Paris is always a good idea. With such a prominent influence in literature, film, pop culture, and history alike, merely mentioning the enchanting French capital is enough to ignite a symphony of romantic notions. Cemented firmly at the top of every traveler’s bucket list, there’s no limit to the adventures you can have in the “City of Lights” while exploring the iconic Paris attractions. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, echoed with historical charm, and smell the freshly baked croissants wafting through the air, the city’s timeless allure will surely steal your heart.

To make sure you don’t miss out on seeing the top attractions, best landmarks, or most famous places in Paris during your trip, this is the list for you.

10 Paris Attractions You Need to See

For a vacation you’ll never forget, give these ten iconic places to see in Paris a spot in your Paris itinerary. Grab a beret, order a baguette, and prepare to be mesmerized!

Eiffel Tower

When you think about visiting Paris, images of the Eiffel Tower are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Originally built as the main attraction of the 1889 World Fair, it stands tall above the city at an astonishing 330 meters.

Initially, the Eiffel Tower was only set to exist for a limited period. When first created, no one intended it to be a permanent fixture in the city, with plans to dismantle it after 20 years. However, its overwhelming popularity led it to become such a beloved symbol throughout the world that France just couldn’t say goodbye. Now, the landmark undergoes diligent repairs and maintenance to secure its longevity.

Taking an Eiffel Tower Tour

As the most famous of all Paris tourist attractions, your trip to the city won’t be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower up close. If you want to go inside or take an Eiffel Tower tour while you’re there, here are a few things you should know to help you plan your visit:

• Inside the tower, there are three different levels. The bottom two have shops and restaurants, with Madame Brasserie on the first floor and the Michelin-starred Jules Verne on the second. On the third level, the summit offers the highest observation deck in Europe. At 276 meters in the air, you’ll have magnificent panoramic views of the city.
• If you’re planning to go inside, you’ll want to book in advance. You can get an Eiffel Tower tour ticket online to ensure the time of your visit. For the restaurants, always make sure you have a reservation to guarantee yourself a table. Without one, you may not be able to get a table.
• There are elevators in the tower. Even if you aren’t able-bodied, you can still go inside and see the first two levels. Only the summit on the highest level isn’t handicap accessible for safety reasons.

Other than taking an Eiffel Tower tour, you can still hang out on the lawn of Champ de Mars and enjoy the atmosphere as the tower stands tall right behind you. Bring some baguettes, pastries, delicious French cheeses, and a bottle of wine or champagne! It’s an awesome place to have a picnic, and there will probably be a local musician or two strumming their guitar and singing for the crowd.

Read more: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Eiffel Tower

Musée du Louvre

Aside from just being one of the best museums in Paris, the Musée du Louvre has the title for being the most-visited museum in the world. Home to some of history’s most magnificent works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, it showcases a collection unlike any other.

Once a medieval fortress built by King Philip II, the structure was demolished and then converted into a palace space for artists. Here, they could gather to study the works and techniques of masters. If you’re an art lover, it’s an absolute must-see in Paris.

To avoid waiting in super long queues outside, be sure to book a skip-the-line ticket in advance or take a guided tour of the museum. It’s one of the most popular Paris tourist attractions, and when I say that line outside gets long, I’m talking long. You don’t want to waste precious hours of your trip just standing around.

Palace of Versailles

Located just outside of the French capital, another remarkable destination you can explore while you’re visiting Paris is the lavish Palace of Versailles. As you stroll through the grounds, you can experience the excess and opulence of the country’s old ruling class, getting a special glimpse into the era.

With its architecture and interior spaces by some of the most talented French design masters, a walk through the lavish apartments of the palace will leave you in awe. Linked together by the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, the rooms take you directly into the lives of the former nobility.

Surrounding the palace, the pristine landscaping of its gardens and grounds boasts equal allure. You’ll have the chance to explore picturesque havens like the Hameau de la Reine, best known for having once been the favorite oasis of Marie Antoinette.

To hear all about the history of the Palace of Versailles during your visit, your best bet is booking a guided tour. There are a few different kinds you can choose from, such as ones that include bike rides around the gardens and others that arrange roundtrip transportation from Paris.

Arc de Triomphe

As another one of the most recognizable things to see in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is yet another monument steeped in history. It was built to honor and celebrate the devotion of the country’s brave soldiers who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, its pillars display the names of leaders and soldiers who fell during battle. Deeply embedded in the city’s history and design, alongside other Parisian landmarks, the structure connects the city from the west to east on the Axe Historique.

For beautiful views of the cityscape (and a little workout), you can climb the 284 steps to the top. Similar to the Eiffel Tower, it’s partially accessible for those who are not able-bodied. There’s an elevator leading up to the museum level, but getting all the way to the top requires ascending up a staircase.

Palais Garnier

Offering one of the finest opera experiences in the world, the Palais Garnier is one of the top places to visit in Paris for lovers of classical music. Named after Charles Garnier, the acclaimed Beaux-Arts architect behind its design, the sophisticated venue welcomes guests into an elegant refuge upon opening its doors.

As you admire its glamorous interior, the splendor and exuberance of the Grand Foyer and the Grand Staircase are sure to enchant you. Whether you attend a live performance or just see the facility on a tour of Paris attractions, the one and only Palais Garnier is certainly a sight to behold.

Notre-Dame

Reminiscent of the city’s medieval era, the intricate gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame makes it one of the most easily recognizable places to see in Paris. Its construction began all the way back in 1163 and took just under 200 years to complete, making it one of the most historic Paris landmarks. Through many revitalizations over the years, the structure still embodies all the charm and relics of the city’s distant past.

The tragic fire of 2015 heavily affected several areas once open to visitors, including the cathedral. However, much of the structure still remains intact, and there have been extensive efforts underway to restore and rebuild it ever since.

Currently, you can go on a guided tour with entry to the archaeological crypt, one of the oldest places to visit in Paris. The cathedral still remains closed to the public for construction. If you just want to see the architecture from the outside, you can easily just pass by it on your own, or you can take a walking tour of famous places in Paris.

Another fun way to see Notre-Dame is by going on one of the cruises in the Seine River. You’ll be able to spot several Paris tourist attractions from the boat, including the Eiffel Tower. As you sail along, you will also pass right by the Notre-Dame and several other Paris landmarks. There are a bunch of different options available, ranging from morning cruises just for sightseeing to lunch cruises with multi-course meals to dinner cruises with champagne and live music! Pick whichever matches your mood.

Jardin du Luxembourg

As one of my personal favorite places to visit in Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg, or the Luxembourg Gardens, provides a peaceful refuge to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Conceived at the beginning of the 17th century for the Luxembourg Palace, there are several greenhouses, an apple orchard, and an apiary. It boasts over 100 statues on its grounds as well, including the historic Medici Fountain!

In between visits to all the top Paris attractions, take a break from sightseeing to walk through this decorative landscape. Pick up some snacks on the way for a lovely picnic! Having been the go-to oasis for many Parisian icons, including the great Ernest Hemingway, its tranquil ambiance will ease your mind and calm your soul.

Sacré-Coeur

Resting on the city’s highest hill in the Montmartre neighborhood, the gleaming white color and Romano-Byzantine style of the Sacré-Coeur makes it easily distinguishable among other things to see in Paris. The ceiling of the Catholic basilica displays one of the largest mosaics in the world. Known as “Christ in Majesty,” it attracts visitors worldwide and is open daily for whoever wishes to visit

Ascending up the 222 steps of the Rue Foyatier, you’ll find a stunning scene of the cityscape at the top of the dome. With panoramic views from above, it’s a great spot to see the city from a different angle.

Even if you don’t go inside the Sacré-Coeur, the surrounding neighborhood still deserves a spot on your Paris itinerary. It’s full of wonderful bistros, awesome bars, and hidden gems. There are plenty of guided tours of Montmartre to check out the hotspots. For something less formal, just wander around in its artistic ambiance. There’s no better place to get lost!

If you want to see the legendary Moulin Rouge show while you’re visiting Paris, it’s in this neighborhood, too! Be sure to get your tickets in advance to guarantee yourself a seat at the cabaret extravaganza.

Pont Neuf

Although its name translates to “new bridge,” the Pont Neuf happens to be the oldest bridge in Paris. Its construction began in 1578 and finished in 1606. Crossing the Seine in the west of the Île de la Cité, it contains twelve arches in total. Seven stretch from the right bank to the island, and five from the island to the left.

Built at the order of Henry IV, who is memorialized by a statue where the bridge meets the island, the detailed facial carvings stretching across give it a unique character. You can walk over the bridge and see it up close as you move between other Paris landmarks! Sailing right underneath it during a cruise on the Seine is another fabulous option.

The Catacombs

As one of the more unique Paris attractions, the Catacombs offer a different kind of look at the city’s past, as well as its knack for innovation.

Toward the end of the 18th century, the city was running out of cemetery space. It needed to get creative in order to find a solution. Therefore, Paris turned to an underground network of limestone mines.

The Catacombs earned their name as millions of bones were transferred into this space. Initially brought in randomly, organizers later arranged them in various styles and patterns to create an artistic aesthetic in the caves.

Now open to the public, you can take a guided tour of the tunnels and stroll through one of the most eerie, yet intriguing places to see in Paris. Be sure to stay close to your guide so you don’t get lost in the maze!

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