I have been to Paris multiple times. And, there are certain places that no visitor should miss. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is one of them. It’s a must-see, both during the day and night when it’s lit up.
The Louvre Museum has world-famous artworks, such as the Mona Lisa. Notre-Dame Cathedral is also worth a visit. It’s full of French history and art. Other places I recommend are Montmartre, the Seine River, and the Palace of Versailles. They are all culturally and historically significant. In short, Paris offers endless attractions.
Must-See Historical Sites
Visiting Paris? Don’t miss out! There’s the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. These famous historical sites are must-visit spots. Immerse yourself in the city’s past and appreciate it more. There are many sites to explore in Paris – let’s take a look at some of them!
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see historical site! It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Gustave Eiffel built it in 1889. It was originally a temporary structure for the World’s Fair.
Before visiting, here’s what you need to know:
- The tower is open year-round.
- The best time to go is early morning or late at night. Fewer crowds then!
- You can climb stairs to the first and second levels, or take an elevator to the top.
- The views from the top are breathtaking. You can see many of Paris’s other famous landmarks.
- Lines to get to the top can be long. Plan ahead.
- Pro tip: Visit the tower at night. It’s illuminated beautifully!
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a historical landmark, and one of Paris’ most-visited sites. It’s a French Gothic masterpiece with intricate details and rich history.
The cathedral features flying buttresses, incredible stained-glass windows, and the magnificent Rose Window. For a prime view, ascend the North Tower and see the famous gargoyles watching over Paris. Don’t miss the Treasury and Archaeological Crypt, either.
The grounds of Notre-Dame are beautiful and beside the Seine River. At night, the Cathedral is illuminated and during warmer months, you can watch the sound and light show.
It’s a must-see when visiting Paris, providing a glimpse into France’s art, architecture, and history.
Tip: late afternoon has shorter lines and is perfect for the sound and light show.
Arc de Triomphe
If you’ve been to Paris, you must not miss the iconic Arc de Triomphe! Located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, this monument is a symbol of French identity. It honors those who fought for France in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Climb to its top for an unforgettable look over Paris and the city. The museum there has artifacts and exhibitions about the Arc’s history and importance. Visiting the Arc de Triomphe is a must when in Paris.
Tip: Visit during golden hour for best lighting and views.
Museums and Art Galleries
Paris is a great destination for art-lovers! My favorite thing to do there is explore its famous museums and galleries. For example, there’s the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Palais de Tokyo, and Centre Pompidou. Each one features something special – from ancient artifacts to modern paintings and sculptures. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find something to admire!
Louvre Museum
Heading to Paris? Don’t miss out on the Louvre Museum!
It’s one of the world’s most popular attractions, featuring art from thousands of years. Be sure to see the Mona Lisa by da Vinci, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi. Plus, check out French art, Islamic art, and Egyptian artifacts.
Pro Tip: Get tickets online ahead of time – that way, you won’t have to wait in line. And wear comfortable shoes – there’s a lot to explore, and you don’t want sore feet to ruin your experience.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is an absolute must-see in Paris for art and history lovers! This museum is located in a stunning 19th-century train station and is overflowing with a fantastic selection of French art from 1840 to the early 1900s.
Famous pieces here are Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Edouard Manet’s “Olympia,” and Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies.” Plus, you can find works from Degas, Renoir, and Gauguin too.
Take advantage of the free guided tours offered by the museum for the best experience. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides that provide information about the artworks.
Pro tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and get a more tranquil viewing experience.
Centre Pompidou
Exploring Paris? Don’t miss the Centre Pompidou! It’s renowned for its one-of-a-kind design. Plus, it’s filled with modern and contemporary art pieces, such as Picasso and Matisse’s work. There’s always something new to explore here.
When visiting, be sure to take in the city views from the top floor, enjoy a meal at the rooftop restaurant, or browse the museum’s gift shop. So, add this to your Paris attractions list and prepare to be awed by art and culture.
Pro tip: Weekdays are less crowded, so book your tickets online beforehand to avoid long wait times.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens
Visiting Paris? Don’t miss exploring the parks and gardens! The Tuileries Garden is breathtaking. The Luxembourg Garden is romantic. And, the Jardin des Plantes is beautiful. Each offers something unique. Let’s get a closer look at some of the most popular parks in the City of Lights!
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens – a must-visit in Paris! It boasts amazing natural beauty, architecture, and cultural history. Queen Marie de’ Medici created this garden in the 17th century. French and English style landscaping blend together perfectly here. Trees, flowers, fountains, and shaded areas make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll. Explore the palace, museum, and the Medici Fountain. See the sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses! Tennis, chess, and pony rides are also available to enjoy.
Don’t forget the other famous attractions in Paris – the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, and the Seine River. Start your day exploring the historic district of Marais. It has some of the best museums and art galleries in the city!
Pro tip: Make sure to bring a blanket, a good book, and some wine to Luxembourg Gardens. Enjoy the serene ambiance and soak up the Parisian sun!
Tuileries Garden
Are you getting ready for a trip to Paris? If so, you must visit the Tuileries Garden! This 17th century garden is between the Louvre museum and the Place de la Concorde. It’s open to everyone now.
What can you expect? You can expect:
- Marvelous flower beds
- Fantastic fountains
- Sculptures made by popular French sculptors
- Kids’ playing areas
- Cafes and restaurants
- Wonderful views of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in the horizon.
Pro Tip: Pack some comfortable shoes- the garden covers 22.4 hectares!
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
On my recent excursion to Paris, I was mesmerized by the charming beauty of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a gorgeous, serene garden situated in the northeast region of the city. This is a must-see for nature and architecture fanatics, and offers extraordinary views.
Don’t miss these noteworthy spots:
- The Temple de la Sibylle–a lofty cliff temple with an exquisite lake beneath it.
- The Suspension Bridge–a stunning footbridge that takes you to the middle of the park, displaying stunning views of the garden and the city.
- The Grotto–a man-made cave with a waterfall and pond.
- The Belvedere–an elevated lookout point with amazing vistas of the park and the encompassing city.
So, if you’re visiting Paris, make sure to include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in your itinerary!
Famous Streets and Squares
In Paris, streets and squares must be seen! Stroll down the Champs-Elysées or visit the grandiose Place de la Bastille. These avenues are the hub of life in Paris. The Place des Vosges offers a famous view, and the historic Place de la Concorde is home to some of the city’s most renowned attractions.
Champs-Élysées
In Paris? A trip to Champs-Élysées is a must! It’s full of tourist attractions that represent French culture, history, and art. Here’s what you need to see:
- Arc de Triomphe: Must-visit! It’s at the top of the avenue and offers great views of the city.
- Musée Jacquemart-André: This museum shows 19th-century art and decor.
- Grand Palais: This iconic building hosts art exhibitions and events.
- Place de la Concorde: At the bottom of the avenue, this square has breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.
- Avenue Montaigne: Famous for high-end fashion and luxury stores.
Pro-tip: If you want to avoid crowds, visit Champs-Élysées on a weekday morning or late evening.
Montmartre
Being a Parisian, I absolutely urge you to visit Montmartre. It’s one of Paris’ most iconic areas. Climb the steep hill to get to the top and witness the magnificent view of the city.
Wander around Place du Tertre, an ancient square, where artists offer their paintings and draw on the spot.
Don’t miss out on the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, a beautiful Catholic church with a distinct architecture. Discover the mosaic decorations in the crypt!
Explore the cute cobblestone streets and uncover hidden gems, such as the Montmartre vineyard, the Dali Museum, and vintage boutiques.
I’m sure that Montmartre will be an unforgettable experience in Paris. Enjoy the views, art, a journey through history, and a feast for your senses.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is a must-see for all tourists in Paris! It’s iconic, brimming with history and culture. The most eye-catching feature? A 3300-year-old obelisk from Egypt, flanked by two beautiful fountains. Plus, it’s close to the Louvre Museum and Champs-Élysées. Explore its history or just take pics!
It’s also got a dark past connected to the French Revolution. If you visit in the evening, don’t forget to gaze at the twinkling Eiffel Tower. An unforgettable experience awaits!
Food and Markets
Paris is a great place to explore! As a foodie, its markets are particularly interesting. From popular ones like Rue Mouffetard and Marche des Enfants Rouges to the lesser-known Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, there is something for all. You can find fresh produce, fancy treats, and unique souvenirs.
Visit a local street market
Visiting Paris? Don’t forget to explore the street markets! From fresh produce to artisanal cheese and baked goods, these markets offer a unique glance into the city’s culinary culture.
Check out these popular ones:
- Marché Bastille – the largest market with fruits, veggies, flowers, clothing and more.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges – the oldest market with a variety of food stalls, like Moroccan, Japanese and Lebanese cuisines.
- Marché d’Aligre – a lively market in the 12th arrondissement with fresh produce, antiques and secondhand goods.
- Marché President Wilson – near the Eiffel Tower, it specializes in high-end produce, like truffles, oysters and rare cheeses.
Don’t forget to bring a tote or basket to carry all your finds!
Try traditional French food
Paris: the paradise for food lovers! From yummy Coq au Vin to the sweet Crème Brûlée, there are plenty of French dishes to try.
Must-try dishes include:
- Croissants – buttery, flaky pastries.
- Escargots – snails cooked in garlic butter.
- Steak Frites – steak with French fries.
- Coq au Vin – chicken cooked in red wine.
- Crème Brûlée – custard with caramelized sugar.
Pro tip: For the best French cuisine, go to smaller cafes and brasseries, not touristy restaurants.
Visit a bakery or pastry shop for fresh croissants and pastries.
When in Paris, a break from sightseeing to sample freshly-baked croissants and pastries is a must. The French are experts in pâtisserie and the city could be called the pastry capital of the world!
My top bakeries and pastry shops in Paris are:
- Boulangerie Patisserie Au 140. It’s been around for over 100 years and is situated in the centre of Paris.
- Gerard Mulot is popular for its colourful macarons, freshly-baked bread and tarts.
- Bread & Roses in Montmartre serves delicious croissants, quiches and baguettes.
Exploring these bakeries and pastry shops should be on every food lover’s Paris itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best attractions to see in Paris?
Some of the most visited sites in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Elysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. Other interesting sites to see include the Musée d’Orsay, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Palace of Versailles.
2. How long should I spend in Paris to see all the sites?
It really depends on how much time you have and how much you want to see. To visit the major sites, plan on spending at least 2-3 days in the city. However, if you want to really experience Paris, plan on spending a week or more.
3. Where should I stay in Paris to be close to the attractions?
The best areas to stay in Paris to be close to the attractions are the 1st, 7th, and 8th arrondissements. These areas are centrally located and have easy access to many of the major tourist sites.
4. What is the best way to get around Paris?
The best way to get around Paris is by public transportation, specifically the metro. The city has an extensive metro system that makes it easy to get from one place to another. Taxis and buses are also available, but they can be expensive, especially during peak hours.
5. What are some lesser-known sites to visit in Paris?
If you want to get off the beaten path, some interesting sites to see include the Catacombs, the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, and the Marché aux Puces (a flea market). These sites offer a unique glimpse into the city’s history and culture.
6. Are there any sites in Paris that should be avoided?
While Paris is generally a safe city to visit, there are a few sites that should be avoided, especially at night. These include the Gare du Nord train station, the Stalingrad area, and the Quai de Valmy in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.