Things To Do in Paris 2026: Top Attractions & Tickets
Paris is one of the world's great cities - and one of its most visited, for good reason. The key to a good Paris visit is booking ahead, because the most popular attractions sell out days or weeks in advance.
Top Attractions in Paris
Paris Catacombs: Twenty metres below the streets of the 14th arrondissement, the remains of more than six million Parisians are arranged in 1.5km of tunnels that date back to the 18th century. One of the most singular experiences in Europe - eerie, atmospheric, and genuinely unlike anything else. Reopened in April 2026 after a major renovation. Tickets are released 7 days in advance and sell out fast. Book Paris Catacombs Tickets at pinplango.com/activity/paris-catacombs-tickets. Eiffel Tower: The most recognised structure in the world needs little introduction. What most visitors do not realise until they arrive: getting to the summit without a pre-booked ticket is nearly impossible in peak season, with queues routinely exceeding 2-3 hours. The summit offers views across Paris to the horizon on clear days. Book the summit lift ticket in advance; the stairs ticket gives access only to the second floor. The Louvre: The world's most visited art museum contains over 35,000 works across 60,600 square metres, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. A single visit barely scratches the surface. Focus on what you most want to see before you arrive: Egyptian antiquities, Italian Renaissance painting, or ancient Greek sculpture. Timed entry tickets are required. Musee d'Orsay: Housed in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station on the left bank of the Seine, the Musee d'Orsay holds the world's finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin - all represented at the height of their powers. Less crowded than the Louvre and more focused. Book in advance; queues without a ticket can be long. Notre-Dame Cathedral: Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after the fire of 2019, and the restoration work has been widely praised as exceptional. Entry to the cathedral is free but timed entry tickets are now required to manage visitor numbers. The towers, with their famous gargoyle views over Paris, are accessed via a separate ticket and involve a climb of 387 steps. Seine River Cruise: A 1-hour cruise along the Seine is one of the most efficient ways to orientate yourself in Paris. The boat passes the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Musee d'Orsay, the Louvre, and the Conciergerie. Evening cruises with dinner are also available. No advance booking is required for standard cruises, though pre-booking saves queuing time. Sacre-Coeur and Montmartre: The white-domed basilica at the top of the Butte Montmartre offers one of the best panoramic views in Paris. The surrounding neighbourhood, the former home of Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec, is the most atmospheric in the city, with steep cobbled streets, independent cafes, and artists still working in the Place du Tertre. Entry to the basilica is free. Palace of Versailles: The former royal palace of Louis XIV is 40 minutes from central Paris by RER C. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the 800-hectare gardens are collectively one of the most spectacular royal complexes in Europe. Book a full day and visit on a weekday because weekends are extremely busy.
Practical Tips for Paris
Getting around: The Paris Metro is fast, cheap, and covers the entire city. A carnet or a Paris Visite pass is the most economical option for most visitors. Taxis and Uber are available throughout. Book before you go: The Catacombs, Eiffel Tower, and Louvre all require advance online booking. The Catacombs in particular release tickets only 7 days ahead, so set a reminder at 10:00am Paris time on the day your booking window opens. Paris Museum Pass: Covers the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Versailles, among others. It does not cover the Eiffel Tower or Paris Catacombs. It is valid for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A basic Bonjour and Merci go a long way; Parisians genuinely appreciate the effort. Pickpockets: Common around the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, and on Metro line 1. Keep bags in front and use inside pockets for valuables. Best areas to stay: The Marais, in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is central, walkable, and has the best mix of restaurants and character. Saint-Germain-des-Pres is classic and well-located. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower for accommodation because it is expensive and less well connected.
Getting to Paris
By air: Paris has two main airports - Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). CDG is larger and better connected internationally. RER B connects CDG to central Paris in 35 minutes. Orly is served by the Orlyval shuttle to RER B. By train: Eurostar connects London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in about 2h20, faster and more central than flying. Thalys connects Amsterdam to Paris in about 3h30. TGV serves Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and all major French cities. By car: Driving into Paris is not recommended. The peripherique ring road is often congested, parking is expensive, and a Low Emission Zone restricts older vehicles from the city centre.
Paris FAQ
What are the best things to do in Paris? The top attractions are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Paris Catacombs, the Musee d'Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a Seine river cruise. Most require advance booking. Do I need to book in advance? Yes. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Paris Catacombs all require timed entry tickets. The Catacombs release tickets only 7 days ahead and sell out quickly. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. How many days do I need in Paris? Four days is the ideal minimum for a first visit. Three days is possible with careful planning. A full week lets you explore beyond the headline attractions. Is the Paris Museum Pass worth buying? It covers the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Versailles, but does not include the Eiffel Tower or Catacombs. It is worth it if your itinerary leans heavily on museums. When is the best time to visit Paris? April to June and September to October. July and August are peak season, busier and more expensive. December is atmospheric but cold.
Book Your Paris Experiences on Pin Plan Go
Browse all Paris tours and tickets at pinplango.com/destinations/paris. Paris Catacombs tickets, museum days, Seine cruise plans, and curated attraction ideas are available in one place.
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