15 Best Things To Do In The 8th Arrondissement Of Paris (+Where To Stay & Eat)
Want to explore the 8th arrondissement of Paris? This post will show you all the fun things to do, and where to stay and eat to get a deeper insight into this district!
Regarded by many as one of the chicest districts in the city, the 8th Arrondissement of Paris offers a great deal to keep the ardent traveler entertained and well fed.
In addition, there is a multitude of luxury hotels and restaurants to choose from and it’s within easy striking distance of that famous drawcard, the Eiffel Tower district.
The 8th arrondissement of Paris offers one other temptation! It is the headquarters of many of France’s most famous luxury brands, particularly along Avenue des Champs-Elysées, so you will be able to shop until your credit card melts.

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Referred to as the huitième (eighth) by locals, this district was once covered by the waters of the Seine and later became a marsh.
That was subsequently drained and converted to farmland. Hard to believe when you experience the smooth sophistication you will find yourself surrounded by today as you wander along the streets and boulevards.
Ready to discover one of the upstate arrondissements of Paris? Read on to find out all the must-visit 8th arrondissement attractions, where to stay, and where to eat for an amazing time.
Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips
WHERE TO STAY
Best Eiffel Tower Views: Hôtel Le Walt (8.9)
Luxury stay: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (8.3)
Mid-range stay: Hôtel Eiffel (8.6)
Budget Stay: People – Paris Bercy (8.8)
Apartment Rental: Résidence Charles Floquet (9.2)
BEST GUIDED TOURS
Louvre Museum guided tour: (4.5/5)
Seine River Dinner Cruise: (4.7/5)
Montmartre Walking Tour: (4.8/5)
Le Marais Walking Food Tour: (4.9/5)
Versailles Guided Tour: (4.7/5)
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: (4.7/5)
Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: (4.7/10)
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Château de Lumières in Vincennes: A fascinating show on the history of the château through the centuries
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)
Where to Stay in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
From hotels with Eiffel tower views and boutique hotels to luxury apartment rentals, the 8th district of Paris is beaming with a number of hotels.
And the fact that it’s located close to several of Paris’s major attractions, it becomes the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the city of love.
Can’t decide on where to stay? Here are my suggestions for the best 8th arrondissement hotels for all budgets.

Budget Hotel
Hôtel Cordelia Opéra-Madeleine: This neat little three-star hotel has just thirty rooms but they offer comfort at a price that won’t break the bank. What is more, you are only a few minutes from Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps department stores. Though they serve a buffet breakfast every morning, there are several restaurants and cafes nearby and the Metro Havre – Caumartin (and many others), which is just minutes away, will give you access to the whole of Paris.
>>> Click here to check rates and availability <<<
Mid-range Hotel
Best Western Premier Kapital Opéra: Styled in a modern way, this four-star hotel is perfectly located. It is close to Montmartre, a chic neighborhood of Paris, and also allows easy access to the famous department store, Galeries Lafayette, and the Opera. Rome Metro Station, Europe Metro Station, Gare Saint-Lazare, and other metro lines are nearby, so you can easily explore further afield using the highly efficient and inexpensive public transport network.
>>> Click here to check rates and availability <<<

Luxury Hotel
Hôtel San Régis: Don’t let the understated entrance fool you. This is one of the most exclusive hotels in Paris and you are assured of a superb level of luxury. They offer a range of rooms including doubles, suites, and family rooms, and those with balconies boast views of the Eiffel Tower. Each of the rooms is decorated in its own unique style and the hotel still has the feel of a mansion house that it once was. Plus, there is a 24 hours a day room service.
>>> Click here to check rates and availability <<<
Apartment rental
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Haussmann Champs Elysées: This apartment hotel is perfectly positioned for those who are intent on exploring Paris. The Opera, Arc de Triomphe, top-end shopping, and restaurants are all right on your doorstep. That said, these apartments all offer fully equipped kitchens so that you can kick off your shoes and relax with a home-cooked meal after a long day on the move. Apartments range from studios to four-person accommodation, so they can cater to even big families.
>>> Click here to check rates and availability <<<
13 Fun Things to Do in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
Now that you have where to stay, let’s look at all the best things to do in the 8th arrondissement of Paris for a fun day.
1. Stroll the Champs-Élysées

One of the best things to do in the 8th arrondissement of Paris is undoubtedly to stroll along the famous Champs Elysees — whether you have just one day or 2 days in Paris.
Running from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, this broad, tree-lined avenue epitomizes all that is chic about the City of Light.
You can’t visit Paris without at least spending some time on this iconic avenue. At 1.9 kilometres (1.2 miles) in length, you can easily cover all of it.
Once a year on the 14th of July, the famous Bastille Day parade marches down this street and it is also where the world’s most famous bicycle race, the Tour de France, finishes each year.
And being home to some of the luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more, if you’re a shopaholic interested in French brands, you’ll be able to shop some of the luxurious French jewelry, French skincare products, French makeup, French perfumes, French watches, and everything you can think of.
But don’t worry if you can’t afford them, just strolling around and window shopping is equally enjoyable.
Related Post: Best things to do in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris
2. Take in the Views of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe

Standing at the end of the Champs-Élysées, probably one of the most famous boulevards in the world, this 50-metre (164ft) high arch was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.
Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon following the battle of Austerlitz, the arch offers some spectacular views taking in almost all of Paris.
It is fronted by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the small museum that it houses will give you much greater insight into the building’s history and construction.
It is worth noting that the arch stands in the middle of a giant roundabout called Place Charles de Gaulle.
It is approached by twelve different roads and accessing it on foot via anything other than one of its two underpasses requires something of a de*th wish.
Climb the arc and you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views of Paris with a glimpse of Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Grande Arche de La Défense, the Louvre Museum, and the 12 roads diverging.
Psst… Be sure to purchase this skip-the-line ticket to access the observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe.
3. Stop by Place de la Concorde

At the opposite end of the Champs-Élysées lies the Place de la Concorde. This enormous square (the largest in Paris) has seen more than its fair share of French history.
During the famous French revolution of 1789, this square often played center stage in the bloodletting that took place.
The guillotine was first used here and 1119 people were executed on this square, including Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. That will give you something to mull over and think about as you sip your coffee.
Today, it is home to the famous Luxor Obelisk gifted to France by Egypt and two stunning historical fountains that are worth photographing.
It also offers views of the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, so have your camera handy.
4. Take in a little culture at the Petit Palais

Two misleading things about the Petit Palais. Firstly, it is not a palace and secondly, it is not small (though considerably small compared to the Grand Palais).
Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, today, it is Paris’ Museum of Fine Arts housing collections of ancient and medieval art through to Renaissance paintings, as well as more modern Art Nouveau pieces.
It is right across from the Grand Palais, so it makes for an easy visit but you need to dedicate some time if you are going to explore it thoroughly.
The best part about Petit Palais is that its permanent collection is free to visit making it one of the must-see free museums in Paris.
Be sure to take photos at its stunning golden gate which has become a famous photo spot in Paris among Instagrammers.
5. wander across to the Grand Palais

This imposing structure was also built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and can easily be spotted because of its massive glass dome.
Today, it consists of three independent display areas. The main gallery which displays both local and international modern art, the Palais de Decouverte which is a museum of science, and the Galerie National du Grand Palais which is an exhibition center.
Though you can’t enter it now due to renovation work going on that is expected to end in 2024, strolling around it is still worth adding to your Paris bucket list.
Related Post: Cool Things to do in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris
6. Stroll across the Pont Alexandre III

There are many more beautiful bridges in Paris than any city really deserves, but if you are in the huitième (eighth), then this is one to admire. In fact, it is the most beautiful bridge in Paris.
It was named after the Russian Tsar, Alexandre III to commemorate an alliance between France and Russia at the time.
Its architecture is quite monumental and its span is over 100 meters in length. The middle of this bridge is supposed to be the center point of all of the main monuments of the capital with the Petit Palais and Grand Palais on the right bank and the Invalides on the left bank.
Besides its immense beauty with bronze sculptures of winged horses, nymphs, an impressive array of sea monsters, and brass candelabras that light up beautifully in the thick of the night, Pont Alexandre III offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
7. Chill out in Parc Monceau

There are many 8th arrondissement attractions but at some point, you will probably find yourself just wanting to enjoy a little tranquillity.
The delightful little Parc Monceau is the perfect place to do just that. Popular with locals, this little green space offers a perfect treed picnic spot surrounded by stately mansions.
Unlike some parks in Paris, this one has a pond, several statues of French famous people, an Egyptian pyramid, a picturesque Renaissance archway, a little bridge, and a play area for kids.
You can visit Parc Monceau at any time of the year with spring putting on some cherry blossoms, fall leaves during Parisian fall, and summer being the perfect opportunity for a Parisian picnic.
8. Immerse yourself in some Asian art at the Musée Cernuschi

Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/ Flickr
Located right next to Parc Monceau, Musée Cernuschi (Asian Arts Museum of the City of Paris) is one of the best museums to visit in Paris.
The museum is free and, though one might not immediately think of Asian art while in Paris, it is worth remembering that France had strong ties to the east during its colonial past.
Here, you will find over 15,000 artworks from Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea. Far less well known than the big-name museums that Paris is famous for, you will find more locals than tourists enjoying this hidden little gem.
Related Post: Best Things to do in Montmartre
9. Look for luxury goods on Avenue Montaigne

It is true that the Champs-Élysées is the better-recognized street when it comes to high-end goods.
Locals in the know, however, prefer to make their purchases on this less-discovered avenue, Avenue Montaigne.
Here, there are big-name brands and you will find more independent designers and creators.
Of course, when you mention French fashion designers, you will be including such names as Chanel, Givenchy, Celine, Yves Sant Laurent, and more.
So, whether you’re looking for luxury French lingerie, haute couture, French shoes, luxury French handbags, and your budget permits, be sure to stop by this luxury shopping street.
10. View the official residency of the President of the French Republic

Leynadmar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Élysée Palace, not far from the Champs-Élysées, was once home to royals.
The revolution changed that pretty fast and today, this is the official home of the presidency.
It only opens its doors to the public for a few days in September, during the European Heritage Days, so if your trip to Paris is within this month, be sure to add it to your “been there done that” list.
11. Dive into one of the finest private art collections in Paris at Musée Jacquemart-André

Photo by Rex Harris/ Flickr
Housed in what once was a private home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, here you will find a wide variety of art ranging from sculptures to paintings that were collected by the couple.
The fabulous building stands in a delightful garden and you will also discover its simply wonderful salon de thé in what was the dining room of the duo’s home.
To access both the permanent and temporary exhibitions of this museum, you’d need to purchase this skip-the-line ticket.
12. Experience a taste of nightlife in Paris at the Crazy Horse
This city has some internationally recognized night spots and the Crazy Horse Paris is right up there with the best of them.
Opened in 1951 as a sophisticated strip joint, today it offers a more typical French cabaret with beautifully choreographed dances and light effects that will make your night in Paris memorable.
It has hosted some of the world’s better-known stars including Charles Aznavour, Dita Von Teese, and Pamela Anderson. You can expect a night out to remember, but also know that it doesn’t come cheap.
Since spots book out fast, if you want to guarantee your seat at a cabaret at Crazy Horse Paris, I recommend booking your ticket here way in advance.
13. Pick up a Pack of Macarons on Champs-Élysées

Snack on a mac, and I don’t mean McDonald’s but rather Macarons, one of France’s most famous petit gateau enjoyed all across the country as well as further afield.
On the Champs-Élysées, you will find several Parisian Macaran shops but the ones that stand out from the rest are the Pierre Hermé and Ladurée.
Besides the elegant stores they’re housed in, they are known for the best Macarons in the city.
Flavors range from chocolate through to sour cherry, with just about anything you care to imagine in between.
You can either sit and munch them from there or get a pack from either shop to take back home as a souvenir from Paris.
14. Admire L’église de la Madeleine

L’église de la Madeleine or Madeleine church is one of the beautiful churches in Paris worth visiting.
What makes this church unique is that, unlike other churches, it is built to resemble a Greek temple and features no crosses or bell towers. In fact, it’s impossible to know that it’s a church unless you already know it or if you step inside.
The exterior of the church is impressive with various inscriptions and details but it’s the interior that gives a wow factor. From colorful ceilings, long columns, and the beautiful nave to the organ, everything adds a different layer of beauty.
15. Admire Art at Musée Nissim de Camondo

Photo by Ian McKellar/ Flickr
If you’re still hungry for more art, then make your way to Musée Nissim de Camondo located just next to Parc Monceau.
Built by Count Moïse de Camondo to house his collection of French decorative art and furniture, particularly from the second half of the 18th century, this museum houses tapestries, period furniture, several items that used to be owned by Marie-Antoinette, and more.
And if the place looks familiar, it’s probably because it was featured in the popular French TV series on Netflix, Lupin.
Where to Eat in the 8th Arrondissement in Paris

When you are not enjoying the 8th arrondissements attractions, you will probably want to experience some of its cuisines, and you can be assured that in this upmarket district, you will not be short of dining options at every level. Below are some you can check out.
Le Mermoz: This is more than just another quaint Parisian bistro. Mentioned in the Michelin Guide, this restaurant is headed up by chef Thomas Graham. It serves hearty lunches and at night, it serves tapas-type light meals. Address: 16 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris.
Le Cinq: This elegant 3-Michelin-starred restaurant housed in the Hotel George V offers refined French cuisine at its best. All of this is served beneath crystal chandeliers set amongst marble columns. Making a reservation is highly recommended to be guaranteed a table. Address: 31 Av. George V, 75008 Paris.

Le Huitiemme Arrt: This restaurant serves French dishes at affordable prices. It has both an indoor dining area as well as a streetside terrace and serves lunches and dinners. Address: 128 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris.
L’Italien: For a selection of Italian food, you can’t go wrong with this restaurant. Address: 40 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris.
Final Thoughts on What to do in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris
There is no getting away from the fact that the 8th arrondissement in Paris is an upmarket district of one of the world’s most famous cities.
That said, there is still a distinctly local feel to much of it if you care to step away from the better-known tourist hotspots.
It is an ideal place from which to explore Paris and some of the city’s most famous draw cards will be right on your doorstep.
Whether you’re into shopping, museums, or historical landmarks, the 8th district of Paris will not disappoint.
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- What to do in the 7th arrondissement of Paris
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- Best night tours of Paris
- A complete guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris
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