Paris, the City of Light, offers an array of stunning attractions, each with its own unique charm, history, and ambiance. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to hidden gems in the artistic Montmartre, here’s a detailed guide to the top 20 must-see attractions in Paris, including nearby dining recommendations, ticket details, and tips for planning your visit.
1. Eiffel Tower
Description: An iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its three levels.
History: Built in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, it was initially criticized but quickly became a beloved symbol of Paris.
Google Maps: Eiffel Tower Location
Official Website: Eiffel Tower
Tickets: Book Tickets – from €26
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 11:45 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 6 (Bir-Hakeim), RER Line C (Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Jules Verne (inside the tower): Michelin-starred restaurant, known for French classics and spectacular views.
– Café Constant: Popular for traditional French dishes like duck confit and escargot.
Tips: Book tickets online to avoid long queues, and visit around sunset for the best views.
2. Louvre Museum
Description: The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum, housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
History: Originally a fortress in the 12th century, it became a royal palace and then a museum in 1793.
Google Maps: Louvre Museum Location
Official Website: Louvre Museum
Tickets: Book Tickets – €17
Opening Hours: Wed-Mon, 9 AM – 6 PM; Fri until 9:45 PM; closed Tues
Travel Options: Metro Line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre), Bus Lines 21, 27, 69
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Fumoir: Known for cocktails and French bistro fare.
– La Régalade Saint-Honoré: Famous for its terrine and traditional French cuisine.
Tips: Plan for several hours to fully explore, and use the Louvre app for guided routes.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Description: A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is famous for its stunning rose windows and intricate facade.
History: Built in 1163, it has been a site for many historic events, including Napoleon’s coronation.
Google Maps: Notre-Dame Cathedral Location
Tickets: Currently closed for renovation; exterior accessible for viewing.
Travel Options: Metro Line 4 (Cité), RER Line B/C (Saint-Michel Notre-Dame)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Saint Régis: Serves popular dishes like French onion soup and croque-monsieur.
– Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole: Known for traditional dishes like beef bourguignon.
Tips: Evening views are especially stunning with the lights illuminating the facade.
4. Montmartre and Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
Description: Montmartre is a historic, artistic neighborhood, and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is known for its stunning views and Byzantine-inspired architecture.
History: Montmartre was the hub of Parisian bohemian life in the 19th and early 20th centuries, home to artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
Google Maps: Sacré-Cœur Location
Official Website: Sacré-Cœur
Tickets: Free entry; Dome access €7
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10:30 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 2 (Anvers), Montmartre Funicular
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Consulat: Offers authentic French cuisine and historical charm.
– La Maison Rose: Known for its picturesque pink facade and traditional dishes.
Tips: Climb to the dome for the best views of Paris, and explore the nearby Place du Tertre for art and souvenirs.
5. Musée d’Orsay
Description: The Musée d’Orsay is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, housed in a former railway station.
History: Opened in 1986, the museum building was originally a Beaux-Arts railway station completed in 1900.
Google Maps: Musée d’Orsay Location
Official Website: Musée d’Orsay
Tickets: Book Tickets – €16
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 9:30 AM – 6 PM; closed Mon
Travel Options: RER Line C (Musée d’Orsay), Metro Line 12 (Solférino)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Les Antiquaires: Known for steak frites and duck breast.
– Café de l’Empire: Great for brunch and classic French dishes.
Tips: The museum café has views over the Seine, and the museum is less crowded in the afternoons.
6. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Description: The Champs-Élysées is a famous avenue for shopping and dining, ending at the Arc de Triomphe, which offers panoramic city views.
History: Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc commemorates those who fought for France.
Google Maps: Arc de Triomphe Location
Official Website: Arc de Triomphe
Tickets: Book Tickets – €13
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 11 PM
Travel Options: Metro Lines 1, 2, 6 (Charles de Gaulle – Étoile)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Fouquet’s: Iconic French brasserie known for its seafood and escargot.
– L’Alsace: Specializes in Alsatian cuisine, including choucroute and tarte flambée.
Tips: Visit in the evening for illuminated views of the Champs-Élysées.
7. Sainte-Chapelle
Description: Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century Gothic chapel, famous for its dazzling stained glass windows.
History: Built in 1248 to house Louis IX’s collection of religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
Google Maps: Sainte-Chapelle Location
Official Website: Sainte-Chapelle
Tickets: Book Tickets – €11
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM; extended hours in summer
Travel Options: Metro Lines 4, 7, 11 (Châtelet)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Louis IX: French bistro serving duck confit and other classics.
– Au Vieux Comptoir: Known for its wine selection and French cuisine.
Tips: Best visited on a sunny day to fully appreciate the vibrant stained glass.
8. Seine River Cruise
Description: A Seine River Cruise offers stunning views of Paris’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, from the water.
History: Since the 1950s, river cruises have provided tourists a unique perspective on the city’s famous sites.
Google Maps: Seine River Cruise Departure
Tickets: Book Tickets – from €15 for a standard cruise
Opening Hours: Various times, depending on cruise company
Travel Options: Many cruises depart near Pont de l’Alma or Pont Neuf; closest metro stations are Alma-Marceau and Pont Neuf.
Nearby Restaurants:
– Chez Francis: French brasserie with a view of the Eiffel Tower, known for escargot and steak tartare.
– Les Ombres: Offers panoramic views and refined French cuisine.
Tips: Evening cruises provide a magical view of illuminated Paris landmarks.
9. Palace of Versailles
Description: The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site with lavish gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and the historic royal residence of Louis XIV.
History: Built in 1682, Versailles was the center of political power in France until the Revolution in 1789.
Google Maps: Palace of Versailles Location
Official Website: Palace of Versailles
Tickets: Book Tickets – from €18
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 9 AM – 5:30 PM; closed Mon
Travel Options: RER Line C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
Nearby Restaurants:
– Ore by Alain Ducasse: Michelin-starred dining within Versailles, specializing in French gastronomy.
– La Petite Venise: Located in the palace gardens, serving Italian-inspired dishes.
Tips: Visit the gardens in the morning for fewer crowds.
10. Luxembourg Gardens
Description: Luxembourg Gardens is a charming public park with beautiful gardens, statues, fountains, and an orangerie.
History: Commissioned in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici, the gardens are influenced by the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
Google Maps: Luxembourg Gardens Location
Opening Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Travel Options: RER Line B (Luxembourg), Metro Line 4 (Odéon)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Angelina: Known for its hot chocolate and pastries.
– Le Bon Saint Pourçain: Serves French classics in a cozy setting.
Tips: Perfect for a picnic or a quiet afternoon walk.
11. Place de la Concorde
Description: Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris, famous for its Egyptian obelisk and fountains.
History: Established in 1755, it witnessed many historic events, including the executions during the French Revolution.
Google Maps: Place de la Concorde Location
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Travel Options: Metro Lines 1, 8, 12 (Concorde)
Nearby Restaurants:
– L’Obé: French fine dining at the nearby Hôtel de Crillon.
– Le Crillon: Known for its elegant atmosphere and refined cuisine.
Tips: Great for a scenic walk, and close to the Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées.
12. Montparnasse Tower
Description: The Montparnasse Tower offers panoramic views of Paris, including an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
History: Built in 1973, it remains the only skyscraper within Paris’s city limits.
Google Maps: Montparnasse Tower Location
Official Website: Montparnasse Tower
Tickets: Book Tickets – €20
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Travel Options: Metro Lines 4, 6, 12, 13 (Montparnasse Bienvenüe)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Ciel de Paris: Located in the tower, offering fine dining with panoramic views.
– La Coupole: Historic brasserie known for seafood platters.
Tips: Visit at sunset or night for stunning city views.
13. Les Invalides
Description: Les Invalides is a complex that includes museums, monuments, and Napoleon’s tomb.
History: Built in 1671 by Louis XIV as a military hospital and residence for war veterans.
Google Maps: Les Invalides Location
Official Website: Les Invalides
Tickets: Book Tickets – €14
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 8 (La Tour-Maubourg)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Restaurant Auguste: Michelin-starred restaurant offering French cuisine.
– Le Bistrot du 7ème: Known for traditional French dishes.
Tips: Check out Napoleon’s tomb and the impressive dome.
14. Place des Vosges
Description: Paris’s oldest planned square, Place des Vosges is a peaceful spot with arcades, shops, and cafes.
History: Built by Henri IV in 1612, it became a fashionable area for the Parisian elite.
Google Maps: Place des Vosges Location
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Travel Options: Metro Line 1 (Saint-Paul)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Carette: Famous for pastries and afternoon tea.
– L’Ambroisie: Three-Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in French haute cuisine.
Tips: Victor Hugo’s house museum is located here, providing insight into the writer’s life.
15. Canal Saint-Martin
Description: Canal Saint-Martin is a scenic canal with lovely bridges, trendy cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
History: Constructed in the early 19th century under Napoleon to supply fresh water to Paris.
Google Maps: Canal Saint-Martin Location
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Travel Options: Metro Lines 3, 5, 8 (République)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Verre Volé: Wine bar and restaurant with a focus on organic wines.
– Chez Prune: Popular for brunch and casual French fare.
Tips: Enjoy a picnic along the canal, especially in warmer months.
16. Palais Garnier (Opera House)
Description: A stunning opera house known for its opulent architecture, including grand staircases and ceiling frescoes by Marc Chagall.
History: Opened in 1875, designed by Charles Garnier, it’s an architectural masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style.
Google Maps: Palais Garnier Location
Official Website: Palais Garnier
Tickets: Book Tickets – €14 for self-guided tours
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM; hours vary for performances
Travel Options: Metro Lines 3, 7, 8 (Opéra)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Café de la Paix: Iconic for French classics and pastries.
– Le Grand Café Capucines: Traditional brasserie popular for seafood.
Tips: Attend a performance or take a guided tour to experience its grandeur.
17. Moulin Rouge
Description: The Moulin Rouge is the birthplace of the modern can-can dance and is famous for its cabaret shows featuring extravagant costumes and performances.
History: Opened in 1889 during the Belle Époque era, the Moulin Rouge quickly became a symbol of Parisian nightlife and a popular spot for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec.
Google Maps: Moulin Rouge Location
Official Website: Moulin Rouge
Tickets: Book Tickets – from €87 for shows; dinner and show packages available
Opening Hours: Daily, shows at 9 PM and 11 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 2 (Blanche)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Bouillon Pigalle: Known for traditional French fare at affordable prices.
– Chez Julien: A popular brasserie serving classic French dishes.
Tips: Book well in advance as shows sell out quickly, and consider a dinner package for a full evening experience.
18. Panthéon
Description: A neoclassical mausoleum, the Panthéon holds the remains of famous French figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
History: Built in 1790 as a church, it was later transformed into a mausoleum during the French Revolution.
Google Maps: Panthéon Location
Official Website: Panthéon
Tickets: Book Tickets – €11.50
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 6:30 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 10 (Cardinal Lemoine), RER Line B (Luxembourg)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Petit Pontoise: Charming bistro known for duck confit and escargot.
– La Maison de Verlaine: Classic French cuisine with a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
Tips: Climb to the dome for panoramic views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.
19. Musée Rodin
Description: The Musée Rodin is dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, showcasing his famous pieces like “The Thinker” in both indoor and garden settings.
History: Opened in 1919, this museum was once Rodin’s residence, where he lived and worked.
Google Maps: Musée Rodin Location
Official Website: Musée Rodin
Tickets: Book Tickets – €13
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 10 AM – 6:30 PM; closed Mon
Travel Options: Metro Line 13 (Varenne), Line 8 (Invalides)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Café de l’Esplanade: Known for its chic ambiance and French cuisine.
– Les Cocottes: Serves traditional French dishes in a relaxed setting.
Tips: The garden is especially beautiful in spring and summer, with many of Rodin’s sculptures displayed outdoors.
20. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Description: Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris, known for its beautiful tombs and famous residents, including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde.
History: Opened in 1804, it was initially unpopular but gained prestige after famous figures were reinterred here.
Google Maps: Père Lachaise Cemetery Location
Official Website: Père Lachaise Cemetery
Tickets: Free entry
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5:30 PM; Sat, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Sun, 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Travel Options: Metro Line 2 (Philippe Auguste), Line 3 (Gambetta)
Nearby Restaurants:
– Le Petit Marcel: Serves French comfort food, including traditional quiches and onion soup.
– Le Perchoir: Rooftop bar offering small plates and views over Paris, located nearby in the Ménilmontant area.
Tips: Take a map or join a guided tour to find the graves of famous personalities more easily.
These top Paris attractions each provide a unique experience, from historic monuments to iconic cultural sites. This guide will help you enjoy the city’s best, with tips for tickets, travel, and local dining options to make the most of each visit.
