Paris Places To Go: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for The First Time

Paris is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its romance and grandeur, and the perfect destination for the first-time visitor. With a population of over 2.2 million people and a land area encompassing 105 square miles, Paris is the capital of France and one of the most visited cities in the world.

The city has a rich history, having been founded as a Roman settlement in the 3rd century BC. With its strategic location along the Seine River, Paris quickly grew into a major port and trading city, with commercial and cultural links to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. By the 12th century Paris had become an important center of learning, art, and science, becoming the royal seat of power in the 14th century.

The city is best known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. These monuments attract millions of visitors each year and have come to represent Paris in the minds of people around the world. In addition to its monuments, Paris is renowned for its cuisine, famous fashion houses, and vibrant nightlife.

Paris has something to offer everyone, from romantic strolls along the banks of the Seine to shopping on the Champs-Élysées, from exploring ancient churches and museums to taking in a performance at one of the city’s renowned cabaret shows. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a week, here are just a few of the best places to visit in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

One of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower stands at an impressive 1,063 feet tall and is visited by millions of tourists each year. Built between 1887 and 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure but has since become an indelible symbol of Paris.

Visitors can hike up the 1665 steps to the summit of the tower, or take one of two elevators to the top. At its highest point, visitors can take in stunning views of Paris and on a clear day can see up to 40 kilometers away. The summit also offers an interactive museum where visitors can learn about the history of the tower and its construction.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of Paris, with its Gothic façade rising impressively over the Seine River. Construction began on the church in 1160 and was completed over two centuries later in 1345. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and soaring spire.

Today, Notre Dame is open to the public and visitors can take tours to learn more about its history and admire its magnificent architecture. The cathedral also hosts regular services which welcome visitors from around the world to experience its spiritual atmosphere.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest art museums, home to an impressive collection of over 35,000 works of art from ancient cultures around the globe. The museum is located in an impressive palace that was constructed in 1190 and was originally used as a fortress by King Charles V before being converted into a public museum in 1793.

The Louvre’s collection includes some of the world’s most famous pieces of art such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts regular special exhibitions that highlight specific works or genres of art from around the world.

The Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’ most famous boulevards, running from Place de la Concorde in the east to Place Charles de Gaulle in the west. Stretching for over a mile long and flanked by iconic monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, this vibrant boulevard is known for its luxury boutiques, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and concert halls.

The Champs-Élysées is also home to some of Paris’ most iconic shops such as Ladurée and Louis Vuitton, as well as some of its most popular cafes such as Café de la Paix and Café de Flore. The boulevard is also known for attracting some of Paris’ most beautiful people who come here to shop and show off their latest fashion trends.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a charming hilltop neighborhood in northern Paris that has become synonymous with art and bohemian culture. The neighborhood has been home to some of Paris’ most famous artists over the years such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, who were drawn by Montmartre’s creative atmosphere and inspiring views over the city.

Today Montmartre is home to a number of galleries, cafes, and bars that draw visitors from all over Paris. The neighborhood is also home to some of Paris’ most iconic attractions such as Sacré-Coeur Basilica and Place du Tertre square where artists congregate to display their work.

Seine River Cruise

For a unique experience in Paris, embark on a Seine River cruise that takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks as well as lesser-known gems located along its banks. These cruises are available year-round and last anywhere between an hour and two hours depending on which tour you choose.

During these cruises you’ll get to admire views of Notre Dame Cathedral, Ile de la Cité island, Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Louvre, and Ile Saint-Louis island as well as some of Paris’ most famous bridges such as Pont Neuf bridge and Pont Alexandre III bridge. Along with stunning views you’ll also learn interesting facts about Paris’ history from your knowledgeable tour guide.

Disneyland Paris

Though not technically in Paris itself (it’s located just outside in Marne-la-Vallée), Disneyland Paris is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions and just a short train ride away from central Paris.

Visitors to Disneyland can experience all the fun and excitement of classic Disney attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Space Mountain roller coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster, It’s A Small World ride, Indiana Jones rollicking ride through Egypt, Peter Pan’s Flight ride, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast ride, Ratatouille ride through Gusteau’s restaurant kitchen, Autopia race car track , Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride , Teacups ride , Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain roller coaster , Star Tours motion simulator ride , Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast ride , Ratatouille ride through Gusteau’s restaurant kitchen , Autopia race car track , Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride , Teacups ride , Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain roller coaster , Star Tours motion simulator ride , Frozen Sing Along show , Mickey et le Magicien show , Walt Disney Studios Park Park , as well as live entertainment such as parades and shows featuring beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse , Minnie Mouse , Goofy , Donald Duck , Pluto , Daisy Duck , Chip & Dale .

Disneyland Paris also includes a number of themed restaurants with delicious cuisine from around the world including Italian , Mexican , French , American , Asian , African , British , Spanish , Chinese , Irish , Caribbean , Indian , Germanic and more that are sure to tantalize your taste buds .

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

For some of the best views over Paris head up to Montparnasse Tower observation deck which stands at 668 feet tall making it one of Europe’s tallest buildings . Here you’ll be able to admire panoramic 360-degree views over Paris’ most famous landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral , Sacré Coeur Basilica , Eiffel Tower , Arc de Triomphe , Ile de la Cité island , Musée du Louvre museum , Montmartre hilltop neighborhood , Seine River , Ile Saint-Louis island , Jardin des Tuileries gardens , Place de la Concorde square , Marais neighborhood , Les Invalides complex , Place des Vosges square .

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Located on a hillside overlooking Paris’ 19th Arrondissement neighborhood Parc des Buttes Chaumont is one of Paris’ largest public parks . The park features lush green lawns , tree-lined paths , lakeside pathways , an impressive waterfall cascading down into an artificial lake surrounded by cliffs topped with bridges . There’s also a 19th century temple perched atop a rocky cliff overlooking an artificial grotto filled with waterfalls . Other features include an open-air theater located beneath a cliff overlooking an artificial grotto filled with waterfalls .

Popular Tours

While visiting Paris there are plenty of tours available to help you make the most out of your trip . Here are two popular tours that are sure to make your time in Paris unforgettable .

Paris by Night Tour

Embark on an evening exploration of Paris’ most iconic sights aboard a comfortable double-decker bus . This tour will take you past some of Paris’ most famous attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral , Ile de la Cité island , Ile Saint-Louis island , Louvre Museum , Champs Élysées boulevard , Arc de Triomphe monument , Eiffel Tower , Trocadero Plaza . The tour also includes stops at each location where you can explore on your own or join a guided tour (additional cost) . And don’t forget your camera – you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Paris at night with all its monuments illuminated . Book a Paris by Night Tour here.

Versailles Palace Tour

Take a guided tour of one of France’s most beautiful royal residences – Versailles Palace . Located just outside of Paris this regal palace was once home to Louis XIV – otherwise known as The Sun King – who ruled France from 1643 until his death in 1715 . This tour will take you past some of Versailles’ most impressive features such as the Hall of Mirrors – where kings once gathered with their court – The Royal Chapel , The King’s State Apartments filled with 17th century furniture and artwork , The Grand Trianon palace built for Louis XIV’s private retreats away from court life . You’ll also explore the sprawling gardens designed by André Le Nôtre – one of France’s greatest landscape architects – that once hosted extravagant parties for hundreds of guests . Book a Versailles Palace Tour here.

Whether you’re visiting Paris for just a weekend or staying for longer there are plenty of places to explore . From iconic monuments such as Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral to lively neighborhoods such as Montmartre and Champs-Élysées there’s something for everyone in this city steeped in history culture romance and grandeur . Don’t forget to take advantage of some fun tours available such as a Seine River Cruise or a night tour which will give you unique perspectives over this beautiful city .