The 50 best things to do in Paris right now

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.

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's classy setting – which, with its weathered wooden tables, blackened steel, and soft lighting, is reminiscent of a London gastropub – has not aged a bit since it opened 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.

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.

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, which covers 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 a fair price – the venue has a reasonable pricing policy, with most tickets sitting between €10-15. 

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 expect starched white tablecloths, veggie-friendly options, and discrete service: more of a market counter than a restaurant, food is enjoyed standing at the bar (there's no ceiling, so expect to be chilly in winter) and accompanied 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 brain, and more. 

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

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

Why go? A historic flytrap for Parisian cinephiles, the 5th and 6th arrondissements are still full of independent cinemas, most notably Le Champo on Rue des Écoles, where many of the Nouvelle Vague directors hung out in the ’50s and ’60s. 

Don’t miss: Legend has it that Quentin Tarantino can often be found making a pilgrimage to the Latin Quarter’s Filmothèque when in Paris.

What is it? This gallery houses one of the largest collections of modern art in the world

Why go? It's hard to imagine Paris, and particularly the Marais, without the Centre Pompidou. Known by locals as Beaubourg (the name of the immediate area), only New York's MoMA can rival it in terms of scale; as a result, the galleries can only display a tiny fraction (about 1,300 pieces) of the 50,000 masterpieces in its collection at any one time. With its annual rotations, gargantuan temporary exhibitions (Bacon, O'Keeffe, and Kandinsky, to name just a few), a library, a performance space, and an art house cinema, it’s an unmissable stop for art lovers.

Don’t miss: Head to the top floor for eye-popping views across the city.

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 as passionate about fine drinks as they are about Motown on vinyl. This delightful 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 the Doud, made with salted pine nuts, white Cap Corse, shochu and calvados.

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. 

Don’t miss: Treat yourself to a spooky late-night grave walk with the park’s ‘vampire expert’.

What is it? One of Paris’s most impressive museums.

Why go? Located in an upscale district to the west of Paris, this venue was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry to showcase the works collected by LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. It’s grandiose, impressive, and excels in its chosen role: hosting the stars of the art world. Since opening, it’s hosted an impressive number of blockbuster exhibitions, including Basquiat, Warhol, Sherman, the Chtchoukine, Courtauld, and Morozov collections, Charlotte Perriand, and Giacometti.

Don’t miss: Make the most of your trip out west with a stroll in the enormous Bois de Boulogne park, which is around two and a half times bigger than New York’s Central Park.

What is it? The best restaurant in the city, according to the editors at Time Out Paris.

Why go? More than a meal, this is an extraordinary journey into a parallel world. In this luxurious mansion, lavishly furnished with panelling, mouldings, and velvet, Christophe Pelé creates an incredible menu which plays with – and vastly exceeds – expectations. Across some 20 dishes, you’ll encounter tempura shrimp, pibales served with brain, grilled red mullet with marrow, and more, all accompanied by several bottles of natural wine. This is a unique sensory experience which promises three to four hours of bliss.

Don’t miss: Don’t rush away after your meal – instead, enjoy your coffee (or something a little stronger) by the restaurants roaring fire.

What is it? A gargantuan 10,000-square-metre cultural complex in Pantin.

Why go? La Cité Fertile continues to grow! While it was originally intended to close in 2022, this has been postponed to an unknown date. Head down to enjoy the various spaces and events, play volleyball, pétanque, take part in workshops and festivals, or simply stroll through the flowerbeds.

Don’t miss: Canal de l’Ourcq institution Paname Brewing Company brews on-site and offers brewery tours.

What is it? A homey cocktail bar run by Elena Schmitt and Margot Lecarpentier (formerly of Experimental Cocktail Club).

Why go? Perched atop Belleville hill, Combat’s cocktails are punchy and well-balanced. We also like their bar snacks, especially the terrine, prepared by Repaire de Cartouche chef Rodolphe Paquin and served with pickles and pain de campagne.

Don’t miss: The Parc de Belleville across the road. Those views are unbeatable.

What is it? THE place to be during the summer months.

Why go? Spread out over 35 hectares, this is the largest of Paris’s parks, and from mid-July, it hosts the annual open-air cinema festival. There’s always a good vibe, and we’ve even witnessed a crowd of more than 2,000 get up and dance beneath the stars at the end of ‘Grease’. It was a moment, to say the least.

Don’t miss: Round off the night at beach-style nightclub Plage du Glazart, which is kitted out with sand and deckchairs.

What is it? The city’s best-looking concept store.

Why go? In a light-filled building at the end of a courtyard on the Boulevard Beaumarchais, Merci brings together a range of top designers and stylists across three floors. On offer? Everything from clothes, jewellery, and perfumes to stationery, furniture, and home decor. With a bit of searching, you can find items that don't cost an arm and a leg, and a portion of the profits goes to the Merci endowment fund, which funds social, educational, and environmental projects in Madagascar and France.

Don’t miss: Enjoy a modern take on Parisian bistro classics at The Used Book Café, a cosy, book-lined spot within Merci.

What is it? A beautiful reading room with over 20,000 books, 9,000 comics and 160 cosy reading spots. 

Why go? For its three-hundredth anniversary, the historic site of the National Library fully reopened its shelves in September 2022. The BNF’s astonishing Ovale room, which is crowned by an astonishing 18 metre high glass roof, is now accessible to all. The best part? It's totally free. 

Don't miss: The library's museum has almost 900 works, ranging from books and manuscripts (naturally) to costumes and photographs. 

What is it? A stylish seafood bar from the team behind Septime.

Why go? For a fresh, spicy taste sensation. The menu changes according to the catch and is always sustainably sourced. You can nibble on Oléron cuttlefish spiced with chilli, or mullet ceviche with butternut squash, but beware: just like the tide, the bill can rise quickly.

What is it? For fifty years, the Autumn Festival has been the pulse of contemporary stage creation, setting the hearts of thousands of spectators racing in various cultural venues across Paris.

Why go? A must-attend event dedicated to the performing arts in all their diversity – and their radicalism – the festival has witnessed the rise of some of the biggest names in the international contemporary scene, from American choreographer Merce Cunningham to director Robert (known as Bob) Wilson.

What is it? The best Italian restaurant in Paris.

Why go? Since ex-Rino chef Giovanni Passerini opened this eponymous Italian restaurant in 2015, it has been one of our favourites for a simple, traditional Italian meal among friends. Nothing beats their cult pasta all’amatriciana.

Don’t miss: The top-notch menu of sulphite-free French and Italian wines.

What is it? A much-awaited contemporary art gallery in a restored historical monument, which opened its doors (finally) in spring 2021.

Why go? This museum is as grand and central as it gets, fully restored from floor to dome by Tadao Ando with a towering concrete cylinder right in the middle. It took something this impressive to house the billionaire François Pinault's private collection of 10,000 artworks. Within the 7,000 square meters of the Bourse, you'll find 24 creations by Bertrand Lavier, feminist photographs by Cindy Sherman, and a wonderful collection of African and African-American figurative paintings.

What is it? A bopping bar at the very top of Paris's largest park, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Why go? This is one of the most vibrant hangouts in the capital. Run by Mimi and Zouzou, former owners of iconic noughties lesbian club Pulp, this riverside bar hosts some of the wildest queer nights in the city.

Don't miss: Come on a Sunday when the track selection gets especially wild. It's legendary.

What is it? An old network of railway lines has been transformed into the perfect romantic walk.

Why go? Built 150 years ago, La Petite Ceinture is almost 32km long. A public transport network until 1934, it was then used to transport goods until the late 1970s. Untouched for years, it has been cut up and transformed into various distinct sections, much like New York’s High Line. The Petite Ceinture’s best-known part begins in the 12th, a bucolic vision of plants and trees, but stretches across the 15th, 16th and 18th arrondissements, too.

Don’t miss: Grabbing evening drinks at The Recyclerie, a bar at the former Boulevard Ornano station

What is it? After a first year of testing the waters, this electronic hub tucked beneath the ring road hit full speed in 2023.

Why go? Led by Rag, Benjamin Charvet, and Samy Znimi, who respectively head up Barbi(e)turix, Badaboum and Panic Room, the lineup – gender-balanced and inclusive – takes the plunge into the realm of cutting-edge electronic music. From headliners to emerging gems, must-know labels and collectives of the moment, it's all about techno, house, and disco here.

What is it? A mecca of impressionist art in a stunning former train station. 

Why go? In the old Gare d’Orsay, you’ll find one of the finest collections of 19th-century art. It’s got Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Pointillism and all the other great ‘isms’ that appeared between 1848 and the beginning of the 20th century. 

Don’t miss: Savour a coffee in the fantastic coffee shop nestled behind the clock, designed by the Campana brothers in tribute to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.

What is it? A pan-genre record shop that hosts dangerously good DJ sets.

Why go? From New Orleans jazz to Japanese ambient, Dizonord’s racks overflow with deep cuts. And prices aren’t bad, either. Finally, north Paris has the record store it deserves.

Don’t miss: Grab a beer at one of the Friday-night DJ sets.

What is it? Remember Gaston Lagaffe's brilliant book storage ideas? Well, Regard Moderne is like that... but better. Stacks of books towering several meters high, inaccessible shelves hidden behind columns, and narrow passages where you can only squeeze through by sucking in your stomach.

Why go? It was Jacques Noël who conceived this place, before passing the baton to his successor upon his death, who diligently stored all of these precious volumes, whether they be beautiful works about Duchamp, collections of surrealist poetry or Beat novels in their original language. If you've got an interest in the peculiar in literature, this is the place. 

What is it? A small theatre showcasing contemporary dance and drama pieces.

What is it? A tiny, chaotic bakery in Abbesses, with inconvenient opening hours and bread scattered everywhere, where you might just taste the best bread you’ve ever had. 

What is it? This eco-conscious festival is the most talked-about event in Paris’s spring calendar.

Why go? When it comes to top-tier festivals, all Paris had ten years ago was Rock en Seine and Solidays. Fast forward to today, and We Love Green has displaced the pair as the most eminent music event of the year. The line-up brings together Pitchfork-approved rap, indie rock and techno.

Don’t miss: The food is almost as much of a draw. The likes of Septime, Cheval d’Or and Les Enfants du Marché have all taken part.

What is it? A seriously classy cocktail bar in the far west of Paris. 

Why go? While its new little big brother in the Latin Quarter has reigned over the Left Bank since the summer of 2023, Franck Audoux's original establishment remains a safe bet (if not the only one) for cocktail enthusiasts in this neighbourhood. In a fully Art Nouveau setting from floor to ceiling, you can sample drinks that are all about simplicity; few ingredients, no garnish, and a very delicate balance. 

What is it? Paris’s ultra-modern temple to classical music, near the gently flourishing Pantin area.

Why go? The Philharmonie, which forms part of the Cité de la Musique, has a rich and abundant live music programme. In addition to its impressive concert hall, the Philharmonie has an exciting exhibition space and an educational centre like its neighbour, the Cité des Sciences.

Don’t miss: The prices are super-accessible, so you can experiment without breaking the bank.

What is it? A Michelin-starred Japanese omakase restaurant with a minimalist five ‘flavour’ tasting menu and a seasonal cocktail. 

What is it? An elegant, old-school bistro serving fuss-free French cuisine.

Why go? At this excellent Right Bank spot, the charismatic maître d’ perches behind a bar and advises punters on the best red to enjoy with their confit beef cheeks (or whatever else they order). It’s perfect for Sunday lunch, a boozy dinner with mates, or even a solo trip. However you do it, you’ll savour every single bite.

Don’t miss: You won’t find sausage and mash like this anywhere else, so loosen your top button and dig in.

What is it? Put simply, the most beautiful swimming pool in Paris. 

Why go? This legendary establishment and listed building was bought by the AccorHotels group several years ago. The result? A luxury complex with a five-star hotel, an excellent restaurant, a 48-metre spa and all-around architectural beauty. 

Don’t miss: Order cocktails from the bar without leaving the pool.

What is it? An ultra-modern setting designed by Manuelle Gautrand boldly shaking up the original ornamental Belle Epoque style.

Why go? The Gaîté lyrique has been the epicenter of Parisian cultural life 2.0 since 2011. Taken on since 2023 by a new artistic team, the seven interdisciplinary floors propel visitors into the depths of the digital age, encompassing visual arts, music, graphic design, cinema, fashion, design, and video games. Admission is free, and some of its offerings are free, including immersive exhibitions and workshops.

What is it? A deli serving the best ham and cheese baguette in the city.

Why go? It may be a tight squeeze inside, but the interiors are charmingly retro, with old-fashioned kitchen scales, vintage enamel advertising signs and yellow tiles on the walls. Take your pick from the mouth-watering menu; think classic Prince de Paris jambon-beurre, smoked chicken baguette and chorizo tortilla.

Don’t miss: The perfect way to eat on the run while rushing to catch a show at the Théâtre de la Bastille.

What is it? A former train station-turned-jazz bar.

Why go? Every day at 9pm, this former train station foyer hosts free jazz concerts. The setting is perfect: the airy four-metre-high space enhances the warmth of the saxophones and trumpets.

Don’t miss: Make a beeline for the patio in summer.

What is it? This gigantic fire-engine red bar with its huge terrace fits in well with the rest of the Parc de la Villette’s gaudy architecture.

Why go? Located in the Parc de la Villette, A la Folie is one of the hubs of Parisian LGBTQ+ culture. Depending on the season, the venue hosts a variety of events, from queer parties to giant barbecues on its terrace. Since 2016, A la Folie has been the site of wild Sunday drag bingo sessions, hosted by queens including Minima Gesté, whose ability to get the crowd going is unrivalled. This free event always draws a crowd.

What is it? A lounge bar on the top floor of the Musée du Quai Branly, with impressive views of the Eiffel Tower.

Why go? Bringing together the genius of Margot Lecarpentier (from Combat) and superstar chef Alain Ducasse, Les Ombres has created quite a stir amongst cocktail enthusiasts. The space itself is magnificent: cocktails are sipped on an enormous terrace on the roof of the Musée du Quai Branly, with close-up views of the Eiffel Tower.

Don’t miss: Try the Sayuri (made with aquavit, rhubarb and sweet clover cordial, sparkling sake, verjus, coriander seed tincture, and marigolds), which starts with a floral note and then develops an umami character, or the white Negroni, which is as masterful as it is unexpected thanks to the clever addition of green olive.

What is it? A cheese shop that's been serving the best of Paris-made fromage since 2017. 

Why go? Pierre Coulon, a former employee of Androuet and a connoisseur of local cheese, has been turning organic milk into palate-pleasing delicacies at the heart of Goutte d'Or for a while now. This urban cheesemaker produces exceptional soft cheeses, such as a Saint-Félicien with raw cream, a Brillat-Savarin made with triple cream, or a Labat crafted with Breton goat milk... You can also find cheeses from small local producers, aged on-site, and a Normandy camembert from Pierre's farm in the city of the same name.

What is it? A design hotel and bar with a sordid past.

Why go? A former brothel resurrected as a very secret hotel, this sultry hideaway perfectly encaptures the spirit of old-time Pigalle. Inspired by the Parisian brothels from the Belle Époque period and revamped by the indefatigable architect and designer Jacques Garcia, Maison Souquet is pretty pleasing to the eye, with Cordovan leather on the walls, Moorish tiles, porcelain details, copper flourishes and vintage furniture.

Don’t miss: Fancy a private pool party? You can rent theirs by the hour.

What is it? A chance to experience the traditional Japanese culinary art of chakaiseki, the traditional multi-course meal that proceeds the serving of tea at a formal tea ceremony.

Why go? Chef Akiyoshi Yuichiro, from Fukuoka, introduces you to chakaiseki, an extremely codified succession of dishes which end with a tasting of matcha tea, prepared according to the traditional method. The chef, who works with exceptional precision in front of diners, must vary the cooking methods, ingredients, and tableware at each stage. This is a unique experience in France and is priced at a premium.

What is it? An elegant and minimalist shop selling flowers and decor items.

Why go? This is probably our favourite shop in Paris. After working as a headhunter in the pharmaceutical industry, Pierre Banchereau attended the Paris School of Florists and eventually launched his business in November 2013, expressing his love of interior design, fashion, and the art world in general through the medium of flowers. The arrangements at Debeaulieu expertly balance the pastel hues of wildflowers and the bright colours of more traditional plants. 

What is it? A true haven for film lovers.

Why go? In this magnificent building designed by Frank Gehry, the BIFI (the French film library) merged with the Cinémathèque (which aims to preserve old films and promote cinema culture). Here, you’ll find four screening rooms, a bookstore, a video library, numerous exhibition spaces, extraordinary retrospectives, top-notch masterclasses, and exhibitions.

Don’t miss: After indulging your inner cinephile, catch a gig at the Accor Arena.