In a nutshell
- This guide covers 28 of the best places in Paris — from iconic landmarks to lesser-known neighborhood gems, all personally visited by our team.
- Our top five must-sees form the foundation of any great Paris trip: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre.
- Paris is more compact than you’d think — many highlights are within walking distance of each other. When your feet need a break, the Paris Metro gets you anywhere in minutes.
- Book tickets in advance for the big attractions — especially the Louvre, Catacombs, and Versailles. Lines can be brutal without a reservation.
- Once you know what you want to see, check our Paris pass comparison — the right city pass can save you real money and skip-the-line time.
Paris Attractions on the Map
For easier orientation, we’ve marked all the top places in Paris on a map. Do you already know where your hotel in Paris is located?
Top 5 Attractions in Paris
Eiffel Tower
What do you need to know? The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic attraction in Paris and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The tower stands right on the Seine and is visited by thousands of people every day. There are three floors with restaurants, observation decks, and exhibitions.
Is it worth it? Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must. That said, you don’t have to go all the way up to the third floor — the second is more than enough. The view is spectacular and the ticket is cheaper.
Book Eiffel Tower tickets online
Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
What do you need to know? The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is a large and relatively young church in Paris. It sits in the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre, atop the hill of the same name. You can walk up or take a small funicular.
Is it worth it? Sacré-Cœur is simply stunning. From impressive architecture to true masterpieces, there’s so much to see here. But the real highlight is the free panorama over Paris and the Eiffel Tower — you won’t find a better freebie in the city.
Our tip: If time and budget allow, make a detour up to the dome and the crypt. Tickets can be purchased on-site for a few euros.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
What do you need to know? Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in all of France. It sits in the historic center on the Île de la Cité. After the fire in 2019, Notre-Dame was fully restored and reopened in December 2024.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Notre-Dame is a significant piece of Parisian history — and if anything, the fire made visiting it even more poignant. Because the cathedral was faithfully restored to its original state, it’s every bit as worth seeing as it ever was.
Important: Since the reopening, you can visit the cathedral either with a free time slot booked in advance online through the Notre-Dame website, or you can try your luck without a time slot on-site — that worked for us.
Arc de Triomphe
What do you need to know? The Arc de Triomphe is a massive monument from the Napoleonic era, standing at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées. You can either simply admire the arch from the outside or climb to the top and see Paris from 60 meters up.
Is it worth it? You should definitely stand in front of the Arc de Triomphe at least once. Whether you climb to the top is entirely up to you. At 16 euros per person, the tickets are on the pricey side. That said, along with a great view, you also get a small museum inside the arch.
Our tip: If you want to go up, we recommend booking an online ticket in advance. That way you can skip the long line at the ticket office.
Book Arc de Triomphe tickets online
Louvre
What do you need to know? The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and a genuine must-see in Paris. The enormous building sits near the Seine and is home to the famous Mona Lisa — and around 35,000 other masterpieces.
Is it worth it? The Louvre is a total work of art — inside and out. You’ll never run out of things to marvel at. And it’s genuinely cool to say you’ve seen the works of the greatest masters in person. The only downside is the enormous crowds.
Our tip: Because demand is so high, book your ticket online in advance here too.
Walks Through Paris Neighborhoods
Montmartre
What do you need to know? Montmartre is the authentic artists’ neighborhood of Paris. Bistros line up next to studios, and at every corner you’ll run into street performers and musicians. The highlight is the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre Hill.
Is it worth it? Montmartre is our favorite among the Paris neighborhoods. Easy to get to and incredibly diverse. Plus, you get a fantastic view over Paris from the hill — and it’s completely free!
Our route through Montmartre (45 minutes walking):
- Blanche station
- Moulin Rouge
- Place des Abbesses
- Le mur des je t’aime
- Place du Tertre
- Sacré-Cœur & the Hill
- Blanche station
This route is short, but it covers everything you absolutely have to see in Montmartre. A longer and more comprehensive route can be found in our Montmartre article.
Marais
What do you need to know? Marais is a super cool, trendy neighborhood with a village feel. Alongside romantic alleyways and small boutiques in charming buildings, you’ll also find parks and great museums — like the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou.
Is it worth it? Marais is a wonderful contrast to the rest of central Paris. For a moment, you feel like you’ve left the city entirely. And if you’ve ever wanted to peek inside one of Paris’s grand historic houses, you can do so for free at the Maison Victor Hugo.
Our route through Marais (50 minutes walking):
- Hôtel de Ville station
- Hôtel de Ville
- Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais
- Maison de Victor Hugo
- Place des Vosges
- Marché des Enfants Rouges
- Square du Temple
Pont Neuf to Jardin du Luxembourg
What do you need to know? Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris and the perfect starting point for a really lovely walk. Along the way from the 1st to the 6th arrondissement there’s so much to see, and you end up at the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Is it worth it? This walk is especially great for first-time visitors who want to experience Paris on foot. Varied, not too strenuous, and cafés and great photo spots everywhere. You’ll even spot the famous booksellers along the Seine!
Our route starting from Pont Neuf (30 minutes walking):
- Pont Neuf
- Seine & Île de la Cité
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Notre-Dame
- Pont Saint-Michel
- Bookstore – Shakespeare and Company with Café
- Quartier Latin
- Panthéon
- Jardin du Luxembourg
Our tip: Just north of the Jardin du Luxembourg is the Odéon station. After your walk, you can hop back on the Metro there and give your feet a well-deserved rest.
Along the Seine
What do you need to know? Many of Paris’s top places to visit line the banks of the Seine. A riverside stroll pairs perfectly with your sightseeing.
Is it worth it? Walking along the Seine, you get to experience both the touristy and the authentic sides of Paris at the same time. And you can keep the route as short or as long as you like — the Seine is, after all, pretty long.
Our route along the Seine (1 hour walking):
- Eiffel Tower
- Berges de Seine (also great for kids)
- Pont Alexandre III
- Batobus (if you don’t want to walk the whole way)
- Louvre
- Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame
- Hôtel de Ville
Our tip: Keep the Batobus in mind — it’s a seriously smart option. You can do a great half-and-half combo: walk part of the route and cover the rest by Batobus shuttle boat on the Seine. There are five stops along the route, and you can also cruise the entire stretch from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre.
Champs-Élysées
What do you need to know? The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the world’s most famous luxury shopping streets. But you don’t have to spend a dime — you can simply enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Is it worth it? If you have the time, definitely check out the Champs-Élysées. You can combine the walk with one of Paris’s truly grand sights: the Arc de Triomphe.
Our route along the Champs-Élysées (45 minutes walking):
- Concorde station
- Place de la Concorde
- Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées
- Ladurée (try French macarons)
- Arc de Triomphe
Canal St. Martin
What do you need to know? Along the Canal St. Martin, you move among true locals. There are small boutiques and bistros by the water, parks, and plenty of modern art.
Is it worth it? If you already know Paris’s main hotspots, Canal St. Martin is a great next step. Very few tourists make it to this area — and that’s exactly what creates such a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, especially on a sunny day.
Our route along Canal St. Martin (30 minutes walking):
- République station
- Along Canal Saint-Martin to Rue de Recollets
- Sucre Glace ice cream shop (the best ice cream in town)
- Artazart Gallery (bookstore and gallery in one)
- Rainbow crosswalk (great photo op!)
- Either walk back or take the train from Gare de Paris-Est
More Things to See in Paris
Paris Catacombs
What do you need to know? The Paris Catacombs lie deep beneath the city and are famous for their ossuary. Around six million sets of remains are arranged there in various formations. You can visit daily, but tickets are only available online.
Is it worth it? The Catacombs aren’t for the faint of heart — but they’re genuinely fascinating. If you like things a little creepy and are interested in the darker side of Parisian history, you should definitely head down into the “Empire of the Dead.” Honestly, the Catacombs are one of the most captivating things we’ve ever visited.
Book Paris Catacombs tickets online
By the way: The Paris Catacombs are also a great option when it’s raining in Paris. There’s plenty to see without getting wet.
Jardin du Luxembourg
What do you need to know? The Jardin du Luxembourg is a large park south of the Seine. It features beautiful walking paths, many trees, greenhouses, fountains, an orangery, a beehive with beekeeping, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Entry to the park is free.
Is it worth it? The Jardin du Luxembourg is a wonderful escape from the crowded streets and towering buildings — the perfect place to just unwind. And if you ask our kids, the park is one of their favorite spots in Paris. There’s a fantastic playground, a carousel, a puppet theater, and in summer you can rent small sailboats and push them across the pond with sticks. You can read more about that in our tips for Paris with kids.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
What do you need to know? Père Lachaise is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and truly enormous. Spread across 44 hectares, it holds over 70,000 graves — including those of celebrities like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. You can easily reach the cemetery by Metro.
Is it worth it? If you’re in the mood for an interesting walk and a slightly different kind of sightseeing, we wholeheartedly recommend Père Lachaise. The mausoleums, graves, and statues are simply stunning.
Our tip: In our Père Lachaise article you’ll find an optimized route through the cemetery that keeps you on track and makes sure you see all the most important graves and highlights.
Panthéon
What do you need to know? The Panthéon was once a church, but today it serves as a mausoleum dedicated to the heroes and revolutionaries of France. The building is located near the Jardin du Luxembourg. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.
Is it worth it? With its massive columns, the Panthéon evokes ancient Rome or Greek architecture. Inside, there’s an extraordinary sense of calm and grandeur — no surprise, given that great figures like Marie Curie and Victor Hugo are interred here. It’s a truly awe-inspiring place.
Our tip: Since the Panthéon is so close to the Jardin du Luxembourg, you can easily combine both in one outing.
Opéra Garnier
What do you need to know? In the city center, near the Louvre, you’ll find the Opéra Garnier, which has been hosting performances since 1875. But you don’t have to attend a show — you can also explore the building on a self-guided tour. Book your ticket online.
Is it worth it? The Opéra Garnier is a real standout that unfortunately gets overlooked far too often amid all of Paris’s other attractions. Yet this historic building has so much to offer, inside and out — grand staircases, majestic halls, sculptures, murals, and lots of gold.
Book Opéra Garnier self-guided tour tickets online
Book tickets for performances at the Opéra Garnier online
The opera house is expected to be under renovation until summer 2029. In the meantime, some performances at the Opéra Garnier may not take place and the facade will be covered in scaffolding for a period of time.
Tour Montparnasse
Due to renovation work, Tour Montparnasse will be closed for four years starting April 2026!
What do you need to know? Tour Montparnasse is located in the southern part of the city. At 210 meters, it’s the tallest skyscraper in Paris. You can ride Europe’s fastest elevator to the 56th floor in 38 seconds and enjoy a sweeping vista over Paris from the rooftop terrace. Tickets are available on-site and online.
Is it worth it? The Montparnasse Tower is a truly spectacular vantage point in Paris. At around 20 euros, admission is relatively pricey, but it’s much less crowded here than at the Eiffel Tower. And the fast elevator ride is genuinely cool.
Our tip: To make the visit even more worthwhile, grab a bite to eat and order some drinks at the Café à 360 on the top floor.
Book Tour Montparnasse tickets online
Les Invalides
What do you need to know? Les Invalides is located near the Eiffel Tower. Once a church, it is now best known as the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. He rests in a seven-layered sarcophagus inside the dome, surrounded by lavish splendor.
Is it worth it? Les Invalides is especially worthwhile for history buffs. The dome with Napoleon’s tomb is part of the Hôtel des Invalides complex, which also includes the Army Museum. If you visit one, don’t skip the other — both are included in the same ticket.
Book Les Invalides tickets online
Pont Alexandre III
What do you need to know? Pont Alexandre III is a bridge dating from the late 19th century. It crosses the Seine near the Grand and Petit Palais.
Is it worth it? You can easily work the bridge into a walk along the Seine, or make a detour here if you’re already at the Grand and Petit Palais. The bridge is absolutely dripping with ornate splendor.
Grand Palais & Petit Palais
What do you need to know? The Grand Palais and the Petit Palais face each other at the edge of the Champs-Élysées. Both were inaugurated in 1900. The Grand Palais is used for rotating exhibitions and fashion shows. Inside the Petit Palais you’ll find the free Museum of Fine Arts.
Is it worth it? Both buildings impress in their own distinct way — the Grand Palais primarily through its enormous glass roof, the Petit Palais through all its elegance packed into a smaller space. A stunning example of Paris’s lavish Belle Époque era.
Our tip: In the courtyard you’ll find a lovely garden with a small café — a perfect spot for a break in summer!
More Great Museums in Paris
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is completely closed from 2025 to 2030 for renovation work!
What do you need to know? The Centre Pompidou is located in the Marais neighborhood of Paris. Here you can see works by Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, and more.
Is it worth it? We were blown away by the Centre Pompidou! Even the inside-out building itself is a real eye-catcher among the classical structures surrounding it. And the exhibition is well worth it too — fans of modern art are right at home here.
Our tip: Make sure you also check out the rooftop terrace with its stunning view!
Musée d'Orsay
What do you need to know? The Musée d’Orsay sits right on the Seine and is almost as famous as the Louvre — but only almost. It displays paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs from the period 1848 to 1914.
Is it worth it? The Musée d’Orsay gives the Louvre a real run for its money, and a visit is even more affordable. The collection and the building as a whole are absolutely fascinating.
Our tip: This is a popular Louvre alternative, so plan enough time and book your tickets online in advance if possible.
Book Musée d’Orsay tickets online
Atelier des Lumières
What do you need to know? The Atelier des Lumières is located a bit outside the center, near Père Lachaise Cemetery. Inside a former iron foundry, you’ll find an ever-changing immersive exhibition.
Is it worth it? The combination of industrial character and dazzling lights makes for something completely different from a typical museum. We also love the regular rotation of themes. The trip out here is totally worth it, and you can easily combine the visit with a trip to Père Lachaise.
Our tip: On weekends, tickets are not available on-site. If you want to visit the Atelier on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll need to book online in advance.
Book L’Atelier des Lumières tickets online
Palais de Tokyo: Museum of Modern Art
What do you need to know? The Musée d’art moderne de la Ville de Paris — also known as the Museum of Modern Art — in the Palais de Tokyo focuses on contemporary art. On display are paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Is it worth it? The museum’s permanent collection is free to visit — which is always a great deal. And in this case, you get to see one of the city’s most renowned art museums at no cost. Honestly, who could say no to that?
Musée du Quai Branly
What do you need to know? The Musée du Quai Branly is located near the Eiffel Tower. The collection is devoted entirely to non-European art.
Is it worth it? If you’re interested in other cultures, this is the place for you. You can expect around 3,500 objects of South American, Oceanian, and African art and culture.
Our tip: With a Thalys train ticket, you’ll get a discount at the Musée du Quai Branly ticket desk.
Book Musée du Quai Branly tickets online
Fondation Louis Vuitton
What do you need to know? Relatively new among Paris’s museums is the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This private museum, founded by the luxury brand Louis Vuitton, primarily exhibits works from the 20th century.
Is it worth it? Here too, the building itself is a major highlight and makes the trip to the outskirts of Paris well worth it. The museum and its exhibitions are a real feast for the eyes.
Our tip: The Arc de Triomphe is the nearest major attraction. Try to combine both in one visit.
Book Fondation Louis Vuitton tickets online
You’ll find even more Paris museums here:
Highlights Near Paris Worth the Trip
Palace of Versailles
What do you need to know? Versailles is a vast palace complex about 20 km southwest of Paris. It was once the seat of power for the famous Sun King, Louis XIV. Today, the palace along with its gardens and all other buildings is open to visitors.
Is it worth it? For Versailles, you definitely need to plan a full day. But if you have the time, it’s absolutely worth it. The estate is diverse and expansive — and in addition to the palace itself, a major highlight is the former residence of Marie Antoinette.
Our tip: Versailles is always popular. We recommend booking your tickets in advance online — ideally the combo ticket, which gives you access to the entire estate.
Book Versailles combo ticket online
Find out more about Versailles and its tickets here:
Disneyland® Paris
What do you need to know? Disneyland® Paris is a world-famous theme park west of Paris. It features rides inspired by the films, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and countless other offerings for kids and adults alike. A visit to Disneyland® Paris is a seriously fun addition to any city trip! You can visit the park for a day or stay overnight.
Is it worth it? Disney makes kids and adults happy alike — that’s just the way it is. And a visit to Disneyland® Paris is an unforgettable experience. We’re still talking about it with the same enthusiasm more than five years later. Great vibes, awesome rides, delicious snacks, and Disney characters everywhere.
Our tip: We did a day trip from Paris to Disneyland® — heading out early in the morning and returning in the evening. What sounded potentially stressful turned out to be totally relaxed and an absolute blast. When the magic is this close, why not?
Book Disneyland® Paris park tickets
Find more Disneyland Paris tips here:
General Tips for Sightseeing in Paris
Avoid Peak Times
In general, Paris attractions are significantly less crowded from Monday through Thursday than from Friday through Sunday.
Lunchtime, around 1:00 PM, is also a good bet. The first wave of visitors has already come through and the later crowd is still out to lunch. It doesn’t always work out, but it’s worth a try.
Plan Your Order Wisely
When planning, take a look at the map to see which Paris attractions are close to each other. Especially in the center, the highlights are often just a few steps apart. This can save you a lot of time and unnecessary walking.
If you’re planning a long weekend in Paris, check out our 3-day Paris itinerary.
Free Admission for Under-26s
If you’re under 26 with a European ID card or passport, entry to many attractions is free! Check the websites of individual attractions for more details.
A Special City Tour
Whether it’s your first time in Paris or you’ve been before, a guided tour through the city can really be worth it.
We’ve put together 11 special tours in Paris — you’re sure to find something that clicks. You’ll get a great overview of the most important places to visit, or discover a whole new side of Paris you hadn’t seen before.
If you’d rather not read the full article, here are three classic tours to get you started. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Private tour with a local guide
Paris highlights: 3-hour bike tour
Hop-On/Hop-Off in Paris
If covering a lot of ground on foot isn’t easy for you, or you simply want a really relaxed sightseeing experience, we recommend the hop-on/hop-off bus in Paris.
With it, you can explore the city for 24 or 48 hours and get on and off as many times as you like.
Here you’ll find our tips and the best hop-on/hop-off provider
Is the Paris City Pass Worth It?
Many major cities offer city passes for tourists. With these passes, for a flat fee you can visit numerous attractions and save both money and time.
And of course, there are passes like these for Paris too.
So if you’re sure you want to see a lot of the city, a Paris Pass is absolutely worth it.
Our personal recommendation is the Paris Turbopass. It includes admission to many of the attractions we’ve listed. You can also use it to ride public transportation in Paris.
Book the Paris Turbopass online
Find more information and other Paris passes here:
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris Attractions
What should you absolutely make sure to see in Paris?
In Paris, you absolutely must visit the Eiffel Tower, the Montmartre neighborhood with the Sacré-Cœur, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the famous Louvre.
Whether you just admire everything from the outside or also head inside or up to the top is entirely up to you, of course.
Can you explore Paris on foot?
If you’re in good shape, you can explore Paris well on foot.
That said, don’t underestimate the distances. We’ve made that mistake ourselves and ended up completely worn out.
That’s why we personally recommend a relaxed mix of walking and taking the Metro.
How much time do you need for Paris?
It’s best to plan five days for Paris. In that time, you can see a lot of the city, try plenty of food, and still have time for a local favorite or two — check out our Paris insider tips.
If you don’t have that much time, take a look at our tips for a weekend in Paris.
What is the most famous square in Paris?
Paris is known for its beautiful, grand squares. The most famous ones include:
- Place du Trocadéro (at the Eiffel Tower)
- Place Charles de Gaulle (at the Arc de Triomphe)
- Place de l’Opéra (at the Opéra Garnier)
- Place du Tertre (in Montmartre)
- Place de la Bastille
Which is the most beautiful neighborhood in Paris?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. But personally, the artist quarter of Montmartre has stolen our hearts.
Here, the touristy and the authentic sides of Paris are perfectly balanced — there are lovely sights, great restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs.
What is the old town of Paris?
The historic center of Paris encompasses the 1st arrondissement and the so-called Île de la Cité — the island in the Seine.
This is where Paris got its start over 2,000 years ago and spread out in all directions.
The Marais neighborhood is also incredibly old. Some of its buildings date back to the 16th century.
Over the centuries, many scattered settlements grew into one great city.
Which Paris attractions are worth visiting with kids?
The best things to do in Paris with kids are:
- Jardin du Luxembourg: This huge park features playgrounds, a carousel, picnic spots, and even pony rides.
- Grande Galerie de l’Evolution: At the Museum of Evolution, kids can learn all about the animal kingdom and see many animal models up close.
- Paris Zoos: Whether at the smaller La Ménagerie or the large Zoo de Vincennes, you can get up close and personal with the animals!
- Disneyland Paris: Meeting Disney characters, snacking, and riding attractions at this theme park is a dream come true!
Read our article: Paris with Kids: 27 Attractions and Our Experiences
Which Paris attractions allow dogs?
Unfortunately, dogs are not welcome at the major sights in Paris. Even though many French people sit in cafés with their dogs, animals are not permitted inside or on top of the attractions.
That means all the highlights can only be seen from below and outside.
Even on the Metro, only one dog per person is allowed.
Which Paris attractions are less crowded?
Among the less crowded attractions in Paris are:
- Grand and Petit Palais
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Atelier des Lumières
- Conciergerie
- Sainte Chapelle
- Rooftop terrace of the Institut du Monde Arabe
You’ll find even more under-the-radar highlights in our Paris insider tips.
