Best City Tours of Paris: Top 10 Paris City Tour Experiences

Paris, the City of Light, is a dream destination for millions. But with so many attractions, tours, and experiences to choose from, planning your visit can be overwhelming. What if you miss the best Eiffel Tower view, or spend hours in line at the Louvre?

This guide is your solution. If you’re visiting Paris, a city tour is the perfect way to experience its history, culture, and beauty. In this guide, I’ve gathered the top 10 Paris city tour experiences.

We’ll explore the best Paris tour, from guided walking tours to private excursions, to ensure you experience the city in all its glory. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or you’re rediscovering the city, these tours will help you explore Paris like a pro.

Key Takeaways

• Guided Tours: Essential for first-time visitors to avoid overwhelming and enhance the experience.
• Walking and Bike Tours: Perfect for exploring the neighborhoods and landmarks.
• Private Tour and Luxury Options: Ideal for tailored, exclusive experiences.
• Seine River Cruises: A must for unique perspectives and romantic moments.
• Day Trips From Paris: Expand your adventure to Versailles and Champagne.

Why Take a City Tour in Paris?

Paris is a city of light and love. With so much to explore, planning a visit can feel overwhelming. Guided tours can be a great help for you. They save you time and provide interesting insights.

They also ensure you see must-see monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. A local guide can share special stories and hidden gems, turning a nice trip into an amazing adventure.

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Walking Tours: A Parisian Adventure

Walking tours are more interesting than transportation tours. They are one of the best ways to explore Paris. You can enjoy the city’s charm at your own pace. Here are some top walking tour adventures in the City of Light:

Exploring Montmartre

Montmartre is the bohemian heart of Paris. This place is home to legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. A walking tour here is a step back in time. On this walking tour, you will:

• Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Admire the stunning white dome and panoramic views of Paris from the hilltop.
  
• Stroll through Place du Tertre: watch street artists at work. You can also take home a portrait or a sketch.
  
• Discover Artistic History: Explore the cobblestone streets. They have a history of inspiration for many masterpieces.

Le Marais Charm

Le Marais is a wonderful place to explore. With its Jewish heritage and lively culture, you will find many historic buildings, delightful boutiques, and cafés. You can join a guided walking tour to learn more about its fascinating history. You’re sure to enjoy every moment!

Notre Dame and Surroundings

Notre-Dame is one of the most iconic Paris landmarks. A walking tour around Notre Dame reveals Gothic architecture and the bustling atmosphere of Île de la Cité. Some highlights include:

• Notre Dame Cathedral: Enjoy the breathtaking Gothic architecture, intricate sculptures, and famous gargoyles.
  
• Île de la Cité: Explore the island and learn the history of Paris.
  
• Sainte-Chapelle: Admire the stunning stained glass windows.
  
• Secluded Spots: Explore hidden gardens like Square Jean XXIII. The Seine River is just beside it.
  

Ticket Tips: Book Your Notre Dame Cathedral Walking Tour With Access Ticket Before Going.

Exploring the Eiffel Tower and Beyond

Eiffel Tower City is another name for Paris. It is the top attraction of the whole of France. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. But the surrounding area also has much to offer.

Eiffel Tower Tours

Skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower ensures you spend more time enjoying the view than waiting in queues. Evening tours are especially magical as the tower sparkles against the night sky.

• Discover Eiffel Tower History: You can learn fascinating facts about Gustave Eiffel and the tower’s construction.
• Panoramic Views: The top of the Eiffel Tower gives the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Paris.
• Evening Light Shows: Every evening, the tower has a light show. Around 20,000 sparkling bulbs transform the landmark into a glittering spectacle every hour.

Tickets for the Iconic Eiffel Tower

Trocadéro Views

Trocadéro Gardens is the prime photo spot in front of the Eiffel Tower. The panoramic views and nearby attractions make it a favorite among visitors. Visit during sunrise or sunset. This place offers a great way to see the Eiffel Tower view.

Attraction Tips: Traveling from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum? Click on the link for a complete guide.

The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay

Paris is a haven for art and history lovers. The city has many world-class museums. Visitors from around the world come to explore these museums. Here are some museum tours in Paris.

The Louvre Museum tour

The Louvre Museum is very large in terms of size. With an area of 73,000 square meters, it is the largest museum in the world.

What to see in Louvre Museum?

1. The Mona Lisa: The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. It is the most famous painting in the world.

2. The Winged Victory of Samothrace: It is a sculpture of Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory.

3. Venus de Milo: Another famous statue in the Louvre. It represents Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

4. Liberty Leading the People: This painting represents a beautiful moment in the French Revolution.

5. Coronation of Napoleon: A painting shows the crowning of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France.

Hidden Gems: Discover hidden treasures from ancient Egypt to the French crown jewels.

Expert Insights: Guides offer insights into the artworks.

Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay Museum is located in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris. It is very famous and also one of the most visited museums by tourists in the world. In 2023, 3.9 million tourists visited this museum.

• Artistic Highlights: The museum has masterpieces like Monet’s Water Lilies, Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, and Degas’s Little Dancer of Fourteen Years.
• Architectural Splendor: Don’t miss the stunning clock windows. They offer views of the Seine.

Things to Know Before Visiting Louvre and Musée d’Orsay

Louvre Museum Opening Hour

• Regular Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am to 6 pm, Wednesday and Friday: 9am to 9pm
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time.

Louvre Museum Ticket Prices (Official)

• General admission: €22.00
• Free admission: Under 18-year-olds, under 26-year-old residents of the EEA.

Things You Should Know: The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m.

Orsay Museum  Opening Hour

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The time is 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Tuesday offers some extra time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Orsay Museum Ticket Prices (Official)

• Adult ticket: €16 (online), €14 (at the museum)
• Late opening rate: €12 (online), €10 (at the museum) for Thursdays from 6 p.m.
• Free: anyone under 18 years old or under 26 years old if an EU resident.

Things You Should Know: Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.

Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay Tour Options

Audio guide: You can buy an entry ticket with an audio guide for the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay from different platforms. My suggestion is to buy from Tours Travel Finder.

Private guided tours: An expert guide will assist you in exploring both museums. Book your private guided tour of the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay.

Skip-the-line tours: Various tour operators offer group skip-the-line tour tickets.

Combo Ticket Options

There are many third-party sellers who sell combo tickets for the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. You can also buy the Paris Museum Pass or the Paris Pass for visiting both.

Last-Minute Ticket Price of Louvre Museum & Musée d’Orsay (Reseller)

Though both museums sell tickets on their official websites, it is very hard to get tickets for these Best Paris museums from their websites.

In these situations, last-minute tickets can save you from disappointment. Here are some last minute ticket buying links for you:

Beyond the Icons

While the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are must-visits, Paris is home to many other remarkable museums, such as:

• Musée de l’Orangerie: Famous for Monet’s immersive Water Lilies murals. It is advisable to book your your entry ticket in advance.
• Centre Pompidou: A hub for modern and contemporary art.
• Musée Rodin: A serene space showcasing Rodin’s sculptures, including The Thinker.

Visiting Tips: For a Better Experience, Choosing the Best Time to Visit is Mandatory, Learn the Best Time for the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay.

Cruising Along the Seine River

Seine River Cruises

You can try something different in Paris. The city is more beautiful from the water. Take a cruise tour and see famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many more. If you choose an evening cruise, you’ll enjoy a magical atmosphere as the city lights twinkle around you.

Daytime Cruises

Explore the beauty of Paris during the daytime. You can enjoy the world’s most popular sites like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and other amazing sights.

The Ticket options for the Seine River cruise are confusing for many visitors. The availability is also very low. From my experience, here are some seine river cruise tickets which you can book without any hasitation.

• Eiffel Tower hosted with Seine River cruise
• Paris: Evening River Cruise with Music
• Paris Seine River Cruise with Panoramic Dinner Tour
• Paris Louvre, Seine River Cruise And Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
• Paris Catacombs & Seine River Cruise Combo Tour

Bike Tours for Adventurous Travelers

Guided Bike Tours

If you are a bike lover, discover the beauty of Paris on two wheels. There are many platforms that offer friendly guided bike tour packages. You’ll see more of the city while enjoying a personal and intimate experience.

Top Bike Tour Routes in Paris

Classic Paris Highlights Route

• Key Stops: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe.

Along the Seine River Route

• Key Stops: Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III, Île de la Cité.

The Marais and Latin Quarter Route

• Key Stops: Le Marais, Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville, Latin Quarter, Pantheon.

The Palace of Versailles Day Trip Route

• Key Stops: Versailles Palace and Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, Grand Canal, Petit Trianon.

The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe Route

• Key Stops: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Petit Palais.

Food and Drink Tours in Paris

Parisian Culinary Delights

Join food tours to sample pastries, cheese, and other French specialties. Le Marais and Montmartre are culinary hotspots.

Top Food and Drink Tour Experiences in Paris

1. Paris Foodie Tour in Le Marais
   Perfect For: Lovers of traditional French cuisine and those who enjoy discovering trendy food spots.
2. Gourmet Chocolate and Pastry Tour
   Perfect For: Sweet tooths and those who want to indulge in Paris’s famous desserts.
3. Market Tour with Cooking Class
   Perfect For: Those interested in hands-on experiences and learning to cook like a French chef.
4. Seine River Dinner Cruise
   Perfect For: Couples, romantics, and those who want to enjoy a luxurious meal with a view.
5. Bistro Tour
   Perfect For: Those who want to experience authentic Parisian dining in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Private and Luxury Tours: Experience Paris in Style

For a unique way to explore Paris, consider private, luxury tours to see the city. These tours match your preferences. You can choose a custom walking tour or a ride in a vintage car. Either way, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Night Paris City Tour

Paris by Night

The night in Paris is very colorful. When famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum light up, they become more gorgeous. If you love night tours, experience the magic of Paris at night.

Paris Night Big Bus Tours

You can join a double-decker bus to see Paris. These tours are ideal for families and anyone wanting a relaxing sightseeing trip.

• Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and more.

Ticket Tips: From my experience, you can book this ticket for the best experience.

Seine River Dinner Cruise

Experience the charm of Paris with a Seine River dinner cruise. You can enjoy stunning views while savoring a lovely meal. It’s a great way to end your day in this beautiful city. Book your Paris Seine River Cruise with Panoramic Dinner Tour before it’s sold out.

Affordable and Unique Tour Options

Hidden Gems Tours in Paris

Regular tourist spots are sometimes boring; you can skip them and try to uncover lesser-known treasures. It is a way to see the best. Some hidden gems of Paris are:

• Le Marais Walking Tour
• Street Art Tour in Belleville
• Canal Saint-Martin Boat Ride
• Passages Couverts Tour

Affordable Paris City Tours

Discover the city without spending a large amount:

1. Free Walking Tours

• Details: Pay-what-you-want tours in areas like Montmartre, Latin Quarter, or along the Seine.
• Providers: Companies like Sandemans or Discover Walks.

2. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

• Cost: Starting at €30 for a day pass.
• What You Get: An affordable way to see major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Louvre.

3. Bike Tours

• Cost: €30-€35.
• Highlights: Cycling tours through famous sites like Notre-Dame. You can also explore lesser-known gems.

4. Paris Metro Tour

• Why It’s Unique: Learn the history and art of Paris’ underground.
• Cost: It depends on your package and how many attractions you want to cover.

5. Paris by Night

• Cost: Affordable group night walking tours start at €20-25.
• Why It’s Unique: Discover landmarks beautifully illuminated, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Seasonal Overview

Best Months to Visit

• May: For new flowers and mild weather.
• September: For fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors.
• January/February: For budget-friendly travel and quiet attractions.

Read about the top 18 things to do for a festive New Year’s Eve.

FAQs of City Tours of Paris

What are the best city tours in Paris?

If you’re looking for a great experience, I highly recommend taking a walking tour in Montmartre. It’s a lovely way to explore the area. Also, consider a private tour of the Eiffel Tower.

How much do Paris city tours cost?

Prices range from €20 for group walking tours to over €150 for private tours. You will have options for every budget, so you can choose what works best for you.

Are guided tours in Paris worth it?

Yes, it will help you save time and learn about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Which city tour covers the Eiffel Tower?

Many city tours highlight the Eiffel Tower, and many also provide skip-the-line options to help you make the most of your time.

Conclusion

The City of Paris is a truly unique city filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and a touch of romance. You can discover the top sights like the Eiffel Tower, enjoy delicious French food, or take a lovely stroll along the Seine.