Whether you are planning to visit Paris in the fall, looking for romantic things to do in Paris on a getaway with your sweetheart, or searching out the most Instagrammable places in Paris, the City of Love holds the hearts and dreams of many.
Do you even NEED Reasons to Visit Paris?
From a vibrant cafe culture to museums and decadent desserts to iconic landmarks and Instagrammable moments at almost every corner, you will find that Paris does indeed live up to its reputation as the city of Love AND Lights!
15 Reasons to Visit Paris
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The best time to plan your adventure to Paris is often during the shoulder season—late May to early June in the spring and late September and early October in the fall. The crowds have yet to arrive or have just returned home and the sun is still warming the skyline for your visit.
And from a photographer’s point of view, spring and fall both offer brilliant color, though any season would offer dreamy reasons to visit Paris.
You don’t really NEED reasons to visit Paris, but if you are looking at the possibility of a visit, keep reading to discover where to stay, play, and eat in Paris.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Paris, be sure to check availability on Booking.com
1. The Iconic Eiffel Tower
Recommended by World in Paris
The Eiffel Tower is one of THE top reasons to visit Paris. It is one of the most visited sites in the city and also one of the symbols of Paris and France.
The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel as part of the Paris World Fair of 1889, and it was inaugurated on March 31 of the same year. Indeed, the Eiffel Tower is more than 130 years old!
In the beginning, Parisians were skeptical about this colossal monument made of iron, but now we could not imagine Paris’ skyline without it!
Due to its size, it is possible to see the Eiffel Tower from almost every corner in Paris, but the climb up to the summit comes with gorgeous views of the city, especially at sunset. There are also informative panels about the tower’s history and some quirky facts, so the visit is also interesting.
There are different tickets to consider in your Paris planning when you hope to visit the Eiffel Tower: up to the second floor or summit, with or without taking the lift. To get the most of your visit, consider a guided tour with a local guide.
2. Inspiring Walking Tours
If you have a free morning in Paris, I highly recommend that you book a walking tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. These tours are one of the great reasons to visit Paris and are the perfect way to discover the history of many iconic landmarks within the city.
Put on some comfortable walking shoes as you set out to explore Paris. Your guide will bring to life the rich culture of the city and the history of iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, the “Love Lock Bridge” (the Pont des Arts Bridge), the Eiffel Tower, and so many more.
Walking tours offer a perfect introduction to Paris for first-time visitors as well as for seasoned travelers. You are sure to learn something new about the city of love.
Don’t miss out on ordering a chocolate crepe along the way (one of the best reasons to visit Paris all by itself). Yum!
Note * If your walking tour is advertised as a “FREE” walking tour, please note that tips are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Your tip may be based on the length of the tour, the number of people in your party, and the quality of your experience. Usually $5 per person or $10 per hour is a baseline, but you can always adjust the amount of your tip based upon how knowledgeable and personable your guide is.
The City of Love offers a myriad of hidden gems and amazing reasons and to visit Paris.
3. Delectable Food & Desserts
Recommended by Chef Denise
The food of Paris is perhaps the most compelling of the reasons to visit Paris—the City of Lights—as it is a treat for all of your senses.
Squeezing fresh baked breads from the boulangeries (bakeries), seeing the colorful desserts in the windows of the patisseries (pastry shops), hearing the mouthwatering descriptions of the daily specials, smelling the aromas of the incredible cheese shops, and, of course, tasting all of the deliciousness. Do you need anymore reasons to visit Paris?
French food is renown as some of the best food on the planet. It’s even recognized by UNESCO, and is the basis for most cooking schools around the world. And with over 40,000 restaurants, there’s no better place to enjoy it than in Paris. Admittedly, there’s a wide variety of restaurants, many not even serving French classics, but the bistros, brasseries, and cafes definitely do.
In Paris, no meal seems to be complete without dessert, and that can mean anything from ice cream (glace), to pastries, to cheese (fromage). Doesn’t matter what you choose, it will be heavenly. If you’re in a restaurant, order something you can’t get at a pastry shop like a soufflé or profiterole. Dessert can immediately follow your meal, or you can digest a bit and have one as a snack a little later.
Stroll down one of the famous foodie streets like Rue de Martyr or Rue Montorgueil. Here you’ll find some of the best patisseries for cream puffs, eclairs, macarons, and Paris’s signature dessert, the Paris Brest: all reasons to visit Paris in their own right.
4. Discover the “I Love You” Wall
An “I Love You” wall? You may not have even heard of it before. This monument dedicated to LOVE is found in the garden of Square Jehan Rictus, place des Abbesses within walking distance from Montmartre in the city of love.
Plan a quick visit to the wall after visiting the Montmartre District. If you are traveling in Paris with kids, they will have fun finding all of the “I love you” phrases in languages they recognize. The wall is made up of 612 wall tiles inscribed with “I Love You” from languages all around the world.
5. Beautiful Parks and Gardens
Recommended by The Unknown Enthusiast
Paris has no end of absolutely gorgeous gardens around the city, and honestly, strolling and exploring the gardens is one of the romantic things to do in Paris!
Parks in Paris are extremely popular with both tourists and locals alike, and you will find that parks in residential neighborhoods are full of families and friends enjoying the fresh air together.
And who can blame them? Paris knows how to do an excellent garden!
Most places have beautiful water features and ponds, sculptures and other stone features, manicured flower displays, very wide walkways, lots of seating options, and often include features such as bridges, playgrounds for children, and sometimes even concessions.
Some of the most famous gardens include:
- Jardins de Tuileries
- The Jardins de Luxembourg
- The Champ de Mars
- Parc Monceau
- Parc des Buttes Chaumont.
The Jardins de Tuileries is just adjacent to the Louvre and extends right along the Seine. It’s a popular garden and provides a stunning view of the Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe from the center walkway.
6. Romantic Things to Do in Paris
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Looking for romantic things to do in Paris with your significant other?
Couples travel to Paris for proposals, honeymoons, vow renewals, and many other occasions to commemorate their love. From its romantic language and culture to its history and architecture, Paris is the perfect getaway for couples. After all, it IS known as the City of Love.
Paris is also one of the top-destinations for honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
Many of the iconic hotels such as Le Bristol and Shangri-La Hotel Paris offer honeymoon suites with magnificent views and luxurious amenities. Go sightseeing and admire the French gothic architecture, visit a local café, or go shopping at a designer boutique.
The City of Love is filled with a great deal of things to do and see for couples looking for a romantic escape. From picnics, shopping, cabarets, sunsets, candle lit dinners, spas, museums, architecture, and more—Paris should be on every couple’s bucket list.
7. Scavenger Hunt at the Louvre
Have you ever thought about experiencing a scavenger hunt in the Louvre? It is a blast. When you are short on time (because who can really see ALL that the Louvre has to offer in one day or even two days?) a scavenger hunt is the perfect solution.
Visiting the Louvre is one of the great attractions in Paris with kids.
While we may not have stopped to see all that there was to see in the Louvre, our scavenger hunt (click the link to book YOUR tour) had us finding clues at some of the most popular pieces of art in the museum.
Did you know that the Louvre will start to limit the number of visitors each day? Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre, has decided to limit daily entries to 30,000. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance.
8. A Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles
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Not only is the city of Paris beautiful, but so are the towns and cities surrounding Paris as well. The Palace of Versailles is absolutely worth seeing as a day trip from Paris, and is another one of the great reasons to visit Paris.
This beautiful palace complex—a real highlight of any trip to France is an absolute must-see—is located outside the French capital, but can be easily reached in just 40 minutes by public transport. The easiest and cheapest way to get to the Palace of Versailles is to take the RER-C, an express train.
Once you arrive, one of the largest palace complexes in all of Europe awaits you! The Sun King Louis XIV oversaw construction of the Palace of Versailles from 1631 to 1634 from a former small hunting lodge.
On a tour, a huge park awaits you with numerous sculptures, fountains and flowering gardens.
The highlight within the Palace of Versailles, and why many come to visit, is the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall is almost 75 meters in length and 10 meters wide, and the so-called “Galerie des Glaces”, consists of 357 mirror surfaces. The mirrors are intended to visually reflect the park into the hall.
In summary, the Palace of Versailles is just breathtaking and a great reason to visit Paris!
9. Visit the Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre
The Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre is one of the loveliest of chapels to visit while you are looking for romantic things to do in Paris. You will find it to be light and airy and maybe not so musty-smelling as many other chapels.
It is free to visit the cathedral during its opening hours from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. If you wish to access the Dome outside the Basilica, a fee is required.
Be prepared to climb 300 steps as there is no lift available! But the panoramic view of Paris? Simply stunning.
The Basilica was recently approved as a National Historic Monument on December 8, 2022.
10. A Boat Tour Along the River Seine
Recommended by Explorer Chick
The River Seine is one of the waterways that runs through Paris and it is a great way to see the City of Love. It definitely offers a different vantage point of the city and for first-time visitors, it is a great introduction to the city since it hits most of the major tourist hotspots—the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, Pont Neuf, among others.
The river has been the muse of many artists because of its scenic views. Who can deny that sitting while learning about a historic city is a well-deserved break from walking around the whole day?
Some boat cruises are more than tourist boats but can also be a romantic date night idea with champagne or VIP dinner sunset cruises. Boat lovers can also get a hop-on-hop-off ticket and use that as an alternative to riding the metro.
11. Instagrammable Places in Paris
Recommended by The Tejana Abroad
One of the best reasons to visit Paris is hands down the photo ops! Paris is a beautiful city full of amazing architecture and views, so it’s the perfect place to take all the photos that will make your friends jealous! There is so much to see and do in City of Love, so bring your camera to capture the memories in all the Instagrammable places in Paris!
One of the most iconic spots is Trocadéro, where you are front and center to a view of the Eiffel Tower. Walk around the plaza to take some great photos, or down the steps to avoid some of the crowds.
From there, you can also cross the street to Champ de Mars, the green space where the Eiffel Tower stands. For the best photos though, be sure and arrive early and avoid the crowds!
Alternatively, you can visit Montmartre, a bohemian neighborhood full of cute cafes and plazas. Spend the afternoon roaming up and down the hills, enjoying a nice coffee outside and seeing sights such as La Maison Rose, La Mur des Je t’aime, and most notably, the Basilique Sacré-Cœur.
12. Climb the Steps of the Arc de Triomphe to See the Eiffel Tower at Night
The Arc de Triomphe is an amazing structure. Get your tickets to climb the 221 steps to the viewing platform.
You will want to follow the underground passage to the arch. Don’t try to cross through traffic in the roundabout!
There will be a minor security area and ticket line. Once clear, you can climb up the narrow, circular stairways to the top. This vantage point offers the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower and a 360° view of Paris.
Even better yet, plan your visit at sunset when the Eiffel Tower lights up. The lights on the tower sparkle for 5 minutes at the top of every hour! Watching from the Arc de Triomphe is the perfect spot, it is especially magical if you are visiting Paris with kids.
13. Paris Street Art
Recommended by Staying Afloat Blog
Nuit Blanche. When you think about reasons to visit Paris, one of the things that comes to mind is art. There are museums of every flavor in Paris, but there is one art exhibit that only comes to life once a year.
Every October, residents and visitors to the city have the opportunity to spend 12 hours of darkness wandering the streets and exploring art installations that come to life for one night only.
Nuit Blanche in Paris consists of dozens of art installations, of all types of media, spread across several Arrondissements. From moving videos projected onto buildings to flash dance parties, there are installations for all your senses.
Previous art work included a cement archway erected in the courtyard of the Hotel de Lamoignon by artist Vincent Gavinet (pictured).
The event runs from 6pm to 6am, the first Saturday of October and is free to attend. This experience is a great way to explore Paris for the first time, or to see it in a new light on a repeat visit.
Nuit Blanche in Paris has been running for over 20 years and is an affair not to be missed!
14. Day Trip to Disneyland Paris
A day trip to Disneyland Paris is one of the BEST things to do in Paris with kids. Our girls loved it.
And talk about the ultimate way to surprise your kids with an adventure!
If you think that Disneyland Paris is only for young kids, just tell your twenty-somethings that you are going and watch their reaction.
You’ll want to check out this post on planning the perfect Disneyland Paris day trip from Paris for helpful hints, resources and tips on how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris.
15. Montmartre District
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The metro stops at the bottom of the church site and it is 197 steps up the hill, alternatively, there is a funicular that takes visitors up to the church. It is free to see the church but there is a charge to go up to the Dome.
The cobblestone streets zigzag across the Montmartre District; it is full of cafes and vine-covered homes. It is a quintessential Parisian experience to sit in a cafe sipping coffee, walking around to the different shops, buying art, or filling up a shopping bag with goodies.
Montmartre was home to many artists. Many notable paintings have come from Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, among many others. The Moulin Rouge is one of the last cabaret theaters around and it is a testament to the area’s decadent nightlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original name of Paris?
The original name of Paris was Lutetia Parisiorum or Lutèce in French. The residents were Celts known as the “Parisii.” In Latin, “Lutetia” or lutum means “mud” or “swamp”. So the elegant, glittering city that we all know and love today, grew to its beauty out of a muddy, swampy area.
Are there any Roman ruins in Paris?
Yes. You will find a crumbling stone amphitheater in the 5th arrondissement—the Arènes de Lutèce. You can also find Roman ruins of public baths in the Musée de Cluny as well as parts of the old Roman city in the Archeological Crypt under the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
What is the real meaning of the “Pont Neuf” bridge ?
You might think that Pont Neuf—a lovely stone bridge—is the ninth bridge in Paris. But no, it has nothing to do with the number nine. King Henry III named Pont Neuf as the “New Bridge,” because it was very modern for its time. As the first bridge without houses built on it, the first bridge to have a sidewalk, and the widest bridge in Paris at the time, it became an ideal place to socialize. Today, it is the oldest standing bridge in Paris.
Why is Paris called the City of Love?
Because it is the perfect description of the romantic atmosphere of Paris. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Paris, you won’t be disappointed.
Why is Paris also known as the City of Lights?
After becoming the first city in Europe to use gas lighting to illuminate its streets, Paris became known as the City of Lights. Today there are over 50,000 street lights across the city.
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Final Thoughts on 15 Dreamy Reasons to Visit Paris
Hopefully your first visit to Paris will be simply magnificent. Fall in love with the electric vibrancy of the City of Love, see the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and snap photographs at all of the Instagrammable places in Paris. If you are planning a return visit, find something new to add to your Paris bucket list.
There are so many great reasons to visit Paris—these are just a few!
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Awesome post! I’ve been to Paris many times and it never gets old. Every time the city seems different. Thank you for some great ideas for my next visit.
I agree. Something magical about Paris.
I have been to Paris several times and I agree with your reasons for visiting. Hopefully, I will be back someday. Thanks for sharing!
They are all good reasons…and there are more for sure.
Ah these are all amazing reasons to visit Paris! Montmarte always draws me to paris! I’ve still not made it to the Palace Of Versailles yet! I’m determined to visit on my next trip! Thanks for the great guide!
I have to admit that it does not take very many reasons to make me want to visit Paris. The iconic sights are certainly something we saw on early visits. But we do love to wander the streets and eat lots of French food. And there are no end to the great day trips from Paris. Can’t wait to get back!
What a fun post, these are all inspiring reasons to visit Paris! I love visiting and including all of these in a trip– you captured the gems! I haven’t done the boat tour yet, but would love to.
The last time I was in Paris was in 2016, and you’ve just reminded me of all the reasons I need to go back!
Such wonderful city of Paris. I’ve tasted Laduree in Paris and yes it is superb.. couldn’t agree more with reason #3
The desserts of Paris are pretty tempting!
All great reasons to visit Paris – particularly the food and the Eiffel Tower.
Truly a destination everyone should visit at least once in their life. Such a great post that really makes me want to return again soon.
I went to paris for the instagrammable shots, but fell in love with the walking tours!
Literally every single thing you listed in this post is making me want to buy a ticket. I can’t wait until I can finally visit Paris! Thank you for sharing!!
I hope that you can visit soon.
What beautiful Pics! I took french in high school 22 years ago but I have never been there. It is on my bucket list! Thank you for all the ideas! Beautiful post!
Make 2022 the year for Paris!
Such great tips and facts in here! Paris is one of my favorite capitals and I want to return soon
Me too.
I’ve visited Paris several times but I’ve never done a boat tour or visited Montmarte! Thanks for these great ideas for a future visit.
Paris is so beautiful The last time we visited we did a macaron walking tour, which was fantastic. We of course also went up the Eiffel Tower, since our son hadn’t seen it yet.
Paris is my absolute favourite city, and leaving in 3 days for my 4th return trip. Love the list of options.
How awesome.
This is super handy as I am going to Paris in two weeks time!! Whooop!
Lucky!
Paris has so many reasons that you want to visit. It was our first vacation together, for my husband and I and we promised to come every 10 years, so far we’ve succeeded.
I love this idea.
To answer your first question, no, I do not need a reason to visit Paris! Loved reminissing while reading this post!
Exactly. No reason needed to visit Paris.
Me too. I think we are all ready to travel again!
Great post, it has never been on my must do list but it is so very beautiful.
I never knew there was an I love you wall in Paris. Thank you for this post, there is a lot here I can use for my next trip to the city.
Oh wow – I would love to visit in October to see Nuit Blanche! What a special opportunity!
Beautiful blog post!
My favorite thing to do in Paris is wander and walk! It’s the most amazing city to just walk around for an entire day!
I’ve been to Paris before, so it hasn’t been on my radar much. But now I’m itching to book tickets!!! And the Louvre scavenger hunt sounds right up my alley. Thanks!
You had me at “Paris” never mind everything to do in this dreamy place. I’m considering a trip for next year. Never did a Seine boat trip! 🙂
I have not been to Paris for many years, but I love it. I so need to return and re-visit all those places I love. Seeing this picture of the Sacre Coeur reminded me that the last time I climbed all those steps into the dome, I was about 6 months pregnant! At least I will not have that to contend with next time!
Paris is amazing! I would love to go back and do Disneyland!
A wonderful destination, that, yes, you should see at least once. We are lucky it’s just a long-ish train ride away! Love everything about it.
Great post! I love the museums and people watching from cafes in Paris.
Ah I’m overdue another trip to Paris! It is such a beautiful city! I love to climb the Arc de Triomphe and soak up the views! I’ve never done a walking tour in the city before, I’m going to add that to my list for my next trip – thanks for the great recommendations!
How have I never heard of the I Love You wall ?!?! must return to check out! Paris is always a good idea!