Paris, “the city of light,” is one of those places that makes a family trip unforgettable. With so many famous landmarks, like the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower, cozy cafés, and amazing Paris attractions, it’s a city that keeps everyone entertained. As a travel mom, I’ve done a lot of research, and in this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Paris with teens.
When we decided to visit Paris, I wanted to make sure it was an enjoyable family vacation for everyone. Planning with kids can feel a bit challenging, but finding the right balance of sights and fun makes all the difference. These activities gave us such a good experience and turned into some of our favorite memories as a family.
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Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
Unique Experiences to Book in Paris
- Seine River Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket
- Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
- Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access
- Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit Access
- Musée d’Orsay Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
- Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets
- Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
- Notre Dame Cathedral Exterior Tour with Free Entry
- Catacombs Ticket and Seine River Cruise
- 3-Course-Dinner Cruise on the Seine with live music
- Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 Days. It gives you skip-the-line access to over 60 museums and monuments.
Where to stay in Paris
1 – Visit the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and one of the most famous Paris attractions. It used to be a Royal Palace, but now it has over 35,000 works of art. It can feel endless if you try to see everything in one day.
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What is the best time of the day to visit?
Make sure to book an early ticket. Since it’s world-famous, you can imagine how crowded it gets. The best option is to get a skip-the-line ticket for the earliest time slot when the Louvre opens at 9 AM.
Plan to spend around 2 to 2.5 hours checking out the highlights like the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo. The museum is huge, so focusing on key pieces is the best way to get a feel for its treasures without feeling overwhelmed.
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Don’t miss the Napoleon III Apartments
Also, not many people know about this, but make sure to visit the Napoleon III Apartments (on the lower level, Richelieu Wing). These rooms were built between 1857 and 1860 in an extravagant Louis-XIV / Second Empire style. They have gilt bronze, crystal chandeliers, red velvet walls, and decorations that make you feel like you’re stepping inside a palace in a fairytale.
Despite the name, Napoleon III himself never lived here; it’s just named for the style. The Apartments are one of the quieter places in the Louvre, which makes them even more special. They opened to the public in 1993.
Most people miss this because they focus more on the main attractions.
Why your kids will love it
Since the museum is such a famous landmark, your kids will likely learn about it in school. How cool would it be for them to say they’ve actually been inside? One fun way to explore the Louvre is by doing a scavenger hunt. It turns the visit into a game, keeping teens engaged and helping them focus on finding many famous pieces instead of feeling overwhelmed. A visit to the Louvre is truly one of the best things to do in Paris with teens.
Tip: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Avoid visiting on Wednesdays and weekends because those days are the most crowded with long lines. Mondays and Thursdays are usually the best days to go.
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2 – See the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is easily one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and no family trip to Paris feels complete without seeing it. I recommend starting at the Trocadéro area. This is the perfect place for those classic river views. My kids had a lot of fun taking photos from different angles here.
If you’re up for it, go inside the tower itself. You can take the elevator or climb the stairs to the second level (674 steps!). The views are incredible either way. I suggest booking your tickets ahead of time to skip the long line. Standing on the tower and looking out over Paris is one of those moments that makes the whole visit extra special, especially for teens. It ended up being one of our favorite things to do as a family.
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3 – Take a Seine River Cruise
A Seine River cruise is a great way to see Paris from a fresh perspective.
I recommend booking a sunset cruise. The golden hour light makes the entire city shine. As you ride along the river, you’ll pass by different places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité, and the Louvre.
The views from the water feel completely different than walking the streets. The cruise is about an hour (not too long), and it’s the perfect activity for families. Another fun option is a dinner cruise with live music.
4 – Walk through the Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) are some of the most lovely gardens in Paris, and a great place to relax and take a break. There are beautiful lawns, statues, fountains, and tree-lined paths.
We took a walk along the paths and then sat by the fountains and just enjoyed the Parisian charm. It’s also a nice place to grab a quick coffee from one of the small cafés. For us, it was the perfect place to pause with the kids and still feel connected to the city.
5 – Explore Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is one of the coolest museums in Paris! It is located inside an old railway station, which already makes it feel unique. The building itself is a piece of art. One of the coolest spots inside is the giant clock in the central hall. The glass face gives you an amazing view of the city, and it’s also one of the most photographed places in the museum. Be prepared to wait in line for a picture.
Make sure to walk through the galleries. There are so many pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Renoir. The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection here is amazing. It’s much easier to enjoy this museum than the Louvre, as it’s smaller and more manageable.
We spent 2 hours here. It felt like just the right amount of time to see the highlights without getting overwhelmed. And if your teen isn’t really into art, this museum still feels unique. The setting, the clock, and the views make it a memorable experience on its own.
6 – Visit Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of those landmarks that you can’t miss in Paris, especially if it’s your first time. It is located at the end of the Champs-Élysées and has a lot of history behind it. It was built to honor those who fought for France. Underneath is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has an eternal flame. Seeing it in person was very moving.
We walked around the base and looked at the carvings. But the real highlight was climbing to the top. There are 284 steps, or you can take an elevator partway if you want. Once you’re up there, the views are amazing. You can see the Eiffel Tower, the wide avenues, and even Sacré-Cœur in the distance.
My kids loved this stop because it felt active. We were climbing and exploring, and got to experience one of the best panoramic views in Paris. Watching the cars circle the massive roundabout below was surprisingly fun too.
7 – Have fun at Palais-Royal
The Palais-Royal is such a fun stop, and honestly, my kids enjoyed it more than I expected. The courtyard has black-and-white striped columns of different heights. My kids couldn’t resist climbing on them and taking photos. It feels both playful and very Parisian at the same time.
We spent about half an hour here. It’s right in the center of the city, but it still feels like a hidden little spot where kids can be themselves and have fun. We came here early in the morning, before starting our sightseeing. It was a fun way to kick things off.
8 – Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France and also an easy day trip from Paris.
The palace is enormous, full of history, and definitely worth including in your itinerary. From the Hall of Mirrors to the royal apartments, every room feels over the top. Beyond the palace, the gardens are just as breathtaking, with fountains, sculptures, and wide paths to walk through.
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Avoiding the long lines
Versailles is one of the busiest attractions in France. The long line can stretch for hours, especially in high season. A guided tour is a great way to skip the main line and also learn the history behind what you’re seeing. If you’re not going with a guide, make sure to book your tickets online in advance and plan to arrive early.
Versailles is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. On other days, the opening time for the Palace of Versailles is 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The gardens and park stay open until 6 p.m. Avoid Tuesdays if you can—it tends to be very busy because of the Monday closure.
How to get to Château de Versailles?
The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get to Versailles is by taking the RER C train. It drops you at Versailles Château–Rive Gauche train station, just a 10-minute walk from the Palace entrance. The ride from central Paris takes about 45 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
If you’d rather not take the train, you can also get there by tour bus. Transportation is included with either a self-guided palace tour (which includes your entry ticket) or a guided tour with skip-the-line entry. It’s a little pricier, but very convenient if you don’t want to deal with logistics.
Other options are taxis and ride-shares, though they cost more, and traffic can be unpredictable.
For something a bit different, you can even take a bike tour of the Palace of Versailles.
Where to start and how to explore the Palace of Versailles?
To maximize your time, begin the tour inside the palace. Make sure to visit the Hall of Mirrors first, which is a must-see! As well as the royal apartments, which show what life was like in this royal residence. After that, make your way to the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate, which opens at 12 p.m.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the lovely gardens and park. They are huge and stunning and feel like a total escape from the city.
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Must-See ICONIC places at the Palace of Versailles
Hall of Mirrors
This is the most famous room and one of my favorite places in the palace. The room is absolutely gorgeous! It’s long, bright, and decorated with 357 mirrors that reflect the gardens through tall windows. This creates a beautiful and unforgettable effect.
Royal Courtyard
This is the first big space you’ll walk into when you enter the palace. It has golden gates and beautiful façades, and gives you that first taste of the grandeur to come.
Empire Rooms
These rooms were added during Napoleon’s rule. They have a very different style from the rest of the palace. They’re decorated in the Empire style and show another chapter of French history.
King’s State Apartments
A series of rooms where Louis XIV worked and held ceremonies. Each room is decorated in rich colors and has its own theme.
Royal Chapel
Built in 1710, this beautiful chapel is where the royal family attended mass. The space is tall, bright, and one of the most elegant parts of the palace.
Gardens of Versailles
The gardens are huge and stunning; there are a ton of fountains, sculptures, and long pathways. Visit the Grand Canal, rent a rowboat, and check if the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens are happening.
Queen’s Hamlet
This is a small countryside retreat built for Marie Antoinette. It looks like a small village and was her escape from the strict life of the palace.
Grand and Petit Trianon
These are smaller palaces on the Trianon Estate. The Grand Trianon was Louis XIV’s retreat from court life. The Petit Trianon was Marie Antoinette’s hideaway. Both are a more personal look at royal life.
Tips for families
Versailles can take a lot of time to explore, so take your time. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes because there’s so much walking. My kids enjoyed the gardens the most since they could run around and explore, while we enjoyed the views.
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9 – Dine at Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma was a beautiful and fun place that we ate in Paris. It’s an Italian restaurant with multiple levels and over-the-top decor. Every floor feels different, and the top floor has a glass ceiling that gives it a very unique vibe.
The kids ordered pizza, and I got the truffle pasta. Everything was incredibly delicious. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is lively. My kids thought it was a cool place to eat.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Paris with teens beyond the usual sightseeing, this is a great choice. For us, it wasn’t just about the food; it was about the entire experience.
10 – Explore Montmartre, the artistic hilltop neighborhood.
Montmartre is one of the best places to visit in Paris if you want a mix of history, art, and charm. It’s a lively hilltop neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cafés, and some of the best city views.
We started at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the white church that’s on the highest point in Paris. The basilica itself is beautiful, but the views from here are even better. You can see the rooftops and landmarks of the city, and if you have the energy, climbing to the very top gives you an even better view.
After that, we walked over to Place du Tertre. It’s a lively square where artists show off their work. We had fun just walking around and watching the painters. My kids loved this area because it’s playful, colorful, and full of energy—not your typical museum stop. It’s also a good spot to pick up a small piece of art as a souvenir.
Make sure to stop at some of the most iconic spots in Montmartre:
- La Maison Rose, the little pink café that’s perfect for photos
- The Wall of Love, with “I love you” written in so many languages
- Le Consulat café, where famous artists like Picasso once spent their time.
For us, Montmartre was one of those neighborhoods where history and fun come together, and one of the top things to do in Paris with teens.
11 – Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is one of the most famous department stores in Paris. It’s worth visiting even if you’re not planning to do a lot of shopping. The building itself is stunning, with a gorgeous glass dome ceiling and elegant design. My kids loved the décor inside and browsing some of the trendy stores.
There’s also a rooftop terrace that’s free to enter, and the view from the top is amazing! You can see the city and the Eiffel Tower.
12 – See Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is a real symbol of Paris and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral was closed for a few years after the 2019 fire, but it reopened in December 2024 after a major restoration.
It’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the historic area of the Seine. Inside, you can see the rose windows, the detailed façade, and the tall towers up close.
13 – Visit the Sainte Chapelle
This is one of the most gorgeous chapels in Paris. Sainte-Chapelle has some of the tallest and most beautiful stained-glass windows. When the sun shines through, the whole space lights up with color, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
My kids were amazed by how bright and colorful it was. It didn’t feel like the dark old churches they were used to seeing. Teens will love taking photos here. Sainte Chapelle is the kind of place that really sticks in your memory because it looks so different from anything else in Paris.
14 – Spend the day at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the most popular amusement park in Europe and a fun day trip from the city. It’s a place that everyone can enjoy, and it’s just as exciting for teens as it is for younger kids. They have all the classic rides, parades, and lots of Disney magic with a French twist.
If you visit during the summer months or high season, be ready for large crowds and long lines. Book your tickets online and get there early; that is the best way to make the most of your day. Even with the lines, it’s a fun break from sightseeing and a chance to do something different as a family.
If you don’t want to deal with figuring out the transportation yourself, there’s also the option to book a ticket that includes a transfer. Another good choice is a flexible-date ticket. You can use this ticket anytime within a year. This is great if the weather changes or if it rains on your planned day. You’ll have the freedom to choose another day instead.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.