric Bike Tour Paris
Electric Bike Tour Paris

Have an electric bike Tour in Paris – It is one of the best way to discover off beaten track Paris and one of the most romantic way to visit Montmartre.

>> Book your electric bike tour

Paris with 2CV – One of the most romantic activities in Paris, this tour in a Citroën 2CV takes you around the most beautiful sights of the City of Lights. It is fun and romantic.

Disneyland – Coming to Paris is a fantastic opportunity to visit Europe’s largest amusement park. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dining at the Eiffel Tower – It’s possible to dine on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower

Sport and Sporting Events in Paris

Roland Garros Paris
Roland Garros Paris
  • See a Soccer Game at Parc des Princes – Whether or not you are a fan of the Paris Saint-Germain football club, this is a good opportunity to witness the fantastic sporting spectacle in a great venue.
  • See a Red Star match at Stade Bauer – Staying with the theme of soccer, the Red Star offers an alternative to PSG. The crowds are smaller but just as passionate.
  • See a Stade Français match at Jean-Bouin – At Jean Bouin you will also find the Stade Français Rugby Club.
  • See the French National teams for Soccer and Rugby play at the Stade de France 
  • Watch a Tennis Tournament – Both Roland Garros and Paris-Bercy offer different atmospheres and serve as stages for the greatest players in the world of tennis.
  • Visit the Longchamps Hippodrome

Outdoor Activities

  • Christmas Decorations and Lights – During the end-of-year celebrations, shop window displays try hard to impress. Many streets and landmarks are also decorated, and the City of Lights lives up to its nickname.
  • Stroll through the Père Lachaise Cemetery – Père Lachaise is a true open-air museum. It is also a very peaceful, green area. Guided Tours of the Cemetery are Available.
  • Discover la Coulée Verte (The Green Path) – This elevated walkway is a unique place for a walk.
  • Have a Picnic in one of Paris’ Green Areas – This is a very popular activity among Parisians on nice days. Chaumont, the Vincennes woods, and the Montsouris park are fabulous settings for a picnic.
  • Take a Boat-Ride on the Minimes Lake in Vincennes Woods 
  • Play Pétanques at the Villette lakeside
  • Have a romantic walk in Narrow streets of  Montmartre Neighborhood.

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