Top 10 Things to See in Paris

Paris is a city full of iconic landmarks, world-famous attractions, and a rich history that dates back centuries. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring the many museums, taking a stroll along the banks of the Seine, or sampling the local cuisine, Paris is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Known as “The City of Lights”, Paris is France’s capital and its most populous city, with an estimated population of 2.1 million people. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned cultural and artistic institutions, such as the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée de l’Orangerie. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, boasting countless bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities, with an estimated 15-20 million visitors per year. It’s also one of the most romantic cities in the world. Many people choose to propose or get married here, while others come to visit with their loved ones and explore the city’s beauty and charm.

But what should you see when you visit Paris for the first time? Here are our top 10 things to see in Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. Standing at 324 meters tall, it was originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Although it was originally intended to be a temporary structure, it has become an integral part of the Paris skyline.

The Eiffel Tower offers some of the best views of Paris from its two observation decks. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of the city and its many monuments, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and more. You can also take in the sights at night when the whole city is illuminated by stunning lights.

To make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower, we recommend taking a guided tour. Here you will learn more about the history and architecture of this iconic Parisian landmark. There are also a variety of restaurants and eateries at the tower, if you’re in need of sustenance after your climb.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture and one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Built between 1163 and 1250 AD, it is one of the most visited churches in Europe, attracting upwards of 13 million visitors annually.

Visitors to Notre Dame will be amazed by its intricate stained-glass windows and soaring spire that reaches a height of 226 feet (69 meters). Inside, you can admire its grandiose interior, including its many sculptures and ornamental decorations. You can also take a tour of its crypts and climb to the top of its bell tower for spectacular views of Paris.

Nearby, you can also explore Notre Dame’s two famous bell towers and visit its surrounding gardens and courtyards. The cathedral is also home to the famous “Mona Lisa” painting, which you can find in its Treasury Room.

3. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of Paris’ most popular attractions and one of the most visited museums in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, it houses some of the world’s most famous artworks, such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Winged Victory by Samothrace.

The Louvre is divided into eight departments: Greek Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Oriental Antiquities; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings; and Islamic Art. There are over 35,000 works on display at the museum, covering a range of mediums from painting to sculpture to photography.

Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or take a guided tour to learn more about its artworks and history. We also recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long queues at the entrance.

4. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most recognizable monuments and one of France’s most beloved national symbols. Located at the top of Champs Élysées on the western end of the city center, it stands at an impressive 50 meters tall and is decorated with bas-relief carvings depicting French victories from throughout history.

Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Paris or explore its interior for a closer look at its sculptures and carvings. The monument also serves as a poignant memorial for France’s fallen soldiers from both World Wars—the Tomb of Unknown Soldier is located beneath it—and there are often ceremonies held here to commemorate their sacrifice.

5. Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’ most renowned streets and one of Europe’s most iconic boulevards. Extending from Place de la Concorde in the east to Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, it is lined with luxury boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and theatres—making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The Champs-Élysées is also home to some of Paris’ most iconic monuments and landmarks, such as The Arc de Triomphe and Grand Palais. It also serves as a venue for some of France’s biggest events—including Bastille Day celebrations, car rallies, and firework displays—so make sure you plan your visit accordingly!

6. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most iconic landmarks and one of Europe’s most opulent royal residences. Located 22 kilometers southwest from Paris city center, it served as the official residence of French royalty from 1682 until 1789 when it was converted into a museum by King Louis XVI.

Today, visitors can explore its grandiose interior—including its many ornate rooms filled with artwork—as well as its sprawling gardens filled with lush vegetation and tranquil fountains. We highly recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about this magnificent palace and its fascinating history.

7. Montmartre

Montmartre is a vibrant neighborhood located on a hill in northern Paris that has been home to many famous artists over time—including Picasso and Renoir—and today remains a major tourist attraction due to its charming streets lined with cafes and galleries.

At Montmartre, there are plenty of things to do—from visiting its famous cabaret venues such as Le Moulin Rouge or exploring its picturesque cobblestone streets—to admiring its colorful art galleries or simply taking in views from its hilltop Sacré Coeur Basilica. There are also some great restaurants here where you can sample traditional French cuisine or relax with a glass of wine in hand while taking in views across Paris.

8. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are one of Paris’ oldest parks and boast some truly stunning landscapes that are perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics in summertime weather. Located on Rue de Vaugirard in central Paris, this vast garden spans nearly 60 acres (24 hectares) and features a number of ponds filled with swans as well as lush lawns filled with statues, fountains and more.

The garden also features an incredible carousel dating back to 1867 which is still operational today. There are also some great cafes here where you can enjoy traditional French cuisine or simply sit back in awe at this beautiful park that has been around since 1612!

9. Seine River Cruise

A Seine River cruise is one experience that should not be missed during your visit to Paris. This leisurely cruise takes passengers along the river banks while they admire some breathtaking views of Paris’ iconic monuments—from Notre Dame Cathedral to The Eiffel Tower—all while learning more about their history through audio commentary offered onboard.

The cruise takes around 2 hours in total and includes stops along various points along the riverbanks where passengers can disembark and explore some wonderful monuments up close—such as The Louvre Museum or Notre Dame Cathedral—as well as some charming villages such as La Grenouillère or La Vieille Charité which are located just outside town limits but accessible via boat ride from central Paris ports such as Eiffel Tower Pier 72 or Musée d’Orsay Pier 63.

10. Catacombs

The Catacombs are one of Paris’ most intriguing attractions due to their mysterious nature and dark history. Located 20 meters below street level in southeastern Paris, these underground tunnels once served as quarries for limestone used to build many buildings throughout the city but now house millions of human remains from centuries past which have been carefully arranged into intricate walls and decorations throughout these dark corridors that span over 300 kilometers!

Visitors can explore these underground tunnels through guided tours that explain their history while taking them through various chambers filled with bones and skulls arranged into intricate patterns that are both fascinating and eerie at the same time! The Catacombs are definitely not an attraction for those who fear dark spaces but rather an educational journey into an underground world that has remained unchanged since it was created centuries ago!

Popular Tours

Paris Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise

This tour offers a wonderful combination of two must-see attractions: The Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise! The tour begins at the Eiffel Tower where visitors will have time to explore this iconic landmark before boarding their cruise boat for an unforgettable journey along the Seine River which offers breathtaking views of some incredible monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral & The Louvre Museum among many others! The cruise will provide audio commentary about each landmark as well as insight into their history & cultural significance while also offering stops along various points along the riverbanks where visitors can disembark & explore some wonderful monuments up close! This tour is perfect for those looking for an unforgettable experience!

Montmartre & Luxembourg Gardens Tour

This tour offers a wonderful combination of two must-see attractions: Montmartre & Luxembourg Gardens! The tour begins in Montmartre – home to some iconic cabaret venues such as Le Moulin Rouge – where visitors can explore its charming cobblestone streets lined with art galleries & cafes before heading over to Luxembourg Gardens – one of Paris oldest parks – where they can stroll through lush lawns filled with statues & fountains! The tour also offers stops along various points within each attraction which provide insight into their history & cultural significance while also giving visitors time to explore them up close! This tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive experience!