Paris isn’t just a romantic getaway; it’s a living museum, a gastronomic paradise, and a cultural epicenter brimming with iconic landmarks. As someone who has explored every arrondissement, I can tell you—whether you’re drawn to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, or the charming streets of Montmartre, this city never disappoints.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best places to visit in Paris, from the must-see attractions to hidden gems that only savvy travelers know about. You’ll find world-famous museums, stunning gardens, and historic neighborhoods where the essence of Parisian charm is alive and well.
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If you’re here for the art and history, don’t miss Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Musée d'Orsay, home to breathtaking Impressionist masterpieces. Love shopping? The Champs-Élysées and Le Marais offer everything from luxury boutiques to vintage treasures. Foodies will want to indulge in authentic French cuisine at a traditional brasserie or sip coffee in a quaint Parisian café.
No matter your interests, this list of top Paris attractions ensures you experience the magic of the City of Light like a true insider. If you're ready to uncover the most beautiful places in Paris, let’s dive in.
25 Best & Iconic Places to Visit in Paris
1. EIFFEL TOWER FROM THE TROCADERO
Enjoy the Eiffel Tower from all possible views . In the morning the light is very nice for photos and it is the time with fewer people . Later it will be completely full and it is even difficult to walk.
The emblematic view is from the Trocadero but the view from Rue de Buenos Ayres and Rue de l’Université are fantastic.
2. THE CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME DE PARIS
The mythical French Cathedral surrounded by the waters of the Seine River gave rise to Paris, one of the oldest metropolises in Europe. It is a central point in our City Tour of the Historic Center of Paris.
3. ALEXANDRE III BRIDGE AND HOSPITAL FOR THE INVALID
One of the most majestic areas of Paris. Beneath the dome of the Invalides are the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte.
4. LOUVRE MUSEUM: COUR CARRÉ & PYRAMIDS
The Louvre pyramids are incredible at any time of day , but it is true that at night they have a special charm . Don’t forget to visit the museum, which, in addition to its art, is the most beautiful palace in France .
In this article I share with you a guide to visit the museum.
5. ARC DE TRIUMPH AND CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
The most glamorous avenue in the world for its luxury shops and one of the most important monuments to Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris.
6. LUXEMBOURG GARDENS
These gardens are some of the most beautiful you will see in all of Europe . The French Senate is located there and you will find chairs where you can sit down, relax and get some sun .
7. PLACE OF CONCORDE AND OBELISK OF LUXOR
The largest square in Paris with a mind-blowing view of landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
8. BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
This 20th century basilica is located on the top of the Montmartre hill and its construction is due to the consequences of the Paris commune .
9. PARIS PANTHEON
It is the temple of the great intellectuals and those French personalities from the revolution of 1789 to the present day who built and consolidated the French Republic .
10. PLACE DAUPHINE AND NEW BRIDGE
First stone bridge in Paris with the sculpture of Henry IV , King of France who ordered its construction and brought great political, cultural and economic improvements .
Place Dauphine is full of cafes and bars and was one of Julio Cortázar’s favorite squares in Paris.
11. PALAIS ROYALE
The Palais Royale was to become one of the most important palaces during the time of Cardinal Richelieu and then when it became the main residence of Monsieur Philippe, Louis XIV’s brother.
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12. PLACE VENDÔME, THE MOST LUXURIOUS SQUARE IN PARIS
In this square you will find the shops with the most luxurious brands in the city, the Ritz hotel and a column with a sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte at the top.
13. MONTMARTRE AND THE ARTISTS’ SQUARE
Montmartre is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris, you must enjoy a walk along the rue de l’Abreuvoir and without a doubt, the artists’ square.
14. PLACE DES VOSGUES
It was the first royal square in France . It has a Renaissance style, is symmetrical on all its axes and in the centre we find the only sculpture dedicated to Louis XIII in Paris .
15. MOULIN ROUGE (RED MILL)
Mythical cabaret from the Belle Époque in Paris with a circus show and girls dancing to a song with their torsos bare (like now).
16. PLACE OF VICTORIES
One of the squares built by Louis XIV , with a layout in keeping with the sculpture of the French Sun King. An architectural gem in the historic centre of Paris.
18. CONCIERGERIE, WHERE MARIE ANTOINETTE WAS PRISONER
One of the medieval passages of Paris, very close to the Notre Dame Cathedral , the Conciergerie is this building where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned and the Pont des Changes gives us a unique postcard at dawn on the Seine River.
19. TULERIES GARDEN
The Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre’s small Arc de Triomphe towards the Place de la Concorde . It’s lovely to walk around this area, although I recommend you don’t do it on weekend afternoons as it’s really busy .
20. PARIS FROM THE SEINE RIVER
The most beautiful avenue in the city , I recommend that you experience the distinct views of Paris from the Seine River . You can take a 1 hour walk, through lunch or dinner.
21. ACADEMY OF ARTS
The Academy of Arts is located opposite the Louvre Museum and both are connected by the Pont des Arts , known as the Bridge of Padlocks. It was built by Louis XIV to train the artists of the court of Versailles .
22. MUSEUM D’ORSAY
Since 1986, the Musée d’Orsay has been the home of the Impressionists . Originally a train station, its two large clocks are particularly striking. Top 3 museums in Paris .
23. SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY BOOKSTORE
Originally Le Mistral , it is an Anglo-Saxon bookstore where the writers of the lost generation of the 1920s would gather . Originally located at 14 rue de Odéon and frequented by Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Fitzgerald and James Joyce , it was managed by Sylvia Beach and is one of the bookstores to see in Paris.
24. SAINT PAUL AND HÔTEL DE SULLY
Le Marais is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris and among so many private hotels or small mansions , we will find architectural gems such as the Saint Paul church (the most ambitious work built by Louis XIII) and the Hôtel de Sully , residence of the finance minister of Henry IV.
25. OPERA GARNIER & GALLERIES LAFAYETTE
The Opéra Garnier, built by Charles Garnier, is one of the great buildings of 19th century Paris . Ostentatious, gilded, and imposing, it is one of the most classical and sophisticated areas of the city. Just around the corner are the Galeries Lafayette .
BONUS TRACK: VISIT THE GARDENS AND PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Versailles is the residence of the Louis of France: from Louis XIII to Louis XVI , although it will be directly linked to Louis XIV, who built the most beautiful gardens in France and a palace that has subsequently been a reference for the great European monarchies.
WHAT TO SEE IN PARIS, THE TOP 25
This is our top 25 places to see in Paris . What place, building or site would you add to this list so that this beautiful community doesn’t miss out on its visit to Paris?
