tourist attractions is paris

31 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether sunshine is sparkling on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain, or melancholy mists of the Seine River are shrouding Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris has a way of romancing visitors. The love affair might begin with a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, then continue with strolls along the wide tree-lined avenues and in lavish formal gardens.

The city is seductively beautiful. Each neighborhood ( quartier ) reveals its unique personality. The Latin Quarter is a small cluster of pedestrian streets and narrow medieval alleyways where bookshops vie for space with university students' cafés and eateries. The fashionable Champs-Élysées buzzes with energy. Outside the city center, Montmartre still feels like a country village and flaunts its bohemian past.

After seeing the museums and monuments, you will want to seek out the small surprises, like family-run bistros with handwritten menus; cobblestone lanes full of quaint shops; secluded squares adorned with flowing fountains; and elegant tea salons, where dainty jewel-like desserts beckon from glass-covered pastry cases.

In every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, Paris casts a spell of enchantment. One visit may inspire a lifelong passion.

Discover what makes the City of Light so captivating and learn about the best places to explore with our list of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

See also: Where to Stay in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

2. musée du louvre, 3. avenue des champs-élysées, 4. musée d'orsay, 5. palais garnier, opéra national de paris, 6. cathédrale notre-dame de paris, 7. place de la concorde, 8. arc de triomphe, 9. hôtel de la marine, 10. jardin des tuileries, 11. seine river cruises, 12. musical concerts at sainte-chapelle, 13. bustling boulevards and legendary cafés, 14. jardin du luxembourg, 15. sacré-coeur and quartier montmartre, 16. panthéon, 17. place des vosges, 18. musée rodin, 19. place vendôme, 20. centre pompidou, 21. hôtel national des invalides, 22. domaine national du palais-royal, 23. place de la bastille, 24. place du châtelet and tour saint-jacques, 25. la conciergerie, 26. fondation louis vuitton, 27. parc de la villette, 28. paris plages, 29. cimetière du père lachaise, 30. parc des buttes-chaumont, 31. grande arche de la défense, where to stay in paris for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to paris, best time to visit paris, france.

The Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel) ranks high on the list of places to visit in France and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the world. So it's hard to believe that the structure was originally dismissed as a monstrosity. The innovative metal structure shocked Victorian-era audiences when it was unveiled by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889 .

Whether loved or hated, the Eiffel Tower has always impressed. Reaching a height of 324 meters, the tower is comprised of 18,000 sturdy iron sections held together by 2.5 million rivets. Although no longer the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower has achieved the status of an icon.

For first-time visitors, seeing the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival at the esplanade, the sight of the four massive pillars that support this 10,100-ton monument leaves many awestruck.

Author's Tip : Purchase your tickets to the Eiffel Tower in advance online. You first choose a specific date and during the online process, you will reserve a specific time slot for the visit. (You must arrive on time.) Tickets sell out during high season (July and August), so you should purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible.

When you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, you will first walk through the esplanade gardens. Then you will look for the correct queue (which will be labeled "Visitors with tickets"). The recently renovated gardens feature leafy trees and pedestrian pathways with close-up views of the Iron Lady.

To arrive at the Eiffel Tower's 1st floor (at 57 meters) requires an elevator ride or a walk up the 360 steps. This level has public restrooms, a gift shop, a cafeteria, a brasserie restaurant, and an open-air terrace space for admiring the views.

The 2nd floor (at 125 meters) of the Eiffel Tower is reached from the 1st floor by a staircase of 344 more steps or an elevator ride. This level has similar amenities as the 1st floor, except the viewing platforms offer a perspective onto more of the Paris monuments (such as the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur).

A highlight of the 2nd floor, the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne delivers exceptional haute cuisine in a dreamy setting. The restaurant's dining rooms feature expansive windows, which provide a peak of the Eiffel Tower's structural beams and glimpses of Paris cityscapes. You'll also find a buffet-style cafeteria and the Pierre Hermé macaron boutique.

To arrive at the top floor (276 meters in elevation) requires an exhilarating elevator ride from the 2nd floor. The staircases only go up to the 2nd floor, so climbing up to the top is not an option.

Visiting the top floor of the Eiffel Tower is one of the most thrilling things to do in Paris , but it's not for the faint of heart. When you walk out onto the compact viewing platform at this level, you are overwhelmed by the far-reaching views and strong gusts of wind. Up this high, it feels like another world, and you can no longer hear the noise of street traffic below.

You definitely will want to spend some time taking photos of the Eiffel Tower. From either the Jardins du Trocadéro (a short walk across the Seine River) or the Parc du Champ de Mars (the lawns in front of the tower), there is just the right distance for picture-perfect photo-ops.

Address: La Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris (Métro: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Iéna, or Passy station)

The Louvre is the most prestigious of Paris' museums and the crème de la crème of the city's cultural attractions. Besides its exceptional art collection, the building has a regal past: The Louvre was formerly the residential palace of France's kings.

Today, the Musée du Louvre displays thousands of artworks, many of which are considered masterpieces, from antiquities to European paintings of the 15th to 19th centuries.

It is impossible to see it all in one visit, but you can focus on a particular gallery, such as classical sculpture, Italian Renaissance art, or 17th-century French paintings, or take a self-guided tour to cover the Louvre Museum's highlights.

Of course, you will want to get a look at the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda (or La Joconde in French) painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503-1505. Many tourists breeze through the museum just to glance at this one piece, but there are other must-see works of art to admire even if time is limited.

Other masterpieces of the Louvre include the ancient Vénus de Milo sculpture; the monumental Victoire de Samothrace of the Hellenistic period; the immense Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese (1563); Sandro Botticelli's Venus and the Three Graces fresco; and Liberty Leading the People (1831) by Eugène Delacroix, depicting the Parisian uprising of July 1830.

To get the most out of a visit to the Louvre, join a guided tour. The museum offers tours in multiple languages. These focus on the highlights and provide information on the palace.

The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tour is another option that also takes you straight to the museum's most famous artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa . On this three-hour tour, a guide (who is an art historian) provides in-depth commentary about the masterpieces.

Author's Tips : Most visitors enter the museum in the courtyard of the palace at the Pyramid du Louvre , the glass pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in 1917. This entrance almost always has long lines. The wait is especially long without a timed entrance ticket. (See tips below for alternative entrances to the museum.)

Avoid the lines of the Pyramid entrance by going to one of the lesser-known entrances. If you already have a Louvre museum ticket or a Paris Museum Pass, head to the Carrousel entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli) where you likely can walk right in without waiting in line. You may save some time at this entrance if you haven't reserved a specific time slot for admission.

Purchase a museum pass : If you plan to visit multiple museums, you can save money and time by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass . The savings depends on how many museums you visit. The advantage is that you don't have to purchase a ticket at each museum. However, you still need to reserve a specific time slot (free of charge) to visit the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and Château de Versailles (otherwise you may have to wait in line).

If you have not already purchased a ticket or Paris Museum Pass, you may use the Porte des Lions entrance on the 4 Quai François Mitterrand.

Address: Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Brimming with fancy boutiques and dining terraces, the Champs-Élysées epitomizes the fashionable panache of Paris.

You'd never guess that the most monumental boulevard in Paris used to be a desolate swamp. The marshland was converted into an avenue by renowned landscape designer André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Two centuries later, the city planner Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann added the grey stone Mansard-roofed buildings that give the boulevard its classic Parisian look.

The Champs-Élysées is divided into two parts with the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées as its intersection.

The lower part of the Champs-Élysées, bordering the Place de la Concorde , includes a spacious park, the Jardins des Champs-Élysées , and the Petit Palais fine arts museum. The upper part, extending to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined by luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. This bustling area draws many tourists and is a gathering place for Parisians.

The Champs-Élysées is famous for its prestigious establishments, such as Maison Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a pâtisserie boutique and tea salon that offers exquisite French pastries (macarons are the house specialty), and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (62 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), Louis-Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), and Cartier (154 Avenue des Champs-Élysées).

For fine dining , the top choices are the legendary brasserie Fouquet's (99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) and the swanky gastronomic restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile (133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), which has one Michelin star.

Although the Champs-Élysées has an image of refinement, there are many affordable places that cater to tourists and students on a budget, such as Starbucks, Quick, Burger King, and McDonald's.

Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris (Métro: Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station to visit the Jardins des Champs-Élysées and Petit Palais, Franklin d. Roosevelt station for Ladurée, George V station for the main shopping area).

You haven't seen the best of French art until you visit the Musée d'Orsay . The Musée du Louvre may hold the most masterpieces of European painting, but the Musée d'Orsay focuses on works by celebrated French artists including Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

If you love Impressionist art , this is the place to go. The Musée d'Orsay displays a splendid collection of 19th- and 20th-century art (created from 1848 to 1914).

Although the museum's inventory begins with 19th-century Realist paintings and landscape paintings, the highlight of the museum is the Impressionism collection. Also on display are Post-Impressionist works by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, and bohemian artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Some of the museum's famous paintings include Claude Monet's The Magpie , Gare Saint-Lazare, Poppy Field , and Luncheon on the Grass ; Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait and Starry Night ; and Renoir's Dance at Moulin de la Galette, which depicts a festive party scene in Montmartre.

You may rent an audioguide to take a self-guided tour. The commentary (available in English and French) covers over 300 works.

The museum also has a bookstore/gift shop, two casual cafés, and a fine-dining restaurant, which is worth the splurge. Formerly the Hôtel d'Orsay (a luxury hotel within the original Gare d'Orsay) and listed as a Monument Historique , the Musée d'Orsay Restaurant features gilded ceilings and sparkling chandeliers.

On the square in front of the museum, there is a kiosk that sells sandwiches and falafel.

Address: Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris (Métro: Musée d'Orsay, Assemblée Nationale, or Solférino station)

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1860, the Palais Garnier Opera House was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Garnier worked tirelessly on the project for over a decade, from 1862 to 1875. Today, this show-stopping landmark is a symbol of Napoleon's Imperial regime.

Upon entering the building, you are dazzled by the lavish 11,000-square-meter interior. Much of the building's space is dedicated to the main foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier , marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps, and the Salon du Glacier , a sumptuous Belle Époque hall decorated with mirrors, Corinthian columns painted gold, colorful mosaics, and music-themed ceiling paintings.

The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has an intimate feel, although it can accommodate 2,105 people in its plush velvet seats. Gilded balconies, an enormous crystal chandelier, and a Chagall ceiling painting add to the theater's marvelousness, creating the perfect dramatic backdrop for ballet, opera, and music performances.

The Opéra Garnier hosts a prestigious calendar of events in addition to galas. Attending a performance is one of the most exciting things to do in Paris at night. It's a wonderful way to see the building's interior while enjoying a glamorous evening. Another option is to visit (entry ticket required) on a self-guided tour or take a guided tour during the daytime.

Connoisseurs of fine dining will be delighted to discover CoCo, a chic restaurant within the Opera House (entrance is at 1 Place Jacques Rouché) that serves contemporary French cuisine prepared from seasonal ingredients. CoCo offers lunch and dinner daily, as well as weekend brunch (every Saturday and Sunday) featuring musical entertainment. The garden terrace is open Tuesday through Saturday during summertime. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Palais Garnier, Place de l'Opéra, 8 Rue Scribe (at Auber) 75009 Paris (Métro: Opéra, Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette or Havre-Caumartin station)

Despite the damage done by the 2019 fire, it is still worth seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This awe-inspiring medieval monument stands at the heart of Paris on the Île-de-la-Cité, an island in the Seine River. To get here from the Latin Quarter , simply cross the Petit Pont bridge.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was founded in 1163 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction took more than 150 years. The cathedral was first created in the Early Gothic style, while later additions (the west front and the nave) show the transition to High Gothic style.

Note: A large fire in April of 2019 caused considerable damage to the cathedral: The medieval roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. However, the monument was partly saved thanks to the work of hundreds of firefighters.

A project to repair the structure is underway. The city plans to rebuild the cathedral and restore it to its previous state. Restoration work is ongoing.

Currently, the interior of the cathedral (including the towers) and the space immediately in front of the cathedral (on the Parvis Notre-Dame) are closed to the public. A few steps away from the cathedral's facade, a section of the Parvis Notre-Dame (square) is now used for educational exhibits about the cathedral.

The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral anticipates reopening in December 2024. A project to redesign the landscaping around the cathedral is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Until the reopening, the Notre-Dame de Paris congregation will celebrate Mass at the Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois (2 Place du Louvre) in the 1st arrondissement.

Address: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

The Place de la Concorde stands at the heart of Paris both literally and figuratively. The square was created in 1772 by the architect of King Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the Place de la Concorde was the scene of state-ordered executions , including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, among other victims of the guillotine. The square was also part of Napoleon's triumphal route.

One of the largest and most central squares in the city, the Place de la Concorde offers a sensational perspective of the city's landmarks. In one direction, you can admire the Arc de Triomphe and in the other, the Louvre, while the Eiffel Tower can be seen in the distance.

Two ornately decorated fountains and an Egyptian obelisk are found in the middle of the square. However, it's a bit of a hassle to get up close because you have to walk through heavy traffic. The Place de la Concorde is one of the busiest intersections in Paris.

Tip for Pedestrians : You will notice cars circulating the square at high speeds. French drivers don't always pay attention to pedestrians. Make sure to get out of the way of oncoming cars!

During summertime , the Place de la Concorde adopts a fairground ambiance, with a Ferris wheel gracing the square from June through August. The neighboring Jardin des Tuileries also has amusement park rides and fairground treats during summertime.

To arrive at the Place de la Concorde, walk from the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Rue de Rivoli, or follow the Quai des Tuileries along the Seine River. Alternatively, you may take the Métro to Concorde station.

Nothing says capital city grandeur quite like a triumphal arch. Paris' Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon I commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836.

The monument was modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome. The massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies.

Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by François Rude on the Champs-Elysées-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 , also known as La Marseillaise , illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and over a hundred battles.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, presiding over a circular intersection (the Place de l'Étoile).

From the top of the monument, a viewing terrace affords a panoramic outlook onto the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l'Étoile, including the route from the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It's also possible to see all the way to La Défense, the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the foot of the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , dedicated in 1921 as a memorial to an anonymous soldier (symbol of the many other unknown soldiers who valiantly died for their country during World War One without ever receiving recognition).

The Flame of Remembrance was ignited at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11th, 1923, and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Every evening at 6:30pm , a ritual takes place to rekindle the memorial flame at the tomb.

Throughout the year, events to honor national holidays are held at the Arc de Triomphe, including the November 11th (anniversary of the Armistice of 1918) ceremony commemorating those who perished in the war; the May 8th Fête de la Victoire (Victory Day) celebrating the end of WWII, and the liberation from Nazi occupation; as well as festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Admission requires an entrance ticket. You may reserve a ticket in advance online. Free admission is included with the Paris Museum Pass (no reservations required). Guided tours are available.

For visitors with reduced mobility and young children, there is an elevator to reach the viewing terrace. Otherwise, you must take the stairs (284 steps).

Address: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris (Métro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Kléber or Argentine station)

A fascinating glimpse of ancien régime (old regime) splendor awaits you at the Hôtel de la Marine . During the reign of Louis XV, this Neoclassical palace housed the apartments of the Intendants du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the King's Furniture Storage Intendants). The intendant had an important job: procuring and maintaining the furnishings for the king's elaborate palaces.

The Hôtel de la Marine opened to the public in 2021 after several years of painstaking restoration work. This monument is one of the newest tourist attractions in Paris.

You enter the Hôtel de la Marine through a cobblestone courtyard off the Place de la Concorde. Then walk up the massive marble staircase and into the reception rooms, where you feel like you have stepped back in time. The interior decor has been restored to a state of perfect preservation.

Adorned with gilded moldings and crystal chandeliers, the Salons d'Honneur salons resemble the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles . Other rooms in the Intendant's Apartments reveal the refinement of the Age of Enlightenment.

During this period, aristocratic residences were lavishly decorated with exquisite furnishings, wallpaper, curtains, and paintings. You'll also see precious antiques such as a desk created by Jean-Henri Riesener , a renowned 18th-century cabinetmaker.

The dining room of the Intendant's Apartments, with its floral-patterned porcelain dinnerware, appears ready to welcome guests. On the guided tour, you will learn that the host placed servings of sugar (a precious commodity at the time) on the table to show off his wealth, along with bread, oysters, and bowls of fresh apricots, grapes, figs, and apples.

Be sure to step out onto the Hôtel de la Marine's Loggia , a colonnaded balcony that overlooks the Place de la Concorde. From this privileged spot, you can admire views of the Eiffel Tower, the gold-domed Hôtel National des Invalides, and the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Historical Notes : The Hôtel de la Marine is found on the Place de la Concorde, the square created in 1748 to display an equestrian statue of Louis XV and originally called Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, the statue of the king was removed and the Crown jewels were stolen from the Hôtel de la Marine. In 1795, the square was renamed the "Place de la Concorde."

Treat yourself to some time relaxing and wandering the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. After visiting the Hôtel de la Marine, the Place de la Concorde, or the Louvre Museum, you should spend some time wandering the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. This French formal garden was designed by celebrated landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century.

Today the garden offers an escape from the hustle and bustle in central Paris, but the ambiance was not always so idyllic. This garden is the site of the Palais des Tuileries where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were essentially imprisoned during the French Revolution. The palace was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century; all that remains is the gorgeous garden.

The leafy grounds feature perfectly manicured trees, statues, and pathways. You can relax on the wooden park benches or on individual green chairs which may be moved around. Find the spot that appeals to you and lounge there for a bit, while listening to birds chirp. You'll see locals having a picnic lunch or reading a book in the sunshine.

For snacks and quick meals, head to La Terrasse de Pomone , a kiosk where you can order crepes and sandwiches to-go or for dining at the outdoor tables; the Petit Plisson kiosk that sells quiches and sandwiches for dining at shaded tables; or Petit Farmers , a purveyor of artisanal ice cream.

The park's two café-restaurants, Le Pavillon des Tuileries and the Café des Marronniers offer casual meals in a tranquil setting beneath the leafy chestnut trees.

Tips : Check the opening hours of the café-restaurants and food kiosks as the hours change during different seasons. You will only find the Petit Farmers ice cream truck & stand at the Jardin des Tuileries from April through October.

Soak up the scenery of Paris on a Seine River cruise. You'll have a chance to see the sights from a different perspective. The Seine River bridges, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.

While a daytime cruise allows you to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city's landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.

For a cruise that includes dinner, try the Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches. This luxurious riverboat cruise departs at the Pont de l'Alma (a short walk from the Eiffel Tower) and treats you to a romantic four-course meal. If you prefer a more casual boat ride, a good choice is the Seine River Direct Access Guided Cruise by Vedettes de Paris which includes commentary from a knowledgeable guide and breakfast or lunch.

Gourmands will be tempted by the Ducasse sur Seine restaurant boat, which departs from Port Debilly. This dining cruise offers a haute cuisine experience. Options include a lunch (two, three, or four-course meal) or dinner (four or five-course meal). Menus focus on contemporary-style French dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients.

Sainte-Chapelle is considered a rare jewel among medieval houses of worship and is certainly one of the most exquisite churches in Paris . The ravishing 13th-century chapel is tucked away on the Île-de-la-Cité , just a few blocks (about a 10-minute walk) from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture was built from 1242 to 1248 for King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house the precious relics he had acquired from the Byzantine Emperor. The altar displays a relic of the Crown of Thorns.

An expanse of 13th-century stained-glass windows sets this chapel apart from any other church in the world. The windows' beauty and brilliance are best appreciated on a sunny day and in the morning. If possible, try to schedule your visit accordingly.

The chapel's over 1,000 stained-glass windows (covering 600 square meters) depict scenes from the bible, both Old Testament and New Testament stories. The colors and light symbolize divinity and the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Only used for church services on rare occasions, Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public as a museum (entrance tickets are required). For an additional fee, audioguides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese) provide one hour of commentary to help visitors appreciate the art, architecture, and history of Sainte-Chapelle.

To truly experience the serene ambiance of Sainte-Chapelle, attend one of the classical music concerts held here. In the iridescent glow of the sanctuary, performances of Baroque chamber music, sacred music, or Vivaldi string quartets have a sublime quality. A regular program of concerts is held at Sainte-Chapelle year-round, with events scheduled several times a week.

Sainte-Chapelle is located in the Palais de la Cité. To find the chapel, enter the iron gate of the Palais de Justice and walk through the inner courtyard.

Another attraction nearby is La Conciergerie (tourists may purchase combined entry tickets), the prison where Marie-Antoinette was detained during the French Revolution.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Châtelet station)

A visit to the City of Light is not complete without spending time on the sidewalk terrace or bustling interior of a famous café. It's the ultimate Parisian people-watching scene and a chance to imagine the historic rendezvous that occurred here.

To discover the legendary Paris cafés, the best place to start is the Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement. This broad tree-lined boulevard features an enticing array of storefronts: designer fashion boutiques, prestigious cafés, and old-fashioned brasseries.

The most celebrated cafés are the Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés), which was the meeting place of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, and Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés), once the haunt of poets, authors, and artists, including Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Across from Les Deux Magots is the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the most important churches in Paris .

At both Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, you will get the classic Parisian café experience, complete with waiters wearing bow ties. Although the waiters have a reputation for their brusque service, their formality adds to the authentic ambiance.

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés area also has excellent pâtisserie boutiques, boulangeries, and chocolate shops such as the Ladurée tea salon (21 Rue Bonaparte), the Maison Le Roux Chocolatier & Caramélier (1 Rue de Bourbon le Château), and Debauve & Gallais (30 Rue des Saints-Pères), a boutique founded in 1779 that supplied Marie-Antoinette with chocolates.

Join the Paris Sweet Tooth Stroll small-group tour to sample the neighborhood's finest sweet treats.

The brasseries of Boulevard du Montparnasse were also frequented by artists and writers during the early 20th century. Le Dôme in Montparnasse is a Paris institution (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) that has attracted luminaries including Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Picasso. In its glittering Art Deco dining room, the restaurant serves exceptional seafood.

Another atmospheric French brasserie with a mythical past, La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has, since the 1920s, been visited by artists such as André Derain, Fernand Léger, Man Ray, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall as well as the novelist Albert Camus and the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

La Rotonde Montparnasse (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) has been a gathering place for painters and writers since 1911 and still attracts cinematographers and artists today.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the best-known park in Paris after the Tuileries. The 25-hectare park features a formal French garden, similar to the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as an English garden with shady groves of overgrown trees.

On a nice day, it's fun to grab a baguette sandwich at a nearby bakery and then find a chair in front of the garden's duck pond. This is the Paris version of going to the beach when the weather is pleasant. You'll notice many local residents taking a lunch break or simply soaking up some sunshine at the park. It's an especially popular spot among students of the Latin Quarter.

You can also visit a rose garden, apiary, Orangerie (orangery), and greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, as well as an orchard where heirloom varieties of apples flourish.

Artistic treasures are found throughout the gardens, such as the picturesque 17th-century Fontaine Médicis , a fountain basin nestled under trees opposite the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg , which today is used by the French state as the seat of the Senate.

Steps away from the Fontaine Médicis is La Terrasse de Madame , a little café-restaurant in a charming setting. You may dine at outdoor tables beneath the leafy chestnut trees. The menu includes coffee and croissants for breakfast and bistro meals for lunch, such as steak, Croque Monsieur (sandwiches), quiche, grilled fish, charcuterie, and salads. Also on the menu are traditional French desserts like profiteroles and crème brûlée .

Children love the playground, which features swings, slides, a sandpit, a games area, and pony rides. A favorite activity for the youngest visitors at the Jardin du Luxembourg is steering miniature sailboats around in the octagonal pool (the boats can be hired at a kiosk by the pond).

For French-speaking kids, watching a puppet show at the Théâtre des Marionnettes is not to be missed. The Théâtre des Marionnettes is a modern venue, in the southwest area of the park near the tennis courts, that accommodates an audience of up to 275 children and adults (which makes it the largest puppet theater in France).

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Vaugirard/Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg or Odéon station)

Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname).

If you walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica from the Métro station, you must walk up the Esplanade, a staircase of over 200 steps, to arrive at the Basilica.

Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. In keeping with the somber ambiance, the Basilica's sanctuary is quite dark except for a plethora of flickering candles.

The atmosphere outside the church is quite a contrast, with Parisian joie de vivre in full swing. Locals like to hang out on the grass lawns of the Esplanade while listening to street musicians. You'll see tourists taking selfies, couples embracing, and kids playing on the grass. Below the Esplanade is an old-fashioned carousel, adding to the sense of festivity.

You can spend time on the terrace in front of the Basilica admiring the views of Paris or climb (300 steps) up to the Basilica's Dome for an even higher perspective with unobstructed panoramas. Admission to the Dome requires an entrance fee, but you may visit the Basilica free of charge .

After visiting the Sacré-Coeur, be sure to explore the enchanting neighborhood of Montmartre . This medieval country village (once considered outside of the city) has been incorporated into the city of Paris as the 18th arrondissement.

Montmartre exudes old-fashioned charm along with an avant-garde edge. Winding cobblestone streets and pedestrian staircases lead to small locally owned boutiques and restaurants, art galleries that evoke the quarter's bohemian past, and quiet squares filled with outdoor cafés .

During the Belle Époque, the village of Montmartre began to attract artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. The bohemian creative spirit of Montmartre is still found here, especially around the Place du Tertre and the Carré Roland Dorgelès .

Montmartre has several excellent art museums, where you can admire the creations of artists who resided here in the late 19th and early 20th century (the Belle Époque). During that era, the quarter was famous for its cabarets and artists' studios.

The Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) occupies a historic house where Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, Suzanne Valadon, and other artists once lived and worked. Tucked away within the museum's gardens, you'll find the Café Renoir , which features outdoor seating in the delightful space where Renoir painted several masterpieces.

If you are intrigued by Surrealist art, be sure to visit the Dalí Paris museum (11 Rue Poulbot). This innovative museum displays more than 300 works created by Salvador Dalí. The exhibits are presented in a way that reveals the symbols and motifs used in his artworks.

Address: Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, 75018 Paris (Métro: Abbesses)

The Panthéon is the national mausoleum of France's greatest citizens. You get a sense of the important heritage just by glancing at this grand monument. The colonnaded facade and enormous dome were modeled after the ancient Pantheon in Rome.

The architecture of the Panthéon marks a clear break from the fanciful Rococo style of the Louis XV era and instead presents a simpler and more somber Neoclassical style. The inscription on the Panthéon's facade reads " Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante " (" To the Great Men Recognized by Their Country ").

Many famous men (75 in total) are buried here, including philosophers Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and René Descartes; and the writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Émile Zola, and André Malraux. Although the monument was originally dedicated exclusively to France's male citizens, this has changed recently.

Since 1995, several of France's most esteemed female citizens have been buried in the Panthéon including the physicist Marie Curie, a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize. Five other women are buried at the Panthéon. In November 2021, Josephine Baker (the famous Black American expatriate dancer and singer) became the sixth woman to receive the honor of being inducted into the Panthéon.

When you step inside the Neoclassical sanctuary, you will be awed by the spacious domed interior, the floor-to-ceiling paintings that depict scenes of Christian saints, and the enormous sculpture that celebrates French Revolution deputies ( La Convention Nationale ).

Beneath the monumental rotunda is an unusual centerpiece: a science experiment rather than a work of art. Foucault's pendulum , created by French physicist Léon Foucault, was installed in 1851 to demonstrate his theory that the Earth rotates. The brass pendulum hangs from the dome on a steel wire and constantly oscillates in a circular trajectory.

To find the famous citizen's monuments and tombs, you will need a map (available on-site). The underground crypt is arranged in a geometric fashion, but it is easy to get lost.

Entrance to the Panthéon requires an admission fee, unless you have a Paris Museum Pass and except for the first Sunday of every month from November through March.

From April through September (for an additional entrance fee), you may ascend to the Panthéon's dome, where a colonnaded balcony provides a sensational view of the city's landmarks. You can see the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre.

Address: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris (Métro: Luxembourg station)

In the charming Marais district, the Place des Vosges is Paris' oldest public square. With its uniform red-brick architecture, this elegant square provided a model for other squares such as Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde.

The Place des Vosges was constructed between 1605 and 1612 (called Place Royale at the time) for King Henri IV. The buildings originally housed aristocratic residences.

The Place Royale offered a splendid setting for festive occasions in the 17th century, such as tournaments, state receptions, and court weddings. It was also a favorite spot for duels, in spite of Cardinal Richelieu's ban on dueling. The celebrated courtesan of Louis XIII's reign lived at number 11, and the future Madame de Sévigné was born in 1626 at number 1 on the square.

Victor Hugo rented an apartment at number 6 on the Place Royale between 1832 and 1848. Today this apartment is a museum, the Maison de Victor Hugo (6 Place des Vosges) which is devoted to educating visitors about the life and work of Victor Hugo.

The Place des Vosges is at the heart of Le Marais, a medieval quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, grand Renaissance palaces, and hôtels particuliers (mansions) of the 16th and 17th centuries. Several of these stately old buildings have been converted into museums.

A fascinating glimpse of France's history awaits you at the Musée des Archives Nationales (Museum of the National Archives) in the 17th-century Hôtel de Soubise (60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois). The museum presents historical exhibits including the Edict of Nantes, French Revolution objects, Marie-Antoinette's last testament, and a letter written to Napoleon.

The most important museum of the quarter is the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris. This recently renovated museum illustrates the history of Paris from antiquity through the French Revolution and the Belle Époque until the present day.

In the Hôtel Salé (a 17th-century aristocratic mansion), the Musée National Picasso-Paris (5 Rue de Thorigny) wows you with its incredibly extensive collection (over 5,000 pieces) of Picasso's artwork, including some of his most iconic masterpieces.

More than just an open-air museum filled with historic monuments, Le Marais has become a trendy quarter full of fashion boutiques, cute cafés, and unique shops. Spend some time wandering the Rue de Sévigné and its cross street, the Rue des Francs Bourgeois . This area brims with youthful energy and is a fun place to visit for a stroll or a coffee break.

Another interesting fact about Le Marais is that it has a significant Jewish community. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme (71 Rue du Temple) presents the 2,000-year history of France's Jewish communities, along with educational programs about Jewish culture and exhibitions of artwork by Jewish artists such as Chagall and Modigliani.

Nearby, the Jardin Anne Frank offers the tranquility of a secluded garden. This quiet, leafy green space features benches, shady trees, and an orchard. One of the chestnut trees in the garden was grafted from a tree that Anne Frank could see from the window of the annex where she lived in Amsterdam.

For those in search of a refined Parisian experience, the Mariage Frères (30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg) is the place to go. This tea salon serves its aromatic tea with savory and sweet delicacies in a French colonial-style dining room; its adjoining shop sells a wide selection of scented teas in distinctive tins.

Many tourists wait in line to try the authentic falafel at L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers), considered one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Paris. This area has several kosher restaurants and kosher bakeries.

Tip : Keep in mind that L'As du Fallafel and other Jewish-owned shops in the Marais are closed on Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday during the daytime).

Address: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris (Métro: Saint-Paul or Bastille station)

The Musée Rodin is a hidden gem in the posh 7th arrondissement. This peaceful haven of refinement occupies the Hôtel Biron , an 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked for many years. The property includes a seven-acre Sculpture Garden that blooms with flowers throughout the year.

In 1908, Auguste Rodin began to rent several rooms on the ground floor of the Hôtel Biron to use as an atelier. Rodin later took over the entire Hôtel Biron, which became his place of residence for the rest of his life. In 1916, Rodin donated his artworks and collection of antiquities to the French state, and the museum was established soon thereafter.

The Musée Rodin displays a remarkable assortment of Rodin's sculptures, as well as the works of Camille Claudel. Rodin masterpieces presented in the Hôtel Biron include Danaïd , an expressive marble sculpture depicting a mythological character (created in 1890); The Age of Bronze (created in 1877); The Cathedral , a stone sculpture of two intertwined hands (created in 1908); and The Kiss , one of Rodin's most sensual works (created around 1882).

Several monumental Rodin sculptures preside over various corners of the Sculpture Garden. The Thinker , Rodin's most iconic work of art , sits on a pedestal overlooking the perfectly manicured formal garden. The expressive Monument to Balzac stands in a shady spot beneath leafy trees, while a bronze statue of Adam is sheltered behind dense shrubbery.

Adding to the romance of the garden are the park benches and the café-restaurant, L'Augustine , where you may relax on an outdoor terrace. The café-restaurant also has a casual indoor dining space. Here you can savor a classic French meal, complete with dessert supplied by the renowned Maison Lenôtre pâtisserie.

This graceful 17th-century square was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart , one of the leading architects of Le Grand Siècle (during the reign of Louis XIV). Originally, the square was called Place Louis le Grand and was intended to house royal establishments.

The charm of the Place Vendôme is that it has retained the consistency of the overall design, which combines regal ostentation with civic simplicity. Following careful restoration in the early '90s, it has been restored in all its splendor.

The square is known for its upscale jewelry boutiques including Boucheron, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier. Another luxury establishment here is the Ritz Hotel , which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.

Coco Chanel made the Ritz Paris her home for 34 years; she decorated her suite in her signature style with velvet-upholstered sofas, lacquered furniture, and gilded mirrors. The Ritz Paris still has a suite named after Coco Chanel that exemplifies her vision of Parisian chic.

At the center of the Place Vendôme stands a landmark of historic importance, the Colonne de la Grande Armée (replacing a statue of Louis XIV that was removed in 1792). Built between 1806 and 1810, the 42-meter-high column is dedicated to Napoleon and his Grande Armée (army) who fought heroically and victoriously in the Battle of Austerlitz (in December 1805).

The column's facade is crafted from bronze plaques embossed with 108 spiraling bas-relief friezes (similar to Trajan's Column in Rome), which tell the story of the glorious events that took place during Napoleon's campaign of 1805.

Address: Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris (Métro: Tuileries or Opéra station)

In the charming Le Marais quarter, the Centre Pompidou is a cultural center devoted to modern art. The building itself features shocking modern architecture, sometimes described as an "inside out" design because the architectural details of staircases and elevators appear on the exterior.

The main attraction of the Centre Pompidou is the Musée National d'Art Moderne (National Museum of Modern Art), which displays iconic works of art chosen from an extensive collection of over 100,000 pieces. The collection focuses on contemporary art created from 1905 to the present.

The collection covers all the movements of modern art, beginning with the Post-Impressionist "Fauves" and "Les Nabis" movements (André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, and Marc Chagall) and continuing with the famous movement of Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Robert Delaunay).

Each room highlights a specific time period or artistic movements such as Expressionism, Constructivism (Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian), Surrealism (Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte, and André Masson), Abstract Expressionism (Mark Rothko, Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung, and Serge Poliakoff), Informal Art (Jean Dubuffet), New Realism, and Pop Art (Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg).

Several masterpieces of the collection are not to be missed : Avec l'Arc Noir by Wassily Kandinsky, Manège de Cochons by Robert Delaunay, Portrait de la Journaliste Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix, The Frame by Frida Kahlo, Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel by Marc Chagall, La Blouse Roumaine by Henri Matisse, New York City by Piet Mondrian, and Les Loisirs-Hommage à Louis David by Fernand Léger.

The center has two bookstores, a casual café, and a boutique that sells gift items inspired by contemporary art.

For a special dining experience, head to the Centre Pompidou's restaurant on the museum's top floor. Restaurant Georges features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular panoramic views of the Paris cityscape. Tables on the terrace look out directly onto the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Address: Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris (Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet or Rambuteau station)

Louis XIV founded the Hôtel Royal des Invalides in the late 17th century as a home for disabled soldiers. The building was constructed between 1671 and 1676 under the direction of the architect Libéral Bruant and centered on the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which was later redesigned by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1706.

Today, the Hôtel National des Invalides still has a hospital (Institution Nationale des Invalides) that provides medical care for disabled veterans.

The monument also includes several tourist attractions: three museums and two historic churches. You could easily spend hours here, and luckily the site has excellent amenities: a café-restaurant, the Angelina tearoom (famous for its hot chocolate and pastries) in a tree-shaded courtyard, and a bookstore/gift shop.

Founded in 1794, the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) presents a large collection of military equipment and uniforms, weapons, prints, and armor from various historical periods. The museum covers the military history of France from the 13th century (the Crusades) to the 17th century. There are also paintings of Napoleon and well-known generals, as well as maps that depict the French campaigns.

The Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération honors the soldiers who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1945. This museum also educates visitors about the deportation of Jews from France, the Resistance, and life in France during the war.

The military strategy of the 17th century comes to life at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (Museum of Relief Maps). The museum displays 97 detailed (1 to 600 scale) relief maps of France's fortified towns (citadels) and fortresses that date from 1668 to 1871. Louis XIV's Minister of War (and later ministers) used the maps for military planning purposes.

A gold-domed Neoclassical church, the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides was built in 1677 as a royal chapel for Louis XIV but is most famous for being the site of Napoleon's Tomb , installed here in 1861 by the orders of King Louis-Philippe. The imperial tomb stands beneath a magnificent cupola, which was painted by Charles de la Fosse.

Designed for veterans to worship, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides (constructed around 1676) connects with the Eglise du Dôme des Invalides. This chapel was built in keeping with the etiquette of the 17th century and has a separate entrance from the Eglise du Dôme. The Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides still serves as the cathedral for the French army.

Address: Hôtel National des Invalides, Esplanade des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Just steps away from the Louvre Museum, you will find a welcome retreat amid the bustle of Paris' 1st arrondissement. Visiting this secluded spot feels like a secret getaway, even though it's right in the center of the city.

The Palais-Royal was created as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, during the reign of Louis XIII. Richelieu later bequeathed the palace to the royal family, and it became the childhood home of Louis XIV.

Exemplifying classical French architecture, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is made up of 60 pavilions surrounding a courtyard and a garden, the Jardin du Palais-Royal . This peaceful enclosed space has the feeling of being its own little village within the city.

After wandering the busy streets of Paris, you will be delighted by the lush tree-shaded grounds. You might be surprised to see that the courtyard features a contemporary sculpture installation, a striking contrast to the historic architecture.

The buildings are connected by a colonnaded pathway and arcaded galleries (verandas) filled with high-end boutiques . There are fancy cafés with pleasant outdoor terraces and two gastronomic restaurants: the haute-cuisine Palais Royal Restaurant (two Michelin stars); and Le Grand Véfour in an 18th-century dining room featuring ornate " art décoratif " design motifs.

The Palais-Royal area has two theaters: the Théâtre du Palais-Royal (38 Rue de Montpensier), which dates back to 1783 and continues to present theater performances in French; and La Comédie-Française (1 Place Colette), a theater known as the " La Maison de Molière " because it has staged so many of the famous playwright's works. The Comédie-Française was inaugurated in 1790 and is still in use during its theater season.

A lovely place for a stroll, the Domaine National du Palais-Royal is open every day, free of charge. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux offers guided group tours.

Address: Domaine National du Palais-Royal, 8 Rue Montpensier, 75001 Paris (Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre or Pyramides station)

Now, only the name of this square is a reminder that the notorious state prison known as the Bastille, the much-hated symbol of absolutist power, once stood here. After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, the prison was completely demolished.

In the center of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne de Juillet , topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty ( Génie de la Liberté ). The monument commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew King Charles X and brought Louis-Philippe d'Orléans to power.

Four Gallic cocks and a lion relief on the base of the column symbolize the free people of France. A spiral staircase of 283 steps inside the column leads to a viewing platform.

On the site of the Bastille prison is the new Opera House, the Opéra Bastille , inaugurated by President Mitterrand on July 13, 1989. This immense modern theater has seating for 2,745 people. Both the view of the stage from the auditorium and the acoustics are superb.

The Opéra Bastille presents a calendar of events that includes opera and ballet performances by the Opéra National de Paris and the Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris.

For a memorable evening in Paris, attend one of the performances at the Opéra Bastille and then dine in the Bastille area. This trendy neighborhood is brimming with quirky boutiques, hip clothing shops, stylish restaurants, and happening cafés.

Address: Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris (Métro: Bastille)

The Place du Châtelet stands at the very center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, overlooking the Seine River. The Pont au Change (bridge) provides access from the Île de la Cité to the Place du Châtelet.

Tip : It's just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle and La Conciergerie on the Île-de-la-Cité to the Place du Châtelet, so it would make sense to visit these tourist attractions at the same time.

Two theaters grace the Place du Châtelet. The opulent Second Empire Théâtre du Châtelet (1 Place du Châtelet) presents a wide variety of music concerts, as well as dance and theater performances. A listed Monument Historique where Sarah Bernhardt once directed shows, the Théâtre de la Ville (2 Place du Châtelet) stages a diverse program of dance, music, and theater performances.

The area around Place du Châtelet is also worth exploring. Continue towards the Rue de Rivoli, past the Boulevard de Sébastopol, and wander through the small park to find the Tour Saint-Jacques . The 16th-century Flamboyant Gothic clock tower is all that remains of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (the patron saint of butchers), the town's old parish church.

The Saint-Jacques Tower is also famous as the place where Blaise Pascal conducted one of his barometric experiments, which showed the effect of altitude on the height of a column of mercury.

Never mind the inviting name, this imposing medieval fortress was an infamous place of detention and a courthouse (from 1793 to 1795) during the French Revolution. Here, prisoners including Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre were kept in dank cells while awaiting their fate.

The Conciergerie is a remnant of the Palais de la Cité , the royal residence of France's kings in the 13th and 14th centuries until the royal residence was moved to the Louvre. During the Restoration (return of the Bourbon monarchs to the throne), the Conciergerie was no longer used as a prison and Marie-Antoinette's cell was converted into a commemorative chapel.

Today, the Conciergerie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum. It's possible to purchase a combined entry ticket for the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Admission to the Conciergerie is included with a Paris Museum Pass.

During your visit, you will have a chance to walk through the Prisoners' Corridor which includes a replica of French Revolution-era prison cells. An evocative exhibit, the Salle des Noms lists the names of more than 4,000 people who were put on trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal and includes their biographies.

Of course, you must visit the expiatory chapel of Marie-Antoinette (the commemorative chapel). Look for the motif of tears painted on the walls.

Other highlights of the visit include the Salle des Gardes which exhibits artifacts from the bloody Reign of Terror, including a guillotine blade, prison regulations, and a copy of Marie-Antoinette's last letter.

The Salle des Gens d'Armes is a 14th-century vaulted Gothic hall of awesome proportions. In this forbidding room, the condemned prisoners were handed over to the executioner.

For an exceptional view of the building's Neo-Gothic facade, stand on the opposite side of the Seine River on the Quai de la Mégisserie. From this distance, with its three round towers and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), the fortress resembles a fairy-tale castle rather than a penitentiary.

Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Métro: Cité or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station)

Formerly royal hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is now home to a surprising modern landmark. Opened in 2014, the Fondation Louis Vuitton was commissioned by Bernard Arnault, chairman of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy corporation.

Acclaimed American architect Frank Gehry designed the striking building, using 3,600 glass panels and more steel than the amount in the Eiffel Tower. The museum features 3,500 square meters of exhibition space with 11 different galleries illuminated by natural light.

In keeping with the museum's modern theme, the permanent collection focuses entirely on 20th-century and 21st-century art organized into four different categories: Expressionism, Contemplative Art, Pop Art, and Music & Sound.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton offers a year-round calendar of events and temporary exhibits. Cultural events and music performances are presented in a 1,000-seat auditorium.

Not to be missed are the four outdoor terraces on the rooftop, which afford sweeping views of the Bois de Boulogne, La Défense district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. You may also shop at the bookstore and enjoy a snack or meal at Le Frank Restaurant .

A tourist attraction in itself, the 850-hectare Bois de Boulogne has walking paths, gardens, bicycle rentals, picnic areas, and a lake for boating. Three upscale restaurants, including La Grande Cascade , the Auberge du Bonheur , and the three Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pré Catelan , offer traditional French fine dining. At the park's hippodrome used for horse races, La Brasserie Paris Longchamp serves casual sit-down meals.

Within the Bois de Boulogne is the Parc de Bagatelle with picnic tables, a snack bar, and a rose garden. The 18th-century Château de Bagatelle is open on Sundays and for temporary exhibitions. The Orangery of the Parc de Bagatelle hosts a Chopin Festival every year from mid-June until mid-July.

Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris (Métro: Pont de Neuilly or Avenue Foch)

Covering 55 hectares, the Parc de La Villette is the largest landscaped green space in Paris. The park is brimming with attractions, including children's playgrounds and the Cité de la Music .

The park is also home to 400-seat La Géode IMAX theater; the Zénith Paris - La Villette concert hall; the Philharmonie de Paris performance venue; and Le Trabendo , which stages rock, rap, and hip-hop music concerts.

During summertime, Parisians (and a few tourists) enjoy attending cultural events at the Parc de La Villette. For several days at the end of May, the Villette Sonique festival draws huge crowds to outdoor music concerts. Other festivals include Jazz à La Villette held from late August through early September and an outdoor film festival ( Cinéma en Plein Air ), which takes place in the park from mid-July to mid-August.

The park features a variety of themed gardens with walking paths, footbridges, and bright red architectural "follies" designed by Bernard Tschumi. The area around the Canal de l'Ourcq is embellished with ponds and fountains.

Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris (Métro: Porte de la Villette)

Planning to visit Paris during summertime? Be sure to pack your swimsuit! Even though the city is far from the sea, you can still find "beaches" for sunbathing.

From early July through late August, the Seine River becomes a beach destination. The riverbanks along the Quai de Seine and Quai de Loire are transformed into little resorts, complete with lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and palm trees. Recreational opportunities include table football, tai chi, and petanque.

Other summertime recreational opportunities (in July and August) include swimming at the Bassin de La Villette , which has three swimming pools with lifeguards, and sports activities at the Jardins du Trocadéro .

Outside of central Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement is the city's most famous and most visited cemetery. This 44-hectare space is the final resting place of many famous men and women, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.

Some of the tombs and graves of the most admired personalities attract a cult following, with flowers and tributes left by visitors on a daily basis.

Address: Cimetière du Père Lachaise, 21 Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris (Métro: Père Lachaise or Philippe Auguste station)

Locals escape to this peaceful oasis when they need a break from urban life. Among Parisians, this park is a favorite place to go for picnics and basking in the sunshine on warm days.

The 25-hectare park has the feeling of an untamed pastoral landscape, in contrast to the typical Parisian formal French gardens, with their orderly rows of flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

This romantic English-style garden features caves, waterfalls, and an artificial lake. Large shady trees and spacious grassy areas invite visitors to pull out a blanket and relax. Some areas of the park offer panoramic city views.

The convivial Rosa Bonheur café serves Mediterranean cuisine on an outdoor terrace. Rosa Bonheur is also known for its musical entertainment and evening dances.

For a gourmet lunch or brunch, Le Pavillon du Lac delights you with its lake views and garden patio. Le Pavillon du Lac is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays.

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris

The Grande Arche de la Défense is found in a business district at the end of Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle. This area just outside the city limits of Paris is named La Défense, which recalls the bitter resistance by French forces in this area during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Designed by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, the Grande Arche makes a striking impression. This huge 110-meter-high rectangular triumphal arch is faced with glass and granite.

The monument was inaugurated in 1989 on the bicentenary of the French Revolution, and the contemporary structure symbolizes France's national value of fraternity. The arch was originally called " La Grande Arche de la Fraternité ".

Address: La Grande Arche, 1 Parvis de la Défense, 92040 Paris (Métro: La Défense)

Deciding where to stay in Paris depends on your taste in hotels and travel preferences.

An abundance of quaint small hotels are scattered throughout the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements, which is also known as the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Tourists appreciate this area for its central location, excellent restaurants, and lively sidewalk cafés.

The Marais quarter (4th arrondissement) on the Right Bank rivals the Left Bank for old-world charm and trendy ambiance. This neighborhood is filled with magnificent historic palaces and mansions, while enticing boutiques, cozy restaurants, cafés, and tea salons line the quarter's cobblestone streets.

Many luxury hotels are found on the boulevards near the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, in an area of the 8th arrondissement known as the Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle) because of its designer fashion boutiques and upscale gourmet restaurants.

Montmartre is farther from most tourist attractions but has a special atmosphere thanks to its bohemian heritage, excellent art museums, and atmospheric pedestrian alleyways. Some of the hotels in this hilltop neighborhood offer sweeping city views.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in these areas of Paris:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the fashionable 8th arrondissement near the Jardins des Champs-Élysées is the five-star Le Bristol Paris . This legendary hotel epitomizes Parisian elegance with sumptuous guest rooms featuring Louis XV or Louis XVI furnishings and tailor-made bed linens. Guests enjoy the courtyard garden, spa, rooftop swimming pool, tea time at Café Antonia, and fine dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant or Michelin-starred brasserie.
• La Réserve Paris - Hotel and Spa is another ultra-luxurious accommodation in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées. The five-star hotel occupies a palatial 19th-century mansion decorated in a classical style, yet has the intimate ambiance of a private home. Guests appreciate the top-notch amenities: spa, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and two gourmet restaurants including a dining room with two Michelin stars.
• Art Deco interiors create an inviting feel at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the 8th arrondissement. This opulent five-star hotel occupies a landmark building that dates to 1928 and has been beautifully maintained. Guests are pampered by the hotel's amenities: an upscale spa, swimming pool, and three fine-dining options including a vegetarian restaurant. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Le Cinq, boasts three Michelin stars.
• The Hôtel Plaza Athénée graces the tree-lined Avenue Montaigne, a prestigious boulevard lined with haute couture boutiques. Housed in a stately Haussmann-style building near the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, this five-star hotel features plush guest rooms with Art Deco furnishings. Amenities include the Dior Spa, and three dining options, including a garden courtyard restaurant and La Galerie, a salon that serves afternoon tea.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the Latin Quarter steps away from the Panthéon, the impeccably maintained Hôtel Résidence Henri IV exudes old-fashioned Parisian charm with its traditional interior decor and balconies overlooking the street. The spacious guest rooms have flat-screen televisions and updated bathrooms; the apartments have kitchenettes. This four-star hotel has a hammam and offers spa treatments. The breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes artisanal and organic products.
• The Relais Christine has a quiet and cozy ambiance, which makes it feel like a family home. This five-star hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is surrounded by cafés, bistros, and restaurants. The tastefully adorned guest rooms feature garden, courtyard, or street views and Nespresso coffee machines. Amenities include an upscale spa, fitness center, breakfast for an additional charge, and room service.
• Near the legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain cafés and a short walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the boutique three-star Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés occupies an 18th-century building on an ancient street where Molière had a residence. The hotel's suite has a living room with windows that look out onto Notre-Dame Cathedral. A continental breakfast with croissants, café au lait, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is available.
• The charming Relais Médicis is tucked away on a quiet street near the Luxembourg Gardens. This four-star hotel is a welcome retreat from the busy streets of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. The guest rooms blend old-fashioned French country decor with modern amenities. Breakfast (available for an additional charge) includes yogurt, cheese, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea, and croissants from a neighborhood bakery.
• Montmartre is considered Paris' most enchanting neighborhood, although it is a Métro ride to the main tourist attractions. A few steps away from the Métro station in the heart of the quarter's narrow, winding streets is Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre . This four-star hotel has quaint guest rooms with vintage-inspired decor. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet (generous for the price) that includes croissants, yogurt, charcuterie, cheese, and fruit.

Budget Hotels:

• The Legend Hotel by Elegancia is conveniently located in the Montparnasse district of the 6th arrondissement (Rive Gauche) and about a 10-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens. This cozy three-star boutique hotel has chic contemporary-style rooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, buffet or continental breakfast (for an additional charge), and concierge services.
• In the Latin Quarter (Rive Gauche) near the Panthéon, the family-run Hôtel Diana has stylish modern rooms with renovated bathrooms and courtyard or city views. Considering the central location and 24-hour front reception desk, this hotel provides excellent value for the price. A continental-style breakfast buffet is available for a small charge.

Paris Sightseeing Overview:

• For first-time visitors, the Paris Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a good choice. You can decide which monuments you would like to see, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Musée d'Orsay. The tour provides commentary while you're on the bus and includes an entrance ticket to the Arc de Triomphe as well as a short Seine River Cruise.

Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour:

• The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River Tour covers the city's highlights by cruising down the Seine River. This self-guided tour allows you to stop at eight different places on the Seine River over a one-day or two-day period. You will have a chance to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musee d'Orsay, the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, and the Hôtel National des Invalides.

Visit the Normandy Battlefields:

• History buffs will want to see the famous World War II battlefields, about a three-hour drive from Paris. One recommended day trip is the Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour . Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, tourists will see the Omaha and Juno Beaches, and the American Cemetery. The tour also includes a visit to the Arromanches harbor.

Must-See Sights Outside of Paris :

• Another popular outing from Paris is the Versailles and Giverny Day Trip . This full-day excursion explores the vibrant gardens of Giverny, which Monet depicted in many paintings, and the Château de Versailles, Louis XIV's extravagant palace. The tour includes a gourmet lunch at the Moulin de Fourges riverside restaurant, which is housed in an 18th-century mill inspired by Marie-Antoinette's hamlet at Versailles.

Many seasoned travelers say the best months to visit Paris are in the spring (April, May, June), the summer (especially June and the first half of July), and early autumn (September and October) . As a general rule, this is also the best time to visit France.

April is in the off-season , and hotel prices are reduced. The drawback is that the weather is capricious and can be quite chilly or rainy . Average low temperatures are mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit. With some luck, the weather could be refreshingly crisp and sunny. Average highs are low-60 degrees. On the upside, April offers the chance to experience the magic of early spring. Trees begin to bud their first leaves in the parks and lining the avenues. Daffodils and tulips bloom in the gardens.

In May , the weather is still fickle , with a mix of sunny days and chilly or rainy days. The temperature averages range from high 60 degrees to low 50 degrees Fahrenheit. By early May, trees, burgeoning vegetation, and colorful flowers enliven the leafy grounds of the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Bois de Boulogne, and the Buttes-Chaumont. On warm days, café terraces come back to life.

June is a delightful time to visit Paris because of the balmy weather and long days . Daytime temperatures are comfortable, with high temperature averages in the low 70 degrees. Thanks to Paris' northern latitude, the sun sets at almost 10pm in June. It seems that the entire city is out and about to celebrate the beginning of summer. The sidewalk café scene bustles and there is a sense of joie de vivre in the air.

The first two weeks of July are the most exciting time to visit Paris, with Parisians' anticipation of vacation just around the corner. Plus, the weather starts to feel like summer. The entire month of July is a great time to visit because of warm days with average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

July and August are the hottest months of the year in Paris. August also has average high temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, travelers should keep in mind that many shops and restaurants close in August when Parisians leave for summer holidays after the Fête Nationale (Bastille Day) on July 14th.

September is a marvelous time to visit Paris because the weather is still pleasant , yet it is in the off-season , so hotels are more affordable, and tourist attractions are less crowded. Similar to the springtime, September promises a mix of weather, with some sunny days and some rain. The average high temperatures are low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and average low temperatures are mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another good time to visit is October which is in the off-season . October weather can be chilly. The daytime high-temperature averages start to dip into the 60s Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 48 degrees.

Tips for What to Wear : For a Paris vacation in April, May, September, or October, travelers should pack layers and bring sweaters, a jacket, raincoat, boots, and an umbrella. In June and July, the weather is warm enough for summer dresses and short-sleeve shirts. Packing requirements during the late fall and winter months (November through March) include heavy coats, scarves, wool hats, gloves, warm socks, and boots.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Easy Paris Day Trips: There are many wonderful places to visit within easy reach from Paris . Just outside the Paris metropolitan area is a tranquil rural landscape that is rich in cultural treasures: lovely little villages, historic castles, splendid churches, and interesting medieval towns. A must-see destination is the Château de Versailles , the 17th-century palace of Louis XIV (the "Sun King").

For those who prefer cities to the countryside, several worthwhile destinations are just a one- to two-hour train ride away: the elegant and cultured city of Lille (one hour by TGV train) with its distinct Flemish character, the delightful town of Amiens (about one hour and 30 minutes by train), and Lyon (two hours by TGV train) known as the gastronomic heart of France.

Adored by tourists for its perfectly preserved medieval ambiance, picturesque canals, and enticing chocolate shops, atmospheric Bruges (two hours 30 minutes by train) is simple to visit even though the train crosses the border into Belgium.

Historic Sites in Normandy: The scenic Normandy region wows visitors with its natural beauty and fascinating history. Along its dramatic coastline are the Landing Beaches of World War Two, and nearby are military cemeteries and memorial museums. One of the top attractions of France and Normandy's most visited site is Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO-listed medieval pilgrimage site with a sublime 12th-century abbey church. Tourists will also enjoy discovering the historic town of Rouen , with its marvelous cathedral, handsome half-timbered houses, and abundance of Gothic churches.

Gorgeous Castles and Pastoral Landscapes: The fairy-tale Loire Valley landscape is home to the most magnificent Renaissance châteaux in France. With a lush natural environment of woodlands and rivers, this enchanting region is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The naturally beautiful region of Brittany boasts a wild, rugged coastline, with many idyllic fishing villages and an unspoiled countryside with medieval castles. The Burgundy region is dotted with historic towns such as Dijon , quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and Romanesque churches.

More on France

Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures. The Louvre features everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures (including the renowned Winged Victory of Samothrace and curvaceous Venus de Milo). There are also thousands of paintings to peruse as well. Masterpieces such as "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix, "The Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault and Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the museum's biggest star, can be found here.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

Popular Tours

Eiffel Tower Access to the Second Floor and the Summit by Elevator

(1974 reviews)

from $ 41.73

Skip-the-Line: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Fully Guided Tour

(8128 reviews)

from $ 75.27

Versailles Palace and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour from Paris

(842 reviews)

from $ 98.67

Champs-Élysées Champs-Élysées free

Musician Joe Dassin once sang "Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Élysées," which translates to "There's everything you could want along the Champs-Élysées." And he's right. Paris' most famous boulevard – stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe – is a shopper's mecca. Along its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, you'll find such luxury stores as Louis Vuitton and Chanel rubbing elbows with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Zara.

While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées , the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is adorned with several impressive, intricately carved sculptures. Underneath the arch, travelers will find the names of the battles fought during the first French Republic and Napolean's Empire, as well as generals who fought in them. Travelers will also find the famous tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The unknown soldier currently buried there is meant to represent all the unidentified or unaccounted for soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The flame that was lit when the soldier was laid to rest has not extinguished since it was initially lit in the 1920s, and is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by a member of the armed services.

Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout. Others strongly cautioned against trying to cross the roundabout to get to the Arc. Instead, take the underground tunnel near the metro that leads directly to the base of the structure.

Latin Quarter Latin Quarter free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

Best Paris Tours

Paris Tours

18 Best Paris Tours of 2024: Food, Versailles & More

Jan. 19, 2024

Seine River Seine River free

You won’t have much trouble finding the Seine, as it flows directly through the heart of Paris. The river is perhaps one of the most famous waterways in the world and an attraction in itself. It's also useful for more practical reasons: It flows from east to west, dividing the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Knowing where you are in relation to the Seine can help you find your way around during your trip.

For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry (when it’s also free to enter the Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Rodin, Musée Picasso and several other attractions). – Laura French

Although the extensive Louvre may appear to get most of the Parisian limelight, recent travelers seem to enjoy the Musée d'Orsay more. Travelers say the museum is much more manageable than the often-overwhelming Louvre and note that there are also significantly fewer crowds here. Many visitors confidently report that you can easily get through this museum in a few hours. As for the art, travelers loved the museum's colorful collection of paintings as well as the building itself, with many calling the Belle Epoque architecture of the d'Orsay a work of art on its own.

Paris Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches

(2808 reviews)

from $ 130.91

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

(5088 reviews)

from $ 136.03

Louvre Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included)

(2874 reviews)

from $ 144.54

Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer's market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day). Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

Recent travelers say the chapel is a true masterpiece and not to be missed, though some visitors did note it was smaller than they anticipated. Still, they say it's worth taking your time to have a closer look at each of the stained-glass windows, as they all tell a different story. Some travelers also recommended touring the Conciergerie next door, a palace turned prison that was erected in the 14th century. If you plan to tour both sites, consider purchasing a joint ticket for 20 euros (about $22).   

Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor and Summit Option with Host

(4035 reviews)

from $ 38.18

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Summit option

(1109 reviews)

from $ 58.91

Louvre Museum Skip the Line Access or Guided Tour Option

(3810 reviews)

from $ 69.71

Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

(5160 reviews)

from $ 46.91

Louvre Museum Ticket & Optional Seine River Cruise

(608 reviews)

from $ 24.00

Paris Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd floor and Summit Option by Lift

(274 reviews)

from $ 31.64

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too. Recent visitors noted that this is a perfect neighborhood for strolling, shopping or staying – there are plenty of upscale hotels . Many of the best Paris tours also include guided walks through the neighborhood.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

Paris Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

(2260 reviews)

from $ 140.73

Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting & Lunch from Paris

(2370 reviews)

from $ 173.45

Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise

(2201 reviews)

from $ 57.49

Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. (The costumes are known to be a bit risqué, so travelers should note that the venue may not be the most suitable for children.) While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Optional Private Guided Tour

(568 reviews)

from $ 45.82

Disneyland® Paris Entrance Ticket

(3052 reviews)

from $ 61.09

Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Catacombs Audio Guided Tickets

(66 reviews)

from $ 60.00

Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades. Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Recent travelers highly recommended strolling along the street to browse its historic arcades and shops, and many were impressed by the elaborate architecture. They also enjoyed the quiet atmosphere; the street went car-free in 2020, with only pedestrians, cyclists, buses and taxis now allowed here (its former lanes have been turned into a wide bike path, so it provides a welcome respite from the city's at-times hectic traffic). Others said it was a great spot for people-watching, although some said the shops can feel a little commercial.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences. Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

Though the museum is a bit off the beaten path in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement, visitors loved taking in the architectural wonder and its surrounding gardens, as well as the unique exhibits inside. One common criticism was that the building was a bit far from the nearest metro station (about a 15-minute walk), so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Explore More of Paris

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Arts & Culture
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 50 best things to do in Paris right now

Where do you start in this marvellous metropolis? We'll help. This is our pick of the very best things to do in Paris

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: Paris is huge. Your to-do list might be eight pages long. And if you’re just here for the weekend, there’s no way you’ll be able to fit absolutely everything in (though God does love a trier, so they say). 

But don’t panic. The team over at Time Out Paris know this city like the back of their hand, and that means they know the spots that are really worth your time (and dough). On this list, we’ve got everything from alternative tours of the Louvre to the best egg mayo in the city, and plenty of places to dance in between. Whatever you’re after, here are the best things to do in Paris right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🥘 The best restaurants in Paris 🏘️ Where to stay in Paris 🏺 The best museums in Paris 🏡 The best Airbnbs in Paris 🎢 The best  rides at Disneyland Paris

This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Paris in 2024

1.  Eat at insanely stylish neo-bistro Septime

• price 2 of 4

What is it?  Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut’s unique restaurant venture in Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and one of the best restaurants in Paris .

Why go?  Offering up two tasting menus (one a little more extravagant than the other), this is a dining experience for a special occasion. Interiors feature antique ornaments, huge mirrors and bare wood, and the food is delicate, fresh, and expertly balanced. 

Don’t miss:  It can get booked up a year in advance. If you can’t get a table, try  Septime La Cave next door.

2.  Double up at the Palais de Tokyo and Musée d’Art Moderne

What is it?  Two of the best museums near the Eiffel Tower. 

Why go?  A pair of museums with totally different vibes. The first, the  Musée d’Art Moderne , pays tribute to the Avant-gardistes, while the second, the  Palais de Tokyo , combines installations, videos and new-age icons, cementing its status as a temple of contemporary art. 

Don’t miss:  Grab a bite at Monsieur Bleu , the Palais de Tokyo restaurant.

3.  Tour the Latin Quarter’s arthouse cinemas

What is it?  Storied picture houses that put on obscure screenings at low prices. 

Why go?  A historic   flytrap for Parisian cinephiles, the 5th and 6th arrondissements are still full of independent cinemas, most notably  Le Champo  on Rue des Écoles, where many of the Nouvelle Vague directors hung about in the ’50s and ’60s. 

Don’t miss:  Legend has it that on his travels to Paris, Quentin Tarantino would often make a pilgrimage to the Latin Quarter’s  Filmothèque .

4.  Head to a dirt-cheap punk gig at La Station

• House, disco and techno
• 18e arrondissement

What is it?  A former coal station turned live music hotspot.

Why go?  The MU collective has made the most of this old coal station’s architectural quirks and turned it into an events space reminiscent of underground Berlin. Explore its three rooms, an outdoor stage, and two indoor stages, playing everything from hardcore punk to pure techno. 

Don’t miss:  The edgy atmosphere and budget-friendly prices.

5.  Take a different tour of the Louvre

• Art and design
• price 3 of 4

What is it?  The thing Paris is known for, this spectacular glass pyramid has been around since 1983, when it was commissioned by Mitterrand. 

Why go?   You could spend hours wandering around the outside of it with a coffee, but the inside is a never-ending treasure trove of cultural artefacts, from the likes of the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians. What we’d suggest is to try one of the niche tours of the museum, like a feminist tour , or even the Beyoncé and Jay-Z tour , which showcases the iconic creations featured in the ‘Apeshit’ music video filmed at the Louvre in 2018.

Don’t miss: Géricault's ‘The Raft of the Medusa,’ David's ‘The Coronation of Napoleon I and the Crowning of Empress Joséphine,’ or the Venus de Milo.

6.  Witness razor-sharp talent at the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers

What is it? An iconic theatre in Nanterre (the western suburbs of Paris) which has been around since 1976. 

Why go? We'll be the first to admit that this theatre is a little way off the usual beaten track, but if you've got a bit more time, it's worth it. Positioned as a major player in French theatre in the ‘80s by Patrice Chéreau, elevated by Philippe Quesne, and now under the direction of Christophe Rauck, Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers  hosts the crème de la crème of today's actors, choreographers, and directors. Our top tip? The bar and restaurant area offers seasonal dishes to recharge before heading back to the bits. 

7.  Get stuck in at the Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Markets and fairs
• price 1 of 4

What is it?  A small food market that feels like – and is? – the 'real' Paris.  

Why go?  This historic Parisian market takes its name from the Enfants Rouges (Red Children) orphanage, which was built in the 16th century and closed down just before the revolution. Saturdays are when the market is at its liveliest, but expect a hard time choosing between the different stalls: Moroccan, Italian, Lebanese, or a refined blowout at the  Enfants du Marché . Try it all if you can. 

Don’t miss: T ake a look around the cactus shop Les Succulents. 

8.  See modern art masterpieces at the Centre Pompidou

• 4e arrondissement

Why go? Because no visit to Paris is complete without a spin around Beaubourg.

Why go? Behind Richard Rogers’ and Renzo Piano’s piping and air ducts lies  one of the richest collections of modern art in the world. Step inside the Centre Pompidou to fall under the spell of Picasso, Magritte, Duchamp, Pollock, Warhol and Tinguely.

Don’t miss:  Head to the top floor for a truly eye-popping view.

9.  Sample cocktails and soul tunes at Fréquence

What is it? A funky, inventive and genuinely cool bar in Paris (and one of the 50 best bars in the world, according to 50 Best ).

Why go? Fréquence is run by Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza, who are equally as passionate about fine drinks as they are about Motown on vinyl. The fruits of their labour have culminated in this delightful bar, where turntables and records share the spotlight with bottles and shakers. The cocktails are as clever as they are slap-you-in-the-face strong, like the doud (salted pine nuts, white Cap Corse, shochu and calvados).

10.  Visit famous graves at the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

• Attractions
• Père-Lachaise

What is it?  Undoubtedly the world’s best-known graveyard.

Why go?  A favourite among Parisians and tourists, the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise allows bookworms to enjoy an intimate moment with some of their literary heroes and learn about the Paris Commune. It is also beautifully picturesque: a vast, shaded labyrinth with snaking hillside paths and pretty stone stairs. Careful not to get lost...

Don’t miss:  Treat yourself to a spooky late-night grave walk with the park’s ‘vampire expert’.

11.  Catch big-hitting art shows at Fondation Louis Vuitton

• 16e arrondissement

What is it?  One of Paris’s most impressive museums.

Why go?  A spectacular building designed by starchitect Frank Gehry hosts the collection of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Far out in the western suburbs of Paris, this brand-new stage for contemporary art showcases the biggest names of our time, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Charlotte Perriand.

Don’t miss:  Its prime location by the  Bois de Boulogne  makes for a convenient forest stroll. 

12.  Try the best restaurant in Paris, Le Clarence

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Haute cuisine
• Champs-Elysées
• price 4 of 4
• Recommended

What is it? The best restaurant in the city, according to the editors at Time Out Paris. 

Why go? If you've got enough time to book in advance, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable meal, cooked by some really brilliant chefs. Le Clarence is incredibly eccentric, impeccably OTT, and certainly not cheap, but to sample veal sweetbread gyoza, ink and cuttlefish tartare and a poached oyster all in a single lunch ? That's once-in-a-lifetime stuff. It ain't cheap, we'll warn you (but you might have guessed that already). 

13.  Eat, drink, dance and play pétanque at the Cité Fertile

What is it?  A gargantuan 10,000-square-metre cultural complex in fast-gentrifying Pantin.

Why go?  Following in the thriving footsteps of Ground Control and Grands Voisins, the Cité Fertile is the latest multidisciplinary cultural pop-up to pull in the summer crowds. Opened in a former train depot in August 2018, it’s got a three-year licence from national train firm SNCF and, like its predecessors, has a wide array of food offerings, a rich cultural programme, a vast 800-square-metre urban farming lab, and – perfect for families – a beach where you can play volleyball, pétanque and ping-pong.

Don’t miss:  Canal de l’Ourcq institution  Paname Brewing Company  brews on-site. 

14.  Head to Belleville’s Combat for mixology with a punch

• Bars and pubs
• Cocktail bars
• 19e arrondissement

What is it?  A homey cocktail bar run by Elena Schmitt and Margot Lecarpentier (formerly of Experimental Cocktail Club).

Why go?  Perched atop Belleville hill, Combat’s cocktails are punchy and well-balanced. We also like their bar snacks, especially the terrine, prepared by Repaire de Cartouche chef Rodolphe Paquin and served with pickles and pain de campagne.

Don’t miss:  The Parc de Belleville across the road. Those views are unbeatable.

15.  See classic films en plein air at the Parc de la Villette

• Parks and gardens
• La Villette

What is it?  THE place to be during the summer months.

Why go?  Spread out over 35 hectares, this is the largest of Paris’s parks, and from mid-July, it hosts the annual open-air cinema festival. There’s always a good vibe, and we’ve even witnessed a crowd of more than 2,000 get up and dance beneath the stars at the end of ‘Grease’. It was a moment, to say the least.

Don’t miss:  Round off the night at beach-style nightclub Plage du Glazart, which is kitted out with sand and deckchairs.

16.  Stock up on souvenirs at concept mall Merci

What is it?  The city’s best-looking concept store.

Why go?  In a light-filled building at the end of a courtyard on the Rue Beaumarchais, Merci brings together a collection of influential stylists and designers, from Isabel Marant to Stella McCartney. There’s also an array of luxury stationery, homeware and accessories. It’s hard to know where to look. 

Don’t miss:  Enter via the ‘literary’ cafe for a break, order a fresh OJ and let your eyes wander around the book-lined walls. Why not read one if you have time?

17.  Get lost in wonder at the stunning Ovale of BnF Richelieu

What is it? A beautiful reading room with over 20,000 books, 9,000 comics and 160 cosy reading spots. 

Why go?  For its three-hundredth anniversary, the historic site of the National Library fully reopened its shelves in September 2022. Besides a new museum, the BNF ’s astonishing Ovale room, with 18 metres high and crowned by a glass roof, is now accessible to all. The best part? It's totally free. 

18.  Sail to the culinary high seas at Clamato

What is it? A stylish seafood bar, in which they’ve taken the name of the house speciality and pressed copy and paste (the ‘clamato’, by the way, is a spicy bouillon of clams and tomatoes)

Why go? For a fresh, spicy taste sensation. Depending on the season, you might get wild Belle Corde n°3 oysters with Tabasco, some delightful Quiberon barnacles in a punchy lemongrass vinaigrette or a gorgeously silky fillet of haddock served with asparagus and a ‘red miso’. 

19.  Take to the stage at the Festival D'Automne

What is it? For fifty years, the Autumn Festival has been the pulse of contemporary stage creation, setting the hearts of thousands of spectators racing in various cultural venues across Paris.

Why go? A must-attend event dedicated to the performing arts in all their diversity – and their radicalism – the festival has witnessed the rise of some of the biggest names in the international contemporary scene, from American choreographer Merce Cunningham to director Robert (known as Bob) Wilson.

20.  Try Giovanni Passerini’s signature pasta all’amatriciana

• 12e arrondissement

What is it?  The best Italian restaurant outside Italy. (Yes, we went there.)

Why go?  Since ex-Rino chef Giovanni Passerini opened this eponymous Italian restaurant in 2015, it has been one of our favourites for a simple, traditional Italian meal among friends. Nothing beats their cult pasta all’amatriciana.

Don’t miss:  The top-notch menu of sulphite-free French and Italian wines.

21.  Discover alternative music at Macki Festival

What is it?  A festival collaboration between the Mamie’s collective and Cracki Records label in the park of Carrières-sur-Seine.

Why go? Since 2013, Macki Festival ’s organisers have been crafting lineups that ride every stylistic wave, avoiding the (very) big names in favor of adventurous artists. Be quick to grab tickets, as they always sell out fast.

22.  Admire contemporary art at the Bourse de Commerce

What is it? A much-awaited contemporary art gallery in a restored historical monument, which opened its doors (finally) in spring 2021.

Why go?  This museum is as grand and central as it gets, fully restored from floor to dome by Tadao Ando with a nine-metre-high concrete cylinder right in the middle. It took something this impressive to house François Pinault's private collection of 10,000 artworks. Within the 7,000 square meters of the Bourse, you'll find 24 creations by Bertrand Lavier, feminist photographs by Cindy Sherman, and a wonderful collection of African and African-American figurative paintings.

23.  Watch comedy with dinner at Madame Sarfati

What is it? A comedy club with secret lineups of top-notch and well-established comedians.

Why go? Downstairs (the performance space is upstairs), there’s a cool bar with elegant decor and a small restaurant area with Maghrebi-inspired cuisine. The big plus: Madame Sarfati ’s spacious terrace, bustling with activity in the summer, is perfect for soaking up the sun and nibbling on snacks.

24.  Dance at a queer night at Rosa Bonheur

• Buttes-Chaumont

What is it?  A  bopping bar a t the very top of Paris's largest park,  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

Why go?  This is one of the most vibrant hangouts in the capital. Run by Mimi and Zouzou, former owners of iconic noughties lesbian club Pulp, this riverside bar hosts some of the wildest queer nights in the city. Come on a Sunday when the tracks get especially wild. It's legendary.

25.  Stroll along the abandoned Petite Ceinture

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• 20e arrondissement

What is it?  An old network of railway lines has been transformed into the perfect romantic walk.

Why go?  Built 150 years ago, La Petite Ceinture is almost 32km long. A public transport network until 1934, it was then used to transport goods until the late 1970s. Untouched for years, it has been cut up and transformed into various distinct sections, much like New York’s High Line. The Petite Ceinture’s best-known part begins in the 12th, a bucolic vision of plants and trees, but stretches across the 15th, 16th and 18th arrondissements, too.

Don’t miss: Grabbing evening drinks at The Recyclerie , a bar at the former Boulevard Ornano station

26.  Let loose at electronic club Virage

What is it?  After a first year of testing the waters, this electronic hub tucked beneath the ring road hit full speed in 2023.

Why go? Led by Rag, Benjamin Charvet, and Samy Znimi, who respectively head up Barbi(e)turix, Badaboum and Panic Room, the lineup – gender-balanced and inclusive – takes the plunge into the realm of cutting-edge electronic music. From headliners to emerging gems, must-know labels and collectives of the moment, it's all about techno, house, and disco here.

27.  Ogle Impressionist classics at the Musée d’Orsay

• 7e arrondissement

What is it?  A mecca of impressionist art in a stunning former train station. 

Why go?  In the old Gare d’Orsay, you’ll find one of the finest collections of 19th-century art. It’s got Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Pointillism and all the other great ‘isms’ that appeared between 1848 and the beginning of the 20th century. 

Don’t miss:  Savour a coffee in the fantastic coffee shop nestled behind the clock, designed by the Campana brothers in tribute to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.

28.  Rifle through the racks (and boogie) at Dizonord

What is it? A pan-genre record shop that hosts dangerously good DJ sets.

Why go? From New Orleans jazz to Japanese ambient, Dizonord ’s racks overflow with deep cuts. And prices aren’t bad, either. Finally, north Paris has the record store it deserves.

Don’t miss: Grab a beer at one of the Friday-night DJ sets.

29.  Go to the dance at Théâtre de la Bastille

What is it? A small theatre showcasing innovative contemporary dance and drama pieces.

Why go? Saved from bankruptcy in the 1970s (and renamed several times thereafter) the theater is now an emblematic figure of Parisian independence. Find two auditoriums where adventurous dance and theatre take the spotlight, and a nice bar for afters.

30.  Channel your inner bookworm at Un Regard Moderne

What is it?   Remember Gaston Lagaffe's brilliant book storage ideas? Well, Regard Moderne is like that... but better. Stacks of books towering several meters high, inaccessible shelves hidden behind columns, and narrow passages where you can only squeeze through by sucking in your stomach.

Why go? It was Jacques Noël who conceived this place, before passing the baton to his successor upon his death, who diligently stored all of these precious volumes, whether they be beautiful works about Duchamp, collections of surrealist poetry or Beat novels in their original language. If you've got an interest in the peculiar in literature, this is the place. 

31.  See Paris become an open-air museum during Nuit Blanche

What is it? One of Parisians' favourite cultural events.

Why go? Every year since 2002, Nuit Blanche has illuminated Paris with its artistic brilliance. And here's the new twist: since 2023, the event has ditched the autumn gloom and moved to the summer. What hasn't changed is that, for one night, a multitude of artists from all stylistic backgrounds descend upon the capital, turning it into an immense open-air museum with a flurry of creations and unprecedented openings. If you can make it down in the summer, it's a must. 

32.  Devour top-notch loaves at Shinya Pain

What is it? A tiny, chaotic bakery in Abbesses, with inconvenient opening hours and bread scattered everywhere, where you might just taste the best bread you’ve ever had. 

Why go? Shinya Pain ’s breads are distinctive but never divisive, with delicate crusts, subtle sourdough acidity that brings out the fragrance of roasted grains. The classic loaf made with khorasan wheat (the Rolls Royce of ancient grains) is a delight that you devour like cake.

33.  Party and feel good while you’re at it at We Love Green

What is it?  This eco-conscious festival is the most talked-about event in Paris’s spring calendar.

Why go?  When it comes to top-tier festivals, all Paris had ten years ago was Rock en Seine and Solidays. Fast forward to today, and We Love Green has displaced the pair as the most eminent music event of the year. The line-up brings together Pitchfork-approved rap, indie rock and techno.

Don’t miss:  The food is almost as much of a draw. The likes of  Septime , Cheval d’Or and  Les Enfants du Marché  have all taken part.

34.  Sip cocktails at Cravan, a bar classified as a historical monument

What is it? A seriously classy cocktail bar in the far west of Paris. 

Why go? While its new little big brother in the Latin Quarter has reigned over the Left Bank since the summer of 2023, Franck Audoux's original establishment remains a safe bet (if not the only one) for cocktail enthusiasts in this neighbourhood. In a fully Art Nouveau setting from floor to ceiling, you can sample drinks that are all about simplicity; few ingredients, no garnish, and a very delicate balance. 

35.  Check out a classical concert at the Philharmonie

• Music venues

What is it?  Paris’s ultra-modern temple to classical music, near the gently flourishing Pantin area.

Why go?  The Philharmonie, which forms part of the  Cité de la Musique , has a rich and abundant live music programme. In addition to its impressive concert hall, the Philharmonie has an exciting exhibition space and an educational centre like its neighbour, the  Cité des Sciences .

Don’t miss:  The prices are super-accessible, so you can experiment without breaking the bank.

36.  Try first-class sashimi at Ogata

What is it? A Michelin-starred Japanese omakase restaurant with a minimalist five ‘flavour’ tasting menu and a seasonal cocktail. 

Why go?  Picture this: a hint of barely audible music, no dishwasher to avoid disturbing the tranquility of the place, and small whisperings as customers eat. Here, silence reigns supreme. The entrance fee to this piece of Japan is €8, but includes three delights (during our visit: poutargue and daikon, cauliflower fritter and wasabi, persimmon and tofu cream) smuggled out from the restaurant.

37.  Sip seriously good cocktails at Bar Nouveau

What is it? A relatively new bar that quickly became our favourite in Paris. 

Why go?  For Bar Nouveau ’s highly refined menu with subtly nuanced recipes. The neo-Art Nouveau decor upstairs and more industrial vibe downstairs – mirror frames reminiscent of tendrils, elegant arum-shaped (or chanterelle-shaped) suspensions, azure walls – is a success, and the warm welcome from the Moudoulaud duo convinces us further that this is a great little bar.

38.  Have the best egg mayo of your life at Grande Brasserie

What is it? A beautiful brasserie which we voted best retro restaurant at the Time Out Paris Food and Drink Awards. 

Why go?  1920s mosaics, post-war frescoes and starched tablecloths shape a cozy cocoon for timeless cuisine, whipped up with meticulous sourcing. But really, you’re going for Grande Brasserie ’s world champion egg mayonnaise (at a premium price, mind). 

39.  Flick through books at the BSG

What is it? The Pantheon of Parisian libraries. Facing the real Pantheon and just a stone's throw from the Sorbonne, the Sainte-Geneviève Library has been welcoming students from all backgrounds since 1851.

Why go? It’s a timeless setting where you can choose and consult – yes, there’s no borrowing at the BSG – your documents from among the 1.5 million printed works, 85,000 microforms, and 15,000 titles of periodicals in the general collection. And there’s no bias here; all disciplines are properly represented. All that's left is to arm yourself with patience and arrive early!

40.  Get down with an orange wine at Bambino

What is it?  A natural wine bar with a penchant for turntables and draft cocktails.

Why go? Bambino ’s decor is seriously impressive: walls of vinyl records and speakers larger than a small car, a Cantona jersey under glass, and a baseball bat atop the shelf. As the evening progresses, the tables gradually make way for DJ sets and pros of the one-two steps. Let the party begin.

41.  Dig into fuss-free French cuisine at Les Arlots

• SoPi (South Pigalle)

What is it?  An elegant, old-school bistro serving fuss-free French cuisine.

Why go?  At this excellent Right Bank spot, the charismatic maître d’ perches behind a bar and advises punters on the best red to enjoy with their confit beef cheeks (or whatever else they order). It’s perfect for Sunday lunch, a boozy dinner with mates, or even a solo trip. However you do it, you’ll savour every single bite.

Don’t miss:  You won’t find sausage and mash like this anywhere else, so loosen your top button and dig in.

42.  Order cocktails from the poolside at Piscine Molitor

• Sport and fitness

What is it?  Put simply, the most beautiful swimming pool in Paris. 

Why go?  This legendary establishment and listed building was bought by the AccorHotels group several years ago. The result? A luxury complex with a five-star hotel, an excellent restaurant, a 48-metre spa and all-around architectural beauty. 

Don’t miss:  Order cocktails from the bar without leaving the pool.

43.  See the future of digital art at the Gaîté lyrique.

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Arts et Métiers

What is it? An ultra-modern setting designed by Manuelle Gautrand boldly shaking up the original ornamental Belle Epoque style.

Why go? The Gaîté lyrique has been the epicenter of Parisian cultural life 2.0 since 2011. Taken on since 2023 by a new artistic team, the seven interdisciplinary floors propel visitors into the depths of the digital age, encompassing visual arts, music, graphic design, cinema, fashion, design, and video games. Admission is free, and some of its offerings are free, including immersive exhibitions and workshops.

44.  Try the city’s best jambon-beurre at CheZaline

What is it?  A deli serving the best ham and cheese baguette in the city.

Why go?  It may be a tight squeeze inside, but the interiors are charmingly retro, with old-fashioned kitchen scales, vintage enamel advertising signs and yellow tiles on the walls. Take your pick from the mouth-watering menu; think classic Prince de Paris jambon-beurre, smoked chicken baguette and chorizo tortilla.

Don’t miss:  The perfect way to eat on the run while rushing to catch a show at the  Théâtre de la Bastille .

45.  Swing by La Gare for a killer jazz night

What is it? A former train station-turned-jazz bar.

Why go? Every day at 9pm, this former train station foyer hosts free jazz concerts. The setting is perfect: the airy four-metre-high space enhances the warmth of the saxophones and trumpets.

Don’t miss:  Make a beeline for the patio in summer.

46.  Join Sunday drag bingo at A la Folie

What is it? This gigantic fire-engine red bar with its huge terrace fits in well with the rest of the Parc de la Villette’s gaudy architecture.

Why go? Set between imposing trees in the 19th arrondissement park, this colourful enormo-bar exudes a trendy atmosphere redolent of a Berlin beer garden, but drinks prices are unfortunately Paris standard (€6.50 a pint, €7 after 10pm). Still, the excellent tapas and kebabs go down much better than a sticky late-night currywurst. Make sure to visit for the Sunday drag brunch, which gets pretty crazy. 

47.  Sip cocktails with an Eiffel Tower view at Les Ombres

What is it? A rooftop  glass-and-iron restaurant and terrace lounge bar on the top floor of the  Musée du Quai Branly . 

Why go?  The full-on view of the Eiffel Tower at night would be reason enough to come here, but the food at the restaurant is also excellent. Or just have a drink at the bar (view still included), for swish cocktails, posh nibbles and plush sofas. You'll feel like you've strolled into a postcard.

48.  Eat French cheese at La Laiterie de Paris

What is it? A cheese shop that's been serving the best of Paris-made fromage since 2017. 

Why go?  Pierre Coulon, a former employee of Androuet and a connoisseur of local cheese, has been turning organic milk into palate-pleasing delicacies at the heart of Goutte d'Or for a while now. This urban cheesemaker produces exceptional soft cheeses, such as a Saint-Félicien with raw cream, a Brillat-Savarin made with triple cream, or a Labat crafted with Breton goat milk... You can also find cheeses from small local producers, aged on-site, and a Normandy camembert from Pierre's farm in the city of the same name.

49.  Host a private pool party at Maison Souquet

• Saint-Georges

What is it?  A design hotel and bar with a sordid past. 

Why go?  Inspired by the Parisian brothels from the Belle Époque period, Maison Souquet’s hidden frontage leads to a vision of orientalist splendour designed by Jacques Garcia. Styled on Arabian Nights, it’s all pretty pleasing to the eye: from the 1895 Cordovan leather on the walls to the Moorish tiles, porcelain, copper and vintage furniture. 

Don’t miss:  If you fancy a private pool party, you can rent theirs by the hour. 

50.  See Monet's ‘Water Lilles’ at Musée de l'Orangerie

• 1er arrondissement

What is it? A remarkable showcase of Monet's work at one of our favourite museums in Paris. 

Why go? This Monet showcase is now firmly on the tourist radar: expect long queues. The look is utilitarian and fuss-free, with the museum's eight, tapestry-sized Nymphéas (water lilies) paintings housed in two plain oval rooms. They provide a simple backdrop for the astonishing, ethereal romanticism of Monet's works, painted late in his life. Depicting Monet's 'jardin d'eau' at his house in Giverny, the tableaux have an intense, dreamy quality – partly reflecting the artist's absorption in the private world of his garden.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Premium Profiles
• Time Out Worldwide
• Paris print guides

Must-see attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its…

Centre Pompidou

Home to Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou has amazed and delighted visitors ever since it opened in 1977, not…

Sainte-Chapelle

Visit Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day when Paris’ oldest, finest stained glass (1242–48) is at its dazzling best. The chapel is famous for its stained…

Musée du Louvre

It isn’t until you’re standing in the vast courtyard of the Louvre, with its glass pyramid and ornate façade, that you can truly say you’ve been to Paris.

Les Catacombes

It’s gruesome, ghoulish and downright spooky, but it never fails to captivate visitors. In 1785, the subterranean tunnels of an abandoned quarry were…

Musée Rodin

St-Germain & Les Invalides

Even if you're not an art lover, it is worth visiting this high-profile art museum to lose yourself in its romantic gardens.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This famous inner-city oasis of formal terraces, chestnut groves and lush lawns has a special place in Parisians' hearts. 

Latin Quarter

Elegant and regal in equal measure, the massive neoclassical dome of the Left Bank's iconic Panthéon is an icon of the Parisian skyline. Louis XV…

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay may not be quite as famous as the Louvre—though it’s located a mere 10-minute walk away—but this Left Bank museum holds its own in its…

Jardin des Tuileries

Filled with fountains, ponds and sculptures, the formal 28-hectare Tuileries Garden, which begins just west of the Jardin du Carrousel, was laid out in…

The world's largest start-up campus was unveiled by French president, Emmanuel Macron, in mid-2017. At any one time, some 3000 resident entrepreneurs from…

Arc de Triomphe

If anything rivals the Eiffel Tower as the symbol of Paris, it’s this magnificent 1836 monument to Napoléon’s victory at Austerlitz (1805), which he…

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville

Opened in 1804, Père Lachaise is the world's most visited cemetery. Its 70,000 ornate tombs of the rich and famous form a verdant, 44-hectare sculpture…

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre & Northern Paris

Begun in 1875 in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War and the chaos of the Paris Commune, Sacré-Cœur is a symbol of the former struggle between the…

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

While its interior is closed off to visitors following the devastating fire of April 2019, this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture remains the city…

Hôtel des Invalides

Flanked by the 500m-long Esplanade des Invalides lawns, Hôtel des Invalides was built in the 1670s by Louis XIV to house 4000 invalides (disabled war…

Musée National Picasso

One of Paris’ most treasured art collections is showcased inside the mid-17th-century Hôtel Salé, an exquisite private mansion owned by the city since…

Mémorial de la Shoah

Established in 1956, the Memorial to the Unknown Jewish Martyr has metamorphosed into the Memorial of the Shoah – 'Shoah' is a Hebrew word meaning …

Le Mur des je t'aime

Few visitors can resist a selfie in front of Montmartre's 'I Love You' wall, a public artwork created in a small park by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire…

Musée de Montmartre

This delightful 'village' museum showcases paintings, lithographs and documents illustrating Montmartre's bohemian, artistic and hedonistic past – one…

Église St-Eustache

Just north of the gardens adjoining the city’s old marketplace, now the Forum des Halles, is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. Majestic,…

Musée Jacquemart-André

The home of art collectors Nélie Jacquemart and Édouard André, this opulent late-19th-century residence combines elements from different eras – seen here…

Église St-Germain des Prés

Paris’ oldest standing church, the Romanesque St Germanus of the Fields, was built in the 11th century on the site of a 6th-century abbey and was the main…

Institut du Monde Arabe

The Arab World Institute was jointly founded by France and 18 Middle Eastern and North African nations in 1980, with the aim of promoting cross-cultural…

La REcyclerie

An abandoned Petite Ceinture train station has been repurposed as an eco-hub with an urban farm along the old railway line, featuring community vegetable…

Palais Garnier

The fabled ‘phantom of the opera’ lurked in this opulent opera house, designed in 1860 by Charles Garnier (then an unknown 35-year-old architect). Reserve…

Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum showcases the world’s largest collection of works by impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840–1926) – about 100 – as well as paintings by…

Musée Guimet des Arts Asiatiques

Connoisseurs of Japanese ink paintings and Tibetan thangkas won't want to miss the Musée Guimet, the largest Asian art museum in France. Observe the…

Atelier des Lumières

A former foundry dating from 1835 that supplied iron for the French navy and railroads now houses Paris' first digital-art museum. The 1500-sq-metre La…

Cimetière du Montparnasse

This 19-hectare cemetery opened in 1824 and is Paris’ second largest after Père Lachaise. Famous residents include writer Guy de Maupassant, playwright…

Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

A tribute to the diversity of human culture, this museum's highly inspiring overview of indigenous and folk art spans four main sections – Oceania, Asia,…

Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine

This mammoth 23,000-sq-metre space is an ode on three floors to French architecture. The highlight is the light-filled ground floor with a beautiful…

Basilique de St-Denis

Once one of France's most sacred sites, this basilica was built atop the tomb of St Denis, the 3rd-century martyr and alleged first bishop of Paris who…

Promenade Plantée

The disused 19th-century Vincennes railway viaduct was reborn in 1993 as the world's first elevated park, planted with a fragrant profusion of cherry…

Jardin du Palais Royal

The Jardin du Palais Royal is a perfect spot to sit, contemplate and picnic between boxed hedges, or to shop in the trio of beautiful arcades that frame…

Musée des Arts et Métiers

The Arts and Crafts Museum, dating to 1794 and Europe's oldest science and technology museum, is a must for families – or anyone with an interest in how…

Tour Montparnasse

Spectacular views unfold from this 210m-high smoked-glass-and-steel office block, built in 1973. A speedy elevator whisks visitors up in 38 seconds to the…

Canal St-Martin

The tranquil, 4.5km-long Canal St-Martin was inaugurated in 1825 to provide a shipping link between the Seine and Paris' northeastern suburbs. Emerging…

Grand Palais

Erected for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the Grand Palais is topped by a huge 8.5-tonne art nouveau glass roof. It hosts some of Paris’…

Ballon de Paris

Drift up and up but not away – this helium-filled balloon in Parc André Citroën remains tethered to the ground as it lifts you 150m into the air for…

More destinations you need to see

Top Paris Attractions

• See & Do
• Top Attractions

Top 10 Paris Attractions

Planning your first visit to Paris?   If so, start with these top 10 attractions and legendary sightseeing destinations.  

These are the historical, cultural, and famous places everyone associates with Paris - the top sites to see in Paris for many visitors.

Don't feel you need to see all of them in one visit, especially you are here for just a few days. 

Several of these top Paris attractions, such as the soaring Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous Seine River, the monumental Arc de Triomphe, and even the gleaming white Sacre Coeur set high on a hilltop, are part of the Paris skyline and easy to spot from many places in the city, whether or not you actually visit.

Consider a quick day trip to one of the famous destinations just beyond the city, such as the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

But also take time to stroll through an iconic neighborhood such as the Latin Quarter or Montmartre.  Relax in the beautiful Luxembourg Garden.  Take sunset cruise along the Seine.

Spend a few moments admiring Notre Dame Cathedral.   Right now, you can now view only the exterior due to the tragic 2019 fire.  But thanks to the massive restoration underway, part of the magnificent cathedral may be open to the public by 2024. 

And plan a visit to at least one of the most famous Paris museums  and experience their masterpieces in person.  See the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre, Van Gogh's Starry Night at the Orsay, or cutting-edge contemporary art at Pompidou . 

Finally, save some time to see other less famous and even "hidden" attractions in Paris, even if it means skipping some of the places on this page.  You can always visit on your next trip to Paris, and meanwhile, you'll have a variety of wonderful memories.

Because as Ernest Hemingway famously said, " . . . wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Top photo:  Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris's Montmartre neighborhood, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

1.  Eiffel Tower ( Tour Eiffel ) - The Number 1 Attraction in Paris

Soaring high above the Paris landscape, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris - and gives you spectacular city views from three levels.  For many visitors, going to the highest level of the Eiffel Tower tops their "essential sites to see in Paris, France" list, and for good reason.

Popular Ways to Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Entry TIcket with Optional Summit Access - Skip the ticket line & use a faster "groups only" security line
• Eiffel Tower Stairs Tickets - Skip the ticket line
• Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator - Enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner while enjoying views of the Paris skyline

Although you view see the famous landmark from many points in the city, nothing beats the thrill of going up to the observation platforms and watching Paris landmarks get smaller and smaller below you.

To capture a lifetime memory of your visit, book a professional photoshoot in front of the iconic monument.

Just want to view this famous Paris attraction?  A Seine River cruise or a guided bike tour of the city gives you the perfect way to see it plus lots of other famous monuments and museums located on the riverside.

More to Enjoy:  Restaurants and a champagne bar, a seasonal ice skating rink during some years, fascinating views through the transparent floor on the 1st level.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be massive and waiting in line to get tickets can take up to 4 hours or more during peak months - get a skip-the-line priority entrance ticket:

More Ways to See the Eiffel Tower

2.  louvre museum ( musée du louvre ) - the most visited museum in the world.

The enormous Louvre Museum receives over 10 million visitors a year, making it the world's most visited museum and a top Paris attraction.

Much of this popularity stems from the Louvre's three famous masterworks, Leonardo di Vinci's Mona Lisa and two famous Greek statues, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samot hrace (also known as the Winged Nike - yes, the inspiration for the popular athletic shoe brand!)

Popular Ways to Visit the Louvre

• Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Tickets - Most popular choice 
• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - Small group tour
• Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket - Ticket only; no tour

But the Louvre offers you so much more to see, including a magnificent Egyptian collection complete with mummies, gallery after gallery of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, and dazzling rooms of exquisite furniture, tapestries, and ornamental objects.

Outside, 20th century glass pyramids by I M Pei and a reflecting pool contrast with the ornate Renaissance architecture of the former royal palace.

Book a Louvre Museum guided tour with skip-the-line entrance:

More to Enjoy:  At basement level, you can view excavations of the original 12th century fortress that once stood in the Louvre's Paris location.

• See popular Louvre guided tours and skip-the-line tickets from Get Your Guide
• Find out what to expect on a guided tour of the Louvre

3.  Versailles Palace - The Most Visited Royal Palace in France

With more than 700 rooms, Versailles Palace is one of the largest in the world.   Famous for its royal occupants  from King Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, lavishly decorated rooms, and priceless art, Versailles Palace gives you an unforgettable glimpse of royal life when you visit. 

You can easily spend much or all of a day here.

More to Enjoy:   Magnificent gardens filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tree allées , and walking paths. 

• Top things to see & do at the Palace of Versailles
• Best guided walking and bike tours of Versailles from Paris
• How to get to Versailles from Paris: 6 options
• Where to stay near Versailles Palace

Paris Discovery Tip:  Versailles attracts huge numbers of visitors - in fact, the enormous chateau is the most-visited palace in France and one of the most famous in Europe.

Slow security check lines before you enter mean a 2-4 hour wait in line during most months of the year.  Although  skip-the-line tickets won't save you from every delay (you still have to go through security, although those lines ususally move quickly), they can certainly speed up your entry. 

But here's our "insiders" tip and strong recommendation:   Choose a guided tour if you want to save time and if your budget allows it.  Why?  Guided tours get to access a separate, much faster security line.

Choose one of these excellent guided tours and avoid the long wait in lines:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Half-Day Tour & Hotel Transfer  - Experience the lavish palace and gardens enjoyed by French kings and queens, including Marie Antoinette as an expert guide shows you the famous Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, King's Bedroom, and more.  Find out more 
• Versailles by Train Escorted Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Tickets - A guide meets you at a designated spot in Paris, escorts you on the RER train to Versailles, and takes you through the guided tour direct entrance to avoid the lines.   After lunch (on your own, or add on a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine when you book), you'll visit the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's personal domain and her quaint country "village."  After your tour, you'll take the direct train back to Paris. 
• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles with Lunch - You'll travel with a guide in an air-conditioned luxury coach from Paris to Versailles, where you'll quickly pass through the guided tour security.  In addition to giving you a tour of Versailles Palace and its most important rooms, your guide will also take you through the Grand and Petit Trianon, the two smaller castles the French royalty usually prefered to spend their time.  You'll have a wonderful lunch at an onsite restaurant, and will have plenty of time to stroll through the magnificent gardens.

Want to risk Versailles without a skip the line ticket?   For example, if you plan to come after most people have entered - for example, mid-afternoon - lines usually move much faster. 

In that case, you can save money by getting the Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket, which comes with an audio guide.  "Full access" means you also get entrance to Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon palace and her "Hamlet" village, which are worth seeing.  

But if you're really short on time, you can save about 3 dollars with a Palace and Gardens-Only ticket.

Find more spectacular day trips from Paris

4.  Latin Quarter ( Quartier Latin )

To experience an older Paris, spend some time discovering the charms of the Latin Quarter.

First settled by Romans in the 1st century, this famous Left Bank neighborhood has long attracted bohemians, scholars, and political protest.  Look closely, and you'll see traces of medieval Paris in the narrow, winding streets and older buildings.

Have a drink at the brasseries along Boulevard Saint Germain where Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus hung out during the 1920s, visit the tombs of French heroes and intellectuals at the Pantheon, and gaze at the timeless beauty of Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny Museum.

More to Enjoy:  Explore the narrow winding side streets filled with old bookstores, tiny bistros, and quirky boutiques.   Visit the beautiful old churches filled with artistic treasures, including Saint Julien le Pauvre, dating back to the Middle Ages.  Go back even farther in time and visit a 1st century Roman arena, one of the Latin Quarter's "hidden treasures."

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you love huge crowds, avoid pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette.

Find fun ways to explore the Latin Quarter

5.  Seine River - Beaches, Cruises, & More

The Seine River flows through central Paris, defining the city's Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank on the south.  Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the middle, is the historic heart of Paris with world-famous medieval masterpieces, hidden parks, and lovely 17th century enclaves.

You can enjoy the Seine in many different ways.  Walk along the banks and admire the beautiful bridges.  Check out les bouquinistes , the river-side booksellers along both sides of the Seine.  Explore the Parc Rives de Seine, the riverside pedestrian-only promenade from Place de la Bastille to the Eiffel Tower.

Cruise up and down the river on a tour boat to see Paris's most beautiful historic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective.  Dine and dance on a river-side barge.  Cool off in a floating swimming pool.

Visit Les Berges, the recreational area along the river on the Left Bank - it especially comes alive in the summer.

More to Enjoy:   From mid-July to mid-August, Paris Plages transforms the Right Bank plus other parts of the city into a sandy beach.

Paris Discovery Tip:   From the Seine, cruise up through the 15th century Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l'Ourcq through the newly-trendy northeast part of the city.

Popular Seine River Cruises

Notre dame ( cathédrale notre-dame de paris ).

Built during the Middle Ages at the historic heart of Parison Île de la Cité , Notre Dame Cathedral embodies the splendors of Gothic architecture from its site overlooking the Seine River.

The devastating 2019 fire means you can no longer go inside to admire the hundreds of statues, sculptures, paintings, spectacular stained glass windows or climb up to the roof for closeup views of gorgoyles and sweeping city views. 

However, the ongoing repairs and restoration work is fascinating to see from the outside, plus you can also admire the high towers, flying buttresses, and other features from a safe distance.  

And there is good news:   The famous cathedral is now expected to partially reopen by December, 2024.

Best viewing location:  Left Bank of the Seine River.

6.  Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

Once a separate village, Montmartre has been part of Paris since 1860 but its winding lanes, many trees, and picturesque hillsides still make it seem like a place apart.

You can stroll past the neighborhood's many cafes and cabarets, and imagine the artists, musicians, and writers who made it their home 100+ years ago when rents were cheap.

The most famous sight is the gleaming white Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, built in Italian Byzantine style and visible from most points in Paris.

Tourists often pack the areas around Sacré Coeur and the Moulin Rouge theater in Pigalle - but miss the most interesting parts of the neighborhood where you can find small art museums and parks, pedestrian-only lanes, and a couple of old-fashioned windmills.

More to Enjoy:   Go inside Sacré Coeur to see the beautiful mosaics.

Paris Discovery Tip:  If you're visiting in October, come to the harvest festival in Montmartre's still-producing vineyard

Discover the hidden gems of Montmartre

7.  Musée d'Orsay

Occupying a former train station, Musée d'Orsay contains a magnificent collection of world-famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.  

Crowds pack the galleries holding the best-known masterpieces, especially those by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, whose Starry Night painting attracts the largest crowds of all.

More to Enjoy:  Sweeping views of Paris from the almost-hidden rooftop terrace.

Paris Discovery Tip:  Unless you are visiting during the slow months of the winter, join a guided tour if you want to get a look at the most famous paintings unobstructed by massive crowds.

What to see & do at the Orsay Museum

8.  Arc de Triomphe

The massive Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable Paris attractions, commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to honor his army's victories across Europe, although he was exiled and dead by the time of its completion 30 years later.

The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by a busy traffic rotary where 12 major streets, including the western end of Champs Élysées, converge.  Although you can easily see it at a distance, you'll get the best views and experience when you're close to it.

Best Time to View:   On the first Sunday (a.k.a. "car-free Sundays) of each month when Champs Élysées bans cars and becomes pedestrian-only.

More to Enjoy:   Get a  ticket and climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top for 360 degree views of Paris.  At the base of the monument, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame to honor the unidentified French soldiers killed in World Wars I and II.  You can see its daily re-lighting every evening at 6:30pm.  Elaborate statues and bas relief carvings depicting Napoleon's battles cover large portions of the monument.

Get your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets now:

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are in Paris on Armistice Day (November 11), Bastille Day (July 14), or New Year's Eve (December 31), don't miss the parades and celebrations on Champs Élysées that start at the Arc.  The Paris Marathon in April also starts and ends at the Arc, and the Tour de France also ends there in July.

Find out more about visiting the Arc de Triomphe

9.  Pompidou Center ( Centre Pompidou )

In a city filled with traditional architecture, Pompidou Center's edgy design featuring exterior walls of brightly colored tubes and exposed mechanical systems brought howls of derision when it first opened.  Half a century later, the building's design by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers still stands out in the cityscape.

But inside (get a skip the line ticket before you go to save time), revolving exhibitions of top-notch contemporary paintings, sculptures, and video and sound installations account for the museum's immense popularity.

More to Enjoy:   A wonderful rooftop deck, reflecting pool, and restaurant overlooking the city

Paris Discovery Tip:  After your visit, walk around to the back of Centre Pompidou's right side to see Stravinsky Fountain, named after the composer and filled with 16 water-spraying moving sculptures that represent his music.  You can also see it if you look straight down from the rooftop deck.

Some bad news:  Centre Pompidou's structure needs critical major repairs that will require closing to the public, and the work is expected to take about 5 years.   Estimated closure currently is expected during summer or fall of 2025. 

So if you want to visit this unique and wonderful contemporary art museum, go now!!! 

Buy your Pompidou skip the line entrance ticket

10.  Luxembourg Garden ( Jardin du Luxembourg )

Towering chestnut trees, a tranquil pool where children (and teens and adults) float toy sailboats, and many benches for sitting among lush flowers and beautiful statues make Luxembourg Garden Paris's most popular park. 

And with 448 other city parks and 2 great forests to choose from, that's quite a distinction! 

Despite its number of visitors, Luxembourg Garden seldom seems crowded because its 60 acres are divided into many distinctive areas.  You can even play tennis here.

More to Enjoy:   A drink or lunch at the open-air cafe.

Paris Discovery Tip:   If you are traveling with children, check out the pony rides and puppet theater.  If you're not, snag one of the green metal chairs next to the reflecting pool at the Medici Fountain and enjoy a few tranquil moments of total relaxation.

Where to Stay in Paris near Top Attractions

Wondering which neighborhood to choose as your "home base" for your Paris visit?  See our recommendations based on the attractions you want to visit.

More Top Paris Attractions to See & Explore

Rodin museum (musée rodin).

Perhaps the most romantic museum in Paris and a top attraction because of its lush sculpture garden, location in a spectacular 18th century rococo mansion, and, of course, the sensual sculpture of two lovers in "The Kiss, the Rodin Museum gives you the opportunity to view the breadth and depth of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's boundary-breaking path from naturalism to modernism.

Plan to spend more time than you might expect in the beautifully designed garden, where flowers bloom almost year-round, lime trees scent the air with their leaves, and masses of roses burst into a riot of color in May and June, with some continuing to bloom through fall.  

The garden is also where you'll see Rodin's most monumental and evocative creations:  "The Thinker," "Walking Man," "The Gates of Hell," to name only a few. 

More to enjoy:  The onsite cafe/restaurant.

Tickets:   Get your ticket in advance, or use your Paris Museum Pass for admission.

Monet's Garden at Giverny & Other Day Trips from Paris

In addition to the Palace of Versailles, Monet's famous water lily ponds and garden at Giverny, the medieval abby at Mont Saint-Michel, Disneyland Paris, Normandy D-Day beaches, special Champagne-tasting tours, and gorgeous castles and chateaux are just a few of the other top attractions you can see on day trips from Paris.

You can even leave Paris in the morning and spend the day enjoying famous sights in  London,  sampling delicious wines and food at a château surrounded by  vineyards  near the city of  Bordeaux , or cruising along the picturesque canals of  Bruges, Belgium  - and still return to Paris in time for a late dinner.

Find out more about the best day trips from Paris.

Paris Food Tours, Wine Tastings, & More Culinary Adventures

Want to combine enjoying Paris's food culture - without a doubt, one of the city's most popular attractions - while exploring an iconic neighborhood, cruising down the Seine River, learning how to make macarons, visiting a street market, or sampl ing wine and cheese? 

We highlight 15 of the best tours, cruises, and classes devoted to food and wine (and even one on Paris's thriving craft breweries).  Check them out!

Disneyland Paris

Whether you're a huge Disney fan yourself or traveling to Paris with kids who are, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be hard to resist, especially since it's only about a 45-minute train ride from the city and super-easy to reach. 

Especially if you have already visited Disneyland in the U.S., you may be wondering: "Is Disneyland Paris worth going to?"

Of course that's an individual decision, especially if you have a long list of things to do and you have only a few days here, but many people have visited Disneyland Paris would tell you, "Yes!"

The Paris parks are lot of fun and even though the amusement park attractions may seem familiar, there's a certain "je ne sais quoi" that's distinctly Parisian.  Plus, the on-site food is much better.  So think of it as a cultural experience - and go! 

Book your Disneyland Paris tickets:

Almost-Hidden Covered Passages

With spectacular glass roofs, elaborate Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and even Art Deco decor , and luxury boutiques and cool cafes , Paris's 21 remaining late-18th and 19th-century covered passages give you a unique place to shop for artisan gifts, enjoy a casual meal, and soak up the historical details.

Each passage has its own personality, attractions, and ambiance - perfect for exploring on a rainy afternoon, or for discovering more about this fascinating layer of Paris urban history.

Find out more about the best covered passages remaining in Paris today

The Paris Skyline

Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame silhouetted against city rooftops and the sky make the Paris skyline one of the city's most memorable attractions.   But what are the best places to see it?

Some, such as the viewing platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself and the rooftop terrace at the Arc de Triomphe, will not surprise you.   But others fall squarely into the "insider secret" category - out-of-the-way places to view the Paris skyline that you may not discover on your own.

Find the best places to view the Paris skyline

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery ( Cimetière du Pere Lachaise ) in eastern Paris may not be quite as famous as the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe but its celebrity graves, haunting statues, and photo-worthy cobblestone lanes make it a top Paris attraction.

Part burial ground and part beautifully landscaped garden, this "City of the Dead" is also similar to an open-air museum, with funerary sculptures of every size and shape imaginable:  plump winged cherubs, macabre skulls flanked by what appear to be bat wings, scantily clad women sprawled across tombstones, disembodied heads of famous men.  

But if you're like most first-time visitors here, you may be most fascinated by the graves of famous people buried here. 

Pin Now, Read Again Later

More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris

Where to stay near top paris attractions.

First, check out our guide to where to stay on your first trip to Paris  to find the best neighborhoods and districts based on your interests and what you want to see and do.  We suggest hotels for each area at different price points:  luxury, mid-range, and budget.

To find even more hotels, use this handy  hotel map from Booking.com to find available accommodations near top attractions for your travel dates, see lowest rates, and make your reservations:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Related Articles about Paris Attractions 

• Sainte Chapelle - See the famous medieval stained glass windows and enjoy candlelight concerts 
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - How to visit Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland, London, Bruges, & more places in just one day
• Why Visit Paris - Paris is always a good idea - but here are even more reasons to visit
• Your First Day in Paris - What to Do & See While Jet Lagged
• Skip the Line Tickets - Where to get them

Top Attractions & Tours

• Eiffel Tower - Enjoy sweeping views of Paris
• Louvre Tour - Soak up art & see the Mona Lisa
• Palace of Versailles - Best way to see the famous Chateau
• Paris Museum Pass - Choose 2, 4, or 6 days
• Paris Disneyland - Get express tickets & transport from Paris

Happening in Paris

January in Paris

• The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits

February in Paris

• Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades

March in Paris

• Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open

April in Paris

• Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers

May in Paris

• Mother's Day, jazz festival, concerts

June in Paris

• Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show

July in Paris

• Bastille Day, Tour de France, beaches

August in Paris

• Free concerts & movies, Rock En Seine

September in Paris

• European Heritage Days, Fashion Week

October in Paris

• Wine festival, Halloween, Motor Show

November in Paris

• Armistice Day, Salon du Chocolat

December in Paris

• Christmas, New Year's Eve

Hanukkuh in Paris

• Menorah lightings 

Christmas in Paris

• Holiday celebrations & decorations

Christmas Markets

• Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa

Newest Articles & Latest Updates

• How to Get from Paris to Giverny
• Where to Find Paris's Best Covered Passages
• Best Paris Food Tours
• Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris
• Happening Now in Paris - Find Our Latest Articles  

Book Your Paris Hotel

Eiffel Tower Hotels

• See the Eiffel Tower from your balcony

Arc de Triomphe Hotels

• Great hotels with bargain rates

New Hotels in Paris

• Experience the latest & greatest

Paris Hotels near the Louvre

• Where to stay near the famous palace museum

Central Paris Hotels

• Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions

Deals & Discounts

• How to save on your Paris hotel

Plan Your Paris Trip

• Why visit Paris?
• Best Paris guide books
• Find cheap flights to Paris
• Choose your Paris hotel  
• 7 Reasons why you need travel insurance
• Electric adapters and converters  
• Best ways to get Euros
• Check out 10 top Paris attractions
• How to skip the ticket lines
• Paris Museum Pass:  Should you get one?
• Which neighborhoods are best to stay in?
• What to do & see in each Paris district
• How to spend your first day in Paris

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Paris

By Kay Pierce · Last updated on April 3, 2024

As the capital city of France, Paris has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. Often called by nicknames like the “city of love” and “city of lights,” Paris is today one of the world’s leading centers for business, fashion, entertainment, art and culture. Just the mere mention of Paris conjures up images of the city’s world famous landmarks, museums and cathedrals.

Also called the Capital of Fashion, Paris is home to some of the world’s finest designer names including Yves Saint-Laurent, Lancôme, L’Oréal and Christian Dior. The city’s shopping scene ranges from shopping centers to open-air markets, boutiques and flea markets. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Paris :

Map of Paris

25. Place des Vosges

The Place des Vosges, formerly called Place Royale, was the prototype for all residential squares in Europe. All houses were built using the same design: red brick with steep pitched blue slate roofs.

Not only is it shaped like a true square, it is the first city square that was planned by a monarch (Henry IV in the early 17th century). Third, it turned the Marais into a fashionable spot for French nobility in the decades before the French Revolution.

24. Moulin Rouge

The year 1889 is known as the year when France’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, was constructed. It’s also the year the Moulin Rouge opened its doors as an entertainment venue. When it opened, it catered to the rich who wanted to “slum” it.

Courtesans worked there and were responsible for inventing the can-can, a dance considered racy for the era. The Moulin Rouge is still considered Paris’s premier entertainment venue and has been the subject of numerous films.

23. Conciergerie

The Conciergerie was built in the 10th century to be the main palace for French kings who, over the centuries, enlarged it. Its Great Hall was one of the largest in Europe; another hall was where the palace’s 2,000 workers ate. Some buildings were converted into a prison in the 14th century.

The palace later became a revolutionary tribunal and prison during the Reign of Terror, with famous prisoners including Marie Antoinette and Madame du Barry. Today the Conciergerie is a popular tourist attraction in Paris but also still serves as courts.

22. Pantheon

The Pantheon is where famous French citizens are buried. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, it was originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and her relics.

The church was rebuilt in the neoclassical style by King Louis XV to thank God for his recovery from serious illness. It was changed to a mausoleum during the French Revolution to honor revolutionary martyrs. Famous people buried here include Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.

21. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

The world’s most visited cemetery, Pere Lachaise became a municipal cemetery in 1804 under Napoleon. It is the final resting place for many famous people, including the Doors’ Jim Morrison, author Oscar Wilde and chanteuse Edith Piaf.

The cemetery contains many sculptures, as each family of the deceased tried to out-do the monuments placed by the other wealthy families. The result is many spectacular works of art that are equally as interesting as the various gravesites of famous individuals.

20. Disneyland Paris

When Europeans can’t get to Los Angeles to see the original Disneyland, they head to Disneyland Paris, the most visited theme park in Europe. Just like its namesake, Disneyland Paris is more than just a theme park with spectacular rides.

It’s a resort with hotels, shopping and golf among its varied activities. In 1992, it became the second Disney park to open outside of the United States. It’s located about 30 km (20 miles) from central Paris. A companion park, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened in 2002.

19. Musee de l’Orangerie

Travelers who appreciate impressionist and post-impressionist art need to check out the Musee de l’Orangerie. The museum, located in a corner of the Tuilries Garden, is home to eight Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet; these murals are considered the museum’s centerpiece.

It also contains works by other impressionist artists, including Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Modigliani. The orangerie was originally built in 1852 to protect the Tuileries Palace’s orange trees.

18. Palais Garnier

Architect Charles Garnier spared no ornate detail when he designed the Palais Garnier in the 19th century. Perhaps this is why the building was the most expensive of its era. Seating nearly 2,000 people, the Palais Garnier is home to the National Opera of Paris.

It is the star of the novel and subsequent films, Phantom of the Opera. The Palais Garnier is still in use today though mainly for ballet and also is home to the opera library museum.

17. Les Invalides

Les Invalides is a complex of buildings that honors the French military. It was built in 1670 as a hospital and retirement home for vets. It still serves that function today as well as many more.

Les Invalides is home to military museums and a church that is the burial site of its war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte. Les Invalides is where rioters obtained the cannons and muskets they used later that day to storm the Bastille, thus kicking off the French Revolution.

16. Seine Cruise

The River Seine runs nearly 800 km (500 miles) through France on its way to the English Channel. Cruising the river as it winds through Paris is one of the most romantic things visitors can do.

Seine cruises pass under numerous bridges in Paris, going by such sights as the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. A Seine cruise lasts about an hour, but what a magic hour it is! A Seine cruise also is a good way to experience Paris at night.

15. Musee Rodin

Travelers who’ve seen copies of the famous sculpture The Thinker can visit the real thing when they’re in Paris. The statue was sculpted by Auguste Rodin, a famous early 20th century French artist.

The Thinker as well as 6,600 other sculptures can be found at the Musee Rodin, established in 1919 in his former studio, the Hotel Biron in central Paris. Many of his famous sculptures can be found in gardens that surround the museum.

14. Les Catacombes

In contrast with the City of Lights, Les Catacombes represents the dark side of Paris. Just under a mile long beneath the streets of Paris, this tourist attraction presents a gruesome side: the remains of millions of Parisians who were

Bones are arranged artistically; poems and other passages can be found throughout. Some bodies, such as those killed in the French Revolution, came directly here, bypassing the cemeteries.

13. Champs-Elysees

The tree-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees is Paris’s most famous street and has even been described as the most beautiful avenue in the world. Just over a mile long, the boulevard connects the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. Life in Paris centers around the Champs-Elysees.

It’s an avenue lined with restaurants, upscale boutiques, museums and night clubs. It’s home to the Bastille Day military parade and the end of the Tour de France.

12. Pont Alexandre III

In a city where romance reigns, what could be more romantic than the Pont Alexandre III, a bridge that is deemed to be the most extravagant and ornate in Paris. Named for the Russian tsar, this steel single arch bridge spans the Seine, connecting the districts of Champs-Elysees, Les Invalides and Eiffel Tower.

Seeing the bridge is almost like going to an art gallery, since numerous French sculptors made the statues, including winged horses, nymphs and cherubs that adorn the top.

11. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles started out life as a royal hunting lodge, but later became a palace housing the king’s court. The mammoth structure is ornate, opulent and over the top in its richness.

It is one of Paris’s most visited landmarks, with visitors coming to see its magnificent gardens and the Hall of Mirrors with its 357 mirrors decorating 17 arches. The Palace of Versailles ceased being a royal residence during the French Revolution and today houses a museum of French history.

10. Place de la Concorde

At the east end of the Champs-Elysées is Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris with fantastic vistas in every direction. It was in this square that the French King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and many others were guillotined during the French revolution.

The large 3200 years old Egyptian obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde was brought from the Temple of Luxor in the 19th century.

9. Sainte-Chapelle

Begun sometime after 1239, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered among the highest achievements of Gothic architecture. Its construction was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of Passion Relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns, one of the most important relics in medieval Christendom.

Although damaged during the French revolution, and restored in the 19th century, it retains one of the most extensive in-situ collections of 13th-century stained glass anywhere in the world.

8. Centre Pompidou

Designed in the style of high-tech architecture, Centre Pompidou is a cultural institution in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement. It houses a vast public library, the Musée National d’Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, a bookshop, a movie theater and a panoramic terrace. The library occupies the first three floors of the building, while the museum’s permanent collection is located on floors 4 and 5.

The first and top floor are used for large expositions. The Centre is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974 who commissioned the building.

7. Musee d’Orsay

A must-do for art lovers, the Musee d’Orsay is known for housing the world’s premier collection of impressionist paintings. Located in a former railway station, this grand museum showcases thousands of art works and objects that cover a period between the mid-1800s and the early 1900s.

Visitors can walk through several rooms to view amazing art works by many famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Cezane, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir and Jean-Francois Millet.

6. Jardin du Luxembourg

Known in English as the Luxembourg Gardens, this public park is the second largest in Paris. Visitors here can picnic or stroll leisurely among beautiful lawns, formal gardens and fruit orchards that feature many artistic statues and fountains.

For fun and sport, there are jogging paths, tennis courts and fitness equipment. Children can play in the huge playground, ride ponies, watch a puppet show and sail model boats in a pond.

5. Sacre-Coeur

One of the most noticeable landmarks in Paris is the striking white-domed basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. Situated at the city’s highest point on Montmartre hill, this stunning basilica draws many tourists every year to see its marble architecture and gorgeous interior.

A tour awards visitors with views of gold mosaics, stained-glass windows and one of the world’s largest clocks.

4. Notre Dame de Paris

No trip to Paris could be complete without a visit to the world famous Notre Dame cathedral. Standing more than 400 feet (120 meters) high with two lofty towers and a spire, this marvelous church is considered a supreme example of French Gothic architecture.

A tour of this 13th century masterpiece allows visitors to admire the awe-inspiring rose windows, Gothic carvings, beautiful sculptures and a collection of relics.

3. Arc de Triomphe

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was constructed in 1806 to memorialize the triumphal battles of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Standing 164 feet high and 148 feet (50 by 45 meters) wide, the arch features intricate reliefs depicting victorious battles and engraved names of many who died fighting for the emperor. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first world war.

Topping the list of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre Museum is located in the Louvre Palace with its signature glass pyramid marking its entrance. Housing a collection of more than 1 million objects, the Louvre boasts some of the world’s most famous art works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave” and the Greek statue, “Venus of Milo.”

Other popular exhibits include the extravagant apartments of Napoleon III, the ancient Code of Hammurabi, Egyptian antiquities and paintings by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens.

1. Eiffel Tower

Visiting the iconic symbol of Paris usually ranks as the number one thing to do for most tourists. Towering more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) high in the Champ de Mars park, this iron structure was constructed for the 1889 World Exposition.

One of the world’s most photographed tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower presents an excellent photography opportunity for both day and night times. Visitors can ride the elevator to see incredible views of the city or dine in one of the two fine restaurants that are situated within the tower.

Share this post:

Navigating Paris on a Budget

How to Travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Train

12 Best Museums in Paris

9 Best Day Trips from Paris

7 Best Boutique Hotels in Paris

Best Time to Visit Paris: Month-by-Month Guide

How to Spend 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary

How to Spend 3 Weeks in France: DIY Itinerary

18 Best Things to Do in Toulouse, France

18 Best Places to Visit in Corsica, France

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Paris Parks & Gardens

Best Museums in Paris

Cabaret in Paris

Live Music in Paris

Shopping in Paris

Bastille Day in Paris

French Dishes to Try in Paris

The Best Restaurants in Paris

Where to Eat With Kids

Nightlife in Paris

Craft Beer Bars in Paris

Weather & Climate

The Airports of Paris

Neighborhoods to Know

Driving in Paris

Paris Public Transportation

Tipping in Paris

Day Trips From Paris

Top Things to Do

32 Top Things to Do in Paris, France

First visits to Paris  can be as daunting and disorienting as they are enchanting. It's often hard to know where to begin and to prioritize what should you be seeing on your first days of exploring in the French capital. And while there's nothing wrong with getting lost down mesmerizing cobblestone streets or relying on the advice of locals, it sometimes helps to have a basic idea of the top attractions to narrow down your options.

The entire city is full of history, stunning architecture, and a uniquely Parisian charm at nearly every street corner, so you really can't go wrong no matter what you choose to see. However, there are a few attractions that first-time visitors to the French capital have to see, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. But after seeing the obligatory stops, choose whatever destinations most call to you.

Take a Stroll in an Outdoor Market

The French take their food very seriously and there's no better way to experience that first-hand than to visit one of the city's many open-air food markets. These markets are typically held several times throughout the week and there's one in almost every neighborhood. Even if you're staying in a hotel, you can stock up on fresh fruit, cheese, charcuterie, and other snacks—perfect for taking on a picnic along the Seine. 

One of the oldest markets in the city is along the pedestrian street of Rue Mouffetard on the Left Bank of the river. It's one of the permanent markets in the city, so it's open every day and every season with vendors selling all types of food to enjoy. Wandering an outdoor market is a sublimely Parisian activity, and the Mouffetard market is one of the best. It's accessible via the metro stops Censier-Daubenton or Place Monge.

Dance the Can-Can at a Cabaret

After expending all your energy climbing Montmartre's formidable hills and stairs, consider spending an evening at a  traditional Parisian cabaret . While these glitzy, Vegas-style shows aren't frequented by Parisians and are really geared toward tourists, there's still something undeniably nostalgic about a French cabaret. The most famous, of course, is the Moulin Rouge , but it's also the most touristy. If you want to try something different but with just as much flair, feathers, and can-can, head to Lido on the Champs-Elysées.

Catch the View From Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse is the second-tallest building in Paris and the only skyscraper outside of the business La Défense district. Because it's the only skyscraper around and towers above its neighbors, the building is generally considered an eyesore and after it was completed, buildings over seven stories tall were prohibited from the city center. Nevertheless, even Parisians admit that the view from the observation tower on the top floor is one of the best in the city (if only because it's the only place where you can't see the Tour Montparnasse). Special two-for-one tickets offer a special deal for guests who want to visit twice: once in the day and again at night for two equally spectacular views.

Snack on Fresh-Made Macarons

The French are famous for their pastries, but one of the most famous French desserts is without a doubt the macaron (pronounced macar-AWN , rhyming with "gone"). Ask 10 different Parisians where you can buy the best macarons and you'll get 10 different answers, because everyone has their particular favorites. And while you really can't go wrong buying a macaron from any local patisserie , a few places do stand out in case you need some guidance. Pierre Hermé is internationally recognized, but other standouts include Dalloyau and Cafe Pouchkine .

Église Saint-Sulpice

While the more famous church of Notre Dame is being restored, visitors to Paris can visit the city's second-largest church, Église Saint-Sulpice. Built during the 17th century, the church dedicated to Sulpitius is located in the Latin Quarter and is only slightly smaller than Notre Dame. The grand interior includes a painted ceiling dome and a massive organ that's considered one of the most impressive examples of its era. On Sundays, visitors can stop by before and after Mass services for regularly scheduled concerts to hear this masterpiece at work.

Shop in the World's Most Beautiful Mall

In addition to being masters of all things cuisine and gastronomy, Parisians are also expert shoppers. This is evidenced by their sprawling, elegant department stores, the best of which is the Galerie Lafayette Haussmann. What originally opened in 1893 as a small store selling novelty gifts has turned into one of France's biggest department store chains. The flagship store in Paris on Boulevard Haussmann is a massive shopping center, but don't expect this to be like your everyday mall. Even if you don't consider yourself a shopper, the architecture alone makes it worth stopping at this regal building. Be sure you go all the way up to the roof, which is free to visit and offers an unbeatable view.

Visit the Louvre Museum

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

To learn the Louvre inside and out, you might need half a lifetime. Still, one has to start somewhere. The site of the world's most extensive and most diverse collection of pre-20th-century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects, the Louvre is a global touristic drawcard. Not forgetting the  Mona Lisa  and the  Venus de Milo , make sure to visit less crowded wings to bask in the works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and countless others. The centuries-old palace itself is a testament to a rich history spanning from the medieval period to the present.

Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

More than any other landmark, the Eiffel Tower has come to represent an elegant and contemporary Paris—but this wasn't always so. The iron tower, which was built for the 1889 World Exposition by Gustave Eiffel, was wildly unpopular with Parisians when it was unveiled and was nearly torn down. 

It has since attracted over 220 million visitors, and it would be hard to imagine Paris now without it. The tower crowns the Paris night sky with its festive light and glitters up a storm every hour. It has also recently firmly entered the twenty-first century, retrofitted with solar panels and glass-floored observation platforms, to the delight of some and the vertigo of others. Cliché? Yes, maybe. But essential. 

See Breathtaking Impressionist Art at the Musée d'Orsay

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Walk over the bridge from the Louvre to the Musee d'Orsay  and witness a literal and figurative bridge between classical and modern art. Housing the world's most important collection of  impressionist and post-impressionist painting , the Musee d'Orsay's light, airy rooms whir you through three floors of modern wonders, from Degas' ethereal dancers to Monet's water lilies, all the way to Gaugin's verdant jungles. Significant works by Van Gogh, Delacroix, Manet, and others await you, too.

Marvel at the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees

The 164-foot Arc de Triomphe commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I ​does exactly what it was made to do: Evoke sheer military power and triumph. It was built in an age when leaders erected monuments in their own honor and scaled to their egos. The arch's beautiful sculptures and reliefs commemorate Napoléon's generals and soldiers. Visit the Arc de Triomphe to begin or culminate a walk down the equally grandiose  Avenue des Champs-Elysées . You can't help but feel grand yourself.

Visit Centre Pompidou and the Beaubourg Neighborhood

Parisians consider the Centre Georges Pompidou to be the cultural pulse of the city. This modern art museum and cultural center, located in the  neighborhood affectionately dubbed Beaubourg  by locals, opened in 1977 to honor president Georges Pompidou.

The Center's signature skeletal design, which evokes bones and blood vessels, is either loved or reviled—no in-betweens. If wacky design isn't your cup of tea, the permanent collection at the National Museum of Modern Art is a must and features works by Modigliani and Matisse. Rooftop views of the city are also in order.

Explore the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre

With its unmistakable white dome that some compare to a meringue crowning the city, the  Sacré Coeur sits at the highest point of Paris on the Montmartre knoll, or  butte . This basilica, which was consecrated in 1909, is best-known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and for its dramatic terrace, from which you can expect sweeping views of Paris on a clear day. Take the funicular up with a metro ticket and stop off at Sacré Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of the bohemian Montmartre neighborhood.

Take a Boat Tour of the Seine River

Seeing some of Paris' most beautiful sites glide past as you drift down the Seine river is an unforgettable and essential experience. Companies such as  Bateaux-Mouches  and  Bateaux Parisiens  offer one-hour tours of the Seine year-round for about 10 euros, or roughly $12. You can hop on near Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. Go at night to enjoy the shimmering play of light on the water, and dress warmly—the wind from off the Seine can be chilly. You can also take tours of some of Paris' canals and waterways, which will allow you to see a semi-hidden side of the City of Light.

Stroll Through Père Lachaise Cemetery

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

Paris counts within its walls many of the world's most poetic cemeteries, but Père-Lachaise outdoes them all. Countless famous figures are buried here: the most popular being  The Doors  lead singer  Jim Morrison , whose tomb is kept constant vigil by fans. The French playwright Molière, Oscar Wilde,  Edith Piaf , and Richard Wright are a few others. On a sunny day, climbing to the cemetery's summit and looking down on the lavishly designed crypts can be surprisingly joyful.

Admire Sculptures at the Musée Rodin

Tour a great sculptor's studio in a romantic setting at the Musée Rodin, completely renovated and re-opened to visitors in November 2015. Set in an 18th-century mansion, the museum is home to more than 6,000 works by Rodin, including "The Thinker " and  " The Kiss ".  There are also 15 sculptures in the permanent collection from the French sculptor Camille Claudel, another master. 

After seeing the sculptures, make sure to spend some time admiring the extensive collection of drawings and cast molds on display. The lush grounds are home to a rose garden, café, and fountains. More iconic sculptures from Rodin grace the gardens, including "Orpheus" and bronze studies for "The Burghers of Calais". 

See World-Class Contemporary Art at the Foundation Louis Vuitton

This stunning foundation designed by Frank Gehry offers world-class contemporary art shows and one of the most unique additions to the Parisian skyline in recent years. The collection houses work owned by Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of the iconic fashion brand, LVMH. You'll see everything from giant Gerhard Richter paintings to interactive installations by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson.

Shop (or Window-Shop) on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

If you want to shop like a Parisian high-roller—or at least pretend to—head to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the surrounding district. Joining the 1st and 8th arrondissements (districts) , the street is lined with the biggest names in fashion and luxury, ranging from old-school couture labels like Goyard, Hermès, Gucci and Prada, as well as contemporary, coveted houses and designers (Apostrophe Jun Ashida). You can also find bespoke perfume, high-end jewelry, scrumptious pastries and even old-world, fine luggage. It's no wonder it's considered one of the best shopping districts in the French capital . 

Find a Vintage Treasure at the Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt/St Ouen

It's easy to get overwhelmed at this sprawling Parisian flea market. After all, the 150-year-old puces— literally, "fleas"—is among the world's largest. But with a bit of focus and perseverance, you can find a treasure within the labyrinth of stalls, regardless of if you're hunting for antique silver cutlery or vintage Chanel couture. The market is located on the edge of north Paris, where the 18th arrondissement meets the suburb of St. Ouen.

The easiest way to get there is to take Metro Line 4 to "Porte de Clignancourt" and follow the signs to the market.

Wander Through the Marais District

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

If there's a better French neighborhood for strolling, sightseeing, shopping, tasting, and people-watching all in a single morning or afternoon, we haven't found it. The Marais, which spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, has a rich history in Paris: It's home to the city's historic Jewish Quarter ( pletzl ), and also serves as the heartbeat of the city's vibrant LGBT community.

Within the always-bustling center, you'll also find stunning  hôtel particuliers  (old-school mansions), numerous medieval sites and landmarks, a plethora of high-end and designer boutiques, and many of the city's best museums, including the Musée Picasso. 

Relax & Stroll at the Luxembourg Gardens

Even if you know very little about the French capital, you might have a mental image of Parisians relaxing in lawn chairs on terraces overlook ornate, manicured lawns and ponds. This is an iconic image you can play out for yourself by visiting the Luxembourg Gardens, an Italian and French-style haven that was once the stomping grounds of the Queen Marie da Medici.

While it's a favorite place to relax with a picnic, the Renaissance-era formal gardens are popular among joggers and walkers, and children who race their sailboats behind the Sénat. Also be sure to admire the collection of statues: some of our favorites include stately sculpted images of the different Queens and other royal women of France throughout history. 

See the Largest Public Collection of Picasso's Work

After closing for nearly five years, the Musée Picasso in Paris re-opened at the end of 2014, fresh off a pricey renovation. Now, this world-class museum spans more than 50,000 square feet and houses thousands of works by the inimitable Spanish artist. The main building, a 17th-century mansion in the Marais district, features furniture designed by the legendary Diego Giacometti. 

Housing masterpieces as well as works from lesser-known periods in Picasso's work, the museum also offers temporary exhibits showcasing the work of artists such as Giacometti. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of 20th-century art. 

Eat Some Famous Parisian Ice Cream

 Public domain/Creative Commons

Tucked away on the Ile Saint-Louis, you'll find nearly 100 flavors of ice cream at the famous Berthillon. Depending on the season, you can try everything from wild strawberry to peach, hazelnut, pistachio, and white chocolate. The shop's idyllic setting—nestled on a small island in the Seine, across from Notre-Dame Cathedral—makes it a must-visit. Not to mention it's one of the best ice creams you can order in Paris. You can stroll the streets, lined with 17th-century mansions, while you enjoy your cone.

Satisfy Natural Curiosities at Deyrolle

Seeking a bit of the old-fashioned and the strange? Deyrolle is an old Parisian boutique (open since 1831) that notably specializes in taxidermied animals (none are recent, though, a potentially reassuring point for those concerned with animal rights). 

Located in the 7th arrondissement, this veritable cabinet of curiosities houses life-sized tigers, bears, birds, and more, as well as countless drawers filled with every possible butterfly, bug, or insect you can imagine. Many of the boutique's subjects have been used in the study of botany, entomology, and zoology. This is certainly one of the weirdest shops in Paris and well worth a visit, if you can handle the taxidermy. 

Amble Around the Latin Quarter

Nothing quite says Paris like a day strolling through the Latin Quarter, one of the city's most storied and beloved districts. Start by browsing books at the beloved English bookshop Shakespeare and Company, before heading over to the Sorbonne University square to have a coffee. Then check out the medieval treasures at the Musée Cluny, browse rare books and antiques near the Jardin du Luxembourg, and wind through the narrow little streets behind the Pantheon to the Place de la Contrescarpe.

Or just wander and make any number of your own discoveries: morning light hitting the tops of the buildings; the joy of tasting fresh bread, pastries and fruit on the market-centric Rue Mouffetard or the Place Monge; the possibilities are nearly endless. 

The  Sorbonne University  is the historic soul of the Latin Quarter, where higher learning has flourished for centuries. Founded in 1257 for a small group of theology students, the Sorbonne is one of Europe's oldest universities. It has hosted countless great thinkers, including philosophers René Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. Enjoy a drink on the café terrace in front of the college before exploring the winding little streets of the Quartier Latin behind it.

Explore the Canal St Martin & Its Hip Shops, Restaurants

Anyone who wants to understand contemporary Paris should spend some time strolling up and around the Canal St. Martin, one of the city's most vibrant and innovative areas. Walk to the center of one of the graceful, metallic green bridges to watch boats float down the canal (and come through complex lock systems). 

Enjoy a glass of wine and a few small plates at a wine bar, or nosh on eclectic cuisine in one of the area's countless, utterly hip new restaurants. Browse boutiques and art bookshops for the latest in style and design. You can even have a picnic right by the water, a favorite local pastime. 

See Some of Monet's Most Beautiful Work at This Small Museum

Many visitors to Paris completely overlook a small collection at the west end of the Tuileries gardens that harbors one of Impressionist master Claude Monet's most breathtaking works of art. But they shouldn't. 

Pay a visit to the Orangerie Museum and witness the sweeping, poetic beauty of Nymphéas , a series of murals that plunge you into Monet's distinctive world of color, light, and watery landscapes. His waterlilies are a symbol of world peace, painted following the end of the first World War as a gesture of hope and reconciliation. 

In addition to Monet's stirring masterpiece, the Orangerie museum also hosts the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, with remarkable works from the likes of Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Sisley, Matisse, and Modigliani. After you've seen the Orsay and the Centre Pompidou collections, an afternoon here offers another dose of artistic inspiration and education. 

Take a Day Trip to Versailles

Versailles and its world-famous palace and gardens are a quick one-hour trip outside the city, making it an essential and easy day trip from Paris. This 17th-century palace had humble beginnings as a hunting lodge before turning into an opulent palace under the rule of Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King".

Today, strolling through the extensive formal gardens and visiting the incredible Hall of Mirrors is an experience you won't likely forget. Also make sure to reserve some time for the quieter, lesser-known buildings and gardens, including the Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet, where Marie Antoinette retired from the pressures of court life and even pretended at times to be a humble shepherdess or milkmaid. 

Go Underground into the Catacombs

It doesn't have to be Halloween for you to thoroughly enjoy the creepy experience of going far underground to see the Catacombs of Paris. There are dozens of miles of tunnels dug way below street level, but only a small portion of these can (legally) be visited. 

Here, after buying a ticket and descending a long spiral staircase, you'll be plunged into a strange world of death. Millions of human bones and skulls are neatly stacked (in curious, very French fashion) alongside the pathways, souls who were transferred from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some will find this attraction decidedly chilling, while others will enjoy it as an archaeological and social curiosity. Either way, it's well worth a couple of hours. 

Eat Some Delicious French Bread & Pastries

A trip to the French capital would be incomplete without ducking into a few warm, inviting bakeries and patisseries (pastry shops) to taste their tempting creations. From all-butter croissants and pain au chocolat that boast the ideal balance between flakiness and softness, to crusty, impeccably baked baguettes, creamy lemon mini-tarts and fluffy eclairs, there's a whole gourmet world to discover out there. But don't feel intimidated. While stunning, these products are part and parcel of daily life in Paris.

Visit the Old Paris Operahouse...and See a Ballet There

Confusingly enough, the Palais Opera Garnier  doesn't actually host opera performances these days. That's the job of the newer Opera Bastille. But this historic site, now home to the French National Ballet, is a remarkable place to visit, inside and out.

Its sumptuous, elegant design can be admired from far down the equally regal Avenue de l'Opéra, an iconic sight well worth seeking out. Inside, the magnificent stairway in the entrance and main theatre, crowned with a moving ceiling painting from French painter Marc Chagall, is simply sublime. 

Enjoy Fresh Air at the Bois de Boulogne

Sometimes, a little breathing room away from the stress and noise of the city is in order. When you're not up for a full day trip but wouldn't mind a little green and fresh air, head over to the Bois de Boulogne and enormous wooded park sculpted from an old forest. 

Enormous green lawns, tree-lined walking paths, ponds inhabited by ducks and wild birds, an open-air theatre, puppet shows for kids, and even an old-fashioned horseracing track await here. Pack a picnic, put on your walking shoes, bring a camera, and enjoy a day away from the city right on its very edge. 

Toast Like the French at a Local Wine Bar

Owen Franken / Getty Images

As you might expect, Paris boasts a remarkable number of excellent wine bars . Go enjoy a simple glass or two at one of these laid-back bars, where you might also tuck into a plate of fragrant, creamy French cheeses or savory charcuterie. Some of those that made our list of the best also specialize in small plates that fit the definition of gourmet. 

Whether tasting a light, fresh Beaujolais Nouveau for the harvest season or trying more complex, "challenging" reds and whites from Burgundy or Bordeaux, there's something for everyone at these bars. After all, in France, wine isn't a snobby affair, but rather something most people enjoy daily.

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

10 Things to Do in Paris For €10 or Less

18 Best Free Things to Do in Paris

Top 15 Things to Do at Night in Paris

A Guide to the 4th Arrondissement in Paris

The 10 Most Beautiful Bridges in Paris

The Top 12 Things to Do Around the Eiffel Tower

Paris' Pont des Arts: The Complete Guide

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

All About the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

24 Hours in Paris: How to Visit the City in a Single Day

The Palais de Chaillot: The Complete Guide

The Champ de Mars in Paris: The Complete Guide

72 Hours in Paris: What to See in Only Three Days

40 Top Tourist Attractions in Paris | 2024 (with Photos)

James A. Smith - Chief Editor

Last Updated: February 19, 2024

Hey there! I'm James, a seasoned traveler and a passionate explorer of all things Paris. Through my personal experiences and love for this incredible city, I'll guide you to the top tourist attractions and help you make unforgettable memories during your visit.

If you are heading to the French capital for a dream vacation, you will want to know all about the best attractions in town before you go.

Paris offers a wonderful experience for tourists looking to immerse themselves in its beauty and charm. From French Revolution history to the Gothic architecture and magnificent gardens that make Paris so iconic, this city has it all.

Of course, you will want to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame de Paris, but there is so much more than that in Paris. So, let's dive into our top 40 recommendations.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Eiffel Tower

Top Choice Hotel

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Le Jules Verne

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Montana Club

Best Time to Visit

Springtime in Paris, flowers bloom, love abounds.

Average Temperature

The average temperature in Paris, France fluctuates.

Transportation Options

Metro, bus, tram, RER, taxi, bicycle, scooter, walking.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

Paris, France: Immerse yourself in the artistic charm of Montmartre, a neighborhood brimming with bohemian whimsy and breathtaking views of the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica - a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city while sipping a delicious café au lait.

Paris, France: Indulge in a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, admiring the enchanting bridges and riverside book stalls, before treating your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary experience at a cozy bistro tucked away in the charming Le Marais district.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight and versatile clothing
• Travel adapter for electronics

What Not to Miss

Louvre museum.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Champs-Élysées

What to Avoid

• Scams and pickpocketing
• Overpriced tourist traps
• Unsolicited street vendors

Table of Contents

1. Place de la Concorde

Let's start the list with one of the most famous public squares in Paris. The historical roots of the Place de la Concorde in central Paris go back to the French Revolution and the French Kings.

The Place de la Concorde is a city center jewel with breathtaking architecture, including the famed Obelisk of Luxor and the magnificent fountains. This is a square steeped in French history.

Place de la Concorde, the largest plaza in Paris , provides a gorgeous environment for leisurely strolls, ideal photo opportunities, and a chance to see the city's rich cultural legacy.

2. Arc de Triomphe

Visitors in Paris all flock to the Arc de Triomphe , a famous landmark ****and one of the most iconic Paris attractions.

The Arc de Triomphe serves as a reminder of the country's rich architectural history and legacy. The arch was commissioned in 1806, after the victory at Austerlitz by Napoleon. Additionally, installed under the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a site used to honor the unknown soldier who died during World War I.

This massive arch, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Paris, is a representation of triumph and victory and provides a stunning perspective of the city from its observation deck.

The Arc de Triomphe is a must-see location where visitors can fully experience Parisian culture because of its stunning architecture and historical significance.

3. Eiffel Tower

Undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of France around the world. Its impressive metal structure and illuminations are part of what makes the Eiffel Tower so special.

Head up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular panoramic views of Paris from its impressive 330 meters in height. No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower.

When in Paris, a visit to the Eiffel Tower guarantees a remarkable and breathtaking experience that should not be missed. The Eiffel Tower is not far from the Arc de Triomphe and other famous landmarks in Paris. It is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

4. Ile de la Cité

A must-see among the many tourist attractions in Paris is the island in the Seine, known as Ile de la Cité , in central Paris.

The Notre Dame Cathedral, which features spectacular Gothic architecture, and the ancient Palais de Justice are famous landmarks on this little island.

Visitors can appreciate the ancient structures, small cafes, and stores that ooze Parisian elegance while strolling in its gorgeous streets.

5. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral , another incredibly famous landmark in Paris, France, has served as a representation of French Gothic architecture for centuries.

This magnificent church, also known as Notre Dame de Paris , has exquisite stained glass windows, elaborate woodwork, and imposing bell towers. Despite the recent fire at the cathedral, the structure still stands tall and proud thanks to wonderful restoration work.

Its magnificent exterior, which includes flying buttresses and ornate rose windows, is proof of the middle ages' greatest architectural achievement.

One of the major tourist attractions in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral is situated on the Île de la Cité in central Paris.

6. Jardin du Luxembourg

A lush haven that once served as the private garden of French royalty is the Jardin du Luxembourg , or the Luxembourg ****Gardens in Paris, France.

Today, the Luxembourg Gardens is one of the famous tourist attractions in Paris, noted for its magnificent planted gardens, lovely fountains, and tranquil ambiance.

The Jardin du Luxembourg, which covers more than 55 acres, is the ideal location for relaxation and taking in Paris's natural splendor.

Visitors to the Luxembourg Gardens can wander along the paths that are shaded by trees, marvel at the vibrant flower beds, and unwind by the peaceful ponds.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a tranquil and beautiful place steeped in history in Paris. So, add the Luxembourg Gardens to your Paris bucket list.

7. Place de la Bastille

The famed Bastille jail, which was built by one of the French kings and destroyed during the French Revolution, previously stood at the Place de la Bastille in Paris, France.

It is now a lively square that represents French democracy and freedom. The Place de la Bastille provides a window into the city's illustrious history and revolutionary past. Visitors can explore the plaza and discover how important it was in influencing French history.

The square is bordered by stores, cafes, and theaters. An opportunity to connect with the city's past and understand its cultural significance is provided by a visit to Place de la Bastille.

8. Place des Vosges

The Place des Vosges in Paris is a beautiful, ancient square with a rich history. It was called Place Royale during the French Revolution to recognize the Vosges department, which was the first to pay taxes.

This famous square is less than a 30-minute drive to the Louvre Museum by road, making it an easy stop for those taking in the city's cultural riches. The famed cathedral's magnificence will be admired by art lovers. Furthermore, Notre Dame de Paris is also easily accessible, so the art appreciation can continue.

The Place des Vosges' magnificent gardens , with their immaculately kept lawns and lovely fountains, are its most notable feature. They offer a tranquil and scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful escape in the middle of Paris.

9. Rue de Rivoli

The famed Rue de Rivoli is one of the top tourist attractions in Paris and has great historical significance.

It is roughly 22 minutes by road from Notre Dame and is recognized for its stunning architecture and recognizable structures. The Rue de Rivoli was given its name in honor of Napoleon's victory in the Battle of Rivoli .

Today, Rue de Rivoli is famed for its elegant stores, quaint cafes, and gorgeous old structures that highlight Paris's illustrious past and splendor.

10. Disneyland Paris

Among the top-tier popular tourist attractions in Paris, Disneyland Paris is renowned for its enchanted realm of enchantment and fantasy.

Disneyland Paris is situated in Chessy, France, and is readily reached by train thanks to the Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy railway station .

The park is a popular vacation spot for both families and Disney enthusiasts with its extensive selection of exhilarating rides, enthralling shows, and well-known Disney characters.

The fact that Disneyland Paris is ideally placed means that, after a day of fun and excitement in the fantastical world of Disney, travelers can go back and explore other tourist attractions in central Paris.

11. Musée du Louvre

The Louvre Museum, commonly known as the Musée du Louvre , is without a doubt among the top tourist attractions in Paris.

The Louvre Museum, which houses an incredible collection of some of the most astounding works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa , is a must-see for both art lovers and history buffs. A few miles from here was where Marie Antoinette once lived.

The Louvre Museum, which has a long history that dates back to 1546 when Francis I transformed it into the major residence of the French Kings, also features post-impressionist art and modern art in addition to its canonical masterpieces.

An unrivaled experience of art, culture, and history in the center of Paris is guaranteed with a trip to the Louvre Museum. A quick tip: to avoid the crowd on the road, get to the Louvre through a metro station.

12. Montmartre

The dynamic and bohemian area of Montmartre , which is situated in the northern region of Paris, is regarded as the ideal tourist destination. It is renowned for its distinctive charm, creative atmosphere, and stunning city vistas.

Famous artists like Van Gogh previously called Montmartre home , and it has long been a gathering place for artists. It is a city center for modern art and has a large number of art galleries, studios, and cafes.

A scenic ambiance is created by the cobblestone streets , old houses, and quaint cafes, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and taking in the creative mood.

Among the many Parisian tourist attractions, Montmartre is undoubtedly a must-see for art lovers and those looking for a distinctive and exciting experience.

13. Jardin des Tuileries

In the center of Paris, there is a historic park called Jardin des Tuileries . It was constructed in the 16th century and used for many years as a royal garden and has a somewhat similar history to the Jardin du Luxembourg.

It is one of the most stunning tourist attractions in Paris, recognized for its gorgeous statues, fountains, and lovely surroundings.

Visitors may readily access the garden because it is close to other well-known Paris landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde.

Everyone can now appreciate the garden's beauty and history thanks to its opening to the public after the French Revolution. Anyone visiting Paris must go to the Jardin des Tuileries.

14. Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars , one of Paris' attractions, is a renowned park in proximity to the Eiffel Tower. This huge green area, which was formerly used as a military training area, has seen some of the French Revolution's most spectacular festivities.

It now serves as a tranquil park where guests may take leisurely walks, have picnics, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. The park has historical significance in addition to being next to a former railway station.

Tourists who want to fully experience Paris' beauty and history must pay a visit to Champ de Mars.

15. Centre Pompidou

Art aficionados should not miss a trip to the Centre Pompidou , a renowned cultural landmark in the center of Paris. It contains a sizable collection of modern art, which includes pieces by well-known creators including Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.

Its recognizable facade with exposed colorful pipes and escalators makes the center a distinctive architectural landmark in Paris. Another of Paris' attractions, Notre Dame Cathedral, is just under five minutes drive from the Centre Pompidou.

The Centre Pompidou provides visitors with the ideal opportunity to discover Paris' dynamic art scene while taking in its famous sights, and the Eiffel Tower is also nearby.

16. Maison de Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo, one of the most famous French citizens and author of such classics as "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," is honored at the Maison de Victor Hugo , a historic home museum in Paris.

This museum, which is only a 2-minute stroll from the charming Place des Vosges, provides an intriguing look into the life and legacy of Victor Hugo.

Hugo spent 16 years of his exile from France in this particular home, which has been preserved and turned into a museum displaying his personal effects, writings, and artifacts.

The building is a must-visit for literature lovers and followers of this renowned author in order to learn more about his life and times.

17. Hôtel de Ville

One of the most well-known Paris attractions is the Hôtel de Ville , which is situated in the city center. It served as the headquarters of the French Revolution . This magnificent Renaissance structure had a tremendous impact on Parisian history.

Ornate carvings and sculptures cover the building's façade, displaying the time period's architectural prowess. The structure's interior is equally spectacular, with expansive hallways and elaborate decorations.

The building is a well-liked location for cultural events and exhibitions and is still used as the city's administrative center today.

18. Seine River

A significant element of Paris' scenery is the Seine River , which runs through the city center. The river's banks are studded with famous sites, storied bridges, and enchanting promenades, and it acts as a natural boundary between the Right Bank and the Left Bank.

The Seine River has been a significant part of the history and culture of the city, inspiring poets, writers, and artists. You can take a boat cruise along the Seine and spot attractions like the Eiffel Tower and examples of French Gothic architecture.

The Seine has, however, presented problems in the past, such as in 2003 when it reached dangerous heights and forced the largest evacuation of artwork—including the Mona Lisa—since World War II.

19. Canal Saint Martin

The Canal de l'Ourcq and the Seine River are joined by the charming Canal Saint Martin in Paris.

With its attractive waterfront promenades, tree-lined boulevards, and old iron footbridges, the canal has developed into an idyllic Paris attraction.

Popular activities near the canal include leisurely strolls, bike rides, and boat tours . Renting a boat or joining a tour allows visitors to cruise the canal while going through picturesque locks and under charming arches.

The canal offers a calm and beautiful approach to seeing the city, and some people even decide to sail to Notre Dame to experience Paris from the water.

20. Place Charles de Gaulle

Place Charles de Gaulle is a prominent square in Paris, known for its historical significance and iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe.

This public square is an important hub in the city since it is traversed by the historical axis of Paris, which runs from the Louvre Museum to the contemporary economic zone of La Défense.

The Arc de Triomphe , which honors Napoleon Bonaparte and represents French national pride, is prominently displayed in the middle of the area.

Lastly, this square is the second-largest square in the capital after Place de la Concorde is a must-see for tourists and an important landmark in Paris because of its grandeur and historical significance.

21. Avenue des Champs Elysées

The Avenue des Champs Elysées is one of the most popular Paris attractions in the entire world. Furthermore, you can get to the Place de la Concorde from this place by road in 10 mins via Av. Marceau and Voie Georges Pompidou.

The avenue is a popular tourist destination since it is lined with upscale stores, theaters, cafes, and historical sites. At the western end of the Boulevard, the imposing Arc de Triomphe rises majestically.

Two equestrian sculptures were erected on the avenue after the French Revolution. The Avenue des Champs Elysées is a must-visit location for both tourists and locals since it represents the grandeur of Paris.

22. Musée Marmottan Monet

In Paris, France, there is a renowned art gallery called the Musée Marmottan Monet . It has a significant collection of Claude Monet's works as well as those by other well-known Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.

Through its display of the development of art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the museum offers a glimpse into the culture and history of Paris.

The Musée Marmottan Monet is one of the major Paris attractions that attract tourists and art lovers from all over the world.

For art enthusiasts and those interested in the development of art in Paris, it is a must-visit location because of its distinctive collection. 

23. Parc de la Villette

The third-largest park in Paris, Parc de la Villette , is a popular and exciting destination for both locals and visitors. This large park, which is situated in the city's northeast, welcomes guests with a variety of fun things to do.

Everyone may find something to enjoy at Parc de la Villette, which features a variety of green areas, playgrounds, gardens, and cultural institutions like concert halls and theaters.

It is a well-liked location for families and science aficionados because it is also home to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the biggest science museum in Europe.

Parc de la Villette is a must-visit for anybody wishing to experience the various and lively sides of Paris because of its distinctive fusion of nature, art, and entertainment.

24. Musée National d'art Moderne

One of the biggest and most renowned art museums in the world is the Musée National d'Art Moderne , located in Paris' landmark Centre Pompidou.

A sizable collection of modern and contemporary artwork, including pictures, sculptures, photos, and multimedia works, may be found there.

The museum is a must-visit location for art fans due to its extensive collection, which includes works by famous artists including Kandinsky, Matisse, Delaunay, and Picabia.

The Musée National d'Art Moderne is a true gem in the art world and a standout among Paris attractions for travelers to explore and enjoy with its cutting-edge displays and avant-garde architecture.

25. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles or Château de Versailles, a former royal palace west of Paris, is a place of historic significance.

It served as the home of several French monarchs, notably Louis XIV , popularly referred to as the Sun King. Marie Antoinette was also historically associated with the building.

The palace is well known for its ornate architecture, famous hall, and immaculately kept grounds. The Palace of Versailles, however, was largely abandoned as a representation of monarchy during the French Revolution , and it later transformed into a museum.

It continues to be one of the most well-liked Paris attractions today, allowing tourists to travel back in time and experience the splendor and extravagance of French royalty.

26. Rue des Rosiers

The bustling Rue des Rosiers in Paris is located in France's famed Le Marais district. It is renowned for its distinctive ambiance, lovely cobblestone streets, and extensive cultural history.

The Jewish cultural center of Paris is located along this street, which is surrounded by kosher eateries, bakeries, stores, and vintage boutiques. This center is renowned for its mouthwatering falafel, authentic Jewish food , and a variety of vintage clothing and antique stores.

Aside from gorgeous architecture and historical sites like synagogues , Rue des Rosiers is home to other notable locations.

Along with other well-known monuments like the Eiffel Tower, it is a must-see for tourists wishing to appreciate Paris' rich cultural past.

27. Musée des Arts Décoratifs

A prominent museum devoted to ornamental arts ****and design is the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris , France.

Occupying the north-western wing of the Palais du Louvre , this is one of the most renowned museums in Paris . A sizable collection of decorative arts, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and more, is kept in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

With an emphasis on French workmanship and inventiveness, the museum displays the development of decorative arts and design from the Middle Ages to the present.

For those interested in the rich history and aesthetic brilliance of decorative arts in Paris, France, it is a must-see location.

28. Place du Tertre

Place du Tertre in Paris, France, is a lively plaza that has long served as a significant center for artistic activity. This plaza, located in the storied Montmartre district, is renowned for its lovely cobblestone walkways, attractive cafes, and buzzing ambiance.

Numerous artists exhibit their work and create masterpieces there, earning the square its reputation as a hub of the arts. It has served as a meeting spot for tourists, art lovers, and artists who want to capture the essence of Montmartre in their works of art.

Place du Tertre is a must-visit location for anybody looking to experience the artistic and cultural diversity of Paris, France, due to its close proximity to Notre Dame Cathedral.

29. Boulevard Saint Germain

The Boulevard Saint-Germain is one of the city's oldest and ****most historic neighborhoods and it runs through the Latin Quarter.

It is a well-liked location for both locals and tourists because of its recognized classic cafes, stylish boutiques, and historical landmarks.

With its wide sidewalks dotted with cafes and stores, Boulevard Saint-Germain is renowned for its energetic and lively ambiance , making it ideal for leisurely strolling and people-watching.

The street is renowned for its historical significance as well, having long served as a center for thought and creativity.

Boulevard Saint-Germain is a must-see location for anybody discovering the beauty and history of Paris because of its rich legacy, lovely atmosphere, and cultural significance.

30. Palais du Luxembourg

In the city center of Paris, there lies a magnificent palace called the Palais du Luxembourg . The French Senate's current home was originally constructed in the 17th century for Marie de' Medici.

The majestic architecture of the Luxembourg Palace, which includes the famous French Renaissance style and lovely public gardens, is well-known.

The palace has been an important location in French history for many years, acting as a political, cultural, and social hub.

It continues to be a representation of elegance and grandeur today, drawing tourists in with its regal allure and historical significance.

For anybody interested in discovering more about Paris's rich history and cultural treasures, a trip to the Palais du Luxembourg is a must.

31. Le Marais

Le Marais , a lovely area in the city center, is well-known for its gorgeous streets, charming buildings, and extensive cultural history. A fusion of history, art, fashion, and gastronomic treats can be found in this hip neighborhood.

Le Marais offers a distinctive fusion of old-world beauty and modern flair with its winding cobblestone alleyways, surviving medieval structures, and opulent residences. It is a popular tourist attraction due to the abundance of art galleries, shops, museums, and cafes.

Le Marais is a must-visit location for anybody wishing to experience the vivacious atmosphere of Paris, from its hip stores and thriving nightlife to its cultural icons like the iconic Place des Vosges and the ancient Carnavalet Museum.

32. Moulin Rouge

The renowned Moulin Rouge cabaret is situated in the lively Pigalle district of Paris, France. It is a tourist attraction in the city and dates back to 1889.

It is noted for its spectacular shows , flashy costumes, and exciting can-can dance routines. The Moulin Rouge has a long history as a center of entertainment, drawing tourists from all over the world to its lavish performances and glitzy setting.

Its unique crimson façade and distinguishing windmill have come to represent Parisian cabaret culture and the city's nightlife.

The Moulin Rouge continues to enthrall spectators with its fusion of music, dancing, and theatrical spectacle, and it is still regarded as a beloved representation of the charm and mystique of Paris.

33. Venus de Milo

The Musée du Louvre in Paris, France, is home to the famous ancient Greek statue known as the Venus de Milo .

It is one of the most well-known and esteemed works of art in the entire globe and is thought to have been created by Alexandros of Antioch in the second century BC.

The Venus de Milo, a recognized example of ageless beauty and great craftsmanship, shows the Greek goddess of love and beauty in a graceful position with no arms.

It is regarded as a masterpiece of classical sculpture because of its tranquil and enigmatic expression, which has mesmerized art lovers for centuries.

The Venus de Milo, a famous representation of art and culture, draws tourists from all over the world to the Louvre to take in its magnificence and significance.

34. Marché des Enfants Rouges

In the hip Marais neighborhood of Paris, France, there is a bustling market called the Marché des Enfants Rouges .

It is a distinctive and thriving culinary destination and the city's oldest covered market, dating back to the 17th century.

The market is renowned for its large variety of food stalls that serve a variety of international cuisines, including French, Moroccan, Japanese, and more.

Everyone enjoys visiting the market to indulge in delectable cuisine , purchase fresh meats, cheeses, and other special things, and take in the vibrant environment.

This market is a great place for foodies in Paris to visit because of its fascinating history, multiculturalism, and culinary pleasures.

35. Sacré-Coeur Basilica (The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris)

The beautiful basilica known as Sacré-Coeur is perched atop Montmartre Hill in Paris and has come to represent the city.

With its characteristic Roman-Byzantine design and domed towers, this towering white church provides breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from its terrace.

A well-liked tourist attraction and a house of worship, Sacré-Coeur is renowned for its majesty, beauty, and spiritual significance.

Visitors can explore the basilica's interior, which is filled with beautiful stained glass windows and elaborate mosaics , or they can climb to the top for sweeping views of the city below.

The church is a must-see location for both tourists and locals because of its imposing presence atop Montmartre and its cultural and historical significance.

36. Palais Garnier

The Paris Opera House , commonly known as the Palais Garnier , is a well-known cultural icon that draws visitors from all over the world.

Owing to its lavish exterior, grand staircase, and beautiful interiors, this magnificent opera theater is a marvel of architectural architecture and is situated right in the middle of Paris.

Visitors can experience the Palais Garnier's opulent halls, huge auditorium, and stunning stage on guided tours.

The Palais Garnier is a must-see location for fans of opera and architecture equally due to its historical significance, outstanding craftsmanship, and rich creative tradition.

It is a popular tourist destination in Paris due to its iconic status as one of the most well-known opera houses in the world, as well as its luxurious beauty and cultural significance.

37. Place de L'Opéra

The Place de l'Opéra is a well-liked tourist destination in the city center of Paris recognized for its opulence and historical significance.

The Palais Garnier, the renowned Paris opera house, with its stunning façade and elaborate construction, dominates this famous area. The neighborhood is filled with high-end stores, cafes, and theaters , making it a hive of activity.

This opera house is a must-visit spot for tourists traveling through Paris due to its strategic location, stunning architecture, and cultural significance.

38. Musée de l'Orangerie

A highly recommended Paris attraction for art aficionados and admirers of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is ****the Musée de l'Orangerie .

The museum is situated in the Jardin des Tuileries and boasts a collection of pieces by well-known artists like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso.

The classic Water Lilies series by Monet is presented in the Musée de l'Orangerie's distinctive oval-shaped rooms, which are one of the museum's primary attractions.

Visitors may immerse themselves in the astounding beauty of these works of art thanks to the exhibition's immersive setting.

The Musée de l'Orangerie is a must-visit for anybody wanting to learn more about Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art because of its calm environment, small size, and great collection.

39. The Left Bank

The bohemian and creative neighborhood of Paris known as " Rive Gauche ," or the Left Bank , is renowned for its thriving cultural scene and intellectual past.

It is recognized for its historic sites, including the iconic Eiffel Tower , the Latin Quarter with its bustling streets and youthful vibe, and the famed Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, which is known for its literary cafes and art galleries.

For tourists looking for a real Parisian experience, the Left Bank is a must-visit location since it offers a distinctive combination of art, history, and a bohemian attitude.

40. Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel from the 13th century that is situated in the center of Paris, France. King Louis IX commissioned its construction to store his collection of sacred artifacts, which included the Crown of Thorns.

Over 6,000 square feet of breathtaking stained glass windows in the chapel portray biblical events. The Sainte-Chapelle's unique architectural elements and vibrant stained glass windows are visible to visitors.

It is regarded as one of the world's most exquisite examples of Gothic architecture and a must-see for anybody with an interest in history or the arts.

FAQ About Tourist Attractions in Paris, France

In this section, we’ll look at some frequently asked questions about tourist attractions in Paris.

What are the three tourist attractions in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral are three popular tourist attractions in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe are all within an hour's drive of one another, or you can brave the Paris metro system to visit all three famous sites.

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower is widely considered the number one tourist attraction in Paris. If you are looking for iconic images of Paris, the Eiffel Tower will come to mind first.

What should tourists see and do in Paris?

Tourists in Paris should visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame de Paris. They should also explore charming neighborhoods, such as the left bank of the Seine where Hemingway, Picasso, and Matisse all once lived.

What is very famous in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most famous attraction in Paris. Other very famous attractions in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame de Paris, the Mona Lisa painting, and the Moulin Rouge.

Summing Up: Top Tourist Attractions in Paris

Overall, visitors will be in awe of Paris' remarkable attractions. This city has it all , whether you're interested in medieval Paris, modern art and fashion, or you want to soak up the charm of Paris' magnificent gardens.

Paris is a dream destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. Whether you head to Notre Dame for some quiet contemplation or visit a museum to learn about the French Revolution, you will have a fulfilling vacation in France's capital.

Don't pass up the chance to experience these popular tourist attractions and make lifelong memories. Plan your amazing trip to Paris right away.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Versailles palace, sacré-coeur basilica, related articles, featured in.

What's On in Paris

Performances.

• Christmas in Paris
• The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

• The Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

• Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

• Bistros & Brasseries

Top-Rated Restaurants

• Visit the Champagne Region

Paris Attractions

You ask, we answer, visiting burgundy, paris miscellanea, top ten lists, unusual paris sights, paris gardens & parks, the paris explorer.

• What's On When You're Here

Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, visitors guide to our 8 top-rated paris tourist attractions, visitors guide to our top-rated paris attractions.

For us and for millions of travelers, Paris is the greatest place in the world to visit. There are so many iconic tourist attractions that planning and choosing can be daunting. In this guide to our top-rated attractions we explain what you need to know. Take a few minutes to plan an itinerary and you won't have to regret missing anything.

Our Top-Rated Paris Tourist Attractions

1. Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines… Less waiting, more fun!

2. Masterpieces of the Louvre… Go directly to the Mona Lisa.

3. Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Tour… Explore the historic island.

4. Musée d'Orsay Impressionism Tour… Monet, Renoir, van Gogh & friends.

1. Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines…

2. Masterpieces of the Louvre…

3. Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Tour…

4. Musée d'Orsay Impressionism Tour…

1. The Eiffel Tower – The Pointed Lady

Eiffel Tower – How to Get There

The best view of the Eiffel Tower is from across the river, from the plaza at Palais de Chaillot at Trocadero. So that's where to start out, at Metro Trocadero , where you take in the magnificent sight and then walk down the steps, through the gardens of Chaillot, and across Pont d'Iléna to the Tower itself.

Another nice way to arrive is from Metro Alma Marceau . Walking across the bridge (Pont d'Alma) gives you another lovely view of the tower, and the walk along the river from there is very nice. (You can't get lost, just head for the tall pointy thing!)

We don't like arriving via RER Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel or Metro Bir Hakeim — neither is pretty enough for us — but we do love riding Metro Line 6 to Trocadero (from direction Montparnasse) for the fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower as the train crosses the river. Have your camera ready.

• Metro Trocadero — Line 6 or 9
• Metro Alma Marceau — Line 9

Eiffel Tower – How to Get Up!

We know from experience that the absolute best way to get up the Eiffel Tower is on a skip-the-line tour . From the first time we booked a tour that bypassed the ticket lines and took us directly to the elevator, we were hooked. If you stand in the ticket line you can expect to wait for hours. Do you want to wait in line, or do you want to have fun? Insiders Tip — these tours sell out, so you must book early.

Eiffel Tower Resources

• Summer Hours – Daily, 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM
• Winter Hours – Daily, 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM
• Pre-book a slip-the-line tour …
• Interactive Metro Map …

Discover What's On When You're Here...

Discover what's on when you're here, 2. the louvre museum.

The Louvre – How to Get There

If you love art or if you love history or if you love stunning buildings, you're going to want to visit the Louvre. And so are another 9 million people every year. There are going to be lines, there are going to be crowds. You need a plan! First up — the transportation plan.

1. You can simply take Line 1 to Metro Palais-Royal-Musée-de-Louvre (that whole name is one Metro station), where you get direct underground access to the Carrousel de Louvre and the ticket booths.

2. Or, exit from the Metro to the surface, cross Rue de Rivoli and walk through the arched of Passage de Richelieu to arrive at the main courtyard of the Louvre. Enter the museum through the modernistic glass pyramid.

3. Another way to approach the Louvre is through the Jardin des Tuileries by taking Line 1 to Metro Tuileries . From there stroll through the gardens, visit the lovely Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and then enter the museum through the Insiders Secret stairs that go from the gardens into the "back door" of the Louvre. (See photo below.)

• Metro Tuileries – Line 1
• Metro Palais-Royal-Musée-de-Louvre – Line 1
• Guide to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel …

The Louvre – How to Get In

The Louvre is very popular, and the ticket lines can be massive. Once again, guided tours are your friend. We recommend a small-group, skip-the-line tour that gets you into the Louvre as quickly as possible and takes you to the most famous works of art. Afterwards, you're free to explore on your own as long you want. Trust us, it's the best way to do it.

The Louvre Museum Resources

• Read Our Guide to the Louvre …
• Guide to the Paris Museum Pass …
• Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, Friday – 9:00 AM to 9:45 PM

Top-Rated Paris Museum Tours

3. notre dame & île de la cité.

Notre Dame – After the Fire

Following the tragic and spectacular fire of April 2019 the cathedral is closed for repair until perhaps 2025. However, it's still an amazing sight and being able to watch the progress of the reconstruction work is fascinating.

Notre Dame – How to Get There

What's the most-visited attraction in Paris? According to some estimates it's Notre Dame, at least pre-fire! The cathedral is easy to find since its blocky twin towers stick up above the surrounding buildings. So, getting there is basically just getting to central Paris and heading for the bell towers.

Our recommended way of arriving from elsewhere in Paris is to take Metro Line 14 to Cité . This station is in the centre of Île de la Cité (one of the islands in the middle of Paris) and it's so deep beneath the Seine that you ride an elevator to get to the surface, where you arrive among the stalls of the flower and plant sellers. Follow the towers (or the crowds) to reach Notre Dame.

• Metro Cité – Line 14
• 10 Secrets of Île de la Cité …

Notre Dame & Île de la Cité Tour

While waiting for Notre Dame to re-open , take a guided tour of the area around the cathedral and of the historic island it sits on — Île de la Cité. Your guide leads you to the serene Place Dauphine , the flower markets, historic churches and buildings, and the oldest bridge in Paris. The island is lovely.

Notre Dame – How to Get In

Notre Dame is a church and, as such, is free and open to the public . There are often lineups, but they move along fairly quickly. You enter by one set of doors, on the right, and exit by another set.

As beautiful and striking as the cathedral is, you don't want to miss a chance to climb the bell towers. (Which are "striking" in their own way!) They provide one of the most evocative views of the center of Paris, and you truly get a sense of what the medieval city was like. The towers are accessed from the north side of the building; only a limited number of visitors are allowed in at any time. There's an entrance fee for the towers, but the Paris Insiders Pass gets you in free.

• RECOMMENDED – Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Notre Dame Cathedral Towers …
• Skip the Line Notre Dame Cathedral, Towers, and Île de la Cité Walking Tour …

Notre Dame Cathedral – More Information

• Our Guide to Notre Dame Paris …
• Opening Hours – Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:45 PM
• Service Times …
• Classical Music Concerts at Notre Dame Cathedral …

The Highest-Rated Paris Activities

4. arc de triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe – How to Get There

This triumphal arch was commissioned by Napoleon as an homage to the armies of France (and of himself, of course). It's located at the top of Champs Elysées in the center of the Place de l'Étoile — the world's first organized traffic circle. The fast way to get there from elsewhere in Paris is take the Metro to station Charles de Gaulle-Êtoile . Once there, choose one of the Champs Elysées exits and then take another stairway down to the underground passage that gets you safely to Place de l'Étoile . Don't try to cross the traffic circle!

Although we're not the biggest fans of Avenue des Champs Elysées , it is something you should experience once. So, an alternative way to reach the Arc de Triomphe is to get to Metro Franklin D. Roosevelt and walk up the avenue.

• Metro Charles de Gaulle-Êtoile – Line 1, 2 or 6
• Metro Franklin D. Roosevelt – Line 1 or 9

Arc de Triomphe – How to Get In

If you just want to get to the place and see the Arc from the outside, that's free, and it's certainly worthwhile. But it's much, much better to get inside so you can climb the stairs to the top. If you have a Paris Museum Pass you get in for free. But, you can also wait in line at the Arc and buy a ticket right on the spot. The view is another one of our favorites, with vistas across the roofs of Paris and straight sight lines to the Louvre in one direction and the Grande Arche in the other.

Arc de Triomphe Resources

We suggest you don't try to fit in more than two Paris tourist attractions in a day. You'll want to leave time to catch a leisurely lunch or relax in a park or explore a neighborhood or walk along the river. Also remember that you'll have to travel between points and you'll probably get distracted, lost, or hungry in between. Getting distracted is part of the fun of being in Paris, and getting hungry… well, there's just not a better place for that.

• Opening Hours – 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Closed – January 1, May 1, July 14, November 11, December 25

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

5. sacre coeur.

Sacre Coeur – How to Get There

Like the Eiffel Tower, the Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre is a Paris attraction that's easy to see from just about anywhere in the city. So, in a way, getting there is once again a matter of keeping it in sight and heading for it. Sacre Coeur is the big white church that dominates the skyline from its perch on top of the hill of Montmartre.

We recommend you go up to the church by one route and down by another. Take Metro Line 2 to Anvers station (on Boulevard de Rochechouart) and walk up Rue de Steinkerque to reach the funicular train that takes you up the hill. (Unfortunately, Steinkerque has become jammed with junky souvenir shops, but just keep your eyes focused on the church above you!) At the top, climb more steps to the basilica itself, but don't forget to linger for one of the most amazing panoramic views of Paris.

• Metro Anvers – Line 2
• Guide to the Paris Metro …

Sacre Coeur – How to Get In

Entrance to Sacre Coeur is free, but the highlight of the church is the view from the dome, and there is a small fee for that. For the most striking views visit and climb the dome at dusk or dawn. There are 300 steps to climb, so be prepared!

Plan to spend an hour at the basilica and then wander through Montmartre for a taste of village life. Head west from Sacre Coeur and you'll find Rue Lepic, which winds down the hill to turn into Rue des Abbesses. After passing shops, boulangeries, and restaurants you'll come to Place des Abbesses, where you'll find the Metro station the serves Montmartre.

• Metro Abbesses – Line 12

Sacre Coeur Resources

• Our Guide to Sacre Coeur …
• Opening Hours – Daily, 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Access to the Dome – Summer, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Winter 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Basilica Website …

6. Musée d'Orsay – The Impressionist Museum

Musée d'Orsay – How to Get There

We love the Impressionist painters, so it's no surprise that d'Orsay is our favorite major museum in Paris. The fact that it's housed in a stunning, Belle-Époque building (formerly a train station) only adds to its attraction.

Musée d'Orsay is on the Left Bank in the St Germain area, pretty much on the border between the 6th and 7th Arrondissements. You can get there on Metro Line 12, from either Solferino or Asssemblée Nationale . But a more scenic route is to take Line 1 to Metro Tuileries (we know, we know, that's on the Right Bank) and then walk across the Tuileries gardens towards the Seine to find Passarelle Solférino , the pedestrian bridge that takes you across the river to Musée d'Orsay. Pause on the bridge to admire the view of the two great museums — the Louvre on your left and d'Orsay on your right.

• Metro Solferino & Asssemblée Nationale – Line 12
• History of the Musée d'Orsay …

Musée d'Orsay – How to Get In

Musée d'Orsay is a good example of the use of the Paris Museum Pass. With it you bypass the left-hand entrance, Door A, and proceed to the right-hand Door C, on the right, where there is usually a shorter line, if any line at all.

As you know, our favorite way to visit a popular museum is on a guided tour, and there's a good 2.5-hour tour of d'Orsay that also gets you past the ticket lines.

Musée d'Orsay Resources

• Opening Hours – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursdays until 9:45 PM, closed Mondays.
• Museum Website …

Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

7. place de la concorde & jardin des tuileries.

Place de la Concorde – How to Get There

We're going to have you start at the grand Place de la Concorde and then walk through the lovely Jardin des Tuileries towards the Louvre at its eastern end. Metro Concorde is one of the transportation hubs of Paris and from there you can get… well, almost anywhere. Hop on Metro Line 1, 8, or 12 to get to Concorde. Above ground, you'll want to spend some time admiring the fountains and sculptures in the place , take in the view of the Eiffel Tower, maybe have a glass of champagne in the bar at the grand Hotel de Crillon , and consider whether or not you have the courage to ride the ferris wheel that's often set up at Concorde.

• Metro Concorde – Line 1, 8, or 12
• Our Guide to Place de la Concorde …

Jardin des Tuileries – How to Get In

Getting into the gardens is a matter of walking through the magnificent gates that face Place de la Concorde . There are other entrances, of course, but this is the most grand. You can just imagine Catherine de Medici passing through the gates in the mid-1500s, on her way to the Louvre palace.

• Summer Hours – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Spring & Fall Hours – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM;
• Winter Hours – 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Delectable Food Tours in Paris

8. jardin du luxembourg.

Jardin du Luxembourg – How to Get There

Another Medici built this park, located on the other side of Paris. Marie de' Medici had Jardin du Luxembourg and its palace built in the early 17th century. Today the park and the palace are owned by the French Senate, but the park is open to the public. On any sunny day you will find hundreds of Parisians spread out in the park, lounging on the metal chairs, taking in the sunshine.

Luxembourg is huge — 56 acres — are there are a number of ways to access the park. Luxembourg station on RER Line C gets you to the eastern gates of the park. From there you also have a nice view up the hill to the Pantheon.

But we prefer to take Line 4 or Line 10 to Metro Odeon (on Boulevard St Germain) and then stroll south on the little streets that take you around Place de l'Odeon to find the entrance gate next to the Senate building on Vaugirard. Opening hours vary, typically from 7:30 AM to sunset.

• Metro Odeon – Line 4 or 10
• RER Luxembourg – Line C
• For Opening Hours – Visit the Senat Website …

Jardin du Luxembourg – How to Get Out!

After we've enjoyed the sun, watched some chess games, visited the Orangerie, and had lunch at a cafe, we stumble out of the park (depending on how much wine was served at lunch) either by the east gate to walk up to the Pantheon , or (and this is our preference) leave by the west gate to walk along Rue de Fleurus , passing by Gertrude Stein's apartment on the left (there's a plaque), turning right on Raspail, to finally arrive at Metro Sevres-Babylone . Before we grab a Metro, we spend time browsing the Bon Marché department store and its amazing (amazing!) food store, La Grande Epicerie de Paris .

• Metro Sevres-Babylone – Line 10 or 12

Paris Planning Guides

Copyright © 2010-2023 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

• • April 2024 in Paris…
• • May 2024 in Paris…
• • June 2024 in Paris…
• • July 2024 in Paris…
• • August 2024 in Paris…
• • September 2024 in Paris…
• Paris Activities Month by Month
• Paris Olympics 2024
• Paris Events Calendar
• Museum Exhibitions Calendar
• Paris Ballet Calendar
• Paris Opera Calendar
• Christmas Day in Paris
• New Years Eve
• New Years Day in Paris
• Easter in Paris
• Valentines Day in Paris
• Bastille Day Celebrations
• Skip-the-Lines at the Eiffel Tower
• Visiting The Eiffel Tower
• Eiffel Tower Information
• See all…
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Panthéon
• The Bastille
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• La Sainte Chapelle
• Sacre-Coeur Paris
• Chateau de Versailles
• Palais Garnier Opera House
• Hotel de Ville – The City Hall
• Get the Most from Your Visit
• Masterpieces of the Louvre
• Paintings of the Louvre
• Top 10 Van Goghs at d'Orsay
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Centre Pompidou
• Musée Picasso
• Rodin Museum Paris
• Cluny Museum Paris
• Arts et Metiers
• Guimet Asian Arts Museum
• Galliera Fashion Museum
• Versailles the VIP Way
• Versailles History & Highlights
• D-Day Landing Beaches
• Monet's Gardens at Giverny
• Mont Saint-Michel
• Monet + Van Gogh
• VIP Private Day Trips
• 10 Ways to Skip the Lines
• 9 Most Romantic Things to Do
• 5 Top Activities In The Marais
• Lunch & Brunch Cruises
• Cruises with Extras!
• The 6 Best Evenings In Paris
• Moulin Rouge
• Paris at Night
• Hop-on, Open-Top Buses
• The 6 Best City Tours
• Private Tours of Paris
• Champagne & Shows
• Top 10 Walking Tours
• Mysterious Walking Tours
• Shangri-La Paris
• Hotel George V Paris
• The Royal Monceau
• Le Cinq Codet
• Peninsula Hotel Paris
• Hotel Le Burgundy
• See all …
• 10 Best 4-Star Hotels
• Top 3-Star Hotels
• Best Airport Hotels
• Latin Quarter Hotels
• Left Bank Hotels
• Romantic Paris Hotels
• Best 2-Star Hotels in Paris
• Ibis Hotels
• Les Hotels de Paris
• Best Western Hotels
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Top 10 Food Experiences
• Paris Wine Tastings
• Chocolate Tours
• 10 Best Cheese Shops
• The Best Baguette in Paris
• Food Markets of Paris
• Le Jules Verne
• Jacques Faussat
• Restaurant Le Gabriel
• How to Choose a Restaurant
• The Best Paris Bars
• In the Marais
• On the Left Bank
• Historic Brasseries of Paris
• Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
• 6 Michelin-Star Restaurants
• See All…
• Best Paris Terraces
• Seine Dinner Cruise
• The Top 8 Tourist Attractions
• 5 Paris Itineraries
• Gardens & Parks
• Paris Hotels for Christmas?
• Best Restaurants in the 8th?
• Best Way To Visit Versailles?
• VIP Burgundy Wine Tour
• Burgundy Accommodations
• Napoleon's Paris
• Hemingway's Paris
• Medieval Paris
• 10 Tips For Visiting Paris
• 7 Vestiges of Roman Paris
• 13 Hidden Places In Paris
• Hidden Landmarks
• The Catacombs
• Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Jardin des Plantes
• Palais Royal
• Rue des Barres in the Marais
• Waterfalls of Paris
• Arcades of Paris
• Airport Transfers
• Paris Airports
• Airport Taxis
• Train Travel From Paris
• Eurostar: London & Paris
• Paris Train Stations
• The Latin Quarter
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres
• Essential Facts for Visitors
• Taxes, Tipping & Etiquette
• What to Wear in Paris
• Maps of Paris
• The Paris Metro
• Paris Metro Tickets
• Paris Taxis
• Seine River Dinner Cruises
• Visiting Versailles
• Essential Day Trips

Public Transport

• Best City Pass
• Audio Guides
• Parisian Metro
• Train Stations
• Charles de Gaulle Airport

Taxis in Paris

• Attractions
• For Children
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Restaurants
• French Cuisine
• Seine Cruise
• Where to stay?
• Honeymoon Hotels
• Disneyland Hotels
• Affordable Hotels
• Hotels in Latin Quarter
• Hotels in Montmartre
• Hotels with Eiffel Tower View
• Group Travel
• City Card, Tickets & Tours

Paris Tourist Information

The Guide for Your Trip to Paris. Ask anything: 

Visit Iconic Landmarks of Paris

Sights, Attractions, and Museums

About Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: Fire, Tickets, History, Facts…

Seine river cruise in paris: booking & tips, guide to the louvre museum in paris: tips, history and tickets, best things to do on champs-élysées avenue in paris, visit the arc de triomphe in paris: tips & tickets, visit & booking of the pantheon in paris, prepare for your visit to the eiffel tower: tickets, tours and tips, guide to versailles palace in paris: tickets, history and tips, disneyland paris: tickets, rides, hotels and deals, what can i see in paris, paris tourist information: see, plan and experience.

August 18, 2023

7 Best Panoramic Viewpoints of the Paris Skyline

October 19, 2023

30 Best Museums to Visit in Paris: Tickets, Location & Tips

January 29, 2024

27 Things to Do with Kids in Paris in Paris

15 top-rated attractions in paris [with tickets], 10 best free things to do in paris, audio guides of paris.

Download YourMobileGuide App and listen to the latest guides of the best districts of Paris. Time to truly discover the heart of Paris!

How to plan a Trip to Paris

Plan your trip to paris.

June 1, 2023

Paris Airports Information: Transfer, Flight, Terminals

How to use the metro in paris: a complete guide, how to use public transport in paris: the complete guide, guide to grand train stations in paris.

January 11, 2024

Best French SIM Card For Tourists in 2024

September 28, 2023

Best City Pass for Paris | Compare Prices & Included Activities

Paris Welcome Card

The City Card by paristouristinformation.fr for hassle free Traveling in Paris. Get the card, discover Paris in the most easy and efficient way !

Where are the best places to sleep?

Recommended hotels in paris, the 25 most exclusive 5-star hotels in paris, the 25 best 4-star hotels in paris, best areas to stay in paris, 25 affordable 3-star hotels in paris.

April 28, 2024

15 Romantic Hotels for Honeymooners in Paris

July 13, 2023

15 Best Disneyland Hotels in Paris [with Map & FAQ]

Event planing.

Event Planing by ParisTourstInformation.fr: Customized Group Travel, Meetings, Incentives and Conventions with the M.I.C.E service

Food, Culture and Lifestyle

The complete guide to parisian lifestyle.

October 17, 2023

The Complete Paris Shopping Guide: Shops, Brands, Malls…

The complete guide to nightlife in paris: bars, clubs, shows….

May 24, 2023

Guide to French Culture: Tips on Art, Cuisine, Fashion

Complete guide to restaurants in paris: dishes, cafés, french food…, 8 french cuisine dishes to try in paris, tickets, tours & guides, tours & tickets.

Paris Welcome  Card

by ParisTouristInformation.fr

Be Flexible and Independent. Create Your Own Digital Pass

Email Us: [email protected]

Support Hotline

24/7 on 365 Days of the Year

Contact Form

Blog and Influencer

Press, TV and Media

School, Education, University

Tourism Agencies

M.I.C.E. (Group Travel)

Things To Do

Hotels in Paris

Paris Lifestyle

Airports in Paris

Airport Transfer

Shopping Tips

Staying Safe

© Copyright 2024 . All rights reserved.

10 Things to Do in Paris for First-Time Visitors

10 things to do in paris for first-time visitors.

T here are so many things to do in Paris that it seems impossible to plan an itinerary . Paris is the second most visited city in Europe, so there are tons of attractions to choose between, and it can be difficult to decide what is worth visiting and what isn’t.

This post covers the top ten things to do in Paris for first-time visitors. If you’ve never been to Paris before, you’ll want to visit these tourist attractions! They give you a taste of all the best of Paris. 

A taste of history, culture, and extravagance that you can explore even if you only have a few days in Paris. 

Tip: Paris is always busy and if you don’t buy skip the line tickets, you will wait in line for a long time. I recommend getting the Paris Pass which covers most of the top Paris attractions as well as public transport AND gives you skip the line benefits! Read the full review here>>

Also read our guide on where to stay in Paris , which includes description of the most popular arrondissements and the best hotels in each area (for every budget).

1. Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the most popular museum is Paris and holds some of the most famous pieces of art in the world. It is best known for being home to the Mona Lisa , but it has countless other pieces of art you can view. 

The museum holds every type of art you can imagine. It has artwork from the Renaissance era, Egypt, Africa, contemporary art, and anything else you can imagine!

It is one of the most popular things to do in Paris, and it is always busy and crowded. The best way to avoid the crowds is to purchase an advanced ticket online with an entrance time first thing in the morning. Booking a ticket for a weekday is better than getting a ticket for the weekend. It will still be busy, but it will be significantly less busy than at any other time of the day. 

Tickets are ~20$ if purchased online in advance and €15 if purchased at the museum the day of your visit.  Click here to buy skip the line Louvre tickets>>

Tip: It is slightly more expensive to purchase tickets online, but it is worthwhile as it saves you a lot of time on the day of your visit. Lines to purchase tickets can be upwards of 2 hours during peak season! 

The Louvre is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your entrance time to get through security and into the museum. 

There is free wifi at the Louvre , so you can waste time on your phone if you get through security quickly and have to wait a few minutes before you’re allowed to enter. 

2. Disneyland Paris 

No matter how old or young you are, visiting Disneyland Paris is one of the most fun and carefree things to do in Paris. 

It is the only Disney park in Europe, and there are French touches throughout the park.

Disneyland Paris is actually home to two separate parks. It has Disneyland Paris, which is the classic castle park, and Walt Disney Studios, which is home to the more thrilling and modern rides. 

Disneyland Paris is so much fun and a unique experience if you’ve visited other Disney parks around the world. It is home to a few unique (and amazing) rides you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

You get all the classic Disney nostalgia and a pop of new and exciting Disney innovation. Disneyland Paris is one of the most fun Disney parks in the world and a must visit for first-time visitors to Paris! 

Lines can get quite long during the summer and school holidays, so you want to have a FastPass strategy to make sure you get on all the rides without spending a lot of time waiting in line.

Buy Tickets here:

1 Day Disney Pass Multi-Day Disney Pass Disneyland Paris Express Tickets and Shuttle Transport

The food at Disneyland Paris isn’t great or up to Disney standard. There are only two or three table-service restaurants in each park, and the food is overpriced and not very good (sadly).

The best place to have a sit-down meal is in Disney Village. It is a shopping and dining area outside the two parks that has more choices and better food. So skip the in-park food and enjoy a more relaxed meal in Disney Village.

Outside of the lack-luster food, Disneyland Paris is magical and one of the best things to do in Paris for any Disney fan. 

Also read: 10 Disneyland Paris Tips and Tricks

A Complete Guide to Disneyland Paris Attractions

3. Champs-Elysées

The Champs-Elysées is probably the most famous street in Paris. It is the Rodeo Drive of Paris, and luxury shops line the streets. 

You can find all the famous designers and drop thousands of Euros in minutes, but it is still worth visiting the Champs-Elysées even if you don’t have a luxury budget. 

There are tons of cute cafés and restaurants along the street where you can sit outside and people. You can find expensive restaurants or affordable cafés, so there is something for every budget. 

The Champs-Elysées is one of the best places in Paris to people watch. You never know what you’ll see! From high-class women carrying high-end shopping bags to backpackers dragging through luggage through the crowds, there is always something to see at Champs-Elysées.

If you’re interested in live theatre and music, you’ll want to try to get tickets to a show at the Theatre Champs-Elysées. It is one of the most famous theatres in Paris and is known for its stunning Art Deco interior. It is the perfect way to spend an evening in Paris and experience a taste of local theatre and culture.

No matter what your interests are, there is something fun to experience at Champs-Elysées. From luxury shops to McDonald’s, this street has it all and is a fascinating intersection of every different lifestyle and budget. 

4. Notre Dame Cathedral 

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the icons of Paris, and no trip to Paris is complete without visiting it!

As you probably know, Notre Dame caught fire in April of 2019 and has been closed to the public since then for restoration and renovation. The French government anticipates construction will be complete by the 2024 Paris Olympics.

You can still visit Notre Dame while renovations are ongoing. You can take photos of the outside and privately pray in the square, but you are not able to enter Notre Dame at this time. 

The cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. It is best known for the two towers on the west side of the building and the enormously high ceilings, which are perfect for acoustics and church choirs. 

The windows are filled with intricate stained glass art, and you should take the time to stop and admire them. There are two windows know as the Rose Windows. One is on the western side of the cathedral and the other on the northern. 

The North Rose Window is one the largest stained glass windows in the world. It is 12.9 meters in diameter. If you include the accent stained glass around it, the entire window is 19 meters in diameter! 

The cathedral is open to the public every day, and it is completely free to visit. 

You may see a long line at the entrance of the cathedral. That is for people who need to check their bags. If you only have a small purse, you can skip the line and go straight in Notre Dame. If your bag is larger than a purse (e.g. a backpack), you need to wait in line and check your bag. 

5. Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is a nice compliment to the Louvre. It holds mainly French artwork created between 1848 and 1914. The museum is located in an old train station, and the building itself is a piece of art. 

Musée d’Orsay is home to the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. You can view art by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. 

The artwork by these famous artists is what makes the museum so popular. The rooms housing their paintings and sculptures are always packed, but it is worthwhile to explore the rest of the museum. 

There are hundreds of paintings on display, and they are all incredible even if they aren’t painted by a famous artist. 

Just like the Louvre, you can purchase your tickets online in advance, and that is the best way to avoid long lines. Tickets are €14 for adults.  You can buy a skip-the-line ticket here>>

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 6pm (open until 9:45pm on Thursdays) and is closed on Mondays. 

Musée d’Orsay is busiest on Tuesdays when the Louvre is closed, so you don’t want to visit then. Wednesday or Thursday are the quietest days. If it works with your schedule, try to visit the museum one of those days. 

6. Sacré-Coeur

Sacré-Coeur is one of those things to do in Paris that not enough people are talking about!

It is the heart of the Montmartre district and sits on a hill with an unbeatable view of Paris. You want to visit on a clear day, so you can enjoy the view and have a picnic on the lawn. 

Sacré-Coeur is the second most visited church in Paris behind Notre Dame. It is known for its three-domed roof and pipe organ. 

The organ was built insider the designer’s home and was transferred to Sacré-Coeur once construction was complete. It was the first organ to feature multiple divisions, and it allowed more than one musician to play it at a time.

The interior of Sacré-Coeur features a colorful mosaic of Jesus above the pipe organ. It is also home to the largest bell in France, which is more interesting than you imagine. 

Anyone can tour Sacré-Coeur, and admission is free. It has the same bag policy as Notre Dame, so try to only bring a small purse otherwise you have to wait in line to check your bag. You can also do a guided tour of Sacré-Coeur .

The Montmartre district around Sacré-Coeur is worth exploring after you tour the church. It has winding streets, art shops, boutique clothing stores, and tons of cafés. It is known as the Montmartre is known as the artist’s district of Paris , and it has a lot of personality that you don’t find anywhere else in Paris. 

7. Château du Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris. Nearly every first-time visitor makes the 45-minute train journey from Paris to Versailles to tour the former French palace. 

Versailles is most famous for being the home of King Louis XV and Marie Antoinette. The palace is an important part of French history and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

In addition to touring the main palace, you can also visit the gardens and Marie Antoinette’s private quarters outside the main palace. 

There are multiple ticket tiers you can get, but the best is the Palace Ticket . It is ~$24 and gives you access to access to everything at the Palace of Versailles. You are allowed entry to the main palace, Marie Antoinette’s quarters, the chapel, the musical fountain show, gardens, and the special exhibits. 

You purchase your ticket online in advance and are assigned an entrance time. Try to get as early an admission time as possible to help avoid the crowds.  Get your ticket here>>

The cheapest way to go to Versailles is on your own, but if you prefer an organized tour that includes transport from Paris (via bus or train) and a guide, take a look at these options here: Versailles Day Trips

Another tip to avoid the crowds is to visit the gardens before the Palace opens. The gardens open two hours before the palace, so you can have them basically to yourself if you get there early enough. It does require you to be up and on the train early, but it is worth the effort. The crowds can get overwhelming, so anything you can do to avoid them is worth it. 

8. Eiffel Tower

There is nothing more iconic in Paris than the Eiffel Tower . It is on nearly every souvenir and is at the top of every first-time visitor’s list of things to do in Paris.

Did you really go to Paris if you didn’t visit the Eiffel Tower?!

The tower was constructed as the entrance piece to the 1889 World’s Fair. Many Parisians were opposed to the Eiffel Tower because it was “ugly”, but it has since become one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a global icon. 

The Eiffel Tower has three levels to it. The first two floors are accessible by stairs or elevator, and the third floor is only accessible by elevator. 

From the top of the tower, you can see almost all of Paris and a number of other famous landmarks including Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. The third floor is 276 meters above the ground, and there is no higher viewpoint in Paris. 

Eiffel Tower Tickets

Like most of the other popular tourist attractions in Paris, it is advisable to purchase your ticket online in advance . Your ticket has an entrance time, and there is a separate line at the base of the Eiffel Tower who pre-purchased their ticket. 

Tickets range from €10.40 to €25.90 depending on what floor you want to visit and whether you want to take the elevator or stairs. The least expensive ticket is one that allows you to walk to the second floor, and the most expensive ticket is the one where you take the elevator all the way to the third floor without climbing any stairs.  Take a look at all Eiffel Tower ticket options here>>

You can climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in less than an hour, and a person in moderate health and fitness ability is able to take the stairs without issue. 

Another fun way to experience the iconic landmark is to stay at a hotel with a view of the Eiffel tower .

9. Panthéon

The Panthéon is one of the most underrated things to do in Paris. A lot of people don’t even know it exists, but it is one of the Paris tourist attractions in Paris!

The building was originally designed to be a palace, but by the time construction was finished, the French Revolution was in full force. 

The National Constituent Assembly voted to change the Panthéon into a mausoleum to hold the remains of important French nationals. The remains of 78 people are in the Panthéon crypt, so it is an exclusive club. There are 73 men and only 3 women in the crypt. 

It holds the remains of some of the most famous people in France’s history. You can visit the tomb on Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Marie Currie, and many, many more. There is more to see than just the crypt though. 

You can take a guided tour and explore the dome and roof of the Panthéon. The view of Paris from the top of the dome is outstanding and one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower you can find. There is an additional charge above and beyond the admission price to visit the dome, but it is well worth the extra money!

The final thing you have to do when visiting the Panthéon is to visit the Foucault pendulum. It is a 220-foot pendulum that hangs from the dome and represents the rotation of the Earth. 

You can’t help but marvel at the giant pendulum swinging back and forth. It is oddly relaxing and awe-inspiring at the same time.

The Panthéon is open every day from 10am to 6:30pm. Tours of the dome are at 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and 5:15pm.

Tickets cost €11.50, and a tour of the dome is an additional €2. 

10. Arc de Triomphe 

The last place every first-time visitor to Paris has to visit is the Arc de Triomphe. It is located on the west end on the Champs-Elysées and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. 

The Arc de Triomphe was built in was constructed to honour French soldiers who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of French generals who won battles are inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces of the Arc. 

After WWI, the tomb of the unknown soldier was placed below the Arc de Triomphe to honor fallen French soldiers who never made it home from the war. It is a very important military symbol even to this day. 

As a tourist, you can climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and get a view of the Champs-Elysées and Paris from above. There is no elevator, and you have to walk up about 300 stairs to reach the top. The stairway can be a bit tight, so you may want to skip this activity if you’re claustrophobic. But the view is absolutely stunning and worth the effort.

There are small small displays and informational panels as you make your way to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. They tell you a little bit about France’s military past, the Arc itself, and Napoleon’s reign over France. 

The Arc de Triomphe is open to visitors every day from 10am to 10pm or 11pm depending on the day. 

You can purchase your tickets online in advance , but it isn’t as important to do that as it is at other popular tourist attractions. The line to purchase tickets often isn’t longer than 5 minutes, so you can be flexible with your schedule and when you want to visit. 

Tickets cost €12 for adults. Children under 18 enter for free, and EU citizens under the age of 25 are allowed to enter for free as well. If you have the Paris Pass , your entry is included as well and you can skip the line. You need your EU passport or ID card in order to enter for free, so be sure you have that on you! 

As you can see, there are tons of different things to do in Paris, and there is something for everybody!

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or want to indulge in one too many croissants, you will find something to fall in love with on your first visit to Paris. 

More Tips For Your First Time in Paris

Paris is a very popular city, and it is overrun with tourists during peak season. The crowds can take a bit of the fun out of the city, but there are ways to avoid them. 

Come in the Off-Season

The best way to avoid the crowds is to visit at off-peak times. Avoid summer break and the holiday season. There is no quiet time in Paris, but if you can avoid the busiest times, the crowds will be much more manageable. 

Buy Skip The Line Tickets or the Paris Pass

The next best way to avoid the crowds is to purchase your entrance tickets to the popular tourist attractions online in advance. This saves you a lot of time standing in line waiting to purchase a ticket and allows you to see more of Paris in the same amount of time. To make it even simpler, get the Paris Pass (read our full review of the Paris Pass here)

The downside is that it requires you to plan your itinerary in advance, and you can’t be spontaneous. It is worth it though! 

Where to Stay in Paris First Time

For your first time in Paris, you should stay in a centrally located arrondissement. That way, you have more time to enjoy the city and spend less time on public transport. Here are the top 5 arrondissements to stay in for your fist time in Paris:

• First Arrondissement : You’ll find the Louvre and many other historic sites and buildings. It is the most central location in Paris and while expensive, a great choice for your first visit to Paris.
• Third Arrondissemen t: Also known as the Marais is a great choice if you are looking for the artsy-romantic vibe of Paris.
• Fourth Arrondissement : This is the medieval part of Paris and has lots of attractions within walking distance, including Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, and the National Museum of Art in the Pompidou Center.
• Fifth Arrondissement : This area is on the left bank of the Seine, opposite of the Fourth Arrondissement and known as the Latin Quarter. It is home to the Sorbonne University and offers a great vibe and affordable hotels.
• Seventh Arrondissement : Home to the Eiffel Tower and many hotels with spectacular views of the iconic landmark makes this a great choice to stay for your first visit to Paris.

Paris is a magical city, and no matter what you see and do in Paris, you’ll have an amazing time. The city has a charm and culture unlike any other. 

Erica Riley wrote 10 Things to Do in Paris for First-Time Visitors for EuropeUpClose . Erica is an avid solo traveler who has been to over 40 countries.  She loves spending long periods of time in each country to get a sense of the country and culture.  Erica’s favorite travel activities include attending local theatre and dance performances, wandering through museums, eating way too much food, and riding every rollercoaster she comes across.  Take a look at her website , Facebook , and Instagram .

10 Things to Do in Paris for First-Time Visitors – Pin for Later:

Erroneous information about New Brunswick included in tourism pitches to Europeans

Shuttered attractions, mixed-up cities appear in materials posted by companies hired by province.

Social Sharing

A number of European tour operators that government tourism officials met with in London and Paris last year to discuss promoting New Brunswick routinely mix up basic facts about the province in their ads and have been suggesting visits to defunct or shuttered attractions.

"Spend time in Saint John, the provincial capital," suggests one ad currently being run by British-based Prestige Holidays.

"Relax before your flight to Saint John, New Brunswick's largest city," proposes another advertisement from U.K tour operator Wexas.   

Saint John is neither New Brunswick's largest city, nor its capital. Those titles belong to Moncton and Fredericton, respectively.

Prestige and Wexas are two of the private tour operators New Brunswick Tourism Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace said she met and signed contracts with last September during a trip to London and Paris by her, her deputy minister Yennah Hurley and two other department officials.

During a legislative committee session last week, Scott-Wallace said her department works in close "partnership" with the companies and it was important to meet directly with them.

Some of the tour operators "had interests in the province they wanted to discuss" and all, she said, signed contracts of some kind with New Brunswick for the upcoming year.

"I sat at the table with tour operator companies," said the minister. 

"These were face-to-face meetings with these businesses — senior executives, owners of these companies."

Despite those direct meetings and contractual ties with the province several of the tour operators appear to be in the dark about basic New Brunswick facts, locations and attractions.

"New Brunswick's capital is steeped in history," Wexas writes in one blurb that then suggests visitors to the capital take in the historic Martello Tower and the New Brunswick Museum. Both sites are in Saint John, not Fredericton.

Little harm will follow, however, since neither Saint John attraction is open.

Martello Tower has been closed to the public for the last eight years and is currently shrouded in construction materials and scaffolding. The museum shut its doors in 2022 and its collections are currently in storage.  

A proposed new museum building will not be open until at least 2026.

Tour operator Canadian Sky also suggests a visit to the shuttered museum while in Saint John and for "families" adds the Cherry Brook Zoo as a preferred outing.

The zoo was closed permanently four years ago.

Moncton's status as a regional shopping centre, one of Canada's fastest growing metropolitan areas and New Brunswick's largest city, appears unknown to any of the tour operators. Instead, an aging 50-year-old arena in the city got top billing in one write-up

"Moncton is known for its Coliseum," claims Wexas.

Scott-Wallace told MLAs that selling New Brunswick as a tourist destination to Europeans is something the province is depending on the tour operators to execute.

"We have contracts signed with each and every person on this list," Scott-Wallace said about the companies she met personally with.

"These are signed contracts with every person on this list for '24-'25. That's a good seven days' work from me."

• Rise in international tourists cited by embattled N.B. minister was seen in all provinces
• Tourism minister faces more questions on deputy's spending

It is unclear if New Brunswick's Tourism department checks the accuracy of what those tour operator partners say about the province in ads or if the minister raised the issue during her face-to-face meetings with company officials.

However, on Friday a department spokesperson said in an emailed statement changes are now being requested.

"The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture has been in contact with the European tour operators to make updates to the information," said the email.

• N.B. tourism minister defends pricey trip to United Kingdom, France
• Tourism deputy rings up N.B. government's largest 2023 expense account

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

How we handle corrections

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

More than just a bowl of noodles, ramen in Japan is an experience and a tourist attraction

Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen may be everyone’s favorite Japanese food. In Tokyo, long lines circle around blocks, and waiting an hour for your favorite ramen is normal. What awaits might just be a dive, but a hot bowl of ramen rarely fails to hit the spot. (AP Video/Hiromi Tanoue and Ayaka McGill)

A staff member prepares small bowls of noodle for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

• Copy Link copied

Participants eat the noodle at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” during Tokyo Ramen Tours at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, standing at center, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains foreign participants of a ramen tasting tour at Nagi which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, center, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, leads several participants of a ramen tasting tour near Shibuya pedestrian crossing at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours enter Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Chefs prepare noodles for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” featuring curry-flavored ramen, at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, bottom right, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains participants of a ramen tasting tour at Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member prepares to serve noodles for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” featuring curry-flavored ramen, at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A chef cooks noodle for participants of Tokyo Ramen Tours at Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, walks inside Nagi, which offers “Fukuoka fusion,” type ramen at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Frank Striegl, right, a guide of Tokyo Ramen Tours, explains foreign participants of a ramen tasting tour at Shinbusakiya, a ramen shop which offers “Hokkaido classics,” at Shibuya district on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member cooks one of their ramen merchandise sold online at Gourmet Innovation, in Tokyo Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A staff member cooks one of their ramen merchandise sold online at Gourmet Innovation in Tokyo, on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi of Tokyo-based Gourmet Innovation, explains on the merchandise during an interview with The Associated Press, in Tokyo on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi of Gourmet Innovation, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Tokyo, on April 10, 2024. Gourmet Innovation has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kota Kobayashi prepares a bowl of noodle at his chain called “Ore No Ikiru Michi” in Tokyo on April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kota Kobayashi, owner of a chain ramen shop called “Ore No Ikiru Michi,” speaks during an interview with The Associated Press on April 17, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

TOKYO (AP) — Spicy, steaming, slurpy ramen might be everyone’s favorite Japanese food.

In Tokyo, long lines circle around blocks, and waiting an hour for your ramen is normal. What awaits might be just a dive, but a hot bowl of ramen rarely fails to hit the spot.

Often cooked right before your eyes behind dingy counters, the noodle dish starts here at around 1,000 yen ($6.50), and comes in various flavors and local versions. There’s salty, soy-based “shoyu” or “miso” paste. Perhaps it’s red-hot spicy with a dash of chili. Sometimes there’s no soup at all but a sauce to dip the noodles in.

The curly noodles are lighter than the darker buckwheat “soba,” or “udon,” which are also usually flatter or thicker.

GLOBAL SUCCESS

Ramen has also surged in popularity in the U.S. , South Korea and other countries. Retail sales in the United States have risen 72% since 2000, according to NielsenIQ, a sales tracker. In the 52 weeks ending April 13, Americans bought more than $1.6 billion worth of ramen.

In restaurants, versions beyond the traditional soup are appearing, said Technomic, a research and consulting company for the restaurant industry. Del Taco, a Mexican chain, recently introduced Shredded Beef Birria Ramen, for example.

Packaged ramen that’s easily cooked in hot water at home is called instant noodles; it’s precooked and then dried. The story of how Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen in a backyard shed in 1958, when food was still scarce, is the stuff of legend in Japan . He went on to found the food giant Nissin Foods.

Although convenient, instant noodles aren’t the same as the ramen served at restaurants.

THE EXPERIENCE

Some Japanese frequent ramen shops twice or three times a week. They emerge, dripping with sweat, smacking their lips.

“I’m probably a talking bowl of ramen,” says Frank Striegl as he leads a dozen American tourists through the back alleys of Tokyo’s funky Shibuya district on what he calls “the ultimate ramen experience.”

The crowd is led behind a shabby doorway, sometimes down narrow stairs, to a dim-lit table where ramen gets served in tiny bowls, practically the size of a latte cup, or about a quarter of a regular ramen bowl. That’s so guests have enough room in their tummies to try out six different kinds of ramen, two at each spot during the tour.

One restaurant, Shinbusakiya, offers “Hokkaido classics” from the northernmost main island, while another, Nagi, offers “Fukuoka fusion,” from the southern main island of Kyushu. It includes a green ramen, similar to pasta al pesto. Syuuichi, which means “once a week,” features curry-flavored ramen.

“It’s not just, of course, about eating delicious ramen, but also learning about it,” said Striegl, a Filipino American who grew up in Tokyo. He calls ramen “people’s food.”

“A lot of countries around the world have their version of ramen in a way,” he said. “So I think because of that, it’s a dish that’s easy to understand. It’s a dish that’s easy to get behind.”

While the tour participants were relishing their noodles, Striegl outlined a brief history of ramen: Its roots date back to the samurai era, when a shogun took a fancy to Chinese noodles, setting off the localizing journey for ramen that continues today.

Katie Sell, a graduate student on Striegl’s tour, called ramen “a kind of comfort food, especially in the winter. Get a group of friends, go have some ramen and just enjoy it.”

Kavi Patel, an engineer from New Jersey, said he was glad he included the humble ramen on his tour of Japan, along with more established attractions like the ancient capital of Kyoto and the deer park in Nara. “I’m having good fun,” he said.

ADJUSTING TO CHANGE

While ramen has never been more popular in Japan, ramen places have struggled because of the pandemic, the weakening Japanese yen, and the higher cost of wheat imports and energy, according to a study by Tokyo Shoko Research.

One beneficiary of the pandemic is a home delivery service for frozen, professionally cooked ramen. Called takumen.com, it boasts some 500,000 subscribers in Japan.

Another Tokyo operation, Gourmet Innovation, has signed on 250 of the country’s top ramen joints to sell packaged versions of their soup, noodles and toppings, to be heated up in boiling water and served at home.

Co-founder and executive Kenichi Nomaguchi, who hopes to expand his business overseas, says ramen and animation are Japan’s most successful exports.

Why ramen? Unlike pasta or curry, ramen is difficult to replicate at home, he said, Making it from scratch involves hours of cooking stock, with pork, beef or chicken, various fish or bonito flakes, and “kombu” kelp. Some stock uses oysters.

LOTS OF VARIETY

Besides the different soup stocks and flavors, onions, grated garlic, ginger or sesame oil can be added for extra punch. Toppings can include bean sprouts, barbecued pork, boiled or raw eggs, seaweed, fermented bamboo shoots called “menma,” chopped green onions, cooked cabbage, snow peas or corn.

Some insist a bowl of ramen is not complete without a slice of narutomaki, a whitefish cake with a pink spiral pattern.

Unusual varieties include coffee ramen and ramen topped with ice cream or pineapple.

Jiro-style ramen, named for a legendary restaurant in Tokyo, features mounds of vegetable toppings, huge steak-like barbecued pork and pungent, grated garlic seeped in a fatty pork-based stock.

“Impact is important. So the pork has to be big so it’s truly memorable,” said Kota Kobayashi, who serves Jiro-style ramen at his chain, “Ore No Ikiru Michi,” which translates to, “The way I live my life.”

Kobayashi is a former professional baseball player at the Yokohama Bay Stars, and played with the minor league Cleveland Guardians before switching to his ramen business.

“When I quit baseball, I chose ramen as my way of life,” he said with a smile.

He can wax philosophical about ramen. One cultural difference he has observed is that Americans tend to leave the noodles and drink all the soup, while the Japanese mostly do the opposite.

And taste is only part of what makes good ramen. One must also offer entertainment, Kobayashi said.

At his restaurants, the chopsticks are tucked in a box on a shelf, so first-time visitors ask where they are. Repeat customers go straight to that box. Kobayashi calls out, “Welcome back,” making the customers feel a connection, even if he doesn’t remember a thing about them.

Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this story from Detroit.

Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://twitter.com/yurikageyama