Looking for the best things to do in Paris? We have found 20 most beautiful places to visit in Paris. Discover the best tourist attractions you can visit in Paris.
Paris, capital of France, is one of the most important and influential cities in the world.
It is a city brimming with many tourist attractions – from world-class museums to less-known hidden gems – you will never exhaust the adventures it offers.
Its streets, squares, buildings, gardens and monuments attract travelers from all over the world.
If we had to select 20 places, here are the ones we would recommend you to visit in Paris.
Best Places to Visit in Paris
The Eiffel Tower
Paris’s most iconic attraction, the Eiffel Tower was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Exhibition of 1889, which marked the centenary of the French Revolution. Places to stay in the area
This impressive symbol of France can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
At night, the Eiffel Tower twinkles and shins above the “City of Lights. Visitors can also take in the Eiffel Tower during the evening while enjoying a gastronomic meal at one of its restaurants.
A ride on its elevator will bring visitors to the top of the tower, where where a great panorama can be seen.
Enjoy a cruise on Seine
One of the best ways to visit Paris is enjoying a cruise on the Seine. Travelers will get a panoramic view to the forefront so one can enjoy the beauty of Paris. Places to stay in the area
Seine River Cruises allow tourists to see the sights from a different perspective.
The Seine River bridges, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat.
For a romantic experience, we recommend you an evening cruise. After sunset, the city’s landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.
Visit the Louvre Museum
The world’s most visited museum, the Louvre is the home of some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement. Places to stay in the area
A large number of the museum’s paintings were owned by the various kings who lived in the Louvre when it was a royal residence.
The Musée du Louvre contains more than 380,000 objects and displays 35,000 works of art in eight curatorial departments with more than 60,600 square metres (652,000 sq ft) dedicated to the permanent collection.
Visiting the sumptuous Louvre is one of the best things to do in Paris.
Experience the magic of Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the second Disney park outside the United States, following the opening of the Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983. Places to stay in the area
Two parks in one provide a wealth of entertainment, eating and excitement opportunities.
In the Disneyland Park, visitors can experience a lot of magical attractions: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, the Discovery Arcade and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, one can meet Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin, or train at the Jedi Academy.
Things to do buy tickets and more
With Sleeping Beauty Castle at the heart of this fairy-tale setting, the attractions, shows, parades and restaurants will immerse tourists in the Disney magic world.
Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, is one of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the world.
Its spectacular rose windows, precious objects and magnificent bells are all symbols of this architectural masterpiece. Places to stay in the area
The ornately decorated facade creates a breathtaking impression with its profusion of sculptures and gargoyles.
The interior is illuminated by magnificent stained-glass windows. The most noteworthy window is the rose window in the north transept. This stunning work of art features 80 Old Testament scenes centered around the Virgin.
With millions of visitors each year, Notre-Dame is one of the most visited monument in Paris.
Walk on Champs – Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is on the list of the French capital’s top attractions.
The Avenue runs between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west. Places to stay in the area
Travelers come here to admire its majestic monuments, enjoy a shopping spree, or get caught up in the excitement of the major festive events that are organized here.
It is commonly regarded as the “most beautiful avenue in the whole world”.
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Keep readingDiscover Le Marais neighborhood
Le Marais neighborhood has a lot to show for those who want to find out more about real the Parisian lifestyle. Places to stay in the area
Located on the Right Bank, Le Marais is one of the best places to visit in the French capital.
It has an amazing array of museums, including the Musée National Picasso-Paris and the Maison Européene de la Photographie. Also, visitors can find Kosher bakeries, noodle joints, high-end fashion boutiques and fascinating art collections.
Parisians and visitors alike love to come here for a leisurely stroll.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg, known in English as the Luxembourg Garden, is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and covers 23 hectares (56.8 acres). Places to stay in the area
The Luxembourg Garden is the most popular and beautiful park in Paris.
Here, visitors can find an ideal place to rest after a long day exploring the city. It is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, model sailboats on its octagonal Grand Bassin, as well as picturesque Medici Fountain.
An interesting fact about this place is that it served as inspiration for many artists: Victor Hugo featured it in Les Miserables; Van Gogh painted people strolling through it.
What to Do in Paris
The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located in Versailles, about 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Places to stay in the area
This awe-inspiring palace became Louis XIV’s showpiece, his symbol of power. After all, he was the “Sun King” around whom the world revolved.
The palace exemplifies French Classicism and set the standard for royal courts in the 17th century.
The palace is most celebrated for the extravagance of its apartments, which are adorned with gold, crystal and precious gems. The main attractions are: Hall of Mirrors, King’s State Apartment, Queen’s Apartment, The Gardens, Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon Palaces or Chapelle Royale.
The Gardens of Versailles cover 800 hectares of land with sculptures, rare flowers and greenery. The gardens gained status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
We recommend tourists to plan their visit during summer, when water shows are performed every evening.
Climb up the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. Places to stay in the area
It honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The Arc de Triomphe continues to serve as an iconic symbol of France, to the country itself and to the world.
Don’t miss the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ before you climb up the Arc de Triomphe.
The top of the Arc de Triomphe can be accessed on foot by a staircase of 284 steps or by a lift which allows access to the attic room.
From this level, visitors need to climb 46 more steps to reach the terrace. The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues.
Visit the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier, an architectural masterpiece inaugurated in 1875 at the request of Napoleon III, is without doubt one of the most dazzling monuments in Paris, an attraction that you should not miss. Places to stay in the area
A symbol of Paris, it is the only active theatre in the world to be both a place of art as well as a magnificent building bursting with history.
The tour of Palais Garnier will give you the chance to appreciate the majestic spaces inside, where you will wander past the Fountain of Pythia, take the grand staircases and complement the immense and richly decorated nave. Visitors will also experience the grand Foyer and the Glacier Rotunda.
An interesting fact about this place: The Phantom of the Opera novel, which was written by Gaston Leroux in 1910, is said to have been inspired by a true story event.
A visit to the Opera Garnier is one of the best things to do in Paris.
Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica
The Montmartre butte is the highest point in the French capital and is famous for the Sacré Coeur Basilica (Sacred Heart) as well as panoramic views of Paris. Places to stay in the area
The streets of Montmartre are bustling with artists painting breathtaking views, talented street artists and surprising sculptures.
Travelers can enjoy museum visits and the wonderful view of the city from the top of Sacré-Cœur. The breathtaking panorama makes it one of the most popular tourist destination in the capital of France.
The Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay, located in the former Gare d’Orsay, houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, by famous painters including: Claude Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.
Museum tour offer an in-depth, immersive look at the world-class collection in a dynamic manner. At any time about 3,000 art pieces are on display within Musée d’Orsay.
It is definitely an amazing museum that offers visitor a magical experience.
Visit one of the oldest districts – The Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter of Paris is situated on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne.
Known for its student life, lively atmosphere, and bistros, the Latin Quarter is the home to a number of higher education establishments. Places to stay in the area
Visitors will come across great museums, Roman vestiges, exceptional monuments and splendid gardens.
One of the best attraction to visit in this quarter is the Pantheon. It was built as a church in 1758 and it was converted to a shrine to the “heroes of France” during the French Revolution. The Pantheon’s exterior was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Victor Hugo and Marie Curie are interred here.
Most of the Latin Quarter is a medieval maze of winding, narrow streets and stone-paved alleyways, with a few quiet, hidden squares.
The area’s vibrant and soulful ambience make it one of the most interesting quarters of Paris to explore.
Feel the adventure in the Astérix Park
Parc Astérix is France’s second largest theme park and it is based on the comic book series Asterix by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. Places to stay in the area
France’s favorite comic-book characters will provide you with a different atmosphere that is just as exciting as Disneyland.
There are primarily 3 zones at the Parc Astérix theme park: Fun For All The Family Zone, Thrillseekers Zone and The Young Gauls Zone. Each zone has an excellent collection of rides and attractions that are a joy to experience.
Visitors can go wild with hair-raising roller coasters, wonderfully decorated attractions, indoor and outdoor activities and wacky shows that combine stunts, clever effects, magic, humor, and special encounters.
Grevin Wax Museum
Grevin Museum is located in a Parisian town house, where the baroque design features are creatively contrasted with state-of-the-art multimedia technology.
The Musée Grévin features over 500 life-like wax characters representing the world’s best known celebrities (especially from France).
Visitor can meet their role model, favorite pop star or sporting hero at The Musée Grévin. Also, they can learn about major events in French for an entertaining educational experience.
The visit begins in the Hall of Mirrors, a room built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900, which is like an enormous kaleidoscope. Further along, the decorations of the museum transport its visitors to a beautiful sanctuary, a Hindu temple or a lush jungle.
This atypical place will delight both adults and children on a family outing.
Visit Moulin Rouge Paris
The Moulin Rouge is an iconic symbol of Paris.
Opened in 1889 in the district of Pigalle, this legendary cabaret is where the modern can-can dance has evolved into a unique form of art and entertainment worshipped by several generations of bohemian Parisians. Places to stay in the area
After more than a century since its opening, the Moulin Rouge is still number one dancing show in Paris and one of the top tourist attractions in Paris.
Shopping at Galeries LaFayette
Galeries Lafayette is one of the most popular, chic and distinguished shopping centers in Paris. Places to stay in the area
It is located near Opera Garnier and offers its visitors a splendid glass Coupole, rising to a height of 43 meters, which can be seen from across the city.
Shopping is of course the main reason why many visitors come to Galeries Lafayette. The huge department store spread out across 3 multi-floor buildings offering over 3,000 brands: Galeries Lafayette / Magasin Coupole (Main Store Building), Galeries Lafayette Homme / Magasin L’Homme (Men’s Store) and Galeries Lafayette Maison / Magasin Maison & Gourmet.
Experience Wine Tasting at O’Chateau
In the heart of the first arrondissement, near Louvre and the Palais-Royal garden, lies an inviting, sophisticated, elegant and rare gem – Ô Chateau, a wine bar and tasting room.
Set over 300 m², this prestigious location offers tasting workshops and wine tours to discover different vineyards in France and around the world.
The tastings are held “underground” – in Les Caves du Paradis, once King Louis XV’s private wine cellar. The location, a vaulted stone cellar of several rooms, is very atmospheric.
This bar offers an essential insight into Parisian culture.
Walk in Saint Germain des Pres Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the 6th Arrondissement of Paris, is known for the literary and artistic celebrities who lived and worked here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It was the meeting point for existentialists, painters, and writers. Places to stay in the area
A visit to the area should begin with the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Its tower and nave constitute some of the oldest Parisian vestiges of Romanesque architecture (11th and 12th centuries).
Visitors can also find art galleries, antique stores, theaters and cinemas, street markets,, clothing retailers, and the upscale department store, Le Bon Marché.
This village-like district with its mix of culture and heritage, right in the center of Paris, is well worth discovering
Best Things to Do in Paris
- Best Places to Visit in Paris
- The Eiffel Tower
- Enjoy a cruise on Seine
- Visit the Louvre Museum
- Experience the magic of Disneyland Paris
- Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Walk on Champs – Élysées
- Discover Le Marais neighborhood
- The Jardin du Luxembourg
- The Palace of Versailles
- Climb up the Arc de Triomphe
- Visit the Palais Garnier
- Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica
- The Musée d’Orsay
- Visit one of the oldest districts – The Latin Quarter
- Feel the adventure in the Astérix Park
- Grevin Wax Museum
- Visit Moulin Rouge Paris
- Shopping at Galeries LaFayette
- Experience Wine Tasting at O’Chateau
- Walk in Saint Germain des Pres Quarter
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