15 Things to Do in Paris, France in 2024

Activity	Description
Eiffel Tower	Iconic landmark offering panoramic views.
The Louvre	World-famous museum with vast art collections.
Le Marais	Neighborhood with trendy boutiques and cafés.
Rue Cler and Rue Montorgueil	Streets known for dining and market experiences.
Sacré-Cœur	Basilica with impressive views of Paris.
Seine River Stroll	Walking along the river, enjoying the scenery.
Passages Couverts	Historical shopping arcades with unique shops.
Père Lachaise Cemetery	Historic cemetery with famous graves.
Versailles Palace	Opulent palace with gardens and interiors.
Macarons Tasting	Indulging in famous Parisian macarons.
Shakespeare and Company Bookshop	Iconic English language bookstore.
Luxembourg Gardens	Popular public park for relaxation.
Arc de Triomphe	Monument with views over Paris.
Summer Olympic Games	Attending 2024 Olympic events.
Day Trips	Visiting nearby regions like Champagne and Normandy.

2024 is right around the corner and it’s shaping up to be an exciting year for the French capital. As Paris gears up to host the Summer Olympics, the city promises to be even more energetic and full of life. Whether 2024 is your first time visiting Paris or you’re coming back for more, there are always new things to see, do, eat and explore in this city.

From strolling along the River Seine to getting lost among the shelves of Shakespeare and Company, here are 15 can’t-miss things to do in Paris, France in 2024 that will make planning your upcoming trip easier:

Marvel at the Eiffel Tower Up Close

Name and Location: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

History and Significance: The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 as the entrance arch for the World’s Fair. At 324 meters tall, it was the world’s tallest structure until 1930. Today it remains an iconic landmark and offers the best views over Paris.

What to Expect: Visitors can ascend the tower by stairs or elevator to observe the panoramic cityscape from three different platform levels featuring restaurants and glass floors. Seeing the tower illuminated at night is a magical experience.

Visitor Information: The Eiffel Tower is open daily 9am-12:45am, until 11pm in winter. Entry tickets are around €26 by elevator or €14 via stairs. Reserving ahead online is recommended to skip long queues. The closest metro stops are Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and École Militaire.

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. In 2024, be sure to take time to properly marvel at this impressive feat of architecture up close. There are three public elevators you can take to reach the top tier observation deck and soak in stunning 360 degree views of Paris.

Tickets sell out fast, so book them well in advance online to avoid long queues, especially during summer months. If you feel energetic, it’s possible to take the stairs as high up as the second platform. Sit yourself down with a picnic blanket on the Champ de Mars park right underneath the tower for one of the best views in Paris of the Eiffel Tower itself.

Explore the Louvre and its Vast Art Collection

Name and Location: The Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

History and Significance: The Louvre was originally a royal palace before becoming one of the world’s largest and most visited art museums. Its collections span from antiquities to 19th century masterpieces. Famous works include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and more.

What to Expect: The Louvre contains hundreds of thousands of artworks and artifacts displayed across three wings. Visitors can see Egyptian relics, French paintings, Classical sculptures, crown jewels, and other treasures. The glass pyramid entrance and courtyard are also iconic.

Visitor Information: The Louvre is open Wednesday-Monday 9am-6pm, except Tuesday. Admission is €17, free on certain evenings. Purchasing tickets online allows you to skip the main ticket queue. The museum is closed on major holidays. The nearest metro stop is Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre. Audio guides are available.

As one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, The Louvre needs no real introduction. Its iconic glass Pyramid entryway leads into a dizzyingly vast collection spanning works from ancient civilizations all the way to the 19th century. From Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo sculpture to Romantic era paintings, you could spend countless hours getting lost here.

Be strategic and research the must-see pieces you want to prioritize ahead of time as it’s simply impossible to see it all in one day. Also make use of travel apps like live guides to maximize your time. And with all the walking you’ll do, wear comfortable shoes!

Discover Trendy Boutiques and Cafés in Le Marais

Name and Location: Le Marais, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Paris

History and Significance: Le Marais (“The Marsh”) was a swamp until the 17th century when aristocrats built elegant mansions in the area. Today it is one of Paris’ most vibrant, creative neighborhoods with boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and LGBT culture. The scenic Place des Vosges is a highlight.

What to Expect: Wandering Le Marais’ charming streets reveals trendy fashion boutiques, designer home decor stores, art galleries, and hip dining/nightlife spots. Don’t miss the Picasso Museum, Maison de Victor Hugo, and Jewish Quarter with historic synagogues.

Visitor Information: Le Marais is very walkable. Key metro stops are Saint-Paul, Bastille, and Chemin Vert. Go early in the day to beat crowds on weekends. Guided tours available for deeper history. The area buzzes at night.

Stretch your legs away from the tourist crowds by heading northeast to Le Marais. This hip neighborhood has stylish boutiques, trendy cafés and some of the best people watching in Paris. The narrow medieval streets are filled with chic Parisians and plenty of Instagram worthy spots. The best way to experience Le Marais is to simply wander without an agenda and stop inside any boutiques or brasseries that catch your eye.

Make sure to also pass by the leafy Place des Vosges—one of Paris’s most elegant squares surrounded by porticoes—for a photo op on your way around Le Marais.

Dine Along Rue Cler and Rue Montorgueil

Name and Location: Rue Cler and Rue Montorgueil, Paris

History and Significance: Rue Cler and Rue Montorgueil are two iconic pedestrian market streets that epitomize the charm and flavor of Parisian neighborhood life. Both are lined with buzzing cafés, bakeries, greengrocers, fromageries, and more.

What to Expect: Strolling these streets allows you to see specialty food shops, sample tasty bites like cheese and macarons, people-watch at sidewalk cafes, and absorb the lively market vibe. Rue Cler feels like a quaint village lane while Rue Montorgueil is larger-scale.

Visitor Information: Rue Cler and Rue Montorgueil get very busy, especially on weekends. Go in the morning or early evening for the most pleasant experience. The streets are located on the Right Bank in districts 7 and 1 respectively. Both areas have great restaurants for dining.

Speaking of hip neighborhoods, no Paris 2024 itinerary would be complete without experiencing the mouthwatering food scene. For a little slice of Parisian life, plan to dine along Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower or Rue Montorgueil by the Grands Boulevards.

Both iconic market streets are lined back to back with classic French bistros, patisseries, wine shops and sidewalk cafés full of locals. Stop to pick up bread, cheese and fruit from the various street vendors or grab an open air table for people watching over coffee and croissants.

Climb the Domes of Sacré-Cœur

Name and Location: Sacré-Cœur Basilica, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris

History and Significance: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur, was constructed between 1875-1914 in Romano-Byzantine style. Its iconic white travertine domes soar above Montmartre hill. In addition to being a major church, it offers breathtaking panoramic views over Paris.

What to Expect: Visitors can admire Sacré-Cœur’s brilliant architecture, stained glass, and mosaics inside on a self-guided visit. For a small fee, you can also climb the 234 steps up the bell tower to take in the captivating vistas from the observation deck.

Visitor Information: Sacré-Cœur is open daily from 6am-10:30pm; dome open 9am-7pm May-September. Admission is free to the basilica; dome access is €8. Metro stops Abbesses and Anvers are nearby. To avoid crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon. Modest dress is required.

Make the trek up to the summit of Montmartre for sweeping views overlooking Paris from the hilltop basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Ascend 234 stairs inside one of its domes for a spectacular panorama—on clear days you can see all the way to the Eiffel Tower! Wandering the cobblestone streets of the surrounding neighborhood is akin to stepping back in time.

Montmartre has retained its quaint village charm despite being located in a capital city. Be sure to also carve out time to browse the hundreds of artists peddling their wares in Place du Tertre below Sacré-Cœur.

Stroll Like a Local Along the Seine River

Name and Location: The Seine River, Paris, France

History and Significance: The Seine River divides Paris into the Left and Right Banks as it flows through the city’s center. Throughout history, the Seine has been vital for Paris as a transport artery, water source, and hub for commerce and recreation. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame flank the riverbanks.

What to Expect: Strolling or cycling along the Seine allows you to take in sights like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, ornate bridges, verdant quays, and riverboats. Pause at a bench or café terrace to admire sparkling views. River cruises also available.

Visitor Information: The Seine can be enjoyed along its entire length through Paris. Promenade plantée paths line both banks. Bike rentals and riverboat tours depart from docks along the way. The metro also hugs the river with convenient stations like Assemblée Nationale and Bir-Hakeim.

A simple but quintessential Parisian experience is to take a stroll in either direction along the River Seine. Walking past the bustling street life, passing by the grand facades of Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, and stopping to peruse the iconic green bookstalls (bouquinistes) bolted to the river walls is wonderfully peaceful. Look across both banks for some of the best scenic views across to Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

If you want to rest tired feet, hop aboard one of the many river cruise boats for unique vantage points of Paris’s top attractions from out on the water.

Wander the Whimsical Passages Couverts

Name and Location: Passages Couverts, Paris, France

History and Significance: The passages couverts are a collection of covered shopping arcades built in the 1800s that still retain old Paris charm. These were the precursor to modern malls. Famous examples include the Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage du Grand Cerf.

What to Expect: Wandering through these arcades reveals boutiques, bistros, antique shops, and historic architecture like glass ceilings and mosaic floors. The passages provide an intimate, quaint shopping alternative to modern stores. Souvenirs, books, tea rooms, and more can be found inside.

Visitor Information: The passages span the 2nd, 8th, and 9th arrondissements. Hours vary by business. Go in the morning to avoid crowds. Metro stations include Richelieu-Drouot, Grands Boulevards, and Etienne Marcel. Entry is free.

Many visitors race right by the elaborate passageways of Paris without realizing the gems hidden inside. Enter these glass-ceiling covered passages dating back to the 19th century to discover a literal maze of shops, boutiques and small museums tucked away from the bustling streets outside. Two of the most impressive are Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, overflowing with long-standing shops selling anything from antiquarian books to vintage stamps.

Make time to get lost inside these historic pedestrian shopping arcades that feel like Europe of centuries past.

Visit the Graves of Iconic Figures in Père Lachaise Cemetery

Name and Location: Père Lachaise Cemetery, 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris

History and Significance: Created in 1804, Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most famous burial ground in Paris spanning over 100 acres. An estimated one million people have been laid to rest here, including famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and more. The grounds feature many ornate tombs and monuments.

What to Expect: Visitors can pay respects at the graves of cultural icons, admire beautiful funerary art, and take in the tranquil, park-like setting. Cobblestone paths meander through the cemetery past Cherry trees and elaborate family mausoleums. Maps help locate specific sites.

Visitor Information: Père Lachaise is open daily 8am-6pm, closes at 5:30pm in winter. Admission is free. The nearest metro stops are Gambetta, Philippe Auguste, and Père Lachaise. Guided tours are available for more background.

For a more unusual Parisian activity, spend an afternoon exploring the winding paths and extravagant tombs of famous poets, musicians, and politicians buried in Père Lachaise cemetery. It may sound a bit morbid, but people watching here can be quite entertaining and educational. Bring along a map pinpointing the final resting places of legends like Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.

Pack a small picnic lunch to enjoy as you contemplate life while sitting alongside some of the greatest contributors to arts and culture in French history.

Tour the Opulent Versailles Palace

Name and Location: Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

History and Significance: The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence from 1682 under Louis XIV until the French Revolution. Its grand architecture and ornate Hall of Mirrors epitomize opulent 17th-18th century French court life. Versailles and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the palace’s lavish rooms, chapels, and galleries adorned with artworks and antiques. The sprawling manicured gardens feature fountains, sculptures, the Grand Canal, and more. Light shows illuminate the grounds at night.

Visitor Information: Versailles is open daily except Mondays. Entrance ticket packages begin around €18. Traveling from Paris takes 30-60 minutes by train or tour bus. Visitors must pass through security checkpoints. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds. Guided tours available.

No first-time or return trip to Paris is complete without venturing outside the city into the countryside to soak in the ostentatious Palace of Versailles—the former dwelling of French royalty including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the 17th to late 18th century. The interiors are just as breathtakingly opulent as the sprawling gardens behind the Château de Versailles designed in French formal style.

Give yourself plenty of time here as it’s easy to lose track while admiring all the ornate rooms throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds swarming through the maze of golden halls.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Macarons

Name and Location: Macaron Shops, Paris, France

History and Significance: The macaron, a French meringue-based confection, has become emblematic of Parisian baking. While Ladurée is the historic purveyor, many boutique patisseries now offer elegant, creative versions. Macarons make the perfect edible souvenir or snack between meals.

What to Expect: Macaron flavors range from pistachio and chocolate to lavender, salted caramel, cappuccino and more. Reputed shops include Pierre Hermé, Foucher, Henri Le Roux, Hugo et Victor, and La Pâtisserie des Rêves. Most present macarons as miniature works of art.

Visitor Information: Macarons generally cost €9-15 for a box of 6-12 pieces. Boutique shops are scattered throughout Paris. Try sampling different flavors at a few spots. The pastries don’t travel super well, so it’s best to eat within a day or two.

Macarons—the colorful, sweet meringue-based sandwich cookies—have become a symbol of Parisian indulgence around the world. While you can pick some up in souvenir shops, the best melt-in-your-mouth macarons come from dedicated patisseries. Two must-try places are Pierre Hermé and Ladurée for their huge array of creative flavors from rose to salted caramel and even whiskey!

Pack up a few boxes of macarons in different flavors to share with friends back home or save them as the perfect treat between museum visits. Just be sure not to leave them sitting too long or they lose their signature crisp outside and chewy inside texture.

Get Lost Inside Shakespeare and Company Bookshop

Name and Location: Shakespeare and Company Bookshop, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

History and Significance: Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English-language bookstore opened in 1951 by American George Whitman. Located on Paris’ Left Bank across from Notre-Dame, it became a gathering spot for expatriate writers like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein. The shop still retains its literary charm.

What to Expect: Today, visitors can browse over 15,000 new and used books organized by country in the tight, labyrinthine spaces. There are special antique rarities on display too. The upstairs reading library has a cozy, vintage vibe. Poetry readings and author events are also held.

Visitor Information: Shakespeare and Company is open daily 10am-8pm. There’s no admission fee; just come ready to dive into the bookshelves. Metro stops are Saint-Michel or Cluny–La Sorbonne. Souvenirs and coffee are also sold onsite.

Calling all bookworms, take time to lose yourself inside the shelves of Shakespeare and Company, the famous English language bookshop along the River Seine. Since opening its doors in 1951 as a gathering hub for expatriate writers like Ernest Hemingway, this cozy store overflowing with new and used books has become an institution in the city.

Today visitors are still invited to read in exchange for helping out around the shop. Make sure to explore every tiny nook and cranny often filled with aspiring writers typing away on old typewriters. Whether you leave with a new read in hand or simply bask in the cozy, intellectual energy inside, Shakespeare and Company is a required literary stop.

Relax Like the Locals at Luxembourg Gardens

Name and Location: Jardin du Luxembourg, 6th arrondissement, Paris

History and Significance: The Luxembourg Gardens originated in 1612 around Luxembourg Palace. Today this 25-hectare park on the Left Bank is beloved by Parisians for its tree-lined paths, sculpted fountains, flower gardens, and lush lawns. It’s one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

What to Expect: Strolling or lounging in these meticulously manicured gardens reveals ornate ponds, the Medici Fountain, geometric flowerbeds, and scenic vistas. Visitors can also admire the Palais du Luxembourg, rent toy sailboats, play chess, or people-watch.

Visitor Information: The Luxembourg Gardens are open daily until dusk. Admission is free. Closest metro stops are Odéon, RER B Luxembourg, and Saint-Sulpice. Chaise lounge chairs can be rented when available. The gardens host puppet shows and music performances.

When you need a break between sightseeing, head to Luxembourg Gardens—one of Paris’s most popular public parks. Watch locals play tennis or chess, rent a toy sailboat to navigate the central fountain under marble statues, or simply find your own patch of grass to sit with a picnic or good book.

Kids will love climbing the play area modeled after theCharset d’Auteuil racecourse while adults will appreciate sipping coffee at the park’s café. With tree-lined promenades and manicured flowerbeds around nearly every corner, Luxembourg Gardens is quintessential Parisian open green space at its finest.

See Paris From Up High at Arc de Triomphe

Name and Location: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

History and Significance: The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his military victories. The monument stands 164 feet (50 meters) tall in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath it.

What to Expect: Visitors can climb 284 steps to reach the top of the arch and gaze at panoramic views over Paris. Exhibitions inside the monument explain its history and construction. The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is rekindled each evening.

Visitor Information: The Arc de Triomphe is open daily 10am-11pm, until 10:30pm October-March. Admission is €12, free for people under 18. The nearest metro stops are Charles de Gaulle – Etoile and George V. Timed tickets are required to control crowds. Audioguides are available for rent.

Few monuments represent French identity better than the iconic Arc de Triomphe perched at the top of the Champs Elysées. Underneath, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remains a poignant memorial site. Take time to properly pay your respects here, but also ascend the tight spiral staircase to reach the top observation deck up over 150 feet high.

Gaze down the Champs Elysées for incredible views straight to the Louvre Pyramid. Look the opposite direction for sweeping vistas of La Défense—the city’s business district skyline. On a clear day you’ll be able to spot Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur in the distance—the perfect way to orient yourself around Paris.

Attend the Opening or Closing Ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games

Name and Location: Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

History and Significance: The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will take place primarily in Paris, France from July 26 to August 11, 2024. It will be the third time Paris hosts the Summer Olympics. New and historic landmarks like Stade de France, Champ de Mars, and Roland Garros will host events.

What to Expect: Attending the opening or closing ceremonies in the newly constructed Arena by the Eiffel Tower promises to be a spectacular experience. Tickets will also be in high demand for popular sports like swimming, athletics, basketball, and more if you can secure them. Expect a celebratory atmosphere across Paris.

Visitor Information: Exact ticketing details are still pending, but visiting Paris during the 2024 Olympics will certainly be thrilling. Expect booked hotels and crowds, but also a lively ambiance and fun novelty events across the city. Plan travel early and budget generously for this high-demand time.

No matter when you’re traveling to Paris in 2024, try to time your visit in coordination with the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. Even if you can’t get tickets to any events, just being in Paris for the energy and special celebrations will prove unforgettable. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, attending either the Opening or Closing Ceremonies would make for an once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Paris among revelers from countries all around the world.

Much of the action will take place just outside the city or even as far away as sailing events in Marseille, so plan accordingly if you want to catch specific sports. Whether in the stadiums or city streets, the 2024 Olympic spirit promises to have Paris electric with excitement.

Take Day Trips to Nearby Regions like Champagne and Normandy

Name and Location: Day trips from Paris

History and Significance: Paris’ location in northern France puts numerous iconic regions within easy day trip distance via train. Top day trips include the Champagne region to taste bubbly wines, Normandy’s WWII beaches and Mont St. Michel, Loire Valley chateaus, and the artist haven of Giverny. Versailles is also a quick excursion.

While already bursting with things to do, Paris makes an easy jumping point for quick day trips by train out to regions known for medieval towns, gothic cathedrals, artistic masterpieces and some of France’s most iconic sites related to World War II history.

Head east just an hour by direct rail route to Reims for tours and tastings in the Champagne region’s legendary sparkling wine houses. Travel a couple hours west for moving experiences along Normandy’s WWII D-Day Landing Beaches like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the American cemetery.

Wherever you decide to go outside Paris, regional rail lines make getting around quick and affordable.

Conclusion – An Unforgettable Trip to the City of Lights

A trip to Paris promises sights, scenes and magical memories to last a lifetime—2024 will be no exception. With new events like the Summer Olympics adding to Paris’s enduring artistic and cultural attractions, it’s an ideal time to plan your own urban adventure. From world-class museums and iconic monuments to charming shops and cafés, there are endless opportunities to embrace all the City of Lights has to offer.

Use this list of top 15 things to do in Paris 2024 as a launch pad while leaving room in your itinerary for spontaneous wandering and serendipitous discoveries of little hidden gems scattered throughout the city. No matter if it’s your first visit or one among many trips back, Paris never gets old. Let your senses guide you to create your own magical memories among some of Europe’s most impressive history, culture and gastronomy.