Your easy guide to the best tours, sights, and experiences in the City of Light
PARIS- where do I begin. It’s a place filled with the best of the best—art, history, food, river views, and everything in between. So here we go with the top 10 best things to do in Paris. My boyfriend and I were there in October 2025 for a 7-day trip. Having guided tours helped us make the most of our time and learn so much more than we ever could on our own.
These top 10 Viator experiences are the most-booked for a reason: they’re unforgettable. If you’re planning your Paris itinerary, this list will help you along the way! Let’s get into it 🙂
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1. Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris
3 hours 20 minutes — Free Cancellation — From $93
Versailles… enough said. It’s perfection. The rooms are covered in gold, the gardens go on forever, and every corner has some story about kings and queens. This tour makes it super easy because it takes you right from Paris. The guide brings the place to life as you wander through the Hall of Mirrors and the royal apartments. After that, you get time to explore the gardens on your own, which is the best part of it all in my opinion.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves history, art, French architecture.
2. Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour
3 hours — Free Cancellation — From $70
(Price varies by group size)
The Louvre is huge—so going with a guide is the best way to experience it without getting lost. This tour takes you straight to the masterpieces: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and more. You’ll learn the stories behind the art, and won’t miss the major pieces. Also, if you don’t end up doing this tour- get the Rick Steves Paris Pocket Guide- in it there is a Louvre tour that helps walk you through the space- and learn the stories behind the art. It’s a good backup plan if this tour isn’t on the radar.
Perfect for: First-time Louvre visitors who want a relaxed, focused experience.
3. Louvre Museum Exclusive Guided Tour (Entry Included)
2 hours 30 minutes — Free Cancellation — From $157
(Price varies by group size)
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, this small-group tour is a favorite. You skip the crowds, get a more personal guide, and explore what most visitors miss. I personally have not explored this option- but I will next time! Reading the reviews has me wishing I had saved an hour waiting in line.
Perfect for: Travelers who want depth, calm, and crowd-free time at the Louvre.
4. Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise
1 hour — Free Cancellation — From $20
This should be higher on the list to be honest- you just don’t want to miss this experience! This is one of the simplest, loveliest things you can do in Paris. You float past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the curve of the Seine while listening to commentary. It’s peaceful, affordable, and runs all day, every day! I’d get there early to secure a seat, though- everyone wants to sit on top on a beautiful day. We were left sitting on the edge of the stairs, and still 100% enjoyed it! You can’t help but stand half the time anyway. BEST! 10 stars.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants beautiful views without walking.
5. Paris in a Day: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Cruise
9 hours — Free Cancellation — From $185
If you’re short on time and want to see it all, this is the ultimate full-day experience. You hit the city’s most iconic stops with a guide who keeps the day flowing smoothly. It’s everything you dream of seeing in Paris, wrapped up into one perfect itinerary! Highly recommended if you’re not sure how to map out your itinerary just yet. This makes it super easy.
Perfect for: First-timers, couples, solo travelers—anyone who wants the “classic Paris” experience in one day.
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6. Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
2 hours 15 minutes — Free Cancellation — From $46
This is underrated but amazing for navigating the city. The bus loops through all the major sights, and you can hop off wherever you like. It’s relaxing, easy, and a great way to get familiar with Paris before diving deeper. I’ve used Big Bus Tours all over the United States and I swear by them. I ended up walking most everywhere in Paris just to see all that I could by foot, but that gets tiring- save some energy with a trusted bus tour.
Perfect for: Travelers who want freedom, flexibility, and a break from the Metro.
7. Eiffel Tower Reserved Access (Top or 2nd Floor)
2 hours — From $50
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see, but the lines can be long. This reserved access tour cuts that stress and gets you straight to the views. You can choose the second floor or go all the way to the top for the full shabam!
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to guarantee a smooth Eiffel Tower experience.
My boyfriend Joe and I decided instead to go alllll the way up the 674 steps of the eiffel tower to earn that view- and did we ever. I share that experience in another blog post. here.
8. Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Dinner Cruise
2 hours 30 minutes — Free Cancellation — From $148
This is Paris at its most romantic: candlelight, French cuisine, soft music, and nighttime views of the Eiffel Tower glittering on the water. It’s elegant, unforgettable, and worth every second. This is on my bucket list for next time! We sat next to a couple who had been on this tour, and they said it was the highlight of their entire trip!
Perfect for: Couples, celebrations, or anyone who loves a dreamy night out.
9. Orsay Museum Daily Entry Ticket
From $32 — Free Cancellation
The Orsay is smaller than the Louvre but packed with impressionist masterpieces—Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and so many more. This simple entry ticket makes visiting easy- and the Museum Pass doesn’t have the same perks it once did. I highly recommend grabbing this ticket, and spending half the day wandering this space if you’re an art lover like me! Be sure to grab a cocoa in the iconic clocktower cafe for a rest.
Perfect for: Art lovers and travelers who want a museum that feels warm and personal.
10. Notre Dame Cathedral: Small-Group Guided Tour
1 hour — Free Cancellation
Notre Dame is still one of the most meaningful places in Paris. This guided tour explores the exterior, the restoration, the history, and the deep stories behind the architecture. This was top on my list because I come from a family of glass artists- and that Rose window has been in my head for so many years. To see it in person was incredible!
Perfect for: Anyone who loves Parisian history and wants to understand the cathedral’s legacy.
The Magic of Paris Is in the Moments You Choose
Every one of these experiences gives you something real—art, beauty, adventure, romance, or simply a new way to see the city. Choose the ones that speak to you, mix a few together, and let Paris surprise you! When you explore with tours like these, you don’t have to stress over planning. You just show up, enjoy, and let the city take your breath away. Hope you have a grand adventure! Safe travels, and much love. – Lydia
