Paris Olympics 2024: Things to Do, See, and Eat

Forget introductions. Paris, the city of love, does not need that! From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the magnificent Louvre Art Museum, every corner of Paris whispers class and romance. This year, this capital city of France ignites with Olympic fever, adding another reason and layer of excitement to your Parisian adventure! 

Although accommodation costs will be higher than usual during the Olympic Games, there’s no better time to explore the City of Love than during this lively, world-class event. Read on to find out what to do, see, and eat in Paris!

Also read: 16 Paris Airbnbs With Eiffel Tower Views for Every Budget

What to do in Paris during the Olympics 2024

1. Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

First things first, don’t miss the chance to watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in person! It will take place on Friday, 26 July, starting at 7.30pm CEST and lasting over three hours. This time, it’s going to be a little different. Embracing its motto of “Games Wide Open,” Paris 2024 broke free from traditional venues and will bring the ceremony outdoors, making the Olympics more accessible.

Plus, 222,000 free tickets were available for the upper banks of the Seine, and 104,000 paid tickets for the lower quays. This is the first Opening Ceremony where most spectators won’t pay an admission fee, marking a historic milestone. If you don’t have the tickets, fret not, you can still watch it on 80 giant screens set up throughout the city!

2. Catch live competitions

Experiencing the games in person is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Paris 2024 Olympics. While some sessions have already been sold out, you can still stay tuned for the daily ticket releases from the official ticketing website of the Paris 2024 Games. Tickets for different sessions will be released daily until the end of the Olympic Games, so to stay informed, visit the page frequently and create an account to receive the latest ticketing news.

3. Cycle around the city

Cycling leisurely through the City of Lights is undoubtedly one of the loveliest ways to experience the city’s top attractions. And good news for those travelling to Paris soon, the city is enhancing its cycling infrastructure for the Paris Olympics 2024 with a new 60-kilometre bike lane network connecting key venues! 

As part of Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plan to make Paris more bike-friendly, this new permanent bike lane network, along with 10,000 temporary bike parking spots for the Olympics will be introduced. This seamless cycling experience is a win-win — eco-friendly, scenic, and lets you reach Olympic venues with ease!

4. Take a romantic Seine River cruise

To truly experience the charm of Paris, consider taking a Seine River cruise. The Seine is not only a lifeblood of Paris for centuries, but also a highlight for this year’s Olympic Games. You can choose from hour-long sightseeing tours that showcase the city’s iconic sights from the river, or indulge in cruises that offer champagne tastings and gourmet meals, a feast for both your palate and your eyes.

Bonus: Swim in the Seine River!

The Seine isn’t just hosting the Olympic opening ceremony. For the first time in a century, it’ll be the arena for thrilling open-water swimming, para-triathlon, and triathlon competitions. What’s better, Paris is also considering opening the river for the public to swim after the Paris Olympics 2024! Another item to add to your bucket list, yes?

5. Climb up the Eiffel Tower

Visiting Paris this time of year is perfect to witness a piece of Olympic history! The iconic Olympic Rings are officially displayed on the city’s most popular landmark, the Eiffel Tower, a must-see for any visitors this summer.

Did you know that, beyond snapping photos with the Iron Lady, you can actually climb it? This is for the adventurous —  there are 1,665 steps from the ground to the first floor, the second floor, and up to the summit. However, due to the danger of strong winds at high altitudes, the top floor is closed to the public. So, why not challenge yourself and climb up the Eiffel Tower to make your Paris trip a little more unique?

6. Hop on the Paris Big Bus

If you’re spending just a short period in Paris, the Paris Big Bus tour is the ideal way to see the city’s top sights. It provides a great introduction to Paris and offers fantastic photo opportunities of iconic landmarks from the top deck. Plus, with 24-hour bus tours available, you can explore the city’s main attractions day or night.

There’s only one classic route available, which takes you around spectacular landmarks, such as Champ de Mars, Pyramide du Louvre, Grevin Museum, Institut de France, Place Vendôme, Place de la Madeleine, Opéra Garnier, and many more! 

7. Spend a lovely evening at Jardin du Luxembourg

For leisure travellers and nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg — a captivating 17th-century garden — is a must. You’ll experience the elegance of formal French gardens with their geometric designs and sculptures, alongside the relaxed appeal of English gardens, with their meandering paths and open spaces. Spend an afternoon strolling and people-watching for a truly enjoyable experience. And the best part? Entrance to the garden is free!

8. Marvel at Arc de Triomphe

Your trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting the Arc de Triomphe! This Parisian icon isn’t just a monument — it’s a portal to the past. Towering at a staggering 50 meters, the Arc de Triomphe honours those who lost their lives during the French Wars between the 18th and 19th centuries. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, while the Eternal Flame is rekindled daily at 6.30pm, symbolising eternal remembrance. Be sure to capture a photo under the arch to create a beautiful memory!

9. Go art museum hopping

Who could resist art museum hopping in Paris? After all, this city is a renowned art capital, not just home to iconic museums, but also the birthplace of numerous art movements and an incubator of groundbreaking artistic ideas. 

Discover some of the most renowned museums in the world, including the Louvre Museum, which is home to the Mona Lisa, and Musée d’Orsay, where you can find the masterpieces of Vincent Van Gogh, among many others. Paris is undoubtedly an art lover’s paradise, sure to leave even ordinary visitors in awe!

Things to eat during the Paris Olympics 2024

10. Enjoy freshly baked pastries

“Un croissant, s’il vous plaît!” When it comes to dining in Paris — or anywhere in France — freshly baked pastries should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. These iconic pastries are a quintessential part of French cuisine and culture, from the worldwide famous croissants and pain au chocolat to national favourites like madeleines and macarons.

And the best part? You’re in Paris, where nearly every café and bakery offers a fantastic array of pastries. You can’t go wrong with any choice!

11. Savour French cheeses and wines

Feeling a bit fancy? Another one of the things to do in Paris is to sit back and enjoy a cheese feast! The French are renowned for their exceptional cheeses, which pair perfectly with bread, wine, and other classic accompaniments. For example, try Camembert with dried fruit and jam, melted Comté, or Brie with candied walnuts.

12. Indulge in a feast of classic French cuisine

What’s a visit to France’s capital without indulging in French cuisine? After a day of exploring iconic landmarks or cheering at the Olympics, reward yourself with a feast for the senses. From the rich, slow-cooked decadence of duck confit to the vibrant flavours of ratatouille, Parisian cuisine offers something for every palate. And don’t be afraid to try something exotic like the escargots and foie gras, you might be surprised!

13. Live out your Parisian cafe dreams

Feel like the main character and channel your inner Emily in Paris as you explore the Parisian café scene! Famed for its café culture, Paris is teeming with charming cafés almost everywhere in central areas like Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Marais, Montmartre, and even those not-so-touristy neighbourhoods.

Soak in the romantic atmosphere of the City of Love while taking a bite of your freshly bought baguette, people watching and taking as many gorgeous pictures as you like — sounds like the perfect trip!

Also read: 10 Hidden Gems in Paris Worth Exploring

So there you have it — a guide on what to do in Paris during the world-class 2024 Olympic Games! Ready to witness history in the making and indulge in your Parisian escape? Here’s to wishing you a bon voyage! Check out more travel guides and places to go on our Facebook and Instagram.