Paris, the city of love, is one of the most fascinating hubs of Europe – home to fantastic landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, and a vast history.
It’s because of this immense range that guided tours can be a valuable tool to help you gain a much deeper experience from the city, whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks.
Are you planning a trip to Paris? These tours and activities can open your mind to what Paris has to offer, with plenty of local wisdom to accompany. Here are 10 of the best tours and activities to do during your visit to Paris.
Please note that tours are fulfilled through our partner GetYourGuide and if you book using our links we get a small commission at no cost to you. This helps us keep this site running and create new content. As sometimes tours and activities do change please remember to check the details when booking.
1. Montmartre Walking Tour
There are so many alluring elements to explore in and around Montmartre. This makes this 2-hour walking tour a great way to ensure you see the best parts on offer.
The tour starts at the beloved Moulin Rouge, leading you uphill towards the towering Sacre Coeur. On your journey, you’ll see plenty of smaller treasures, such as Artist’s Square, Montmartre Vineyard, Van Gogh’s house, Picasso’s studio, and more – all accompanied by fascinating stories by a knowledgeable guide.
Benefits/features:
- Tour guide
- 2.5-hour duration
- Mobile tickets
- Cancel up to 24-hours in advance
2. Lunch Cruise on the River Seine
Admire Paris from a completely new perspective with a 3-Course lunch cruise on the River Seine.
Over 90 minutes, you’ll dig into a pan-seared chicken, vegetables, a provencal tart, eclairs, and more, while catching a glimpse of Paris’ many notable sites. This includes the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, French National Assembly, and more.
It’s a simple way to see the city’s many tourist spots in the most deluxe way possible. Also, note there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Benefits/features:
- Lunch
- 90-minute duration
- Mobile tickets
- Full refund when cancelled up to 24 hours in advance
3. Moulin Rouge Show
A trip to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the iconic cabaret show: the Moulin Rouge. Instead of settling for a photo outside, why not experience this popular attraction in the most luxurious way possible?
The “Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne” ticket offers you the opportunity to admire a vibrant and outrageous performance – featuring 100 artistes, spectacularly designed costumes, and breathtaking set pieces.
To top off the experience, you and your companions can enjoy champagne while watching the show – what’s not to love?
Benefits/features:
- Ticket to the show
- Half bottle of champagne
- 2-hour duration
4. Discover Paris by Bike
Over three hours, the “Discover the Heart of Paris by Bike” tour weaves travellers throughout the city – stopping by a variety of popular attractions as you receive unique, insider information from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour starts from the Beaubourg area, where you’ll hop on your bike and begin your journey toward the Marais Quarter, Village Saint Paul, Place Des Vosges, and the Picasso Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a break at one of the oldest marketplaces in the city.
From here, you can expect to visit the Palais Royal and the Louvre, before finishing up at the Seine Islands.
Benefits/features:
- Bike and helmet
- Guide included
- 3-hour duration
- Full refund when cancelled up to 24 hours in advance
5. Versailles Palace and Gardens
Another popular tourist spot with seemingly never-ending lines is the Palace of Versailles – the glamorous former residence of the France royals, before the French Revolution.
To start exploring this luxurious palace, consider the “Versailles Palace and Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour”. This is also a GetYourGuide original which offers you a full refund if you don’t enjoy it.
In this 90-minute guided journey, you can expect to experience the State Apartments, King’s Bedroom, Hall Of Mirrors and learn about the fascinating history that surrounds the palace. Once the tour has finished, you can explore the palace at your leisure, including the Versailles gardens.
Benefits/features:
- Entrance ticket and skip the line
- 90-minute guided tour
- 90-135 minute total duration
- Full refund when cancelled 24-hours in advance
6. Montparnasse Tower Roof Terrace
Admire the city from the highest rooftop with a visit to the Montparnasse Tower. From up here you’ll get possibly the best views of Paris and be able to capture postcard views towards the Eiffel Tower. Head up to the top of the 210-meter skyscraper at sunset and watch the sky dazzle over the Eiffel Tower, or plan a visit at night to watch the city’s sparkling lights from above.
When purchasing the ticket is valid for two weeks from the selected date, so weather issues won’t disrupt the spectacular views. We also recommend this as one of the best spots in Paris for Instagram and photography.
Benefits/features:
- Entry ticket
- Mobile ticket
- Skip the line
7. Eiffel Tower Guided Climb
Who doesn’t look forward to visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris? With sweeping views on offer from the top, the historic structure can provide a new perspective of the city. Although, if you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation during your Paris trip, then why not embark on this “guided climb with optional summit access” tour.
After meeting up with the guide and delving into the spectacular stories of the city and tower, you’ll begin the climb up 704 steps to the first level – while taking the time to soak in those views. After your break, you’ll continue the journey to the second level, while learning insider knowledge of the tower’s lights, colour, and historical facts. Once you’ve made it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views.
The optional summit access will set you off on a solo journey – sending you up to the very top of the tower. From here, you can sip on some bubbly and snap a few shots.
Benefits/features:
- Entry ticket
- Elevator ride down
- Tour guide included
8. Opera Garnier Tour with Expert Guide
The Opera Garnier tour runs over 90 minutes, with knowledgeable guides delving into the history of the impressive building.
After meeting at the museum, you’ll be shown to the Member’s Rotunda – which was once the formal welcoming space for guests. Afterwards, admire the beautiful architectural highlights – such as the main staircase and the Pythonisse sculpture, while the guides provide an in-depth description.
Benefits/features:
- Guided tour
- Entry ticket
- Mobile tickets for convenience
- Full refund when cancelled 2 days in advance
9. Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour
With so much to see and do at the Louvre – it’s no wonder the attraction is so popular among tourists. Though with the “Louvre Museum: 3-Hour Comprehensive Tour with Skip the Line”, you can save your time and get the most out of your visit.
After skipping the line, your guide will weave you to some of the popular and hidden treasures within the museum – such as the ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace’, ‘Venus de Milo’, and ‘Mona Lisa’, all while delving into the history of these pieces.
After the tour, you’ll be welcome to explore at your own pace.
Benefits/features:
- Guided tour of the Louvre
- Entrance ticket
- Skip the line
- Mobile ticket
- Full refund when cancelled up to 24 hours in advance
10. Paris Catacombs
The lines at the Catacombs can sometimes be notoriously ever-lasting – so the “Paris Catacomb Skip-the-Line Ticket” may be the solution.
After seamlessly passing through the doors, you’ll head below the city and into the labyrinth beneath the streets – featuring the human skulls and bones of 6 million people. The informative audio guide will delve you into the fascinating past of this attraction and how it came to be.
This is both a spooky and fascinating attraction in Paris which is definitely worth doing when visiting the city.
Note this tour is currently unavailable, but keep checking using the link below as it might come back.
