Paris is full of activities to do and places to see. It’s impossible to get bored during a short or long stopover in the capital. And with so many things to do, it’s hard to find your way around. Visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, stroll through the Marais, climb to the top of the Montparnasse Tower, attend a cabaret at the Moulin Rouge, you know the essentials! So here is a non-exhaustive list of the little-known must-dos to do during a Parisian weekend.
- Discover the vineyards of Montmartre just a few minutes walk from the Sacré-Coeur.
- Visit the city’s catacombs , several kilometers of tunnels lined with femurs and skulls.
- Save Marie-Antoinette during a life-size escape game in the 4th arrondissement.
- Fly over Paris in virtual reality.
- Attend a symphony concert of your favorite music by candlelight.
- Visit the Paris of cartoons , to discover the unusual places that inspired them.
- Visit the “Paris of crime” in the 6th arrondissement.
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In which neighborhoods can you see the Eiffel Tower?
Day or night, in the sun or in the rain: this is what we want to see. The Eiffel Tower is the queen of the capital and, for many, it is impossible to go to Paris without being able to admire it. So the ideal way to do it properly is to get a room with a view.
Many Parisian hotels offer rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower, although you often have to leave a small bill. Since the Iron Lady is located in the 7th arrondissement, it is still from there that it is best seen. The hotels on Rue de Grenelle, Rue Saint-Dominique, and Avenue de la Bourdonnais are particularly well located. But elsewhere, then?
In the 15th arrondissement, hotels located near the Champ de Mars and Avenue de Suffren often offer views of the Eiffel Tower. In the 16th arrondissement, it is better to find a room on Avenue Kléber or Rue de Passy. In the 8th, we aim more for Avenue Montaigne and hotels near Place de l’Alma. In the 1st arrondissement, some hotels near the Louvre and Rue de Rivoli can offer partial views of the Eiffel Tower. As well as those located near the Luxembourg Gardens, in the 6th arrondissement. And, finally, some high-rise hotels can also offer this type of view at La Défense.
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How to get around Paris?
Getting around Paris can easily become hell if you come with your own vehicle. The public road transport network is well developed, which makes it a wise solution. The Paris metro has 16 lines, running from 5:30 a.m. to around 1:15 a.m. The RER has 5 main lines. And the Tramway has no less than 10 lines, which mainly serve the outskirts of Paris. Of course, the bus network is also extensive and covers the entire city, day and night.
To get around Paris, the youngest prefer to rent a Vélib’ or electric scooter. But it is also possible to call a taxi or a VTC. On the Seine, it is the Batobus that we take. This river shuttle allows you to travel along the Seine, with stops near the main tourist attractions.
Paris offers endless activities beyond the usual landmarks. In addition to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, visitors can explore lesser-known spots like the Montmartre vineyards, the eerie catacombs, and even a Marie-Antoinette-themed escape game. Neighborhoods such as the 7th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements offer stunning Eiffel Tower views from select hotels. Navigating Paris is best via public transportation, with extensive metro, tram, and bus networks. Alternative options include renting Vélib’ bikes, electric scooters, or using the Batobus river shuttle along the Seine. The city is ideal for both traditional and unique Parisian experiences.
