The 5 Best Walking Tours in Paris

Leave your metro card at home; you won't need it for these tours. That’s right, we’re walking. Paris is all about a leisurely lifestyle, taking in the city's rich tapestry at your own pace. That’s why we’ve picked out 5 walking tours to cross off your bucket list and explore the city on foot.

So, put on your comfortable walking shoes and prepare to explore Paris on foot with our carefully selected walking tours for various group sizes.

Keep in mind that walking is a workout, and if you add luggage and bags to the mix, you have yourself some HIIT training. Let’s avoid that. If you’re looking for luggage storage for a day in Paris, download Nannybag!

On your mobile device, you can easily check drop-off locations near you, reserve for as little as 6 euros per bag, and be ready for your day. Your bags shouldn’t cause stress- picking the right tour should be the only “issue” during your travels.

All of the Sights

Welcome to Paris, the city of lights (and home of delicious croissants). If you’re a first-timer in the city, the many sights you have to knock off your to-do list might intimidate you in the first place. But worry not. This all-in-one walking tour in Paris is the perfect solution if you’re looking to check off all the big boxes.

The tour starts at the Ecole Militaire, where you’ll get a breakdown of the tour and the sights you’ll see. After the Ecole, you’ll head to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You won’t have time to make it up, but you’ll have enough time to snap a few pics.

Once you've marveled at the Eiffel Tower, the tour continues along the scenic banks of the Seine River. As you stroll around, you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes, passing by the elegant Pont Alexandre III, the stunning Jardin des Tuileries, and the magnificent Place de la Concorde. You'll also catch glimpses of other signature landmarks, including the majestic Grand Palais, the charming Petit Palais, and the renowned Musee d'Orsay.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, so it’s not enough time to properly see the sights. However, it provides a wonderful orientation of the city's layout, acquainting you with the major landmarks and helping you decide which sights to explore further on your daily free walking tour. It’s the perfect walking tour to dip your tours in the city and discover the most famous landmarks.

This walking tour perfectly introduces Paris, allowing you to dip your toes into the city's treasures and discover its most famous landmarks. Get ready to fall in love with the City of Lights, one step at a time!

Starting Point: 66 Av. de la Motte-Picquet, 75015 Paris, France

Price: €25.00 per person

Book your tour here.

Catacombs Tour

Is as above so below? Uncover the chilling truth behind the mysterious catacombs with this thrilling walking tour. The catacombs span beneath the entire city in an intricate tunnel system that connects the series of crypts in an intricate underground network.

Sure, you can tour the catacombs yourself with a self-guided tour, but trust us when we say that it won’t be as informative, and frankly, you won’t feel just how vast the catacombs are! That is why we recommend a guided walking tour. The catacombs are more than skulls and bones- they hold stories that want to be heard. The knowledgeable tour guides will ensure you learn the history and won’t get lost!

You will be sure to leave with a newfound appreciation of the mass burial site as you visit sites usually blocked off by the general public. So, leave the surface behind, step into the shadows, and let the catacombs reveal their secrets as you walk the path that lies beneath.

This left bank tour lasts 2 hours, during which you’ll have the opportunity to witness the catacombs' haunting beauty and unsettling grandeur. However, it is not recommended for those individuals with claustrophobia since the spaces can get very tight. If you run cold, bring a jacket- as the catacombs stay chilly at a constant temperature of 14°C (57°F) all year.

Starting Point: 2 Av. du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris, France

Price: €102.00 per person

Book your tour here.

Street Art Tour

Step off the beaten path and delve into the colorful world of street art as you visit the neighborhood of Belleville, a locale known for its dynamic art scene. This captivating walking tour goes beyond merely acknowledging the existence of street art; it delves deeper into the powerful social issues and messages that lie at the core of this expressive form of artistic rebellion

A passionate local artist leads the tour and offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of street art that adorn Belleville's walls, alleyways, and buildings. Prepare to be captivated by the diverse artistic expressions that unfold before your eyes, from larger-than-life murals that command attention to thought-provoking graffiti that sparks introspection.

But this Paris walking tour is more than just a visual feast—a chance to engage in meaningful conversations and forge connections. Lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the small group tour setting ensures an intimate experience where you can freely interact with your local guide and fellow participants. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and dive deep into the narratives woven of street art.

As you wander through the vibrant streets of Belleville, you'll discover hidden corners that even the most seasoned travelers miss, unlocking a side of Paris that is raw, authentic, and creative. So, lace up your comfortable shoes, open your mind to the beauty of unconventional art forms, and join this immersive walking tour to unlock the secrets of Belleville's street art scene.

Starting Point: 62 Rue Villiers de l'Isle Adam, 75020 Paris, France

Price: €35.00 per person

Book your tour here.

Food Tour

Paris, the city of lights, is an absolute paradise for foodies, and no culinary adventure is complete without indulging in a walking food tour. Get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the historic neighborhood of Le Marais, where the essence of charm blends seamlessly with a myriad of mouthwatering food spots.

Indulge in one of the best burgers in Paris, accompanied by crispy golden fries. Treat yourself to delightful macarons and delectable cream-filled chouquettes. And for those craving a twist of French-Canadian fusion, savor the poutine à la française, a delectable fusion of flavors.

But that’s not all! The 3-hour and 30-minute guided tour continues with homemade sandwiches bursting with delicious fillings and truffle-infused paninis. Vegetarians don’t worry; this walking food tour warmly embraces all preferences. Everyone can partake in the gastronomic delights of Le Marais!

The admission cost includes all the food tastings, allowing you to savor each delectable bite without any worries. And you’ll be glad to be walking as you’re munching! Paris may look very different from national parks, but bring comfortable shoes and pants for this tour because some walking and hiking will be involved. So, get ready to embark on a remarkable journey through the culinary wonders of Le Marais, and let your taste buds be your guide.

Starting Point: Le Marais- exact address is given when booked

Price: €63 per person

Book your tour here.

Dark Secrets of Paris

Something is fascinating about learning the darker side of a city. A city that brands itself as the city of love and lights but sits on a burial site must have some juicy secrets, right? The juxtaposition here is pretty wild. Brace yourself because the "Paris Dark City Secrets Walking Tour" from GetYourGuide will fill you in on the hottest gossip from the 95001.

Led by an expert guide, this captivating walking tour takes you off the beaten path, delving into the mysteries and dark history that have shaped Paris. While not straying too far from the top attractions, this tour will unveil a side of the city that remains in secrecy, allowing you to see famous landmarks from a whole new perspective.

The tour starts at Ile de la Cite. From there, you’ll go to iconic landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Justice and finish off at the Latin Quarter. Each step of the way, your guide will share tales that reveal the hidden stories and dark secrets that lurk in the shadows. Cue ominous instrumentals

Highlights of the tour include discovering public execution sites, learning about famous Parisian ghosts, and visiting cursed locations. So, gather your courage and embark on the "Paris Dark City Secrets Walking Tour," an adventure that promises to unveil a side of the city that few have seen— and fewer have experienced. You might want to bring some sage for personal use after the tour!

Starting Point: Ile de la Cite- the exact address is given when booked

Price: €30 per person

Book your tour here.

From the Middle Ages to now, Paris is much more than a few historical buildings and fresh pastries. The City of Lights has so much to offer that it might take much work to get started!

Paris offers many walking tours that allow you to explore the city's hidden treasures. These five don’t even begin to scratch the surface! But we hope this article aids your planning when visiting the city.

Whether it's descending into the creepy catacombs, immersing yourself in the vibrant street art scene of Belleville, indulging in Le Marais, or unraveling the dark secrets of its history, there's something for everyone here! Step off the beaten path, let the streets guide you, and embark on a unique journey through the captivating depths of the City of Lights. Paris awaits. Bon voyage!

Tips for Walking Tours

1. Hydrate

Some of these tours include a water bottle in the admission. Make sure to check, and if not- supply your own. The summer months in Paris get very warm, and it’s essential to drink water. There are free refill stations around the city, and the tap water in Paris is very safe and delicious.

2. Wear comfortable shoes.

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to bring shoes that are broken in. Stay away from heels and stiff shoes. We get it, you want to look good for the ‘gram, but the rush of posting a picture is temporary— foot health is forever.

3. Eat beforehand.

Unless you’re doing the food tour (duh!) Staying fueled is important to make the most of your experience. You wouldn’t start a road trip with an empty gas tank?

4. Ask questions!

The guides are there to pass on knowledge and answer any questions. Don’t be shy!

5. Be open to new experiences

Tours operate differently, but they are all about learning. Maybe the guide will highly recommend things you didn’t allot time for. It’s okay to make changes and go with the flow!