17 Top Rated Tourist Attractions In Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. The city is known worldwide for its Eiffel Tower, old palaces, famous museums, churches, riverside, and cafe culture. Every year, millions of people from all over the world come here to spend their holidays or enjoy the history and beauty.

There are many places to visit in Paris. For example, the Eiffel Tower which is the most recognizable symbol of Paris. The Louvre Museum houses the famous ‘Mona Lisa’ painting. There is also the Champs Elysees, which is the busiest and most beautiful street in the city, where there are various shops and restaurants. The Palace of Versailles was the residence of the kings, which is now a museum. Disneyland Paris is a great place for children and families. And for those who love art, there are the Musee d’Orsay, Picasso Museum, etc.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail the 17 best tourist attractions in Paris. This information will be very useful for those who are visiting Paris for the first time or want to visit again.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris. Thousands of people visit it every day. It was built in 1889. It is named after the French engineer Gustave Eiffel. The tower was originally built for a World’s Fair, but now it has become a symbol of the city of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is 330 meters high. It consists of three floors. Tourists can go up to the first and second floors by elevator or stairs. To go up to the third floor, you have to use the elevator. From the top, you can see a great view of the whole city of Paris. In the evening, the tower looks amazing when it is illuminated. It sparkles for a few minutes every hour, which attracts tourists. There is a park, seating areas, and restaurants under the tower. It is also the most popular place in Paris for taking pictures.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the largest and most famous museum in Paris. It is one of the best museums not only in France, but also in the whole world. This museum is located on the banks of the Seine River and is famous for its glass pyramid in front of it. It was previously a royal palace, but later opened as a museum in 1793.

The Louvre Museum has more than 38,000 works of art. Its most famous painting is the ‘Mona Lisa’, painted by Leonardo da Vinci. It also has many old sculptures, paintings, and statues from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle East. Many famous works of art, such as the ‘Venus de Milo’ and the ‘Winged Victory of Samothrace’ are preserved in this museum.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Paris. It is located on a small island in the Seine River, called Île de la Cité. Construction of the church began in 1163 and took about 200 years to complete. It is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture.

Inside Notre-Dame Cathedral there are huge stained glass windows, high ceilings, and ancient sculptures. There are two towers at the front of the church. In the past, tourists could climb these towers and see the city of Paris from above. The cathedral’s famous bells and gargoyles (giant stone statues) are a point of interest for many tourists. A major fire broke out here in 2019, which caused significant damage to the roof and main spire. It is currently undergoing renovations. However, many parts can still be seen from the outside, and the surrounding area can be explored.

4. Champs-Elysees & Arc de Triomphe

The Champs Elysees is the most famous and luxurious street in Paris. It starts from the Place de la Concorde and extends to the Arc de Triomphe. The street is 1.9 kilometers long and very wide. There are shops of famous fashion brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior. There are cinemas, theaters, restaurants, and cafes. Every year in December, it is illuminated for Christmas, which attracts thousands of tourists.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most important symbols of Paris. It was ordered to be built by Napoleon in 1806 in honor of the victorious soldiers. Its construction was completed in 1836. It is 50 meters high and 45 meters wide. Below it is the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” – the grave of an unknown soldier killed in World War I, and a fire is lit there every evening (eternal flame). You can easily get to the Arc de Triomphe by taking the metro (line 1 or 6) to the “Charles de Gaulle – Étoile” station.

5. Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a small but beautiful church located on the Île de la Cité in Paris. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX of France. The church was built to house the sacred relics of Christianity, such as the Crown of Thorns. The church is located near the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The most beautiful part of this church is its stained glass windows. There are 15 large windows inside the church, each of which depicts a story from the Bible. When the sunlight hits it, the entire room is filled with colors – in other words, it looks like magic. It is a great example of Gothic architecture. Tourists can easily get here. It is a few minutes walk from the metro station “Cité”. It is open every day from 9 am.

6. Musee d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is a popular art museum in Paris. It is located on the banks of the Seine River, inside an old railway station. The museum opened to the public in 1986. It houses a collection of French art from 1848 to 1914.

The museum houses works by many famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. It features many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The Musée d’Orsay is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays). It is easily accessible by metro or RER (RER C) train — get off at the “Musée d’Orsay” station.

7. Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Montmartre is a hilly area in the north of Paris. It is the highest point in the city, with an altitude of about 130 meters. Since the 19th century, it has been known as a center for artists. Many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Renoir, lived and worked here. There is a small square called Place du Tertre, where artists still sit on the street and sell their paintings.

Sacre-Cœur Basilica is a large white church located at the top of Montmartre hill. Its construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. This church was built as a national symbol after the Franco-Prussian War, to express the country’s renaissance. The exterior architecture is in the Roman-Byzantine style, and inside, there is a huge mosaic – “Christ in Majesty”. To get to Montmartre and Sacre-Cœur, you can use the Anvers, Abbesses, or Pigalle metro stations. To get to the top of the hill, you can use the stairs if you prefer, or there is also a small cable car called the Funiculaire de Montmartre, which takes you to the top in just a few minutes.

8. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is located about 20 km west of Paris. It is the largest and most famous royal palace in France. King Louis XIV built it as a royal palace in the 17th century. He moved the French royal office from Paris to here. For many years, it was the residence of kings, the center of politics and diplomacy. Today it is open as a museum.

Inside the Palace of Versailles, there are hundreds of rooms, the residence of the king and queen, and very magnificent halls. The most famous part is the Hall of Mirrors – here, there are 357 mirrors, chandeliers, and marble walls. In this room, the Treaty of Versailles was signed after World War I in 1919. In addition, the palace contains extraordinary works of art, goldsmithing, and royal furniture.

Around the Palace of Versailles, there is a large garden – Versailles Garden, which has fountains, canals, statues, and musical fountains. It covers an area of about 800 hectares. You can also explore the gardens by bicycle or by a small train. From Paris, take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station and walk for a few minutes.

9. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens (French: Jardin du Luxembourg) are a historic and popular park in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. They were created in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici. They are home to the Luxembourg Palace, which is currently the seat of the French Senate. The park covers an area of about 25 hectares. The garden has well-tended flower beds, fountains, ponds, sculptures, and rows of large trees. The most attractive part is the rectangular pond in the middle, where children float small toy boats.

The garden has over 100 sculptures, including many of historical figures. There is a beautiful orchid house, the Madeleine Chapel, and concerts or theater in the summer. It is open daily, usually from 7 am to 7 pm. The garden has chairs, benches, and shaded areas. You can easily get there by getting off at the nearby Luxembourg RER B station.

10. Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is a historic square in the heart of Paris. It is the largest square in the city, covering an area of about 8.6 hectares. It was created in 1755 and was then called Place Louis XV. During the French Revolution, it was known as Place de la Révolution. At that time, the guillotine was installed here, and many people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were executed here.

In the center of the square is a huge Egyptian obelisk, which is about 3,300 years old and was brought from Luxor. It is about 23 meters high. Next to the obelisk are two beautiful fountains – Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves. They highlight the beauty of French rivers and seas. There are marble statues and lampposts around the square, which make it more traditional.

Place de la Concorde is located between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden. It is an important point to visit Paris. Nearby are the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and the Assemblée Nationale. You can easily get here by taking metro lines 1, 8, or 12 to the “Concorde” station.

11. Pantheon

The Panthéon is an important historical building in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Construction began in 1758 and was completed in 1790. It was originally built as a church in honor of Sainte Geneviève. But during the French Revolution it became a monument, where the tombs of great people and leaders of France are kept.

The architecture of the Panthéon is made in Greek and Roman styles. Its huge dome can be seen from afar. Inside are magnificent marble columns, paintings, and a large Foucault Pendulum, which proves the rotation of the Earth. The crypt below contains the tombs of many famous people, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. The Panthéon is open daily from 10 am. It is near the Luxembourg Gardens, and is within walking distance from Luxembourg (RER B) or Cardinal Lemoine (Metro line 10) stations.

12. Seine River Cruises

he Seine River flows through the heart of Paris. A cruise on this river is a unique experience in Paris. Many of the most famous sights of Paris are located on both banks of the Seine River – such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Orsay Museum. It is really wonderful to see all of these from a boat on the river.

There are many types of cruise services operating on the Seine River. There are general sightseeing cruises, romantic dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and even night cruises with live music. Famous companies such as Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes du Pont-Neuf, and Bateaux Mouches offer these services. Many cruises also have audio guides, which tell you the history of each place in English or another language. These cruises usually last about an hour. Some cruises run during the day, while others are only for the evening or night. You can buy tickets online or directly at the pier. The most popular piers include Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower) and Pont-Neuf.

13. Les Invalides

Les Invalides is a historic building complex in Paris. It was built in 1670 by King Louis XIV for wounded and retired soldiers. It was then a hospital and a residential center. It is now used as an important military museum, memorial, and cemetery. It is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

The most famous part of Les Invalides is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is located under a large domed building, where his body lies in several coffins. The tomb is surrounded by marble battle scenes. It also houses the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum), which displays French military history, costumes, weapons, and war memorabilia. The nearest metro stations are Invalides (lines 8 and 13) and La Tour-Maubourg. You can also walk here from the Eiffel Tower if you prefer.

14. Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier (full name: Palais Garnier) is a famous opera house in Paris. It was built between 1861 and 1875, by order of Emperor Napoleon III. Its architect was Charles Garnier, after whom the building is named. This opera house is one of the examples of classical and luxurious architecture in Paris.

Inside the building, there is a large hall, which can seat more than 2,000 spectators. On the ceiling, there is a famous chandelier and a colorful ceiling painting by the artist Marc Chagall. Inside, there are marble staircases, gilded carvings, and beautiful sculptures, which make the Opéra Garnier look like a royal palace. Opera, ballet, and various cultural events are held here.

15. Le Marais

Le Marais is an old and popular area located in the 4th and 3rd arrondissements of Paris. It was a swamp in the Middle Ages; the word “Marais” means “marsh”. Later, it became the residence of the French aristocracy. Today, it is home to many old palaces, beautiful streets, museums, art galleries, and boutiques. Le Marais is the historic center of the Jewish community of Paris. On the Rue des Rosiers, you can find Jewish food, bakeries, and culture. There are also many art galleries, designer boutiques, and cafes.

The main attractions of Le Marais include Place des Vosges – the oldest square in Paris, Musée Carnavalet , the history museum of Paris, and Musée Picasso – a museum with Picasso’s works. You can easily get here by getting off at Saint-Paul (Metro line 1) or Chemin Vert (line 8) stations.

16. Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is located in the Le Marais area of Paris. It was built between 1605 and 1612 during the reign of King Henry IV. The Place is rectangular in shape and is surrounded by red brick royal buildings. Its architecture still bears the classical French style. In the middle of the Place, there is a green park, small fountains, and benches. The famous writer Victor Hugo lived here – his house is now a museum called Maison de Victor Hugo.

Place des Vosges is surrounded by art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. You can get here by walking from Saint-Paul (metro line 1) or Chemin Vert stations.

17. Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is a large cultural center located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It opened to the public in 1977 and is named after French President Georges Pompidou, who was a patron of modern art. The building was designed by three architects – Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, and Gianfranco Franchini.

The main attraction of the Centre Pompidou is the Musée National d’Art Moderne, which is the largest modern and contemporary art museum in Europe. It houses works by many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jacques Villalès, Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp, Matisse, etc. It contains more than 120,000 works of art. The building also houses a large public library, a research center, a media library, a small cinema, and a spectacular rooftop terrace. The Centre Pompidou is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm (closed on Tuesdays). The nearest metro stations are Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), and Châtelet-Les Halles.