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Sights in Paris: What should you really see in Paris?

Sights in Paris

Sights in Paris: What should you really see in Paris?

Published on 9 October 2024 Last updated on 4 August 2026

Over the past fifteen years, I have visited many of the attractions in Paris several times. Even so, the city is so large that it is impossible to see everything during your first city trip. In addition, many of the most famous attractions are spread throughout the city. That is why it is a good idea to decide in advance which places you really want to visit, especially if you only have a few days in Paris.

To help you plan your trip, I have put together a list of the ten attractions in Paris that you should not miss during your first visit. I also share practical tips and useful information to help you prepare for your city trip. This way, you can make the most of your visit to the French capital.

The Best Sights in Paris

Paris has so many attractions that it is impossible to visit them all during a city trip. From impressive monuments and historic buildings to world-famous museums and magnificent palaces, the French capital has something to offer every visitor. Below, you will find ten attractions that, in my opinion, should not be missed during your first visit to Paris.

1. The Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is the most famous attraction in Paris and, for many visitors, the highlight of a city trip. There is always plenty to see and do around the tower. From the Champ de Mars, you have a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and can enjoy a relaxing walk, have a picnic, or take photos.

If you want to admire Paris from above, you can visit the Eiffel Tower. The tower has three levels that are open to visitors. A standard ticket gives you access to the first and second levels. If you also want to visit the summit, you will need a separate ticket. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the Seine, the rooftops of Paris, and many of the city’s famous landmarks.

I recommend booking your tickets well in advance. During my visits to Paris, I have noticed that the Eiffel Tower is almost always busy, especially during the high season and school holidays.

2. The Louvre Museum

The Louvre in Paris

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and should not be missed during a city trip to Paris. In addition to its impressive art collection, the former royal palace itself is well worth a visit. Every year, millions of visitors come to the museum to admire some of the world’s most famous works of art up close.

At the Louvre, you can see the world-famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and paintings by masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Because of the museum’s enormous size, it is a good idea to decide in advance which sections you want to visit. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance to avoid long waiting times.

3. Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame in Paris

Notre-Dame is one of the most famous sights in Paris and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. In 2019, the cathedral was severely damaged by a major fire, which destroyed the roof and its iconic spire. After several years of restoration, Notre-Dame has reopened to visitors.

Inside, you can admire the cathedral’s impressive architecture and visit the treasury. It houses remarkable religious artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the Cross of Christ. Thanks to its central location on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame is also easy to combine with other nearby attractions.

2. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe in Paris

The Arc de Triomphe, together with the Eiffel Tower, is one of the most famous attractions in Paris. Both landmarks are well worth a visit. If you’re unsure which one to climb, the choice mainly depends on your budget and what you would like to see.

The Eiffel Tower is the more popular option, but visiting the Arc de Triomphe is more affordable and also offers spectacular views of the city. From the rooftop terrace, you can overlook the Champs-Élysées, the wide boulevards of Paris, and even see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Many visitors choose the Arc de Triomphe as their viewpoint because it offers the chance to admire the Eiffel Tower from above.

5. Sacré Coeur

Sacre-Coeur in Paris

Sacré-Cœur is one of the most famous attractions in Paris. The basilica sits on top of the hill of Montmartre and can be seen from far away. Not only does the striking white building attract many visitors, but the panoramic view over the city also makes it well worth a visit.

The walk to the basilica is an experience in itself. From the foot of the hill, you climb the famous staircase, with the view becoming more impressive as you make your way up. Once at the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the rooftops of Paris and many of its famous landmarks.

The interior is equally impressive. Inside, you’ll immediately notice the colorful mosaics, stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere. This makes Sacré-Cœur not only a popular tourist attraction but also a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

6. Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay in Paris

Musée d’Orsay is one of the finest museums in Paris and a must-visit for art and history lovers. Located on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Louvre, the museum features an impressive collection from the period between 1848 and 1914. Here, you can admire masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas.

What makes Musée d’Orsay even more special is the building itself. The museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, which opened for the 1900 World’s Fair. Much of the station’s original architecture has been preserved, giving the museum a truly unique atmosphere.

In addition to paintings, you can also admire sculptures, photography, and other works of art from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Thanks to its outstanding collection and remarkable location, Musée d’Orsay is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful museums in the French capital.

7. Sainte Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most beautiful religious attractions in Paris. As soon as you step inside, the enormous stained glass windows immediately capture your attention. On a sunny day especially, the colorful windows create a truly breathtaking display. The chapel was built in the thirteenth century on the orders of King Louis IX to house important religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns of Christ.

Sainte-Chapelle served as the private chapel of the French royal family. This is still reflected in its richly decorated Gothic architecture and intricate details. Thanks to its central location, close to Notre-Dame and the Conciergerie, it is easy to combine a visit with other nearby attractions.

8. Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most famous parks in Paris and is located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Once part of the royal palace grounds, the gardens are now a popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can stroll along wide avenues, past ponds, sculptures, and beautifully landscaped gardens, with views of several famous landmarks.

What I like most about Jardin des Tuileries is its relaxed atmosphere. Around the large fountain, you’ll find the iconic green chairs where you can sit, relax, or simply watch the world go by. Near the gardens is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and the surrounding area is home to several bakeries where you can pick up a fresh croissant or a coffee before continuing your walk through Paris.

9. Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Although the Palace of Versailles is located just outside Paris, it is considered one of the highlights of a city trip by many visitors. The former royal palace is renowned for its lavishly decorated halls, expansive gardens, and remarkable history. As a result, Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from the French capital.

Originally built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Versailles later grew into one of the largest palaces in the world. During your visit, don’t miss the famous Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the magnificent palace gardens. If you’re spending several days in Paris, I definitely recommend taking the time to visit Versailles.

10. Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton is one of the most striking museums in Paris and a must-visit for lovers of modern art and architecture. Designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building immediately stands out with its glass structure, which resembles giant sails billowing in the wind.

Inside, you can admire a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, complemented by major temporary exhibitions. Don’t forget to visit the terraces, where you can enjoy beautiful views over Paris. It is this combination of remarkable architecture, inspiring art, and stunning views that makes Fondation Louis Vuitton such a unique attraction.

Which attractions should you not miss on your first visit to Paris?

Which attractions in Paris you should visit depends, of course, on your interests and how much time you have. If it’s your first time in Paris, I recommend staying for at least three or four days. This gives you enough time to visit the city’s most famous attractions without having to rush from one place to another.

If you ask me which attractions you shouldn’t miss during your first city trip, I would choose:

  1. Eiffel Tower – The most iconic symbol of Paris and one of the best viewpoints in the city.
  2. The Louvre Museum – One of the world’s most famous museums, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa.
  3. Jardin des Tuileries – The perfect place to relax and enjoy a walk between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
  4. Notre-Dame – An impressive cathedral with a rich history and stunning Gothic architecture.
  5. Arc de Triomphe – The rooftop terrace offers spectacular views over the Champs-Élysées and the rest of Paris.
  6. Sacré-Cœur – The basilica on the hill of Montmartre provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.

If you only have one day in Paris, you can still get a great first impression of the city, but you’ll need to make some choices. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe are especially popular, and waiting times can be quite long. For that reason, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance and book tickets for the attractions you definitely want to visit. That way, you’ll make the most of your day.

My Experience with the Sights in Paris

I have been visiting Paris for more than fifteen years now, and every city trip brings something new to discover. Even so, the Eiffel Tower remains my favorite attraction. From the top, at a height of 276 meters (906 feet), you can enjoy breathtaking views over the city. You can see the Seine, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur, and you truly get a sense of just how vast Paris is.

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, I often take a sightseeing cruise on the Seine. The departure point is located right next to the tower, making it easy to combine the two experiences. One of the biggest advantages is that you usually don’t need to reserve a specific time slot. A boat departs approximately every thirty minutes, and during the cruise, you’ll pass many of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

I also visit the Louvre Museum almost every time I’m in Paris. What many people underestimate is just how enormous the museum is. You can easily spend an entire day there and still not see everything. The area around the Mona Lisa is usually especially crowded. Keep in mind that, even if you have a reserved time slot, you will still need to go through a security check. During busy periods, this can result in long waiting times.

Sacré-Cœur and the Montmartre district are also among my favorite places in Paris. Be prepared for the steep climb to the basilica, as you’ll need to climb quite a few steps from the nearest metro station. If you’d rather avoid the climb, you can take the Funiculaire de Montmartre, a short funicular railway that takes you to the top of the hill in about a minute and a half. During the high season and on weekends, however, the queue for the funicular can be quite long. In those cases, taking the stairs is sometimes the faster option.

Crowds and long queues have become part of visiting many of Paris’s attractions. For me, that’s never a reason to skip them. By planning your itinerary in advance, booking your tickets early, and allowing plenty of time, visiting the city’s attractions becomes a much more enjoyable experience. That way, you can fully appreciate everything this remarkable city has to offer.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Sights in Paris

1. Book Your Tickets Well in Advance

Popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are often fully booked days or even weeks in advance. That’s why it’s best to book your tickets as early as possible. This helps you avoid long queues and allows you to plan your visit at the time that suits you best.

2. Plan Your Day in Advance

Paris is a large city, and its most famous attractions are spread across different neighborhoods. By planning your day in advance and visiting attractions that are close to each other on the same day, you can save a lot of travel time. For example, the Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries, and Musée d’Orsay are easy to combine in a single day.

3. Choose a Hotel in a Central Location

A hotel outside the city center is often more affordable, but you’ll usually spend more time and money on transportation. Especially if it’s your first visit to Paris, staying in a centrally located hotel is often the best choice. Many attractions can then be reached on foot or with a short metro ride.

4. Avoid the Metro During Peak Hours

If you’re traveling by metro, try to avoid the weekday morning rush between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and the evening rush between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Weekends can also be especially busy between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. due to shoppers and tourists. Traveling outside these times will usually get you to your destination more quickly.

5. Don’t Eat Right Next to the Major Attractions

Restaurants located directly next to popular attractions are often more expensive, and the quality isn’t always better. Instead, walk a few streets away into a side street. You’ll often find charming restaurants with better value for money and a more authentic local atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions About the sights in Paris

What are the most famous attractions in Paris?

The most famous attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and the Palace of Versailles. Other popular attractions include Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, Jardin des Tuileries, and Fondation Louis Vuitton.

How many days do you need to visit the main attractions in Paris?

To visit the main attractions in Paris at a relaxed pace, it is best to allow at least three or four days. If you have less time, plan your itinerary in advance and choose the attractions you most want to visit.

Are the attractions in Paris free to visit?

It depends on the attraction. Many famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Musée d’Orsay, charge an admission fee. Attractions such as Jardin des Tuileries, Montmartre, and the exterior of Notre-Dame can be visited free of charge. Some museums and monuments also offer free admission at certain times or provide special discounts.

Which attractions in Paris are great for children?

The Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, Jardin des Tuileries, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur are all popular attractions for families with children. A visit to Disneyland Paris is also a favorite day trip during a vacation or city break in Paris.

What is the best way to travel between the attractions?

The metro is the fastest way to get around Paris. Many of the city’s famous attractions are also within walking distance of each other, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a pleasant walk. By planning a smart route in advance, you can save time and see more of the city.

What is the best time of year to visit the attractions in Paris?

Spring (April through June) and autumn (September and October) are considered the best times to visit Paris. The weather is pleasant, and the city is often less crowded than during the summer holidays. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, visit the most popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

More Travel Tips for a City Trip to Paris

Are you planning your trip to Paris? Below, you’ll find more articles with useful tips and practical information to help you prepare for your visit.

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