15 Best Places to Visit in Paris
Paris welcomes more than ten million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular cities on earth. Truly deserving its nickname "The City of Light," Paris offers something different to every traveller with its iconic landmarks, world-famous museums, romantic streets and unmatched cuisine. Easily reached with a direct flight of around 3.5–4 hours, Paris is home to so many sights that a few days may not be enough. Here are 15 must-see places in Paris along with practical travel tips.
1. The Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro Square
The undisputed symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel and at 324 metres held the title of the world's tallest structure for many years. We strongly recommend buying your tickets online in advance — especially in summer, queues can reach 2–3 hours.
Trocadéro Square on the opposite bank is one of the best spots to photograph the tower. Just after sunset the tower begins to sparkle; don't miss that moment. The surrounding Champ de Mars park is ideal for a picnic and a break from the city's pace.
2. The Louvre Museum
The world's largest and most-visited art museum, the Louvre displays more than 35,000 works. Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are among its most famous pieces. Seeing the entire museum in a single day is almost impossible, so we recommend preparing a priority list in advance.
Tickets are sold online; the museum stays open until 21:45 on the first Friday of each month and entry is free for visitors under 18. Before entering through the glass pyramid, explore the underground shopping area in the Napoleon Hall.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité
After a meticulous restoration following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened to visitors in 2024. Rising on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine, the cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, with a history of roughly 850 years.
After visiting the cathedral, also see Sainte-Chapelle on the same island. With its 13th-century stained-glass windows, it is one of the most breathtaking medieval buildings in the world — often overshadowed by Notre-Dame, but absolutely worth seeing.
4. Montmartre & the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Perched on the highest hill in Paris, the Montmartre district reflects the city's most bohemian spirit. From the steps in front of the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the whole panorama of Paris unfolds before you. Watching this view at sunrise or sunset is an indescribable experience.
The street artists of Place du Tertre and the cafés and boutiques of the narrow side streets make Montmartre a place where you can easily spend a whole day. As you walk down the hill, don't miss passing the legendary Moulin Rouge and soaking up the colourful atmosphere of Pigalle.
5. Palace of Versailles — A Must-Do Day Trip
Reachable in about 40 minutes on the RER C train from Paris, the Palace of Versailles reflects the grandeur of the French monarchy in all its splendour. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the palace and its 800 hectares of gardens are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Hall of Mirrors, the Queen's apartments and the magnificent garden fountains are among the highlights. Walking in the gardens is free; a ticket is required for the palace interior. We recommend setting aside at least half a day, ideally a full day.
6. Champs-Élysées & the Arc de Triomphe
One of the world's most famous avenues, the Champs-Élysées is a street that keeps the pulse of Paris with its luxury shops, cafés and cinemas. By climbing the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the avenue, you can look down on the 12 boulevards radiating across the city — a view that perfectly explains why Paris is called the "City of Light."
7. Le Marais & the Pompidou Centre
Le Marais is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan districts in Paris. Historic buildings, contemporary art galleries, trendy cafés and the best of Jewish cuisine all come together here. Place des Vosges is one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Paris; strolling under its arched arcades is an experience in itself.
Nearby, the Centre Pompidou is a modern and contemporary art museum that stands out with its unconventional exterior architecture. The museum is worth a visit for its multi-layered collection and its terrace with city views.
Transport, Budget & Accommodation Tips
Public transport in Paris is extremely well developed. The metro, RER and bus network make it easy to reach every corner of the city. If you're staying longer than a week, the weekly Navigo DĂ©couverte pass is the most economical option. The RER B line is the most practical way to get from the airport into the city.
For accommodation, the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the area around the Opéra stand out for their central location and ease of transport. In terms of flight prices, spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most affordable seasons. While Paris is crowded and expensive in summer, these periods keep a good balance of weather and price.
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