10 Best Tours in Paris

Paris is much more than the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Paris is all about its neighbourhoods, and so that you can discover them in an authentic way, here is a selection of the best tours.

Paris is not only the City of Light, it is also a city with a past full of mysteries, legends and disturbing events. If you want to get to know its spookiest side, the Paris ghost tour will take you to places where unsolved crimes, spectral apparitions and macabre stories have taken place.

What this tour is all about

Paris ghost tours take you to some of the most enigmatic places in the city, while an expert guide narrates stories of murders, executions and paranormal legends. Lasting approximately two hours, this night tour is perfect for those looking for a different experience and want to explore the more sinister side of the French capital.

Touring Paris from the Seine River is one of the city's most iconic experiences. On board a cruise, you can admire monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Grand Palais as you cruise along its waters and enjoy a unique perspective. Cruises on the Seine are the perfect way to relax and see the city from a different angle, day or night.

What is this tour about?

Seine cruises offer a comfortable and panoramic way to discover Paris. They can include audio guides in several languages to learn about the history of the monuments and, in some cases, a dinner on board, making the experience an unforgettable evening. There are both day and night options, ideal for seeing the city in natural light or enjoying its spectacular illumination.

Each and every neighbourhood in Paris is worth a visit, but I'll start with the most legendary neighbourhood in the French capital, Montmartre, and the tour that will always be my favourite: the walking tour of the Montmartre neighbourhood.

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Paris, famous for its cobbled streets, its bohemian atmosphere and its close relationship with art. A guided tour will allow you to discover its history, its most emblematic corners and the anecdotes of the artists who made it a cultural reference point.

What this tour consists of

Montmartre tours are walking tours that will take you to iconic places such as the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Place du Tertre full of street painters and old cafés where artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh used to meet. During the walk, a guide will tell you the history of the neighbourhood and its best kept secrets, making it a perfect experience for art and history lovers in Paris.

Another neighbourhood worth visiting in Paris is the Latin Quarter, south of the Ile de la Cité. Although often overlooked by many tourists, the Latin Quarter has a special, welcoming charm. As well as iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Sorbonne, this neighbourhood has some excellent sweet shops, and during this walking tour of Paris' Latin Quarter, which lasts about an hour, you'll visit one of them with an aperitif included.

What this tour consists of

The main advantage is that this is a private tour in which the guide will be exclusively at your disposal and that of your travel companions. This way, you can customise the tour route, the explanations about the history of the neighbourhood and the city of Paris and the gastronomic recommendations of the area according to your preferences.

Paris is so diverse that each traveller has a preference for a particular area. For this reason there are private tours in which the traveller sets the itinerary. This tailor-made tour of Paris is the best option to explore the city in depth and with a local guide who is an expert in the city.

What this tour consists of

This private tour (you will only be with your travel companions) starts at the Louvre Museum and, from there, the itinerary is set by the traveller. This walking tour can last from two to six hours and you choose which sites to visit, if you want to focus more on one aspect of the city or another and if you want to stop more or less time at one point or another.

The guide adapts completely to your preferences as he reveals practical details of the city and tells you the stories behind each of its corners.

If you want to explore Paris in a different and more original way, a gastronomic tour is the perfect option. These tours will not only allow you to learn more about the city and its history, but will also take you to taste some of its most iconic products, such as cheese, chocolate and wine. With the gastronomic tour of Paris, you'll discover the most authentic flavours of the French capital as you stroll through its most emblematic neighbourhoods.

What this tour consists of

Gastronomic tours of Paris combine history, culture and tastings in markets, patisseries and specialised shops. As well as tasting typical products, you will learn about the French culinary tradition and have the opportunity to talk to local shopkeepers, making the experience a real sensory journey. It's an ideal activity for food lovers and those looking to see Paris from a different perspective.

If you want to enjoy Paris in all its immensity without walking through each of its streets, the tourist bus is an excellent option. Although it may seem like a touristy alternative, the truth is that the Paris sightseeing bus allows you to move easily between the main points of interest while still admiring the breathtaking views of the city.

What this tour is all about

Paris sightseeing buses offer routes with stops at the most emblematic monuments and neighbourhoods, allowing you to hop on and off at your own pace. They are a convenient alternative to the metro, avoiding crowds and without missing out on the cityscape. In addition, many include audio guides in several languages, making the tour a practical and entertaining way of getting to know the city.

If you were fascinated by the illumination of the Paris Opera House during a night tour, don't hesitate to go inside with a guided tour. These tours will allow you to learn about the history, architecture and secrets of this iconic building. With the tour of the Opéra Garnier, you will discover its majestic halls, its impressive auditorium and the details that inspired the legend of the Phantom of the Opera.

What this tour consists of

Guided tours of the Paris Opera offer an enriching experience for those who want to get to know this monument in depth. During the tour, an expert guide will take you through spaces such as the Grand Staircase, the Foyer Hall and the luxurious auditorium, revealing the history and curiosities of the building. If you want to know more details before your visit, I leave you with this Paris Opera House Tickets and Tours which delves into its legacy and architecture.

That the Louvre is the most famous museum in Paris (and probably the world) is undisputed. But because of its sheer size and the sheer number of works it houses, the best way to make the most of your visit is with a guided tour. With the Louvre tour, you'll discover the museum's most iconic pieces while an expert guide explains their history and artistic importance.

What this tour consists of

Guided tours of the Louvre can be adapted to different levels of interest and time available. From express tours, which will take you to the most essential works, to more comprehensive tours, where an art expert will explain in depth the history of each room. If you want more details on how to visit the museum and choose the best option, I leave you with this guide to the Louvre and its guided tours with all the information.

One of the most dynamic and entertaining ways to discover Paris is by bike. With a bike tour of Paris, you can explore the city in a comfortable way, enjoying its streets, monuments and most emblematic places while a guide tells you about its history and curiosities.

What this tour consists of

Paris bike tours offer different routes adapted to different interests and levels. You can choose routes that include the most iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame, or more alternative routes through neighbourhoods such as Le Marais or the Latin Quarter. With the advantage of moving quickly without losing detail of the surroundings, this type of tour is ideal for those who want to get to know the city in an active and sustainable way.

How to book a tour

Most tours of Paris can be booked online. Once you have made your booking, you will receive a voucher with instructions on how to meet your guide on the day and at the time you have chosen. If you prefer to improvise during your trip and leave room for the unexpected, make sure you choose a tour that has free cancellation so that you can reschedule for another day 24 hours in advance without losing your money.

Meeting point

The meeting point varies depending on the area of Paris where the tour takes place, but they are all accessible by public transport and well located. If you want to visit a nearby museum, choose a time and day that allows you to do so before or after the tour, but I recommend that you save your energy for walking if you choose the walking tour option.

Timetable

Paris walking tours run every day of the week and there are usually different times to choose from. Bear in mind that many of the city's museums are closed on Tuesdays, so it can be a good day to take a walking tour through the streets of Paris. If you want to avoid the crowds, opt for evening tours and avoid weekends in high season.

Duration

The average tour lasts about two hours, but tours can be longer. You can also find more comprehensive tours and shorter ones. Bear in mind that during the tour you will have enough time to see the different points of interest along the way; these are not tours that are rushed because the idea is to relax and enjoy the city. Try not to delay the group and remember that you can always revisit any of the points of interest on the tour.

Price

The price of the tours may vary depending on the area and the tour, but I recommend that you don't miss the opportunity to take a guided tour of Paris for the money. There are different prices (for example, a private tour or a boat tour is more expensive) and some are very affordable; I promise you that, with all that you will learn, you will get your money's worth.

Recommendations

The guides who run these tours know Paris inside out. Ask them for recommendations on where to eat, what to visit according to your preferences, where to buy original souvenirs, which is the best area to go out and party... The day before, you can make a list of questions; they will be happy to answer them during or at the end of the tour.

Languages

Paris is visited by visitors from all over the world, so most tours are available in several languages. English, French and Spanish are almost guaranteed, but many tours also have the option of German, Italian, Portuguese and other languages.