Would you like to explore the sights of Paris? Visiting all of them can be challenging, as there are so many amazing places in Paris that will simply captivate you.
However, certain sites stand out due to their popularity and historical significance. We’ll guide you through the most important spots so you can make the most of your trip to Paris—one of the best journeys you’ll ever make.
Paris is a top destination for travelers worldwide. This is hardly surprising, given that each building, street, and church holds a unique story, transforming the city itself into a living monument. In many ways, every corner of Paris adds to the city’s incredible charm.
When you travel to Paris, you may feel like the air itself is charged with a different energy. It’s almost as if Paris is inviting you to uncover its history, allowing you to feel as if you’re part of the city’s past, as if this place has been waiting just for you.
Are you interested in discovering Paris’s landmarks but lack information? Then you should read this article, where we’ll explain the city’s most fascinating places that are absolutely worth visiting.
Below is an interactive map highlighting the city’s top attractions:
If we had to choose the must-see sights in Paris, these would be the top recommendations:
1. Eiffel Tower
If someone asks what to see in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is almost always the first answer. As Paris’s most iconic landmark and one of the world’s most famous attractions, it embodies an era and has become the most-visited tourist spot worldwide.
Every year, millions of tourists flock to this magnificent structure to marvel at its height and beauty, seizing the chance to view the entire city from above, as if you were soaring over Paris. From the Eiffel Tower, you’ll realize you’re somewhere truly special.
A visit to the Eiffel Tower is essential, both by day and at night, as it offers one of the most incredible viewpoints in the world. If you’re visiting Paris for a few days, like Paris in 3 days or Paris in 4 days, this monument is a must-see.
Check out the best discounts for visiting through this link, and here’s a guide on how to find the best Eiffel Tower tickets.
2. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, also known as the Arc de Triomphe, is another landmark frequently visited by tourists in Paris. Many are unaware that you can enter the arc, which houses a museum detailing its history, and climb to the top to enjoy incredible city views.
Built by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe is a true Parisian symbol. Completed in the 19th century, it stands at the beginning of the Champs-Élysées, Paris’s most famous avenue.
The area surrounding the Arc is also worth exploring. The Champs-Élysées is home to numerous fashion boutiques and art galleries, so plan to spend several hours if you want to take it all in. It’s a must-visit spot in Paris—don’t miss out! Would you be willing to sacrifice seeing one of Paris’s finest attractions?
Book your tickets here:
3. Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is Paris’s main avenue, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Lined with numerous stores offering a wide range of products, it also serves as one of the city’s “green lungs.”
One of the best things to do here is to stroll leisurely along this famous avenue, stopping to enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés or browsing through the high-end fashion boutiques for a Parisian outfit. This avenue is a favorite destination for shopping, home to some of the most renowned fashion brands.
Take your time to soak in the unique atmosphere of this legendary street, where each corner reflects a bit of Parisian life and style.
On both sides of the avenue, you’ll also find gardens where you can take a peaceful stroll or rest in the shade of a tree. However, the best way to experience the Champs-Élysées is by walking as much of it as you can.
Finally, if you’re interested, consider this Free Walking Tour of Paris by Civitatis, where you’ll visit the city’s top sights, guided by a knowledgeable expert who will reveal all of Paris’s secrets.
4. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located in the Montmartre neighborhood (a famous haven for artists and writers) on the highest point in Paris. This remarkable religious site, completed in 1914, is one of the city’s most-visited monuments.
From the outside, its striking white exterior and grand dimensions are truly impressive; inside, the basilica is equally captivating, with one of the world’s largest mosaics decorating the dome. There’s also an opportunity to climb to the top of the dome, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris—even better than the view from the plaza in front of the basilica. However, keep in mind that the climb involves 300 steps, so it’s not recommended if you’re traveling with young children or elderly companions.
The Sacré-Cœur hosts services, vigils, and musical performances year-round, which you can attend as long as you observe the necessary respect and silence. This makes it one of the most significant points of interest in Paris and a highly recommended stop on your tour.
Other important churches in Paris include the Saint-Sulpice Church (a baroque masterpiece that features an astronomical system used to determine equinoxes) and the Sainte-Chapelle.
If you’re planning to visit, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance using these links:
5. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The world’s most famous cathedral, Notre-Dame, is located in the heart of Paris, just steps from the Seine River. It’s a bustling area with plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants, making it a lively and vibrant spot for visitors.
Notre-Dame’s architectural style is Gothic, and as one of the city’s oldest structures, it stands as a symbol of France’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Completed in 1345 after more than two centuries of construction, its beauty and historical significance make it well worth a visit.
Key features include the two towers flanking its facade and the rose window. The cathedral’s gargoyles, made famous in countless films and artworks, add an extra element of charm.
Notre-Dame’s importance is underscored by the fact that it has hosted historic events like the coronation of Napoleon and the beatification of Joan of Arc. Inside, the immense space features stunning stained-glass windows, especially the southern rose window, and majestic columns lining the nave.
Additionally, Notre-Dame houses a precious Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus during the Crucifixion. This historical and religious significance makes it one of Paris’s must-see landmarks.
However, not all moments have been fortunate for Notre-Dame. In April 2019, a fire destroyed its roof and central spire. Thankfully, extensive restoration efforts have successfully brought the cathedral back to life, and it reopened to the public in 2024.
To skip the lines and save on tickets, you can book in advance here:
- Spanish-Language Walking Tour of Notre-Dame and Entry to the Crypt
- Virtual Reality Tour of Notre-Dame
With its blend of history, culture, and architectural grandeur, Notre-Dame offers an unparalleled experience for visitors. Plan ahead to make the most of your time in this historic masterpiece.
6. Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden is a spacious green area located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. This large central park is perfect for relaxing on a bench in the shade if you’re looking to take a break.
The garden’s formal French design features geometric flowerbeds, tree-lined paths, and straight-lined artificial lakes. Strolling through the garden, you’ll encounter many remarkable artworks, including statues and sculptures by artists like Rodin and Henry Moore.
Noteworthy attractions within the garden include:
- The Grand Basin: A large lake in the garden’s center, where visitors can control small remote boats or rest on surrounding benches.
- Orangerie Museum: Located at one corner of the garden, this museum houses Monet’s famous “Water Lilies” and other impressionist masterpieces.
- Jeu de Paume: A contemporary art center with a wide range of photographs and videos on display.
Here’s an interactive map with the best parks across the city:
7. The Louvre Museum
The most famous museum in the world, the Louvre houses an astounding collection of artworks, including some of the most celebrated pieces globally. As one of Paris’s top galleries, the Louvre’s massive size and the quality of its collections are unmatched.
Highlights of its permanent collection include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. In total, the Louvre displays around 35,000 artworks divided into sections such as Egypt, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Roman, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints.
The glass pyramid, serving as the main entrance, is itself a work of art and allows light to filter into the museum’s entrance hall.
Given the museum’s size, planning your visit is essential. Touring the entire Louvre can take a full day, so an alternative is to focus on key masterpieces or specific collections.
For top tips on visiting, check out our Louvre guide. Book your tickets online in advance from this link.
Note: With the Paris Pass, you can access the Louvre and many other landmarks without waiting in lines, saving you time and money.
Here’s another map showcasing Paris’s top museums. Feel free to zoom and explore each landmark:
8. Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs are Paris’s most famous burial site, located in old limestone quarries from the Roman era. This extensive network of tunnels stretches beneath Paris and houses the remains of over six million people, making it one of the city’s most mysterious places.
In the late 18th century, overcrowded cemeteries in Paris led to the transfer of bones to these unused underground quarries.
The Catacombs tour begins in the 14th arrondissement and leads through dark, cool tunnels filled with stacks of skulls and bones. Key points include the “Wall of Skulls” (where bones are arranged geometrically) and the Sacellum, a crypt-like altar where visitors can pause for reflection.
Skip the line by reserving your tickets here.
9. Garnier Opera House
Commissioned by Napoleon III and designed by architect Charles Garnier, the Opéra Garnier is a prime example of neo-baroque architecture. Today, it hosts performances, guided tours, and opera events. It also features exhibitions showcasing musical works from its rich history.
The Palais Garnier, as it’s often called, is one of the top landmarks in Paris. Dating back to the 1600s, it’s renowned for its extravagant facade with Corinthian columns, sculptures, and a green dome. Look out for the iconic golden statues at the top.
Inside, the Grand Staircase made of white, green, and red marble is an awe-inspiring sight. The main hall’s ceiling, painted by Marc Chagall, is another must-see photo opportunity.
Guided tours are available, providing historical insights and fascinating stories about the opera house. Alternatively, you can attend an opera, ballet, or concert performance.
Tickets are priced at €16 if booked online through this link.
10. Les Invalides
Originally built to house retired French soldiers, Les Invalides is now a popular monument in Paris, encompassing several historic and symbolic buildings.
The main building is the church, with its stunning golden dome, and it also houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose remains were returned from St. Helena in 1840.
The complex also includes the Army Museum, which features a vast collection of weapons, uniforms, and military artifacts from various eras. The exhibits chronicle France’s military history, showcasing its evolution through the ages up to World War II.
Les Invalides offers a unique look into French history and heritage and is a must-see for history enthusiasts visiting Paris.
In addition to everything mentioned above, you can also visit the Museum of the Order of the Liberation (focused on those who participated in World War II) and the Museum of Plans and Reliefs (featuring scale models of fortresses and walled cities).
Due to the high visitor numbers, it’s recommended to buy tickets online:
11. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in the world and is located in central Paris, specifically in the Montmartre neighborhood. As a symbol of Parisian nightlife, it has hosted some of the most dazzling cabaret performances in history.
It gained fame for popularizing the French can-can, which later inspired the entire Parisian cabaret scene. The main stars of the shows are the Doriss Girls with their flamboyant costumes adorned with ruffles and feathers, along with their iconic high kicks.
The shows combine dance, acrobatics, and live music, with “Féerie” being the current nightly performance. The decor, costumes, and choreography are so well-crafted that they’ll leave you amazed.
You can even dine at the Moulin Rouge each evening while enjoying the performances. To attend one of its renowned shows, be sure to reserve in advance at this website.
12. Seine River Cruise
The Seine River is one of Paris’s most iconic attractions. You can experience it with the popular tourist boats known as Bateaux Parisiens. Few Paris landmarks are as charming or romantic as this one—a perfect spot for couples.
A Seine cruise allows you to see both the left and right banks of the city, while passing by numerous monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Cruising on one of the world’s most famous rivers is a unique way to explore Paris’s history.
Consider joining one of the daily cruises, like the following:
- 1-Hour Seine River Cruise with Audio Commentary
- Gourmet 3-Course Dinner Cruise
- Dinner Cruise with Panoramic Views
- Night Cruise with Music
13. Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is another of the city’s top museums, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists from both the past and present. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Home to the world’s most important impressionist works, the Orsay Museum is located in a former train station, which adds to its unique appeal. You can book your ticket with an audio guide in Spanish here.
Situated along the Seine, the museum’s architecture is a sight to behold, with its grand hall and central clock presiding over the main gallery. Inside, you’ll find works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh, as well as sculptures, photographs, and furniture.
For highlights, look out for “Luncheon on the Grass,” “Olympia,” “The Dancers,” “Starry Night Over the Rhône,” and Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait.” If you’re short on time, we suggest heading straight to these masterpieces, which are well-marked.
Get your tickets here:
14. Disneyland Paris
No list of Paris excursions would be complete without Disneyland Paris. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, Disneyland is a magical destination where you can enjoy rides, meet beloved Disney characters, and explore themed attractions.
Located close to the city center, Disneyland offers a world of fun with two parks side by side—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is geared toward younger visitors with gentler rides, while Walt Disney Studios Park offers thrill rides suited to adults.
To make the most of your visit, you can purchase single or multi-day tickets in advance, as the parks are highly popular year-round. Disneyland is a perfect addition to your Paris itinerary, especially for those looking to experience the joy and wonder of Disney’s enchanted universe.
Paris is rich with experiences that range from historic sites and world-class art to delightful parks and lively entertainment. With so much to explore, these places of interest will ensure your Paris trip is unforgettable.
For a truly enjoyable experience, you shouldn’t miss this theme park dedicated to the Disney universe. Located just outside Paris, Disneyland Paris is the city’s top leisure attraction for kids and adults alike. We’ve even created a guide to help you find cheap tickets to Disneyland Paris at this link.
Disneyland Paris actually consists of two theme parks: Disneyland Park (the main park that everyone knows) and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is ideal for younger visitors, with opportunities to meet their favorite characters and enjoy family-friendly rides.
On the other hand, Walt Disney Studios Park is more suited for adults, featuring thrilling rides inspired by Disney movies and TV shows.
One tip is to plan your visit in advance. Decide how many days you’ll spend at each park, and buy your tickets online beforehand to skip the lines. It’s also helpful to download the official Disneyland app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and book shows.
For a 1-day ticket to Disneyland Paris, you can purchase it here. If you’re interested in a combo ticket with bus transport from Paris, we recommend booking in advance at this link.
15. Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is one of Paris’s most striking buildings, with its exposed pipes and escalators giving it a unique “submarine” look. Inside, you’ll find the National Museum of Modern Art, which is well worth a visit.
This museum houses Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, covering styles such as fauvism, cubism, surrealism, abstract expressionism, and pop art. Here, you’ll see works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
The Centre Pompidou also offers a fantastic panoramic view from its rooftop. Take the escalators up to the top for a spectacular look at Paris.
For discounts on museum entries, including the Pompidou, consider the Museum Pass available here.
16. Panthéon
Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon was originally built as a church in the 18th century. Following the French Revolution, it became a national mausoleum, housing the remains of France’s most distinguished figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas.
The Panthéon’s architecture is neoclassical, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. The facade features Corinthian columns, a triangular pediment with detailed carvings, and a large dome visible from various parts of the city.
Inside, you’ll find valuable paintings, but the crypt is the main highlight, containing the tombs of these historical figures.
The Panthéon also houses a Foucault’s Pendulum, a replica of the experiment designed to demonstrate Earth’s rotation.
The Panthéon is located in Paris’s 5th arrondissement and is accessible by metro or RER.
To skip the line and make the most of your visit, book tickets in advance at this link.
17. Palace of Versailles
Versailles was the capital of France during the 17th and 18th centuries, and here stands one of the period’s most remarkable architectural feats: the Palace of Versailles. Both the palace and its gardens are breathtaking masterpieces that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
The Palace of Versailles is among France’s most magnificent castles and one of the must-see landmarks near Paris. Its architectural beauty and sprawling gardens make it a unique cultural and historical experience.
Inside, don’t miss the famous Hall of Mirrors, a stunning corridor lined with 357 mirrors that reflect light from its windows. This room witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles and numerous other significant events.
The King’s and Queen’s Apartments are also a highlight, with luxurious furniture, artwork, and historically significant decor.
The experience extends to the Gardens of Versailles, which span over 800 hectares filled with vibrant flowerbeds, fountains, and statues. You can even rent a boat to paddle around the lake.
Ticket options for Versailles include:
With its rich history and exquisite design, the Palace of Versailles offers a deep dive into French culture and royalty, providing a unique and memorable experience.
18. Trocadero Square
Trocadero Square is the esplanade located directly in front of the Eiffel Tower, offering one of the best spots to capture photos of the city’s most iconic monument at any time of day. Its design and gardens showcase classic French style, with broad terraces, fountains, and statues similar to those we’ve highlighted in other Paris attractions on this list.
The Chaillot Palace is the main landmark of Trocadero, housing several museums (National Navy Museum, the Museum of Man, and the City of Architecture and Heritage) that are perfect for lovers of art and history.
That said, the gardens are the highlight of this square, stretching from the Palais de Chaillot all the way to the Seine River. They feature ponds, flowers, sculptures, and fountains such as the Warsaw Fountain, which lights up at night for an enchanting view.
19. Latin Quarter
Continuing our list of monuments and places of interest in Paris, we come to the famous Latin Quarter, located on the left bank of the Seine in the 5th and part of the 6th arrondissement. In a few words, the area is known for its bohemian vibe, academic influence, and charming streets filled with cafés and bookstores that are a delight to explore.
The best way to discover the Latin Quarter is on foot, strolling its narrow cobbled streets like “Rue Mouffetard” and “Rue de la Huchette,” lined with restaurants and shops. Other must-visit spots include Place de la Contrescarpe and Place Saint-Michel, where you can get a glimpse of authentic Parisian life.
For historical cafés where poets and philosophers once gathered, be sure to check out Le Procope and Les Deux Magots.
The Latin Quarter is also packed with remarkable landmarks to visit:
- The Sorbonne University: a prestigious center for higher education.
- The Pantheon: the resting place of many great figures from French history.
- Luxembourg Gardens: one of the most beautiful and spacious parks in Paris, ideal for relaxation.
- Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church: A historic church housing the tomb of Saint Genevieve, patron saint of Paris.
- The National Museum of the Middle Ages: located in the Hôtel de Cluny, with an impressive collection of medieval art and artifacts.
20. Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous squares in Paris, having witnessed significant historical events such as the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
However, the most striking feature of the square is undoubtedly the Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument made of pink granite that towers above surrounding buildings. Flanking it are two fountains (Fountain of the Seas and Fountain of the Rivers), inspired by classical architecture and adding an elegant touch to the square.
Finally, on the outer edges of the esplanade, you can see up to eight statues representing major cities of France, symbolizing the country’s unity and diversity.
BONUS: Free tours in Paris
Paris is one of the cities with the most options for this type of activity. Many expert guides offer tours around popular sites like Montmartre, the Champs-Élysées, and more, providing historical insights and interesting stories. This is a fantastic way to get a deeper understanding of Paris, beyond just sightseeing.
Here are the free tours we recommend the most:
- Free tour of Paris monuments
- Free tour of the French Revolution and Napoleon
- Free tour of Paris mysteries and legends
- Free tour of the Latin Quarter