Nat Paris is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. It is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the globe, attracting millions of visitors every year! Known as the City of Love, Paris has many things to offer its visitors. In this blog post, we will take you through 10 of the must-visit places to see in Paris, ensuring that you experience the very best that this incredible city has to offer.
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Must-Visit Places in Paris
1) The Eiffel Tower
As one of the most iconic man-made structures in the world, La Tour Eiffel is an absolute MUST SEE when visiting Paris. As a child, the Eiffel Tower was an obsession of mine. Therefore, each time I have visited Paris, I made visiting the tower a priority.
Located in the 7th arrondissment, passing by to see the tower is easy for everyone venturing into the heart of Paris!
Since the tower is visible from great distances all across the city, you do not have to buy a ticket to the summit. However, it is an experience that I hold near and dear to my heart and recommend that everyone see the city from the top at least once in their lives.
Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
However, there are many things that you will need to keep in mind if you plan to add the Eiffel Tower to your itinerary. Below are a few tips for visiting the “Iron Lady”:
- Purchase your tickets in advance – There are many guided tours that you can purchase alongside your ticket to skip the line for a small upcharge. Due to the tower’s popularity, it is possible that they could be sold out for the dates you plan to visit. But do not give up yet! Try checking again about a week in advance as there sometimes are last minute cancellations.
- There are 3 levels for looking out over the city – I think the best views are on the second level. All are accessible by an elevator, but there are stairs from the second level down if you are feeling up for a challenge! By taking the stairs down, you can soak in the views a bit longer and save time from not having to wait in line.
- Beware of pick pockets – With large crowds, comes pick pockets. I DO NOT recommend bringing a bag or purse if you can manage without one. If you do need to bring a bag, make sure that it is secure and in front of your body at all times. I always like to travel with bags that have both a zipper and a clasp for double the security. You can check out my post for more safety tips for traveling!
- Time your visit appropriately – Make sure that you time your visit so that you can see it at the start of sundown and stay for the display of the twinkling lights! It is a beautiful sight to see the tower sparkle with hundreds of LED bulbs. However, this is one of the most popular times to visit. If you can’t make it in the evening, you’ll absolutely be able to see the light show from other locations.
Travel safety is the most important thing to consider when planning a trip. Read Top 30 Most Important Safety Tips for Female Travelers for more information about how to be proactive about your safety while abroad!
2) The Louvre Museum
We’ve all heard of the famous Mona Lisa painting by legendary painter, Leonardo de Vinci. She resides in the Louvre Museum and is a bucket list item that you can check off in Paris! However, the Louvre is home to many other wonders of art, making it the most visited museum in the world!
Paintings, sculptures, mummies, and thousands of artifacts can be found within the museum’s walls. But did you know that the building itself is an important piece of French history as well? The Louvre has previously been a royal residence for many French monarchs. This ultimately is what led to many of the museum’s additions over the last several hundred years.
Tips for Visiting The Louvre
Here are a few things to know before visiting the Louvre Museum:
- Book your ticket in advance – As always, you can avoid major headaches by booking your visit ahead of time. You can choose from a multitude of options including guided tours, or a timed entry, to avoid the lengthy lines. You can book a tour here!
- There are multiple entrances – With millions of visitors a year, the Louvre has opened multiple places of entry around the museum grounds. This includes an entry/exit point in the glass pyramid structure at the front of the building. It is likely that if you are purchasing a tour that includes the entrance fee, you will enter through a designated entrance. Take this into consideration when purchasing!
- Spend time walking the grounds outside– The Louvre is an architectural masterpiece and is deserving of appreciation of its exterior brilliance.
- Plan for multiple hours in the museum – There are eight departments that make up the Louvre and it is impossible to see everything in a day! There are signs throughout the museum to lead you to many of the most famous pieces of art. Partnered with a map that you can get upon entry, exploring the museum is much easier.
- Know what you want to prioritize in advance – I recommend you make a list prior to your visit that consists of the exhibits and pieaces of art that you absolutely want to see. The most famous art will no-doubt have a large crowd that can often times block your view if you are not on the taller side in crowds. The Mona Lisa, for example, is much smaller than you may think and can be difficult to see unless you spend some time maneuvering through the crowd to the front. Absolutely be aware of pick pockets in these crowds.
3) Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame cathedral is one of the world’s most infamous cathedrals, attracting millions of visitors every year. Construction on the cathedral started in 1163 and took almost 200 years to complete!
The Gothic medieval architecture inspired the construction of hundreds of other cathedrals all across France and Europe in the years post-construction. In addition to other churches, the cathedral’s name, meaning “Our Lady”, has resonated all across the world, inspiring movies, universities, sports, and much more.
Since the Notre-Dame is an active place of worship, services and Mass are held every day. Therefore, you will want to make sure to plan visits for the interior of the cathedral with this in mind.
Visiting the Notre Dame Today
Unfortunately, a fire watched all around the world broke out at the Notre Dame on April 15th, 2019. The fire spread quickly and uncontrollably, ultimately devouring a large portion of the back half of the church. Because of the fire, the doors to visit the interior of the Notre-Dame Cathedral de Paris are closed to the public. Efforts to restore the cathedral have been ongoing for the past 4 years. And thankfully, are on-track for the the doors to reopen in 2024.
While the world watched in horror as flames ravaged the sacred church so many years ago, many countries, organizations, and universities pledged donations towards the future restoration of the church. Now, Jean-Louis Georgelin is the man in charge of the restoration efforts to rebuild her to her former glory.
4) Palace of Versailles
Located 45 minutes outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is an architectural and historical masterpiece. From its Hall of Mirrors to its breathtaking gardens, Versailles is a perfect example of the rich history of French monarchy.
I highly recommend booking a guided day-trip with a company. By using a tour agency, you can take a bus, or shuttle, from Paris to Versailles. With a guided tour, you’ll get the full experience with the most important historical aspects of the palace grounds. You can browse many options for day-trip tours here.
5) Montmartre
Rather than a specific monument or landmark, Montmartre refers to a hill/district in northern Paris. It is widely known for its street markets, artistic vibes, history, and incredible scenery.
There are dozens of activities to do in Montmartre, and trying to do all of them could take days! However, the most popular activity in this artistic neighborhood is to simply… enjoy the views the neighborhood has to offer!
Situated on the top of the hill is the Basilica of Sacré Coeur (deserving of its own recognition in this list below). Thousands of people flock to the grassy hillside to soak in the scenic views of the city.
The best time to visit Montmartre is during the morning hours on week days. On weekends, crowds can put a real damper on your peaceful plans for hanging out on the grassy hillside!
The cobblestone streets are littered with cafes, shops, and artists, further enriching the peaceful aura of the Parisian neighborhood. You can buy paintings and drawings from the street artists that sell in the area. Or you can even have your portrait drawn by an artist on the spot!
6) L’Arc de Triomphe
Located on the famous Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is a military monument that towers over the Place Charles de Gaulle. You will likely pass the Arc de Triomphe at some point throughout your time in Paris! However, it’s significance still deserves a place on the top 10 must-visit sites in Paris!
The Arc de Triomphe honors the many lives lost during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. As seen in the photo below, the names of the French victories and generals have been inscribed on the walls of the pillars.
Additionally, the Unknown Solider from World War 1 was buried under its arch in 1921. Every day at 18:30, the eternal Flame of Remembrance is rekindled. The flame is lit to honor the lives of the dead that were never identified.
There are many ways to experience this military monument. For example, you can buy ticket entry to the Arc de Triomphe with a partnered cruise on La Seine, or you can simply view the structure in passing for free. Either way, this is a must-see while in Paris.
7) Catacombs of Paris
If you like a little spooky history sprinkled into your travels, the catacombs are a necessity for a true Parisian experience! Stretching on for miles below the streets of Paris, the catacombs are the final resting place of thousands of people that resided in Paris during the medieval era.
Loaded with history (and bones), the tunnels that make up the catacombs are dark, cold, and a bit eerie. However, they are a major part of French history and a unique experience, making it a must-visit place to see in Paris!
Tips for Visiting the Catacombs
Here are a few things to know before visiting the catacombs:
- Book your ticket online in advance – As always, booking online in advance will save you loads of time. There are also guided audio tours available that are an absolute thrill! You can book a tour here.
- Arrive early – With a limited number of entrances, the line will only get longer as the day progresses. Make sure to arrive as early in the morning as possible!
- Bring a jacket – The tunnels can get pretty chilly being 20 meters underground. A light jacket will be incredibly necessary, even in warmer summer months!
- Not all of the tunnels are open to the public – There are miles of tunnels under the streets of Paris that make up the network of the catacombs. But many are not safe for visitors and are illegal to venture into. The catacombs have multiple other hidden entrances throughout the city but it is illegal to enter through them. Besides, I am not sure I want to find out what lies below the city in those hidden tunnels!
- DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING – It is illegal to touch, or remove, any of the bones within the catacombs. It is also illegal to bring bones of the deceased and place them along with the millions of others. Obviously someone has tried this before or they wouldn’t have to make it illegal. There are cameras throughout the tunnels and you will be removed from the catacombs, and fined (if not arrested) for disturbing the graves of the dead.
- Being quiet is expected – Like many other mass burial locations, silence/whispering is expected. The tunnels echo and it is extremely disrespectful to be loud while in the catacombs. Also, you will likely come across other tours with a guide telling the history of the catacombs. An audio guided tour is perfectly creepy and will ensure that noise levels stay low by the use of headphones.
Read more about the history of Les Catacombes de Paris on their website.
8) The Basilica of Sacré Coeur
Located in Montmartre, The Basilica of Sacré Coeur has some of the most breath-taking views of Paris.
You can purchase a guided tour of the Sacré Coeur and Montmartre, however, if you time your visit appropriately, you do not need to go through a guide agency.
While I would loop together visiting Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur in a single activity, you can easily spend two separate days here. Tickets to climb the old steps inside of the Sacré Coeur are not terribly pricey and are worth the views, too!
9) Lock Bridges/La Seine
La Seine is the river that splices the city of Paris down the middle, and has many historical bridges that connect the two banks. While there is history written into every stone that makes up the architecture of the city, the views from these bridges really feel like they take you back in time.
One of the bridges, Pont des Arts, has garnered a reputation as “love lock” bridge. As you can see in the picture below, it has become a ritual of sorts for couples to write their names or initials on a lock, attach it to the bridge, and then throw the key into the river to symbolize their love.
But… thousands of locks on a bridge can add a LOT of weight. And many locks have been removed to ensure the structural security of the bridge! Let’s hope those couples are still together today…
Although Love Lock Bridge is the most popular for this tradition, you will see locks attached to many other bridges in the city.
If you are visiting Paris with a significant other, consider taking a stroll across Pont des Arts! After all, there is no cost to seeing one of the many reasons they call Paris the City of Love!
10) Place de la Concorde
La Place de la Concorde is the biggest square in Paris and is mostly known for its “deadly” history.
Prior to the French Revolution, the square was called Place Louis XV and had a statue in the center in honor of the monarch. During the country’s revolution, it was renamed Place de la Revolution, and the statue was replaced with a guillotine.
For several years, the “Reign of Terror” claimed the heads of many of France’s elite. Many historical figures were executed here, including Marie Antoinette, Robespierre, and King Louis XVI.
However in 1836, many years after the conclusion of the French Revolution, the Egyptian government gifted France the obelisk that now stands tall in the center of the square.
Since it is a public square, there is no ticket or booking needed to visit the Place de la Concorde. It is located in the 8th arrondissment.
Other Activities
While this list includes the top 10 places I would recommend to anyone when visiting Paris, there are dozens of other incredible activities to do! I have listed below other places that I have been that I think are worthy of mentioning:
- Musee d’Orsay
- Shopping on the Champs-Élysées
- Dinner cruise on La Seine
- Day Trip to the Loire Valley Castles (one of my favs)
- Saint Chapelle
- Les Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb and Army Museum
- Day Trip to Champagne Wine Tasting Tour
- Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel (another fav)
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show
- Day Trip to Chantilly Chateau (World Museum of the Horse)
Paris is a city of never-ending exploration. While the sites to see are loaded with history, don’t forget to look at the buildings you pass by. If you are paying attention, you may even see bullets holes left in the walls of the stone buildings from the French Revolution!
Also, if you are interested in upgrading your devices before your trip, read the Ultimate Digital Gear for Beginner Travelers for details on the gadgets I use to capture all my experiences!
