Bonjour adventurers! 🌍 Paris has a way of stealing hearts. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the City of Light never loses its magic. The monuments are iconic, the gardens are timeless, and the cafés are always ready to welcome you with a little espresso and people-watching. But what really makes Paris so special is the way it balances grandeur with intimacy. You can stand in front of the Eiffel Tower one moment and then stumble upon a quiet hidden courtyard the next.
Today, I’m sharing my Top 10 Things to Do in Paris, a mix of must-see icons and Bubbly Living favorites. Each one has left me with memories I’ll carry forever.
1. Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with the obvious, because no matter how many times you see it, the Eiffel Tower takes your breath away. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and unveiled in 1889, it was once dismissed as a temporary eyesore, yet it became the ultimate Parisian symbol. By day, the intricate iron latticework gleams against the sky. By night, it transforms into pure romance, twinkling with 20,000 lights every hour on the hour. I still remember sitting on the Champ de Mars at dusk, picnic spread in front of me, as the tower suddenly burst into sparkling light. It felt like Paris was putting on a private show.
💡 Tip: If you plan to go up, book tickets in advance. For dreamy views, sunset is unbeatable, you’ll see Paris by day and by night in one visit!
2. Louvre Museum
Walking into the Louvre feels like stepping into the world’s treasure chest. Once a royal palace, it’s now the largest art museum in the world, home to over 35,000 works. Everyone rushes to see the Mona Lisa, but the real joy is wandering. Ancient Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, French paintings, every gallery holds a surprise.
I loved entering through the glass pyramid, then letting curiosity guide me. At one point, I found myself face to face with Winged Victory of Samothrace, perched dramatically at the top of a staircase, and I swear time stopped.
💡 Tip: The Louvre is huge, don’t try to do it all. Pick a few wings, wear comfortable shoes, and take breaks in the courtyards.
3. Sainte-Chapelle
If the Louvre is about grandeur, Sainte-Chapelle is about wonder. Built in the 13th century to house holy relics, this chapel on the Île de la Cité is a Gothic masterpiece of stained glass. The first time I walked in, I gasped. Over 1,100 glass panels surround you in radiant blues, reds, and golds. The light streams in, painting the stone columns and floor in jewel tones. I went late afternoon, when the sun was low, and the whole space felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope.
💡 Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you want fewer crowds, or later for the most dramatic light. And don’t skip the upper chapel, the views upward are unforgettable.
4. Jardin du Luxembourg
For me, the Luxembourg Garden are pure Parisian joy. Commissioned by Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century, the gardens are grand but welcoming. Locals read newspapers on the iconic green chairs, joggers loop around the gravel paths, and kids race to sail toy boats on the fountain. I grabbed a pastry one morning and just wandered, between statues of queens, fountains, and tree-lined promenades. The Medici Fountain is one of the most romantic corners in Paris, with its shady backdrop and trickling water.
💡 Tip: If you want a break from sightseeing, this is the perfect spot to recharge. It’s especially lovely in spring and early autumn.
5. Musée d’Orsay
If I had to pick my favorite museum in Paris, it might be the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the setting is almost as stunning as the art itself. Here you’ll find the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas. Standing in front of Monet’s Haystacks or Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône is a moving experience. And don’t miss the giant clock windows, they frame Paris like a living painting.
💡 Tip: Go mid-morning before the crowds peak. And leave time to explore the top floor, it’s where the most famous pieces are, and the light is gorgeous.
6. Tuileries Garden
Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde stretch the Tuileries Garden, a living piece of Parisian history. Once the royal gardens of Catherine de’ Medici, today they’re open to all. I loved strolling here in the evening, watching families gather, friends chat on benches, and artists sketch under the trees. Fountains sparkle, statues peek out between flowers, and the open spaces feel both majestic and welcoming.
💡 Tip: Grab a chair near one of the fountains, sip a café crème, and people-watch. It’s one of the best free shows in Paris!
7. Café Marly
Paris is as much about cafés as it is about monuments, and one of my favorite spots is Café Marly, perched right beside the Louvre’s pyramid. Elegant, stylish, and with unbeatable views, it’s a place where you feel part of the city’s rhythm. I went for a late afternoon espresso and ended up staying much longer, just watching the pyramid glow as the sun went down. The mix of locals and tourists, the hum of conversation, and the feeling of being in the heart of Paris, it was unforgettable!
💡 Tip: It’s a bit pricier than your average café, but the view and atmosphere are worth it.
8. Seine River Cruise
Seeing Paris from the Seine is like unwrapping the city in one sweep. As the boat drifts past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and more, you realize just how much beauty is packed along the riverbanks. I took an evening cruise, and it was magical. The city glowed in the golden hour, and as darkness fell, bridges and monuments lit up one by one. Passing under Pont Alexandre III with its golden statues gleaming above was like sailing through history.
💡 Tip: Book for sunset or at night, the romance factor triples. Bring a jacket, even in summer, because it can get breezy on deck.
9. Versailles
A day trip, but absolutely worth it, the Palace of Versailles is a world of royal extravagance. From the Hall of Mirrors to the sprawling gardens, Versailles is breathtaking at every turn. Walking through the palace, I tried to imagine the life of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, surrounded by gilded rooms and endless luxury. The gardens, with their fountains, sculptures, and hidden groves, felt like stepping into another era.
💡 Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and give yourself plenty of time for the gardens. Renting a bike or golf cart is a fun way to cover more ground.
10. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Paris’s largest cemetery may sound like an unusual choice, but Père Lachaise is hauntingly beautiful. Tree-lined avenues lead you past ornate tombs and quiet corners, and it’s a peaceful place to reflect on the city’s history. Here rest legends like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. I found myself lingering longer than expected. It felt more like a park than a cemetery, full of stories and atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as it’s quite large, and pick up a map at the entrance to find the most famous graves.
Final Thoughts
Paris is a city of endless treasures, but these Top 10 experiences capture its essence, from dazzling monuments to quiet gardens, chic cafés to timeless art.
For me, Paris is never just about checking off sights, it’s about living the city. Sitting on a garden chair at Luxembourg, sipping a spritz by the Seine, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, these are the moments that stay with you!
Which of these would you put at the top of your Paris list? Or do you have a favorite Parisian spot that you’d add to the Top 10? Share in the comments, I’d love to hear your Paris stories!
xoxo,
Bubbly 🎈
