Top Things to Do in Paris: A Complete Guide for 2025

Paris is one of those cities that never runs out of wonders. From world-famous monuments to hidden corners filled with history and charm, every traveler finds their own version of the City of Light. If you’re planning your first trip—or your tenth—here are the top things to do in Paris in 2025, with a special focus on experiences that help you truly live like a local.

1. Explore the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro

It might be the most iconic sight in Paris, but the Eiffel Tower never gets old. For a fresh perspective, head to Trocadéro square for postcard-perfect photos, or book a sunset visit when the city begins to sparkle. If you’d rather avoid crowds, a picnic on the Champs de Mars is just as magical.

2. Wander Through Montmartre

Perched on a hill in the north of Paris, Montmartre feels like a village inside the city. Cobblestone streets, the white domes of the Sacré-Cœur, and stories of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh make this district unmissable. Lose yourself in its narrow alleys, discover hidden vineyards, and enjoy sweeping views over Paris.

3. Take a Food Tour With a Local Guide

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its food culture—and that’s where I come in. On my Bon Appétit Walks food tours, I take you beyond the clichés to taste both sweet and savory Parisian delights while sharing the fascinating stories behind them.

• On Pastries & Tragedies in Montmartre, you’ll sample melt-in-your-mouth croissants, decadent éclairs, and even learn the tragic tales hidden behind the neighborhood’s charming façades.

• On Wander & Wine, you’ll explore hidden wine bars, taste artisanal French wines, and walk away with a deeper understanding of French terroir and traditions.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Paris lover, these tours are designed to be fun, intimate, and unforgettable.

Discover our tours here

4. Visit the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay

Art is at the heart of Paris. The Louvre houses the world’s most famous smile—the Mona Lisa—alongside masterpieces from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Across the river, the Musée d’Orsay, located in a former train station, offers one of the best collections of Impressionist art in the world.

5. Cruise the Seine River

Seeing Paris from the Seine is a completely different experience. Whether by day or under the illuminated night sky, a boat cruise offers stunning views of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the city’s grand bridges. It’s a romantic and relaxing way to soak in the city.

6. Stroll Through Le Marais

Trendy yet historic, the Marais is full of contrasts. Explore medieval streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and some of the city’s best falafel. Don’t miss Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, perfect for a leisurely break.

7. Discover Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité

Even after the fire, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of Paris. Stroll around Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, two islands in the heart of the Seine, where history, architecture, and charming cafés create a uniquely Parisian atmosphere.

8. Indulge in Parisian Pastries

Beyond a food tour, you’ll want to stop at a local bakery (boulangerie) each morning. Don’t miss croissants, pain au chocolat, macarons, and seasonal specialties like galette des rois in January. Pastry in Paris isn’t just food—it’s an art form.

Final Thoughts

Paris is more than monuments and museums—it’s a city to be savored, one bite and one step at a time. Whether you’re climbing the steps of Montmartre, gliding along the Seine, or joining me on a food tour filled with stories, wine, and pastries, every moment in Paris has the power to become a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Ready to taste Paris with me? Book your food tour here