Paris bucket list ideas: over 50 ultimate experiences in Paris

I must admit I’m not usually a fan of bucket lists, but I know it is for many readers. So what are the Paris must dos now, and what should be on your list of Paris bucket list ideas? The purpose of this post is not to list off a whole lot of obvious options you can find in any similar blog post or guidebook but to suggest different choices you may not have considered to create your own personalised Paris bucket list.

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Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame will be on the list for most Paris visitors in 2025. I expect it will be one of the most visited places in France in the coming year – so much so, that even though I haven’t been inside for years, I’m planning on visiting on my next trip. At the time of writing, the French government is debating whether to introduce an entry fee, and you do need to book a (free currently) entry ticket at the moment. If you are planning on visiting Notre Dame I recommend you keep abreast of the current entry information on the official Notre Dame website. Access the Notre Dame website here >>

Buy a book at Shakespeare & Co

It’s literally just across the river from Notre Dame, so your next stop must be Shakespeare & Co, the world famous Paris bookshop. It may not be the most extensive range of English language books in Paris, but your purchase from Shakespeare & Co comes with something no other English bookshop can offer – a Shakespeare & Co stamp in the front, making it a perfect Paris souvenir. Not a reader? Never mind – Shakespeare & Co also sells well priced branded merchandise – perfect for a souvenir or a special gift.

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Meet the most famous woman in Paris

The Mona Lisa is, without doubt, the most famous woman in Paris. And, without doubt, when you visit it will be crowded. But a Paris must do doesn’t mean you must do what everyone else does. No, you need an opportunity to make the most of your meeting. So book a late afternoon or early evening tour of the Louvre, which will get you to the Mona Lisa (or La Joconde as she is known in French) shortly before closing, when most other people have left. Book your Louvre late afternoon tour here >>

Experience a concert in a church

Yes, you can visit most Paris churches quite easily, but to really experience some very special Paris churches such as Ste Chapelle, St Sulpice or St Germain des Près in a special Paris bucket list way book a ticket for a concert. You can find out about upcoming concerts and other events here >>

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Cruise the Seine

Whether you choose the hop on hop off convenience of the Batobus, a traditional cruise with audioguide or a romantic dinner cruise, a Seine River cruise is a quintessential Paris experience.

See the Eiffel Tower at her finest

The Eiffel Tower comes alive at night with a glittering display. Whether you climb the tower or not it is worth seeing it in all its glory at night. And the best part? You don’t even need to be right up close to enjoy it. One of my favorite spots to enjoy the Eiffel Tower at night is from the Louvre courtyard. With its distinctive pyramid lit up and the tower in the distance, glittering away, it is a deliciously memorable sight. Alternatively, time your Seine River cruise for dusk to see the tower come alive and then await the glittering light show.

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Eat one good traditional French meal

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You don’t have to spend a fortune, or eat snails or frogs’ legs (unless you want to of course), but in my opinion, every trip to Paris deserves one good traditional French meal. All dine-in eateries have menus out the front so you can see what is on offer and the price. My hot tip is to go for the Formule (menu of the day) or Plat du Jour (dish of the day) for something well priced, tasty and fresh.

My Ultimate Paris Address Book features over 100 dining options for all budgets:

Find the best view of Paris

Everyone always immediately thinks of climbing the Eiffel Tower to experience the best view of Paris, but my Paris bucket list idea is slightly different. If you climb the Eiffel Tower, you don’t get to see the actual Eiffel Tower. My suggested alternatives? The Montparnasse Tower in the nearby fifteenth arrondissement, the Parc Belleville or the steps of Sacre Coeur all offer expansive views of Paris – including the Eiffel Tower.

Join the locals for an apéro on the terrace

Apéro is short for apéritif, a drink and often a light snack taken late in the afternoon or early evening, as a little something to enjoy in advance of dinner. All over Paris between the hours of around 5 and 7pm café and brasserie terraces are filled with locals enjoying their apéro. For your apéro choose your favorite pre dinner drink or why not try something more French like a kir (creme de cassis with white wine). If you prefer something non alcoholic try a sirop (see below). Enjoy your drink with nuts and/or a little bowl of olives (included in the price of your drink) and watch the passing scene.

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Live it up in a classic 5 star hotel

Most of us can’t afford to stay in a 5star hotel in Paris, but as a special treat, most of us can budget for a cup of coffee or drink in the bar of a 5 star hotel. And it’s a special occasion worth budgeting for. Sit back and enjoy high end French service, and an unbeatable people watching experience. For an even more indulgent experience that is worth saving for, I suggest an unforgettable afternoon tea in Paris. You can read about my favorite Paris afternoon teas here >>

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Find the latest “must visit” restaurant or bar

While Parisians love their traditions, like most inhabitants of vibrant global cities, they also love something new. And cuisine is no different. While new restaurants open all the time, hit the Canal St Martin area for the highest concentration of hip and new cafés, bars, restaurants and bakeries.

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Shop in the grands magasins

Paris department stores (grands magasins in French) are a sightseeing destination in their own right, complete with their own merchandise and in some cases, opportunities for the perfect Instagram shot.

So which department store should you choose?

Le Bon Marché on the Left Bank is the oldest department store in Paris, and is also the most upmarket. Galeries Lafayettes and Au Printemps, side by side on boulevard Haussmann are the most tourist friendly and both feature ornate art nouveau cupolas. While Galeries Lafayettes has the most ornate interior and has a rooftop terrace (where you can enjoy a meal or a drink), Au Printemps is not as busy and it’s possible to dine in their restaurant under the cupola. I like to visit Galeries Lafayettes to soak in the atmosphere, but if I’m seriously shopping I head to Au Printemps or Le Bon Marché.

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Go to a cabaret or jazz club

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The Moulin Rouge is the best known and most popular Paris cabaret, but it is not the only one. Regardless of which one you choose, expect lots of colour and movement, scantily clad women and very expensive food and drink. For some people it is definitely a “must do” in Paris, but for others (myself included) not so much. As an alternative, why not try a traditional Paris jazz club? Ask your hotel for a recommendation in your local neighbourhood or for Montmartre history, try the Lapin Agile.

Meet the green fairy

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Absinthe (known as the green fairy in France) remains illegal in some countries, but it is legal in France and is having something of a renaissance. It has a particular mystic due to its famous hallucinatory properties. I must admit when we had tried it on a Paris food tour, nothing much happened, but the ritual and all the historic paraphernalia required to prepare it did make for a spectacle adults should consider. My Ultimate Paris Address Book features a number of bars (mainly in the Marais) where absinthe is served.

Whizz around the Arc de Triomphe

You’ve seen it on television, and if you’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe you have seen from above, but you also need to experience the craziness that is driving around the Arc de Triomphe. Extra points for doing it during rush hour. No extra points for driving yourself around it – that’s just madness……

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Sit in a garden

Paris is full of things to do, and it’s tempting to rush from one place to another. But I say <<non>> to that. Paris is also full of beautiful gardens with things to see and experience in their own right. Do take the time to enjoy a picnic (even if it’s just a simple sandwich from Monoprix) or just sit in the shade and people watch. It is one of the best things to do in Paris without fail. My recommended choices? Pass on the busy Tuileries and head to the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc Monceau (excellent for children), Place de Vosges, or a little further afield, the Buttes Chaumont.

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Be thrilled by the Opéra Garnier

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While the actual operas have moved out (they are usually staged at the Opéra Bastille nowadays) to be replaced by dance, the Opéra Garnier remains one of the jewels in the Paris crown. Sumptuous, evocative and historic it is a special Paris bucket list idea – especially if you have a little ballerina in your travel party.

Meet the Impressionists

Impressionism started in Paris as a revolt against the art establishment in the nineteenth century. While Impressionist art is very mainstream these days, it remains an historically important Paris bucket list idea. Head to the Musée d’Orsay for the biggest collection of Impressionist art in Paris, and the Orangerie or Marmottan for more focussed collections.

You can read about my most recent visit to meet the Impressionists here >>

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Explore Montmartre

Montmartre is synonymous with artists in Paris, but there are more reasons to visit Montmartre. Yes, you can visit the Place de Tertre and have your portrait painted, or pick up a painting designed for tourists, but for an authentic Montmartre experience, I recommend going off the beaten track and finding your own special part of Montmartre. The Montmartre Museum is thoroughly recommended for its great view of the Montmartre vineyard from its garden and its depiction of the early cancan dancers. You can read about my recommended Montmartre walk here >>

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Learn to cook a French classic

Taking a French cooking class is a popular thing to do in Paris. Choose sweet, savory, a whole meal, or just one sweet treat, but bring the family (yes, there are Paris cooking classes suitable for kids) and create a special, tasty, memory. You can read my picks for the best Paris food tours here >>

Ride a bike

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For a busy city, Paris is remarkably bike friendly. Share bikes are readily available and are cheap to use, or take a cycling tour for a double bucket list win.

Find a moment of tranquility in the Palais Royale

The Palais Royale is close to the Louvre and the oh so touristy rue de Rivoli, but it is surprisingly quiet, making it not only a great bucket list idea but also a bit of a Paris hidden gem. Head past the influencers taking photos on the black and white blocks at the entrance and be enchanted by a square surrounded by colonnades. Under the colonnades are some very quaint boutique shops that are well worth exploring, and in the centre of the square is one of the prettiest public gardens in Paris. Despite the gates and fence, you are welcome to visit and sit and rest awhile. It’s well worth it.

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Find the real Paris

Whether it’s a quiet laneway or an otherwise empty park, Paris is full of little places away from queues and Paris tourist scams. It is possible to find authentic gems even in otherwise popular tourist areas, so regardless of where you are staying, head down that inviting street, visit the quirky shop or take a heap of faith to visit a restaurant without an English menu to find your own special part of Paris – what I like to refer to as “the real Paris”.

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Stay in a very Parisian hotel

European hotels are different to what you may be used to at home, or to other places you may have travelled. In Paris, this means small rooms, with even smaller bathrooms and sometimes quirky plumbing. But it also means delightful staircases, and exposed beams – depending on your choice. So pass on the familiar chain hotel and book a small, authentic French hotel in Paris, regardless of your budget.

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Photos to capture your memories

A photoshoot with a professional photographer is a fabulous way to remember your trip to Paris, long after the cheap souvenirs are forgotten. While the Eiffel Tower is often the first place that springs to mind, the Tuileries, the Ile de la Cité and the Bir Hakeim Bridge are all classic scenes to make your own special memories of Paris. You can choose and book your Paris photo shoot here >>

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Experience real Paris ice cream

Bertillon is Paris’ own ice cream. And it’s delicious. When I first started travelling to Paris in the early 1990s there was only one place to buy Bertillon ice cream – from its tiny hole in the wall shop on the Ile-Saint-Louis. Fast forward thirty years and Bertillon is widely available in cafés, brasseries and restaurants throughout Paris – just look for distinctive Bertillon logo.

Buy a baguette

Every year there is a competition to crown the best baguette in Paris (the winner gets to be the official supplier to the President for the year), and every year in my Facebook group people ask where the best baguette in Paris is. For the record, the 2024 winner is Utopie in the 11th arrondissement. But honestly, there is absolutely no reason to travel across town for a quality baguette. There are bakeries everywhere in Paris, so I suggest checking out options in your neighborhood and choosing the one with queues of locals first thing in the morning and then again in the early evening/late afternoon – that is where you make your purchase.

And yes, it is OK to pull the end off to eat on the way back to your accommodation or to where you are going to sit to eat it.

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Window shop on Ave Montaigne

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Most of us can’t afford to shop there, but a session of leche vitrine (window shopping) on the sumptuous ave Montaigne comes free. To me it is a better choice than the Champs Elysées with wall to wall fancy boutiques and 5 star hotels.

Walk the Coulée Vert

The Coulée Vert is an elevated garden built on an abandoned railway line. It (literally) takes Parisian gardens to new heights as it runs from the Place de la Bastille through to the end of the 12th arrondissement. And for extra bucket list delights, at the Bastille end is the most charming row of artisan boutiques below.

Visit a smaller museum

Paris is full of many smaller museums and I think it is a genuine shame that more people don’t take advantage of visiting them – especially when, some, like the Victor Hugo Museum on Place de Vosges are free. Some like the Jacquemart André and the Hotel de la Marine have cafés that are well worth a visit in their own right. What they all have in common is a special interest collection, and no crowds….

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Picnic in the park

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It doesn’t matter if it’s just a pre-made sandwich from Monoprix, baguette and cheese from local shops or something far grander, do make the time to enjoy a picnic in the park.

A camping cutlery set is a handy addition to your packing list if a picnic is on your list:

And a microfibre towel makes a perfect picnic rug that won’t take up space in your suitcase:

Prefer someone else to make the arrangements for your picnic? Check out these options:

See the Champs Elysées from a different angle

Did you know you can climb the Arc de Triomphe? And that it has one of the best views of the Champs Elysées? Access is via the underground walkway but do book in advance – while it’s not that busy, the Arc de Triomphe is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is the place for many official commemorations so it can be closed to the general public.

French hot chocolate

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What’s the difference between hot chocolate in Paris and the hot chocolate you are used to? Rather than a sweet, milky drink, expect a thick, bitter, almost sauce like hot chocolate. Milk and sugar should be served on the side so you can add both to your taste. While Angelina has the hot chocolate everyone knows about (and queues for) other places serve traditional hot chocolate without the queues and with no less quality. A hot chocolate in Paris is an easy high end treat you deserve – try the one at Le Meurice for an expensive, but unbeatable Paris experience – without the queues of the nearby Angelina.

Paris street art

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Street art abounds in Paris. For a do it yourself street art tour take a wander around the 10th arrondissement, the 13th arrondissement or take a walk from Père Lachaise cemetery to the Buttes Chaumont park.

If you want to try your hand at street art or leave your own mark on Paris for a truly original memento you can also take a street art and graffiti workshop – right there in the street in Paris! Find out more about this unique Paris experience here >>

Shop in a street market (not rue Cler)

There’s nothing really wrong with rue Cler and its street market, but as it has become more popular over the years it has changed. For a more immersive and authentic experience try one of the many transient markets that fill Paris streets and squares during the week and on weekends. My favorites? The Boulevard Raspail (near Le Bon Marche), the Bastille and my current absolute fave, the President Wilson, just across the river from the Eiffel Tower.

French markets have a very particular etiquette. If there is a queue, get in it if you want to buy something. Do not handle the produce unless it is clearly a self service stall – the stall holder will serve you. Bring a shopping bag to put your purchases in, and while credit cards are widely used, do have some cash on hand just in case.

France Travel Planning travel tip

For a fun culinary experience, you can even book a market food tour – a perfect opportunity to taste something new, and learn about how to shop à la Parisienne.

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Spend Sunday morning at a flea market

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St Ouen is the biggest and most famous, but it is terribly big and is a bit tricky to get to. A more manageable alternative that is still authentic and interesting is the Vanves market, in the fourteenth arrondissement. Shop for antique linens, kitchenalia, clothes, furniture and all sorts of collectibles – highly recommended. If you do want to visit the St Ouen it is possible to book a tour to help you experience it to it’s fullest – you can check it out here >>

Find a unicorn at the Cluny Museum

The Cluny is a seriously underestimated Paris Museum. While it is home to a large Medieval art collection, its buildings also feature their Roman origins (and indeed nearby there is also a well preserved Roman amphitheatre). The star of the show at the Cluny is a series of beautifully preserved 15th century tapestries known as the Lady and the Unicorn – just glorious.

You can find out more about the Lady and the Unicorn here >>

Try sirop

Drinks in Parisian cafés don’t have to be alcoholic. Nor do they have to be boring choices you can get at home. Children, teenagers and grown ups alike all enjoy a sirop. Sirop is sweet syrupy drink (like a cordial) that is served with still or sparkling water. Favorite flavours include mint, grenadines (mixed berry) and also single berry flavours. Why not try a few different flavours and decide which one you like best?

Take a ride in a classic 2CV

A ride in a classic Citroen 2CV is one of my favorite Paris bucket list ideas. Seating up to 3 passengers plus your driver/guide it’s a fun way to experience the city. For the ultimate Paris bucket list experience, book an evening tour, complete with Champagne to experience Paris in a completely new way, that is loads of fun.

Learn about French wine

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You don’t have to go all the way to a wine growing area to learn about French wine. A wine tasting in Paris will give you a great overview of French wines. Because French wine is all about the terroir (the area where the wine is produced) rather than the grape variety, if you visit a wine growing area you only get to learn about that region’s wine – not so in Paris!

Book a range of Paris wine tasting experiences here >>

Eat cheese (you know you want to!)

While you should be adventurous, no, you don’t need to eat stinky cheese in France. With over 1000 varieties to choose from you will find something you like. Choose a local specialist cheese monger and put yourself in their hands – buying a thin slice, or just one handcrafted shaped cheese is perfectly acceptable. In France cheese is typically eaten with rounds of baguette rather than a cracker, so grab that baguette and cheese, and go for it.

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Shop for French skin care

French skin care products are famous – and with good reason – there are some excellent, high quality brands. While we can all buy the bigger brands at home or online, there are plenty of small, niche brands that can only be purchased in French pharmacies. City Pharma is the pharmacy tourists queue for because of its massive range, but before you join the queue, go to any decent sized pharmacy and ask for some recommendations based on your skin care needs. You will end up with a product that should work best for you, and who knows, you may have a new favorite range that is perfect just for you.

Experience the best facial you will ever have

Yes, more skincare. And I’m the first to admit, this is not a budget option, but a treatment in a fancy Paris beauty salon is well worth saving for. My last one at the Ritz Spa (yes, that Ritz) was definitely a splurge I had budgeted for, but honestly it was a transcendental experience that left me floating on air. And it was so good, that despite the 24hour flight home the next day, my skin felt amazing for a week after……

Walk the Champs Elysées

It’s incredibly touristy and it’s not my favorite part of Paris, but I know most people will have the Champs Elysées on their Paris must do list. So my bucket list suggestion is to make it different rather than just follow the tourist hordes.

Firstly, I suggest going at night when it is alight at its best. Or visit in the day time and make a visit to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. My other big tip is to stop when you get to the Arc de Triomphe – most of what lies beyond there is not very exciting, unless you are into car dealerships.

Like most popular tourist thoroughfares, the best eating options are not on the Champs Elysées itself. Apart from Ladurée, for the best quality options head a couple of blocks either side of the Champs Elysées – the northern side into the seventeenth arrondissement is a good choice for quality options, at a slightly better price.

France Travel Planning travel tip

Eat pastry

It is your duty as a dedicated visitor to Paris to eat pastry as often as you want – you know you want to. I challenge you to try something new every time you enter the patisserie – even if you don’t know what it is. Unable to eat gluten? No problem – sans gluten (gluten free) options are readily available.

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Take a Paris day trip

Yes, this is a post on Paris bucket list ideas, but for most people, one of their high priority Paris bucket list ideas is to take a day trip from Paris. Whether it is seeing how the other half used to live at the Palace of Versailles, exploring Monet’s garden at Giverny or sipping Champagne in Reims, my advice is to choose a Paris day trip that genuinely interests you. You can read about my recommended Paris day trips here >>

Are you planning a trip to France? My France Travel Planning Facebook group is a vibrant and friendly group where you can ask questions, learn from others and get great advice. You can join here >>

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Ride the Metro

While Paris is a very walkable city, for a quintessential Paris experience, riding the Metro at least once is a must do. It is also the cheapest and quickest way to zip from one part of the city to another. Crowded, noisy and full of stairs beyond belief the Metro is still a cheap, fun experience.

Watch your valuables and enjoy a little slice of Parisian life…..

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Paris bucket list ideas: best seasonal things to do in Paris

Shop during the French sales

Unlike what you may be used to at home, sale periods in French shops are heavily regulated. If you are visiting Paris during January/February and July/August you can take advantage of sales in both the department stores and small boutiques and independent shops. To get the exact dates, they are published by the French government. You can search for current dates here >>

Enjoy cherry blossoms

During March and early April hundreds of cherry blossoms add a riot of pastel pink throughout the city – so pretty!

Paris plage

Yes, it was disrupted due to Covid and the Olympics, but if you are visiting Paris in the summer holidays, an afternoon at the Paris Plage on the banks of the River Seine is like a vacation from your vacation. Visiting at another time? No problem – grab a picnic and hang your legs over the banks of the river and enjoy.

Christmas cheer

December in Paris means Christmas lights and Christmas markets. The Champs Elysées is merrily lit and shops are dressed in their finest. While the windows of Galeries Lafayettes are justifiably famous, it is the enormous tree inside that is the showstopper.

While the Christmas market of the Tuileries may lack the atmosphere of Strasbourg’s it features hand crafted goods perfect for Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

Ready to plan your ultimate trip to Paris?

Need help deciding on the best area to stay in Paris? My Paris arrondissement guide will help you work out which neighbourhood will suit you best >>

My Paris hotel guide is designed for families and friends >>

Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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