24 of the best things to do in Paris if you love history

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris, visiting the Louvre is a must. The Louvre was a 12th-century fortress before Kings Francis I and Louis XIV transformed it into a royal palace fit for treasures like da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the “Venus de Milo.” Today it holds nearly half a million works across 18 acres of galleries, making it one of the most rewarding—and formidable—places to visit in Paris. Download a map ahead of time and prioritize a handful of favorites rather than trying to see it all. For visitors going on their own, timed-entry tickets are required, and an early-morning or evening visit means fewer crowds between you and its masterpieces. On our Paris tours that include a Louvre visit, we’ll take care of the logistics for you.

This is sacred ground for Parisians. Though the medieval Bastille fortress no longer stands, its storming on July 14, 1789, ignited the French Revolution and remains one of the most significant moments in French history. You can still glimpse the prison’s foundations in the underground Bastille metro station. Pair your visit with a walk through the nearby Marais district. Its centuries-old buildings and narrow lanes make for an easy, atmospheric next stop on your Paris sightseeing tour.

Parisian cafes have hosted artists, writers, and revolutionaries for centuries, and stepping into one today means joining a tradition that predates the Eiffel Tower. Historic spots like Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots have kept their old-world charm even as the crowds have grown. Slow down, order an espresso, and people-watch like a local—it’s one of the most quintessential things to do in Paris. Many of the city’s most storied cafes remain open daily, so build in unhurried time to simply sit, relax, and plan what to do in Paris next.

Commissioned in the 1750s as a church and later transformed into a mausoleum, the Pantheon has a neoclassical dome that is one of the most recognizable shapes on the Paris skyline. Inside its crypt rest some of France’s greatest minds, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and the Curies. Upstairs, a working replica of Foucault’s original 1851 pendulum still demonstrates Earth’s rotation. Climb the more than 200 steps to the dome for panoramic views, but check seasonal access before you go, since dome hours can vary.

This English-language bookshop opened in 1951 and was later named in honor of Sylvia Beach’s original store, which was a gathering place for Lost Generation writers. It remains one of Paris’ most beloved literary landmarks. Wander its creaky floors and cozy reading nooks to feel that literary legacy. If you buy a book, staff will stamp it with the shop’s insignia, a small souvenir of literary Paris. Expect crowds during peak travel season, so budget extra time to browse without rushing.

Discover more of Hemingway’s favorite spots in Paris.

Built for the 1889 World’s Fair and originally derided by critics as an eyesore, the Eiffel Tower is now the most recognizable symbol of Paris. Near the top, Gustave Eiffel built himself a small private apartment, a detail most first-time visitors never learn. You can’t step inside, but you can peek through the window on a summit visit. Because access levels and reservation requirements shift seasonally, book your tickets well in advance to secure the view—and the secret—you’re after.

Considered the historic nucleus of the city, Ile de la Cite is home to some of Paris’ oldest landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. Cross Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest surviving bridge, for a classic photo opportunity, especially after dark when it’s illuminated. At the island’s tip, the lawns of Square du Vert-Galant offer a quiet escape from the crowds along the Seine. Restoration work continues in some areas of the island, so check current access before planning your route.

On our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour, you’ll spend time exploring the island before enjoying an included baking class.

Dating to the 12th century, Notre-Dame Cathedral remains one of the most iconic landmarks in France and a defining example of Gothic architecture. Its flying buttresses, rose windows, and soaring towers have watched over Paris for nearly 900 years. Take time to appreciate both the exterior stonework and the interior spaces, which reflect centuries of restoration and resilience. Reopening details and visitor procedures have evolved recently, so verify current reservation guidance if you plan to visit during your free time.

Established in the early 19th century, Pere Lachaise is Paris’ largest cemetery and one of the most visited in the world, drawing more than 3 million visitors a year. Chopin, Moliere, and Proust rest here, but it’s Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison who draw the biggest crowds—Wilde fans famously left lipstick kisses on his grave. Pick up a cemetery map to navigate the winding paths efficiently, and wear comfortable walking shoes, since the grounds cover more than 100 acres.

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Beyond Eiffel’s secret apartment, a ride to the tower’s upper levels rewards you with sweeping views of the Seine, Notre-Dame, Sacre-Coeur, and the Louvre—a bird’s-eye tour of Paris history in a single glance. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair to mark the centennial of the French Revolution, the tower was never meant to be permanent, yet it has become the city’s most recognizable symbol. Visit around sunset for the most dramatic light, and reserve tickets well ahead, since summit access sells out quickly.

This cobblestoned residential street dates to the 19th century, when it was built as workers’ housing, and today it’s known for its rainbow of pastel facades. Rue Cremieux has become one of the most photographed corners of Paris, though it remains a quiet, lived-in neighborhood. Visit respectfully, since real Parisians call this street home, and check current local guidance on photography, as rules have tightened in response to crowds. Go early for the best light and the fewest tourists.

Check out our Paris Travel Guide for more tips about visiting the City of Light.

Paris’ largest and most historically charged square sits at the end of the Champs-Elysees, anchored by the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk and two grand fountains. During the French Revolution, Place de la Concorde served as an execution site, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette met the guillotine. Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent Tuileries Garden to link several historic landmarks in one outing. The square and its surrounding sights are easily explored on foot within an hour.

Once the residence of French monarchs, Versailles remains a symbol of royal power and extravagance that outlived three kings and a revolution. The Hall of Mirrors, lined with 357 mirrors, served as the ceremonial passageway used by the king and royal family en route to the chapel. Outside, the 230-acre gardens include a Grand Canal commissioned by the Sun King, where boat rides are still available. Plan a full day for the palace and grounds, and reserve tickets well in advance for a visit during your free time.

This underground ossuary holds the remains of an estimated 6 million people, most relocated here from overcrowded cemeteries starting in the late 1700s. The catacombs served as a hideout for French Resistance fighters during World War II, and guided tours through the passageways have drawn curious visitors since the 1800s. Expect narrow corridors, dim lighting, and plenty of stairs, so wear sturdy shoes. This is one of the best things to do in Paris, so book a timed ticket in advance—they often sell out.

Built in 1407, this is believed to be the oldest surviving stone house in Paris, constructed by the alchemist Nicolas Flamel, who was said to have uncovered the secret of turning ordinary metals into gold. Fans of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” may recognize the name—J.K. Rowling borrowed it for her own fictional alchemist. The building’s facade is best appreciated from the street, so pair a look here with a walking tour of the surrounding medieval Marais neighborhood.

Once the grounds of the Tuileries Palace, this formal garden now links several of Paris’ most important landmarks, from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Stop to admire the sculptures, fountains, and shaded seating areas that have drawn Parisians for strolls since the 1600s. Seasonal events, from a summer funfair to temporary art installations, add fresh reasons to return throughout the year. It’s an easy, flat walk, making it a relaxing pause between more demanding sightseeing stops.