Things to do in Paris - Sights & Attractions

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

La Tour Eiffel is the number one landmark of Paris and France. The impressive structure dates from 1887, consists of three floors, and is 276 meters high. Visitors may access every level of the Eiffel Tower. You can climb the structure via one of the staircases or the elevators to the summit. Since ticket fraud for the Eiffel Tower occurs regularly, I have written a manual on how to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance (without having to wait in line for hours).

📌 Paris City Pass: Access to the Eiffel Tower is also included in several Paris City Passes. In this article a review of all Paris City Passes.

2. Must-see: Louvre Museum

Musée du Louvre is the best-known art museum and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris. The impressive museum is located in an old city palace, is lavishly decorated, and incredibly beautiful. The Louvre Museum's collection is enormous and contains more than 35,000 works of art. The museum's centerpiece is 'The Mona Lisa' by Da Vinci. Click here for additional information to prepare your visit of the Louvre Museum.

📌 Important: The Louvre Museum is very popular. In high season, tickets will be sold out days in advance. It is necessary to book your tickets at least one week in advance (more info and tickets).

3. Seine River Cruise

A Seine River Cruise is a fun way to explore Paris. On an enjoyable boat trip, you’ll pass some of the best-known Paris landmarks. The Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe are a few of the landmarks you’ll see during a Seine boat trip. Read more about the best tips for a Seine River Cruise or you can directly book this sightseeing Cruise or join an evening Seine cruise with live music so you can experience the the French capital at night.

📌 My personal tip: Book a Seine cruise about 30–60 minutes before sunset. I loved seeing Paris transform from daylight into a sea of lights.

4. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is the famous triumphal arch and one of the famous places of interest in Paris France. It is located at the Charles de Gaulle traffic circle, at the end of Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This is one of the busiest roundabouts in the capital. The rooftop of the structure has a great viewpoint and is open daily to the public. You may access the triumphal arch by using an underground pedestrian tunnel. Read more information about the Arc de Triomphe.

5. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the most beloved cathedrals in the world. In April 2019, Notre Dame made headlines after a massive fire destroyed the roof and a part of the interior. After five years of extensive renovations, the interior of Notre Dame is more stunning than ever. The historic cathedral is expected to draw 15 million visitors in the coming year. To keep up with the enormous demand, a (free) ticket reservation system was implemented. More about sightseeing in the Notre Dame Cathedral.

6. Attractions: Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay is a well-known art museum in Paris. The stunning Orsay Museum is housed in an old 19th century station hall and holds a large collection of impressionist artwork. All the pieces in the museum were created between 1848 and 1914. Several paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh may be seen in the museum. More info 'Musée d’Orsay'.

📌 Important: Unfortunately, the same applies to the Orsay Museum as to the Louvre: in high season, tickets will be sold out several days in advance. It is necessary to book your tickets in advance to secure your time slot:

7. Sacré-Coeur Basilica

Sacré-Coeur is a beautiful white church on the top of the Hill of Montmartre. The basilica may be reached by a stairway or a small cable tram. The basilica is one of the highest viewpoints and most popular places of interest in Paris. If you want to visit the basilica, please keep in mind that short skirts and shorts are not permitted inside the church. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is definitely a must-see attraction during your city trip.

8. What to do in Paris: visit Montmartre

Montmartre is Paris' best-known district. Well-known artists like Dali, Picasso, and Van Gogh have lived in the artistic neighborhood at top of the hill. As you wander around Montmartre, you’ll see historic streets, squares, and charming whitewashed houses. Notable sites in the area are the Moulin Rouge cabaret shows, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and Place du Tertre. Read more about 'What to do in Paris Montmartre district'?

9. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most prominent tourist destinations. The enormous palace is located 20 kilometers from the heart of Paris. The most renowned chamber in the palace is the stunning Hall of Mirrors. In the immense palace gardens, countless classical statues and antique fountains may be seen.

Find out how to visit Versailles from Paris or secure your time slot for your visit by booking your Versailles tickets online (please note: in high season, tickets might be sold out several days in advance).

10. Things to do in Paris: Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is the most beautiful opera house in Paris. The 160-year-old structure was built in a magnificent Beaux-Arts style. The interior is lavishly decorated with stunning wall and ceiling paintings. On performance days, the beautiful auditorium is closed. Making a tour or visiting an opera in Palais Garnier is one of the best things to do in Paris. Please note: Due to theatre activities it's not every day possible to visit the opera theatre, so better first check your date here for the availability of tickets 📅.

11. Famous landmarks: Centre Pompidou

! The museum is closed until 2030 ! Centre George Pompidou is a well-known art museum in Paris. The collection includes modern artwork created between 1905 and now. The museum also focuses on theater, dance, music, cinema, and debate. It is possible to visit the rooftop of the unique building. More info 'Centre Pompidou' (The building of Centre Pompidou needs to be renovated. As a result, the museum will be closed for at least four years, starting at the end of 2025).

12. Les Invalides

Hôtel des Invalides is an old military complex in Paris. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as a hospital for injured French soldiers. Today, Les Invalides is best known for housing the tomb of Napoleon. The tomb of Napeleon may be found in the chapel of Les Invalides. Three interesting museums can be found in the compex; the largest of them is Musée de l'Armée or Army Museum. More info about the things to see in 'Les Invalides'.

13. Catacombs of Paris

Catacombes de Paris are a collection of 18th century underground cemeteries and tunnels. It is one of Paris’ more macabre sights. The catacombs are located 25 meters below the city streets. In the catacombs, you can observe artwork made of piled human bones and skulls. Read more about this ossuary and unique place to visit, the Paris Catacombs (Please note: Unfortunately only 200 visitors per hour are allowed, so it's recommended to check availability of tours 📅 already a couple of weeks in advance because tickets sell out very fast).

14. Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a beautiful chapel located in the heart of Paris. The small church is best-known for its 15-meter-high stained glass windows. The stunning windows portray more than 100 Bible tales. Most of the windows date from the 13th century. The big rose window was added in the 15th century to the amazing chapel of Sainte-Chapelle. Next to the chapel is the Conciergerie with a fascinating past as a royal palace and prison, including Marie Antoinette’s cell.

15. What to see: Moulin Rouge Show

Moulin Rouge, the iconic and world-famous Paris nightclub has been around since 1889. Today, Moulin Rouge is a revue theater, featuring a spectacular dinner and evening show filled with dance, music, and sparkling costumes. Visiting a cabaret show is one of the best things to do in Paris at nights. Find out more about visiting cabaret shows at Moulin Rouge.

📌 Please note: Entry tickets for Mouline Rouge are often sold out a couple of weeks in advance (check availability of shows 📅).

16. Places to visit: Le Marais

Le Marais is a charming old neighborhood (my favorite) located in the heart of Paris. Beautiful old town houses, narrow streets, interesting shops, and cozy restaurants define the area. The highlight of Le Marais is a lovely square named Place des Vosges. Popular museums in Le Marais district are Musée Picasso and Musée Carnavalet. Tip: It is the best district to join a food tour (more info food tours) while discovering hidden gems and tasting traditional French delicacies. More info about the best places to visit in 'Le Marais'.

17. Paris Monuments: Panthéon

The Panthéon is a beautiful old church and monument located in the Latin Quarter of Paris city center. Today, the former church is known as the final resting place of more than seventy well-known French philosophers, politicians, scientists, and writers like like Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie. Read more about how you can visit the 'Paris Panthéon'.

Recommended: Paris City Pass

The Paris City Pass of Turbopass is the most comprehensive Paris City Pass. The Paris City Pass is valid for 1 to 7 days and gives you access to various attractions and museums. This tourist card is very interesting fort visiting the main attractions and has also the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus included. After booking, you will receive your Paris City Turbopass immediately by email.

The Paris City Pass includes the following attractions:

• ✅ Entry to second floor of the Eiffel Tower (optional entry to summit)
• ✅ Louvre entry ticket
• ✅ Scenic Seine River Cruise
• ✅ 24-hour ticket for Hop-on Hop-off bus
• ✅ Admission to Palace of Versailles
• ✅ Admission to Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie
• ✅ Guided bike tour to the highlights of Paris
• ✅ Fun in Ballon de Paris Generali and the Paradox Museum
• More info and booking Paris City Pass

18. Paris Sightseeing by Bike

My personal favorite: a guided bike tour with an English-speaking guide is an unexpected and enjoyable way to explore Paris and the tourist attractions. During this Paris highlights bike tour of BajaBikes, you’ll pass well-known Paris landmarks and learn more about the rich history of the city. It's the perfect activity on your first day in the city.

19. Shopping: Champs-Élysées

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is Paris’ best-known shopping street. The famous avenue is home to luxury shops and well-known retail chains. Chic restaurants and charming bistros are also represented. Arc de Triomphe is located at one end of the avenue and 1.9 kilometers away at the other side is Place de la Condorde with the historic Obelisk of Luxor. The majority of stores on the Champs-Élysées are open from 10 am to 7 pm. More info about 'What to see at the 'Champs-Élysées''.

20. Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris. Beautiful Gothic-style grave monuments can be seen there. It is possible to visit the grave monuments of some well-known Parisians, including Edith Piaf’s. Père Lachaise is enormous; therefore I always recommend to book a guided tour of Père-Lachaise Cemetery so you will visit the most important points of interest of the cemetery. More info how to visit the 'Père Lachaise Cemetery'.

21. Musée de l'Orangerie

Musée de l’Orangerie is located in the gardens of the Louvre Museum. The charming museum the Tuileries Garden houses artwork from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes works by Monet, Picasso, Renoir, and Rodin. The centerpieces of the museum are the colorful paintings 'The Water Lilies' by Monet. More info 'Musée de l’Orangerie'.

22. Luxembourg Gardens

Jardin du Luxembourg is a large and beautiful public park in Paris. My favourite park in Paris includes lovely terraces, wide avenues, and a large collection of classical statues. The highlight of the park is the Medici Fountain from 1630. The Luxembourg Gardens is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is free to enter. More about the 'Luxembourg Gardens'.

23. Petit Palais

Petit Palais also known as Petit Louvre and located near the Champs-Élysées, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, it now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, offering free entry to its permanent collections. The museum’s collection includes jewelry, Renaissance masterpieces, sculptures, 19th-century paintings, decorative arts, and Art Nouveau pieces. More info about 'Petit Palais'.

24. Montparnasse Tower

Tour Montparnasse is one of the highest viewpoints and best places to be at sunset in Paris. The massive tower is 210 meters high and has 58 floors. The upper levels are accessible to visitors. On the 56th floor are an observation deck and a café. The second and highest observation point is on the building’s rooftop. More about sightseeing from the Montparnasse Tower.

25. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland is located 30 kilometers from the heart of Paris. It is divided into two theme parks: the original Disneyland Park and the new Walt Disney Studios Park. A standard ticket allows you to enter Disneyland Park. An extended ticket is required if you want to visit Walt Disney Studios Park as well. Save money: Entry tickets at the gate of Disneyland Paris are more expensive than pre-booked tickets, so it's better to book your tickets online. Read more information about how to visit 'Disneyland Paris'.

Extra: More Museums in Paris

Paris is full of unique museums, like the Picasso Museum in the Marais district that showcases an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso's masterpieces. The Musée Rodin, set in a charming mansion and gardens, celebrates the works of Auguste Rodin, including The Thinker. For Impressionist enthusiasts, the Musée Marmottan Monet houses the world’s largest collection of Monet’s works. The Musée du Quai Branly focuses on indigenous art and cultures. For a sensory delight, visit the Musée du Parfum, where the history of French perfumery comes alive. Read more about these 20 best museums in Paris.

Extra: More Day Trips from Paris

Within a few hours of the city center, you can immerse yourself in serene countryside or enchanting villages. Next to day trips to the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland, you can for example visit Giverny, where Monet’s house and gardens burst with the vivid beauty that inspired his masterpieces (more info day trip Giverny). Wander the lily ponds and vibrant flower beds that feel like stepping into his paintings.

For an unforgettable journey, travel to Mont Saint-Michel, a breathtaking island abbey rising dramatically from the sea. If sparkling wine tempts you, a trip to Champagne offers a chance to explore vineyards, tour prestigious champagne houses and savor exquisite tastings. Read more about the 8 best day trips from Paris.