Paris Top 10 Places To Visit

The City of Light, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Paris is a city steeped in history, culture and romance. With its iconic landmarks and classic architecture, it’s no wonder that so many people make it a destination. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or you’ve been there many times before, there are plenty of sights to explore. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to quaint cobblestone streets, Paris has something for everyone.

Paris is the capital of France and its largest city. It has been a cultural, political and economic center of Europe since the Middle Ages. It is renowned for its museums, monuments, and architecture. The Seine River divides Paris into two sections: the Right Bank and the Left Bank. Paris is also home to many famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, Louvre Museum and the Centre Pompidou. The city is also known for its fashion, art galleries, and gourmet cuisine.

Although Paris is known for its historical monuments and museums, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. The city is filled with parks, gardens, markets and cafes, where you can relax and people watch. The best way to explore the city is to walk around and explore Paris on your own. With its winding cobblestone streets and small alleyways, you’ll never know what you’ll find as you explore.

History of Paris

The history of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was founded by a Celtic tribe called the Parisii. The city was then occupied by the Romans in 52 BC and was renamed Lutetia. In the Middle Ages, Paris was an important center of culture and learning, with universities, libraries and churches established in the city. In the late 18th century, Paris was the center of the French Revolution and was declared capital of France in 1789. Throughout its history, Paris has been a major center of art, culture, architecture and fashion.

Today, Paris has a population of over 2 million people and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. With its rich history and culture, it is no wonder that so many people flock to Paris year after year.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Paris

If you’re planning a trip to Paris for the first time and looking for the best places to visit during your stay, here are our top 10 places to visit in Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris and perhaps the most iconic symbol of France itself. The tallest structure in Paris, it stands at 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world with over 7 million visitors annually. Built in 1889 as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair, it has become a permanent fixture in Paris and a symbol of the city. The Eiffel Tower offers spectacular views of Paris from its observation decks or you can take the elevator up to the summit of the tower.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Paris and a symbol of French Gothic architecture. Built between 1163 and 1345 on an island in the middle of the Seine River, it is one of the largest churches in France. Inside is a stunning interior with gorgeous stained glass windows and impressive religious statues. The cathedral also houses some of the most important relics in Christianity including pieces of the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.

3. Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in Paris, stretching from Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l’Étoile) to Place de la Concorde in central Paris. It is lined with luxury boutiques, restaurants, cafes, theaters and cinemas. At night, it comes alive with lights from billboards, making it one of the most romantic places in Paris.

4. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a magnificent triumphal arch located at Place Charles de Gaulle at the end of Champs-Élysées. It was built between 1806 and 1836 to commemorate Napoleon’s victories in wars. The arch stands 50 meters (164 ft) tall and is adorned with sculptures of battles from Napoleon’s victories. It also houses the Tomb of Unknown Soldier from WWI, which is a popular attraction for visitors.

5. Sacré-Cœur

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica located at the top of Montmartre hill overlooking Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914 in Roman-Byzantine style, it is one of the most visited places in Paris with over 11 million visitors annually. Inside are beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from Jesus’ life as well as several other religious figures and artwork throughout the church.

6. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in France and perhaps even the world. Located in central Paris near the Seine River, it houses some of the world’s most famous artworks such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave among many others. With over 35,000 pieces on display from all over the world, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in France with over 8 million visitors annually.

7. Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is an art gallery located in central Paris near Place Georges Pompidou with over 60,000 pieces on display from both classical and contemporary artworks from all over the world. Its modern design stands out among other buildings in Paris with its colorful exterior walls and large glass windows encasing colorful works of art inside.

8. Montmartre

Montmartre is a hill located on the northern side of central Paris with many charming cobblestone streets that are perfect for exploring on foot. It is one of the most picturesque areas in Paris with quaint cafes and small independent shops selling handmade artworks or souvenirs from local artists. At night it comes alive with street performers entertaining visitors with music or acrobatics as they stroll through its winding streets.

9. Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries located beneath Paris with over 6 million bodies buried here since 1786 when it was opened as an alternative burial site due to overcrowding in cemeteries around Paris. It covers nearly 39 miles (62 km) beneath Paris making it one of the longest underground burial sites in the world that can be visited by tourists today.

10. Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries is a garden located between Place de la Concorde and Louvre Museum that was designed by Andre Le Notre in 1664 as part of Louis XIV’s royal gardens at Tuileries Palace which has since been destroyed but its gardens remain intact today as one of Paris’s popular parks where locals come to relax or take part in activities such as paddle boating on its lake or sunbathing on its terraces during summertime.

Popular Tours In Paris

1. Seine River Cruise & Illuminated Evening Tour

Experience one of Paris’s most popular attractions—a Seine River cruise—from a unique perspective with this illuminated evening tour aboard a glass-enclosed boat that allows you to see all of Paris’s iconic sights while they are lit up at night! As you cruise along the river, your guide will provide interesting commentary about each point of interest while you take in views such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Élysées Avenue and more! After your cruise downriver you’ll disembark at Trocadéro for a briefstop at Pont des Arts Bridge where you will have time to take photos before returning to your original departure point.Take this Seine River Cruise & Illuminated Evening Tour here.

2. Versailles Palace Guided Tour & Gardens

Explore one of Europe’s most famous palaces—the Palace of Versailles—during this one-day tour from central Paris! You’ll be taken by air-conditioned coach to Versailles where you will visit both inside and outside areas including Grand Trianon Palace, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, Hall of Mirrors and King Louis XIV’s Apartments before walking through Versailles’ beautiful gardens! Your guide will provide interesting commentary about each area while you take in views such as Grand Canal lake, Neptune Fountain or Grand Trianon Palace before returning to central Paris.Take this Versailles Palace Guided Tour & Gardens here.

3. Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Tour & Mona Lisa Painting

Discover some of France’s greatest artworks during this skip-the-line tour at Louvre Museum! You’ll be taken by air-conditioned coach from central Paris to Louvre Museum where your guide will take you through its galleries housing masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting! You’ll also see other famous works such as Venus de Milo sculpture or Liberty Leading People painting before returning to central Paris.Take this Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Tour & Mona Lisa Painting here.

Paris is an incredible city full of history and culture that will leave you wanting more after every visit! Whether you’re looking for iconic landmarks like Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral or taking part in activities such as Seine River cruise or exploring Versailles Palace gardens, there are plenty of attractions to explore during your time in this beautiful city!