Call it City of Life or City of Love, whichever you choose, let us explore Paris and enjoy what it has in store for tourists and visitors alike. Known as one of the most romantic places on Earth, Paris truly has the best places to visit, and these places are also tourist attractions in Paris.
The following are some suggested best places to visit in Paris. They are the famous places in Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of the best Gothic cathedrals, Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the places to visit in Paris, is another iconic destination in Paris, just like the Eiffel Tower, which is familiar in movies, TV shows, and social-media updates among tourists and visitors alike.
Unfortunately, the cathedral is set to reopen in 2024, and its wooden roof collapsed during the fire.
The cathedral is situated along the picturesque River Seine when you visit Paris.
It took so long for the cathedral to construct because of its intricate Gothic architecture and design. Its construction began in the late 10th century, and the final touches were made nearly 200 years after that.
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and marvel at its awe-inspiring architectural details. There is everything about this cathedral, inside and out, that can surely capture your attention. For instance, the cathedral’s carved statues seamlessly integrated into its façade alone is a marvel of ingenuity. In addition, the back-end of the cathedral is detailed with an ornate flying buttress ideal for photography and fun.
Do not miss your visit to Paris without including the Notre-Dame Cathedral in your itinerary. Find out why 13 million people visit this destination every year.
Musee du Louvre
The Louver Museum, one of the beautiful places in Paris, was strikingly featured from the movie Da Vinci Code and might have caught your attention. This iconic destination in Paris has become a must-visit among travelers because it is one of the finest art museums not only in Europe but in the world. There are 35,000 works of art inside the Louvre. Let your eyes experience the abundance of art with different varieties from different periods and cultures.
For instance, Egyptian mummy tombs and Grecian sculptures are present in the Louvre. There are also thousands of paintings like the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Eugene Delacroix’s Liberty of Leading the People, and The Raft of Medusa by Theodore Gericault.
In just one visit, the 650,000 square feet of gallery space is hard to finish. Other visitors’ strategy is to plan where to go ahead of time.
Not only that. Due to the volume of people, you might get a shortage of time visiting alone the spots you intended to go.
Visit the Louvre and see for yourself why almost nine million people visit this museum in a year. The Louvre is one of the places to visit in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
The very popular Eiffel Tower might have remained in your memory because of how romantic movies and films featured it as a backdrop of a very iconic scene. The tower has a remarkable history, dating back to World War I and the German occupation in France during World War II. Sightseeing in Paris is complete when you have visited Eiffel Tower.
Today, the tower can still be used for communication transmission, but what most attracts visitors to this iconic structure is its grandeur, leading to more lines before you can climb up to the top.
The tower illuminates with thousands of light bulbs at night, leaving visitors in complete awe and for photo-ops.
Jardin des Tuileries
This free public garden spans approximately 55 acres and is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage in 1991. It is situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, among the places to visit in Paris.
Initially, the garden was for the sole usage of the royal family and court, such as for meetings and weddings that added to the vital role in France’s history.
Parisians and tourists can have their picnic here, and they can only sit on the bench for relaxation and people-watching.
Make the most of your time when you visit Paris. Never forget Jardin des Tuileries for a more feel about Paris. Be there at 7:00 am and note that it will close at 7:30 pm.
Le Marais
Try to experience medieval Paris at Le Marais. Experience its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture, and tucked-away courtyards.
The best way to experience the place is to walk around. You can stroll through Le Marais’s lively streets and begin to fall in love with what it offers. Feel its extensive amenities, including tasty eateries over the place’s beautiful architecture that left many in awe.
Rich history can be associated with Le Marais. Discover more of its past by visiting the place. Book a walking tour to learn more about the richness of its history, and you will know why Le Marais is one of the places to visit in Paris.
Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre
It looks like more of a castle than a basilica, Sacred heart Basilica of Montmarte is a Roman-Byzantine masterpiece prominent for its ornate ivory domes.
Faded as it may appear outside, the interior is sparkling with France’s most giant mosaic depicting the rising Jesus alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.
Do not just enjoy the panoramic views of Paris outside this basilica. Enjoy its stunning interior as well.
Have a trek at this basilica during sunset, and stay long enough to witness Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights illuminating the skyline.
Musee d’Orsay
A rich collection of impressionist works are in abundance in this famous destination in Paris. Satisfy your eyes with the paintings by French artists like Degas, Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. This museum also houses several sculptures, photography, and furniture. Climb to the museum’s top balcony to catch the breathtaking view of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica through the massive transparent clock.
Tourists may have multiple comparisons between Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre. However, many would still choose the former, knowing that this museum is manageable and less crowded, with only two million visitors per year compared to the nine million visitors of the Louvre.
Musee de l’Orangerie
Because it is an extension of Musee d’Orsay, expect a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art at Musee de l’Orangerie. Claude Monet’s Water Lilies is one of the best attractions in this museum. Other collections in this tourist destination include the works of Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, and more. For those Monet fans, this gallery is a must-see. Though the museum is just a smaller building, it also translates to the fact that it has smaller space, which is an ideal destination for tourists who are in a time-crunch. Less space also means less crowd.
Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
You may be wondering how come a cemetery has become a tourist attraction. Pere-Lachaise Cemetery attracts tourists because it is one of the most beautiful cemeteries globally and Paris’ most prominent green space with 70,000 burial plots, and that is uniquely Paris.
This cemetery is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with green, cascading tress which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds.
The famous Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, and more are Buried here. These are famous faces buried in this cemetery and one significant tourist attraction.
However, the enchanting ground allows the visitors to stay even longer and enjoy the place. Aesthetic-wise, the visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers stunning.
This tourist destination is ideal for individuals looking for a serene atmosphere as it is less crowded due to its more expansive space.
Palais Garnier – Opera National de Paris
Welcome to another tourist destination in Paris that attracts tourists with its masterpiece of architectural luxury. It is the Opera Garnier, which continues to radiate the same enigmatic atmosphere it has once had in the late 1800s. The awe-inspiring Old World interiors draw visitors. Gaston Leroux, the author of Phantom of the Opera, is another reason tourists consider Palais Garnier an addition to the list of their itineraries.
Experience more of Palais Garnier by purchasing your ballet or opera ticket. Performances are highly coveted. Purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Luxembourg Gardens
Ideal for sun-soaking and people-watching activities, Luxembourg provides ample green space, admirable surrounding scenery, and plenty of activities that kids will love. The whole family can relax here with a picnic. Kids can have sailboats at Grand Basin, ride ponies and merry-go-round, and puppet shows.
There is also a museum here, Musee du Luxembourg, ideal for adults who delight sculptures and the replica of the Statue of Liberty. Thus, Luxembourg Gardens has become familiar as an open-air museum.
For sports enthusiasts, the Gardens have basketball and baseball courts.
Arc de Triomphe
This structure honored the Grande Armee during Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars.
The adorable, impressive, intricately carved sculptures are fascinating about the Arc.
Aside from the aesthetic view of the Arc, travelers can climb up the top and take a look at the Parisian panorama.
Appreciate more of the Paris views when you climb to the top of Arc de Triomphe.
Versailles Palace
The former seat of power, Versailles Palace, is situated 14 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Visit this palace and learn more about its history and the history of France.
Aside from the historical narrative as a great draw to this palace, tourists can explore for only 18 euros parts of the 2,300-room castle, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel, and the King’s Private Apartments. Another major favorite among visitors is the palace’s gardens.
Musee Rodin
Welcome to the house of the famous 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. The place is primarily for art buffs, and they will be stunned with impressive sculptures in this museum, including the iconic The Hand of God, The Kiss, and The Thinker.
Aside from the sculptures, there are also 7,000 of the artist’s drawings on display and a place dedicated to the work of artist Camile Claudel, Rodin’s muse and mistress.
You will also get to view Rodin’s art collection. The most popular are Van Gogh’s paintings.
Centre Pompidou
Another visited travel destination in Paris is the Centre Pompidou, a cultural site housing modern and contemporary art like think cubist, surrealist, and pop art. There are more than 100,000 pieces of art here. Here, you can find the works of famous artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Andy Warhol, the 20th and 21st-century artists.
If you are not an art buff, you do not probably get to enjoy the place. However, this museum has entertainment spaces, a library, a rooftop restaurant, cinemas.
Paris Catacombs
Paris has a long-standing brand as a romantic city. In a particular place, this does not apply as the Catacombs are chilling. The Catacombs hold 6 million bodies transferred from all the Parisian graves.
Burial grounds in Paris ran out of space, and the solution was to build the Catacombs beneath the city space. Tourists have the chance to see the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love. These remains beckon visitors who are more likely to have an affinity for paying respect for the departed.
Buy your tickets ahead of time and visit the place of the departed solemnly lying under the City of Love.
Champs Elysees
Welcome to the shopper’s mecca in Paris, the Champs Elysees that stretches more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe. Here, you will encounter iconic luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Hugo Boss competing with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Gap.
Shop in abundance at Champs Elysees, which is open during the day and the nighttime. People crowd the place as both locals and tourists come and go.
Cruise the Champs Elysees anytime.
Sainte-Chapelle
Welcome to another awe-inspiring structure in Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle, housing 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments in vivid color on the stained glass windows. The chapel’s construction dates back to the 13th century.
The chapel is a true masterpiece that no traveler should miss. Where on Earth to find each stained glass window can tell a story, only in Paris. Visit Sainte-Chapelle to witness the work of art on the glass windows.
Seine River
At the heart of Paris flows through the Seine River. This scenic river is perhaps the most famous waterway globally as it is an attraction in itself. Knowing where you are concerning the Seine can help you find your way around during your entire trip.
Most tourists made the Seine River their photo backdrop because of its romantic and scenic view. This waterway provides aesthetic appeal and draws millions of tourists worldwide while allowing Parisians a lifeline. It is a major transportation route, vital for commerce and sustenance for many fishers.
Seine River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its past and present cultural significance.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
Welcome to the megastore in Paris. This gigantic store contains hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options to high-end labels. Budget-friendly brands include but are not limited to Levi’s and Nike, while the high-end titles include Prada and Cartier. This department store seems to provide an unending collection of fashionable goods.
But the thrill does not end there. This luxury bazaar has a stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome at a height 141 feet above the ground. If you want more, there is a glass walkway on the top floor of the building where you can stand above all the action below.
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
If you want to get the best views in Paris, proceed to the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck. At 650 feet high, you can already take a look over major attractions like the Eiffel Tower. At 32 feet upward higher, the rooftop terrace, you will see panoramic views of the romantic City of Lights all day of the year. You can see as far as 25 miles in every direction once you are at the top.
Louis Vuitton Foundation
The Foundation stands out among Paris’ centuries-old buildings because of its daring, modern glass, and smooth concrete design. This art gallery contains modern and contemporary art collections for permanent and temporary exhibits. More than one million visitors visit the Foundation, an achievement of promoting art and culture on the outskirts of Paris.
Moulin Rouge
Nightlife in Paris is more dazzling than you can imagine at Moulin Rouge. This legendary cabaret, which dates back to 1889, provides you the opportunity to hear wowing crowds with amazing dancers, taste free-flowing Champagne, and an outrageous element like a big elephant in the garden. Moulin Rouge’s rich history and performances make it an essential staple in the City of Lights.
Conciergerie
Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. Later, the building became a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. Later, during the French Revolution, it became a prison compound to hold political and common criminals.
Aside from the historical background of the building, tourists also get to enjoy the view of the place.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is both a large church and burial ground with linked history. After its completion in 1789, the structure served as a mausoleum, a church, and an art gallery.
Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. Famous historians, philosophers, scientists, and writers are buried here, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Marie Curie.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are the prettiest places in Paris.
The one that tops the list is the Pantheon, and this structure lures people through its gorgeous neoclassical architecture.
Musee Rodin can be the prettiest place in Paris due to its serene garden filled with sculptures like the iconic The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Place de la Concorde looks glamourous with its Luxor Obelisk and mermaid-filled fountain.
Pont Alexandre III is the biggest photo-ops in Paris. See it for yourself and learn why.
With its green space and quiet, grand, and regal vibe, Jardin du Luxembourg created its beauty and attraction.
Grand marble staircase, gilded chandeliers, and frescoed ceilings are what made Palais Garnier dazzling and regal.
Cathedrale Notre Dame looks grand with its French Gothic architecture elaborately integrated into its iconic façade and rose windows.
Foundation Louis Vuitton draws a crowd with its sailboat-shaped building containing some of the city’s best contemporary art.
Musee Jacquemart-Andre is a museum containing the works of Rembrandt, Bellini, Botticelli, and more. Its attractions are the grand marble staircases and gallery walls.
Place du Trocadero has is an open space with a stellar view of Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
Paris is known for its museums and galleries that are full of life. Paris has world-class cuisine that is mouth-watering and continues to influence the taste of the world. The city has flaunted the beautiful architecture of Paris in image and brand for decades. It is also in Paris you can find chic fashion.
Remarkably, Paris is always remembered with its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Versailles, and the Louvre. Not only that. Paris offers iconic cafes and famous monuments as well.
As fascinating as Paris, there are also some things that you need not do there.
Never buy tickets for attractions and shows on the day of the event. Save yourself time from the long lines because the queues are ultimately soul-crushing.
Avoid crowded places when you plan to do something that, in the end, may waste your time due to the volume of the crowd. Always plan your schedule ahead of time or plan the places you want to visit.
Be always early to get to your chosen tourist spot to enjoy your time and not waste it on long lines and bustling crowds.
Never board Parisian transport without a valid ticket. You get fined when you do so.
Please do not assume that everyone speaks English because it is the capital.
The cheek-kissing tradition in Paris should not be underestimated. If you skip that, you are branded rude.
The ones mentioned above are just some of the things you need to avoid in Paris. Learn more about Paris’ tradition, culture, and bustling city life. Know the point of view of tourist guides or your friend’s experience with the city. Learn more from blogs on what to avoid in Paris.
The most popular site in Paris includes its landmarks. The most iconic ones include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Versailles, and the Louvre. You might even learn more about that from the movies or films.
Tickets have varying classifications and prices based on adult and child rates.
For a ticket with an access lift (Second floor), the adult rate is 16.60 euros and the child rate is 4.10 euros.
For tickets with access stairs (Second floor), the adult rate is 10.40 euros and the child rate is 2.60 euros.
For tickets with access life (The top), the adult rate is 25.90 euros, and the child rate is 6.50 euros. Finally, for a ticket with access stairs (2nd floor) and a lift (The top), the adult rate is 19.70 euros, and the child rate is 5 euros.
