The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
Paris is a city that captures the heart and imagination, whether it's your first visit or your fifth. From world-famous landmarks to unforgettable cultural experiences, this bucket list covers the essential moments that define the magic of the City of Light.
Whether you're gazing out from the top of the Eiffel Tower, wandering through Notre-Dame's Gothic splendour, or cruising the Seine at sunset, these are the must-do experiences that promise to make your Paris Trip truly unforgettable.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Iron Lady up close. Take the lift (or brave the stairs) to the top for panoramic views stretching across the city's iconic rooftops. Time your visit near sunset for a golden glow over Paris, then stick around to watch the tower sparkle after dark—it lights up every hour on the hour once night falls. For a unique twist, book a table at Le Jules Verne restaurant inside the tower for a meal with a view.
Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
Though still under restoration after the 2019 fire, the Notre-Dame's stunning Gothic façade remains a sight to behold. Admire the intricate stone carvings, flying buttresses, and haunting gargoyles from the outside, and when it reopens, don't miss climbing to the top for sweeping views over the Seine and Île de la Cité. The nearby Shakespeare and Company bookstore adds extra literary magic to the area.
Taste Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
Sink your teeth into the most delicate, flavour-packed macarons at these two legendary patisseries. Ladurée is the classic Parisian choice, known for its elegant pastel boxes and timeless flavours like rose and pistachio. Pierre Hermé, often dubbed the "Picasso of Pastry," offers creative and bold combinations like passion fruit and chocolate or jasmine and lemon. Try both and decide your favourite!
See a Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse
Dive into Parisian nightlife with a dazzling cabaret show. Moulin Rouge is the most iconic, featuring high-kicking cancan dancers, glittering costumes, and live music in a Belle Époque setting. For something more sultry and avant-garde, Crazy Horse blends burlesque, art, and cutting-edge lighting in a sleek, modern show. Whichever you choose, it's a uniquely Parisian experience full of glamour and entertainment.
Tour the Paris Catacombs
Descend into the shadowy underworld of Paris, where six million souls rest in stacked, artfully arranged bones. This eerie labyrinth of tunnels was once a solution to overflowing cemeteries and now offers one of the city's most haunting (and fascinating) attractions. The tour winds through dimly lit corridors filled with skulls and bones—it's not for the faint of heart, but a must for history buffs and brave adventurers.
Take a Seine River Cruise (Especially at Sunset)
Glide along the Seine on a Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes de Paris cruise for a relaxing way to take in the city's landmarks—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and more—all while drifting under Paris's romantic bridges. Sunset is the perfect time to go, as the city transitions from day to night, and the monuments begin to glow. Opt for a dinner cruise for an extra touch of romance and indulgence.
