Tourist Attractions in Paris: 25 Must-See Attractions

Index of Tourist Attractions in Paris

In this comprehensive article, we included obvious tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, but also lesser-known places that are equally must-see.

By going beyond the standard tourist circuit, you will have the chance to visit places frequented by Parisians and thus experience the true charm of Paris.

If you don't have many days in Paris, you probably won't have time to visit all the spots listed below. That's okay - you'll have an excuse to return to the city.

To help you navigate, we've prepared the map below with all the tourist spots listed in this post. Additionally, the map can help you choose a place to stay in Paris near the main tourist spots (read here our specific article on the subject).

Map Legend:

When planning your itinerary, it's best to visit tourist spots in the same area in one day, this way you will save commuting time and won't have to return to areas you've already visited.

Another tip is to include one monument, one museum, and one park per day in your itinerary, so your day remains varied and less tiring; visiting two museums in the same day can be overwhelming.

Yellow: main monuments
Red: main museums
Green: gardens, squares, and bridges

PDF Guide to Paris, 5 Itineraries in 4 Days

In addition, you can purchase our PDF guide with 5 itineraries through Paris, which also covers all the points listed in this article. Besides helping you navigate the city, the guide also assists in planning your visits, indicating which spots to visit on the same day, for example. The guide is for sale on the Hotmart website.

1. Eiffel Tower, the most famous tourist attraction in Paris

Eiffel Tower, tourist attractions in Paris — photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction. As the most famous tourist attraction in Paris, we have prepared an infographic with some curiosities about the tower.

Being the most famous tourist attraction in Paris (and the world!), visiting the tower is not easy. The lines are enormous, advance tickets sell out quickly, and security checks can be very slow.

If you have only a few days in Paris: do not go up the Eiffel Tower! That's right! Even if you buy tickets in advance, it takes a long time to go up the tower.

Therefore, visit the surroundings of the tower (the Champ de Mars) because it's beautiful! And save your ascent for other monuments like the Arc de Triomphe or the Montparnasse Tower (see below).

Tickets:

Buy your tickets in advance. For this, you have 2 options:

The first is to try to buy on the official Eiffel Tower site. But tickets on the official site sell out quickly.
If you can't do that, an alternative is to buy through Get Your Guide - it's a bit more expensive, but you have priority access. Click here to buy.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Eiffel Tower

2. Arc de Triomphe

Tourist attractions in Paris: the Arc de Triomphe. Photo: Andreas H. on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Built in the early 19th century by Napoleon in honor of the French Armed Forces, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most imposing and famous monuments in Paris.

From its 50-meter height, the view of Paris is stunning.

The only downside: the ascent is via stairs, and there are 284 steps!

Tickets:

Buy your tickets in advance (use code paris-story.com and get 5% off) so you won't have to wait in line at the location.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc is located at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in Paris. When you visit the monument, take the chance to stroll along the avenue. To help you organize your visit, we prepared the video below:

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

Tourist attractions in Paris: Notre Dame. Photo: Leif Linding on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Even after being partially destroyed in the tragic fire, Notre Dame de Paris cannot be left out of your itinerary.

Currently, the visit to the church's interior and towers is closed, but you can admire its beautiful facade, which is 70 meters tall.

Pay attention to the richness of the facade details and the Rose Window, the round stained glass above the doors that measures 13 meters in diameter. Begun in 1163, its construction extended over more than two centuries.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about Notre Dame de Paris

4. Sainte-Chapelle

Tourist attractions in Paris: Sainte-Chapelle. Photo: Ian Kelsall on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Close to Notre Dame, you will find Sainte-Chapelle, considered by many as the most beautiful church in France. It is hidden within the Palais de Justice, often overlooked by many tourists.

Its monumental stained glass windows, the main attraction of this chapel, depict 1,113 scenes from the Bible, from the book of Genesis to Revelation. There are 15 sets of stained glass, each about 15 meters tall.

Tickets:

As always, don't forget to buy your advance tickets to save time (use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site for a 5% discount).

Learn more:

Read our complete article with infographic and 2 videos about Sainte Chapelle.
Read our post about the islands of Paris, where Notre Dame de Paris and Sainte Chapelle are located.

5. Basilica of Sacré-Cœur

Tourist attractions in Paris: Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Photo: Heidelbergerin on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Located at the top of a hill - the hill of Montmartre - the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur can be seen from various spots in the city.

Built between 1875 and 1919, it is the second most visited free monument in Paris (the first was/ is Notre Dame Cathedral) - receiving 10 million visits per year.

In addition to admiring the interior of the basilica, enjoy the stunning view of the city. It's spectacular! Take the opportunity to stroll through Montmartre, the charming neighborhood where the basilica is located.

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided walking tour of Montmartre and discover all its secrets, click here and contact us.

Learn more:

To get an idea of what to do and see in Montmartre, we prepared the video below:

6. Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is the grand theater of Paris. But the building itself is a spectacle apart. Therefore, we recommend that you check the schedule and buy a ticket to watch one of the performances during your stay in Paris.

If you can't, don't despair. During the day, the Opera is open to tourists, and you can visit the interior.

Tickets:

Buy your tickets in advance on the Tiqets website, use code paris-story.com for 5% off.

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided tour of Opéra Garnier and discover all its secrets, click here and contact us.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about Opéra Garnier.
Watch our video about Opéra Garnier to get an idea of the grandeur of this work.

7. Panthéon

Tourist attractions in Paris: the Panthéon. Photo: Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

In the Panthéon, you will find the remains of some of the greatest personalities in France: Saint Exupéry, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Zola, André Malraux, Voltaire, among others.

But it is the building itself, especially its interior, which makes the Panthéon one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Paris. On the walls, don't miss the paintings and frescoes that narrate the life of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.

Tickets:

Buy your ticket in advance (use the code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site to get 5% off).

Learn more:

Watch our videos about the Panthéon de Paris.
Read our post about the Latin Quarter, the famous neighborhood where the Panthéon de Paris is located.

8. Montparnasse Tower

Parisians unanimously say: it's worth going up the Montparnasse Tower more than the Eiffel Tower. Why? It's simple: from the top of its 56 floors, you will have the most beautiful view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower right in front of you.

Moreover, you won't see the Montparnasse Tower itself, considered the ugliest building in Paris.

And there's another advantage: you won't face any lines or stress.

Tickets:

Buy your ticket in advance (use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site to get 5% off).

9. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum and its pyramid, which is the museum entrance. Photo: Cuong DUONG Viet on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The Louvre is the most famous, one of the largest, and the most visited museum in the world. Like the Eiffel Tower, it is always crowded.

But one thing is certain: visiting the Louvre may not be easy, but it's worth it - after all, it's not every day you get a chance to see, under one roof, some of the greatest masterpieces of humanity.

To help you plan your visit, we have prepared a dedicated post with all the tips for visiting the Louvre without stress, click here to read.

Tickets:

The big tip is: buy your ticket in advance (use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site to get 5% off) and plan your visit!

Our PDF Guide:

And don't forget to get our PDF guide The Essentials of the Louvre Museum, written by art educator Patricia Camargo. With it, in addition to passing through 18 essential masterpieces of the museum, you'll understand why these are among the most important works of humanity. With simple language, the guide includes:

a circuit, indicated on a map, passing by the 18 main works of the Louvre;
brief explanation about everything you need to know about each of the works;
practical information and curiosities about the Louvre Museum.

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided tour of the Louvre Museum and discover all its secrets, click here and book your spot.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Louvre Museum in Paris

10. Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Photo: Graham Hobster on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

After the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay is the second most visited museum in Paris.

Housed in a former railway station, on the banks of the Seine, the building itself is worth the visit.

Although it houses works from various artistic movements created from 1848 to 1916, the stars of the Musée d'Orsay are the Impressionists.

The Impressionist gallery occupies the entire 5th floor of the building. There you will see masterpieces of world art history: Manet's 'Luncheon on the Grass'; Renoir's 'Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette'; Monet's series of Rouen Cathedral; among hundreds of others.

Tickets:

Buy advance tickets to avoid the long lines (use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site to get 5% off).

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided tour to the Musée d'Orsay and discover all its secrets, click here and book your spot.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Musée d'Orsay in Paris

11. Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou in Paris. Photo: Gerhard Bögner on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The Centre Pompidou is called 'Beaubourg' by Parisians (pronounced bobur). It is a museum of modern and contemporary art, one of the largest in the world.

The location also hosts temporary exhibitions - which are always among the city's most sought-after - and also a public library and areas dedicated to music and cinema.

Considered one of the most democratic monuments in Paris, the Beaubourg constituted a revolution starting with its architecture.

Created by Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini, the building features an original conception of space: all pipes are external and visible.

Located in Marais, it is worth visiting - even if it's just to ride the escalators (for free) to enjoy the view from the top floor.

Tickets:

Buy your fast-track ticket for the museum (excludes temporary exhibitions), by clicking here, and use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets site to get 5% off.

Learn more:

See our video about the Centre Pompidou in Paris

TOP 3 MUSEUMS PARIS: LOUVRE + ORSAY + CENTRE POMPIDOU

By purchasing tickets together for the 3 most important Parisian museums mentioned above, you save money and get a 10% discount on your next purchase at the Tiqets website.

12. Rodin Museum

The Thinker Rodin Museum in Paris — The Thinker, a sculpture displayed at the Rodin Museum in Paris. Photo: Johnnie Shannon on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Small, without crowds, the Rodin Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris.

Housed in the house where Rodin lived and worked, the collection features his most famous works: The Kiss, The Thinker, and The Gates of Hell.

The sculptures occupy the entire interior of the beautiful mansion, as well as the gardens.

A visit to the museum shouldn't take more than about 1 hour.

Tickets:

Buy your fast-track tickets in advance (use the code paris-story.com on the Tiqets to get 5% off).

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided tour to the Rodin Museum and discover all its secrets, click here and contact us.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Rodin Museum in Paris

13. Picasso Museum

This is the most complete museum dedicated to Picasso in the world, featuring more than 5,000 works from all phases of the artist.

The museum's collection was transferred to the French State by Picasso's heirs in the 1970s.

Despite being born in Spain, Picasso lived his entire life in France, between Paris and the Côte d'Azur.

The museum is located in a beautiful mansion in the heart of the Marais district. Although ample, the museum can be explored quickly.

Tickets:

Buy your fast-track ticket in advance, by clicking here, and use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets to get 5% off.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Picasso Museum in Paris

14. Orangerie Museum

The Orangerie Museum in Paris. Photo: lula1977 on Flickr photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

Located within the Tuileries Garden, this is a small museum that can be seen in half an hour.

Despite its small size, the museum is famous for housing the Water Lilies, the immense canvases in which Claude Monet portrayed the gardens of his home.

The water gardens of the artist's house, located in Giverny, were his biggest inspiration during the last years of his life. The collection exhibited at Orangerie consists of eight monumental canvases, which cover the entire length of the walls.

Donated by Monet to France after World War II, it is displayed as planned by the artist.

To complete the Monet and Impressionism program, be sure to visit the gardens and house of Monet (see item 25 below).

Tickets:

Buy your fast-track ticket in advance by clicking here, and use the code paris-story.com on the Tiqets website to get 5% off.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about the Orangerie Museum

15. Invalides Museum

The Invalides Museum in Paris. Photo by NakNakNak on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The golden dome of Invalides is hard to miss. It's one of the first buildings you'll spot when you are at the top of the Eiffel Tower or Montparnasse Tower.

It is an ancient hospital built in the 17th century to care for soldiers. Hence, the name: Injured.

Today, it houses the museum of the French Armed Forces. In addition to Napoleon's tomb and his white horse, the museum retraces the wars experienced by France since the Middle Ages.

Children love to see the weapons, uniforms, and cannons. They can learn about history not only of France but of the whole world.

Even if this theme is not of your interest, it is worth appreciating the beautiful building with its golden dome.

During the warm months, the lawn in front of the building becomes a popular picnic spot for locals. Join them.

Tickets:

Click here to buy your ticket to the Armed Forces Museum. Use code paris-story.com on the Tiqets and get 5% off.

Tourist Attractions in Paris: Main Museums

Tourist Attractions in Paris: Gardens, Squares, and Bridges

Tourist Attractions near Paris

The Palace of Versailles near Paris. Photo by Andreas H. on Pixabay photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The two attractions below are located in the surroundings of Paris - you will need at least half a day to visit each of them.

Therefore, if this is your first trip to Paris and you're short on time, we recommend saving the sightseeing below for another time.

24. Palace of Versailles

The residence of the last kings of France, a symbol of all the court's excesses, the Palace of Versailles impresses in every way: the geometric perfection of its gardens, the richness of details in the decoration, the vastness of its domain....

Like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles is one of the main attractions in Paris, even though it is located outside the city. Therefore, careful planning is necessary.

To get to the Palace of Versailles, take the RER C 5 train in Paris and get off at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, click here and read our complete post about the Versailles castle that explains how to go there perfectly.

Tickets:

Buy your tickets in advance and avoid the long lines on site using code paris-story.com on the Tiqets to get 5% off.
Some companies offer packages that include admission plus round-trip transportation on a tour bus, click here to learn more and make your reservation. This is a practical, comfortable, and stress-free option. Ideal for those traveling with children.

Guided Tour:

If you want to take a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and discover all its secrets without wasting time and getting lost, click here and contact us.

Learn more:

If you have already visited Versailles, be sure to see other castles near Paris
Read our complete post about the Palace of Versailles

25. Monet's Gardens in Giverny

Monet's gardens in Giverny, near Paris. Photo by valkrye131 on Flickr photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

The artist Claude Monet, one of the masters of Impressionism, lived in Giverny, a village 75 km from Paris, from 1883 until his death in 1926.

His house and gardens can be visited and remain intact.

Besides the beauty of the gardens, which have been entirely preserved, the visit is like seeing, live and in color, a Monet painting.

A good idea is to visit the gardens after having gone to the Orangerie Museum (see item 22 above).

To get to Monet's House, you have three options:

By yourself, by train to Vernon and then by bus to Giverny.
The most charming option is our unforgettable bike tour, through Giverny and along the banks of the Seine, including the house and gardens of Monet. To know more and make your reservation, click here.
Group tour by bus. Click here to learn more and make your reservation.

Learn more:

Read our complete post about Monet's Gardens

How to visit tourist attractions in Paris?

Paris Guide: Five Itineraries

Now that you know the main tourist attractions in Paris, here are some guided tours and visit options that will take you to see several of the locations above.

This small guide from Conexão Paris is perfect for those coming to Paris for the first time. It helps organize tours and optimize time, covering all the main attractions in the city, as well as charming spots that only locals know. There are 5 circuits to be done on foot, drawn on illustrated maps accompanied by a brief description of all the points you will pass by.

Night Tour in Paris by Bike

The Midnight in Paris by Bike tour is a great way to see the main tourist spots in the city: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Alexandre III Bridge, Louvre and its pyramid, Place de la Concorde, Centre Pompidou, and Musée d'Orsay. With a great advantage: being at night, the monuments will be beautifully illuminated and empty. This is an unforgettable tour, guided by a wonderful Brazilian team. Highly recommended!

Click here to make your reservation.

City Tour by Bus

In this city tour in hop on hop off style, you can get off the panoramic bus at a certain tourist spot, and board the next bus until your next desired stop. There are tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours. It's a very practical option!

Click here to buy your ticket. Use the promo code paris-story.com to obtain a 5% discount.

Cruise on the Seine River

Since many tourist spots are located along the river, taking a cruise on the Seine River is a super nice option. In about an hour, you will pass by the Eiffel Tower, Alexandre III Bridge, as well as all the other bridges in the city, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden and the Louvre, Notre Dame, Conciergerie, among others.

Click here to buy your ticket. Use the promo code paris-story.com to get 5% off.

Paris with Kids

This small guide, written by a Brazilian mother of two little Frenchies, curates what to do with kids, of all ages, in each of the eight main regions of Paris. There's also a section with everything you need to know before embarking with the little ones: weather, how to dress kids in winter, transportation etc. If you're traveling with kids, this is the guide for you.

Essential Posts for Planning Your Trip

Click here and see the list of our essential posts that will help you plan, organize, and enjoy your stay in Paris.

Tourist Attractions in Paris: 25 Must-See Attractions