Paris is a city that captures our hearts even before we visit it. Walking along the banks of the Seine River, seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up, tasting exquisite French cuisine, admiring the incredible French architecture… these are just some of the things you can enjoy in the City of Light. In this post, I’ll tell you about the must-see attractions in Paris.
Top 15 must-see attractions in Paris:
1. Eiffel Tower
It’s impossible to think of Paris and not picture the Eiffel Tower. It’s obviously a must-stop on any trip to the City of Light. One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower is from the Trocadéro Square, located right in front of the tower.
If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, you can also access its observation deck. There are two ways to go up, and the ticket price varies accordingly: by elevator or by stairs (I did it and it’s not that exhausting!). Elevator tickets usually have long lines at the tower, so it’s best to buy them online in advance.
You can’t miss seeing the Eiffel Tower at night when its thousands of lights turn on and you can truly feel the magic of Paris. And if you really want a unique experience, I recommend staying in one of the best hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower.
2. Notre Dame Cathedral
What would Paris be without the historic and beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral? This is without a doubt one of the city’s top attractions. It’s one of the oldest Gothic-style buildings in existence.
After the major fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral officially reopened its doors to the public and can now be visited once again.
Buy your entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral here
Notre Dame Cathedral in 2022
3. Sainte-Chapelle
Perhaps not as well known as Notre Dame, but in my opinion one of the most beautiful churches in the world. A stunning Gothic chapel famous for its enormous stained glass windows. To avoid lines, it’s best to buy the ticket online.
4. Arc de Tromphe
Another iconic Parisian site is undoubtedly the Arc de Triomphe, a monument located at one end of the Champs-Élysées. It was built between 1806 and 1836 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte and is one of the most historic sites in Paris.
It’s impressive just to see, but what I liked most was going up and enjoying incredible views of Paris. The monument also functions as a museum, and to reach the terrace you have to climb almost 300 steps on a spiral staircase. The views are worth it!
If you’re traveling during high season, it’s best to buy your ticket online to avoid lines.
5. Louvre Museum
I couldn’t leave the Louvre off the list—the most famous and largest museum in the world. It’s definitely worth entering to explore its incredible art collection. The place is so massive you’ll never see it all.
Don’t forget to take a photo with the glass pyramid seen from the outside, part of the museum’s modern wing.
As one of Paris’s most famous attractions, the lines to enter can be extremely long (especially in high season), so it’s best to buy tickets online in advance. Entry to the Louvre is included with the Go City.
Museum hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 9:45 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
6. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located at the top of a hill in the Montmartre neighborhood. Not only is it a beautiful piece of architecture, but the views of the city from up there are a must.
After visiting the Basilica, I recommend exploring Montmartre, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris, full of history and art.
The Seine River runs through the French capital. A lovely way to explore Paris is by walking along the riverbanks, crossing the 30+ historic bridges that connect the two sides, and admiring the beautiful buildings along the way.
A unique way to see Paris is by taking a boat tour on the Seine.
8. Tuileries Gardens
A huge park located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It’s a beautiful spot to walk, relax, or have a picnic.
A great way to learn more about the city’s history is by booking this free walking tour of Paris, which includes stops at the Tuileries Gardens, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and more. The tour is completely free—you just tip the guide what you think is fair at the end.
More info about the free walking tour of Paris
9. Musée d’Orsay
Maybe not as famous, but in my opinion one of Paris’s best museums. The Musée d’Orsay is housed in the former Orsay railway station and holds the largest collection of impressionist artworks in the world. Both the art and the building itself make the entrance fee totally worth it.
10. Moulin Rouge
Another Parisian symbol is the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, built in 1889. It was one of the icons of the Belle Époque.
Today the cabaret still hosts a variety of shows you can enjoy when visiting Paris. To attend, you’ll need to book tickets in advance.
Click here to get your Moulin Rouge tickets in advance
11. Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a complex of buildings that houses the tomb of Emperor Napoleon. Originally built as a residence for retired French soldiers, it now houses the Army Museum. It’s a very interesting place—even if you don’t enter the museum, just walking by and seeing the impressive dome of the main building is worth it.
12. Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier (also known as the Opéra Garnier) is one of Paris’s most iconic buildings and one of the most spectacular theaters in the world. You can admire it from the outside or visit inside on a tour.
Buy your ticket for Opera Garniere here.
13. Galeries Lafayette
The Galeries Lafayette store located on Boulevard Haussmann is truly a must-see in Paris due to its grandeur (70,000 m²) and its free rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Paris!
The view of the Opéra Garnier from the Galeries Lafayette terrace.
14. Centre Pompidou
Important: the Centre Pompidou in Paris is currently closed until early 2030 for a major renovation and modernization project.
The Centre Pompidou is a museum of modern and contemporary art. You’ll find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Matisse, as well as photography exhibitions, screenings, and more.
The building itself is considered an attraction and a standout of modern architecture in Paris. It was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, and it’s undoubtedly a unique and innovative design.
15. Palace of Versailles
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Palace of Versailles. Some of the most important events in French and world history took place here. The complex was the residence of the French king for over 100 years.
It’s very easy to get to Versailles from Paris and it’s truly a visit worth making. For more info, read my practical guide to visiting the Palace of Versailles.
How to save money on Paris Attractions
Activities in Paris can be quite expensive, which is why there are tourist passes that help you save money. Depending on the activities you’re interested in, one pass may suit you better than another. Paris’s tourist passes include:
- Go City “all-inclusive pass” – With this card you can choose the number of days (2, 3, 4 or 6 days) and it includes access to more than 60 attractions, museums and tours. It is a very convenient option if you plan to visit many paid attractions.More info about the Go City Paris here.
- Go City “explorer pass” – This pass allows you to choose the number of attractions you are going to visit (3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions) and you will have 60 calendar days to use it. It is an option that allows you to explore the city at your own pace and convenient if you plan to visit few paid attractions. More info about the Go City Paris here.
- Visit Paris for Free: If you have a European passport and are under 26 years old, most Paris attractions are completely free!
Accommodation in Paris
In a big and tourist-heavy city like Paris, there’s no shortage of lodging. There are many options in terms of type and neighborhood. For more information, I recommend reading my detailed guide with the best areas and recommended hotels: Where to stay in Paris.
I’ve probably left many things off the list, but Paris is a city with endless things to see and do. I recommend visiting for at least 4 days so you can experience everything on this list and also enjoy the streets and other activities at your own pace.
Other useful posts about Paris:
- Where to stay in Paris: best areas and hotels
- Best Paris hotels with Eiffel Tower views
- Visiting Villa Savoye from Paris
- The best museums in Paris
- 4 days in Paris itinerary
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