Top Attractions in Paris
Paris, the "City of Lights" and capital of France, is one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. Paris combines history, culture, and art into a unique blend, attracting millions of visitors annually. From towering landmarks to charming cobblestone streets, Paris is filled with iconic, classic, and hidden attractions. Whether you wish to explore art in its renowned museums, stroll through picturesque gardens, or enjoy shopping on its historic streets, Paris offers every visitor an unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top attractions in Paris.
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France, is a world-famous landmark. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889, it stands 330 meters tall and features three levels offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. At night, the tower sparkles with dazzling lights, creating a magical experience that represents the elegance and innovation of Paris.
Note: It's recommended to book tickets two months in advance, which is essential during the peak summer months of July and August. Additionally, when visiting the Eiffel Tower, don't miss the chance to explore the adjacent Champ de Mars Park. The park is perfect for relaxing and enjoying open green spaces. You can sit and have a snack, or watch performances and fireworks during major events.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:00 to 00:00.
Entrance fees: Multiple ticket options are available on the official website, with prices varying based on your chosen method of ascent (elevator and/or stairs) and destination (second floor or summit).
Want to learn more about France? Check out the Top 30 Attractions in France.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the world's largest and most famous art museums. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, it was converted into a royal palace and eventually opened to the public as a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution.
The Louvre houses over 380,000 objects, including some of the most renowned artworks in history. Its collections span thousands of years and include ancient artifacts, classical sculptures, and masterpieces from the Renaissance through the 19th century.
Operating hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, from 09:00 to 21:00. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, it closes at 18:00.
Entrance fees: €22 per adult. Free entry and special group rates are also available; details can be found on the official website.
3. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental arch located in Paris at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It honors those who fought for France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 and completed in 1836, it features stunning architecture, standing 50 meters high with intricate carvings.
Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with an eternal flame that is rekindled daily. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic city views. The Arc de Triomphe symbolizes France’s military history and culture, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 23:00; opens at 11:00 on Tuesdays.
Entrance fees: €16 per adult. Free entry and group rates are available; details can be found on the official website.
4. Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is a renowned art museum located in Paris, France, housed in a former railway station along the banks of the Seine. Opened in 1986, it showcases French art from 1848 to 1914 and is particularly famous for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Edgar Degas.
The museum retains much of the station's original architecture, including its iconic large clock, creating a unique atmosphere for visitors. It attracts millions of visitors annually and offers guided tours and workshops to enhance the cultural experience.
Note: The museum is located near other notable landmarks, such as the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden.
Operating hours: Daily except Monday, from 09:30 to 18:00.
Entrance fees: Prices start from €16 per adult.
5. Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is one of Paris’s most famous public parks. Established in 1612 by Marie de Medici, it spans around 25 hectares, featuring tree-lined pathways, manicured gardens, and elegant fountains. The garden includes statues and monuments, notably the statue of Marie de Medici, and houses Luxembourg Palace, now the seat of the French Senate.
The gardens provide an ideal setting for sports, relaxation, and family outings, offering playgrounds for children and hosting numerous cultural events and art exhibitions.
Operating hours: Daily from 07:30 to 20:45.
Entrance fees: Free admission.
6. Montmartre District
Montmartre is a historic and artistic neighborhood located in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and scenic views. It’s home to the iconic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, as well as Place du Tertre, renowned for its artists and charming cafés.
Montmartre was once the residence of many prominent artists, including Picasso and Van Gogh, and still retains its artistic charm today. It’s also famous for Moulin Rouge and its renowned nightly performances. Additionally, Montmartre is home to Clos Montmartre, Paris’s only remaining vineyard.
Note: It is recommended to visit Montmartre early in the morning or during the evening to fully enjoy its delightful atmosphere.
7. Seine River
The Seine is a major river in northern France, stretching approximately 777 kilometers from its source near Dijon to its mouth at the English Channel. It has historically been an important route for transportation and trade since Roman times, flowing through notable landmarks in Paris such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
The river is a popular tourist destination, offering boat cruises, scenic walks along its banks, and beautiful bridges such as Pont Alexandre III. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the Seine has become a symbol of Paris and an essential part of the city’s identity.
Note: The Seine in Paris offers visitors various enjoyable activities, including river cruises that provide spectacular views of the city’s historical monuments. You can also stroll along the riverside or cycle along designated paths, with numerous cafés and restaurants along the banks providing pleasant spots for dining or relaxing with a coffee.
8. Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier, also known as Opéra Garnier, is a historic opera house located in Paris, France. Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and designed by architect Charles Garnier, it officially opened in 1875.
This lavish building is celebrated for its magnificent architecture, featuring an impressive façade, grand staircases, and a stunning chandelier. Inside, the auditorium is adorned with intricate decorations, including a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Entrance fees: Prices start from €15 per adult.
9. Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III was inaugurated for the 1900 World’s Fair and is considered one of the most iconic bridges in Paris, famous for its remarkable architecture and strategic location. The bridge is adorned with four monumental pillars, each 17 meters high, topped by gilded bronze Pegasus sculptures symbolizing arts, science, commerce, and industry.
The bridge connects Les Invalides to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and it’s a popular place for leisurely strolls due to its panoramic views of these buildings, the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine River.
10. Champs-Élysées Avenue
Champs-Élysées Avenue is one of the most famous streets in the world, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Stretching approximately 1.9 kilometers from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it is renowned for landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, and is home to luxury boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, making it a prominent destination for shopping and dining.
The avenue also hosts numerous cultural events, including the Bastille Day parade and the Christmas Market, and is close to the Tuileries Gardens. The street boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
11. Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée)
The Hôtel des Invalides complex houses several museums, including the Army Museum, featuring extensive exhibition spaces along with the tomb of Napoleon I. Its golden-domed Saint-Louis Cathedral is a distinctive landmark in Paris, hosting masses and concerts.
The museum’s diverse exhibits range from weapons and armor from the 13th to 17th centuries, to displays covering the eras of Louis XIV and Napoleon from the 17th to the 19th centuries, as well as exhibitions related to the World Wars of the 20th century.
The museum also includes special collections, the Museum of the Order of Liberation, the Museum of Relief Maps, and highlights the history of Charles de Gaulle.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00
Entrance fees: Prices start from €15 per adult.
12. Place de la Bastille
Place de la Bastille in Paris symbolizes the French Revolution and serves today as a vibrant hub combining history with contemporary life. The square features the famous July Column and is surrounded by charming cafés and shops, making it an excellent area for exploration. Its proximity to the Opéra Bastille adds a cultural dimension, creating a perfect blend of historical significance, culture, and modern Parisian life.
13. Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is the largest and most famous square in Paris, located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. Designed in 1755, the square gained prominence during the French Revolution as the site of King Louis XVI’s execution. It is renowned today for its Egyptian Luxor Obelisk, magnificent fountains, and statues representing various French cities.
14. Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden gets its name from the tile factories ("tuileries") that originally stood on its site, before Queen Catherine de Medici built the Tuileries Palace here in 1564. The garden as we see it today was created by landscape architect André Le Nôtre in 1664.
The garden stretches from the Louvre Museum to Place de la Concorde and is a great spot for strolling and cultural exploration, featuring sculptures by renowned artists like Rodin and Giacometti. Visitors can relax by the two ponds and visit the Musée de l'Orangerie to see Monet’s works.
Note: If you love cotton candy, rides, and thrilling games, don’t miss the Tuileries Festival from June to August.
Operating hours: Daily from 07:00 to 21:00
Entrance fees: Free admission.
15. Domaine National du Palais-Royal
The Domaine National du Palais-Royal is a complex of historical buildings and gardens located in the heart of Paris, originally built in the early 17th century. Initially serving as a private residence for the French queen, it later became a site of significant historical and cultural importance. Today, the domain comprises historic architecture and beautiful gardens, hosting cultural exhibitions and various events.
Operating hours: Daily from 08:30 to 22:30
Entrance fees: Free admission.
16. Conciergerie
The Conciergerie, located in central Paris along the Seine, is among the oldest remaining parts of the original royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Converted into a prison at the end of the 14th century, it played a significant role during the French Revolution, famously housing Marie Antoinette. A memorial chapel has been erected at the site of her former cell.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:30 to 18:00
17. Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts, also known as the "Bridge of Arts," is an iron bridge connecting the Institut de France and the Louvre Museum in Paris. Built between 1801 and 1804, it was the first iron bridge in the capital.
Reserved for pedestrians, the bridge offers a delightful place for walking with family or friends, boasting stunning views of the Seine and nearby landmarks, perfect for photography.
It is famously known for the tradition of "love locks," where couples attach locks to symbolize their love, throwing the keys into the river.
18. Bois de Boulogne
Once a royal hunting ground, Bois de Boulogne is now a beautiful recreational park in western Paris. It includes extensive green spaces, two lakes, waterfalls, ponds, and streams, hosting various outdoor activities.
Note: The park is perfect for picnics and enjoying nature close to Paris. It’s recommended to arrive early and have breakfast by the lake, enjoying the views and watching ducks. Use the metro to reach the park easily, away from city traffic and noise.
Operating hours: Open 24 hours daily.
Entrance fees: Free admission.
19. Montparnasse Tower
Montparnasse Tower is a skyscraper located in the Montparnasse neighborhood of Paris. It features an observation deck at a height of 196 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visitors can clearly see major Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Additionally, the tower houses restaurants and cafés, offering a dining experience with exceptional views.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:30 to 23:00
Entrance fees: €25 per adult, with various discounted tickets available online.
20. Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden)
Jardin des Plantes is one of the most important botanical gardens in France, covering an area of 23 hectares. Established in 1626 originally as a medicinal herb garden, it later developed into a public garden open to visitors.
The garden hosts a diverse range of plants from around the world, beautifully landscaped areas, tropical greenhouses, and a small zoo. It also features a scientific library and a natural history museum, making it a unique destination for learning and exploration.
Operating hours: Daily from 07:30 to 20:00
Entrance fees: Free admission.
In conclusion, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Paris always has something new and surprising to offer, making it one of the world’s most charming and captivating cities. Indeed, Paris is a city that renews itself with every visit, creating memories that remain etched in your heart forever. Don't miss out on exclusive deals on WINGIE to find the cheapest flights to Paris.
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