holy places to visit in paris

The Catholic Travel Guide

A Catholic’s Guide to Paris, France

Saint Denis introduced Christianity to Paris in the Third Century, and by the Fifth Century, the first churches were built in the city. As time went on Paris, located in the area known as Ile de France, became home to some of the most magnificent churches in Christendom. What can we say that has not already been said? Paris is Europe’s most popular destination….and for the Catholic traveler, there so many beautiful and spiritually rich experiences here that you would need to spend a few years there to see them all. But listed here are just a few.

Most of the major churches offer daily Mass while some, such as the Sacre Coeur, have perpetual adoration.  Some churches, such as Saint Germain des Pres, offer concerts on a regular basis.  Upon your first visit you might want to schedule an orientation tour to see the highlights of the city before exploring more deeply.

Catholic places of interest in Paris:

Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur) :   Perpetual Adoration for over 100 years

Basilica of Saint Denis : Tombs of many kings and queens of France in the crypt area

Chapel of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Thomas :  Statue of Our Lady of Good Deliverance in nearby Neuilly-sur-Seine

Church of Saint Germain-l’Auxerrois : medieval church near the Louvre.. temporary location for Masses of Notre Dame Cathedral

Church of Saint Nicholas : Statue of Our Lady of Miracles on the outskirts of Paris

La Madeleine Church : originally designed by Napolean, later dedicted to Saint Mary Magdalene

Notre Dame Cathedral:   Most famous Church in Paris

Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption:   Polish mission church in Paris

Notre Dame des Victoires (Our Lady of Victories) :   Relics of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin..parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.

Picpus Cemetery & the Martyrs of Compiegne :   1,306 people interred in the mass graves…victims of “The Terror”, including the martyrs of Compiegne as well as the grave of General-Marquis de La Fayette

Saint Chapelle : a royal chapel,the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, beautiful stained glass

Saint Etienne du Mont (Chapel of Saint Genevieve) :  dedicated to Saint Genevieve, patron saint of Paris

Saint Eustache Church (Église Saint-Eustache):   largest pipe organ in France & beautiful artwork

Saint Germain des Pres :   noted for its’ wonderful acoustics….hosts concerts and recitals featuring Gregorian chant

Saint Joseph’s:   English-speaking Church in Paris

Saint Pierre de Montmartre : a hidden gem near Sacre Coeur…over 800 years old

Saint Sulpice :   dedicated to Sulpitius the Pious…second in size only to Notre Dame

Shrine of the Miraculous Medal at Rue du Bac : Site of the apparitions to St. Catherine Laboure where she received the Miraculous Medal , plus her incorrupt body

Shrine of Saint Vincent de Paul :  His tomb and skeleton covered in wax.

Catholic places of interest in the Paris suburb of Argenteuil:

Basilica of Saint Denis of Argenteuil (the ‘Seamless Garment” of Our Lord)

Also: Click here for the official website for the Archdiocese of Paris (in French)

And, of course, we always recommend the “Streetwise” maps –easy to carry & waterproof. There is also a companion Streetwise Map for the Paris subway system (Le Metro).

It might be helpful if taking a taxi or asking for directions, to know the arrondissement as well as the address just in case the person you are asking (or the taxi cab driver) is not familiar with the street. Street signs will normally have an abbreviation of the arrondissement as well as the street number as shown here (7th Arr).

You may wish to consider a day tour of Paris including a Dinner Cruise on the River Seine , a favorite of many visitors.

Traveling by air?  Paris has two major airports:  Charles de Gaulle and Orly.  Most international flights use Charles de Gaulle, although some use Orly as well. Check airline schedules, see fares & buy tickets here

Traveling by train?

Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here .

A flashback in time to elegant dining: for a unique dining experience, consider Le Train Bleu , located in the Gare du Lyon train station. This magnificent setting will probably surprise you.

Perhaps you can imagine yourself dining as you wait to board the Orient Express traveling from Paris to Istanbul back in the early 20th Century…….is that Hercule Poirot I see over there?

Click here to find the Best Hotels & Restaurants in Paris, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

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1 thought on “a catholic’s guide to paris, france”.

We will be visiting Paris in July and will stay there for 3 days. Please advise me on what s a must see. I’m a faithful Catholic and I want my grown up boys to see and witness the Holy cites .Thanks

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Sacre Coeur in Paris – by Thomas Bresson – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening hours: monday to sunday — 6am to 10:30pm, address: 35 rue du chevalier de la barre, 75018 paris, france, metro station: château rouge, saint denis basilica in paris.

Saint Denis Basilica – by Ninaras – Wikimedia Commons

HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY —   10AM TO 6:15PM

Address: 1 rue de la légion d’honneur, 93200 saint-denis, france, metro station: basilique de saint-denis, church of saint-chapelle in paris.

Saint-Chapelle in Paris – by Guilhem Vellut – Wikimedia Commons

HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY —   9am to 7pm

Address: 10 bd du palais, 75001 paris, france, metro station: notre dame, picpus cemetery in paris.

Picpus Cemetery – by LPLT – Wikimedia Commons

HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY —   2pm to 5pm

Address: 35 rue de picpus, 75012 paris, france, metro station: bel-air, basilica of saint-nicolas-de-port in france.

Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port – by Zairon – Wikimedia Commons

HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY —   8am to 5pm

Address: rue simon moycet, 54210 saint-nicolas-de-port, france.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
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• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
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Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Natalie is a film photographer and is fascinated by both humans and astrology. She enjoys roaming the streets of Paris by foot, and is inspired by the city’s timeless, Bohemian flair and the soul in districts such as Le Marais and Menilmontant.

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The 14 Most Beautiful Churches in Paris You Must Visit

Last Updated on: 14th May 2024, 11:44 am

Who can think of Paris without thinking of the most iconic church in Paris – Notre Dame Cathedral?   

Few cathedrals have inspired more in the popular imagination, and few have inspired more grief than when Notre-Dame de Paris burned in 2020. 

Although Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris remains one of the most important sites in Paris to visit, there are so many more  churches in Paris  you cannot miss on your Paris Bucket List. Notre Dame is – technically – the only  cathedral in Paris,  the many churches in Paris and basilicas in Paris are so majestic and beautiful that they inspire awe and repeat visits.

France is one of the  best  countries in the world for church lovers – there are  beautiful cathedrals  in France and  pilgrimage sites throughout France !

Paris is home to 197 churches.  These places of worship in Paris are rich with French history and so  many  of them are worth a visit!

With so much to do on any trip to Paris, whether you are spending 3 days in Paris or many more, it’s important to know which are the most famous churches in Paris, as well as the oldest churches in Paris, and the most beautiful churches in Paris so you can plan your trip! Below are my favorite 14 churches in Paris (in rough order of importance/beauty!). 

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1. Notre-Dame de Paris

Find It: 

6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II 75004 

Paris, France

Nearly synonymous with Paris itself, the  Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris  is perhaps the jewel of the great churches of Paris. Despite the devastating fire in 2019, it is  still  a gorgeous and unique church in Paris that should be #1 on your Paris itinerary. In fact, historically, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was  Europe’s most visited historical monument. 

Construction of this iconic Gothic masterpiece began in the 12th century, in 1163, under the direction of Bishop Maurice de Sully and continued for nearly two centuries, culminating in the completion of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris around the year 1345. 

The cathedral’s intricate architectural style is characterized by its stunning flying buttresses, stained-glass rose windows, and intricately carved sculptures and stands as a testament to the medieval craftsmen’s ingenuity and devotion. 

Throughout the centuries, Notre-Dame Cathedral has played a central role in French history, witnessing the most important French coronations, marriages, and significant religious events. 

However, perhaps its most famous moment occurred in 1831 when Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” brought the Notre-Dame de Paris further into the global spotlight. 

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is beautiful to view from the River Seine as well and many companies offer boat tours for great photography of Notre-Dame!

How to Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral After the Fire – in 2023: 

As of 2023, visitors may once again enter the square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral as well as the Pont au Double, which connected the island of Notre-Dame with the Left Bank.

Visitors may also enter the Crypt to see some of the treasures of Notre Dame, though the church itself and its towers remain closed. The reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is announced for the 8th December 2024 – I am looking forward to that day! 

Where to Stay Near Notre-Dame de Paris, Accommodation in Paris: 

Staying near Notre Dame means staying in the heart of Paris itself! Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris lies in the Île de la Cité and is in the 4th arrondissement. The surrounding area is central to almost everything in Paris! You can  search Expedia for awesome, refundable hotels in the 4th arrondissement in Paris!  

2. Saint-Sulpice Churc h

Find it: 

Église Saint-Sulpice 12 Place Saint-Sulpice 75005 Paris, France

The Eglise Saint-Sulpice in Paris  lies in the Latin Quarter of Paris, the 6th arrondissement. Much newer than Notre-Dame de Paris,  Eglise   Saint-Sulpice was built in the 17th century  – and the current structure is actually the second church to be built on the site, the original church having been destroyed. 

You’ll recognize it as you walk up to it by its mismatched towers that end in round turrets instead of spires.  Eglise   Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, after Notre-Dame.  

A  baroque church , and a Roman Catholic Church like the vase majority of churches in Paris, Saint-Sulpice Church has a very different architectural style from Notre-Dame Cathedral!  Eglish Saint-Sulpice is also famous for having mismatched towers.  And lately, it’s gained even more fame because Dan Brown used it for scenes in his famous novel,  The DaVinci Code.

Saint-Sulpice is famous for a number of reasons, the main reason being its incredible organ.  The grand organ at Saint-Sulpice  is considered by many the greatest organ in existence, and its organists – now and through history – some of the greatest to have lived. 

The best way to visit Saint Sulpice: attend a religious service and hear the organ played!  After the 10:45 am service [check times ahead of time in case there are changes] the organist usually gives an encore and mini-concert. Going to Mass at Eglish Saint-Sulpice is one of my favorite memories from visiting Paris and the organ music really is sublime! 

3. La Sainte-Chapelle – St. Louis’s Chapel

10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

For pure wonder and amazement, head to Sainte-Chapelle, very near Notre Dame. La Sainte-Chapelle is without a double one of, if not  the , most beautiful churches of Paris. 

Not a cathedral or even a “church” in the traditional sense,  La   Sainte-Chapelle is actually a Royal Chapel,  commissioned by King Louis IX (later Saint Louis) to house important relics that he acquired (including the purported crown of thorns of Christ.) Sainte Chapelle was built in the 13th century originally as a part of the Royal Residences on the Île de la Cité in Paris. 

Sainte-Chapelle is famous on Instagram and with all kinds of photographers for very good reason! The upper chapel is adorned in 618 square meters of incredibly intricate stained-glass windows – that equals  1,113 stained glass windows in 15 glass panels and a Rose Window. 

The chapel is built in a high Gothic style – making it feel high and sweeping!  It is truly one of the finest religious buildings you will ever visit – a church in Paris no one can miss. 

4. Montmartre Basilica in Paris

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

The  Basilica of Sacré-Cœur  is unique amongst the churches in Paris because it is the only true Basilica. Second only to Notre-Dame in popularity,  Sacre Coeur Basilica is an icon in its own right, perched at the highest point in Paris’s famous arts district: Montmartre. 

One of the best things to do in the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is to climb the bell tower for the  most incredible view of Paris imaginable ! 

The Basilica was begun after France lost the war between France and Germany that began in 1870. Many people believed that the loss was due to spiritual poverty in the country, and leaders vowed to build a new Basilica to bring spiritual fervor back to France. 

The all-white Basilica was not completed until 1919, also making it one of the  newest churches in Paris . It is built in the Roman-Byzantine style. Inside the Basilica in the apse is a stunning mosaic,  Christ in Majesty , one of the largest mosaics in the world. You can also visit the crypt at Montmartre if you are brave! 

5. L’église de la Madeleine

Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France

L’église de la Madeleine, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, doesn’t look like a church at all: in fact it looks like a Greek temple! 

The Madeleine church, named for Mary Magdalene in the Bible, doesn’t particularly  look  like a place of worship because it didn’t start out as one! The current Greek temple-style building is the  third  attempt at building a church on the site, the first two were torn down after the builders were dissatisfied with the attempts. 

This present church building was actually begun as a temple by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor the French navy.  Only later was it consecrated as a church. 

The result is a neoclassical church with  52 Corinthian columns.  On the pediment, the triangle part of the roof, the relief depicts the last judgment with Mary Magdalene praying to intercede for those who are lost (this was completed  after  it was decided to turn the building into a church!). 

Inside the church are three domes that aren’t visible from tge outside and a particularly  celebrated high altar with a statue of Mary Magdalene . The organ is also highly celebrated – not quite as much as Saint-Sulpice. If you are lucky like I was someone will be practicing when you visit!

6. Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis 

1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis isn’t technically  in  Paris, but is located  just north of Paris, France . It’s one of the best cathedrals in Paris to visit if you are interested in French history!

The Basilica of Saint-Denins traces its origins back to the 12th century. It was commissioned by Abbot Suger, a visionary patron of the arts, who sought to create a space that would reflect the divine through innovative design and grandeur. 

The cathedral is renowned for its Gothic architecture, with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and towering spires setting the stage for the evolution of European religious architecture. 

Beyond its architecture, the real treasure of Saint-Denis Cathedral is its  rich history . Saint-Denis has served as the  final resting place for numerous French monarchs , including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. 

It has survived through wars, the French Revolution, and many other historically significant events.  

Because the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris is the final resting place of many famous French monarchs and members of the royal families, the most important thing to do at Saint-Denis is to  buy a ticket to the crypt to see their tombs !  Some of the notable figures buried at Saint-Denis including:

• King Dagobert I: One of the earliest French Merovingian kings, buried in the original Merovingian church.
• King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette : The last Bourbon monarchs of France, executed during the French Revolution.
• Queen Catherine de’ Medici : The influential queen consort of King Henry II.
• King Louis VII and  Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine : A prominent medieval royal couple, known for their historical significance and Eleanor’s involvement in the Second Crusade.

7. Saint-Germain-des-Près Church in Paris

3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

The history of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church in Paris is deeply intertwined with the development of the city itself. The church is one of the oldest churches in Paris and has a rich history dating back over a millennium. 

Saint-Germain-des-Près was originally founded in the 6th century by Childebert I, the King of the Franks, as an abbey dedicated to Saint Vincent, and it later took on the name of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in honor of Saint Germain, the Bishop of Paris.

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its sturdy, simple forms, thick walls, round arches, and small windows. The interior of Saint Germain des Prés is known to be one of the most beautiful churches in Paris.

One of the coolest features of the church is its square bell tower , which stands apart from the main building. This tower was originally used as a defensive structure, as well as for housing the church bells.

During the French Revolution, Saint-Germain-des-Près suffered damage and looting, like many other religious institutions in France. However, it managed to survive and was later restored.

While you are visiting the church, check out the surrounding Saint-Germain des Prés neighborhood. The neighborhood is known for its literary and intellectual history, with famous figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir frequenting its cafés and bookshops. 

8. Église du Dôme, Napolean’s Tomb in Paris

75007 Paris, France

The Église du Dôme, situated within the breathtaking complex of Les Invalides in Paris, is not a place of worship or “church” per sé, but stands as an architectural marvel and a poignant tribute to the legacy of France’s military history.

Les Invalides was originally a complex of buildings built as a military hospital and retirement home for war veterans. 

The construction of the Dome Church began in 1677 and was completed in 1706.  Crowned by its iconic gilded dome, the church was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and is most famous for serving as the final resting place for Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte .  It has an ornate Baroque façade, intricate interior decorations, and the captivating play of light that filters through its magnificent stained glass windows.  

Now housed within the Army Museum of Paris , so in order to visit the Église du Dôme you need to buy a ticket to the Army Museum which will grant you access to one of the best museums in Paris and also Napolean’s tomb within Les Invalides.

9. Saint-Etienne-du-Monte Church in Paris

Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France

The construction of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont began in the 16th century on the site of a former abbey named Sainte-Geneviève. Sainte-Geneviève is the patron saint of Paris. The abbey was a significant religious and cultural institution, and the church was built to house the relics of Saint Geneviève.

The church was built in the Gothic style, with intricate ornamentation and detailed stone carvings. Its construction continued over several centuries, with various architects and builders contributing to its design. Inside the church, one of its most famous features are its spiral staircases !

Today, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is renowned for housing the shrine of Saint Genevieve, a revered patron saint of Paris. Pilgrims in France and visitors have historically come to the church to venerate her relics.

During the French Revolution, the neighboring Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève was largely demolished, and the church was spared from destruction due to its integration into the new Panthéon building as a symbolic gesture.

Saint Etienne is also the final resting place of many important people from French history, including the philosopher Blaise Pascal and the playwright Jean Racine.

10. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church 

99 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France

The Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church, often simply referred to as Saint-Paul, was constructed in the 17th century during the reign of King Louis XIII. The church was commissioned by Louis XIII’s widow, Queen Anne of Austria, in memory of her husband. It was designed as a place of worship for the Jesuit community in Paris .

Many churches in Paris were built in the Gothic style, but this church’s architecture is a prime example of the  Baroque style , which was prominent during the 17th century. It was designed by architect François Derand and features a blend of Baroque and classical elements. 

The facade of the church is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, intricate carvings, and sculptural details. The interior is known for its impressive dome, decorative columns, and ornate altarpiece.

The altarpiece is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture , depicting scenes from the life of St. Paul. The church also houses several important paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Charles Le Brun and Jean-Baptiste de Champaigne. 

Look here to find some of the best possible deals on accomodation in Paris!

11. Saint-Eustache Church in Paris

2 Imp. Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris, France

Saint-Eustache Church, officially known as L’église Saint-Eustache, is a historic church located in the heart of Paris, France. Its history dates back to the 13th century when a smaller chapel was built on the site. Construction of the current church began in 1532 and continued until the Saint-Eustache Church was finally consecrated in 1637.

Saint-Eustache Church is a prime example of French Gothic architecture . Its design reflects the transition from the earlier Rayonnant style to the more ornate Flamboyant style.  Its nave is one of the largest churches in Paris and is known for its grand proportions and striking rib-vaulted ceilings. 

One of Saint-Eustache Church’s most notable artworks is “The Resurrection of Lazarus,” a painting by the celebrated artist Nicolas Poussin .  The grand organ, built in the 19th century by renowned organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, is another highlight. 

12. Saint-Clotilde Basilica 

23B Rue las Cases, 75007 Paris, France

The Basilique Sainte-Clotilde, commonly known as Saint-Clotilde Basilica, is a Catholic church located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France. 

It is dedicated to Saint Clotilde, the queen of the Franks and wife of King Clovis I. The basilica’s construction began in 1846 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe, and it was completed in 1857.

Saint-Clotilde Basilica is built in the Neo-Gothic style. The façade features detailed sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Saint Clotilde and other religious figures. The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, with a nave flanked by side aisles, rose windows, and a magnificent apse.

13. Saint-Augustin Church

8 Av. César Caire, 75008 Paris, France

The Église Saint-Augustin (Saint-Augustin Church) is a Catholic church located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. Construction of the church began in 1860 and was completed in 1871. 

Where Sainte-Clotilde above is a Neo-Gothic Church, Saint-Augustin is built in the Neo-Renaissance architectural style, which draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance. The church’s design features a symmetrical façade with a central dome and two tall bell towers flanking it. 

Like other churches on this list, Saint-Augustin is particularly known for its grand organ, which was built by the famous organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. 

Saint-Augustin was constructed during a time of transformation and modernization in Paris, and its Neo-Renaissance style represents the artistic trends of the Second French Empire.

14. Saint-François-Xavier Church in Paris

12 Pl. du Président Mithouard, 75007 Paris, France

L’église Saint-François-Xavier (Saint-François-Xavier Church) is a Roman Catholic church in Paris located in the 7th arrondissement. The entire church was built in the 19th century. It is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier , a Spanish Jesuit missionary who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Asia during the 16th century.

Architecturally, Saint-François-Xavier Church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Paris and represents the Neo-Gothic revival movement that sought to recreate the aesthetics of medieval architecture. During the 19th century in Paris there was a strong desire to return to historical architecture and aesthetics, and Saint-François-Xavier and Sainte-Clotilde both epitomize this era. 

The Cluny Museum  in Paris: French Medeival Art and Architecture

For any lover of religious art and architecture, the  Cluny Museum in Paris  is a must-visit landmark in Paris! 

Also known as the “National Museum of the Middle Ages”, the Cluny Museum is home to much artwork, including its most famous “ Tapestries of the Lady and the Unicorn.”

I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering around the 5th Arrondissement in Paris and just  happened  upon the Cluny Museum. I know what you are thinking: someone as obsessed with Stumbling upon the Cluny Museum (which I  loved! ) rates as the happiest “stumbleupon” in my travels to date! 

The Cluny Museum is on the site of third-century Roman baths and has two buildings, the “Hotel de Cluny” houses the actual collection. You enter through a beautiful courtyard and then go into the museum. The museum collections include incredible  Romanesque art , Byzantine art, Capitols and carvings from famous Cathedrals around France and the world, work from Limoges, and more! 

Where to Stay in Paris

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Paris here is a map with each of these beautiful churches in Paris & great accomodation nearby!

Cate Michelle has traveled all over Europe looking for the best and most spiritually inspiring churches, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites. From a Franco-American family, Cate has a soft-spot for France and it’s religious architecture. Cate has serves as a pastor, pediatric chaplain, and is currently a researcher in spirituality and health for a large American mid-western University. She is pursuing a PhD in Theology at KU Leuven in Belgium. In her spare time she is an avid adult figure skater and classical musician.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I earn a small commission for products or services mentioned on this site. As always, all opinions remain my own.

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Howard a kramer.

Hey Cate! My name is Howard Kramer. I write The Complete Pilgrim (also a religious travel site). Love your stuff!

Tried to follow you on Facebook but the link isn’t working.

Great article. I would suggest that you missed one of Europe’s most overlooked churches: The Basilica of St. Denis on the north side of Paris.

Very few people get there. However, almost every king od France is (or was) buried there. Add it to your list the next time you go to Paris.

Cate Michelle

Hi Howard – thanks for the note about Facebook link! You’re totally right about St. Denis – I really like St. Denis and have some great memories visiting the crypt there. It’s worth seeing absolutely! Let me see if I can resurrect my photos and add it to the post!

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12 Top-Rated Paris Churches

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Sep 24, 2021

As the capital of a historically Catholic country, Paris has a legacy of glorious churches. The famous quote, "Paris is well worth a mass" (attributed to King Henry IV) reveals much about the religious and cultural heritage of the city.

Today, anyone can appreciate the beauty of the city's churches, which provide welcome spaces for meditation and prayer. Tourists may attend Mass and other services along with local congregants.

For those with a secular point of view, Paris' most important churches also offer a glimpse of the city's finest art and architecture. Many of the churches also host events, such as organ concerts and classical music festivals.

Learn more about the city's splendid religious monuments with our list of the top churches in Paris.

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

2. sainte-chapelle, 3. eglise saint-sulpice, 4. basilique du sacré-coeur, 5. eglise saint-germain-des-prés, 6. eglise saint-germain l'auxerrois, 7. eglise saint-séverin, 8. eglise saint-eustache in les halles-beaubourg district, 9. eglise val-de-grâce, 10. eglise saint-etienne-du-mont, 11. eglise sainte-marie-madeleine, 12. eglise saint-louis en l'île, map of paris churches.

A truly soul-inspiring sight, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the top attractions of Paris . The 12th-century cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the heart of medieval Paris. The first aspect to dazzle viewers is the facade, with its profusion of gargoyles and flying buttresses .

The marvelous exterior sets up anticipation for entering the interior, breathtaking in its sacred splendor. The immense sanctuary is a perfect example of an Early Gothic vaulted nave. Illuminated prayer candles flicker in the otherwise somber space, lending a serene and ethereal aura.

Note: A large fire in April of 2019 caused considerable damage to the cathedral: The medieval roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. The city of Paris is currently working on a project to secure the building and ensure its structural integrity. A reconstruction project will follow, to restore the cathedral to its original state.

At this time, the cathedral and the area surrounding it are closed to the public. It is still possible to admire the cathedral's magnificent facade from the Seine River bridges and from the streets of the Île-de-la-Cité.

Address: Parvis de Notre Dame, 75004 Paris (Métro: Cité, Saint-Michel, Hôtel de Ville, Maubert-Mutualité, or Cluny La Sorbonne)

Official site: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/

Upon entering this magical jewel box of a monument, visitors are awed by the gorgeous glittering stained-glass windows . The chapel's stained-glass windows cover 600 square meters of wall space. Since the windows span nearly all of the interior, the illumination is dazzling.

It's best to visit in the morning and on a sunny day to appreciate the full effect of light filtering through the colorful windows. Each of the 15 windows depicts biblical stories, with over a thousand scenes in total.

The chapel was built in the mid-13th century for Louis IX (Saint Louis), who commissioned it to house precious Christian relics. With its delicately vaulted nave and soaring buttressed exterior, the chapel exemplifies Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

Sainte-Chapelle is seldom used for religious services or other worship. Instead, the chapel is primarily a venue for classical music concerts . Attending a performance in this exquisite space is among the most spiritually inspiring and memorable things to do in Paris.

Tourists may visit Sainte-Chapelle on guided tours (with an admission fee) available for individuals and groups. Otherwise, attending a concert is a good way to see the chapel.

Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Metro: Cité station)

The Eglise Saint-Sulpice became a popular tourist destination after the publication of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and the subsequent blockbuster-hit Hollywood film. Despite a tenuous link between the church's "meridian line" and the " Rose Line " described by Brown in his novel, visitors still come here to learn about the church's connection to the fictional story.

Tourists will also discover an impressive 17th-century Baroque monument with a surprisingly unfussy Neoclassical facade and a delightfully spacious sanctuary.

Highlights of the church are the frescoes by Eugène Delacroix in the Chapelle des Saints-Anges (Chapel of the Angels) and the renowned 18th-century Clicquot organ (the church regularly hosts organ concerts ).

The Church of Saint-Sulpice is found in the 6th arrondissement, presiding over a graceful square lined with sidewalk cafés. This charming neighborhood is a joy for tourists to explore, with its atmospheric cobblestone streets and abundance of enticing boutiques.

Just a short walk away from the church are the fabulous pastry shops: Pâtisserie Pierre Hermé (72 Rue Bonaparte) and Maison Mulot (76 Rue de Seine), where guests can sample the finest desserts in Paris.

The Eglise Saint-Sulpice is open to the public for visits every day. Guided tours of the church interior take place at 2:30pm on Sundays. On the second Sunday of every month at 1pm, a special guided tour focuses on the paintings of Delacroix in the Chapel of the Angels.

Address: Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris (Métro: Saint-Sulpice, Mabillon, or Odéon station)

An iconic Parisian landmark, this Romanesque-Byzantine church stands high above the city on the Montmartre neighborhood's namesake hill (the "Mount of Martyrs"). Parisians fondly refer to this church as the " Wedding Cake " because of the gleaming alabaster domes and decorative detailing that resembles frosting.

Relatively modern for Paris, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur was built in the 19th century as a symbol of reconciliation after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. One of the world's largest mosaics, a large gilded image of Christ with a golden heart, adorns the domed sanctuary of the otherwise somber sanctuary.

To arrive at the Sacré-Coeur, walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Montmartre that lead past the lively Place du Tertre up to 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre , the back entrance of the Basilica.

Another option: climb the steep flight of 270 steps that begins at the Rue du Cardinal Dubois (or take the funicular from here). From the Parvis de la Basilique , the esplanade in front of the Basilica, there are sweeping panoramas of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower , Pantheon, and Opera House.

Because the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is devoted to the continuous adoration of the Holy Sacrament (perpetual silent prayer), no concerts or religious celebrations are held here. The only exception is the Christmas Eve organ concert prior to the Christmas Vigil and Midnight Mass.

The basilica's renowned Grand Organ , listed as a Historical Monument, is also played during Mass on Fridays and at Mass and Vespers on Sundays.

The church is open to the public every day for visits and worship. The opening hours (6am until 10:30pm) are considerably longer than other Paris churches because the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is dedicated to perpetual adoration (all day and all night) of the Holy Sacrament.

Entrance to the basilica's dome requires an admission fee and climbing 300 steps to reach the viewing platform. The basilica also has a bookshop and a boutique that sells religious items.

Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris (Métro: Abbesses, Pigalle, or Anvers station)

Official site: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/

In AD 543, the Merovingian King, Childebert, created a basilica, which is the ancient foundation of this church, the oldest Christian house of worship in Paris.

Rebuilt in the 10th century, the church has a simple exterior that does not prepare visitors for the grandeur of the interior. The Romanesque nave features intricately decorated capitals.

Although the choir was renovated in the 12th century, it incorporates Merovingian-era marble pillars from the 6th-century basilica. The overall effect of the sanctuary is a harmonious and tranquil ambience.

The church holds Mass daily and is also open to the public every day for cultural visits, prayer, and meditation. The Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also used as a venue for music concerts , mostly classical and religious performances.

Another attraction for tourists is the church's location in the Latin Quarter neighborhood near the Boulevard Saint-Germain , with its legendary café scene. Just steps away are two famous institutions: Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore, as well as the fancy pâtisserie shop and tea salon, Ladurée at 21 Rue Bonaparte.

Address: 3 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris (Métro: Saint-Germain des-Prés or Mabillon station)

Renovated over several hundreds of years, this magnificent church blends architectural styles, with its soaring 12th-century bell tower, High Gothic vaulted nave , and Renaissance-era porch . The sanctuary has a heavenly ambience thanks to the stained-glass windows that allow glowing light to filter through.

Visitors should be sure to admire the 15th- to 16th-century rose windows . Located across from the Louvre Museum, the Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was once a royal chapel used as the place of worship for the kings who resided at the Louvre Palace.

The Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is open to the public for self-guided visits Tuesday through Sunday. The monument is closed on Mondays. The church holds Mass and Vespers services every day. On Sundays, Mass is celebrated several times, including a Mass with Gregorian chants at 10am.

Special events include a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and a Solemn Mass on Christmas, while the Easter celebration features Gregorian chants sung by the Chœur Grégorien de Paris (Gregorian Choir of Paris).

Address: 2 Place du Louvre, 75001 Paris (Métro: Louvre-Rivoli or Pont Neuf station)

Named after the hermit Severinus, who lived here in the 6th century, the Eglise Saint-Séverin is built on the site of a Romanesque chapel. The present church, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Paris.

Visitors are astounded by the brilliance and spaciousness of the high-vaulted interior. Lavish 14th-century stained-glass windows feature figures of the Apostles. Other windows date from the 15th century, as well as a few modern windows in the choir created by Jean Bazaine in 1966.

The church is open to the public every day for visits and prayer. Mass is held daily, and Catholic holidays are also celebrated here.

Renowned for its 18th-century organ , the church hosts organ concerts in December and January, as well as organ recitals in May and June during the Festival Paris des Orgues (Paris Organ Festival), which includes concerts at various churches in Paris.

The Church of Saint Severin is located the medieval Latin Quarter , which is full of cultural attractions.

Address: 3 Rue des Prêtes Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris (Métro: Saint-Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne, or Maubert-Mutualité station)

The Eglise Saint-Eustache was the last church in Paris to be built in the Gothic style before the Renaissance began. The foundation-stone of the church was laid in 1532 during the reign of King François I.

The church was designed with impressive dimensions of 88 meters in length and a height of 34 meters. Lovely 17th-century stained-glass windows illuminate the grandiose sanctuary.

This astonishing Gothic monument is one of the best places to visit in Paris to hear sacred organ music. The church is famed for its Ducroquet-Gonzalès organ, which is the largest organ in France.

Every Sunday from 5:30pm until 6pm, a free organ recital is performed by the resident organist. Throughout the year, the church also hosts symphony and choir performances , as well as prestigious festival concerts and Christmas carols .

The church is open to the public every day for self-guided visits. Audio-guides are available.

Saint-Eustache is the parish church of Les Halles district, which has a modern shopping mall, where old market halls once stood.

Address: 146 Rue Rambuteau, 75001 Paris (Métro: Les Halles or Etienne Marcel station)

Modeled after the Church of Santa Susanna in Rome, the beautiful Baroque church of Val-de-Grâce is part of a well-preserved 17th-century convent. The church is noteworthy for its spectacular dome, adorned with a sumptuous fresco by Pierre Mignard , and the paintings by Philippe de Champaigne in one of the chapels.

During the French Revolution, the Val-de-Grâce abbey buildings were transformed into a military hospital. Today, the Eglise Val-de-Grâce is attached to a museum, the Musée du Service de Santé des Armées , which focuses on the history of French medical service during wartimes.

The church and museum are open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Entrance requires an admission fee (except on July 14th when admission is free).

Mass is celebrated at the church every Sunday at 11am.

Music lovers should take note that the church has an exceptional Cavaillé-Coll organ and a strong musical tradition. Organ concerts take place (free of charge) at 5:30pm on the first Sunday of the month from October through June.

Address: Church: 277 Bis Rue Saint-Jacques; Museum: 1 Place Laveran, 75005 Paris (Métro: Port-Royal or Luxembourg station)

The 15th-century Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont in the Latin Quarter surprises visitors with its unique blend of architectural elements. The interior features dramatic Renaissance-era spiral staircases and ornate Late Gothic vaulting over the crossing.

Visitors are especially dazzled by the sanctuary's 16th- to 17th-century stained-glass windows , depicting the Apocalypse and the Parable of the Marriage Feast .

The most prized possession of the church is its rood screen by Philibert de l'Orme, which is the last example existing in Paris.

The church holds Mass daily, with several services on Sundays. Mass is celebrated with Gregorian chants on Sundays at 11am and 6:45pm.

The Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is open to the public for visits Tuesday through Sunday. Guided tours are available. The church is closed on July 14th.

Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris (Maubert-Mutualité or Cardinal Lemoine station)

An atypical church built in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a N eoclassical monument designed in the style of an ancient Greek temple. The exterior features 54 Corinthian columns and reliefs of the Ten Commandments and the Last Judgment.

Known simply as "La Madeleine," this monumental church has an opulently adorned sanctuary filled with noteworthy works of art: a neo-Byzantine mosaic, a 19th-century Baptism of Christ sculpture, and a marble group on the high altar representing the assumption of Mary Magdalene into heaven.

The church has a superb Cavaillé-Coll organ, which is still used for organ recitals and classical music concerts throughout the year.

Tourists may visit the church to admire the splendid interior. The church is open to the public every day and has a gift shop .

Tourists will enjoy exploring the area around the church, in the vicinity of the Palais Garnier (Opera House). This quarter (8th arrondissement) of Paris is distinguished by its Grand Boulevards (wide 19th-century boulevards), stately Haussmann buildings , elegant glass-covered shopping arcades ( Passage des Panoramas ), designer boutiques , upscale department stores (such as the Galeries Lafayette), and bustling sidewalk cafés.

The Café de la Paix across from the Opera House is a great spot to people-watch and take in the Parisian street scene. A chic gourmet restaurant, the Café de la Paix, serves classic French dishes in a sumptuous Napoléon III dining room. Guests can also enjoy coffee and pastries at the café's sidewalk terrace overlooking the Opera House.

Address: Place de la Madeleine, 14 Rue de Surène, 75008 Paris (Métro: Madeleine, Saint-Augustin, or Miromesnil station)

The Eglise Saint-Louis en l'Île was founded in 1664, however the history of its relics dates back further. The church is dedicated to Saint Louis , King of France (Louis IX) who reigned from 1226 to 1270.

From this location in 1269, the King set out to join his Knights on the Crusades to defend Jerusalem. Along the way, King Louis bought a piece of the crown of thorns from the Emperor Baldwin II of Constantinople; this precious relic is displayed on the statue placed in the organ loft.

The church is open to the public for visits every day, and Mass is celebrated here daily. Once a month (except in July and August) on a Sunday at 3pm, guided tours in French are provided free of charge.

This stunning Baroque church is found within a quaint cluster of cobblestone streets on the Île Saint-Louis . Just a short walk away from the church is a favorite ice-cream parlor in Paris, Maison Berthillon (29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île), which is usually crowded during the summertime.

Every year from July to early October during the Festival Musique en l'Ile (religious and traditional music festival), the Eglise Saint-Louis en l'Île hosts music concerts in its sanctuary.

The Festival de Musique Baroque de l'Île Saint-Louis (Festival of Baroque Music) takes place at the end of June, with concerts held at the Eglise Saint-Louis en l'Île and in the courtyards of hôtels particuliers (townhouses) on the Île Saint-Louis.

Address: 19 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004 Paris (Métro: Pont Marie or Sully-Morland station)

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Highlights in and around Paris: Historic churches are just the beginning of the cultural attractions in Paris. For a comprehensive list of tourist sights, read our top attractions in Paris article. Paris has top-notch museums and charming neighborhoods such as the Latin Quarter and Montmartre . For excursions outside of Paris, our top day trips from Paris article includes ideas such as the Château de Versailles , the Château de Fontainebleau, and Mont Saint-Michel .

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Sacred Sites, Religious Places, Pilgrimages

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Paris, France

Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world for good reason. Beautiful architecture, historical sites, top-notch museums, fabulous food, romantic strolls by the river... Paris has it all, including plenty for travelers interested in religious art and history. The capital city has played a key role in Roman, Christian and Jewish history and this heritage lives on in the cathedrals, monuments and artifacts these more devout times left behind. In addition, as a thriving urban center, Paris hosts a variety of newly-arrived religious communities including Muslims, Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Pentecostals. Follow a link below to explore the spiritual heritage of Paris.

Paris   Travel Guide

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32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

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Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures. The Louvre features everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures (including the renowned Winged Victory of Samothrace and curvaceous Venus de Milo). There are also thousands of paintings to peruse as well. Masterpieces such as "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix, "The Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault and Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," the museum's biggest star, can be found here.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

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While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

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Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout. Others strongly cautioned against trying to cross the roundabout to get to the Arc. Instead, take the underground tunnel near the metro that leads directly to the base of the structure.

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U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

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For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

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A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day). Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

Recent travelers say the chapel is a true masterpiece and not to be missed, though some visitors did note it was smaller than they anticipated. Still, they say it's worth taking your time to have a closer look at each of the stained-glass windows, as they all tell a different story. Some travelers also recommended touring the Conciergerie next door, a palace turned prison that was erected in the 14th century. If you plan to tour both sites, consider purchasing a joint ticket for 20 euros (about $22).   

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Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too. Recent visitors noted that this is a perfect neighborhood for strolling, shopping or staying – there are plenty of upscale hotels . Many of the best Paris tours also include guided walks through the neighborhood.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

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Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. (The costumes are known to be a bit risqué, so travelers should note that the venue may not be the most suitable for children.) While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

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Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades. Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Recent travelers highly recommended strolling along the street to browse its historic arcades and shops, and many were impressed by the elaborate architecture. They also enjoyed the quiet atmosphere; the street went car-free in 2020, with only pedestrians, cyclists, buses and taxis now allowed here (its former lanes have been turned into a wide bike path, so it provides a welcome respite from the city's at-times hectic traffic). Others said it was a great spot for people-watching, although some said the shops can feel a little commercial.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences. Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

Though the museum is a bit off the beaten path in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement, visitors loved taking in the architectural wonder and its surrounding gardens, as well as the unique exhibits inside. One common criticism was that the building was a bit far from the nearest metro station (about a 15-minute walk), so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

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The most famous Parisian monuments

Rich of a long past, the city of Paris boasts an exceptional architectural heritage, tourist sites and Parisian monuments that are among the most visited and best known in the world.

We propose to discover in more detail the history of ten monuments not to be missed during a visit in the French capital.

• 1. Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
• 2. Eiffel tower
• 3. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre
• 4. The Arch of Triumph
• 5. The Louvre Palace
• 6. The Invalides
• 7. The Garnier Opera House
• 8. The Pantheon
• 9. The Conciergerie
• 10. The Père Lachaise cemetery

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral – ©LeifLinding, CC0 Creative Commons

The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris has long been the most visited monument in the city. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed by a violent fire and is now, for an undetermined period of time, inaccessible to the public.

Notre-Dame was built around the middle of the 12th century on the site of an ancient 4th century church dedicated to Saint-Etienne, itself built on a Gallo-Roman site.

It was the bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, who had Notre-Dame built, as the old church no longer met the needs of an ever-growing population.

It took nearly two centuries for the Gothic cathedral, designed to accommodate 9,000 worshippers, to be completely finished. Indeed, if the construction site ends around 1250 with the construction of the side chapels, many adjustments including the harmonization of the facade which originally mixes Romanesque and Gothic are immediately made. New modifications were made under the reign of Louis XIV who ordered the reorganization of the interior of the building.

The Revolution brought its share of misery to the cathedral which successively became a “Temple of Reason” and a warehouse.

Napoleon Bonaparte, wishing to make it the place of his coronation, re-established Notre-Dame in its religious functions and renovations were undertaken in order to welcome this important event. The building was then abandoned and its demolition was considered.

In 1831, Victor Hugo published his novel “Notre-Dame de Paris” which aroused unprecedented interest in the cathedral which was saved. Its restoration was entrusted to Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Baron Haussmann, charged with modernizing Paris by Napoleon III, did not hesitate to raze buildings deemed too close to the cathedral in order to highlight it.

If Notre-Dame emerged unscathed from the Paris Commune and the World Wars, the spire, roofs and framework were not spared by the fire that broke out accidentally on April 15, 2019.

Eiffel tower

Eiffel tower, Paris – ©timmz, CC0 Creative Commons

It was 1884 and the project to organize a new World’s Fair in Paris five years later had just been voted. It was a unique opportunity to make this event a showcase for France’s technological know-how. Moreover, this exhibition celebrates the centenary of the French Revolution, so a monument is needed to match.

A competition was launched and the controversial project of two engineers from Gustave Eiffel’s company was chosen.

Construction began in January 1887 and was completed in March 1899, shortly before the opening of the exhibition. The construction of the tower in puddled iron took twice as long as expected, notably because of workers’ strikes, and the budget was largely exceeded, but it was a success, with visitors to the exhibition flocking to climb the “300-meter tower,” the highest monument in the world at the time.

After the event, curiosity waned and visitors became fewer and fewer, which led to the idea of dismantling the tower.

Gustave Eiffel came to the rescue of his “baby” and authorized the installation of a radio and television antenna as well as a weather station.

From the 1960s onwards, foreign tourists arrived in the capital in droves, allowing the tower, renamed the Eiffel Tower, to see its attendance explode. A gourmet restaurant opened its doors while the tower was completely repainted.

Today, nearly 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year, a symbol of Paris and France.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre – ©Gauthierpous, CC0 Creative Commons

A visit to Paris must include the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, an eclectic building that rises to the top of the Montmartre hill, one of the highest points in the capital.

Recognizable by its dome flanked by four smaller domes that are reminiscent of the Byzantine style and its white color due to the use of travertine, the basilica was built in 1875.

This date was not chosen at random. Indeed, France has just lived through difficult times between the war of 1870 and the Paris Commune, an insurrection of the people violently repressed.

These events led to serious political tensions between Republicans and conservatives.

Moreover, religion was also controversial and the bishop of Nantes went so far as to declare that the defeat of France by Prussia was willed by God in order to punish the nation in the midst of its moral decay.

The construction of the basilica was therefore not insignificant. It should not only impose the policy of “Moral Order” of the conservatives but also restore the image of the church.

Thanks to the vote of the National Assembly, it was declared of public utility, which allowed the archbishop of Paris to buy the necessary land, possibly by expropriation. The choice of the site was indeed made on the hill of Montmartre so that the building would dominate the capital. Moreover, the hill is considered a holy place and it is also where the Commune began in March 1871.

Today, more than 10 million people visit the Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre every year. The less able-bodied can get there by taking the funicular or the bus 40.

The Arch of Triumph

Arch of Triumph, Paris – ©iankelsall1, CC0 Creative Commons

The Arch of Triumph on the former Place de l’Étoile (now Place Charles-de-Gaulle) was built in 1806 by order of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte after the victory of his troops at the Battle of Austerlitz. He also ordered that the memory of the victories of the French armies be permanently honored there.

However, construction was suspended after the disastrous Russian campaign of 1812 and especially after the first abdication and exile of the emperor on April 6, 1814. It was Louis XVIII who continued the work in 1823 to celebrate the French victory in the Spanish expedition that allowed King Ferdinand VII to return to the throne.

Louis-Philippe and Adolphe Thiers were responsible for the choice of the bas-reliefs that adorn the monument, which was inaugurated in July 1836. On the other hand, the monumental statue planned to overcome the arch was never installed. Only a plaster model was briefly placed on the base in 1882 but had to be removed four years later because of its deterioration.

The flame of remembrance was lit for the first time on November 11, 1923 and has never been extinguished. Every day, at 6:30 pm, a member of a veterans’ or war victims’ association is in charge of rekindling it.

The Louvre Palace

Louvre, Paris – ©iankelsall1, CC0 Creative Commons

Although everyone knows the Louvre Museum, many people are unaware that the building has long served as a palace for the kings of France.

The first Louvre castle was built at the end of the 12th century by King Philip Augustus, who wished to provide the city of Paris with an important defense system as he prepared to leave on a crusade. This first castle was a square fortress surrounded by a wide moat fed by the Seine. It had not only a defensive function but also the mission to protect the archives and the royal treasure.

It became a royal residence under the reign of Louis IX and was regularly refurbished by his successors before being progressively demolished to make way for the current Louvre Palace.

Abandoned when Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, the Louvre was occupied by the poorest people in the capital before being used as a place of residence for various academies. The building suffered severe damage.

The palace was saved at the end of the 18th century when the project to transform it into a museum was adopted by the National Assembly, which allowed the works confiscated from the clergy and nobility to be put in a safe place.

Today, this museum houses priceless collections and world famous works such as the Mona Lisa.

If you visit the museum, don’t miss the bases of the dungeon and two walls as well as the Saint-Louis room, remains of the “medieval Louvre”.

The Invalides

The Invalides, Paris – ©NakNakNak, CC0 Creative Commons

The Hôtel des Invalides was built under Louis XIV in order to give a roof to the invalids of the French army and especially to remove from the sight of the passers-by these begging soldiers who were fighting in the streets of the capital. The place chosen for the construction of the buildings is the plain of Grenelle then located in the suburb of the capital.

The Hôtel des Invalides was managed by a governor and served as a hospice, hospital, barracks and place of worship. The maintenance of the soldiers was financed by a levy on the income of the abbeys. The work was completed in 1674.

Concerned about his soldiers, Emperor Napoleon I organized great ceremonies within this institution, notably the first awarding of medals of the Legion of Honor in July 1804. The Bonapartists even obtained the return of the ashes of their emperor to the Invalides in 1840.

Since 1871, the Invalides has also housed an artillery museum which became the army museum in 1905.

Today, the institution still houses about one hundred war invalids from the French army.

The Garnier Opera House

Garnier Palace, Paris – ©Pignatta, CC0 Creative Commons

Opera was introduced in France at the instigation of Cardinal Jules Mazarin, who wished to introduce the French to the lyrical works of his country, Italy.

In 1645, the first baroque piece was performed at the Hôtel du Petit-Bourbon in honor of the young king Louis XIV, who was just 7 years old. This event gave birth to the French opera a few years later, even if it is more accurate to speak of “comédie-ballet”, a musical genre born of the collaboration between Lully and Molière.

From that time on, performances were given in different halls.

In 1858, the imperial couple Napoleon III and Eugenie narrowly escaped an attack while visiting the Salle Le Peletier. It became urgent to build a room easier to secure.

Thus, Charles Garnier’s project was unanimously chosen in 1860, while Baron Haussmann assigned a plot of land to the new opera house, which, although eclectic in style, was largely influenced by Baroque art. Garnier also designed the interior decor of the opera house, thinking of every detail to harmonize the whole. It is notably him who designed the great chandelier of eight meters high illuminating the room which can welcome 1.900 spectators.

The Pantheon

Pantheon, Paris – ©djedj, CC0 Creative Commons

Built in the second half of the 18th century in neo-classical style, the Pantheon dominates the eponymous square located in the Latin Quarter.

Originally, the Pantheon was a church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève and designed by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot in an eclectic style combining Gothic, Byzantine, classical and Greco-Roman. The first stone was laid in 1764 and the building was being completed when the revolution broke out.

The church of Sainte-Geneviève becomes the “Pantheon of great men” and is modified accordingly, including removing most of the windows which plunges the interior of the building in the dark.

This pantheon is now intended to accommodate the ashes of French personalities except the military who are buried in the Pantheon of Invalides.

Depending on the regime, the building temporarily becomes a place of worship while sometimes keeping its function as a place of burial. Since 1885, the building is only reserved for the resting place of great men such as Victor Hugo, Louis Braille, Emile Zola, André Malraux, Jean Moulin, Voltaire, Rousseau, Pierre and Marie Curie, the latter being one of the only women to have been admitted to the Pantheon…

The Conciergerie

Conciergerie, Paris – ©edmondlafoto, CC0 Creative Commons

If the Conciergerie is known for having been the prison of Marie-Antoinette during the Revolution, we often forget that this imposing building was originally a residence of the kings of France.

Indeed, the Conciergerie, the Palais de Justice and the Sainte-Chapelle form the old Palais de la Cité built in the 5th century. At that time, the king’s court was still itinerant and the kings did not reside permanently in Paris. It was not until the Capetians that the fortress on the Île de la Cité was refurbished to make it more suitable for the royal family and courtiers. The palace was rebuilt several times before being abandoned by Charles V the Wise, in the 14th century.

At that time, part of the palace was transformed into a state prison and became the Conciergerie.

The first floor of the building located along the Quai de l’Horloge as well as the two towers became jails while the second floor was reserved for the Parliament. Other institutions such as the Cour des Comptes (Court of Auditors) were also established in the old palace.

The Conciergerie was mainly used during the Revolution and few prisoners came out of its dungeons alive. During this troubled period, the Revolutionary Court as well as the public prosecutor in charge of supervising the police officers moved into the former premises of the Parliament, renamed Salle de la Liberté and Salle de l’Égalité.

The trials became collective and were quickly dispatched in the absence of witnesses or lawyers. Dozens of people accused of being enemies of the Revolution were executed daily as they left the court. 2,780 prisoners were thus guillotined in a few months.

One of the most famous prisoners was Queen Marie-Antoinette of Austria, wife of Louis XVI. She was condemned for high treason on October 16, 1793 and was executed a few hours after the sentence.

The Père Lachaise cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris – ©CC0 Creative Commons

The largest and most famous Parisian necropolis, the Père Lachaise cemetery is home to the tombs of numerous personalities of the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim faiths, which explains why it has become one of the most popular tourist sites in Paris.

In 1765, a law forbade the establishment of cemeteries in Paris intra-muros. Very quickly, the existing cemeteries ran out of space. In addition, the Innocents cemetery was permanently closed in 1780 when a wall collapsed due to the weight of the bones and bodies piled above the arches, while the mass grave was already filled beyond its capacity.

It became urgent to evacuate the piled up corpses in order to avoid epidemics. The bones were transported to the old quarries of the Tombe-Issoire, which were transformed into catacombs.

Several cemeteries were created outside Paris, in Montmartre, Montparnasse and Passy.

A fourth plot of land was chosen on Mont-Louis, one of the hills of Paris that had once belonged to the bishop of Paris. The construction of the cemetery was entrusted to the architect Brongniart, who designed it as a vast English garden. It was named Père Lachaise in honor of the confessor of Louis XIV, the Jesuit François d’Aix de La Chaise.

Until 1815, the cemetery was only lightly occupied when the prefect of Paris decided to transfer the graves of Heloise, Abelard, Jean de La Fontaine and Molière in order to arouse interest. The number of burials exploded and in a few years, the cemetery grew from 2,000 to 33,000 graves.

Although Napoleon’s decree granted every citizen the right to be buried regardless of race or religion, confessional squares reserved for Jews or Muslims were installed in Père Lachaise until 1881.

Every year, many tourists come to discover or to visit the graves of personalities as diverse as Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, Chopin, Yves Montand, …

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Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

kiszon pascal/Getty Images 

Paris is a city with a rich history that stretches back to the third century B.C. It is no surprise, then, that important Paris monuments and attractions are so numerous, breathtaking, and varied in terms of period and architectural style. From Roman-era ruins to post-World War II memorials, these famous sites and monuments in the City of Light are essential keys to understanding the city's elaborate and complicated past.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Dating to the 12th century, the  Notre-Dame Cathedral has long towered dramatically alongside the banks of the ​ Seine River , beckoning all to come to visit. With its intricate Gothic architectural details that took workers more than a century to complete, this landmark has become synonymous with Parisian religion and architecture .

Unfortunately, a fire that broke out on April 15, 2019, destroyed a large portion of the cathedral, including the iconic spire known as "la fléche" ("arrow") and the roof made of 800-year-old lumber known as "The Forest." The 13th-century South Rose Window—which was created and offered to the church by King St. Louis in 1260—the archaeological crypt at Notre Dame , and the 8,000-pipe La Grand Orgue (The Great Organ) survived the flame.

Visitors are not allowed near Notre Dame while it undergoes extensive reconstruction. While French President Emmanuel Macron believes the restorations could be completed by the 2024 Olympics Paris is set to host, architects estimate it may take between 10 to 15 years, realistically, to fully restore the building.

Eiffel Tower

Although many decried it as an eyesore on the city's horizon when it was presented as part of the 1889 World Exposition in Paris, the Eiffel Tower has become the city's most famous landmark as well as a beloved and enduring icon of the City of Light.

Located on the  Champ de Mars  in the  7th arrondissement  of midwest Paris, the Eiffel Tower is easily accessible on Line 6 or Line 8 of the Paris Metro via Bir Hakeim, Trocadero, or Ecole Militaire stations. If you can, avoid visiting at peak hours and on weekends, so you can make the most of your visit and really enjoy the ​ views from the top . The best times are just after it first opens and in the evenings.

The Louvre Palace and Museum

Housed inside the Palais du Louvre, which serves as a testament to its rich history spanning from the medieval period to the present, the Louvre Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, known for the iconic glass pyramid at its entrance.

Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the Louvre is centrally located and easily accessible on Line 1 from the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station or any number of buses that stop in front of the glass pyramid. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays as well as January 1, May 1, and December 25 each year.

Visiting Louvre's medieval foundation is fascinating. The adjacent Jardin des Tuileries  are perfect for a stroll before or after your visit to the museum. There is so much to see  at the Louvre, don't try to pack it into just one day .

Arc de Triomphe

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

The Arc de Triomphe is an icon of imperial France under Napoleon I and is a testament to a time when European leaders felt the need to celebrate wealth and power with monumental structures. Looming 164 feet above the bustling traffic circle at the head of the Avenue des ​ Champs-Elysées , the  Arc de Triomphe  seems to exemplify pomp and circumstance.

Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris at the west end of the  Avenue des Champs-Elysées on the Place Charles de Gaulles, the Arc de Triomphe is accessible by Lines 1, 2, or 6 to Charles de Gaulle Etoile station. Guests of the arch can additionally purchase tickets for a tour to the top to witness views of the avenue, which stretches all the way to the Place de la Concorde, through the Jardin des Tuileries , and on to the Louvre.

The Sorbonne and Latin Quarter

One of Europe's oldest and most esteemed universities, the Sorbonne was founded in 1257 for scribes, monks, or other figures attached to the Catholic Church to pursue theological studies. In later centuries, the Sorbonne would go on to help produce some of Europe's most famous literary and creative minds, before becoming a site of revolt during the 1968 student movements.

Unfortunately, access to the Sorbonne is limited to students and faculty of the school, so you won't be able to get a tour unless you're planning to attend. However, since it's centered around a public square in the Saint-Michel neighborhood of the Latin Quarter of Paris, you'll be able to see it from the outside.

The Pantheon

Not to be confused with the Pantheon in Rome , Paris' Pantheon was built between 1758 and 1790. Located in the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon in Paris is a neoclassical-style mausoleum where many of France's great minds such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are buried.

The Pantheon is perched on top of the quarter's historic Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, and the colonnade of the dome is open to the public from April to October each year. Independent and group tours are available throughout the year for a small fee, and the Pantheon offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month from November 1 through March 31.

Père-Lachaise Cemetery

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

There are many beautiful cemeteries in Paris, but Père-Lachaise is one of the most popular and beautiful. In addition to hosting the graves of famous people like Oscar Wilde, playwright Molière, and Jim Morrison of the Doors, the cemetery is simply a gorgeous place to stroll and meditate. There are also important war memorials on the site that pay tribute to the many who perished in conflicts and wars.

The Père-Lachaise Cemetery is located in the 20th arrondissement near Belleville and Oberkampf, and entrances to the park are accessible from Metro Philippe Auguste, Père-Lachaise, and Gambetta on Lines 2 and 3. Guided tours and maps are available, which explain where to find the most famous gravesites.

La Sainte-Chapelle

Not far from Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cité looms another pinnacle of gothic architecture. Sainte-Chapelle was erected in the mid-13th century by King Louis IX. The cathedral features some of the period's best-conceived stained glass, housing a total of 15 glass panels and a prominent large window, whose colors remain surprisingly vibrant. Wall paintings and elaborate carvings place more emphasis on the stunning Medieval beauty of Sainte Chapelle.

To extend your visit, you can tour the adjoining Conciergerie, which was part of the former Medieval royal palace. It was used as a prison during the Revolutionary "Terror." Queen Marie Antoinette spent her last days there before being executed.

Opera Garnier

Seating close to 2,000 people, the imposing  Opera Garnier in Paris—also known as the Palais Garnier or simply the Paris Opera—is an architectural treasure and essential spot for the city's ballet and classical music scene .

Designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875 as the Academie Nationale de Musique Theatre de l'Opera (National Academy of Music Opera Theater), the neo-baroque-style building is the home of the Paris ballet. The city's official opera company relocated to the starkly contemporary Opera Bastille in 1989.

Located in the 9th arrondissement, the Opera Garnier is open for tours on weekdays throughout the year (with varying hours). Tickets must be purchased in advance for most ballet and other performances.

Hôtel de Cluny and Roman Baths

The Hôtel de Cluny is a Medieval residence that now houses the  National Medieval Art Museum , Musée Cluny. The famous tapestry, "The Lady and the Unicorn," is displayed here. Situated in the historic Latin Quarter, not far from the Sorbonne, the Hôtel de Cluny boasts a Medieval-style aromatic garden that provides a pleasant spot for a stroll or for reading on a bench in the spring or summer.

The ruins of Roman Empire thermal baths can also be seen on-site. One of the museum's rooms, the tepidarium, was originally the "warm room" from the baths. Located in the very center of the Latin Quarter in Paris' 5th arrondissement, the Cluny Museum is within walking distance of several other sites including Sorbonne University, Sainte-Chapelle, and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Palais Royal Gardens

Situated between the Louvre and the Opera Garnier, Palais Royal is a Renaissance-style palace that was once the residence of the Cardinal Richelieu. Today, Palais Royal is occupied by luxury boutiques and restaurants as well as several government offices whose decor mix old-world charm with modern sentiments.

Located centrally in the 1st arrondissement, the stately Palais is a pleasant place to get a meal, do some shopping, or simply take a stroll in the accompanying gardens. While there, be sure to stop by the inner courtyard, known as Cour d'Honneur, to take in the quirky modern sculptures of Daniel Buren's "Les Deux Plateaux."

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)

Sitting proudly in the center of the 4th arrondissement, Hôtel de Ville is the City Hall of Paris. Constructed on the vast plaza that was once called "Place de Greve," a site ​notorious for gory public executions during the Medieval period, this centerpiece of Parisian culture is a great addition to any trip.

The facade that covers Hôtel de Ville was built in 1873; however, some parts of the building are even older. The neo-Rennaissance Hôtel de Ville now hosts events throughout the year such as free exhibits, summer concerts, and ice-skating during the winter months.

Hôtel National des Invalides

Hôtel National des Invalides is a vast complex that was originally constructed in 1670 under the reign of Louis XIV as a hospital and convalescent home for injured soldiers. Part of des Invalides maintains this role today, but it is most famous for housing the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Additionally, the on-site Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) boasts a vast collection of military artifacts and an elaborate armory. Both des Invalides and the museum are open daily year-round—with the exception of several holidays and special closures—and entry is free for guests under 26 years old.

Saint-Denis Basilica

Just north of Paris in the working-class suburb of Saint-Denis, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in France. It's famous for its abbey, which serves as the burial place for 43 kinds and 32 queens who died as early as the fifth century. With its sculpted tombs and flamboyant Gothic details, this often-overlooked gem is worth a trip outside the city limits .

Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation

The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Deportation Memorial) pays tribute to the 200,000 people who were deported to Nazi death camps from France during World War II. Erected in 1962 on the banks of the Seine across from Notre Dame on the site of a former morgue, the Deportation Memorial was designed by architect G.H. Pingusson to evoke a sense of claustrophobia and despair.

One part of the memorial features an "eternal flame of hope" and an inscription that states the following: "Dedicated to the living memory of the 200,000 French deportees sleeping in the night and the fog, exterminated in the Nazi concentration camps." Nearby, you can also visit the Museum of Jewish Art and History .

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The 5 most beautiful castles to visit near Paris this summer!

Our beautiful region is bursting with magnificent châteaux to visit this summer. Under the shade of the gardens or in the cool of the halls of these historic buildings, castles are the perfect summer destination for a change of scenery. 

The historic capital of France for centuries, Paris and the wider Île-de-France region boast a unique cultural wealth. Museums, cultural centers, political establishments past and present… A whole region to explore, and discover its secrets. This summer, with the uncertain condition of our vacations, it’s now or never to focus more on what’s around us. Paris Secret invites you to discover the region’s most beautiful châteaux! Former royal residences, different architectural periods, treasures of elegance and refinement… Places that ensure the region’s international reputation, within easy reach!

The Château de Breteuil

A veritable nugget to be admired in the Yvelines, the Château de Breteuil is a jewel not to be missed. A château owned by the same family for 10 generations, lost in time. What’s more, the estate is located in a national nature park, making the château’s gardens one of the most magnificent green spaces in the region. And to add a touch of enchantment to this already enchanting château, wax sculptures created by the Musée Grévin depict characters from Perrault’s fairy tales throughout the estate. Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, Tom Thumb… All there to entertain the little ones (or the grown-ups, we won’t judge) while the grown-ups admire the castle’s architecture. We’ll also try our hand at the labyrinth challenge, to feel like Cinderella.

Château de Breteuil , 78460 Choisel.

The Château de Fontainebleau

We won’t keep you waiting any longer to talk about one of the most beautiful châteaux on this list. What makes the Château de Fontainebleau so special is that it was built over 8 centuries. Its architecture has thus been marked by several movements over the years, from its medieval construction to its classical finishes, after a Renaissance transformation.  With 4 museums, a vast estate and far fewer visitors than Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau is a must-see. From Philippe Le Bel to Napoléon III, each resident has left his mark on the area.

Château de Fontainebleau , 77300 Fontainebleau. (Parks and gardens currently open, indoors from July 1, 2021).

The Château de Vincennes

Did you know that Europe’s tallest keep is located in the Paris region? At 50 metres high, the dungeon at Château de Vincennes outshines all its rivals. A truly imposing fortress at the gateway to Paris, the Château de Vincennes is the most beautiful castle to be discovered on the immediate outskirts of the capital. An authentic medieval building, surrounded by a 7-meter-deep moat, the château is only accessible via stone bridges, which give it all its character. After climbing 250 steps, you can also admire the breathtaking view from the imposing keep. And if you’ve finished visiting the château early, the Bois de Vincennes awaits you for a siesta in the shade.

Château de Vincennes , Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes. 

The Château de Malmaison

In Rueil-Malmaison, just a few kilometers from Paris, the Château de Malmaison is a historical treasure to be discovered. The private residence of the Bonaparte couple, bought by the couple in 1799, the Château de Malmaison underwent a complete renovation. Decorated in the style of Antiquity, the first floor resembles the atrium of a Roman villa. Before the couple divorced and Josephine took over the mansion, Napoleon held balls and other festivities here. Transformed by Josephine Bonaparte into a veritable botanical garden, the Château de Malmaison is a voyage of refinement and fresh air.

Château de Malmaison , Avenue du Château de la Malmaison, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison.

The Château de Versailles

The château that needs no introduction. But usually crowded, the tourist vacuum caused by current sanitary conditions prompts us to add the Palace of Versailles to this list, to remind you to go and visit this world treasure we have. The largest château in the world, its estate covers almost 900 hectares. Before the Revolution, Versailles defined more than 8,000 hectares! A rich, historic heritage still clearly visible today. A symbol of royal wealth and extravagance, Versailles has been home to several generations of French kings. With its gardens, Petit and Grand Trianon, Orangerie, Hall of Mirrors, Chappelle Royal and other magnificent monuments, Versailles is undeniably one of the most beautiful jewels in the Île-de-France region. The world, even.

Palace of Versailles , Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles.

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Paris Bucket list: 23 of the best places to visit in Paris

Visiting Paris soon? Here are the best places to visit in Paris from the most touristy, incredible landmarks to places you might have never heard of.

Welcome to Paris, the French capital! The city of love, the world’s capital of fashion, the city of lights.

Paris offers so much to discover that it is difficult to make an exhaustive list of everything.

Paris is a million things – there is so much to do in this beautiful capital that it’s easy to quickly feel overwhelmed.

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In this post, I will summarize the best places to visit in Paris according to different areas of interest to help you get a better idea of what this incredible city offers.

Whether you’re an art lover, architectural enthusiast, just looking for a romantic getaway, or you want to embark on a spiritual journey, this Paris Bucket list will show you all the places to visit to satisfy your wanderlust.

But if you want to go off the beaten path, then check out these hidden spots in Paris   and if you’re visiting Paris for the first time , make sure you avoid these Paris travel mistakes for an incredible trip.

But before you go, below are some of the Paris travel tips and essentials you should know.

Paris travel tips and essentials. – Paris being a popular destination, most of the tourist attractions are always full of tourists which means spending even close to hours in queues just to access the sites. To skip all those long lines, I’d advise you to buy all your entry tickets online. You can buy all the entry skip-the-line tickets to different sites around Paris from  here on GetYourGuide .  – If you’re planning to visit a number of tourist attractions in Paris, I’d recommend you get yourself a  Paris city pass  to get discounts on different fares and you’ll also skip the long lines at those particular Paris points of interest. – Paris has a number of Museums (over 150), if you’re an art enthusiast, I’d recommend you  get a Paris museum pass  to get access to over 60 museums and other top Paris tourist attractions without the hustles of long queues.

Best places to visit in Paris

For arts enthusiasts.

The Louvre Museum

It is the museum of all superlatives – the largest art and antiques museum in the world and also the most visited museum on the planet!

The Louvre Museum is so vast that it is absolutely necessary to prepare and organize your visit beforehand to be sure to enjoy what you like.

To give you an idea, about 35,000 artworks are on display, which means that if you spend only 30 seconds in front of each one, it would take more than 12 days to see everything.

It is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous “Mona Lisa”. Book your ticket online before coming to skip the long lines , it’s essential!

I also advise you to use the help of a tour guide to make your visit easier as well as learn more about all the art.

This guided tour is a perfect choice as it not only have professional and knowledgeable guides but also a money-back guarantee shouldn’t you be fully satisfied with the service.

You can also visit the official Louvre Museum website to plan everything.

A quick tip : The main entrance to the museum, located under the well-known glass Pyramid is often overcrowded and the queue can last for several hours, if you already have an  internet ticket , use the Richelieu Passage, a secondary entrance that will save you unnecessary waiting time! Not far away, trapped between the museum and the Royal Palace Garden, the highly controversial Buren Columns are ideal for photos combining modern and traditional art.

The Pompidou Centre

The reference for modern art museums is to offer the most important collection in Europe.

The building’s innovative metal tube architecture alone is worth a visit as it contrasts with the surrounding Haussmann buildings.

Like many Parisian museums, the idea is to buy your ticket via the internet to skip the long lines in Paris .

You can actually buy the Pompidou center skip the line ticket from here ).

The permanent and temporary exhibitions are very diverse, you will undoubtedly find your happiness there.

Go up to the top for amazing views of the city which are exceptional making it one of the most beautiful places in Paris.

The Eugène Delacroix Museum

A little nugget of a wonder, little known to tourists and sometimes even to Parisians themselves, the Delacroix Museum honors the artist of the same name.

Located in the artist’s own apartment at the twilight of his life, the place is a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. Stroll through the cozy rooms of this house and you will feel at home.

The Flowered Garden behind the building is the perfect place to rest and relax in a peaceful setting. The museum offers free tours, and the staff is very welcoming.

The Orsay Museum

The Orsay Museum is the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world!

The museum is located under the glass-roof of a former railway station in the 7th arrondissement.

In addition to the hundreds of paintings, there are also sculptures, photos, and architectural art.

The museum is also renowned for its high-quality temporary exhibitions!

As usual, don’t forget to buy your e-ticket in advance, with it you can go directly to  “gate C” entrance and avoid the queue.

Other Museums not to miss in Paris;

The Rodin Museum, Orsay, The Grand Palais, Cluny, The Picasso Museum, the “Musée du Quai Branly” you can easily understand that Paris is FULL of greats museums (over 150!) with each being more interesting than the other on such a diverse and varied subject.

If you love culture and art you will not be disappointed with all these places in Paris.

A quick tip : If you want to experience Paris in a more fun way, then you can  buy this hop-on-hop-off bus ticket  that comes with an Audio guide to help you learn more about the French capital as you tour through all the famous places in Paris. You can choose to buy a 1,2, or 3-day ticket depending on how long you want to explore the city.

For a spiritual journey

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

This basilica built in Romanesque-Byzantine style is entirely white and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ.

It is a major place of worship, pilgrimage, and one of the best places to visit in Paris.

Inside, let yourself be overwhelmed by the solemnity of the place, its impressive architecture and admire the largest mosaic in France – more than 400m representing Jesus and his holy heart.

The underground crypt is also open to visitors, although it is quite austere.

Perched on the Montmartre hill, the highest natural point in Paris, you can admire superb panoramic views of the city not only at the bottom of the edifice but also by climbing to the top of its cupola!

It is also an opportunity to get a closer look at its magnificent 83-meter high dome.

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Commonly called Notre-Dame in honor of the Virgin Mary, it is probably the most famous cathedral in the world.

It is also the most visited monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower!

Absolutely inevitable, it was damaged by the flames a few months ago, fortunately, the firemen saved the majority of the church and only the roof was damaged.

Located on the island of “La Cité”, its history is interesting and incredible!

Feel free to book a guided tour to learn more, it’s so worth it. Get up at dawn to enjoy the calm surroundings before the crowds of tourists arrive.

Admission is free, only the access to the summit is charged but since the fire, we can unfortunately no longer go up there but don’t worry, even if you stay on the ground it is still worth a visit!

Quick tip*  If you visit Paris in spring, the neighboring garden of “Square Jean XXIII” with its cherry blossoms is the perfect place to take pictures!

The Madeleine

It’s hard to believe it’s a church at first sight: no dome, crosses, or towers!

Conceived under the reign of Napoleon in honor of his army, the monumental architecture is strongly inspired by Greek temples.

It became a church under the leadership of Louis-Philippe.

In a neoclassical architectural style, it is surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns. On the pediment, the fantastic high relief represents the last judgment.

Enter through the immense bronze gate to see the world-famous mosaic designed by Lameire that lies inside.

Concerts are regularly organized day and night (sometimes for free access!) to showcase its wonderful church organ.

It is located in the 8th arrondissement, often considered as the wealthiest district in Paris.

Saint-Eustache Church

( CC license, Benh LIEU SONG )

Nestled in the heart of Paris, this 126th-century church stands out for its architecture and its numerous artworks.

Built and restored many times, it mixes multiple architectural styles but remains very homogenous. Unfortunately disregarded by the tourists, I find that it has nothing to envy to “Notre -Dame”.

It is by entering the interior that you can appreciate its grandeur, the arches are perched more than 30 meters high!

It also houses the largest organ in France (8000 pipes!) and regularly hosts art exhibitions and classical music concerts.

For Architectural Wonders

The Eiffel Tower

Undeniably one of the Paris top attractions, it is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Paris – a visit to the Eiffel Tower is always a highlight.

The ideal route is to access the Eiffel Tower via the Place du Trocadéro and the Palais Chaillot (Trocadéro metro station on lines 6 and 9).

From here you will have a breathtaking view of the monument below, then go down the stairs and cross the “Pont D’Iéna” to finally reach the legendary Iron Lady.

If you feel up to it, I advise you to climb up by the stairs, it is a guaranteed thrill.

Otherwise, there is an elevator to get to the upper floors easily.

The third floor culminates at more than 300 meters, perfect for a 360-degree view of the city.

The “champs de Mars”, in the continuity of the Eiffel Tower, is one of the most beautiful Parisian gardens.

Quick tip*  If you want an original picture of the Eiffel Tower, go to the Paul-Deschanel Alley, the best place for a typical Parisian picture! I’d also advise you to  buy this Eiffel tower entry ticket online  to skip the long lines to this incredible monument.

Louis Vuitton Foundation

Imagine walking through the Boulogne park west of Paris when all of a sudden you come across this exceptional modern architectural glass building among the trees and walkways.

Designed by the infamous Frank Gehry, it houses a private museum dedicated to contemporary art and offers panoramic views of Paris from its different terraces.

You can do a “micro visit” of 15 minutes for free to get a glimpse of the museum and its fantastic building. Like a lot of other museums in Paris, night-time visits are also possible.

Of course when you hear “Louis Vuitton” the first thing you think about are the expensive and luxury bags, but make no mistake, Louis Vuitton created a non-profit foundation that supports art and culture, hence the name of the place!

Alexander III Bridge

In my opinion, it is the most beautiful and impressive bridge in Paris that also offers spectacular views of Paris.

Named in honor of the Russian tsar, it was inaugurated for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, one year after the one that saw the birth of the Eiffel Tower.

Beautifully decorated and illuminated by superb candelabra, it is impossible not to be dazzled by the beauty of the monument.

At each of its ends are columns decorated with winged horses.

In the center of the bridge, fantastic bronze sculptures represent characters.

In the south “l’esplanade des Invalides”, in the north the “Grand Palais”, it is probably one of the most spectacular (and also very romantic by night!) sites in Paris.

Related post:  The Best day trips to take from Paris by train

The Great Arch of Defense

Located in the Paris business district (although technically outside Paris), the largest business district in Europe, the Great Arch is an excellent example of modern architecture.

Inaugurated in 1989, it is a huge 110-meter high cube hollowed out in the center.

Although the roof is no longer accessible to the public, you can still go up to the last floor and enjoy the view.

The whole district offers large modern buildings and will delight architecture photo-lovers – it is a gulp of modernism in a historical Parisian setting.

But “La Défense” is not only a business center but also an “open-air” museum where you can find art exhibitions like Joan Miró’s abstract sculptures all around the building.

Quick tip*  The sunset at the Arch is gorgeous making it one of the places to go in Paris to enjoy an amazing sunset.

Philharmonie de Paris

This concert hall dedicated to classical music offers not only absolutely incredible acoustics but also an extraordinary aesthetic.

The building designated by Novel represents an abstract bird covered with aluminum and reflective steel plate.

The whole building shines with a thousand lights under the sunset.

You can book a guided tour from this website as the interior is just as impressive as the exterior.

For romantic (or not so much!) walks

A night walk.

It is no coincidence that we call Paris the City of Lights. Paris takes all its dimension at night –  it is a free pleasure that it would be a shame to miss.

I advise you to start your walk on the Place de la Concorde illuminated by traditional candelabra then walk along the quays to have a splendid view on the Seine and its thousands of glints up to the “avenue des Champs-Elysées” and the “Erc de Triomphe”.

You can also take a look at the Eiffel Tower’s illumination, it sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour.

You should also be aware that many museums offer night exhibitions, which are generally much less crowded than during the day!

And while you are around the Louvre, go and check the magnificently lit facade of the Hôtel du Louvre Hyatt.

Les “bateau-mouche”

Pleasant and relaxing, a stroll on the historic “fly boats” along the Seine River will offer you a new perspective on the capital.

I advise you to take your trip at sunset to fully admire the city’s reflections and the twilight on the Seine.

To add the pleasure of the taste buds to the pleasure of the eyes, offer yourself a romantic dinner on the boat!

There are many companies that organize boat rides, feel free to compare prices and boats from here , some of them are completely open so bring a small scarf if it is chilly.

All companies take roughly the same route and offer a multilingual guide to discover more about the city and its history.

But if you’re looking for a specific seine river cruise, then you can book this I hour cruise from getyourguide which is highly recommended.

Related post: Romantic things to do in Paris France

Street art enthusiast, don’t worry! Paris offers its share of street art, you just have to know where to look! Browse between the 10th, 11th and 19th and 20th districts to admire the mural paintings.

The most famous street is probably the “Denoyez Street” in the Belleville district where each building is covered with graffiti.

You can also take a walk along the sidewalks of street Henri-Noguères and street Ménilmontant.

Related post:  How to spend a perfect one day in Paris

The Montmartre district

Located in the 18th arrondissement, this hilly district with its timeless beauty would deserve a full day’s visit as its cobbled streets are swarming with hidden treasures.

I advise you to start your excursion in front of the “Lapin Agile”, a famous cabaret where immense artists such as Picasso or Toulouse-Lautrec used to meet.

Extend your visit by passing by the famous Montmartre vines which give birth to the “Clos Montmartre” wine.

Then join the “Place du Tertre” lined with Parisian cafés, painter artists, and musicians.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the heart of the district is obviously the highlight of the visit but do not be afraid to get lost in the many charming old-fashioned alleys and feel like in the movie “Amélie Poulain”! Romantic walks guaranteed!

The “red light” district

Pigalle, the red light district of Paris is a great place to party.

Forget about the cute romanticism of Montmartre. Here, it’s sulphurous, erotic, and sexy!

The district is full of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Everything is there to have an exciting night in Paris .

I recommend the “Lipstick”, a bar with an extraordinary ambiance.

A visit to the very popular “Moulin Rouge” is also essential to immerse yourself in the culture of French cabaret!

And if you want to enjoy Moulin Rouge fully, make sure you don’t miss the Féerie spectacular show – with this entry ticket , you get to enjoy the Féerie show – world’s most famous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge as you sip on your champagne.

The Catacombs

Many people don’t know, but under the streets of Paris lies a huge labyrinth of mining galleries that once served as catacombs.

The growing population of Paris and the lack of space in the cemeteries led the authorities to bury the bodies in mass graves during the 18th century. Several million Parisians are buried there.

It is still possible to visit some parts of the city. The thrills are guaranteed at the sight of these thousands of skulls and bones crammed on both sides of the path.

The visits last from 1 to 2 hours and allow you to learn more about this unique place in the world.

To learn everything about this mysterious place, it’s better to buy a ticket that comes with a free audio guide.

This online ticket will save you time by skipping the long lines and it also comes with an audio guide.

Take a jacket, it is always cool down there even in the middle of summer.

The public area is about 2 kilometers long and only represents 0.5% of the total underground galleries.

Remember to bring good shoes as the ground can be wet and slippery!

To get away from it all

Park Monceau

Located in the 8th arrondissement, it is one of my favorite parks and also one of the best picnic spots in Paris . Rather small, it is decorated with superb statues depicting writers and musicians such as Maupassant or Chopin, and it is also home to the largest concentration of wild birds in Paris.

The park is very quiet as it is surrounded by luxurious hotels and residential buildings.

The Tuileries park

The oldest park in Paris, its position is very unique since it is located between the Louvre Museum and the “Place de la Concorde”.

Typical “à la Francais” garden with flower beds and precise geometrical shapes.

It is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site . Along the walk, you can admire statues of Rodin or Maillol.

It also houses a small museum, “L’orangerie”, dedicated to Impressionists.

Quick tip*  A fair is held in the park from June to August – you shouldn’t miss it if you’re in Paris during this period.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

I know it may seem strange to visit a cemetery, but this one is well worth a visit!

Whether it is for the great performers buried there or its particular history, it is the most visited cemetery in the world! Politicians, writers, actors, singers, scientists,

I advise you to book a guided tour to discover more about this cemetery.

The Chaumont Buttes Park

Much less formal than the other Parisian gardens, this park in the Belleville district is rather unknown to tourists, yet it is quite remarkable.

The park is located on a former gypsum quarry, which explains its very rugged profile that gives it character.

In the middle of it is a pond topped by a 30-meter cliff crowned by a superb small Italian-inspired temple, Cascades, and streams – the park is a playground on its own.

That was quite a huge list of places to visit in Paris but honestly, it’s impossible to visit all of them if you only have a couple of days in Paris.

So you’ll need to prioritize and decide on what to see now and what to see on your next Paris trip.

And if you haven’t yet been to the city of lights, I hope this Paris bucket list inspires you to start planning your trip.

* The adventurous feet is a proud participant in a number of affiliate programs. This means that if you purchase anything through this website, I might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The adventurous feet*

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Paris is such an incredible city to explore. My Paris bucket list has just gotten bigger now!

Oh yeah, Paris is truly magical with soo many places to visit – it can be hard to see everything.

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16 top local tips on what to do in Paris

Aug 10, 2023 • 12 min read

From cruising the Seine to strolling the city with the locals, here are the best things to do in Paris © Christopher Ames / Getty Images

Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals,  Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie"  (the good life).

Away from the highlights – the Louvre, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower – Parisian life ticks along with a coffee on a terrace, a bike ride along the Seine, and wine-fueled lunches with friends in noisy bistros. Blending the blockbuster experiences with these local delights is the key to experiencing the best of Paris.

Here are the top things to do according to a local.

1. See the Eiffel Tower at night

Dodge the habitual daytime crowd zig-zagging up the Eiffel Tower ’s southern-pillar staircase or cruising by lift to the top-floor champagne bar, and experience Paris’ signature spire after dark instead. Even better: book at the Michelin-starred   Le Jules Vernes  and dine in the company of the most beautiful city panorama ensnared within Eiffel’s hypnotic metal web on the 2nd floor.

Detour : For smouldering, eyeball-to-eyeball views of the  Dame de Fer  (Iron Lady) herself, illuminated at night, enjoy a date night beneath the stars at the summer rooftop bar atop La Shangri-La Paris . Can't be in there? See it from the Seine, with Eiffel Tower views from fine-dining bateau   Ducasse sur Seine .

2. Be surprised by the artworks at Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection

There’s a secret to exploring the city’s recent art venue  addition, which opened in May 2021 in an 18th-century rotunda where the city’s grain market and stock exchange once were. Reserve tickets online, book lunch in the top-floor Halles aux Graines restaurant run by legendary French chefs Michel and Sébastien Bras, and keep your wits about you when admiring the contemporary art in this world-class collection by French billionaire François Pinault.

The exquisite "marble" replica of a late-Renaissance Giambologna sculpture in the central hall (actually a gargantuan, slow-burning wax candle by Swiss artist Urs Fischer), the pesky "pigeons" perched on the balustrade above, the "cushions" strewn on the occasional chair throughout are not what they seem. This mischievous new gallery has been designed to shock and surprise.

3. Sample local life at Paris' food (and flea) markets

Nothing reveals the backstreet grit and grind of local life quite like Paris’ stash of intoxicating markets. Most neighborhoods have one and Bastille’s morning street marché on Blvd Richard Lenoir is a brilliant introduction.

When hunger strikes, swing through the inconspicuous green metal gate on rue de Bretagne, 3e, in nearby Le Marais to uncover  Marché des Enfants Rouges . This is the city’s oldest covered market, dating from 1615, with a maze of food stalls cooking up Moroccan couscous, Japanese bento, Thai curries and other world cuisines. Order a stuffed- and sizzled-to-order toasted sandwich or galette (savoury crêpe) from gregarious Alain at  Chez Alain Miam Miam , then grab a pew to lunch with locals around communal tables.

To peek into the makings of a Parisian home, ride metro line 13 north to  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen . A village in itself, this gargantuan nine-hectare flea market – Europe’s largest – is where thrifty Parisians gravitate at weekends to hunt down chintzy Louis XVI lamps, rare and wondrous vinyl, avant-garde fittings and furniture, antiques and other second-hand treasures for their city-sleek apartments.

4. Wander through Paris' history at Musée Carnavalet

With its photogenic twinset of hôtels particuliers (private mansions) smacking of 17th-century Parisian aristocracy and labyrinth of lavish rooms spanning time, the  Musée Carnavalet in Le Marais is an enchanting rendezvous with history. The architecture alone at Paris’ oldest museum, open since 1880, plunges you straight into the Renaissance.

Thanks to a four-year redesign costing more than €55 million, visiting the Musée Carnavalet is a sharp, immersive, chronological waltz through the glittering story of Paris, from prehistory to the terrorism-troubled 21st century. Some 3800 of 625,000 historical pieces – paintings, sculptures, furniture, signs, posters, models, coins, toys, musical instruments, erotica – adorn rooms perfectly styled to reflect each era. The most spectacular – the lavish painted ceilings, gilt and stucco of the Salons La Rivière (1652–56), Hôtel Wendel’s Art Deco ballroom, Fouquet’s Art Nouveau jewelry shop – are the Real McCoy, uprooted from their original location to the museum for safekeeping.

Planning tip:  Admission to the permanent collection is free and doesn't need to be booked in advance. End in the museum cafe, with tables enchantingly scattered in the manicured courtyard garden.

5. Explore Monet's artworks at museums across the city

Which art lover can resist Monet’s signature water lilies? Exhilaratingly gargantuan and immersive, his lilies fill two oval rooms – designed by Monet himself in the 1920s – at the  Musée de l’Orangerie in the  Jardin des Tuileries .

More Monet masterpieces rub shoulders with paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in the  Musée d’Orsay , displaying world-class art from 1848 to 1914 in a resplendent 1900-built train station by the Seine. But the real gold lies off the trodden tourist trail, at the unsung  Musée Marmottan Monet . Quietly at home in an intimate, Empire-style hôtel particulier in the residential 16e arrondissement , this is where the world’s largest collection of canvases by Monet can be found.

6. Go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre

It would take nine months to simply glance at all 35,000-odd masterpieces at the  Musée du Louvre , home to one of the world’s finest collections of Western art. Instead you can join a  ThatMuse scavenger hunt to make best sense of the overwhelmingly gargantuan palace-gallery, built as a fortress for Philippe-Auguste in the 12th century and rehashed as a swish royal residence in the mid-16th.

Hunts are themed, a huge hit with families, and lead you into quieter rooms well beyond the over-crowded likes of Da Vinci’s celebrity Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s Dying Slave . Count between two and three hours to track down, and snap a photo as evidence, up to 30 artworks – the "pieces of treasure".

Local tip: Decamp afterwards to  Café Le Nemours , one of Paris’ most mythical cafes with an elegant terrace beneath arches, for a coffee or organic Alain Millat peach juice and classic Parisian jambon et fromage baguette sandwich (or something fancier).

7. Admire Paris' iconic rooftops

Talk of inscribing Paris’ iconic rooftops on Unesco’s World Heritage List has been rumbling for years. Begin your rooftop foray at ground level on  place des Vosges , laid out as Place Royale in Le Marais in 1612. It's the city’s oldest square – and the most handsome. This is an ideal spot to admire Paris’ signature roofs from below, originally tiled in slate from the nearby Loire Valley and, from the mid-19th century, with cheaper sheets of shiny seagull-grey zinc.

A 10-minute walk away on trendy Rue Vieille du Temple, 3e, fashionistas hobnob over cocktails, barbecued meats and weekend brunch at  Au Top , a hidden rooftop with an insane 360-degree panorama.  Le Perchoir Marais is the other unmissable rooftop in the neighborhood.

Local tip:  Other Parisian-packed venues to swoon over the city’s romantic skyline: the viewing terrace of department store  Galeries Lafayette , Perruche above  Le Printemps , cocktail and DJ hub  Le Perchoir in the 11e, and farm-to-fork  Le Perchoir , at home on Europe’s largest urban farm in the 15e on – guess what – a rooftop.

8. Take a leisurely stroll like a Parisian flâneur

When 19th-century town planner Georges Eugène Haussmann bulldozed the medieval city’s cobweb of dank, narrow alleys in the 1850s to create an elegant, light-filled capital of broad tree-shaded boulevards and squares, he clearly had Parisian flânerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. Left-bank  St-Germain des Prés , right-bank  Le Marais and  Jardin du Luxembourg are classic areas for slow, indulgent walks.

For monumental grandeur around every corner, kick off on the viewing platform of  Arc de Triomphe , stroll shop-lined  Champs-Elysées to obelisk-pierced  Place de la Concorde , and cut through  Jardin des Tuileries to arch-pierced Place du Carrousel. Admire the Louvre, with its striking glass pyramid, then duck beneath the arches to Place Colette with its flashy metro-station entrance threaded with 800 Murano glass beads.

Continue into  Jardin du Palais Royal to frolic around Daniel Buren’s signature black-and-white striped columns, browse its upmarket boutique-clad arcades, chill over freshly roasted coffee at hidden  Café Kitsuné , and flop on a park bench to watch Paris go by in gorgeous slow motion.

Planning tip: Join up with  Explore Paris on a wildly creative themed walking tour of Paris such as operatic strolls with a singer in Montmartre, Chinese Belleville, or gourmet walks in Goutte d’Or.

9. Experience village life in Montmartre

Gorging on the spectacular Paris vista that unfolds from the steps of the pearly-white domes of the  Sacré-Coeur Basilica – or atop the 300 more steps spiraling up inside the church dome – is a veritable Montmartre moment. But to get under the skin of this fabled quarter of ivy-clad cottages, windmills and artist cafes, it pays to duck down hidden alleys and squares, and explore less-visited streets on the backside of the Butte (as the Montmartre hill is known).

Local tip: Reserve a table at clandestine cocktail bar  Le Très Particulier , with walled summer garden, in a 19th-century mansion on Ave Junot. Mooch a couple of doors downhill to Villa Leandré at No 23, one of the picturesque cul-de-sacs in Paris with flowery cottage gardens fronting 1920s, terraced brick houses. Another 15 minutes brings you to La Cité Pilleux (45 rue Ganneron, 18e), an equally bucolic dead-end lane with old industrial workshops re-spun as pretty little dwellings.

10. Tour the historic Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Gawping at ornate tomb art while paying your respects to 70,000 rich, famous and infamous buried in the world’s most-visited  cemetery is a riveting urban walk. The historic graveyard, open since 1804, is one of central Paris’ biggest green spaces, with 5300 trees and shrubs, and magnificent 19th-century sculptures by artists such as David d’Angers, Hector Guimard, Visconti and Chapu.

To scout out the iconic graves of 1960s rock star Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf et al, scan the QR code inside the cemetery’s Blvd de Ménilmontant entrance to access a map; or hook up with entertaining cemetery historian Thierry Le Roi. His two-hour  guided tours are legendary in their own right.

Local tip:  Visit on a sunny day after the rain to experience this unexpected green oasis at its most lush.

11. Take in the views from Arc de Triomphe's viewing platform

The Arc de Triomphe 's sky-high viewing platform is dramatically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, but with views to rival. The 50m-high (164ft), Roman-style, triumphal arch commemorating Napoléon’s 1805 victory at Austerlitz is also the best spot to get your head around Paris’  Axe Historique (Historical Axis) – a line of historical monuments forming a perfect east-to-west axis through central Paris.

Admire astonishing vistas stretching from the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées (all east), to the Arc de Triomphe’s modern counterpoint, 1980s-built  Grande Arche de la Défense (west). Peer down to watch cars twirling around the city’s busiest roundabout encircling the arch and spinning off along one of eight leafy Haussmannian avenues.

12. Cruise the Seine

Paris’ geographical and spiritual heart is the Seine – it all began on its island twinset after all, with early settlers arriving on Île de la Cité around the 3rd century BCE. Cruising the river with Bateaux-Mouches or aboard a hop-on-hop-off  Batobus river boat – part of the city’s public transport system – is a memorable experience. Admire scenic Unesco World Heritage-listed riverbanks, islands, summertime beaches and 37 bridges spanning every architectural era.

Sunset drinks are a rite of passage at floating bar and guinguette (dance hall),  Rosa Bonheur sur Seine – as is a dose of contemporary street art a short walk west along the quay to bohemian barge-gallery  Fluctuart . To stay on the Seine 24/7, check into floating hotel,  Off Paris Seine .

Local tip: Hopes are high that parts of the river will be clean enough to swim in by 2025. Until then, cool off on hot summer days at floating outdoor pool  Piscine Joséphine Baker .

13. Be intoxicated by Paris' cocktail culture

From glam hotel bars to clandestine speakeasies and upcycled hostess bars in South Pigalle, the craft-cocktail scene in Paris is intoxicating.  Paris Cocktail Week , held each year in January, is a brilliant introduction. Otherwise, DIY your initiation with a signature Serendipity at  Bar Hemingway in the Ritz – a teeny, chic, wood-paneled space where British-born bartender Colin Field has mixed cocktails for more than 25 years. Legend says Hemingway, wielding a machine gun, helped liberate the hotel bar during WWII – following which he knocked back 51 consecutive dry martinis.

Local tip:  Forgotten French liqueurs, zany homemade infusions and inventive syrups are at their finest at  Le Mary Céleste , one of Paris’ first bars to pair cocktails with modern French tapas dishes. For summer cocktails, follow a clued-in crowd to  Le Pavillon Puebla , a guinguette -styled party space in a rambling 19th-century mansion in beautiful offbeat city park  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont .

14. Eat quality local produce at grassroots restaurants

Grassroots produce – seasonal, locally grown, invariably organic and so freshly harvested that earth still clings to the roots – has never been so important in French cuisine. Chefs in Paris are working harder than ever with small regional producers to elevate taste and quality to even greater heights (not to mention supporting local economies).

The untouristed 10th arrondissement is becoming increasingly foodie with wildly successful, bistronomie addresses such as  Les Résistants and  L’Avant Poste .

15. Go shopping at designer boutiques

Be it your own made-to-measure Louis Vuitton trunk, a heavenly fragranced candle from the world’s oldest candlemaker , or the season’s latest from eco-conscious fashion store  Sézane , shopping in Paris is exuberant and exotic. Pick your quartier depending on personal style and goût (taste): Le Marais for workshop boutiques of independent upcoming designers and mainstream fashion, or around  Canal St-Martin in the edgier 10e for concept stores, pop-ups and alternative design boutiques.

Detour: After 15 years of restoration, to the tune of €750 million, historic department store  La Samaritaine is breathtaking in size and beauty. Drooling over the Seine-side building’s original art nouveau and art deco features, including the glass-topped central hall – all impeccably restored by Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese firm Sanaa – is completely fine.

16. Watch movies beneath the stars

Paris is one of the most  cinematic cities on earth. Film buffs can poke behind the scenes of art deco movie theater  Le Grand Rex , lose their soul in a silent B&W movie accompanied by a live pianist music at the  Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé , or follow in the footsteps of screen star Amélie Poulain in Montmartre.

Summer raises the curtain on romance with movies beneath the stars – deckchairs are scattered on the grass in Parc de la Villette during free film screenings mid-July to mid-August. MK2’s ground-breaking cinema hotel,  Hôtel Paradiso in the 12e has designer rooms sporting private cinema screens and a lush green rooftop garden hosting screenings after-dark.

Local tip:  Films screened on a 24m-long screen in the Louvre’s magnificent 16th-century courtyard during July’s four-day Cinéma Paradiso Louvre open-air film fest are always a rip-roaring success.

This article was first published Jul 1, 2019 and updated Aug 10, 2023.

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42 Best Things to Do in Paris

By Julia Eskins and Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

The question isn't what to do in Paris, but rather how to decide. With so many wonderful museums, historic landmarks, and curated boutiques, it’s impossible to fit everything into your itinerary. Perhaps this is why the French capital is among the world’s most-visited cities. Whether it’s your first time or fifth, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Paris, from the unmissable monuments across the City of lights to the local-loved  favorites that will make you feel like a true Parisian in the making. All you have to do now is pack, put on your most comfortable shoes, and decide where to go first. These are the best things to do in Paris on your next visit.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .  

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Jardin du Luxembourg Arrow

Located in the heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting green oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics, or just to admire the mash-up of English, Italian, and French landscaping influences. If you're feeling athletic, join the early-morning joggers or stake out one of the tennis and pétanque courts.

Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS Arrow

Did Paris need another department store? Certainly not. But this one has a legacy that laid dormant for 16 years: The 19th century landmark reopened in 2021 after a $900 million restoration by LVMH, and swapped the utilitarian focus for one decidedly more upscale. Locals used to shop here for everything from light bulbs and garden supplies to dresses, but now it's a gallery of sorts for designer clothes, beauty brands, and a handful of food and Champagne concept spaces throughout the shop. But it's an Art Deco and Art Nouveau wonder which is the primary reason to visit. Approximately 215,000 square feet are devoted to retail space in this complex, which includes the Cheval Blanc hotel, office space, and housing, making it the smallest of the city’s department stores (the others are Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette). The spaces it does occupy covers the usual terrain: streetwear and luxury ready-to-wear which includes pieces exclusive to La Samaritaine, clean beauty and classic perfumers, handbags and fine jewelry, and several rooms used for rotating thematic installations.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre Arrow

Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside.

Musée du Louvre Arrow

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction—it is still the most-visited museum in the world, welcoming 8.9 million visitors in 2023. The former royal palace is now the magnificent home of some of the world's most iconic artworks (ever heard of the Mona Lisa?). Don't freak out, but walking through the halls where Louis XIV once strolled (he lived here before moving to Versailles), surrounded by the most famous art on earth can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, there are some 35,000 artworks and artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century housed within its walls. As a result, it could take a lifetime to see and experience it all so don’t try (the museum sells multi-day passes so you can spread out your visit). 

Jessica Puckett

Matt Ortile

Olivia Morelli

Alex Van Buren

Palais Garnier Arrow

The pinnacle of Napoleon III architecture, the resplendent Le Palais Garnier opera house is opulent from every angle. The facade is covered with ornamentation and busts, as well as l'Harmonie and La Poésie, the two gilded copper statues flanking the entrance from on high. Inside, make sure to channel your best "Phantom of the Opera" moment on the iconic lobby's Grand Staircase, a triumph of decadent Parisian design. Admission costs about 14 euros, but it's well worth it—walking through these public spaces is like walking into the Paris of the past. The Opéra National de Paris is going back to performances in mid July, with reduced attendance and the country's health pass required.

Centre Pompidou Arrow

When the Centre Pompidou, known by locals as  Beaubourg ,  opened in 1977, it was a radical (and controversial) design for a museum—all industrial pipes and open glass views of Paris. Forty-plus years later it's the undisputed grande dame of Paris's contemporary art world. Within the massive 100,000-piece collection that stretches back to 1905, you’ll find everything from Picassos to video installations. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot and note that if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and children’s gallery is free. 

Merci Arrow

Merci is an independent concept boutique, spread out over three loft-like floors in the Marais. The well-curated selection of clothes, accessories, home goods, and just about anything else you might want, draws savvy shoppers from around the globe. Keep an eye out for up-and-coming designers and labels especially in the central space that houses themed pop-ups, or go for Merci’s own affordable in-house brand. Either way, you'll be hard-pressed to walk out empty-handed.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris Arrow

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris is housed in a private mansion that served as the legendary fashion designer’s headquarters from 1974 to 2002. The museum opened in 2017 alongside its Moroccan counterpart, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, and hosts retrospectives and temporary exhibits. With a focus on Saint Laurent’s creative process rather than the brand’s history, the small museum is a treasure trove of iconic haute couture designs, as well as illustrations, photographs, sketches, and films. Spread out over 4,800 feet, the museum was designed to recreate the intimate feel of the original couture house. Highlights include the reception rooms where the designer met with clients, as well as the studio, where all of the collections were designed.

Westfield Forum des Halles Arrow

The Forum des Halles is a sprawling shopping, dining, and transportation hub right in the heart of Paris, with nearly 150 shops and restaurants. A 2016 renovation saw the addition of a spectacular wavy roof nicknamed La Canopée—you’re going to want a picture of it. Though the architecture is new, the shopping concept is not: A market has stood on this very site since the 1100s.

Hôtel de la Marine Arrow

This recent addition to the capital’s cultural offering is unlike any other in the city, largely by dint of its heritage and size. Perched over the Place de la Concorde, the museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble—the depository for the King’s furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts—and what later became the country’s naval headquarters for 200 years. Given that it is only a year old, it remains moderately trafficked but the word is out. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, its new incarnation as an immersive museum experience allows visitors to explore the 18th century apartments of the Garde-Meuble intendants, recreated and restored to their original layout and design, as well as the structure’s grand reception halls filled with period furnishings, paintings, and objets d’art. Key to the visit is the audio guide, which leans theatrical. You could speed through the audio guide in an hour, get a view of the Place de la Concorde from the covered balcony, and take in the jaw-dropping Cabinet des Glaces, a mirror-walled boudoir not unlike the hall of mirrors in Versailles, covered in paintings.

Le Bon Marché Arrow

Dating back to the 1850s, Le Bon Marché is the oldest department store in Paris, and certainly the most iconic. The elegant Left Bank institution is as celebrated for its airy layout as for its top selection of the world’s best designers. If it’s luxe, you can probably buy it here. Before your shopping spree is done, peek in at La Grande Épicerie, Le Bon Marché’s fine-foods emporium in an adjoining building.

Musée Picasso Paris Arrow

The Hôtel Salé alone is reason to visit, but of course the real draw is Picasso's oeuvre, more popular than ever following a much-hyped 2014 reopening. And since the museum is centrally located in the bustling Marais, it's easy to work the Musée Picasso into a day out shopping and dining. While there are other single-artist museums in Paris, the combination of Picasso's fame and the beauty of the setting make this one of the very best. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance to visit the museum. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Arc de Triomphe Arrow

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Climb the nearly 300 steps or take the elevator to the top for some of the best views of Paris, with clear vistas straight down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Louvre. You'll need a ticket purchased online or at the entrance to go inside and up to the viewing platform, but anyone can come to admire the ornate façade for free.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Arrow

Historic department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann isn’t just one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” but also an emblem of Art Nouveau architecture. The French chain's flagship location in the 9th arrondissement features a striking domed roof with stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Gruber. And with over 750,000 square feet of retail space, beautifully designed window displays, and special events, it's easily one of the best places to shop in Paris . You’ll find almost every major luxury brand under Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s roof but the department store also makes a point of spotlighting emerging designers. Some labels, like Ester Manas (a sustainable and size-inclusive fashion brand) offer exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. On the fourth floor, one of the broadest shoe selections in the world boasts over 200 brands ranging from Veja Shoemakers to Maison Margiela. Beyond the luxury goods, a highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

Palais-Royal Arrow

The Palais-Royal complex is in some ways Paris in a nutshell: shops, cafés, art, history, architecture, bureaucracy, and spectacular gardens for people watching. And since it's all right across the street from the Louvre, you likely won't need to make a special trip. Don’t miss the Insta-famous Colonnes de Buren art installation in the inner courtyard.

Panthéon Arrow

There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Musée Rodin Arrow

Auguste Rodin lived in the Hôtel Biron in the later stage of his life, where the gardens inspired some of his work. The former home opened as a museum to the public in 1919, almost 200 years after it was built for a wealthy financier. The high ceilings of the intimate rooms allow visitors to see Rodin's sculptures and drawings up close, while the large gardens showcase his most famous bronze sculptures, like "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

Palais de Tokyo Arrow

The Palais de Tokyo is the largest center for contemporary art in Europe. Opened in 2002, its mission is to celebrate living artists across multiple disciplines. As part of the renovation of the building, the 1937 structure was stripped back to the original concrete, giving it a raw and unfinished feeling that is distinctly different from the typical white-room museum layout. Visitors should start their exploration in the subterranean levels, where art such as large-scale graffiti works are on display, and end with a drink or dinner either at Monsieur Bleu or Bambini, the more festive spot from the Paris Society Group.

Grand Palais Arrow

As associated with years of Chanel runway shows being held in the nave of this stately Beaux-Arts space as it is with the art exhibitions it houses, the Grand Palais is an emblem of French grandeur and architectural process. The grand dame of buildings, originally built for the World’s Fair of 1900, has been closed for refurbishments since 2021 and will reopen partially for the 2024 Summer Olympics before its grand reopening in 2025. The Grand Palais Ephémère, a 100,000-square-foot temporary space on the Champ de Mars, hosts the artistic, cultural, fashion, and art events that would typically be held in the Grand Palais.

Eiffel Tower Arrow

Gustave Eiffel's controversial wrought-iron lattice tower has been polarizing Parisians since it was built for the 1889 World's Fair, but today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable landmarks in the city—and the world. The structure anchors one end of the expansive Champ de Mars and provides an orientation point for the city. Jules Verne, the second-floor restaurant, is a Michelin-starred (and pricey) institution that is currently closed for renovation until the fall, as is the tiny Champagne bar at the tippity-top, which is still closed due to COVID regulations. The Eiffel Tower will reopen to visitors on July 16 and is currently accepting reservations for timed tickets.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Arrow

If visiting a cemetery sounds morbid and dreary, rest assured: It is, but in the best possible way. Death is an inescapable part of French life, and the layers on layers of Parisian history on display at Père Lachaise Cemetery are a fascinating peek into how the city has evolved over time. Visitors flock to the A-list graves here, with Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison among the most-visited. But one of the great delights is to walk away from the crowds and get lost wandering among the lesser-known, less-visited ones, which are all in various states of repair. Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find some other noteworthy names buried here, from composer Frédéric Chopin to writer Marcel Proust and painter Eugène Delacroix.

Café de Flore Arrow

Stepping into Café de Flore is like stepping into a time capsule, into an era when the Left Bank was a bohemian enclave for the likes of Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. The interior—red booths, mahogany, polished brass railings—has changed little since the Art Deco period, but anyone who is anyone knows that the best seats in the house are actually out on the sidewalk (and thankfully the famous terrasse is open at full capacity again), where the people watching can't be beat and the city's café iconic culture is at its finest. Although afternoons are best for perching on a table outside and enjoying the pulse of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there's also a vibrant after-dark scene. In other words, there's no wrong time to visit.

Musée Histoire de Paris Carnavalet (The Carnavalet-History of Paris Museum)

The oldest museum dedicated to the history of Paris itself originally opened in a historic mansion in the Marais in 1880, but a recent renovation completed in 2021 has thoroughly brought the space into the modern era. The layout of the building has been redesigned, highlighting the beauty of the mid-16th century mansions as much as helping you to discover the paleolithic origins of the city through the present with 3,800 works now on display. Additionally, the museum is even easier to navigate now for everyone, with a new approach to accessibility including elevators and ramps. Don’t miss the newly added restaurant on the gardens as well for a post-visit refreshment.

Philharmonie de Paris Arrow

The Philharmonie de Paris is a striking contemporary building, designed by Jean Nouvel (not without controversy) and opened in 2015. Located within the Cité de la Musique complex in the Parc de la Villette, in the underexplored 19th arrondissement, the building breaks with all the design conventions of traditional symphony halls, instead favoring pod-like boxes inside the theater, a stage in the round, and a complex, undulating metal façade.

Musée d'Orsay Arrow

A vast collection of Impressionist art is the focus at the Musée d’Orsay, the second-most-visited museum in Paris (after the Louvre, of course). At every turn, you'll be delighted to recognize yet another piece from pop culture or that art history class you took. There is no room not worth exploring here, so let yourself just wander among masterworks by names like Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet. Pre-booking online is recommended for priority access within 30 minutes of the reserved time.  

Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Arrow

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is perhaps best known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. The modern structure stands in sharp contrast with the treasures housed inside: ancient art and artifacts and relics of bygone civilizations (with a specific focus on non-European cultures). Be sure to check out the museum's continuous calendar of special exhibitions, including shows centered around a specific culture.

Deyrolle Arrow

Deyrolle is a cabinet of curiosities. The Left Bank institution has specialized in taxidermy and entomology since 1831, but in 2008 a fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of the collection, creating the need for a radical restoration project. Today you can hardly tell that the shop is, in fact, a replica of its former 17th-century iteration, right down to the wood cabinetry, parquet floors, and painted walls.

Les Bouquinistes Arrow

Walking along the banks of the Seine is an activity as beloved and ancient as the city itself. Along both sides of the river, roughly from Île Saint Louis to the Louvre, are the city's Bouquinistes, independent sellers of used and antiquarian books, old maps, postcards, and all sorts of mementos. It's an activity that rewards patience—you just might find a vintage movie poster or first-edition book to bring home.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Fondation Louis Vuitton Arrow

As one of few privately owned and funded art spaces in Paris (owned by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault), the Fondation Louis Vuitton arrived with a bang when it opened to the public in 2014. Star Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed the building, which looks like a magical sailboat afloat on a man-made lake in the Bois de Boulogne. Thanks to the spectacular architecture and blockbuster exhibitions, the museum is bustling at all times, despite its location in the far reaches of the 16th Arrondissement.

Shakespeare and Company Arrow

Nestled on a prime slice of real estate across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company is part indie bookshop, part piece of history. The roster of authors who have lingered among the shelves here reads like canon of 20th-century literature, including Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and contemporaries like Zadie Smith. Every inch of the space oozes history, from the leaning antique bookshelves to the resident cat to the well-worn piano, which is tucked away upstairs. The café is a great place for people watching—and maybe eavesdropping on a conversation or two while you sip on a café au lait. It still serves original proprietor George Whitman's famous lemon pie, as well.

Le Train Bleu Arrow

It's hard to believe one of Paris' most serene, picturesque and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon's hustle and bustle. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. It won't be your cheapest meal in Paris, but it might be your most memorable—or at least your most photographed.

National Museum of Natural History Arrow

Part curio cabinet, part institution of higher learning—it's part of the Sorbonne—the National Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibitions that inspire awe in visitors of all ages. The museum consists of 14 locations across France, but the Grande Galerie d'Evolution on the Left Bank is the showstopper all its own, with interiors that pay homage to Art Nouveau Paris through elegant wrought iron railings and soaring glass windows. It's a stark contrast to the main gallery's menagerie of articulated skeletons, taxidermies, and lifelike replications. The main attraction—especially for kids—is the permanent display of life-size elephants and giraffes, but the temporary exhibitions are also good.

Coulée Verte René-Dumont Arrow

Originally known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. Opened in the late 1980s, the lush garden path stretches for three miles, with landscapes ranging from modern and manicured to wild and natural. This greenway, which for many will recall New York City's High Line, provides an unusual panoramic view over the 12th arrondissement—and since this crosses through less-touristy neighborhoods, you'll get a sense of the real quotidian Paris.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Institut du Monde Arabe Arrow

The Institut du Monde Arabe opened in 1987 but its iconic building, designed by Jean Nouvel, looks as fresh and contemporary as ever. The light dances in and around the building, thanks to the distinctive pattern of 240 mashrabiyas—half of which have photosensitive apertures that open up to 18 times a day. There are multiple dining options within the museum, from self-service to fine dining (both located on the ninth floor, with spectacular views out over the city). The museum sees a mix of visitors—those who are interested in the Arab world, obviously, from the merely curious to experts, and those who are visiting for the famous building design. The museum is so light-filled and airy that you rarely feel that the spaces are crowded, and the glimpses of the the Seine and the Left Bank offer a beautiful counterpoint to the work within. Everyone should take the time to walk around the museum's exterior to fully appreciate the innovative and captivating façade.

Au Lapin Agile Arrow

There are plenty of old things in Paris—some more original than others—but for the last 160 years, Au Lapin Agile has managed to maintain its bohemian character. Nestled on a quiet street in Montmartre, this venue feels like a step back in time—and into a cabaret where the likes of Picasso and Modigliani used to haunt before they were, you know, Picasso and Modigliani. It's the perfect stop for an after-dinner drink with a side of entertainment.

Maison Victor Hugo

Newly reopened after a two year renovation, you can now imagine yourself living the life of a 19th-century writer by wandering through Victor Hugo’s former home on the iconic Place des Vosges. You can discover the home he moved into the year following the publication of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is recreated to show the periods of his life pre-exile, in-exile at his home in Guernsey and post-exile along with special exhibitions of his works, including his drawings. A new feature of the renovation is the addition of a garden with a cafe at the exit of the tour.

La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Just opened in May 2021, the newest space for contemporary art in Paris was commissioned by Francois Pinault to house part of his vast personal collection, amassed over 40 years. Designed by Tadao Ondo, the revitalized commodities exchange building is located just blocks from the Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement. With 5,000 works from the Pinault Collection to be displayed across the 3,000 sq. meter space, you can expect to see works from the 1960s to the present with artists including Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, and Rudolf Stingel.

Fouquet's Arrow

Many come to Fouquet's to see and be seen, but the seasonal menu by three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire makes it a worthy stop for more than just a cocktail. The atmosphere is chic and retro, without the pretentiousness you would expect from a celebrity-frequented haunt. It’s easy to spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere of the warm and cozy dining room, which is usually filled with a mix of well-to-do Parisians, film industry veterans, and travelers with an appreciation of classic French gastronomy. Since opening in 1899, the classic brasserie has been a meeting place for those in the arts and culture industry, with past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Jackie Kennedy, and Liza Minnelli. It still hosts the gala dinner for the César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) and has maintained a strong link to the film industry. The restaurant itself has been protected as a historical French monument since 1990 and the classic interiors—complete with warm mahogany wood paneling by Jean Royère—are beautifully preserved.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Arrow

Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Galerie Vivienne Arrow

Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

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44 best things to do in Paris right now

By Rosalyn Wikeley and Antonia Bentel

For a city swarming in oh-la-la clichés, curating an itinerary that doesn’t feel too Emily in Paris is always a challenge. While there is of course an abundance of off-beat, insider spots to fluff your feathers into, as if doing so will immediately morph you into a bona fide bobo (bourgeois bohemian) Parisian and lift you into some cultured, more discerning league, missing the hot ticket attractions that, let’s face it, are the very essence of the City of Lights would be une erreur. We’re not suggesting you swing a selfie stick to the Eiffel Tower but rather gorge on this city’s world-leading cavalcade of museums, monuments and age-old markets. They sit as splendidly on an itinerary alongside those lesser-known spots – the hammams, the pocket-sized vineyards, the concept stores – as they do amid the city’s Haussmann maze.

So once you’ve checked into one of the best hotels in the French capital and have configured your trip around the city’s best restaurants (who wouldn’t), why not flesh out your plans with our editors’ curation of the 42 best things to do in Paris.

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy Paris — there is plenty to experience for those travelling on a budget. You can find refuge from the buzzing streets with walks down the Promenade Plantée or stroll through the bustling organic farmer's market on Boulevard Raspail and even window shop at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. Even a few museums and galleries, including the excellent Carnavalet and Petit Palais, are free to visit.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

We recommend spending three to five days in Paris to give yourself time to soak in everything this  beautiful city has to offer. From cycling down the Seine and learning to make a pastry at La Cuisine Paris to dancing at the city’s oldest jazz club, Le Bal Blomet, keep reading for the best things to do in Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris at night?

There's a reason why Paris is known as the City of Light. Yes, it was initially because it was one of the first in  Europe to install street lamps, but now it has more to do with how its iconic landmarks beautifully sparkle at night. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to catch metro line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Passy station for the most magical panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at the beginning of every hour for five minutes, until the last show at 11pm, so time your journey perfectly (tip: sit on the right side for the best views). You can also book a dinner cruise along the Seine River. For a more cultural experience, the Musée d'Orsay is open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre is open late on Fridays – when the queues are far shorter and most famous artworks less crowded. There's also plenty of entertainment, from the vibrant  bar scene to glamorous shows at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse cabarets.

The best thing to do in Paris

1. Attend a concert by candlelight

What better way to experience the city of lights than by witnessing live music at night by candlelight? This unique concert series offers up a range of genres and locations, from tributes to Hans Zimmer or Vicaldi performed in grand music halls, right through to a performance of Queen in a historic auditorium and even Taylor Swift, taking place in a modern art centre. All performances are beautifully illuminated by candle light and feature professional musicians in a range of ensembles including string quartets to brass bands and vocals with guitar.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: feverup.com

2. Walk amongst the dead at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

One might believe the suggestion to stroll through the world’s most visited and celebrated cemetery to be morbid – and how mistaken they would be! Nestled in the depths of eastern Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery serves as the final resting ground for some of the world’s most beloved artists, politicians, and writers, including Edith Piaf, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Even the late Jim Morrison of The Doors has been laid to rest here, with his crypt serving as a point of pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Make your way through the cobbled pathways dotted with intricate and ornate gravestones and take in the solemn, calm atmosphere.

Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

3. Taste the magical creations of Cédric Grolet

When it comes to celebrity pâtissiers in Paris , one superstar outshines all the others. Cédric Grolet has a style so unique and a technique so precise that it’s hard to know if his creations are works of art or culinary magic. He’s most famous for his hyper-realistic fruits, glossy red apples and blush-pink peaches, which are anything other than what they first appear. Each is a masterclass in pâtissierie, a lacquered chocolate skin breaking to reveal an apple and cinnamon mousse or tangy peach compote, the recipe changing with the seasons. Pick them up from his small boutique at the Meurice, but expect long lines unless you get there early.

Address: La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet, 6 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris Website : cedric-grolet.com

4. Dance at the city’s oldest jazz club

Paris has moved to the rhythms of jazz for just short of a century thanks to legendary clubs like Le Bal Blomet, which opened in 1924 in the neighbourhood of Montparnasse. Founded by Jean Rézard de Wouves, a politician-turned-musician from Martinique, it quickly became the place to dance to  Caribbean  sounds in the roaring Twenties. Ernest Hemingway, Joséphone Baker, Joan Miró and Simone de Beauvoir are just some of the famous names to have graced the dancefloor. After being threatened with closure in 2011, it went through an extensive restoration and played a leading role in Damien Chazelle’s Netflix show  The Eddy , in which a jazz club owner struggles to keep his business afloat.

Address: 33 rue Blomet 75015 Paris Website: balblomet.fr

5. Visit Versailles

OK, it’s a little outside Paris, but RER B from St Michel will soon whizz you there. Versailles packs all the palatial oomph one could hope for, with its famous Hall of Mirrors (where the Treaty of Versailles was signed), Italianate gardens and abundance of gilded, excess-driven rooms that put France on the road to revolution. Once you’ve absorbed all the elaborate sconces, chandeliers and muralled panelling, head to The Grand Trianon (Louis XIV and his mistress’ pink marbled escape within the palace walls) and the Petit Trianon (gifted to Marie Antonette by Louis XVI) for more condensed, though no less opulent scenes. A wander around Marie Antoinette’s commissioned ‘peasant village’ shines a light on just how out of touch the King and Queen were with their subjects in 18th-century France. Beyond Versailles golden gates, pull up a wicker chair at Au Petite Marquis for snails lathered in garlic and charcuterie boards.

Address: Palace of Versailles, Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France Website: chateauversailles.fr

6. Admire famous paintings hidden in the city’s churches

When it comes to seeing art, Paris can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least: visitors are confronted with a dizzying 130 museums to choose from. But sometimes famous artworks can crop up in unexpected places. Eugène Delacroix’s painting  ‘La Pietà’  hangs in a corner of the church of Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement, just a few steps from the Picasso Museum. In the 7th arrondissement, the church of Saint François-Xavier displays a  16th century ‘Last Supper’ by Venetian painter Tintoretto , and Rubens’s  ‘The Disciples of Emmaüs’  was recently returned to the church of Saint-Eustache after a restoration.

Address: Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement - 68 rue de Turenne 75003; Saint François-Xavier - 12 Place du Président Mithouard 75007; Saint-Eustache - 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache 75001 Websites: saintdenys.net ; sfx-paris.fr ; saint-eustache.org

7. See Saint-Eustache Church come alive in an immersive show

The imposing church in the 1st arrondissement has a storied history dating back to the 13th century, one that is engagingly recounted in LUMINISCENCE, an immersive show featuring live music, theatre performances and 360-degree video mapping. Via projections on the building along with choir and organ performances, audiences follow the church’s story through the Middle Ages through to the Baroque and Renaissance periods, learning about the building’s influential figures including Molière, Lully, the Queen of Hungary and the Duchess of Orléans.

Address: Église Saint-Eustache, Châtelet-les-Halles: 2, Rue du Jour, 75001 Paris Website: feverup.com

8. Cycle along the Seine

In the past few years, ambitious urbanism plans have made cycling in Paris easier and safer, and a growing number of Parisians are choosing to get around on two wheels. One of the most beautiful cycling routes runs along the banks of the Seine, which were pedestrianised in 2017 and are now lined with cafés, playgrounds and sun loungers. Rent a Vélib’ (Paris city  bike ) for the day and start by the Pont de Sully. Head west on Voie Georges Pompidou and take in some of the city’s most spectacular sights past the Île Saint Louis, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville.

Address: Voie Georges Pompidou, Paris Website: velib-metropole.fr

9. Visit Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

They come with wide smiles, empty bags flung over their arms waiting to be filled with various treasures from the sprawling Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside the city’s northern limit. This is where London  antiques dealers, collectors and those simply keen for a bargain come to scour the relics of bygone eras. And it’s not all brass chandeliers and gilt mirrors, Saint-Ouen is a warren for all whims, from mid-century tables and vintage Chanel to psychedelic prints from the seventies. It would require weeks, even months perhaps, to browse each and every stall and stand in 14 different areas of alleyways and warehouses here – it’s vast. It’s best to attack it from Porte de Clignancourt (line 4 on the metro) – easy access to the market’s artery road, rue des Rosiers. With opening times from 10am-6pm on weekends and 11am-5pm on Mondays (excluding August), this is a weekend reverie for magpies and photography buffs. Those spurred on by the thrill of a bargain should also check out the Puces de Vanves, to the south of the city, where trestle tables overflow with bric-a-brac, glassware and china

Address: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt Transport: Metro: Porte de Clignancourt

10. Check out Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

If you’re a little Louvre’d out but still have an appetite for some serious art, head to Austrian gallerist, Thaddaeus Ropac’s namesake gallery in Pantin, a stone’s throw from Hermés and Chanel. The white-on-white walls of this former copperware factory are adorned with a remarkable collection of works from artists such as Georg Baselitz and Robert Rauschenberg. The building’s sense of endless minimalism serves as the ultimate canvas for knock-out installations and greatly contrasts the wonky, sprawling antiquity of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Address: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Marais, 7 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris Website: ropac.net

11. Be at one with nature on the Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a magnificent stretch of greenery, perched high above the melee of motos and pedestrians that make up Parisian street life. Opened in 1988, this raised park was the direct inspiration for  New York’s Highline . Sometimes called La Coulée Verte (the name is a veritable debate amongst Parisians), this five-kilometre walkway is one of Paris’ most underrated outdoor spaces. Running from Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, the pathway is a refuge from the buzzing boulevards below, in both rain and shine. The Promenade is also perfect for one’s inner voyeur: certain raised platforms provide excellent  views into the sprawling Haussmannian apartments that flank the Promenade.

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, France Website: paris.fr

12. Spend an afternoon at Archive 18-20 Le Marais

More taste-maker hub than concept store, Archive 18-20 in trendy Le Marais houses art, fashion, books and a cool restaurant under one vast, glass roof. Industrial pipes track above a beautifully curated scene of normcore coats, cult home décor trinkets orderly spread across vast tables and a small, minimalist café that half of Paris fashion week is known to descend upon.

Address: Comptoir 18-20, 20 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris Website: archive1820.com

13. Explore the old and the new at the Palais-Royal

Perhaps there is nothing more Parisian than spending an afternoon at the Palais-Royal. The park (once home to the French royal family) is a delightful mélange of the new and the old. The Colonnes de Buren, a permanent, interactive art exhibition installed in the 1980s and set in the courtyard of the old palace, allows visitors to walk amid and climb atop of the columns (and snap a few Insta-worthy pictures, too). To the left of the Colonnes are the plane tree-lined paths and manicured royal rose gardens, which grant park-goers the opportunity to spend a moment amongst perfectly executed natural beauty. Bring a book and sit in one of the green reclining chairs scattered around the park. For a pick-me-up, head to the Chichi Café Kitsuné for a crisp cookie and foamy cappuccino.

Address: 2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France Website: en.parisinfo.com

14. Go back in time at the Musée de la Vie Romantique

This lovely, quirky museum can be found at the end of a charming, cobbled lane burrowed into the underbelly of Montmartre. The former home of the painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique allows visitors to imagine themselves as guests at one of Paris’ most well-regarded literary and art salons. The museum’s permanent collection features works and artefacts from notable attendees of these salons, such as painter Delacroix, composers Liszt and Chopin, and writer George Sand, who lived with Scheffer in this picturesque pink Parisian villa. After making your way through the enchanting, dainty interior, take a moment to rest in the courtyard tearoom, surrounded by a magnificent array of wildflowers.

Address: Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr

15. Go for a walk along Canal St Martin

Paris’ original hipster neighbourhood , Canal St Martin is stitched together by a series of cast-iron footbridges crossing the canal and thrums with independent cafés that slip effortlessly into bar mode, come 6pm. Chez Prune is one of them. Pull up a chair here for fuss-free cheeseboards and wine, and a sense of the neighbourhood’s trendy, understated character (world’s away from the croissant-poodle Parisian clichés laid on for tourists in more central arrondissements). Once considered a no-go zone, this stretch that straddles the 10th and 11th arrondissement is now ablaze with small galleries, quirky plant stores and concept stores such as Centre Commercial. Drop your bags at Luke Edward Hall’s eccentric Parisian guesthouse, Hotel les deux Gares, then head straight to Holybelly for an Aussie-Parisian hipster brunch.

16. Stroll through the organic farmer’s market on Boulevard Raspail

Hemingway once said that Paris is a moveable feast. If this is true, the organic farmer’s market on the Boulevard Raspail is ongoing proof, every Sunday, week after week. Piles of fresh produce, mouth-watering spits of roasting chickens, and beautifully laid out displays of cheeses surround you as you move from stall to stall, enticing you to not only look but also taste. Certain vendors are more than happy to share their bounty with you, so it is worth dusting off your best French skills to ask for a nibble or two before you buy (just make sure to say merci beaucoup ).

Address: Boulevard Raspail, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Montparnasse

17. Channel your inner fashionista at Foundation Louis Vuitton

An impressive glass structure designed by eminent Canadian architect, Frank Gehry, Fondation Louis Vuitton seems to float, cloud-like, above the Bois de Boulogne. Visitors and Parisians are lured to the outer stretches of the 16th arrondissement with the museum’s knock-out modern and contemporary art exhibitions (such as Egon Schiele and Jean-Michel Basquiat). The privately-owned Fondation curates only two of these annually (tickets get swiped up quickly), while keeping an eyebrow-raising permanent collection – Ellsworth Kelly and Bertrand Lavier’s works, and the like. True to LVMH form, the ground floor restaurant, Le Frank, puts your classic, often clinical museum eatery to shame, with its swishy menu and extraordinary, light-filled architectural structure crowned by suspended ‘fish lamps.’

Address: Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris Website: fondationlouisvuitton.fr

18. Pick up something special at La Boutique de Cara

There are consignment stores then there are consignment stores . This is the latter, a moth-free, beautifully curated boutique off Rue de Turenne in the Marais, which remains one of Paris’ best-kept secrets. Rails strain with a mix of classic and more avant-garde pieces from across the decades: Chanel jackets , Celine dresses and Chloé shirts, and below them, vintage Gucci boots and Bally pumps that have walked Paris’ ‘Bobo’ neighbourhoods. These are clothes that tell stories and promise less damage to your wallet and your fast-fashion conscience. It’s worth noting that cash offers can sometimes bag a bargain and that the immaculately dressed shop assistants will not mince their words if you ask their opinion on that Burberry hat or Dior sunglasses .

Address: La Boutique de Cara, 80 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France Website: @laboutiquedecara

19. Splurge at Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS

Following 16 years of slumber, landmark department store La Samaritaine has once again opened its Art Deco Doors to chic choppers, with its spruced-up historic innards worth coming for alone. Beloved by nearly all Parisians, La Samaritaine’s spicy 900 million dollar makeover by LVMH caused quite a stir in the city, lifting the store into a decidedly more luxurious league. The French luxury goods group’s first Parisian hotel, Cheval Blanc Paris , is connected to the building, peering out over the Seine and funnelling its guests into La Samaritaine via secret doors. True to LVMH form, both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau sections of the building are dotted with avant-garde art installations and luxury fashion, jewellery and homeware brands worthy of their central, Seine-hugging spot.

Address: Samaritaine, 9 R. de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris Website: dfs.com

20. Visit Montmartre’s vineyards and taste Parisian wine

Montmartre’s maze of cobbled streets hides surprises at every turn. One of them is this small vineyard that remains a little-known attraction, perhaps because it’s not usually open to the public. Owned by the city of Paris, the Clos Montmartre was created in 1933 and comes to life every second weekend of October when the Fête des Vendanges (the Grape Harvest Festival) sees the streets below the Sacré-Coeur packed with stall after stall run by winemakers and artisanal producers from around the country. Enter the festival near Place du Tertre to pick up a souvenir glass and a splash of the Clos’ own wine before tasting your way from Alacse to Burgundy, fuelling up on saucisson or snails along the way. A tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting can also be booked on the website of the Museum of Montmartre, which sits around the corner and is also worth a visit.

Address: rue des Saules, 75018 Paris Website: museedemontmartre.fr

21. Relax with a hammam at the Mosque

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with particularly strong Moroccan and Tunisian communities, and Paris is home to several elegant hammams where Parisians like to retreat for a little pamper session. La Grande Mosquée, one of the country’s biggest mosques built in 1926, houses a hammam (open to women only) as well as a café and a  restaurant . A steam bath in its colourful alcoves, followed by a gommage (scrub) and a massage is the perfect way to unwind. Afterwards, head to the leafy courtyard for a cup of mint tea and freshly made baklava.

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: la-mosquee.com

22. Dive into Parisian history at the Musée Carnavalet

After years of renovation, the ​​Musée Carnavalet finally reopened to much acclaim in 2021. It’s truly the Parisians’ museum, dedicated entirely to the history of the city from its Roman origins right the way through to the Belle Epoque and World War II. The permanent collections hold an astonishing array of artworks and artefacts: a slipper supposedly belonging to Marie-Antoinette, ancient iron-work street signs, and paintings depicting the violent end of the Paris Commune. The timeline is easy to follow as you move from room to room, only the extensive coverage of the Revolution a little heavy for those not wishing to become au fait with the day-by-day unfolding of the most tumultuous moment in French history. Perhaps most memorable of all is a full recreation of the Fouquet jewellery store, exactly as it stood in 1901, in all its Art Nouveau glory.

Address : 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris Website : carnavalet.paris.fr

23. Time your trip for the fête de la musique

Parisians mark their calendars months in advance for the fête de la musique, held each year on the 21st of June. Yet until you’ve experienced the festival in full swing, it’s hard to comprehend its scale. For one night, and only night only, the entire city turns into an open-air concert. Anyone with an instrument can play live in the street, the strains of a saxophone meeting drums and guitars. Restaurants bring in jazz quartets, and lindy hop sessions go down in the side streets. After parties run long into the night, bars blasting music from outdoor speakers. Where to start depends on what you’re looking for; once the night is underway, you can follow your ears (or the crowds). The Marais always has a reliable mix of classical corners and pumping street parties, with more formal stages set up in the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Website: fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

24. Marvel at Musée Picasso Paris

One of the main draws for those diving into Le Marais (Paris’ old Jewish quarter), along with life-changing falafel and cool boutiques, is Musée Picasso. Set in the perfectly Parisian Hôtel Salé, the museum’s symmetrical facade, sweeping Baroque staircase and zhuzhed-up 17th-century rooms are worth coming for alone. Having pre-ordered tickets online, with strict time slots, visitors are taken on a journey through Picasso’s artistic evolution, from his Cubist era, via his surreal works (among many) and through to his late paintings – doable within the hour and best combined with a light lunch on the museum’s rooftop café followed by a happy descent into Le Marais’ labyrinth of independent stores. The ever-changing series of exhibitions at this museum rarely fail to please, with most shining light on various facets of Picasso’s life and how these fed into his work.

Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris Website: museepicassoparis.fr

25. Spend the afternoon at Musee du Louvre

The former royal palace, the Louvre remains the world’s most-visited museum, and perhaps the most overwhelming cultural escapade to embark on without some semblance of a plan. It would take months to tick off its 35,000 artworks and artefacts, so it’s worth considering how you’d like to navigate its warren of masterpieces – the famous works are a great place to start or the theme-based tours available on the Louvre’s website. Whether you’re admittedly just dropping in to shimmy your way through the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or are a bona fide art enthusiast beelining for its latest exhibition, the Louvre’s architectural skeletons (both the old and new sections) are a marvel to pace through.

Address: Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris Website: louvre.fr

26. Try some delicacies at Stohrer

Weaving through Rue Montorgueil’s abundance of stalls and freshly-baked whiffs is a bucket-list Parisian experience in itself – an artery street connecting the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, whose stretch of boulangeries, patisseries , fruit and vegetable shops, and increasingly, some high-end designer boutiques, are fleshed out every Thursday and Sunday by a lively food market that can only be described as a sensory assault. It’s also home to Stohrer – Paris’ oldest boulangerie, whose founder was the pastry chef to the former King of Poland and famously invented rum baba. Rows of macarons, fruit tarts and chocolate pastries are dialled up by the spectacular setting, where illustrated mirrors, chandeliers and a frescoed ceiling spin their occupants into a decadent, pre-Revolutionary Paris.

Address: Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris Website: stohrer.fr

27. Become acquainted with Belleville

Flying blissfully under the radar for most city visitors, the arty, anti-establishment enclave of Belleville has its own distinct rhythms to central Paris and is well worth metro-ing northeast for. Its hilly streets (reminiscent of Montmartre, just without the tourist circus), are dotted with eye-popping galleries, unbuttoned cafés and bars that lure in punters with the promise of live jazz and affordable cocktails. Head to La Bellevilloise (filling the vast bones of a once workers cooperative) for their Sunday jazz brunch or The Dancing Goat on Avenue Gambetta for superlative coffee and paired back, but bobo Parisian interiors. For something more traditional but still nodding confidently to the district’s working-class roots, tuck into the menu at Le Baratin, having browsed the antique trinkets at Marché Place des Fêtes.

28. Escape the chaos in Jardin du Luxembourg

This neat, Italianate park, straddling Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter was commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612 and serves as a green exhale for Parisians living in the 6th arrondissement. It’s also prime picnic territory – on the benches alongside the pond or geometric wood, from which you can people watch or take in the mix of English, Italian and French landscaping. Don’t leave without checking out the Medici fountain or the pétanque talent on the courts, and children are usually treated to puppet shows, rides and remote control boats along the fountains.

Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris Website: jardin.senat.fr

29. Marvel at the pretty Palais Garnier

A bejewelled paean to Napoleon III’s architectural taste, Le Palais Garnier opera gazes proudly down its namesake avenue, its exterior festooned with pillars and busts. Those who’ve watched Phantom of the Opera will be familiar with the lobby’s sweeping marble Grand Staircase, as well as the lavish gilding, onyx balconies and blood-red theatre seats. You don’t have the be dressed up to the nines with a ticket to Tosca to behold Palais Garnier’s resplendent architectural beauty – you can simply take a self-guided tour or book onto one of the Phantom of the Opera specials (booking online is mandatory).

Address: Palais Garnier, Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris Website: operadeparis.fr

30. See the Sainte-Chapelle's glittery interiors

The first thing to know about this spectacular Ile de la Cité chapel, aside from its Gothic good looks and famous stained-glass windows, is to book a timed ticket slot in advance to avoid the queues. As you smugly breeze past the crowds to embark on your self-guided tour of Louis IX’s jewel box of a chapel, you’ll clock the surrounding splendour of the Palais de Justice. Louis IX commissioned the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle to house his religious treasures – the most famous being the Holy Crown. Too often, tourists flock to nearby Notre Dame and miss this world heritage site, with its mesmerising 15-foot high stained glass windows and ‘wall of light’ – a rose window formation whose luminosity belies a depiction of the end of our age.

Address: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris Website: sainte-chapelle.fr

31. Shop along Le Petit Ceinture

For a greener, lesser-known side to Paris, walk its ‘Little Belt’ – an abandoned 19th-century railway line that, unlike New York’s High Line, has a Secret Garden appeal to it. Romantically dishevelled, the tracks that once pulled a steam train around the city have succumbed to moss and wildflowers. A long walk through these overgrown stretches of obsolete track on the fringes of the city delivers on all the street art you could hope for, with soaring graffiti walls and a variety of untamed, (glorious in summer) blooms, (an official nature trail exists between the Porte d’Auteuil and the Gare de la Muette).

32. Explore a concept store

Le Marais may be the epicentre of Paris’ concept store scene, but Merci is one of the originals. You’ll be hard-pressed to scoot around this shop without picking up a stylish homeware item, cashmere scarf or dry flower bouquet. You’d think with so much existing under one roof –  fashion , art, design pieces, second-hand books – that a sort of happy chaos would unfold. Wrong. Sharp minimalism holds sway, with pieces presented on tables or rails with the precision of a Japanese potter. Stay for raspberry tart and coffee at the retro film-themed café, where screens flash up scenes from classics such as La Piscine and Les Enfants du Paradis.

Address: Merci, 111 Bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris Website: merci-merci.com

33. Meet the dead in Les Catacombes

Open to the public since 1809, Paris’ Catacombs are a spine-chilling visit. The story goes that in the 19th century, an abandoned quarry’s underground warren of tunnels was used to house the bones of corpses during a cemetery overcrowding crisis. These tunnels that weave and wiggle breath the city have near mythical status for its residents, where the Resistance gathered for clandestine meetings during the Second World War, and now where row upon row of skulls and various other bones of long-deceased Parisians decorate the walls, with mosaic-like effect. Ensure you bring a jumper – as the tunnels descend, skulls flicker in the light and your voice echoes, it begins to get a little cold…and spooky.

Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Website: catacombes.paris.fr

34. Be mesmerised at The Crazy Horse

Those at the pruder end of the cabaret scale may want to bypass the Crazy Horse for the Moulin Rouge. Here, it’s all nude performances, taking audiences on a titillating whistle-stop-tour of this city stalwart’s history. Expect surreal aerial routines, cleverly choreographed burlesque and all the traditional, foot-tapping cabaret numbers that lean into the roaring twenties theme.

Address: The Crazy Horse, 12 Av. George V, 75008 Paris Website: lecrazyhorseparis.com

35. Be blown away by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Crowning the highest hill in Paris’ bohemian Montmartre neighbourhood with its white domes, Sacré-Coeur has one of the most knock-out panoramic views over the city. Visitors can clamber up its famous white steps, with its dome bearing down on the capital, and enter quietly inside where a vast mosaic ceiling humbles those beneath it. Just behind the Sacré Coeur lies the Place du Tertre – a square filled with artists sketching portraits of tourists perched on rickety stools and buskers competing with one another for crowds.

Address: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

36. Window shop at Galerie Vivienne

Evocative of 19th-century Paris in all its gaslit, mosaic splendour, Galerie Vivienne is more opulent than your average shopping arcade. Designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy, this passage couverts just behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and continues to draw in the well-heeled shopper with its high-end fashion boutiques, wine cellars (Legrand Filles & Fils), bookshops and time-warp cafés. It’s a great place to beeline for as soon as the Parisian sky moves through its shades of grey but fresh air is on the agenda. Don’t miss the upscale preloved fashion store, and La Marelle, and be sure to look up at the impressive glass and steel ceiling before you spill out into the Palais-Royal gardens.

Address: Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris Website: galerie-vivienne.com

37. Feel inspired at Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Stepping into this 16th arrondissement mansion (YSL’s headquarters for almost 30 years), is like slipping into the elegant, effervescent world of this legendary fashion designer. A series of light-filled, beautifully-curated rooms filled with sketches, fashion and film showcase Saint Laurent’s creative process and capture the energy and excitement of the couture house during its meteoric ascent. Continually rotating exhibitions tap into the museum’s extensive archives, unearthing fresh YSL content for those returning (expect plenty of Le Smoking, and as-he-left-it touches that offer you a privileged glimpse into this sartorial genius’ life and work).

Address: Musée Yves Saint Laurent, 5 Av. Marceau, 75116 Paris Website: museeyslparis.com

38. Spot curiosities at Deyrolle

This eye-popping cabinet of natural history curios is legendary for its exotic, and eccentrically-curated taxidermy. Founded in 1831 by famed entomologist Emile Deyrolle, the Left Bank institution famously burnt down in 2008, though a subsequent extensive restoration programme brought it back to its original bell jar and wooden-cased splendour. Visitors can weave through its maze of taxidermy and natural history specimens, observing these creatures up close – from bears to rare butterflies and extinct mammals.

Address: Deyrolle, 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Website: deyrolle.com

39. Wander through Centre Pomipdou

Love it or loathe it, Centre Pompidou’s ‘guts out’ exterior (industrial pipes, air ducts, structural steel n’ all) has become an icon of the city’s contemporary movement. Its opening in the 70s caused quite a stir, considered by many an architectural blemish on the capital’s Haussmann uniformity, with its architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers even placing the lifts and escalators on the building’s exterior. The effect on its innards, though, is quite spectacular, with vast, airy spaces serving as the perfect industrial canvas for contemporary works. The Musée National d’Art Moderne spans the top two levels (expect everything from Marcel Duchamp to Matisse); contemporary art from the 1960s onwards can be found on level 4; and the mezzanine’s Galerie d’Enfants is where to take the bored-looking sprogs for some interactive exhibitions (with free admission on the first Sunday of every month).

Address: Centre Pomipdou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris Website: centrepompidou.fr

40. Munch at Marché Des Enfants Rouges

Of all Le Marais’ cultural-foodie offerings, Marché Des Enfants remains one of the most authentic. Paris’ oldest market takes its name (the red children) from the red-clad orphans who once resided just beside it. Locals and tourists mingle under the vast green iron and glass ceiling, browsing the market’s bounty, pulling up chairs at one of the makeshift restaurants , or simply soaking in the energy.

Address: Marché Des Enfants Rouges, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website: paris.fr

41. Amble around the magical Musée Rodin

Dotted around the gardens of this achingly handsome Parisian mansion, previously Hôtel Biron, are some of Auguste Rodin’s most famous works, including, perhaps his most famous, The Thinker . Inside, the sculpture’s life and work are honoured (within resplendent 18th-century rooms, with their soaring ceilings and vast windows pulling in that soft Parisian light). This dances along the busts, drawings and sculptures, and visitors can get a sense of the aesthetically soothing setting within which Rodin worked and taught others. Meander through the garden, pausing to admire the Gates of Hell before settling into a tasty lunch at the museum’s new café, L’Augustine.

Address: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris Website: musee-rodin.fr

42. Look over the rooftops from Institut du Monde Arabe

Designed by Jean Nouvel, Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe in the 5th arrondissement may, at first glance, appear simply a cubic, contemporary structure. But look a little closer, and its exterior is crafted from hundreds of elaborate mashrabiyas – a clever interplay of new-meets-old. The institute is dedicated to celebrating and educating visitors on the Arab world, with an ever-changing raft of cultural events, workshops, performances and art exhibitions, and a 9th-floor café worth sticking around for… particularly for the views across the city rooftops.

Address: Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris Website: imarabe.org

43. Get lost in Parc Buttes-Chaumont

Yes, the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg are postcard-pretty. But for something a little more off-grid and dishevelled (by Parisian standards), head to Parc Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Far from the manicured beds and orderly topiary of the city’s inner parks, this vast, hilly patch of green lies on abandoned quarries, with grottos, waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a large artificial lake. The Temple de la Sibylle crowns the park atop a jagged, man-made cliff that surges from the curiously blue lake below, and there’s even a sliver of a vineyard hidden alongside it (Butte Bergeyre vineyard).

Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 75019 Paris Website: paris.fr

44. Uncover an underrated museum

Once the home and atelier of sculptor and Rodin pupil Antoine Bourdelle, this off-the-beaten-track museum peers into the Left Bank’s 20th-century soul. Compact and utterly charming, Musée Bourdelle showcases the sculptor’s work and creative process, with rooms left as they were all those years ago. Spot the students and artists quietly sketching Bourdelle’s larger sculptures in the airy hall or outside in the pocket-sized rose garden.

Address: Musée Bourdelle, 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris Website: bourdelle.paris.fr

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51 unmissable attractions in Paris: including free attractions

From iconic architecture to artisan food markets, here's everything you need to see in Paris

Paris : the food, the fashion, the fromage, the fantasy. No matter how many times we visit the French capital, its charms never ever grow old. And we’re not alone in thinking that. Paris is a major tourist destination that attracts thousands upon thousands of enthusiastic travellers with heads filled with images of Breton jumpers, tiny dogs, and decadent pastries - the kind you can dip in your hot chocolate. But how do you enjoy this gorgeous city without just succumbing to the age-old clich é s (as much as we do love all of them)?

We’ve compiled a list of the 51 best attractions in Paris, from the big-name ‘must-see’ paris attractions to something a little bit more bespoke and  treasured  locally. So whether you’re looking for lesser-known museums , late-night live music , or the best places for shopping , we’ve got plenty of ideas - and they’re all as tasty as a Ladur é e macaron.

Time Out tip:  If you want avoid taxing, RATP App and Citymapper will be essential for getting around Paris like a local. 

RECOMMENDED: 🇫🇷See our full guide to the best things to do in Paris 🥖Check out  the best food tours in Paris 📍Here's where to head for  the best tours in Paris 🛏 Stay in the best airbnbs in Paris 🚍The best Paris bus tours

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Best Paris attractions

1.  Eiffel Tower

Well come on, you know what it is. Very probably the single most famous man-made structure in the entire world, the Eiffel Tower was originally erected as a temporary exhibit for the Exposition Universelle of 1889 (it was due to be taken down in 1909). From its summit, you can enjoy heart-stopping views over all of Paris – and conversely, its iconic form is visible from most vantage points in the city. Aside from the new glass floor that was installed in 2014 – which is a real trip if you’re brave enough to walk across it – there’s also a panoramic champagne bar on the third floor, a brasserie and a Michelin-starred restaurant. At night, the Eiffel’s girders sparkle like fairy lights on a Christmas tree (every hour, on the hour). Though, perhaps the best part about this structural beauty is that it's free and incredibly photogenic, making it a popular attraction for couples - especially when it comes to popping the big question, that is, where to head for dinner. 

Don’t miss:  A meal at Alain Ducasse’s Michelin-starred Jules Verne on the second floor. 

2.  The Seine river cruise

In a city where there is so much to do (just see this list, eh), it can be hard to check it all off without succumbing to serious blisters, Metro fatigue or taxi hell (or, all three). Consider instead the lazy-luxe option of a cruise down the river Seine, wine glass in hand as you peacefully gaze upon Les Invalids, the Parliament of Paris, the Musée d’Orsay etcetera etcetera… Basically, it’s the thinking person’s version of whistlestop tourism and it’ll still leave you feeling as chic and unruffled as the city you’re staying in.

Don’t miss: Take your river-riding experience to the next level with a three-course lunch (trad French cuisine, naturellment ).

3.  Disneyland Paris

• Attractions
• Theme parks
• price 3 of 4

There are actually two parks to explore here: one is Parc Disneyland – aka the erstwhile EuroDisney – which has the big pink castle in it; and then there’s the SFX-oriented Parc Walt Disney Studios, which is more themed around Disney’s films. And then there’s Disney Entertainment Village, which is filled with places to eat, drink and party. Europe’s premiere themepark can seem rather vast and intimidating. But remember it’s all meant to be good fun, and it’s broken down into easy to digest zones: Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, et al. There’s absolutely no way you’re going to run out of stuff to keep you and the nippers occupied.

Don’t miss: Disney Premier Access. Sure, you’re paying more, but it gets you right past the queues for the most sought-after attractions.

4.  Château de Versailles

• Things to do
• Paris et sa banlieue

Once just a modest hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles can surely now lay claim to the title of the most sumptuous pad in France. It’s grown with each resident and now has an astonishing 2,300 rooms that have housed numerous members of the French royalty over the years. The majority of the lavish work was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1678. The Sun King is virtually synonymous with Versailles: he’s responsible for adding the wondrous Hall of Mirrors, as well as the elegant and expansive grounds. It can get busy at peak times, so book a skip-the-line ticket beforehand and arrive early.

Don’t miss:  If you’re visiting during summer, there are magnificent musical fountain shows on select days of the week .

5.  Arc de Triomphe

Commissioned by Napoleon but not actually finished until 1836, Paris main attraction,  Arc de Triomphe is the mother of all war memorials.  Give your legs a workout and climb the 284 steps to the top, where the views sweep in geometric splendour between the arc of La Défense and the Louvre. Although you may be more distracted by observing the remarkable Parisian driving techniques in evidence around the unmarked traffic island below: in fact, hire car drivers have to pay extra on the insurance if they’d like it to cover the roundabout. When you get back down to the ground, do spare a thought for the Unknown Soldier whose grave sits solemnly in the centre of the arch.

Don’t miss:  The bronze plaque that features a transcript of Charles de Gaulle’s famous 1940 radio broadcast from London: his rallying cry was seen as the beginning of the French Resistance against Nazi occupation. 

6.  Musée d’Orsay

• Art and design
• 7e arrondissement
• price 2 of 4

If you're looking for things to do near the Eiffel Tower, so you tick off a bunch of sights all in one day, your next stop should be none other than, Musée d’Orsay.  Before it became a world-leading art gallery, the Musée d’Orsay was a major train station (the first electrified train station in the world, actually). But despite being a lovely building it couldn’t accommodate the ever-increasing size of trains, leading the French government to the ingenious idea to fill it with art instead. This is where art fans go for a full-on dose of the biggest and best names in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Lap up all that colour, light and scenic views before also exploring the decorative art collections for Art Nouveau glamour. Lovely.

Don’t miss:   The superb coffee shop/café tucked behind the clock (designed by the Campana brothers). It’s submarine-themed, in homage to Jules Verne’s ‘Nautilus’.

7.  The Louvre

It would of course be ridiculous to visit Paris without at least dipping into the world’s largest museum. The Louvre’s maze of corridors, galleries and stairways constitute a city within a city – especially when you take into account the sheer numbers that visit (a record 10.2 million people back in 2018). It’s undeniably somewhat intimidating: with 35,000 works on public display, split across eight departments and three wings, there is zero chance you’re going to see it all in a single day. The best bet is to pick the parts you want to see beforehand, be patient and make your way steadily through the crowds. If you want a few starter tips, we recommend a trip to the impressive Islamic arts galleries, which opened in 2012. For the Mona Lisa –yes it’s a cliché, but why wouldn’t you want to see it? – head to the Salle de la Joconde.

Don’t miss:  If the crowds sound like too much to bear, try the Louvre’s extended-hour evenings on Fridays – open until 9.45pm, it’s significantly quieter.

8.  The view from Montparnasse Tower

At 209 metres, this steel-and-glass colossus isn’t quite the height of the Eiffel Tower, but it boasts far better views – for starters, they actually include the Eiffel Tower! Built in 1974 on the site of the Metro station with the same name, you ascend to the top of the Tour Montparnasse via a super-fast lift that sends you soaring skyward to the fifty-sixth floor, where you’ll find a display filled with aerial pics of Paris, plus a café and souvenir shop. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles away. If you want to go all the way, a second lift will take you up to the building’s roof.

Don’t miss:  T he ice rink that’s installed near the tower in winter.

9.  Moulin Rouge

Surely the most famous nightclub on the planet, the Moulin Rouge has seen all manner of showbiz stars, musicians, actors and stately names pass through its doors (which first opened in 1889, interrupted for six years when the original building burned down in 1915). And, tourists aside, this cabaret venue also remains beloved by Parisians, who go more for the club scene at The Machine and rooftop Bar à Bulles that lie within. The birthplace of one of the twentieth century’s best-known dances, on stage 60 can-can dancers cavort with faultless synchronisation for two hours in the ‘Féerie’ show. Costumes are flamboyant, legs kick higher than you’d think possible and the ‘half-time’ acts are funny. Just add champagne and you’ve got the ultimate French night out. 

Don’t miss:   A trip to tapas joint  Le Bar à Bulles , which you’d be forgiven for missing since it’s on the roof.

10.  Les Catacombes

• Walks and tours
• Denfert-Rochereau

Until you’ve actually been to them, it’s almost impossible to believe that ‘Les Catacombes' actually exist. This 300km (185-mile) network of tunnels runs under much of the city, and very publically contains the bones of some six million people, including many who perished during the Revolutionary Terror. In these claustrophobic corridors, you’ll find the bones of Marat, Robespierre and their comrades, packed in with wall upon wall of fellow citizens. It’s a remarkable and deeply macabre sight. And get your jackets at the ready – the Catacombes are chilly, both literally and spiritually. 

Don’t miss: The entrance to the ossuary, where there’s a sign which says: ‘Stop! This is the empire of death.’ Eek!

11.  Le Marais

Once upon a time, the Marais was where you found the movers and shakers of the French aristocracy. Then the French Revolution happened and… yeah. Anyway, since then this Parisian district has found a new lease of life as one of the most trendy, go-to parts of the capital. Head here for LGBTQ+ friendly venues, vintage boutiques and the best collection of art galleries in the city.

Don’t miss:  The legendary falafel outlet  L’As du Fallafel , if you want to put a pitta something in your stomach.

12.  Canal Saint-Martin

• Canal Saint-Martin

Next on our list of Paris highlights is The Canal Saint-Martin.  Built between 1805 and 1825 during Napoleon’s day, it was initially intended to bring drinking water and merchandise to the Imperial capital; from the late nineteenth century, it housed factories and industrial warehouses. It’s all changed now: many of those factories have become lofts for Paris’s ever-growing bobo (Bohemian-Bourgeois) population, and dozens of bars, restaurants and shops line its quayside. Its sturdy iron footbridges and picturesque locks are coveted spots for weekend picnics and hikes – especially on Sundays and public holidays when cars are banned and the roads are reserved solely for walkers and cyclists. 

Don’t miss:   The canal stalwarts,   Point Ephémère   and   Chez Prune .

13.  Palais Garnier

• Music venues
• Chaussée-d'Antin

Trips to the theatre don’t get more splendid than an evening spent at the Palais Garnier. Located at the Place de l'Opéra, this opulent-and-then-some theatre is luxury writ large. We come here to see the Paris Opera Ballet, but to be honest the building itself is (almost) as much an attraction as the dancers on stage. Check out the insane array of mirrors, marble, velvet and satin, and positively swoon at the Grand Escalier. The Palais Garnier is open to the public most days unless there’s a matinee performance. It’s best to check the schedule ahead of time and reserve tickets online.

Don’t miss:  The Paris Opera Ballet’s regular shows. 

14.  Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

• Parks and gardens
• Buttes-Chaumont

Centrepiece of the north-eastern Belleville neighbourhood, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is perhaps a little less formal than other green spaces in Paris. But it’s really worth the uphill stroll to get there, because this nineteenth arrondissement beauty is one of the city’s most magical spots, and often missed out by weekend visitors who don’t get off the usual tourist trail. The park, with its meandering paths, waterfalls, temples and cliffs, was designed by Adolphe Alphand for Haussmann, and was opened as part of the celebrations for the Exposition Universelle in 1867.  This park is where locals head to sunbathe, or find shade during a heat wave.

Don’t miss:  A  drink at either  Rosa Bonheur or Pavillon Puebla , the park’s two buzzing, eternall jam-packed bars. 

15.  Place des Vosges

When it first opened in the early 1600s, Place des Vosges quickly became a place to see and be seen for the city’s burgeoning young, single and bourgeois class (think of them as the original hipsters). It was designed so all the buildings surrounding the park were uniform in style, and the iconic red brick facades haven’t changed in 400 years. The ground floor of the buildings, once storefronts for textile manufacturers, now host small art galleries and cafes. Today, the city’s oldest public park is filled with students on their lunch break and young families picnicking. It’s the perfect spot to eat a sandwich or read a book in the sun.

Don’t miss: A coffee or chocolat chaud at Carette , a chic cafe under the vaulted arcades bordering the park.

16.  Galeries Lafayette

• Department stores

Modern malls of the world should look to Galeries Lafayette and shudder in shame. This majestically beautiful department store started life with the modest aim of being a small fashion haberdashery. It then expanded to become one of the world’s most breathtaking shopping destinations. The wrought iron ceiling domes and latticed glasswork are well worth seeing, but this is more than a museum piece. Along with excellent brands to shop from, Galeries Lafayette is also a mouthwatering destination for foodies and oenophiles.

Don’t miss:  The rooftop, which boasts one of the most splendid views of Paris you can imagine, looking out onto the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. 

17.  Jardin des Tuileries

• 1er arrondissement

Every great city has a great city park. And Paris is no different with the Jardin des Tuileries, a manicured stretch of greenery just off the Place de la Concorde. The charm of the park lies in its quintessentially French approach to gardening. Expect perfectly maintained shrubs, walkways and flowers with none of the oh-so-English lackadaisical approach to nature. This urban oasis somehow always feels calm, despite how many people flock here. Added cultural points if you can identify all the artists who made the sculptures without having to google.

Don’t miss: Each summer, a funfair sets up along the Rue de Rivoli side of the gardens,  and every winter a Christmas market and carnival is set up along the park’s north side .

18.  Sacré-Coeur Basilica

• price 1 of 4

Work on this enormous mock Romano-Byzantine edifice began in 1877: it was commissioned in response to defeat in the Franco-Prussian war, the logic being that God must have been cross with the French and needed appeasing, sharp. Paid for from the public purse and completed almost half a century later, in 1914, it was consecrated in 1919, by which time a jumble of architects had succeeded Paul Abadie, winner of the original competition. The results are impressive, especially given its prominent position atop the hill of Montmartre, and the interior is covered in lavish mosaics.

Don’t miss: The views of the city from the lawns outside. Just be very wary of the hawkers trying to sell you bracelets. Make sure they don’t put one on your wrist – because once it’s there, you’re paying for it!

19.  Musée de l’Orangerie

If the words ‘French art’ immediately conjure up scenes of lily pads, then you’re probably already familiar with the Musée de l’Orangerie. This Monet-centric museum does feature other artists, but its big selling point is surely the eight super-sized paintings the impressionist master completed in his Giverny garden. Brave the queues at least once - we promise they are genuinely worth seeing in the flesh.

Don’t miss:  Okay, it’s not just Monet: don’t forget to seek out works by his French masters Cézanne, Renoir, Rousseau and Derain, as well as Picasso and Modigliani.

20.  Marché des Enfants Rouges

• Markets and fairs

For a city with a seriously gastronomic reputation, Paris rarely disappoints. Since 2000, the Marché des Enfants Rouges has been a charming (and delicious) urban food market that brings together a phenomenal array of international cuisines. Think fondly upon the poor orphans in their red coats who gave the market its name as you scoff your way through North African, Asian and European delicacies.

Don’t miss:  T he giant tagines at Le Traiteur Marocain. Simply fantastic.

21.  Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

• Ile de la Cité

If you want to take mass here, you’ve got a bit of a wait: as you’re doubtless aware, an inferno tore through this magnificent Gothic icon in April 2019, and you’ll be waiting until April 2024 for Notre-Dame to reopen (it may or may not be fully restored by then, but the government is determined to have it up and running in time for that summer’s Olympics regardless). Nonetheless, you can’t keep down a cathedral that almost lives in the popular imagination as much as the real world: after Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ secured its iconic status, Disney’s plucky ’90s movie brought the wonderfully foreboding Gothic architecture of the historic icon to a whole new generation. On your next visit, look up at its timeless façade and imagine its future – just how will they rebuild this sacred beast?

Don’t miss: While the cathedral is being restored, it’s covered in scaffolding and surrounded by construction equipment, making for a bad view up close. The best spot to snap a photo with the facade is from Petit Pont, a bridge connecting Ile de la Cité and the Left Bank.

22.  Musée National Rodin

You’ll find many of the legendary sculptor’s greatest works in this museum  based at the h ôtel particulier where the sculptor spent his final years until his death in 1917. Timeless highlights including ‘The Kiss’, ‘The Cathedral’, ‘The Walking Man’ and many other busts and terracottas. You’ll also find work on display by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s pupil and mistress. As a further bonus there are works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and  Carrière here too. Don’t miss:  The gardens, a gallery space in themselves. Look out for the ‘ Burghers of Calais’, ‘The Gates of Hell’, and ‘The Thinker’.

23.  La Coulée Verte

The old train tracks that join Bastille and Vincennes have now been reclaimed as La Coulée Verte: a verdant, picturesque five-kilometre trail of elevated gardens, the Jardin de Reuilly and tree-lined cycle paths. Kick off at the Bastille end and you can nip up one of the staircases on Avenue Daumesnil to get sweeping views of the city. It’s so scenic that doing the whole thing can easily take up a whole day. If you‘re going to do that, pack a picnic and stop in the Jardin de Reuilly, where there’s (we’re not kidding) Paris’s first sparkling water fountain (there are now around ten more). Then you can carry on to the glorious Bois de Vincennes, which has lakes and leafy, shaded parkland.

Don’t miss:   The police station on Rue Rambouillet which has striking art deco architecture.

24.  Sainte-Chapelle

• Historic buildings and sites

In the 1240s, the fervently religious King Louis IX – who went on to become St Louis – acquired what he’d been led to believe was Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Naturally, he wanted somewhere appropriately magnificent to house it. The result was one heck of a monument: the magnificent, glittering Sainte-Chapelle. Its 15-metre windows are truly jaw-dropping: hundreds of scenes from the Bible are depicted, culminating in the Apocalypse in the rose window.

Don’t miss:  The occasional classical and gospel concerts that take place here. It makes for an eerily poignant venue.

25.  Fondation Louis Vuitton

• 16e arrondissement

The Fondation Louis Vuitton’s 11 ultra-sleek galleries opened in the Bois de Boulogne in 2014. Since then, Frank Gehry’s astonishing building has played host to a rotating programme of shows by high-profile modern and contemporary artists: expect to see works by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat ,  Gilbert & George  and  Jeff Koons, as well as specially commissioned site-specific works. The museum is owned by Louis Vuitton’s parent company LVMH, but will be taken over by the city after 55 years.

Don’t miss:  The events that run alongside the exhibitions – there are frequent appearances by big-name artists and curators.

26.  Les Passages Couverts

• Faubourg Montmartre

Elegant precursors to the modern-day shopping centre, in eighteenth and nineteenth-century Paris there were lots of glass-roofed shopping galleries in areas around the Grands Boulevards. These covered passages allowed you to take shortcuts, escape the elements or ( ooh la la! ) steal a forbidden kiss with your lover in relative privacy. Not that it was all elegant charm: most passages were also given a salon de décrottage : a room where the dog excrement you’d trodden through was scraped off your shoes. Sadly that service is long gone, but these days  passages couverts are perfect little hideaways for an afternoon’s retail therapy. 

Don’t miss:  Galerie Vivienne is the best known, appreciated above all for its ochre-coloured décor and mythology-themed mosaics. We love the tearoom there too.

27.  The Centre Pompidou

• 4e arrondissement

The Pompidou’s ‘inside-out’ appearance – with pipes, air ducts and escalators proudly gracing the exterior – has made it one of the best-known sights in Paris. It’s so striking that when it opened in 1977, its success exceeded all expectations… which was kind of a problem, as in essence five times more people turned up than had been expected: in its early years it was a byword for excessive busyness.  

After a two-year revamp, completed in 2000, the building grew, with a larger museum, renewed performance spaces and vista-rich Georges restaurant added. Entrance to the forum is free, as is a ride on the external escalators to the top of the museum. The permanent collection is an eclectic and vibrant display of modern art..

Don’t miss: Even if modern art isn’t your thing, take the free escalator ride to the top for an incredible view of Paris.. Nothing beats the moment you rise above the rooftops.

28.  Le Crazy Horse

• Champs-Elysées

Definitely one of the more risqué players on the Parisian cabaret scene, the art du nu  (it’s a nudie revue!) of Le Crazy Horse first opened its doors in 1951 under the steerage of the legendary  Alain Bernardin. Seventy years on, it  still pulls in punters aplenty. It remains dedicated to all things feminine and sexy, within certain parameters: lookalike dancers with curious stage names like Enny Gmatic and Hippy Bang Bang all bear the same bodily dimensions. (Girls are genuinely required to have nipples and hips at the same height). Expect lots of rainbow-hued light and artfully located strips of black tape. Old-school, self-respecting cabaret.

Don’t miss:  ‘Striptease Moi’ , a sensual gender-bending show with a daft ending. 

29.  Musée Picasso

The Musée Picasso isn’t quite as famous as Paris’s other major galleries, but it’s so absolutely worth a visit. Bang in the middle of the Marais, this attractive gallery is in a former 17th century mansion. The masterpieces on show here are endless and include ‘La Celestina’, ‘The Supplicant’ and ‘Portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter’. It’s the perfect sized gallery to spend a slow morning in before heading out for a leisurely lunch.

Don’t miss:  Head up to the top of the museum and you’ll find Ol’ Pablo’s very own art collection, which includes some gorgeous works by  Cézanne, Renoir, Mirò and his frenemy Matisse.

30.  Shakespeare & Company

• Quartier latin

Shakespeare & Company is one of those iconic bookshops that nerdy intellectuals flock to simply to say they’ve been there (and got the tote bag). But this English-language bookshop on the Left Bank remains a genuinely excellent place to browse for literature - it’s beautiful, well-stocked and calming. Roam the corridors while inhaling the spirits of the many writers, artists and bohemians who have dwelt here over the years.

Don’t miss:   The busy events schedule, which includes readings from many high-profile authors.

31.  Street art in Paris

Paris has had a pretty serious street art scene from as long ago as the 1960s, and it’s only grown bigger since. There is plenty of wall space in the city’s suburbs, outer arrondissements and centre for local and international artists to get creative with their spray cans and transform whole areas into outdoor art galleries. By definition this stuff tends to be somewhat transient – if you can, take a look at the several dedicated blogs for up-to-date info.

Don’t miss:  We recommend the Rue Dénoyez in Belleville. Even during the day, there are always a couple of  graffeurs  at work.

32.  Grande Mosquée de Paris

The Grande Mosquée is an active place of worship, but is open to visitors (except on Fridays and Muslim holidays). It opened in 1926 and remained the only mosque in the Paris metro area for a long time. Nearly 100 years later, the mosque’s geometric mosaics, white columns and intricately engraved archways make it a must-see. Walking through the tiled central courtyards and gardens will make you feel like you’re in Marrakesh, not Paris. Women can also enjoy a massage and a steam at the mosque’s on-site hammam, but no men are allowed.

Don’t miss: A cup of tea with baklava on the mosque’s peaceful patio.

33.  Canal de l’Ourcq

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, the nineteenth-century Canal de l’Ourcq takes a 108km journey from the river Ourcq in Picardie before ending its journey  in front of the arty MK2 cinemas at   Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad’s Bassin de la Villette. Like the Canal Saint-Martin further south, the Canal de l’Ourcq draws a trendy crowd, from students to thirtysomethings with young families, who come to play boules on the sandy stretches, picnic on the water’s edge, and even play ping-pong in the playground areas. 

Don’t miss:  The   péniches  (canal boats) that double up as a bar, a theatre and a bookshop.

34.  Marché d’Aligre

• Vintage shops
• 12e arrondissement

The Marché d’Aligre has been a permanent fixture in an ever-evolving city since 1799. This much-used market sells everything from fresh veg to pre-loved clothes, fish and meat. There’s a lot on offer here, so plan ahead to decide what you are (literally) in the market for. If it’s a nice bit of poisson, go to the covered Beauvau part where you’ll find the better quality butchers and fishmongers.

Don’t miss:  The artisanal stalls in the main yard which sell books, African masks and other trinkets.

35.  Bateaux-Mouches

• 8e arrondissement

Punctuated by landmarks, spanned by historical bridges and dotted with tree-lined quays, the Seine is bursting with picture-postcard moments: it’s surely one of the prettiest city rivers in the world. One of the best ways to absorb it all is by boat, ie one of Paris’s iconic Bateaux-Mouches. Sure, they are always rammed with tourists (we won’t lie: Parisians tend to avoid them like the plague), but if you don’t mind that, you’ll be in for a treat.  Bateaux-Mouches is the name of the largest and best-known boat operator, but there are smaller companies that provide the same service. Going with a smaller boat will leave you with a bit more peace.

Don’t miss: Stop off at the Île Saint-Louis for lunch at an old-time bistro. 

36.  Musée de la Vie Romantique

• Saint-Georges

Back in 1830, the 9th arrondissement teemed with composers, writers and artists. And it was this year that Dutch artist Ary Scheffer built this small villa. Guests at Scheffer’s soirées included Chopin, Liszt and – most important for our purposes – novelist George Sand. The museum is now mainly dedicated to Sand, who was enormously popular in her lifetime, but it also displays Scheffer’s paintings and other mementoes from the Romantic era. Renovated in 2013, the museum’s tree-lined courtyard café and greenhouse make for a perfect summertime retreat.

Don’t miss:  While you’re nearby, you should probably check out the Musée National Gustave Moreau . There’s a surprise waiting for you at the top. 

37.  La Petite Ceinture

• 20e arrondissement

What is La Petite Ceinture? Basically, it’s an out-of-use railway that girdles Paris like, well, a little belt – hence the name. The track has been in disrepair since the last freight train went through in the ’80s (the final passenger train went through way back in 1934). Stretches of it have been transformed into an urban park, where flowers are growing over the rails and you take a walk away from the city ambience of honking cars. La Petite Ceinture can be accessed at entry points in the twelfth through twentieth arrondissements .

Don’t miss: A few of the old train stations along the former rails have a new life today as restaurants, brasseries and even one coworking space.

38.  Palais de Tokyo

When this modern and contemporary art building opened in 2002, many thought the Palais de Tokyo’s determinedly no-frills aesthetic amounted to a deliberate statement. In fact, it was purely for budgetary reasons. Happily, the venue has really flourished since then, especially after an extended 2012 overhaul of its open-plan space. Extended hours and a cool café bring in younger audiences, and the roll-call of artists is impressive (Roberto Braga, Wang Du, Theaster Gates and others). The name harks back to the 1937 Exposition Internationale, but is also a reminder of links with a new generation of artists from the Far East.

Don’t miss:  Everything else here. There’s Le Yoyo club, an excellent fashion and design bookshop, and two new restaurants. Oh, and don’t forget to head out to the terrace. The view of the Eiffel Tower really can’t be beaten. 

39.  Philharmonie de Paris

• La Villette

This grandiose venue in the North-East of Paris aims to make classical music accessible and non-elitist, with a remit to draw in novices as well as seasoned concert-goers. This all naturally hinges on the tickets being affordable: at a time when cultural activities are getting increasingly costly, the Philharmonie hopes to counter the trend much as the Opéra Bastille did for opera. Aesthetically impressive and large, this 2,400-seat concert hall frequently dazzles with season after season of eclectic concerts and events.

Don’t miss:  The  rooftop has spectacular views, open throughout the summer.

40.  Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

• Père-Lachaise

Pretty much anyone famous, French and dead is interred in Père-Lachaise. Indeed you don’t even have to be French: creed and nationality have never prevented entry; you just had to have lived or died in Paris or have an allotted space in a family tomb. From Balzac to Chopin to Oscar Wilde (the tomb worn away by kisses from visiting admirers, now with transparent barriers), the opportunities for posthumous talent-spotting are endless.

Don’t miss:   Oscar Wilde’s tomb: much like the man himself, it’s ostentatious and flamboyant. 

41.  Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

• 18e arrondissement

The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is widely held to be the biggest flea market in the entire world. While it seems quite likely that its rivals haven’t in fact been formally measured, with 3,000 traders and more than 5 million visitors a year, nobody is really arguing. Opening in 1885, it started life as a humble rag-and-bone set-up on the city’s edges.

Paris being Paris, it has, perhaps inevitably, turned into a more upscale affair, with lots of boutiques and antique stalls. At the other end of the spectrum, restaurants and takeaways are in danger of displacing the less fancy traders. But whatever sanitisation is sanding the edges of the Puces, it still makes for an exhilarating experience for a tourist.

Don’t miss: T here’s only a single ATM – so make sure you come with a bulging wallet or a willingness to queue.

42.  Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

This museum is nothing like the others on your Parisian vacation itinerary. Musée du Quai Branly conserves 300,000 pieces of non-European art and artifacts. Stroll through the quiet gardens surrounding the museum before heading inside, where you’ll follow the building’s river-like design through cases of works from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. From samurai armor to hand-woven tapestries and intricate line drawings on tree bark, the engaging and beautifully designed museum has something for everyone. 

Don’t miss: A vertical garden forms a living green wall on the exterior of the museum.

43.  Musée Carnavalet

In the Musée Carnavalet – which recently reopened after a major refurbishment – a whopping 140 rooms tell the story of Paris in chronological order, from pre-Roman Gaul right up until the twentieth century. The building was built in 1548, transformed by Mansart in 1660 and turned into a museum in 1866, when the great city planner Haussmann persuaded the authorities to preserve its gorgeous interiors. Original sixteenth-century rooms contain magnificent Renaissance art collections heaving with portraits, furniture and other artefacts.    The museum is also free to visit.

Don’t miss:  Items belonging to Napoleon himself, a cradle given to Paris by his nephew Napoleon III, and a replica of author Marcel Proust’s cork-lined bedroom.

44.  Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

• Zoos and aquariums
• 5e arrondissement

An unexpected side-effect of decapitating swathes of your wealthiest citizens? Working out what to do with their many ownerless pets. Proof that the instigators of the Terror were really just big softies, this ménagerie became the solution to the sudden influx of homeless animals in 1794. Nowadays the collection is sourced by less homicidal means: present-day inhabitants include vultures, monkeys, orang-utans, ostriches, flamingos, a century-old turtle, plus another one rescued from the sewers, a gorgeous red panda and lots of satisfyingly scary spiders and snakes. There’s also a petting zoo with farm animals for small kids, and older ones can zoom in on microscopic species in the Microzoo.

Don’t miss: A game of ‘who can spot the oldest tree?’ in the botanical gardens next door. The black acacia planted in 1636 is particularly striking. 

45.  Shopping on the Champs-Élysées

Time has not withered the Champs-Élysées: despite having probably the stiffest local competition in the world, it remains  the   premiere   shopping destination in Paris. It’s no drab high street; rather it’s a world-famous boulevard of sublime consumer chic. The brands are high-end and the stores are filled with art installations, DJs and other things keeping the whole retail therapy thing as fresh and fun as possible. And the avenue itself is a wonder: deafening, overwhelming, but inimitably Parisian.

Don’t miss:  Come Christmas, the market and fairground at the foot of the Champs give it a truly magical feel.

46.  Aquarium de Paris / Cinéaqua

Trocadéro isn’t historically the most thrilling area of Paris, but it’s really been jolted into life by this  fantastic attraction, which combines an aquarium and two-screen cinema. Kids will go berserk for the shark tunnel and the petting pool, where you can fulfil the lifelong dream you never knew you had and stroke the friendly sturgeon who stick their long snouts above the surface. There’s also a section showing the various heroic species of fish that somehow manage to survive in the Seine despite the pollution. Some visitors might find the admission fee trop cher,  but it really is a brilliant way to spend a long afternoon.

Don’t miss: Special kids’ shows take place every day. Check the aquarium’s online schedule for times.

47.  Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Inside this grand old 1930s building you’ll find key works from the Cubists and Fauves, and artists like Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Georges Rouault, Chaim Soutine and Kees van Dongen. It’s a fine museum, albeit with such stiff local competition not as famous as some of Paris’ premium venues, which is why it’s unfortunate that the museum made international headlines back in May 2010 when five paintings, including a Picasso, were stolen.

Don’t miss:  Visiting even if you’re skint – this is one of the scant number of museums in Paris where it’s free to enter.

48.  La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

• Exhibitions

Europe’s biggest science museum pulls in five million visitors a year, and deservedly so. Its permanent exhibition  Explora occupies the top two floors, whisking visitors through 30,000-square-metre that looks at life, the universe and everything in all its complexity: highlights include scale models of satellites including the Ariane space shuttle, planes and robots, plus the chance to experience weightlessness. The hothouse garden investigates developments in agriculture and bio-technology. Don’t miss:  The Espace Images, where you can play around with a delayed camera, draw 3D images on a computer and even lend your voice to the Mona Lisa. 

49.  Musée Grévin

• Grands Boulevards

Like a kitschier version of Madame Tussauds – yes, such a thing is possible – the Musée Grévin is a guaranteed winner with kids that need entertaining. It’s pretty much the same deal as  Tussauds only without the edgier bits: have your photo  taken alongside waxworks of showbiz stars and personalities like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, the Queen and Barack Obama. The ‘snapshots of the twentieth-century’ area also recreates great historical moments, such as Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. A small gallery at the top of a spiral staircase near the end shows how waxworks are made. 

Don’t miss:   The trippy hall of mirrors designed by American artist Krysle Lip.

50.  Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle

You know what you‘re getting with any major Natural History Museum, and you’ll rarely regret it. Inevitably they’re family-friendly places with admirable collections. Well Paris is no exception. At the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle’s Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, stuffed creatures parade majestically through their various habitats. Animals of all kinds teach children about the diversity of nature. In the endangered and vanished section – where a dodo takes pride of place – they inform you about the importance of protecting them. The museum contains the bony remains of fish, birds, monkeys, dinosaurs and humans. You won’t know where to look first.

Don’t miss:   Venturing into the Jardin des Plantes complex to find the small Ménagerie zoo, plus separate pavilions containing hunks of meteorites and crystals in the Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie. 

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Top Things to Do in Paris, France

Places to visit in paris.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Eiffel Tower

2. Musée d'Orsay

3. Louvre Museum

4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

5. Luxembourg Gardens

6. Arc de Triomphe

7. Palais Garnier

8. Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

9. Seine River

10. Sainte-Chapelle

11. Pont Alexandre III

12. Le Marais

13. Montmartre

14. Musée de l’Orangerie

15. Musée Rodin

16. Place des Vosges

17. Jardin des Tuileries

18. Musee Marmottan Monet

19. Saint Germain des Pres Quarter

20. Père-Lachaise Cemetery

21. Musee de l’Armee des Invalides

22. Latin Quarter

23. Champs-Elysees

24. Musée des Arts Forains

25. Musee Nissim de Camondo

26. Île de la Cité

27. Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral

28. Petit Palais

29. Ile Saint-Louis

30. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

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32 must-see places in Paris (map + itineraries)

This list of the best places to see in Paris will help you prepare your trip and make sure you don't miss anything important in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Known as the City of Love, the capital of France is perfect for long romantic walks along the banks of the Seine or through the Montmartre and Le Marais neighbourhoods and visiting some of the world's most famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Sainte Chapelle or the ill-fated Notre Dame Cathedral, which will hopefully soon shine again.

Although Paris is a city to come back again and again, for a first trip we recommend you to stay 4 or 5 days, perfect time to visit the most important places and enjoy typical Parisian experiences such as having a coffee with a croissant in a nice terrace, having a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower or going shopping in its elegant galleries.

Remember that the quickest and most convenient way to get around Paris is to use the extensive metro, which has stops at all the city's main attractions, except for the Montmartre district, which can be reached by funicular or on foot.

Based on the experience of the several times we have visited this city, during the last one we wrote this list of Paris travel tips and this guide to Paris, we have made this selection of 32 must-see places to visit in Paris . Let's get started!

1. Trocadero Square

Getting there early in the morning by metro, bus or walking to Trocadero Square for the best views of the Eiffel Tower is one of the best things to do in Paris . If you arrive early in the morning, you can take a pleasant, uncrowded stroll through the Trocadero Gardens, a collection of green spaces, ponds and fountains decorated with sculptures such as the famous "Bull and Fallow deer", leading down from the Palais de Chaillot to the Pont de Jena over the Seine River. At the end of the gardens you'll come across a photogenic carrousel and the banks of the Seine, from where you also have an excellent view of the Eiffel Tower.

Other spots we love where you can see the Eiffel Tower and are located in the surrounding area are Rue de l'Université and Champ de Mars, perfect for a picnic with an unforgettable view.

2. Eiffel Tower, one of the must-see sights in Paris

The Eiffel Tower was created for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1889 and although Parisians did not like its design at first, over time it has become the most important symbol to see in Paris and the most visited monument in the world with more than 7 million people a year.

To get to the top of this 300-metre-high iron structure, built by the famous engineer Gustave Eiffel, we recommend you take the lift rather than the 1665-step staircase, not forgetting that unlike the staircase, the lifts form endless queues, which you can save by booking this ticket to the first floor or this one to the third floor. Also with this ticket you can access the 3 floors of the tower which allows you to see the structure of the building up close and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the whole city or enjoy one of the best restaurants in Paris " Le 58 Tour Eiffel ", perfect for a special occasion. If you prefer to dine in another restaurant, we recommend the Italian restaurant Chez Pippo, one of our favourites in Paris, which is located nearby.

A comfortable and interesting option to learn about the history of the tower and the city is to book this tour with an English speaking guide that includes the entrance without queues, a boat ride and a panoramic bus tour of the main neighbourhoods, squares and monuments of Paris. For more information you can check this post on how to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 0:45am July and August, the rest of the year from 9:30am to 11:45pm.

3. The Louvre

The Louvre , the most famous and visited museum in the world , is another must-see in Paris . Inaugurated at the end of the 18th century, this enormous space located in the Louvre Palace houses some of the most important masterpieces of history such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Seated Scribe from ancient Egypt. In addition to its incredible structure, in 1989 a glass pyramid was built in the centre of the square, which acts as the entrance, and which is worth seeing at night, illuminated. An image that we are sure will stay in your memory forever.

Remember that to avoid the long queues at the entrance, which can take over two hours, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance from this page. Another great way to skip the queues and learn more about the history of the most important pieces is to book this tour with an English-speaking guide, an expert in art and history.

If you are not a great art lover, you can complete the tour of the museum in about 3 hours, following a small map where the most important works to see in the Louvre are marked on the 3 floors. If you're going to visit quite a few of the city's tourist attractions, it's worth buying the Paris Pass, which gives you free entry to over 60 Paris attractions like the Louvre.

For more information you can read this post on how to visit the Louvre Museum and this one with all the information about the Paris Pass.

Visiting hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm; Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 9.45pm and closed on Tuesday.

4. Royal Palace Gardens

The Royal Palace Gardens, located a few metres from the Louvre Museum, are a haven of peace where you can relax after a visit to the museum and another of the must-see places in Paris .

These gardens of the Palais Royal, built as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu, are surprising for having a courtyard at one end with columns of different heights (colonnes de Buren) that have become one of the favourite places for instagramers and photographers. Although our favourite part is the garden area with magnificent fountains where you can cool off and benches where you can sit and read a book, surrounded by arcades where you can find small antique and vintage clothes shops.

A good way to learn more about the history and not miss anything important in Paris is to book this free tour or this free tour of mysteries and legends, both with an English speaking guide and ranked among the best free tours in Paris.

5. National Library

Entering the Richelieu-Louvois branch of the National Library of France, located between the streets des Petits-Champs, Vivienne, Louvois and Richelieu, is one of the best free things to do in Paris. If you don't have a library card, you'll only have access to a small part of this building, but enough to see its beautiful reading room covered with nine domes supported by iron arches and illuminated by natural light. Another library worth visiting in Paris is the Bibliothèque Mazarin, located on the Quai de Conti, on the banks of the Seine, and considered the oldest public library in France.

Opening hours National Library: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm, Sunday from 10am to 6pm and Monday from 2pm to 7.30pm. Mazarin Library opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

6. Sainte Chapelle, one of the places to see in Paris

The Sainte Chapelle is our favourite church to see in Paris and one of the most beautiful in the world. Gothic in style and located on the beautiful Île de la Cité, it was built between 1241 and 1248 to store various relics such as the crown of thorns, part of the cross, the iron lance and the sponge of the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. What stands out most about the interior is its lack of walls, which enhances the impressive stained-glass windows of the upper chapel, where you will be left speechless in front of so much beauty. The lower chapel is more sober and has a 13th-century fresco of the Annunciation, considered the oldest mural in the city.

A good option to get to know the history of this church and not miss any detail is to book this visit with an expert guide in Spanish that includes a tour of the island. If you don't want to take a guided tour, you can book this skip-the-line ticket in advance or this one that includes the Conciergerie, a former Gothic palace that was used as a prison for historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, whose cell can be visited.

For more information you can read this post on how to visit the Sainte-Chapelle.

Visiting hours: from April to September from 9am to 7pm and the rest of the year from 9am to 5pm. Free entrance with the Paris Pass .

7. Vivienne Gallery

You can't leave the city without visiting one of its traditional shopping arcades full of fashion and antique shops, perfect for a coffee with a croissant in one of its cafés or patisseries, another of the best things to do in Paris. Among our favourites are the Passage des Panoramas and the Galerie Vivienne, two beautiful galleries with similar architecture that prioritises natural light and early 19th-century Parisian design, which will take you back to a bygone era of splendour.

8. Montmartre neighbourhood

Montmartre is our favourite neighbourhood in the city, along with Le Marais, which is another must-see in Paris . Although nowadays it is very touristy, we can say that it still retains a certain bohemian air of yesteryear when painters like Picasso and Van Gogh lived there and it is also the perfect place to stroll through its beautiful streets and buildings, paying special attention to the Place du Tertre, full of artists painting or selling their paintings, as well as visiting the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, one of the most beautiful places to see in Paris .

This church, which was built between 1875 and 1914, stands out for its white façade, its mix of Roman and Byzantine architecture and its staircase, where you can enjoy one of the best experiences in Paris: an unforgettable sunset, with magnificent views of the city.

The only aspect of Montmartre that we don't recommend, at least in our experience, is staying for lunch or dinner, as most of the restaurants offer tourist menus with a fairly tight quality/price ratio that, in our opinion, doesn't justify staying for lunch or dinner.

To get to Montmartre, take metro line 2 to Anvers or metro line 12 to Abbesses and from there walk up or take the Montmartre Funicular. A good way to explore this neighbourhood and learn about its history and anecdotes is to book this tour of Montmartre with a free English-speaking guide.

Visiting hours of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica: every day from 6am to 10.30pm.

9. Arc de Triomphe, one of the places to visit in Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe, built between 1806 and 1836 by Napoleon to commemorate his great victory in the battle of Austerlitz, is the most famous in the world and one of the must-see sights in Paris . At 50 metres high by 45 metres wide, and inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, it is located in one of the largest roundabouts in the world, so you will have to enter through an underground passage, and once in front of it, you will see the moving Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the First World War. As well as being a symbol of Paris and France as a whole, this Arc de Triomphe is one of the best vantage points in Paris with excellent views of the grand avenue of the Champs Elysées. You can get in for free with the Paris Pass or book this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

For more information you can check this post on how to visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 11pm.

10. Seine River

The Seine River, which crosses the city forming some islands such as the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis, has become another of the points of interest to see in Paris where you can stroll during the sunset from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower along the river to enjoy one of the most romantic walks in the world. Along the way you'll cross some of the city's most beautiful bridges, including the Pont Neuf, Pont des Almes, Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Arts, which all have great views of the Île de la Cité, although our favourite is the late 16th-century Pont Neuf , which is the oldest bridge and links the Île de la Cité to the city.

In our experience, the best way to tour the river and see the city lit up is to book this boat trip on the Seine or this gourmet dinner cruise, both of which rank among the best tours in Paris. For more information you can check out this post about the best boat trip on the Seine.

11. Visit the Musée d'Orsay, one of the things to do in Paris.

Visiting the Musée d'Orsay, located in a former train station built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, is another of the most interesting things to do in Paris . In addition to observing the architecture of this imposing building covered by a large glass and steel vault that illuminates the interior with natural light, and which still preserves the old station clock, it is worth taking the time to see the masterpieces of great painters such as "Lunch on the Grass" by Manet, "The Starry Night" and several self-portraits by Van Gogh, "Women of Tahiti" by Gauguin, "Poppies" by Monet and "The Card Players" by Paul Cézanne, among many others.

To learn more about the history of the museum and its main pieces, we recommend you book this guided tour or just buy this ticket (included in the Paris Pass).

Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (Thursdays until 9.45pm).

12. Place Vendome

The Place Vendome, which has at its centre the impressive Vendome Column, erected by Napoleon in 1810 in imitation of the Trajan Column in Rome, is our favourite square to visit in Paris. Surrounded by historic buildings that house some of the most expensive hotels in Paris such as the Ritz and the Vendome, it is home to luxury fashion boutiques such as Dior and Chanel, and especially fine jewellers and watchmakers such as Cartier.

13. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1163 and 1345, is one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Unfortunately, nowadays, as a result of the tragic fire of 15 April 2019, the building was badly damaged, and only its magnificent exterior can be seen today, with the western façade and the two towers standing out. Above the gates of the façade, there are 28 statues representing the kings of Judea and Israel.

For the moment, waiting and hoping for an exact reconstruction of the cathedral before the fire, we are left with the memory of its luminous interior thanks to its large windows and the ascent to its two towers, in which you can find its famous and mysterious chimeras or gargoyles, from where you can enjoy views to remember.

14. Montparnasse Tower, the best viewpoint to see in Paris

The Montparnasse Tower, with a height of 210 metres, is our favourite viewpoint to see in Paris . This office building, which clashes with the classical architecture of the city, has a viewing platform on the 56th floor and a spectacular terrace on the 59th floor, protected by glass but with open-air photo opportunities, from which you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the whole of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as its most important landmark. Although it's a bit far from the centre, it's easily accessible by metro on lines 4, 6, 12 and 13, which stop at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe. We recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially at weekends and during the high season, as there is a limited number of places per day.

Visiting hours: daily from 9.30am to 11pm. Free admission with the Paris Pass .

15. Champs Elysées

The Champs Elysées, a wide avenue of two kilometres connecting the Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe, is another of the most famous places to visit in Paris , where you can see the countless windows of luxurious shops, international restaurants and great historic buildings such as the Petit and Grand Palais. At the end of the walk you will reach the Place de la Concorde, where more than 1000 people were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution and where today you can see an Egyptian obelisk more than 3,000 years old.

If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, we recommend Splendid Etoile Hotel on hotel-splendid-etoile.parishotelinn.com . Located on Avenue de Friedland, just steps away from the Champs-Élysées, it embodies the essence of Parisian charm and sophistication. The hotel's classic Haussmannian architecture exudes elegance, while its interior boasts contemporary design elements and modern amenities. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled service.

16. Tuileries Gardens

Past the Place de la Concorde are the magnificent Florentine-style gardens of the Tuileries, created by Catherine de Medicis in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace. It is worth strolling along the central avenue, decorated with trees, statues, fountains and ponds, until you reach the Arc de Triomphe de Carrousel, built by order of Napoleon, although for us the best part of the garden is to buy an ice cream or a crêpe at one of the stalls and sit in the comfortable chairs around the two ponds.

17. La Conciergerie, one of the must-see places in Paris

La Conciergerie, located on the Ile de la Cité, is one of the most historic places to see in Paris . A royal residence between the 10th and 14th centuries, this place was a royal residence until 1392 when it became one of the harshest prisons from which few prisoners emerged unscathed. Among several famous people of the time, Queen Marie-Antoinette was there for a time, before dying at the guillotine in 1793. During the tour of the prison you can see a reconstruction of Marie-Antoinette's cell and the differences in conditions that existed between the poor prisoners, who slept on the floor, and the rich prisoners, who had all kinds of comforts, including servants.

If you don't have much time, we recommend you book this skip-the-line ticket or this one, which also includes the skip-the-line ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle, located next door.

Visiting hours: daily: 9.30am-6pm.

Recommended travel cards Remember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate, we recommend you use the Revolut card and the N26 card, which are the ones we use, are free and will save you a lot of money. You can find more information in this article on the best cards for commission-free travel.

18. Le Marais, one of Paris's must-see neighbourhoods

Strolling through the bohemian neighbourhood of Le Marais, located in the heart of the city by the Seine, is another of the best things to do in Paris . Here you'll get a taste of old Paris as you stroll through cobblestone streets lined with vintage shops, hidden courtyards, art galleries, fashion boutiques, elegant mansions, designer restaurants and picnic spots such as the fantastic Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city and home to Victor Hugo 's former home and the charming courtyard of the Hôtel de Sully. The most famous streets in the neighbourhood and where most of the locals are concentrated are Rue de Rivoli, Rosiers, Charlot, des Archives, Bourg Tibourg, Vieille du Temple, Obenkampf and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, as well as the alleyways adjacent to them all.

A trip to Paris, the city of love and romance, is an enchanting experience filled with architectural wonders, artistic treasures, and a vibrant cultural scene. To fully immerse yourself in the charm of the city, consider staying at the exquisite Hotel Brighton on brighton.parishotelinn.com . Nestled in the heart of Paris, this elegant establishment captivates with its timeless beauty and unparalleled location. Join us as we explore the allure of Hotel Brighton and discover a luxurious retreat that embodies the essence of Parisian elegance.

The neighbourhood is also home to some of the best restaurants in Paris, including L'As du Fallafel, Benedict, Comptoir Gourmet and Pain Vin fromage, where they serve a delicious fondue.

19. Paris City Hall

Listed as a Historic Monument, the City Hall or Hôtel de Ville, the seat of the Parisian municipality since 1357, is another of the most beautiful buildings to see in Paris . We love to sit in the bronze statue-adorned Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to take in its magnificent atmosphere and imposing neo-Renaissance façade.

A few metres from the Town Hall is another historic monument, the flamboyant Gothic-style Saint-Jacques Tower, set in a pretty garden. This 52-metre-high bell tower is all that remains of the former 16th-century church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was demolished in 1797 during the French Revolution, and during the summer you can climb it for a 360-degree view of central Paris.

20. Les Halles

From the Saint Jacques Tower you can start a tour of the Les Halles neighbourhood, which revolves around the Pompidou Centre and is another of our must-see places in Paris . Neighbouring Le Marais, this neighbourhood allows you to take a trip through different countries thanks to its multiculturalism, passing through different corners and buildings with history such as the Stock Exchange, the Nelson Mandela Garden and the Church of St. Eustache. One of our favourite areas is Rue Montorgueil, full of shops and terraces where you can have a drink, and the restaurant Au Pied de Cochon, where you can try different typical French dishes such as onion soup, foie gras and escargots (snails).

To finish the route, nothing better than seeing the original Stravinsky Fountain and entering the Georges Pompidou National Centre of Art and Culture, which stands out for its original exterior design with coloured tubes on the façade and for its valuable collection of modern art with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse and Miró. You can book your ticket to the museum on this page.

Opening hours of the Pompidou Centre: Wednesday to Monday from 11am to 10pm.

21. Luxembourg Gardens, another of the places to see in Paris.

The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the most beautiful green spaces to see in Paris as well as a perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located opposite the Palais du Luxembourg, near the Latin Quarter, it's a popular spot for Parisians to picnic, listen to free concerts or just chat with friends on the lawn, especially when the weather is nice. In these gardens with a large central pond, you'll also find several sculptures worth spending a few minutes in, among all kinds of plants and trees. One of its most charming and historic spots is the Medici Fountain, which dates back to the early 17th century when Queen Maria de' Medici had it built to recreate the Boboli Garden in her native Florence.

22. Catacombs

Another of the places to visit in Paris that have become more fashionable in recent times are the Catacombs. In this extensive network of tunnels and underground chambers at a depth of 20 metres, the remains of more than 6 million skeletons from different eras can be found, forming a large rosary. It is important to know that of the 300 kilometres of tunnels, only 800 metres of bone-lined wall galleries are open to the public.

A good option to skip the long queues, which can take more than 3 hours, is to book this ticket in advance. Bear in mind that the catacombs are a bit far from the city centre, so the best option is to get to the Denfert-Rochereau stop on metro lines 4 and 6.

Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, last admission one hour before closing time.

23. Other museums to visit in Paris

Paris is a city that breathes art in every corner, but at the same time, it is full of interesting museums with world-famous collections and works of art, which we recommend you to take into account during your visit.

Other museums to see in Paris, besides the Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou, are:

Musée du quai Branly : located very close to the Eiffel Tower, this modern space exhibits samples of indigenous art, cultures and civilisations from Africa, Asia, Oceania and America. You can book your ticket from this page.

Rodin Museum : in the rococo style palace of the Hotel Biron and its gardens, some of Rodin's most famous sculptures are exhibited, such as The Gates of Hell, The Thinker and The Kiss. You can book your ticket from this page.

La Orangerie : located in a former orangery, this museum has such great gems as Monet's huge paintings of The Water Lilies. You can book your ticket from this page.

All these museums are included if you have the Paris Pass. For more information you can check this post about the best museums in Paris.

24. Saint-Martin Canal

Another of the best things to do in Paris is to take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, starting at the Place de la Bastille, the symbolic site of the French Revolution and presided over by the Column of Jules. As you walk along the banks, you'll pass several parks and bridges from where you'll get the best views of this canal full of small boats, and then finish by relaxing in the Jardin des Plantes.

25. The Invalides

The National Palace of Invalides is one of the most iconic and historic monuments to see in Paris , housing the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Baroque in style, this immense complex was built in the late 17th century as a residence for homeless war veterans and today, in addition to Napoleon's mausoleum and some of his marshals' tombs, you can visit the Army Museum, among the best of its kind, and the Saint Louis Cathedral. This is because in the past, so that soldiers and royalty would not mix, this cathedral was divided into two: the Church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides for the military and the Church of the Dome for the royal family, the latter containing the sarcophagus with Napoleon's ashes.

A good option if you only have a few days in Paris is to book this tourist bus with recorded commentary in English that stops at the main tourist attractions in the city, such as Les Invalides. For more information you can read this post about the tourist bus in Paris. To enter the Saint Louis Cathedral, if you don't have the Paris Pass, you will have to book the entrance from this page.

Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 6pm. Closed on the first Monday of every month.

26. Latin Quarter of Paris

If you want to go out at night for dinner or a drink, you cannot miss the Latin Quarter, located to the south of the Ile de la Cité, a neighbourhood in which in its lively and busy streets such as Rue Huchette, you will find a wide variety of restaurants with terraces and signs showing prices much cheaper than in the rest of Paris. In the neighbourhood, as well as enjoying the atmosphere, you can take the time to see the Saint Michel square and fountain, visit the Church of Saint Sulpice, which has some beautiful frescoes by Delacroix and was featured in the film "The Da Vinci Code", or go into the beautiful Shakespeare & Co bookshop, although the most outstanding monument in the neighbourhood is the Pantheon of Paris, where the remains of illustrious French figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Louis Braille and Alexandre Dumas, among others, rest in its interior.

If you don't want to waste time on your visit, we recommend you book this skip-the-line ticket in advance. A good option to learn more about the history and curiosities of the neighbourhood is a free tour of the Latin Quarter with an English-speaking guide.

Pantheon opening hours: daily from 10am to 6pm.

27. Galeries Lafayette, another place to visit in Paris.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is one of the most famous shopping centres in the world and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. With 7 floors distributed in a circular shape, which looks like a theatre thanks to its huge colourful dome, it also has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy one of the best views of central Paris for free. Inside the art nouveau-style interior, you'll find plenty of reasonably priced brands, a gourmet section to buy typical French products and an area of good-quality restaurants and cafés. One of the best times to visit is at Christmas, when the incredible window displays seem to come to life and a large tree inside sets the store apart from the rest of the city's Christmas decorations.

Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 8:30pm and Sundays from 11am to 7pm.

28. Paris Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier, an immense neo-baroque building built by order of Napoleon in the 19th century, is another of the most beautiful places to see in Paris . The ornate interior offers a luxurious and ostentatious image, full of gilding, mosaics and large chandeliers, and some of its highlights include the grand marble staircase and the impressive red and gold decorated auditorium, which inspired the play " The Phantom of the Opera ".

If you don't feel like spending a lot of money on tickets to see a show, we recommend you book this guided tour or this free entrance.

Visiting hours: daily from 10am to 5pm. Entrance included in the Paris Pass .

For more information you can check this post about how to visit the Opera Garnier in Paris.

29. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Pere Lachaise is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world as well as being the largest cemetery to visit in Paris. Known for being the resting place of many famous people, such as Maria Callas (her ashes were laid to rest here, but nowadays you can only see a commemorative plaque), Edith Piaf or composers such as Chopin. In addition, you can also find the grave of the singer Jim Morrison, leader of The Doors, which is one of the most famous in the place and is always full of souvenirs and gifts.

Another of the most beloved graves is that of writer, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, which has a figure of a naked angel with wings outstretched and is protected by glass, as fans used to paint their lips and mark the grave with a kiss. To find the most famous tombs you can buy a map at a kiosk near the entrance.

A great way to learn about the history of the cemetery and not miss anything is to book a guided tour in English. The cemetery is a little out of town but is easily accessible by metro on lines 2 and 3, which stop at Philippe Auguste and Pere Lachaise stations.

Visiting hours: every day from 8am to 6am, except Sundays when it opens at 9am.

30. Pigalle, one of the neighbourhoods to visit in Paris

An evening stroll in the Pigalle district, located at the foot of the Montmartre hill, along the boulevard de Clichy, is another of the things to do in Paris . This red-light district, dotted with sex shops and erotic clubs, has several trendy nightclubs and, above all, the famous Moulin Rouge where artists such as Edith Piaf, Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra have performed, and where the Féerie show is currently being staged. You can book your ticket in advance on this page.

If you visit Montmartre in the morning, you can walk to Pigalle for lunch at one of its best-known restaurants, such as Les Apotres de Pigalle or Café des Deux Moulins, famous for its appearance in the film Amelie.

31. Madeleine Church

The Church of the Madeleine, whose architecture is reminiscent of the classical temples of Ancient Greece, is another must-see in Paris. Surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns 20 metres high and erected in honour of the Great French Army by order of Napoleon, this church is impressive for its pediment with a scene of the Last Judgement and for its spectacular interior where the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene are kept.

Visiting hours: daily from 9.30am to 7pm.

32. The Defence

If you have more time, you can complete this list of places to visit in Paris by taking the metro to La Défense, the city's financial district. As well as numerous skyscrapers and the huge Quatre Temps shopping centre, it's worth a trip to this out-of-the-way spot to see the 110-metre-high Grande Arche de la Défense and take the lift up to its terrace for a unique view of Paris. You can book entry to the terrace on this page.

On your way back to the centre you can stop at the Bois de Boulogne for a pleasant stroll among the trees and ponds.

Paris itineraries

To complete this list of things to do in Paris, we recommend you follow these itineraries around the city, optimised according to the days you have available:

Paris in one day

Paris in two days

Paris in 3 days

Paris in 4 days

Paris in 5 or 6 days

To get to the centre of Paris in the quickest and most comfortable way, we recommend you follow these guides on how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris, how to get from Beauvais Airport to Paris and how to get from Orly Airport to Paris.

Where to stay in Paris

A trip to Paris, the epitome of romance and elegance, is an experience that captivates the senses. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic Parisian atmosphere, consider staying at a charming bed and breakfast. These hidden gems offer a unique blend of personalized hospitality, cozy accommodations, and a glimpse into the local way of life. Join us as we explore the world of bed and breakfast in Paris, France , and discover a delightful alternative to traditional hotels.

A great area to stay in Paris is Le Marais, as it has a wide range of restaurants, is close to the main points of interest and has good metro and train (Chatelet) connections that will take you to Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles.

Our recommended accommodations in this neighbourhood are the Hotel Le Compostelle , Le Relais du Marais and the Paris France Hotel . Another good value for money option is the Hotel Londres Saint Honoré , located near the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens.

One more recommendation is Hotel Costes on costes.parishotelinn.com . It offers a range of meticulously designed rooms and suites, each showcasing the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Adorned with sumptuous furnishings, rich fabrics, and elegant décor, the accommodations provide a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the vibrant city. Unwind in the plush surroundings, indulge in modern amenities, and experience the epitome of Parisian luxury.

For more information on the best hotels and neighbourhoods to stay in Paris, read this post on where to stay in Paris.

Excursions from Paris

If you have time to spare, you can see some of the wonders of France by booking some of these recommended excursions:

Excursion to the Palace of Versailles

Excursion to Disneyland Paris

Excursion to Mont Saint Michel

Excursion to Bruges

Frequently asked questions about Paris

How much time do I need to see Paris? Although Paris is a huge city with long distances between the different points of interest, we believe that 4 or 5 days are enough to enjoy the best Parisian experiences and visit the main tourist attractions. If you have less time you can focus on visiting its most emblematic buildings such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle or the Louvre and stroll through its most charming neighbourhoods such as Montmartre and Le Marais, and then complete the whole list of Paris must-sees with another trip.

How to get around Paris? The quickest and most comfortable way to get around Paris is by metro, which stops close to all the most important sights in Paris, although sometimes you'll be better off on the RER train, which makes fewer stops. The price of a single ticket in zone A is 1.90 euros, although if you're going to take the metro more than once it's a good idea to get a 10-trip pass which will cost you less. Another good option for getting around the city if you're short on time is the one- or two-day tourist bus, which stops at the main sights of Paris and you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

What's the most beautiful thing about Paris? If you have less time and can't complete this list of the 32 most beautiful places in Paris, our top 10 would be: Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Le Marais, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Walk along the Seine, Les Halles and Latin Quarter.

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