16 Unforgettable Things to Do in Paris and Beyond in 2026
Paris: a city where history, art, and romance weave seamlessly into the modern vibrancy of 2026. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the French capital never fails to charm with its beautiful landscape and multiple things to do in Paris. And 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year to visit. With exciting events like the much-anticipated reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and a surge in sustainable tourism initiatives, there’s no better time to experience the magic of this city. In this guide, you’ll discover the timeless classics and some off-the-beaten-path gems that make Paris truly unforgettable. A Glimpse Into Parisian History Paris’ story begins in the 3rd century BCE when it was a modest settlement of the Parisii tribe. Over the centuries, it evolved through the Medieval era with Notre-Dame, the Renaissance with the Louvre, the Revolution that brought liberty and equality, and the Belle Époque’s artistic flourish. Today, Paris blends its historic charm with modern dynamism. As you walk its streets, you’ll feel history come alive at every turn. Let’s explore the places where this magic truly resonates. 15+ Things to Do in Paris and Around 1. Eiffel Tower You can’t say you’ve been to Paris without visiting its most iconic landmark. Standing proud at 324 meters (that’s 1,063 feet for our American friends), the Eiffel Tower continues to dazzle visitors in 2025 with its timeless charm and innovative visitor experiences. The first floor features a glass floor, the second provides breathtaking panoramic views, and the summit offers a stunning perspective of Paris from 276 meters high Remember: Early bird gets the perfect Tower shot! Book your tickets at least two months in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). And if you’re feeling fancy, the champagne bar at the top is worth every euro – because honestly, when else can you say you’ve sipped bubbly at 276 meters? Bonus: Just between us, the best viewing spot isn’t at Trocadéro – head to Rue Saint-Dominique for a less crowded but equally magical perspective. 2. Louvre Museum Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces, the Louvre is a must-see. With a whopping 380,000 pieces (though “only” 35,000 on display), the Louvre is like that friend who always has one more story to tell! In 2025, skip the notorious pyramid entrance crowds by using the secret weapon of seasoned travelers – the Carrousel du Louvre entrance – and pre-book your €22 timed-entry ticket for the ultimate hack. Whether you’re on a mission to decode Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile (pro tip: visit after 3 PM when the selfie-stick warriors have retreated) or discover lesser-known gems like the haunting Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Louvre’s 60,600 square meters of artistic treasures await your exploration. For the best experience, download the museum’s newly enhanced 2025 interactive map before your visit, which now features AI-powered suggested routes based on your interests and available time – because let’s face it, even if you spent 30 seconds looking at each artwork, you’d need three months to see everything! 3. Notre-Dame Cathedral After years of meticulous restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, Paris’s grande dame of Gothic architecture is back and more breathtaking than ever in 2025! Step through the newly restored Portal of Last Judgment (don’t worry, no actual judgment happening here – unless you’re wearing socks with sandals) and prepare to be amazed by the cathedral’s gleaming resurrection. While entry remains free (yes, you read that right!), smart visitors snag their time-slot reservations online to avoid joining the enthusiasm-testing queues that often snake around Île de la Cité. The cathedral’s magnificent rose windows now sparkle with renewed brilliance, while state-of-the-art multimedia installations tell the compelling story of Notre-Dame’s 860-year journey through time. Pro tip: arrive for the 8 AM opening to catch the morning light streaming through those spectacular stained glass windows – it’s the closest thing to time-traveling back to 1163! Whether you’re an architecture buff, history enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates watching a legendary phoenix rise from its ashes, Notre-Dame promises an unforgettable experience that masterfully blends medieval magnificence with modern restoration. 4. Montmartre Welcome to Paris’s most charming village, where every cobblestone tells a story and every corner reveals a postcard-perfect view! Perched atop the highest hill in Paris, Montmartre still captures hearts in 2025 with its intoxicating blend of sacred and bohemian spirits. Start your day early at the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur (open 6 AM to 10:30 PM, and yes, still gloriously free!), where the morning light creates a magical atmosphere that even makes those 300 steps to the dome feel worth it – your Instagram will definitely thank you later. Wander down to Place du Tertre, where local artists continue the neighborhood’s creative legacy, though pro tip: skip the tourist-trap restaurants here and head to the hidden gem Rue de l’Abreuvoir instead, where La Maison Rose’s pink facade and authentic French cuisine make for a more memorable experience. In 2025, the newly renovated Musée de Montmartre offers an immersive digital experience tracing the footsteps of Picasso and Van Gogh, while the last remaining Parisian vineyard nearby reminds us that some treasures are best preserved in time (and bottles!). For the savviest visitors, catch the funicular up the hill using a regular metro ticket – because while Montmartre is all about art and romance, there’s nothing poetic about conquering those steep streets on foot! 5. Seine River Cruise Forget the tourist buses – in 2025, the Seine remains Paris’s most enchanting highway! Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler (hop aboard a breezy sightseeing cruise for €15-20) or ready to splash out on a romantic dinner cruise (€60-150 for gourmet dining under the stars), the river offers the most photogenic tour of Paris’s greatest hits. Pro tip: snag those sunset cruise tickets faster than a Parisian grabs their morning croissant – they’re selling out weeks in advance in 2025! The best part? You can now choose from innovative themed experiences, from wine-tasting journeys to photography workshops on deck,
