Paris is the iconic capital of France and a city that has become synonymous with beauty, culture, and love. Located on the banks of the Seine river, Paris is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. It is a city that has long been associated with art, fashion, and food, and it is no wonder why it is one of the most visited cities in the world.

For first-time visitors to Paris, there are a wide range of activities and sights to discover. From charming neighborhoods to world-class museums, Paris has something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top spots to visit in Paris and provide helpful information so that you can make the most of your trip.

History of Paris

The history of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was founded by a Celtic tribe known as the Parisii. In 52 BC when Julius Caesar conquered the region, the city’s name was changed to Lutetia. Over time, the city grew and flourished and eventually became the seat of power for the Frankish kings who ruled from Paris in the 9th century. By the 14th century, Paris had become an important center of culture and art. During the French Revolution in 1789, it was a major political and historical center. Today, Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is known for its culture, art, fashion, and food.

Facts about Paris

Paris has a population of over 2.2 million people and is the largest city in France. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world with over 30 million tourists visiting each year. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe. The city is known for its fashion, art, food, and culture. It is also home to some of the world’s best museums such as the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and Musée Rodin.

Popular Sights in Paris

When it comes to popular sights in Paris, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top spots for first-time visitors:

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Located on the banks of the Seine River, this 324-meter tall wrought iron lattice tower was built in 1889 as part of a World’s Fair exhibition. Today, it is one of Paris’s top attractions with over 7 million visitors every year. Those brave enough can take a lift to the top or take a leisurely stroll up its 1,665 steps.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Built in 1163, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Located on Île de la Cité in central Paris, this stunning cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in France with over 13 million visitors every year. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture or take a tour to learn more about its history and relics.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is another iconic landmark in Paris. Built as a tribute to Napoleon’s victories, this impressive monument stands at 50 meters tall in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. Visitors can climb to its top for stunning views of Paris or explore its galleries below to learn more about its history and construction.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s oldest and largest art museums. It houses some of the world’s most famous artworks including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Visitors can explore its 35,000 artworks spread out over 60,600 square meters or take a guided tour to learn more about art history and its famous works.

Popular Activities in Paris

In addition to its iconic landmarks and rich history, there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy on their trip to Paris. Here are some of the top activities for first-time visitors:

Enjoy a Cruise along the Seine

One of the best ways to explore Paris is by taking a cruise along the Seine River. From boats that offer dinner cruises to hop-on hop-off tours, there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from. Cruising along the river provides breathtaking views of some of Paris’s top sights such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower as well as stunning views of other monuments along the banks of the river.

Explore Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’s most famous streets and is home to some of the city’s best shops and cafes. From luxury boutiques to quaint cafes, this lively street has something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down this iconic avenue or hop on a sightseeing bus tour to get an overview of all that it has to offer.

Visit a Museum

Paris is home to some of Europe’s best museums including The Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and Musée Rodin. These museums are packed with world-class artwork ranging from classic masterpieces to modern installations. Visitors can explore these museums on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about their collections and historical artifacts.

Explore Montmartre

Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods which has been home to many great artists throughout history including Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Today it remains one of the city’s best neighborhoods with its winding cobblestone streets lined with cafes and galleries. Visitors can explore its charming streets or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and famous residents.

Popular Tours in Paris

Paris offers a wide range of tours for visitors to enjoy on their trip to this stunning city. Here are two popular tours that first-time visitors may want to consider:

Seine River Dinner Cruise

An evening cruise along the Seine river provides an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors to Paris. This three-hour cruise offers stunning views of some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and The Eiffel Tower as you sail along its banks while enjoying a delicious three-course meal prepared by an onboard chef. You’ll also get a chance to learn more about Paris’s history from your knowledgeable tour guide while taking in all that this beautiful city has to offer from a whole new perspective. Book a Seine River Cruise here.

Montmartre Guided Walking Tour

Explore one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods on this two-hour guided walking tour through Montmartre. Learn about its history from your knowledgeable guide while admiring its winding cobblestone streets lined with cafes and galleries. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views over Paris or explore Place du Tertre’s bustling square filled with artists and musicians before ending your tour with a glass of champagne at a typical local bistro. Book a Montmartre Guided Walking Tour here.

Paris is one of Europe’s most iconic cities with plenty for first-time visitors to explore. From iconic landmarks to charming neighborhoods, there are plenty of activities and sights for visitors to enjoy on their trip to this stunning city. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening cruise down the Seine or an exploration through Montmartre’s winding cobblestone streets, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. So make sure you book one of these popular tours when you visit Paris so that you can make sure you get the most out of your trip!