Paris, the City of Light, captivates visitors with its timeless charm, artistic treasures, and architectural wonders. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to rediscover its magic, these top 10 places to visit in Paris will ensure an unforgettable experience. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we've curated the essential Parisian attractions along with insider tips to help you make the most of your journey through this enchanting city.
1. Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) - Paris's Iconic Symbol
No list of top 10 places to visit in Paris would be complete without the Eiffel Tower. This iconic iron structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, initially faced criticism from Parisians but has become the ultimate symbol of the city. Standing at 1,083 feet (330 meters), it was the world's tallest structure until 1930 and remains the most-visited paid monument globally with nearly 7 million visitors annually.
The tower offers three visitor levels, each providing increasingly spectacular panoramic views of Paris. The first and second levels feature restaurants, while the top level presents an unparalleled vista that stretches up to 40 miles (65 km) on clear days. For a magical experience, visit after sunset when the tower sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights for five minutes every hour until 1 AM.
Insider Tip
The lines at the Eiffel Tower can be notoriously long, often requiring 2-4 hours of waiting during peak season. Save precious vacation time by booking skip-the-line tickets in advance or joining a guided tour that includes priority access.
Practical Information
- Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
- Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9), or Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER C)
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM (mid-June to early September); 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM (rest of the year)
- Ticket Prices: €17.10 to €28.30 depending on how high you go and whether you take the elevator or stairs
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds or evening to see the light show
Skip the Long Lines at the Eiffel Tower
Don't waste hours waiting in line. Book a skip-the-line tour and head straight to the top for breathtaking views of Paris.
Book Skip-the-Line Tickets2. Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) - World's Most Visited Museum
The Louvre Museum stands as the world's largest and most visited art museum, welcoming over 10 million visitors annually. Housed in the historic Louvre Palace, once a medieval fortress and later the residence of French kings, this vast museum spans 782,910 square feet (72,735 square meters) and displays approximately 35,000 artworks across eight curatorial departments.
While Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa draws the biggest crowds, the museum's collection includes countless other masterpieces like the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. The museum itself is a work of art, with the modern glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei creating a striking contrast to the classical architecture.
"Every visit to the Louvre reveals something new—it would take months to see everything this magnificent museum has to offer."
Practical Information
- Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
- Metro: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays); open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Ticket Prices: €17 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26
- Best Time to Visit: Wednesday or Friday evening for fewer crowds
Visitor Strategy
With over 38,000 objects on display across 300 rooms, it's impossible to see everything in one visit. Focus on a few departments or join a "Masterpieces Tour" that covers the most famous works. The museum offers free maps to help navigate its vast halls.
Experience the Louvre Without the Crowds
Skip the long lines and discover the museum's masterpieces with an expert guide who will bring the art to life.
Book Louvre Skip-the-Line Tour3. Notre-Dame Cathedral - Gothic Masterpiece
Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and remains one of the most visited places in Paris despite the devastating fire of April 2019. Construction began in 1163 and took nearly 200 years to complete, resulting in a masterpiece that has inspired countless artists, writers, and visitors for centuries.
The cathedral is renowned for its pioneering use of flying buttresses, magnificent rose windows, and intricate sculptures. Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" helped spark a major restoration project in the 19th century, saving the cathedral from decades of neglect. Following the 2019 fire, an ambitious restoration project is underway with plans to reopen the cathedral to visitors by 2024.
Practical Information
- Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris
- Metro: Cité (Line 4), Saint-Michel (Line 4 and RER B and C)
- Current Status: Interior closed for restoration until 2024; exterior viewing possible
- Best Viewing Points: Square Jean XXIII (garden behind the cathedral), Pont de la Tournelle, or Pont de l'Archevêché
While You Wait
While Notre-Dame's interior remains closed for restoration, visitors can explore other magnificent churches nearby, including Sainte-Chapelle with its breathtaking stained glass windows and Saint-Sulpice, the second-largest church in Paris featured in "The Da Vinci Code."
Explore Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame
Join a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité to learn about Notre-Dame's history and see other hidden gems on this historic island.
Book Île de la Cité Tour4. Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre - Bohemian Paris
Perched atop the highest point in Paris on Montmartre hill, the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. Built between 1875 and 1914, this Romano-Byzantine church was constructed as a symbol of national penance following France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.
The basilica's striking white travertine stone maintains its bright appearance despite pollution thanks to calcite, which releases a white substance when it rains. Inside, visitors can admire France's largest mosaic, depicting Christ with outstretched arms, and climb 300 steps to the dome for even more breathtaking views.
Beyond the basilica, Montmartre itself is worth exploring as one of Paris's most charming neighborhoods. Once a village outside the city limits, it became famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the epicenter of artistic Paris, home to painters like Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Today, its winding cobblestone streets, artists' square (Place du Tertre), and bohemian atmosphere make it one of the top places to visit in Paris.
Practical Information
- Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
- Metro: Anvers (Line 2) then take the funicular or climb the steps
- Opening Hours: Basilica: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily; Dome: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (May to September), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (October to April)
- Ticket Prices: Basilica: Free; Dome: €6
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds or sunset for spectacular views
Local Tip
After visiting Sacré-Cœur, explore the hidden gems of Montmartre including Musée de Montmartre, the Vineyard of Montmartre (the oldest in Paris), and charming streets like Rue de l'Abreuvoir with its pink house made famous on Instagram.
Discover the Magic of Montmartre
Explore the artistic soul of Paris with a guided walking tour through Montmartre's hidden corners and famous landmarks.
Book Montmartre Walking Tour5. Arc de Triomphe - Monumental Victory Arch
Standing proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle (formerly Place de l'Étoile), the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, the monument wasn't completed until 1836, long after his death.
At 164 feet (50 meters) high and 148 feet (45 meters) wide, this triumphal arch is adorned with powerful sculptures and relief panels depicting victorious battles and military scenes. The names of 558 generals and major battles are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with an eternal flame that is rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM.
Practical Information
- Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Metro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (April to September); 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM (October to March)
- Ticket Prices: €13 for adults; free for children under 18 and EU residents under 26
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset views from the top
Safety Note
Never attempt to cross the traffic circle to reach the Arc de Triomphe! Use the underground passage accessible from the Avenue de la Grande Armée or the Champs-Élysées.
Skip the Line at Arc de Triomphe
Enjoy priority access to the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the top for spectacular views of Paris and the Champs-Élysées.
Book Skip-the-Line Tickets6. Musée d'Orsay - Impressionist Masterpieces
Housed in the former Gare d'Orsay railway station, a stunning Beaux-Arts building constructed for the 1900 World's Fair, the Musée d'Orsay holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The museum bridges the gap between the classical works of the Louvre and the modern art of the Centre Pompidou.
Visitors can marvel at iconic paintings by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and many others. The museum's collection includes Van Gogh's self-portraits and "Starry Night Over the Rhône," Monet's "Blue Water Lilies," Renoir's "Bal du Moulin de la Galette," and Whistler's "Whistler's Mother." The building itself is a masterpiece, with its magnificent glass roof and giant clock faces offering unique views of Paris.
"If you love Impressionist art, the Musée d'Orsay is nothing short of heaven. The setting—a converted Belle Époque train station—only enhances the experience."
Practical Information
- Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
- Metro: Solférino (Line 12) or RER C to Musée d'Orsay
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday); 9:30 AM to 9:45 PM (Thursday); Closed Mondays
- Ticket Prices: €16 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26
- Best Time to Visit: Thursday evenings for extended hours and fewer crowds
Museum Highlight
Don't miss the view from behind the giant clock face on the top floor—it's one of the most photographed spots in Paris and offers a unique perspective of Sacré-Cœur across the city.
Discover Impressionist Masterpieces
Skip the lines and join an expert guide for a tour of the world's greatest Impressionist collection at Musée d'Orsay.
Book Musée d'Orsay Tour7. Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde - Parisian Grandeur
Often described as "the world's most beautiful avenue," the Champs-Élysées stretches 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This iconic boulevard, whose name refers to the Elysian Fields of Greek mythology, has witnessed countless historic moments, from Napoleon's funeral procession to the annual Bastille Day military parade and the Tour de France's final stage.
The eastern end begins at Place de la Concorde, Paris's largest square and the site where Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and many others met their fate during the French Revolution. Today, the square features an Egyptian obelisk from Luxor and two magnificent fountains. The Champs-Élysées itself is lined with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, theaters, and cafés, making it a premier shopping and entertainment destination.
Practical Information
- Location: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
- Metro: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12) for Place de la Concorde; George V or Franklin D. Roosevelt (Line 1) for mid-avenue; Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6) for Arc de Triomphe
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds or evening when the avenue is illuminated
- Shopping Hours: Most stores open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Beyond Shopping
While the Champs-Élysées is famous for shopping, don't miss cultural spots like the Grand Palais and Petit Palais near the Concorde end, or Lido de Paris, the famous cabaret. For a peaceful break, explore the beautiful Jardins des Champs-Élysées on either side of the lower avenue.
Experience Paris by Night
See the illuminated Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and other Paris landmarks on an evening tour of the City of Light.
Book Paris by Night Tour8. Seine River Cruise - Paris from the Water
Experiencing Paris from the Seine River offers a unique perspective of the city's most beautiful monuments and bridges. These boat tours, known as "bateaux mouches," have been a popular way to see Paris since the early 20th century and provide a relaxing break from the busy streets while showcasing why Paris earned its UNESCO World Heritage status along the Seine.
A typical cruise passes by Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Grand Palais, Eiffel Tower, and numerous ornate bridges including Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf (Paris's oldest bridge, despite its name meaning "New Bridge"). Commentary in multiple languages helps passengers understand the historical significance of each landmark.
Practical Information
- Popular Departure Points: Pont Neuf, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame
- Duration: Standard sightseeing cruises last about 1 hour
- Ticket Prices: €15-20 for basic sightseeing cruises; €70-200 for lunch or dinner cruises
- Best Time: Sunset cruises offer magical views as the city lights begin to twinkle
- Major Operators: Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes du Pont Neuf
Cruise Options
Beyond standard sightseeing cruises, consider specialty options like dinner cruises with gourmet meals, champagne cruises, or hop-on-hop-off boat services (Batobus) that allow you to use the river as transportation between major attractions.
See Paris from the Seine
Glide past Paris's most beautiful monuments on a relaxing Seine River cruise—the perfect way to see the city from a different angle.
Book Seine River Cruise9. Latin Quarter - Historic Heart of Paris
The Latin Quarter, centered around the Sorbonne University on the Left Bank, has been the intellectual heart of Paris for over 800 years. Named for the Latin language once spoken by university students, this historic district retains its bohemian, student-centered atmosphere with narrow medieval streets, affordable restaurants, and independent bookshops.
Beyond its lively ambiance, the Latin Quarter houses several significant monuments. The Panthéon, a neoclassical mausoleum, contains the remains of distinguished French citizens including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie. The magnificent Luxembourg Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with formal gardens, fountains, and the stately Luxembourg Palace, now home to the French Senate.
History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Cluny Museum (Musée National du Moyen Âge), housed in a 15th-century Gothic mansion built over Roman baths, which displays medieval treasures including the famous "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries. The district is also home to the oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, dating from the 6th century.
Practical Information
- Location: 5th and 6th arrondissements, Left Bank
- Metro: Saint-Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne, or Luxembourg (RER B)
- Key Streets: Boulevard Saint-Michel, Rue Mouffetard, Rue de la Huchette
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for quieter exploration or evening for lively atmosphere
Hidden Gem
Visit the Arènes de Lutèce, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater dating from the 1st century AD, hidden away in a quiet corner of the Latin Quarter. Once seating 15,000 spectators, it's now a peaceful park where locals play pétanque.
Discover the Latin Quarter
Explore the historic streets, hidden passages, and literary landmarks of the Latin Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide.
Book Latin Quarter Walking Tour10. Centre Pompidou - Modern Art in an Architectural Marvel
The Centre Pompidou stands out among Paris landmarks with its revolutionary "inside-out" architecture that places structural and mechanical systems on the exterior, color-coded by function (blue for air conditioning, green for water circuits, yellow for electricity, and red for circulation elements). Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and opened in 1977, this bold building initially shocked Parisians but has become one of the city's most beloved cultural institutions.
Housing Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou's National Museum of Modern Art features works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, Pollock, Warhol, and countless other influential artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The center also includes a vast public library, cinema spaces, performance venues, and a rooftop restaurant offering spectacular views of Paris.
Practical Information
- Location: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
- Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11), Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11), or Châtelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14)
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (closed Tuesdays); open until 11:00 PM on Thursdays
- Ticket Prices: €14 for adults; free for visitors under 18
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or Thursday evenings
Don't Miss
Take the exterior escalators enclosed in transparent tubes to the top floor for one of Paris's most spectacular panoramic views, encompassing the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and countless rooftops.
Experience Modern Art in Paris
Skip the line at Centre Pompidou and discover masterpieces of modern and contemporary art with an expert guide.
Book Centre Pompidou TicketsPopular Day Trips from Paris
While Paris offers endless attractions, several magnificent destinations lie just beyond the city limits, perfect for day trips that enhance your French experience:
Palace of Versailles
Just 12 miles (20 km) southwest of Paris, this opulent royal château symbolizes the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. Explore the lavish State Apartments, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette's Estate, and the meticulously manicured gardens spanning 2,000 acres.
Getting There: 30 minutes via RER C train to Versailles-Château-Rive-Gauche station
Book Versailles TourGiverny (Monet's Garden)
Visit Claude Monet's home and the enchanting gardens that inspired his famous Water Lilies series. The flower garden (Clos Normand) and water garden with its Japanese bridge are particularly beautiful from late spring through early fall.
Getting There: 45 minutes by train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then shuttle bus
Book Giverny TourPractical Tips for Visiting Paris
Getting Around
- The Paris Metro is efficient and extensive with 16 lines covering the entire city
- Consider a Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited travel (1-5 days available)
- Walking is often the best way to discover hidden gems between major attractions
- Vélib' bike-sharing system offers an eco-friendly transportation option
Money-Saving Tips
- The Paris Museum Pass offers skip-the-line access to over 50 museums and monuments
- Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month
- Students and EU residents under 26 receive free entry to many attractions
- Consider picnicking in Paris's beautiful parks instead of dining out for every meal
Cultural Tips
- Learn basic French phrases—even simple greetings are appreciated
- The French dining experience is meant to be savored, not rushed
- Dress smartly—Parisians generally avoid athletic wear in public
- Tipping is not required but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated
Best Time to Visit Paris
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Highlights |
| Spring | March to May | 10-20°C (50-68°F), occasional showers | Moderate, increasing in May | Cherry blossoms, garden displays, outdoor cafés reopen |
| Summer | June to August | 15-25°C (59-77°F), occasional heat waves | Very high, peak tourist season | Long daylight hours, outdoor events, Paris Plages (urban beaches) |
| Fall | September to November | 8-18°C (46-64°F), some rainfall | Moderate, decreasing after October | Fall foliage, cultural season begins, fewer tourists |
| Winter | December to February | 3-8°C (37-46°F), occasional frost | Low, except during Christmas/New Year | Christmas markets, festive decorations, shorter lines |
Ideal Visiting Times
For the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, plan your visit during the "shoulder seasons" of April-May or September-October. These months offer comfortable temperatures, beautiful lighting for photography, and slightly fewer tourists than the peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Perfect Paris Adventure
Paris captivates visitors with its perfect blend of monumental grandeur, artistic treasures, and everyday charm. From the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower to the artistic riches of world-class museums, the top 10 places to visit in Paris offer windows into the city's remarkable history, culture, and beauty. Yet the true magic of Paris lies not just in checking attractions off a list, but in embracing the city's unique rhythm and atmosphere.
Take time to wander without purpose, discover neighborhood cafés where locals gather, and savor simple pleasures like a perfect croissant in a quiet garden. Balance your visits to major landmarks with moments of authentic Parisian life. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Paris rewards those who approach it with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious.
As you plan your journey to these top places to visit in Paris, remember that the city has survived revolutions, wars, and transformations while maintaining its essential character. The Paris you'll discover today connects you to centuries of human creativity, ambition, and joie de vivre. Prepare to be enchanted—and start planning your Parisian adventure today!
Experience the Best of Paris
Book skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to make the most of your visit to the top attractions in Paris.
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