5 Places to Visit in Paris

Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world, attracting visitors with its history, architecture, art, food, and distinctive atmosphere. From monuments recognized around the world to historic neighborhoods where simply walking through the streets can become part of the experience, there is plenty to discover.

If you are visiting Paris for the first time, here are five places that are well worth including in your trip.

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1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Paris. Constructed for the 1889 World's Fair, the iron tower was designed as a temporary structure but eventually became one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Today, it dominates the Paris skyline and is usually one of the first places visitors associate with the French capital.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower from the surrounding streets and gardens is already an experience, but visitors can also go up the tower for impressive views across Paris. Different levels offer different perspectives of the city, and seeing the tower illuminated after dark provides another reason to return to the area during the evening.

If you would like to experience the Eiffel Tower from above, you can choose a visit that includes timed entrance to the second floor and access to the summit by elevator. The experience also includes a short introduction from a guide before you continue exploring the tower and enjoying panoramic views across Paris. Learn more about this Eiffel Tower experience here.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of Paris's most important cultural landmarks and one of the world's great museums. Before becoming a museum, the enormous complex served different purposes throughout its long history, including as a royal palace. Today, its historic architecture is combined with the famous glass pyramid standing in the central courtyard.

Inside, visitors can discover works of art and historical objects representing different cultures and periods of history. Its collection is so extensive that trying to see everything during a single visit can be overwhelming. Choosing several sections or works that particularly interest you can make the experience much more enjoyable. The museum currently operates every day except Tuesday, with longer evening opening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays.

If you would like some guidance while exploring such a large collection, you can choose a guided Louvre experience with reserved museum entry. An expert guide can introduce you to some of the museum's best-known masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, while sharing more about the artworks and the history of the Louvre itself. Learn more about this Louvre Museum tour here.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Standing on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the city's most important historic and religious landmarks. The cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture, stained glass, towers, sculptures, and its long connection with the history of Paris.

Following the devastating fire of April 2019, Notre-Dame underwent an extensive restoration project. After more than five years of work, the cathedral reopened in December 2024 and visitors can once again enter it. Admission to the cathedral itself is free, although visitors should check the official information before their visit because access arrangements can change.

Whether you visit because of its religious importance, architecture, or history, Notre-Dame provides an opportunity to experience a building that has witnessed centuries of Parisian history.

If you would like to discover Notre-Dame in greater depth, you can also choose a small-group or private guided tour. During the experience, a guide can introduce you to the cathedral’s architecture, artworks, history, the 2019 fire, and its restoration, while also pointing out details and features that may be easy to miss when visiting on your own. Learn more about this Notre-Dame experience here.

4. Arc de Triomphe

Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is another of Paris's most recognizable monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the monument was originally intended to honor the victories of his Grande Armée and today bears the names of battles and generals from the Revolution and First Empire.

Visitors can admire its sculptures and architectural details from below and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located beneath the monument. It is also possible to visit the terrace at the top, which provides panoramic views across Paris. From there, landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and La Défense can be seen across the city.

Combining a visit to the Arc de Triomphe with a walk along the Champs-Élysées is an easy way to experience another famous part of central Paris.

If you would like to explore the monument at your own pace, you can choose a self-guided visit that includes entrance to the Arc de Triomphe, access to its interior museum and exhibition areas, and entry to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views over Paris. Learn more about this Arc de Triomphe experience here.

5. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Montmartre offers a different experience from Paris's grand monuments and museums. Located on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, the neighborhood is known for its cobbled streets, artists, small squares, cafés, and the creative atmosphere that attracted many artists during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

At the top of the hill stands the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, whose white exterior makes it one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. The location also provides impressive views over Paris. Entry to the basilica itself is free, while visiting its dome is a separate experience.

It is worth allowing some additional time to explore Montmartre rather than visiting only the basilica. Walking through the surrounding streets, seeing the artists around Place du Tertre, and discovering the neighborhood at a slower pace can provide a very different impression of Paris from the busy central attractions.

If you would like to discover more of Montmartre's history and artistic character, you can also choose a small-group or private guided walking tour. The experience takes you through some of the neighborhood's best-known locations, including Sacré-Cœur, the Moulin Rouge, places associated with artists such as Vincent van Gogh, and Montmartre's historic vineyard. Learn more about this Montmartre guided tour here.

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