1. Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

Highlights

Originally built as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become the ultimate symbol of Paris. This engineering marvel stands 330 meters tall and offers spectacular panoramic views from its three observation levels. The tower’s intricate ironwork represents a triumph of 19th-century industrial architecture, while its nightly light show—when the structure sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights for five minutes every hour—creates one of the most magical sights in Paris.

Nearby Spots

• 58 Tour Eiffel – A stylish restaurant on the first level offering classic French cuisine with incomparable views.
• Champ de Mars – The expansive green space surrounding the tower, perfect for picnics with a spectacular backdrop.
• Les Bateaux Parisiens – River cruise company at the tower’s base, offering scenic Seine journeys.

Pro Tips

To avoid the notoriously long lines, purchase skip-the-line tickets online at least two months in advance. For the best photographs, visit Trocadéro Plaza across the river at sunrise for stunning views without crowds. If you’re on a budget, consider taking the stairs to the first and second levels (saving money and avoiding elevator lines) and only purchasing an elevator ticket for the final ascent to the summit. The tower is least crowded during weekday mornings or during dinner hours (after 7 PM).

2. Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

Highlights

As the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre houses over 35,000 priceless artifacts and artworks spanning 9,000 years of human civilization. While Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” draws the largest 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 building itself, a former royal palace, is an architectural marvel, with the modern glass pyramid entrance creating a striking contrast to the historic façade.

Nearby Spots

• Café Marly – Elegant café with terrace views of the pyramid, perfect for a sophisticated break.
• Tuileries Garden – Beautiful formal garden adjacent to the Louvre, ideal for a post-museum stroll.
• Palais Royal – Historic palace and gardens featuring contemporary art installations just minutes from the museum.

Pro Tips

With its massive size, the Louvre can be overwhelming. Plan your visit by selecting specific wings or collections rather than attempting to see everything. Enter through the less crowded Porte des Lions entrance (when open) or the underground mall entrance at Carrousel du Louvre to avoid the pyramid line. Wednesday and Friday evenings offer extended hours until 9:45 PM with significantly smaller crowds. Download the museum’s free app for navigation assistance, and consider booking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into key masterpieces.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris)

Highlights

This masterpiece of French Gothic architecture has stood on the Île de la Cité since the 12th century. Despite the devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame remains an essential Paris landmark, with restoration work ongoing for its planned reopening. The cathedral’s magnificent façade features intricate sculptures, gargoyles, and the famous rose window. For centuries, Notre-Dame has been the spiritual heart of Paris, hosting coronations, royal weddings, and serving as the setting for Victor Hugo’s famous novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.”

Nearby Spots

• Shakespeare and Company – Historic English-language bookstore with literary history just across the river.
• Sainte-Chapelle – Gothic chapel known for its breathtaking stained glass windows, located within walking distance.
• La Flore en l’Île – Charming café on Île Saint-Louis offering perfect views of Notre-Dame’s exterior.

Pro Tips

While interior access remains restricted during reconstruction, you can still appreciate Notre-Dame’s exterior from several vantage points. The best views are from Square Jean XXIII (the garden behind the cathedral), Pont de l’Archevêché (the bridge behind it), and from the Left Bank across the Seine. Visit early morning or during sunset for the most atmospheric lighting conditions. Keep updated on the restoration progress through the official Notre-Dame website for potential limited access opportunities.

4. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Highlights

Perched on Paris’s highest hill, Montmartre retains the bohemian charm that once attracted artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The crowning glory of this historic district is the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur Basilica, completed in 1914. Its Romano-Byzantine architecture and brilliant white travertine stone create a striking landmark visible from across Paris. Inside, the basilica’s ceiling features one of the largest mosaics in the world, while the dome offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Nearby Spots

• Place du Tertre – Charming square where artists set up easels to paint portraits and sell artwork.
• La Maison Rose – Iconic pink café that has been featured in numerous paintings and photographs.
• Musée de Montmartre – Museum housed in the oldest building in the area, showcasing the district’s artistic history.

Pro Tips

Avoid the crowded funicular and instead take the picturesque route up the hill via Rue Lepic, passing historic windmills and charming shops. Visit Sacré-Cœur at sunrise for the most magical experience—fewer crowds and stunning golden light across the city. Be vigilant around the basilica steps and Pigalle area, as pickpockets target tourists. For an authentic Montmartre experience, explore the quieter streets away from the main tourist areas, such as Rue des Saules and Rue Saint-Vincent, where you’ll find the district’s last working vineyard.

5. Seine River Cruise

Highlights

A Seine River cruise offers a unique perspective on Paris, allowing you to admire many of the city’s most famous monuments from the water. These boat tours pass under historic bridges and alongside iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and the Louvre. Commentary provided in multiple languages shares the rich history and fascinating stories behind these monuments. Whether you choose a daytime cruise for clear views or an evening “illuminations” cruise when monuments are beautifully lit, this experience provides unforgettable memories and photo opportunities.

Nearby Spots

• Pont Alexandre III – Ornate, beautifully decorated bridge considered the most elegant in Paris.
• Les Bouquinistes – Traditional booksellers with their iconic green boxes along the Seine’s banks.
• Bateaux-Mouches – One of the most popular cruise companies, departing from near the Eiffel Tower.

Pro Tips

For the best experience, book an evening cruise that departs just before sunset (around 8-9 PM in summer), allowing you to see Paris transition from day to night. The upper, open-air decks offer the best views and photo opportunities, but be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, especially in evening cruises. Consider a dinner cruise for a special occasion, though standard sightseeing cruises provide better value and flexibility. Most cruises last about an hour, making them an ideal break between other sightseeing activities.

6. Musée d’Orsay

Highlights

Housed in the former Orsay railway station, this stunning museum bridges the gap between the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, focusing on art created between 1848 and 1914. The Musée d’Orsay boasts the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and many others. The building itself is a work of art, with its magnificent glass roof, elegant stone façade, and the famous giant clock windows that offer spectacular views across the Seine to Montmartre.

Nearby Spots

• Café Campana – Stylish café behind the museum’s famous clock face, designed by the Campana brothers.
• Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor – Pedestrian bridge with great views, connecting to the Tuileries Garden.
• Musée de l’Orangerie – Complementary museum housing Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, just across the river.

Pro Tips

Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM with significantly smaller crowds. Begin your visit on the top floor with the Impressionist galleries (the most popular section) before they become crowded. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long entrance lines. For the best photographs of the famous clock, visit the northeast corner of the top floor. The museum’s restaurant on the second floor, formerly the dining room of the Hotel d’Orsay, features beautiful original decorations and offers a refined lunch option.

7. Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

Highlights

Located just 12 miles southwest of Paris, the Palace of Versailles stands as the ultimate symbol of royal extravagance and power. This UNESCO World Heritage site began as a hunting lodge before King Louis XIV transformed it into the most magnificent palace in Europe. The opulent State Apartments showcase priceless artwork, furniture, and the king’s ceremonial bedroom. The breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, features 357 mirrors reflecting light from 17 arched windows. The palace is surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens spanning nearly 2,000 acres, complete with fountains, sculptures, and the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces.

Nearby Spots

• Marie Antoinette’s Estate – Including her private retreat, the Petit Trianon, and rustic Hamlet where she played shepherdess.
• La Flottille – Restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal, perfect for lunch during your visit.
• Potager du Roi – Historic kitchen garden created for Louis XIV, still producing fruits and vegetables.

Pro Tips

Versailles requires a full day to properly explore, so start early. Purchase the “Passport” ticket online for complete access to all areas including the Trianon palaces and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate. Visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to encounter smaller crowds. During summer months (April-October), don’t miss the Musical Fountains Show when the gardens’ fountains operate to baroque music. Consider renting bikes or an electric cart to explore the vast gardens efficiently. Bring your own picnic to enjoy by the Grand Canal, or book lunch in advance as on-site restaurants get extremely busy.

8. Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

Highlights

Named for the Latin that was spoken by students of the Sorbonne University in the Middle Ages, the Latin Quarter remains Paris’s intellectual and academic heart. This historic district on the Left Bank features a maze of narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and some of the city’s oldest buildings. Key attractions include the Panthéon, where France’s greatest citizens are interred; the magnificent Luxembourg Gardens; and the ancient Roman arena, Arènes de Lutèce. The area’s bohemian atmosphere, abundant bookshops, and vibrant café culture continue to attract scholars, writers, and artists as they have for centuries.

Nearby Spots

• Shakespeare and Company – Legendary English-language bookstore with literary history dating back to the 1920s.
• Rue Mouffetard – Ancient street with one of Paris’s best food markets and numerous restaurants.
• Jardin des Plantes – France’s main botanical garden, featuring a small zoo and natural history museum.

Pro Tips

Explore the Latin Quarter in the evening when the student population brings the area to life with a vibrant atmosphere. For authentic dining experiences, avoid the tourist-oriented restaurants on Rue de la Huchette and instead venture deeper into the quarter to find hidden gems. Visit the Cluny Museum (Musée National du Moyen Âge) to see the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries and Roman bath ruins. Take time to discover the area’s hidden treasures, such as the tiny Place de la Contrescarpe, the historic church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, and the tucked-away Square René Viviani with Paris’s oldest tree.

9. Centre Pompidou

Highlights

The Centre Pompidou revolutionized museum architecture with its “inside-out” design that places structural and mechanical elements on the exterior, color-coded by function (blue for air, green for water, yellow for electricity, and red for circulation). This high-tech building houses Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, with over 100,000 works by artists including Picasso, Kandinsky, Warhol, and Pollock. Beyond its permanent collection, the centre hosts major temporary exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. The building’s transparent façade and external escalators offer spectacular views of Paris as you ascend to the upper levels.

Nearby Spots

• Georges Restaurant – Stylish rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Paris.
• Stravinsky Fountain – Whimsical fountain with colorful mechanical sculptures next to the centre.
• Marais District – Historic neighborhood with trendy boutiques and cafés just a short walk away.

Pro Tips

Visit on the first Sunday of each month for free admission to the permanent collections. For the best experience, start at the top floor with the permanent collection and work your way down. The external escalator, known as “the caterpillar,” offers fantastic photo opportunities of Paris landmarks, particularly at sunset. Purchase tickets online to avoid long entrance lines, especially during major exhibitions. After your visit, explore the surrounding area of Beaubourg, which features street performers, outdoor cafés, and independent boutiques.

10. Arc de Triomphe

Highlights

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his military victories, the Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle where 12 grand avenues converge in a star pattern. This monumental arch, standing 50 meters tall, features intricate sculptures and reliefs depicting battle scenes and allegorical figures. The names of Napoleon’s generals are inscribed on the inner walls, with those who died in battle underlined. Since 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has rested beneath the arch, with an eternal flame rekindled each evening at 6:30 PM. The observation deck at the top offers spectacular 360-degree views of Paris, with all 12 avenues radiating outward like a star.

Nearby Spots

• Champs-Élysées – Paris’s most famous avenue, lined with luxury shops, theaters, and cafés.
• Ladurée – Iconic patisserie known for its colorful macarons and elegant tea salon.
• Lido de Paris – Famous cabaret offering spectacular dinner shows near the Arc.

Pro Tips

Access the Arc via the underground passage from the north side of the Champs-Élysées—never attempt to cross the dangerous traffic circle. Purchase tickets online to avoid lines, and visit either early morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening for fewer crowds. The best views are at sunset when the city begins to light up and the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour. Visit on July 14 (Bastille Day) to see the impressive military parade that passes beneath the arch, or on December 31 for the spectacular New Year’s Eve light show projected onto the monument.

Planning Your Visit to Paris’s Must-See Attractions

Paris rewards those who plan ahead but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for access to most major attractions, and book timed entry tickets online for popular sites like the Eiffel Tower and Versailles to avoid long waits. The city’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to navigate between these 10 must-see places in Paris, with the Metro being the fastest option and buses offering scenic routes.

For the most enjoyable experience, avoid visiting during the peak summer season (July-August) when crowds are at their largest and prices at their highest. Instead, consider May, June, September, or early October when the weather remains pleasant but the tourist crush subsides. Winter visits offer the shortest lines at major attractions, though some garden features may not be at their best.

Remember that Paris is best experienced beyond just checking landmarks off a list. Between visiting these iconic sites, take time to embrace the Parisian lifestyle—linger over coffee at a sidewalk café, picnic in a local park, or simply wander through charming neighborhoods. With comfortable walking shoes, protection from unexpected weather, and security for your belongings, you’ll be perfectly equipped to discover both the famous highlights and hidden treasures that make Paris one of the world’s most beloved destinations.