Paris is like a magical place for me, full of things I just can’t get enough of. The art, the history, the famous buildings, and oh, don’t even get me started on the food! It’s one of those cities that always makes me want to come back for more. So, here are the top 10 must-see attractions in Paris, along with some extra gems if you’ve got more time to explore!
Let’s dive in and discover the wonders of Paris together!
Table of Contents
Getting Around Paris
Getting around Paris is quite an adventure! You see, Paris is jam-packed with famous stuff like tall buildings, cool museums, beautiful art, and big churches. And guess what? A lot of them are pretty close to each other, so walking is a great way to see them all.
But hey, if walking’s not your thing or if the weather’s not playing nice, no worries! There’s this thing called the metro, which is like a big train system. It’s super safe and really easy to use. Just remember to keep your stuff close because big cities like Paris can sometimes have sneaky people who might want to take your wallet.
Now, if you know you’re gonna be riding the metro a bunch, there’s this special pass called the Paris tourist transportation pass. It costs about 14 euros a day, but it’s totally worth it if you’re gonna ride the metro like five times or more each day.
Or, you could get something called the Navigo Pass. It’s like a magic card that you can load up with money. You can grab one from a ticket person or a machine, and then you don’t have to keep stopping at the ticket booth all the time.
Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy or you just wanna zip around quickly, you can always hop in a taxi, use Grab, or fire up the Uber app. But hey, I really recommend walking a bit because it’s the best way to soak up the awesome vibe of Paris!
1. Boat Cruise Down the Seine
Oh, let me tell you about one of the coolest things my friends and I did in Paris – cruising down the Seine River at night! It was absolutely magical. Picture this: all the famous sights of Paris, like the Eiffel Tower and stunning bridges, all lit up and sparkling against the night sky. It’s like something out of a fairy tale!
And the best part? These river cruises aren’t just about sightseeing. Nope, they also come with a side of history! You get to learn all sorts of interesting facts about Paris while you glide along the water.
Now, here’s a little tip from me: skip the dinner cruise. Trust me, the food isn’t all that great, and you can find much better meals elsewhere in Paris for the same price. But hey, if you try it out and have a different experience, let me know! You can check out Paris Seine tours right here. Happy cruising!
2. Norte-Dame Cathedral
Oh, let me tell you about Notre Dame Cathedral! It’s like a masterpiece of old French architecture. This place is seriously impressive! It was all finished up back in 1345, and let me tell you, it’s got some stories to tell.
Now, here’s the thing right now, you can’t go inside because they’re fixing it up after a really sad fire. But don’t let that stop you from checking it out! You can still walk around outside, and trust me, it’s totally worth it. The grandeur of Notre Dame Cathedral is something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Where you can find it: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France. Keep an eye out for when it reopens in 2024 – it’s bound to be even more amazing!
3. The Louvre
Let me tell you about the Louvre – it’s a must-see when you’re in Paris! Did you know it’s the biggest museum in the whole wide world? Yup, it’s huge!
Now, a lot of folks just check out the outside of the Louvre, but trust me, you gotta go inside! It’s like stepping into a treasure trove of amazing art from all over the place.
Grab yourself some skip-the-line tickets in advance. That way, you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting in line. And guess what? You can even find deals that include a cool cruise along the Seine River and a visit to the Louvre all in one go!
If you’re planning to visit a bunch of museums, think about getting a Paris museum pass. It can save you some cash, but you’ll have to do the math yourself to see if it’s worth it.
Now, when you’re inside the Louvre, make sure you’ve got a game plan. Seriously, you could get lost in there for weeks trying to see everything! Some of my favorite things to check out were The Code of Hammurabi, The Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Dying Slave. But hey, it’s okay to wander around and discover new stuff too – there’s beauty everywhere you look!
Here’s a pro tip: if you wanna get some really cool photos, go early in the morning when the sun’s coming up, or at night when the pyramids outside are all lit up.
You can find the Louvre at Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France. Trust me, you won’t regret a visit to this incredible place!
4. The Tuileries Gardens
After wandering around the massive Louvre, trust me, you’re gonna want to find a nice spot to just sit and relax. Right outside, there’s this perfect place where we just chilled for a bit. We found a big fountain and just watched the ducks and their little ducklings swimming around. It’s so peaceful, you almost forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
And if all that exploring has made your stomach start rumbling, no worries! There are cafes right there in the park. Perfect for grabbing something to eat without going too far.
The gardens themselves are huge and filled with all sorts of cool stuff. Think sculptures, fountains, and even the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. And if you’re into history, these gardens have been around since the time of King Henry III in the 1500s! They’re a fantastic spot for kicking back and maybe even enjoying a picnic lunch.
This spot’s in the 1st Arrondissement, which, by the way, is an awesome place to stay if you’re visiting Paris.
You can find this relaxing haven at Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France. Whether you’re looking to take a break, enjoy some art outdoors, or just have a leisurely lunch, it’s the perfect spot.
5. Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is one of those spots in Paris that’s loaded with history, and not all of it’s happy. This is the place where folks like Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI had their final curtain call, if you catch my drift. It’s a bit eerie when you think about it, but nowadays, it’s a place filled with some really cool sights.
The star of the show here is the Luxor Obelisk. This giant needle-looking thing stands proud at 75 feet tall and is a whopping 230 tons. Imagine trying to move that! It’s over 3,000 years old, making it a true piece of ancient history right in the middle of modern Paris. It used to stand guard outside the Luxor Temple in Egypt before it was gifted to France. Talk about an epic regift!
Right smack in the center of Place de la Concorde, you can’t miss it. It’s like it’s watching over the place.
Then, there are these two gorgeous fountains, one on each side of the obelisk. They were finished up around 1840 and each tells a story through its design. The North Fountain is all about celebrating the river navigation and commerce in France, while the South Fountain gives a nod to the maritime commerce and industry. Both are stunning and the detail on them? Incredible.
So, while you’re soaking up the grandeur of these fountains and marveling at the ancient obelisk, it’s a bit of a mind trip to think about the square’s past. But today, it’s a place of beauty and a must-see when you’re wandering around Paris.
6. Arc de Triomphe
Right smack in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, and let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold. This massive arch isn’t just for looks; it’s a tribute to the brave souls who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. It’s like a history lesson carved in stone.
Now, here’s a cool part you can actually climb up to the top of this giant. And from up there, Paris spreads out like a lit-up map at your feet, especially stunning at night. Imagine seeing the City of Lights twinkle under the night sky from that viewpoint – it’s unforgettable.
The Arc started to rise from the ground in 1806, and for a long while, it was the biggest triumphal arch anyone had ever seen, up until 1938. Standing at 164 feet tall, it’s like the guardian of Paris history and honor.
So, if you’re wandering around Paris, make your way to Place Charles de Gaulle. The address is super easy to remember: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France. Trust me, seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close, and maybe even from the top, is one of those things that sticks with you. It’s not just a monument; it’s a journey through France’s past, right in the heart of the city.
7. Eiffel Tower
Oh, the Eiffel Tower, where do I even start? It’s like the heart of Paris, standing tall since 1889. Imagine that – over two years of work, bringing to life this iron giant for the world fair. It’s not just a tower; it’s a piece of history you can see and touch.
Now, let me share a little secret with you. While everyone rushes to climb up the Eiffel Tower, we found a sweet spot in the Trocadero Gardens. We just sprawled out on the grass, munched on crepes (because what’s a Paris visit without crepes?), and just looked up at the tower. That view, with the tower standing against the sky, is something else.
And here’s a little tip – if you’re after the best views of Paris, head over to Tour Montparnasse instead. Trust me on this one. You get to see the entire city with the Eiffel Tower in your sight, not beneath your feet. It’s a whole different perspective, and it’s breathtaking.
So, if you’re jotting down addresses, don’t forget the Eiffel Tower at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France. Whether you decide to climb it or admire it from a distance, it’s a must-see. Just being there, feeling the vibe, is an experience you won’t forget.
8. La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre
Montmartre really holds a special place in my heart. It’s like stepping into a different world with its charming cobblestone streets that seem to whisper stories of artists past. The cafes, with their cozy corners, invite you in for a moment or two, making you wish time could stand still.
And then, there’s the majestic Sacre Coeur Basilica, perched up high, almost like it’s keeping a loving eye on Paris. It’s not just any church; it’s a beacon of peace with free entry, making it a treasure for both the soul and the wallet.
Just a little tip: getting there early helps beat the crowd, and trust me, it’s worth it for a moment of tranquility.
Even if you decide not to step inside, the view from the front steps of Sacre Coeur is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a panorama that captures the essence of Paris in a single glance.
Don’t miss La Maison Rose and Odette while you’re wandering around. They’re not just places to eat; they’re part of Montmartre’s charm, painting a picture of a neighborhood that’s as full of life as it is of history. And, for a little extra magic, stand at the bottom of the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre’s stairs and look up towards Sacre Coeur. It’s a view that feels like a Paris postcard come to life.
So, if you’re making plans, note down these hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM, and head over to 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France. Montmartre isn’t just a place to visit it’s an experience to be savored, one cobblestone at a time.
9. Versailles
Versailles is one of those places that feels like stepping into a page from a history book, but in the most magical way possible. Even though it’s not right in Paris, it’s such an unforgettable spot that I always tell friends it’s a must-visit if they have at least three days in the city.
Walking through the Palace of Versailles, you’ll be struck by just how grand everything is. Imagine, they cleared 37,000 acres just to create those stunning gardens and walkways, filled with thousands of plants and trees. It’s like wandering through a royal dream.
We decided to explore both the Castle and the Trianon Estate. A little heads-up, though: if you’re not there bright and early, you might find it a bit overwhelming due to the sheer size of the place. But here’s a silver lining the gardens are free to roam around, and they’re absolutely breathtaking.
To make the most out of our visit, we bought our tickets online before going. That’s a tip I’d pass on to anyone thinking of visiting.
The gardens are huge, so we opted to rent bikes near the large pond where people were canoeing. Riding through the gardens offered us a wonderful way to see the estate and enjoy a lovely breeze, which was a godsend on a hot day. You can also rent golf carts, which is a fun option for covering more ground without getting too tired.
One more thing to keep in mind is the train schedule. You’ll want to check it both for getting to Versailles and leaving, so you don’t end up stuck there (though there are worse places to be stuck, honestly).
The address to head to is Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. Trust me, a trip to Versailles is like taking a step back in time and experiencing the opulence of royal life. It’s a whole different world, just a train ride away from Paris.
10. Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay really is something special. It’s tucked away in what used to be a bustling railway station, but now it’s this amazing treasure trove of art spanning from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. It’s like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist. The tickets were pretty affordable too, at 13.50 euros, and lucky for us, we didn’t have to wait long to get in. That’s always a win in my book!
This place might be smaller than the vastness of the Louvre, but it packs a punch with its collection. We were especially drawn to the Van Gogh exhibition. Being able to stand so close to paintings we’d only seen in books was surreal. Van Gogh’s swirling skies and vibrant colors felt alive. It’s easy to see why some folks prefer the intimacy of Musée d’Orsay to the grandeur of the Louvre.
Honestly, we loved the charm of both museums. If you’re like us and can’t get enough of exploring art, you definitely want to make time for both. There’s something about the contrast between the two that gives you a fuller picture of the richness of art history.
So, if you’re plotting out your Paris adventure, scribble down the Musée d’Orsay on your list. It’s at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, right in the heart of Paris. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious, it’s a spot that shouldn’t be missed.
Paris Top 10 Attractions: Wrap-up
So there you have it, some of the absolute must-see attractions for your time in Paris! I really hope you have an amazing time exploring this beautiful city. And hey, if you’re planning on staying more than just a couple of days, I’ve got you covered with a handy 5-day Paris itinerary. It’s got everything you need – extra attractions to visit, tips on where to stay, how to budget, and more!
Now, when it comes to picking a place to stay, let me give you a few recommendations based on my own experiences:
- Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain (This is where we stayed, and let me tell you, it was fantastic!)
- Le Metropolitan a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
- Hôtel Sèvres Saint Germain
- Hôtel Crayon Rouge
- Eiffel Trocadéro
If you’ve got any questions about these top 10 things to do in Paris, or if you think there’s something else that should be on the list, just drop me a comment below!
And if you found this list helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could save it for later. Happy travels!
