Paris bucket list: 15 must-do experiences with prices and practical tips

The Paris bucket list is not just about ticking off monuments. Paris offers experiences unique in the world — from the most visited museum on the planet to the secret lanes of Montmartre, to sensations only the City of Light can offer. This guide covers 15 must-do experiences, with real prices, durations, and everything you need to know before booking. For an official overview of the city, visit parisjetaime.com.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower at sunset

This is the number-one experience of any Paris trip. Tickets range from 11 € à 29 € depending on the floor (2nd or top). The sunset slot is the most requested: the golden light over Paris is breathtaking. Book online at toureiffel.paris — tickets sell out weeks in advance in high season.

2. Drive a Ferrari on the Champs-Élysées

This is the most unforgettable and distinctive experience in Paris — the one no other traveller will have in their album. With Evasio, you take the wheel of a convertible Ferrari California T or Lamborghini Huracán Spyder from 101 avenue des Champs-Élysées, accompanied by a professional co-pilot who handles navigation and takes your photos. The route passes by the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, and the Arc de Triomphe. No deposit, no special licence required. From 180 € for 30 minutes. See all Evasio packages.

3. Visit the Louvre

The world's largest museum deserves at least half a day. Entry costs 22 €. Book a timed entry ticket at louvre.fr to avoid the 2-hour queues in high season. Absolute priorities: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

4. Cruise the Seine at night

A Seine cruise offers a unique panorama of Paris landmarks seen from the water. Basic packages start at 16 €, dinner cruises go up to 70 €. The night cruise, when the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour, is particularly magical.

5. Explore Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre is the most picturesque neighbourhood in Paris. Entry to the Sacré-Cœur is free. Arrive at sunrise to watch Paris awaken from the basilica forecourt, without the crowds. Lanes like Rue Lepic or Place du Tertre are worth a quiet stroll on weekdays.

6. Walk through the Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are the postcard of everyday Paris — students, families and tourists gather around the grand basin. Entry is free. Ideal for a break between two museums, or for a picnic under the chestnut trees in spring.

7. Visit Notre-Dame de Paris

After the 2019 fire and five years of restoration, Notre-Dame de Paris reopened at the end of 2024. It is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Entry is free. Allow time for the outdoor queue in high season.

8. Eat a croissant at a local Parisian boulangerie

This is one of the simplest and most authentic experiences in Paris. A butter croissant costs between 1 € et 3 €. Avoid tourist chains: look for a certified boulangerie or simply the place where locals queue at 8 AM.

9. Browse the Marché aux Puces flea market

The world's largest flea market is held in Saint-Ouen, just north of Paris. Entry is free. Open at weekends, it brings together over 2,000 vendors: antiques, vinyl records, vintage clothing, designer furniture. Arrive in the morning for the best finds.

10. See the view from the Arc de Triomphe

The top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a 360° view over Paris and the twelve avenues radiating from the Étoile. Entry costs 16 €. This is also where you will see the Champs-Élysées in their full length — and perhaps an Evasio Ferrari passing below.

11. Have a picnic on the Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge between the Louvre and the Institut de France, is one of the most romantic spots in Paris. Bring your own picnic: cheeses, charcuterie, baguette and a bottle of wine. The cost depends only on your favourite market or grocery. The view over the Seine and the Île de la Cité is stunning, especially at sunset.

12. Visit the Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former railway station on the banks of the Seine, the Musée d'Orsay holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist art — Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh. A ticket costs 16 €. The Great Clock at the end of the nave is itself an architectural masterpiece.

13. Explore Le Marais on foot

Le Marais is the best-preserved historic neighbourhood in Paris. It contains 17th-century mansions, the Place des Vosges, contemporary art galleries, designer boutiques and the best falafel in Paris. The walk is free. Allow at least two hours.

14. Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night

Every evening after dark, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles for five minutes every hour. The show is entirely free. The best viewpoints: the Trocadéro, the Champ de Mars and the Seine riverbanks at the Pont d'Iéna. If you have booked an evening Evasio experience, you will see this sparkle from the cockpit of a Ferrari.

15. Take a day trip to Versailles

Just 40 minutes from Paris by RER C, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful royal residences in the world. The entry ticket costs 21 € (excluding transport). The French formal gardens, the Grand Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors deserve a full day. Book tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

Summary: price, duration and booking

This table summarises the 15 experiences with the price per person, the recommended duration and whether advance booking is needed — information you won't find as clearly laid out elsewhere.

How to organise your Paris bucket list

The key to a successful Paris bucket list: combining the free and the exceptional. Seven of the fifteen experiences on this list are entirely free. For paid activities, book online several weeks in advance in summer. The Evasio Ferrari experience is the one our clients remember longest — it is the activity no other city in the world can offer in the same way.

To book your supercar experience in Paris, visit our Evasio packages. To give this unique experience as a gift, explore our gift cards.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Paris?

Allow a minimum of 4 days to cover the must-sees: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, a cruise and the Champs-Élysées. To comfortably complete all 15 experiences on this list, plan for 6 to 7 days. Some activities like Versailles require a full day on their own.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best compromise: pleasant weather, long days and smaller crowds than in midsummer. July–August remains peak tourist season: book everything in advance. Winter (November–February) is the cheapest period, but some attractions have reduced hours.

Can you do all 15 activities in one trip?

Yes, absolutely — if you plan for 6 to 7 days. The key is to group activities by geographical area to avoid unnecessary travel: the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars and Les Invalides are in the same arrondissement; the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Pont des Arts are a few minutes' walk apart. The Evasio Ferrari experience departs from the Champs-Élysées and can be combined with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe on the same day.