Forget the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre — here's what you need to do in Paris, according to someone who's been a dozen times.

26.07.2024 - 12:46 / insider.com / Jim Morrison / Mona Lisa / Venus De-Milo

I've traveled around the world, but even after a dozen visits, Paris remains my favorite city. I never tire of its cafés, restaurants, parks, or opportunities to practice my French.

The city, which is expecting over 15 million visitors as it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics, offers countless attractions — many of which are filled with tourists.

After multiple visits, I've found a few lesser-visited spots and activities that I think everyone should check out. Whether you're trying to avoid touristy spots or have already hit the popular places, here are seven of my favorite things to do in Paris.

I've been atop the Eiffel Tower several times, toasting a plastic flute of Champagne from the bar and peering at the skyline from every vantage point.

But if I were looking for Instagrammable views ofParis' most famous landmark, I'd head to the Montparnasse neighborhood. The rooftop terrace atop Paris' only skyscraper, Montparnasse Tower, has 360-degree city views and tons of space to spread out.

I recommend visiting during the evening hours to catch the sparkling light show on the Eiffel Tower, which occurs for five minutes at the top of each hour after sundown.

Like many tourists, I've marched through the massive halls of the Louvre to see pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and The Coronation of Napoleon. Though it is indeed filled with art, lots of people are surprised to discover that many Impressionist pieces are displayed in other museums.

Several Impressionist works are housed in the Musée d'Orsay. The museum is located in the former Gare d'Orsay, a gorgeous railway station, and has incredible artwork displays and a gift shop. When I went, I marveled at works from the masters I studied in French class, from Monet to Manet and Renoir.

If you're a superfan of Monet's Water Lilies, I also suggest visiting the Musée de l'Orangerie. The Water Lilies exhibit, which features eight panels displayed side by side in a small room, can get somewhat crowded. Still, it was a special experience to be surrounded by Monet's iconic flowers.

I first made the pilgrimage to the Père Lachaise Cemetery to see former The Doors front man Jim Morrison's bouquet-covered gravesite in high school. However, I'd also recommend visitors head to Les Catacombes.

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The catacombs, built in the 18th century to solve the problem of Paris' overcrowded cemeteries, hold the remains of more than six million people. I solemnly walked through the many corridors and past walls neatly lined with countless skulls and bones during my visit.

There are no shortages of cafés in Paris. People watching over a croque madame (a French sandwich) is the quintessential Parisian experience. But as a wine and spirits writer, I appreciate a