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The countdown to the Summer Olympics in Paris has begun, with the City of Light transforming into a living arena for the third time in history. With almost 36 million visitors in 2023, Paris is already one of the most visited cities in the world. Still, the largest international sporting event which will take place from July 26 to August 11, is expected to attract an additional 16 million visitors.

Where to Watch the Olympic Games

In one of many firsts, the opening ceremony on July 26 will take place in the heart of the city, with 160 boats filled with athletes parading along the Seine to the Trocadéro, transforming the river into the main stage. A ticket grants access to the lower quays, from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna Bridge, but fans can gather along the banks to catch a glimpse of the show, which will be broadcast on 80 giant screens.

You can also join the party in one of nearly 30 free fan zones throughout the Paris area. Two of the most centrally located areas for live-streaming the events will be the 19th arrondissement’s La Villette Park and the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower.

For the 19 days, 329 events in 41 sports will be held in and around the capital, with fencing and taekwondo taking place at landmarks such as the Grand Palais. The Games will also take place in areas surrounding the city, such as Seine-Saint-Denis, which will host the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Furthermore, the soccer tournament will be held in six stadiums across the country (Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille), so staying central allows for easy transitions from one event to the next.

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What to See

When you need a break from cheering, Paris has plenty to offer you this summer. The “Tonight with the Impressionists Paris 1874” exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay (through August 11) is a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses you in a 19th-century art studio on Boulevard des Capucines using a virtual reality headset.
The Pinault Collection will be on display at the Bourse de Commerce until September 2, featuring a selection of pieces from the 1980s that fall under the exhibition’s theme “Le monde comme il va” (The World As It Goes).

Given the city’s high traffic and pedestrianization, the best way to get to these galleries (or anywhere else) is on foot or by public transportation (the Métro is the most reliable option). While the central parts of Paris (Louvre, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Latin Quarter) are bound to be crowded if you want to get away from the crowds, head to a neighborhood that is equally scenic but has slightly less foot traffic.

You can also cruise along the water and admire street art in Canal Saint-Martin, or go to Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, which is hidden in the shadow of Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur Basilica but is every bit as charming — especially now that it has shed its once-shady reputation as a red-light district. Book a guided tour of the neighborhood’s history and museums with an expert who can customize the day to your preferences.