Things To Do In Paris

Paris has a whole lot to offer to its visitors. From trying to communicate in this foreign land to learning its history and art, every experience in Paris is joyful and new. You can walk through its streets and soak in the energy of Paris as a local or hop on a boat to study its bridges and waterways. From appreciating good theater and art to trying mouth-watering croissants, the list of things to do in Paris just doesn’t end.  

This museum, as the name suggests, is devoted to Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and holds about 5000 of his paintings, sketches, ceramic works, drawings. This place is the 17th-century Hotel Sale that is under the ownership of the city since 1964. Picasso's astonishing collection of art was donated by his heirs to the French government. Along with the permanent collection of Pablo’s works, the museum holds two major temporary yearly exhibitions. An audio guide is made available to the visitors at €5. Try the coffee available on the first floor to add flavour to this tour!

This is a small shop stocked with second-hand books and many amazing stories. George Whitman reopened this place in 1951 after the Nazis shut it down in 1941. It is currently run by Sylvia Whitman Beach. This was also the place for Hemingway’s ‘Lost Generation’. George Whitman is said to have started the beat-poet clientele right in this shop. Today, it serves as a hub for many literature enthusiasts and many budding writers. At night, the coaches turn into beds for the writers in return for a stack on the shelves from them. On most Mondays, there are reading sessions at 7 pm by many emerging authors. 

This place truly comes to life on a bright sunny day with all its colourful glass walls and ceilings illuminating the chapel. This chapel is Paris’ most gothic testament, built in just six years in the 13th century. Free 45-minute guided tours are available in English from 11 am to 3 pm while the audio guide costs €4.50 for two. Its 18th-century gate facing the Rue de Lutece is a great view to capture from across the street.

Away from the usually busy streets of Paris, this place is quiet and refreshing. It was once a part of the royal residence and remains one of the best-kept secrets of the city. There are some elegant shops tucked behind the 17th-century palace including cafés, salons, bookshops, boutiques etc. You can take a stroll in and outside the garden to experience serenity and high street fashion in closely proximity.

If walking the Parisian streets is an amazing experience, the Bateaux Mouches experience is even more exciting. Bateaux Mouches are open excursion boats that give visitors the unique experience of viewing Paris from along the river Seine. These boats offer a gourmet meal, champagne, or just a ride with some good commentary – whatever option best suits your taste. The ride gets you up close to the bridges and their architecture. There are also the Bateau buses that operate from 10 am until 9.30 pm. These buses have 8 designated stops including the Eiffel Tower, Avenue de Champs Elysees, Louvre, and Musee Orsay. The buses run every 20 minutes, and you can get in and out at any stop for an entire day as many times as you wish, for €15. 

Nestled in between the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Pres, is the Luxembourg garden. It all its spirit and energy, this place truly represents the Parisian facets at its best. The gardens are a great spot for an early morning jog or an impromptu picnic plan. From a children's playground to the city’s oldest running merry-go-round, this garden has space for all. You can take a peaceful afternoon stroll or even sit for an evening puppet show here. Walk past the scents of orchids or learn the art of art of beekeeping. During the fall, fresh honey can be bought here. There are wonderful art exhibits in the Musee de Luxembourg as well. 

Hidden underground is the dark side of this city of lights. This ossuary, a place where bones of dead people are stored, gets its name from an ancient cemetery of Rome. Ever since its creation, it has been an area of curiosity for people. This ossuary contains remains of over six million people. It was created to overcome the overflowing cemeteries in Paris. In the 19^th century, many concerts and events also took place here.

Buzzing with chic restaurants, colourful bistros, and elegant boutiques, the Canal Saint-Martin is a 19^th century canal that extends in the south into the river Seine and in the north to Bassin de la Villette. The cast iron footbridges here have provided the perfect backdrop for many movies. You can cruise on the canal in a boat or simply sit back watching boats cruise by under the attractive footbridges.

What can be more fun than a day spent at Disneyland! It's a place that spells fun for kids, teenagers and adults alike. Disneyland Paris, earlier called the Euro Disney Resort, is located about 32 kms east of Paris. The resort is spead out over 4,800 acres and includes hotels, theme parks, shopping and entertainment complexes, as well as a golf course. With over 12 million visitors each year, Disneyland Paris remains the most visited place in all of Europe.

Just like New York City, Paris has one of the most breath-taking skylines in the world. The best way to witness this is to take a stroll through the Promenade Plantee. The promenade is built on an over-ground railroad. It later joins the path called Coulee Verte and extends all the way to Bois de Vincennes. You can either walk or bike and admire the Paris skyline along the way.