Best Places to Visit in PARIS (FRANCE)

Planning a trip to Paris, and wondering what are the best places to visit in Paris?

France has always been a top tourist destination, especially its capital — Paris. Paris is extremely popular among foreign tourists and is often seen as having elegance, and as being a romantic city. Yes, it is super touristy, but it definitely should be on your list. There is something magical about Paris. The cute Parisian cafes, the Seine, the fashion…

The best thing about the French capital is that it’s rich with monuments, art galleries and museums. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower should be on your Paris itinerary.

But there’s more to Paris than these two landmarks!

Read on to find out what else you can visit in Paris.

8 Best Places to Visit in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Paris

The Eiffel Tower is the icon of Paris.

Admiring the Eiffel Tower is the most obvious and best thing to do in Paris. 

These places offer the best views of the Eiffel Tower:

  • The Champ-de-Mars
  • Trocadéro
  • Montparnasse Tower
  • Montmartre
  • Boat cruise on the Seine
  • Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
  • Rue Saint-Dominique

If admiring from a distance is not enough, you can go all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You can use the lift to reach the top (it costs around 25 EUR). As this is the most popular tourist attraction, expect long queues. The view from the top of the tower is extremely beautiful. But is it worth the long queues? It’s up to you.

Alternatively, you can climb the stairs. It’s cheaper than the lift. Do not forget that you can’t go all the way to the top if you are using the stairs, only to the second floor.

The Louvre

The Louvre Paris

Museé de Louvre is the most visited museum in the world.

Located in the heart of Paris, it is an important historic landmark which houses a huge collection of art — from paintings to sculptures. The Louvre has some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Paris!

The museum is known for its impressive glass pyramid. It’s hard to miss, really.

The admission is free for anyone younger than 18 (or 26 for EEA residents). The time slot must still be booked, though. 

Don’t forget that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. 

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg Paris

Explore the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg!

Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. It is set around the Luxembourg Palace and is known for its pretty manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, tree-lined promenades, and the famous Medici Fountain that dates back to the 17th century. 

The iconic Luxembourg Palace is especially beautiful during the sunset when its reflection in the Grand Bassin is extremely pretty. 

Montmartre

Montmartre

Montmartre is an authentic neighbourhood surrounding Montmartre hill.

It is a very charming area known for its artistic history. Featured in many films, the district of Montmartre attracts countless tourists from all around the world. 

What to see in Montmartre? Do not miss the Sacré Coeur which is hard to miss, really — the neighbourhood is dominated by this tall, grand basilica. 

Visit the Place du Tertre — a cobblestoned square surrounded by beautiful historical buildings. This is where artists come to sell their art. Why not buy a beautiful painting instead of the typical, cheap souvenirs everyone is getting?

Watching the sunset at Montmartre is one of the best things to do in Paris.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris

Notre Dame is a mediaeval Catholic church. 

It is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Also, it is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral is free to visit, but you must buy a ticket to climb its towers. 

Keep in mind that in 2019 a large part of the cathedral was destroyed by a fire, and now it is undergoing a restoration process. Hence, the cathedral now is closed to the public. Once the restoration process is finished, it will be open to the public again.

The Catacombs

The Catacombs Paris

The Catacombs are among the most unique places to visit in Paris.

Scary underground rooms and tunnels containing human bones and skulls. Mysterious passageways that used to be ancient stone quarries. The Catacombs of Paris are ossuaries containing remains of several million Parisians… This is not for everyone! But if it might be interesting to you, book a guided tour of the catacombs to learn more about this unusual place.

Join this tour to see the darker side of Paris.

Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

Château de Versailles is a palace located in Versailles, a town near Paris.

Located just 20 km west of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a great day trip from Paris. 

Due to its renowned beauty, this palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. It is known for its gardens, grand halls and ballrooms. The palace boasts a Hall of Mirrors, clad in marble and decorated with mirrors, and featuring a ceiling fresco.

The Royal Chapel of Versailles is an incredibly beautiful chapel with large, intricate columns and an impressive ceiling fresco. The Royal Opera is equally impressive. 

The Palace of Versailles also houses the Museum of the History of France which holds a collection of French art depicting French heroes and rulers.

Château de Versailles and the Gardens of Versailles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris

Did you know that there’s a Disneyland in France?

It’s located not far from Paris — in the town of Chessy, 32 km east of Paris. If you want to have some fun at an amusement park, this is the place to go.

Disneyland Paris is Europe’s most famous theme park. It consists of two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), a golf course and a number of resort hotels, plus a shopping and dining complex.

Disneyland is one of the best places to visit in Paris with kids.

Best Places to Visit in PARIS

Paris Travel Tips

  1. Before travelling to France, get yourself the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card. It’s free and allows travellers from EEA countries and Switzerland to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost, if that treatment becomes necessary during the visit.
  2. Just like in other popular destinations in Europe, there are pickpockets in the busiest tourist spots. Especially in Paris. Be wary of thieves in tourist spots and keep your belongings close.
  3. France has a very good bus and rail network, including high-speed trains (TGV). If you are visiting Paris, we recommend you explore at least one more city.
  4. Learn a little French. Your knowledge of the language will come in handy in smaller towns and outside the main tourist streets. Download an offline dictionary and learn some basic phrases.
  5. French cuisine is delicious, but eating out all the time may break your bank. To save some money on food, stay in an apartment or guesthouse with cooking facilities.
  6. The best time to visit Paris is during the summer. It is also the most popular time to visit. If you want to experience fewer crowds, travel during the shoulder season (late spring and early autumn).
  7. If you are visiting Paris during the top tourist season, book everything well in advance. Hotels, entrance tickets, attractions and train tickets (if you are visiting other cities) to get the best options and prices!
  8. Know what to wear. Parisians are stylish and elegant. This doesn’t mean that you need to wear evening wear or business clothing all the time, but you need to put a bit of an effort when packing for the Paris trip. Leave your baggy T-shirts, cargo pants, very short shorts and sportswear at home (unless you plan to exercise). Pack comfortable footwear (preferably elegant sneakers), and leave stilettos at home.
  9. Read more about the best places to visit in France (PART 1) and Best Places to visit in France (PART 2)