Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris could be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Its delicate ironwork frame, designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, is instantly recognizable worldwide. Once the tallest man-made structure in the world, it remains a symbol of Paris. Hop on the lift or tackle the stairs for an unbeatable view of the City of Light from the top.
Entrance: Admission
Website: toureiffel.paris
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Louvre Museum
Step into the pages of history at the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa. Not only is the Louvre the world’s largest art museum, but the building itself is a historical monument, having served as a fortress and royal palace before becoming a museum. Its diverse collection spans thousands of years, offering a comprehensive lesson in human creativity.
Entrance: Admission
Website: louvre.fr
Address: 75001 Paris, France
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Unleash your inner hunchback at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Admire the intricate carvings, breathtaking stained glass windows, and the iconic gargoyles. Venture up to the top for a panoramic view of Paris, but be sure to explore the inside too; the stunning interior is a meditative retreat from the bustle of the city.
Entrance: Admission
Website: notredamedeparis.fr
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
Perched high on the Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or Sacré-Cœur, is a stunning vision in white travertine stone. This iconic basilica is not only a significant religious site but also offers one of the most commanding views of Paris. Its unique Romano-Byzantine design, vibrant mosaics, and charming nearby artists’ square, Place du Tertre, make it a must-visit.
Entrance: Admission
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Arc de Triomphe
Experience grandeur at the Arc de Triomphe, standing at the top of the Champs-Élysées. This monumental arch was commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz in 1806. Underneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Climb the 284 steps to the top for an incredible view down the tree-lined boulevard and the twelve avenues radiating from the arch.
Entrance: Admission
Website: paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Château de Versailles
Just outside Paris, the opulent Château de Versailles is an unforgettable voyage through the history and decadence of the French monarchy. The palace’s jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, expansive gardens, and intricate fountains are just a few of its splendors. Though a little out of the city, Versailles is worth the trip, serving as a stark reminder of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.
Entrance: Admission
Website: chateauversailles.fr
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Musée d’Orsay
Dive deep into the realms of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces at Musée d’Orsay. Located inside a striking Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum is home to countless artistic treasures. You’ll find works from renowned artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, just to name a few. Plus, its stunning clock window offers a breathtaking view of the Seine and the Louvre. Time spent here feels like a stroll through the annals of art history.
Entrance: Admission
Website: musee-orsay.fr
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle
Nestled in the heart of Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a soaring Gothic marvel known for its splendid stained glass windows. When the sunlight filters through, it paints the chapel in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. A royal chapel originally built to house Louis IX’s collection of relics, it now serves as a symbol of Parisian beauty and resilience. There’s an ethereal magic in Sainte-Chapelle that’s hard to put into words.
Entrance: Admission
Website: sainte-chapelle.fr
Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou, an audacious piece of 20th-century architectural bravado, houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. From Picasso to Pollock, it’s an extraordinary feast for the senses. The building itself, with its unique inside-out design and color-coded functional pipes, is a sight to behold. And, don’t miss the rooftop for a panoramic view of Paris!
Entrance: Admission
Website: centrepompidou.fr
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Montmartre
Perched high above the city, Montmartre offers a taste of old-world Paris with its cobbled streets, bohemian ambiance, and artistic legacy. It’s home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a pristine white structure towering over Paris. As you wander through this vibrant neighborhood, you can see artists at work in Place du Tertre and soak up stunning city views. Montmartre is a charming, dreamy corner of Paris that never fails to inspire.
Entrance: Free
Address: 75018 Paris, France
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg, or Luxembourg Gardens, are an oasis of tranquility and beauty in the bustling heart of Paris. Lined with lush green trees, flowerbeds, and statues, it’s a paradise for leisurely strolls. Don’t forget to watch the world go by from one of its iconic green chairs, or admire the central pond where children sail miniature boats. This royal garden is a perfect blend of French and English landscaping styles.
Entrance: Free
Website: senat.fr
Address: 75006 Paris, France
Catacombs of Paris
Descend into the eerie labyrinth of the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people. This subterranean network of tunnels offers a fascinating and solemn exploration of Paris’s past. As you wander through the dimly lit passageways, lined with carefully stacked skulls and bones, you’ll experience a side of Paris most tourists never see. It’s a chilling but compelling attraction.
Entrance: Admission
Website: catacombes.paris.fr
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin, dedicated to the life and works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, is a haven for art lovers. The museum, set within the elegant Hôtel Biron and its verdant gardens, houses masterpieces like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. It offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Rodin’s extraordinary talent in the very spaces where he lived and worked. The garden, speckled with Rodin’s monumental works, is a quiet retreat in the city.
Entrance: Admission
Website: musee-rodin.fr
Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Panthéon
Exuding grandeur and reverence, the Panthéon is a striking mausoleum in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Once a church, it now serves as a burial place for some of France’s most esteemed citizens. Its neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, offers an awe-inspiring sight, and its interior houses a mesmerizing pendulum that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.
Entrance: Admission
Website: paris-pantheon.fr
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Place de la Concorde
Take a leisurely stroll around Place de la Concorde, the largest public square in Paris. Its remarkable features include a towering Egyptian obelisk and two magnificent fountains. The square is steeped in history, having been a focal point during the French Revolution, and offers breathtaking views of the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.
Entrance: Free
Website: parisinfo.com
Address: 75008 Paris, France
Les Invalides
A site with tremendous historical significance, Les Invalides is a complex of buildings originally constructed as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Today, it houses multiple museums and monuments, including the Dôme des Invalides, where the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte resides, an absolute must-see for history buffs.
Entrance: Admission
Website: musee-armee.fr
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Surprisingly serene and picturesque, Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and a veritable who’s who of the arts and literature world. Here, you’ll find the final resting places of luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. Amid the tranquility, the cemetery’s winding paths and elaborate tombstones tell countless stories.
Entrance: Free
Website: paris.fr
Address: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, France
Le Marais
Le Marais is a historic district in Paris that beckons with its narrow medieval streets, aristocratic mansions, and vibrant café culture. As you explore, you’ll discover trendy boutiques, art galleries, and the famous Musée Picasso. Le Marais also hosts one of the city’s most significant Jewish communities, adding to its rich and diverse cultural fabric.
Entrance: Free
Address: 8FW4V965+F7
Musée Marmottan Monet
Art aficionados will fall in love with Musée Marmottan Monet. Nestled in a 19th-century townhouse, this museum harbors the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet. Here, you can immerse yourself in Monet’s breathtaking Impressionist masterpieces, including his iconic “Water Lilies” series, as well as works by other prominent artists like Renoir and Degas.
Entrance: Admission
Website: marmottan.fr
Address: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris, France
Jardin des Tuileries
A delightful oasis in the heart of Paris, Jardin des Tuileries invites you to unwind among meticulously manicured gardens, charming ponds, and statues from notable artists. The garden’s strategic location between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde also makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a peaceful picnic amid your sightseeing adventures.
Entrance: Free
Website: parisinfo.com
Address: Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France