11 "Top Attractions" in Paris: Must-See Sights and Landmarks
Headed to Paris and not sure what to do? Here are 10 must-do activities to help you experience the very best that Paris has to offer, from world-famous and iconic landmarks to immersive local experiences.
When visiting, you’ll find no shortage of top attractions to explore. Whether you're interested in art, history, shopping, or simply wandering the streets, Paris has plenty to keep you busy. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most popular and best things to do while visiting Paris, so you can make the most of your Parisian vacation.
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the ultimate symbol of Paris. Standing at over 1,000 feet, this iron marvel offers breathtaking views of the city. Whether you're taking the elevator up to one of its observation decks or enjoying the ambiance from the Champs de Mars below, it’s a landmark you can’t miss. Many visitors like to book a time to visit at night when the tower sparkles with lights every hour, on the hour.
- Open year-round
- Accessible by elevator or stairs (to the second level)
- Evening light shows every hour after sunset
2. Explore the Louvre Museum
As the largest art museum in the world, the Louvre houses over 38,000 works of art, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. You could spend hours—or even days—roaming its vast galleries. Even the building itself, a former royal palace, is a sight to behold. The iconic glass pyramid at the entrance contrasts the historic architecture, blending old and new.
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Entry via the glass pyramid or the underground entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre
- Free admission on the first Sunday of every month (October to March)
3. Walk Champs-Élysées and Visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées is Paris’s most famous avenue, lined with luxury shops, theaters, and cafés. A leisurely walk here is a great way to soak up the energy of the city. At the western end of the avenue stands the Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France. You can climb to the top of the Arc for a sweeping view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the sprawling Champs-Élysées below.
- Shops open daily (some closed on Sundays)
- Best view of the avenue from the top of the Arc de Triomphe
- National ceremonies often take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc
4. Wander Montmartre and Visit the Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art-filled squares, and plenty of history. Known as a gathering place for artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, the area still hums with creative energy. At the top of the hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers some of the best panoramic views of Paris. The basilica’s stunning interior is also worth a visit, especially the large mosaic depicting Christ.
- Basilica open daily and free to enter
- Climb the dome for even higher views
- Watch for artists sketching in Place du Tertre
5. Cruise the Seine River
One of the most relaxing ways to take in Paris is from the water. A Seine River cruise gives you a different perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Musée d'Orsay. Cruises are available day and night, with many offering dinner options for a romantic evening.
- Cruises last about 1-2 hours
- Popular departure points include near the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame
- Evening cruises feature illuminated views of the city
6. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
Despite the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame remains one of Paris's most beloved landmarks. While you can no longer enter the cathedral, you can still admire its magnificent Gothic architecture from the outside. Restoration work is ongoing, and the surrounding area is worth exploring, with beautiful views of the Seine and nearby Île Saint-Louis.
- Notre-Dame is scheduled to reopen by 2024
- Enjoy nearby parks like Square Jean XXIII for views of the cathedral
- Look for the Point Zero marker just outside the cathedral, the official center of Paris
7. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. Spread over 60 acres, these gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing by the fountains. The centerpiece is the Luxembourg Palace, now home to the French Senate, and there are beautiful flower beds, statues, and walking paths throughout the grounds.
- Free entry, open daily
- Famous Medici Fountain is a popular spot for photos
- Pony rides and puppet shows available for children
8. Explore the Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is a masterpiece in itself. This museum focuses on 19th- and early 20th-century art, with an incredible collection of Impressionist works by artists like Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh. The architecture of the museum, with its grand clock and high ceilings, adds to the experience.
- Closed on Mondays
- Features a rooftop café with great views of the Seine
- Less crowded than the Louvre, but still filled with iconic works
9. Discover the Palace of Versailles
Located just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is an opulent display of royal life in France. Once the residence of Louis XIV, it features extravagant rooms like the Hall of Mirrors, and sprawling gardens that seem to go on forever. Take time to explore the gardens and fountains, or rent a bike to ride around the Grand Canal.
- Located about 30 minutes by train from Paris
- Best visited early to avoid crowds
- The gardens are free to explore, but palace admission is required for the main building
10. Visit Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is often overshadowed by Notre-Dame, but it’s one of the most stunning churches in Paris. This Gothic chapel is famous for its 15 enormous stained-glass windows, which depict over 1,000 scenes from the Bible. The colors and detail are truly awe-inspiring, especially when the sunlight filters through.
- Located near Notre-Dame on Île de la Cité
- Best visited in the morning when the light hits the windows
- Tickets often sell out, so book in advance
11. Explore the Paris Catacombs
The Best For Last (My Opinion)
The Paris Catacombs offer a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the city's history. Beneath the bustling streets lies a labyrinth of tunnels lined with the bones of over six million people, moved here during the late 18th century due to overcrowded cemeteries. Walking through the dimly lit corridors is an eerie experience but one that reveals a unique and lesser-known side of Paris. It's a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the city's past.
- Tickets are required and should be booked in advance
- The tour covers about 1.5 km underground
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the floors can be uneven
This concludes our recommended collection of the best things to do while visiting Paris - Plan ahead to make the most of your time, and be sure to enjoy both the famous landmarks and the quieter, less touristy corners of the city.
If you're looking to do more, you can take day-trips from Paris to some of France's most popular destinations to really open up your options and take in the best the country has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
What are the hours of operation for the Louvre Museum?
How much does it cost to visit the Arc de Triomphe?
When is the best time to visit Versailles?
What is the entrance fee for the Paris Catacombs?
What is the best time to visit Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica?
How much time should I plan for a visit to the Louvre?
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Sara Miller
Team
Sara Miller
Team