Just so you’re not overwhelmed with too much to do in Paris!

It’s your first time in the City of Lights and all you’re thinking about are iconic places you need to check off the list, the only caveat is, there are a million of them. Here’s a full list of quintessential things to do in Paris.

Visiting the world-famous Eiffel Tower during the day means that you’ll be standing in line for hours, along with every other tourist on the planet. So, your best bet is purchase a ticket ahead of time, arrive at 8 p.m. then enjoy more than two hours of views at different levels (since it closes at midnight.) And you’ll want to save that much time for it, because there will be lots of climbing, snapping pictures with big crowds.

One of my newer and favorite things to do in Paris is to attend a classical music concert on top of the Eiffel Tower. There’s absolutely nothing like it!

The biggest museum in the world is also, considered by many, as one of the most important museums. Louvre is situated in the center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, and houses over 35,000 objects, from pre-history to the 21st century, over an area of 60,600 square meters.

During the late 12th century, it was originally established as a fortress. Today, the extraordinary museum is embellished by the famous Glass Pyramid designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei. To name all the must-sees inside Le Louvre is difficult as there are too many, but don’t miss: Antonio Canova’s Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, The Venus de Milo, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Arguably the world’s best example of French Gothic architecture, Notre Dame de Paris was a groundbreaking phenomenon during the mid-1300s, setting itself apart from the previous Romanesque era. In the past, visitors could enter the cathedral and gaze at stained glass windows, especially the one above the organ. In addition, climb up 387 steps to catch an up-close view of the gargoyles that act as rain diversion devices.

Besides its authenticity of residing in an old railway station on the left bank of La Seine, Musée d’Orsay specializes in Neo-Impressionism masterpieces. Most art fanatics revisit to appreciate works from Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Cézanne…and so much more. Don’t miss the reproductions of Opéra Garnier, and a maquette de Paris – a miniature of Paris’ floor map – so you can step foot on Montmartre and hop over to the Eiffel Tower in the next second.

Paris is known for its galore of cafés, to people-watch while indulging in a glass of Côtes du Rhône. In between museum visits, rest your feet at any outdoor café. Steer away from ones in tourist areas as the menus tend to up-charge. Only make an exception if you’re at Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Margots in the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, since both were frequented by writers and artists, including: Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, James Joyce…and more.

The “Montmartre experience” commences on Rue Lepic, pass by Café des deux Moulins where the quirky French film, Amelie, was filmed. Once reaching Rue des Abbesses, a left turn leads to a tranquil stroll through windy streets that houses Van Gogh’s former residence with his brother: Theo.

Although, a right turn on Rue des Abbesses is a road full of shops, restaurants, fromageries, and boulangeries. At the top of Montmartre, there’s the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. One of the best things to do in this quarter is to sit on the steps for a few minutes, inhale the breathtaking view.

Moulin Rouge was built and established the same year as the Eiffel Tower in 1889. It has survived two World Wars and multiple economic crisis. Evolved with time, it has become more international with its clientele as well as its dancers. The 60 dancers on stage comprise of 14 nationalities, with Australians, English and the French as dominant groups. The show is comprised of a series of cancan dances in elaborate costumes. You might be surrounded by masses of tourists but the show is full-on entertainment.

Another wonderful show to see if Crazy Horse, a more provocative and artistic visual experience that is just as sexy and glamorous.

The “Triumphal Arch” was built to honor soldiers who died in honor of France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It’s situated at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle which you can also see at the end of Champs-Élysées. The world-famous landmark is 50 meters (164 ft) in height, 45 m (148 ft) wide and 22 m (72 ft) deep. Located beneath the Arc de Triomphe is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame remembering the soldiers who died but were never identified.

Le Marais might be known as the “gay district” in Paris, but if you want to shop the right way, then definitely spend Sundays here when cars aren’t permitted to drive on narrow streets.

Exit metro station: Saint-Paul (line 1), then get lost in tiny alleys in the district. One of the best things to do in Paris is to explore vintage shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique stores and ultimate Parisian brands. All of that can be done at the bustling Le Marais.

Paris isn’t necessarily known for its sizzling night clubs, but there are still some hotspots that welcome night owls on the regular basis. Check out places like Club Silencio, designed by David Lynch, where all forms of art melt in dramatic spaces. From movies, design, architecture, to fashion. Lynch wanted the underground private members club, to be a place full of possibilities. For other night clubs, this list combines giant venues to hipster hangouts.

There is something so fantastic about a Parisian market. Check out the freshest meat, vibrant colors of vegetables and fruits competing for your appetite. You’ll meet locals who shop at these marchés on a daily basis. As a traveler, buy some favorite fruits to devour back at the hotel. If you’re prepping for a picnic, get a few sandwiches and cheeses. A cozy dinner back at the hotel sounds like a fab idea? Rotisserie chickens at any farmers market is incredibly simple and DELISH! One place to visit is Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges, for a full list of markets, read: “8 Of The Most Classic & Colorful Street Markets In Paris.” 

Brasseries have been an integral part of French culture since the 1870s, during the Belle Epoque era when civilians had more time and money to spend on leisure. They became meeting places, somewhere to indulge in comfort food and glamorous interior at an affordable rate. The word brasserie translates to brewery, as the establishments were originally most popular for the beer they brewed on site. Today, of course, wine tends to be the favored choice among diners. Aside from the drink options, steak frites, onion soup, and confit de canard are just some of the classic dishes available at any authentic brasserie. Here’s full list of our recommendations: 13 Of The Best Traditional Brasseries In Paris.

Completely and utterly the most touristic activity one can imagine, but I’ve found myself inviting guests to hop on a boat cruising up and down La Seine. Every time, the entire experience is surprisingly tranquil and delightful. In less than an hour, the boat passes by major monuments, such as: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral…and many more. In one snap, visitors can capture photos and enjoy all that Paris has to offer in a single hour. Not a bad idea if you need to beat rush hour traffic to traverse from one end of the river to the other.

For history buffs and those who aren’t afraid of the dark, Catacombs of Paris is an intriguing man-made underground passage used for religion and burials. This site holds the remains of more than six million people during the 18th century when the city was trying to rid health problems related to cemeteries. Thus, it was decided that bodies would be transferred to an underground site. If you feel like you’ve seen most of Paris, the Catacombs provides a different glimpse of the city typically lit with lights and glamor.

Remember in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables where Marius Pontmercy and Cosette first met? It was right here in Jardin du Luxembourg, the second largest public park in Paris. It also sets the scene in William Faulkner’s Sanctuary and Henry James’ The Ambassadors. Spend an hour or two, promenading through poetic paths, the Medici fountains, and over a hundred statues and monuments.

A Parisian’s favorite pastime, especially during the months when soleil is out and about. My favorite spot is near Pont Alexandre III (Metro: Invalides. Grab a bottle of wine, prepare some charcuterie (cold cuts,) cheese plates and you’re set. Even if you’re traveling on your own, bring a good book and a sandwich. You’re guaranteed to have the most memorable Paris moment!

If you’re staying anywhere near Bastille or République area, you’re sure to come across this 4.5 km longCanal Saint-Martin, which connects Canal de l’Ourcq to La Seine. There are numerous bars and restaurants along the canal where you can either enjoy a meal or grab a drink. The neighborhood is considered as a trendy, full of: vintage boutiques, artisanal ice cream shops, natural wine bars, gastro-bistros serving some of the most innovative dishes in the city.