1. Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
Start with the iconic Eiffel Tower, Paris’s most recognizable landmark. For breathtaking city views, ascend its 324 meters either by lift or stairs. At night, witness the tower sparkle every hour with thousands of twinkling lights, an unforgettable Parisian spectacle.
2. Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre. It houses an astonishing collection of over 380,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century. Key highlights include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
Though partially damaged by fire in 2019, Notre Dame remains a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Admire its façade, sculptures, and gargoyles, and learn about ongoing restoration efforts to revive this historic gem by 2024.
4. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Explore the bohemian and artistic charm of Montmartre. Wander its quaint, hilly streets before visiting the stunning white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica. From its front steps, enjoy sweeping views of Paris below.
5. The Seine River and Its Bridges
A river cruise along the Seine offers scenic views of Parisian landmarks. Float past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame while enjoying a romantic or family-friendly lunch or dinner cruise.
6. Musée d’Orsay
Set in a grand former railway station, Musée d’Orsay boasts the world’s most extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Marvel at works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many others.
7. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, a glamorous avenue lined with cinema, cafés, and luxury specialty shops. At its end, climb the Arc de Triomphe for another unique view of the city, especially striking at sunset.
8. Palace of Versailles
Just outside Paris lies the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a testament to the extravagance of the French monarchy. The vast complex includes the glamorous palace, beautifully manicured gardens, and the Marie-Antoinette estate.
9. Sainte-Chapelle
A hidden treasure within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, with 15 panels depicting 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
10. The Marais and Place des Vosges
The historically Jewish quarter of Marais is now one of Paris’s most vibrant districts, with a fantastic mix of old architectural styles, fashionable shops, galleries, and eateries. Don’t miss the Place des Vosges, a perfectly symmetric square surrounded by residential buildings.
Paris touts an endless array of culturally rich sites, each nook and cranny bursting with history, art, and beauty. These top ten attractions provide a quintessential snapshot of what makes Paris a cherished city on the global travel map. Whether it’s soaking in the monumental magnificence of its landmarks or luxuriating along the banks of the Seine, Paris promises an exceptional experience for every visitor.
