The 54 best things to do in Paris, tried and tested by us (2025)

What is it?One of Paris’s top galleries,home toone of the largest collections of modern art in the world (in terms of scale, it’s rivalled only byNew York’s MOMA).The only thing is it’s closing in September 2025 forfive whole years. We can’t believe it either!

Why go?Well, it’ll be your last chance until 2030. Need we say more? If you’re planning a trip before the summer, this should be top of your itinerary. To make life easier, we’ve rounded up thebest exhibitions to see at the Pompidoubefore it goes into hibernation, from Suzanne Valadon to Wolfgang Tillmans. We’ve also included the full backstory on why it’s closing for so long.It’s hard to imagine Paris, and particularly the Marais, without the Centre Pompidou, but the modern art obsessed amongst us better start getting used to it. In the mean time, don’t go hungry: our list of thebest art galleries in Parisshould help you out.

What is it?A small food market that feels like – and is? – the ‘real’ Paris.

Why go?This historic Parisian market takes its name from the Enfants Rouges (Red Children) orphanage, which was built in the 16th century and closed down just before the revolution.We recommend Enfants du Marché, but don’t expectstarched white tablecloths, veggie-friendly options, anddiscrete service: more of a market counter than arestaurant, food is enjoyedstandingat the bar (there’s no ceiling, so expect to be chilly in winter) andaccompanied by the charismatic and cheeky presence of Michael Grosman, maître d', sommelier, and winner of Best Host in Paris at the Time Out Food and Drink Awards. Chef Shunta Suzuki’s hearty, meaty dishes are as delightful as they are pricey: think iconic Groix mussels in a gorgonzola sauce, tempura brains (don’t be afraid), and more.

Don’t miss:The market islocated in the Marais, one of our top picks for places to stay in Paris, so once you’ve paidl’addition,take a stroll around the area.

📍 Address: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

What is it? Two of the best museums near the Eiffel Tower.

Why go? In the heart of the 16th arrondissement, two museums with equally impressive programmes – but entirely different vibes – face each other. The first, the Palais de Tokyo, combines installations, videos and new-age icons, cementing its status as a temple of contemporary art, while the second, the Musée d’Art Moderne, pays tribute to the Avant-gardistes.

Don’t miss: The exceptional bookshop in the basement of the Palais de Tokyo, which is famed for its selection of titles covering fashion, contemporary art and more.

📍 Address:Palais de Tokyo,13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris.Musée d’Art Moderne: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris

What is it? Our la dame de ferneeds no introduction, but we’ll give her one anyway. It took two years to build her (and some 18,000 pieces of metal), and she was once the tallest thing in the entire world – though New York’s Chrysler Buildingended up overtaking us.

Why go? The Eiffel Tower is the most quintissentially Parisienne thing you can do – andit’s earned its spot as our top tourist attractionin the city. On a clear day, the views are fantastic, and it’s in a great spot for a day of sightseeing. We’ll say it now: tourist attractions don’t get much better than this!

Don’t miss: The view of the Iron Lady from one of our favourite rooftop bars in the city,Ombres.

📍Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

What is it? Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut’s unique restaurant venture in Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and one of the best restaurants in Paris.

Why go?Septime'sclassy setting – which, with itsweathered wooden tables, blackened steel, and soft lighting, is reminiscent of a London gastropub – has not aged a bit sinceitopened in 2011. Nor has Bertrand Grébaut’s Michelin-starred cooking, which remains sharp and pioneering: highlights of the seven-course tasting menu (€135) include braised sucrine lettuce with a wafer-thin slice of bacon, tender scallops paired with bone marrow and brilliant grilled veal sweetbreads with harissa accompanied by couscous broth, arguably the high point of the meal. To enjoy these dishes to their fullest potential, the intelligent, well-travelled and perfectly calibrated wine pairing (€75) is pretty much essential.

Don’t miss: Book early, as it can fill up a year in advance. If you can’t get a table, try Septime La Cave next door.

📍 Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris

What is it? A different take on the world’s most famous museum.

Why go? With over 35,000 pieces on display, it would be impossible to feel like you’ve ‘completed’ the Louvre in just one visit. Instead, we’d suggest trying one of the niche tours of the museum, like a feminist tour, or even the Beyoncé and Jay-Z tour, which showcases the iconic creations featured in the ‘Apeshit’ music video filmed at the Louvre in 2018. Géricault's Raft of the Medusa, the Venus de Milo and, of course, the Mona Lisa.

Don’t miss: Have your very own Night at the Museum experience, with evening tours starting at 6.30pm on a Friday evening.

📍 Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

What is it?A former coal station turned music hotspot.

Why go? Since 2016, La Station (originally meant to be open for just six months) has been impressing us with its adventurous programming, whichcovers both rock and electronic music. Concerts, parties, and installations shake up the impressive (and enormous) space, which was once the Parisian hub for coal coming in from the north, and the atmosphere aims to be as relaxed and inclusive as the programme is cutting-edge. An essential stop on a night out in Paris.

Don't miss:The chance to see great acts at afair price –the venue has a reasonable pricing policy, with most tickets sittingbetween €10-15.

📍 Address: 29 Avenue de la Porte d'Aubervilliers, 75018 Paris

What is it?Storied picture houses that put on obscure screenings at low prices.

Why go?A historicflytrap for Parisian cinephiles, the 5th and 6th arrondissements are still full of independent cinemas, most notablyLe Champoon Rue des Écoles, where many of the Nouvelle Vague directors hungout in the ’50s and ’60s.

Don’t miss:Legend has it that Quentin Tarantino can often be found makinga pilgrimage to the Latin Quarter’sFilmothèquewhen in Paris.

📍 Address: Various locations in the Latin Quarter, 75005 Paris

What is it? A funky, inventive and genuinely cool bar in Paris (and one of the best cocktail bars in Paris).

Why go? Fréquence is run by Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza, who are aspassionate about fine drinks as they are about Motown on vinyl.Thisdelightful bar is the fruit of their labour, where turntables and records share the spotlight with bottles and shakers.

Don't miss:The cocktails are as clever as they are strong. Try theDoud, made with salted pine nuts, white Cap Corse, shochu and calvados.

📍 Address: 20 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris

What is it? Undoubtedly the world’s best-known graveyard.

Why go? For those who enjoy immersive, unusual places, Père-Lachaise is a must. It’s also beautifully picturesque: a vast, shaded labyrinth with snaking hillside paths and pretty stone stairs. In this maze, you’ll find graves belonging to a long list of cultural icons including Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

📍 Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris