Paris is a city that always has something to offer. From its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to vibrant neighborhoods like Montmartre, the French capital seamlessly combines history, culture and modernity in one place.
Here, we’ll detail the 10 must see places in Paris, ideal for a weekend getaway.
1. EIFFEL TOWER
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. It was inaugurated in 1889 in the heart of Paris, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel for that year’s World’s Fair. The tower was originally conceived as a temporary structure. However, the fascination it generated among Parisians and visitors made it a permanent symbol of the city. Standing at 330 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world for over 40 years, and it remains one of the most visited attractions on the planet.
Beyond its impressive wrought-iron architecture, the Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views of Paris from its three observation decks. Each level provides a different perspective of the city, from the Champ de Mars gardens to the distant neighborhoods. Over the years, the tower has witnessed historical events and has served as a backdrop for countless movies, photos, and celebrations. You can buy tickets online through the official Eiffel Tower website; here’s the link, where you’ll find different ticket options depending on whether you want to go up to the 2nd floor or all the way to the top, and whether you prefer to take the elevator or climb the stairs for the first section.
If you like photography, here are the 10 best Eiffel Tower photospots to capture a spectacular photo:
Champ de Mars: Stunning frontal view, ideal at sunset.
Trocadéro: Iconic view with fountains in the foreground, especially at sunrise.
Bir-Hakeim Bridge: Creative framing through the bridge’s arches.
Rue de Monttessuy: Perfect alignment of the tower between buildings.
Rue de l'Université: Parallel to Monttessuy, one of the most famous streets for photographing the Eiffel Tower.
Parc de Belleville: Panoramic view of the tower at sunset.
From a boat on the Seine: Unique captures with the river’s context.
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck: Elevated view of the Parisian skyline.
Camoens Avenue: At the staircase at the end of the avenue, there’s a railing with beautiful views of the tower.
Pont d'Iéna: While crossing the bridge’s crosswalk, you’ll get incredible close-up views of the tower.
2. LOUVRE MUSEUM
The Louvre Museum, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world. Its history dates back to the 12th century when it began as a medieval fortress before transforming into a royal palace and, eventually, into a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution. One of the first things you’ll see upon arrival is its famous glass pyramid, contrasting with the classical style of the surrounding palace.
The museum houses over 60.000 square meters of galleries, organized into 8 departments that include paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts from antiquity to the 19th century. Among its masterpieces are Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, The Coronation of Napoleon and Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix, among many others.
Millions of visitors walk through its halls each year, and even if you’re not an art enthusiast, it’s worth a visit. An important note: book your ticket in advance. We bought ours a week ahead and only found availability for entry at 4:30 PM, and considering the museum closed at 6 PM that day, we had to rush through to see the works we were most excited about. Keep in mind that the museum’s normal hours are: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM; and closed on Tuesdays. On the first Friday of each month after 6 PM (except July and August), entry is free, as well as for those under 18 years old and EU residents under 26.
3. ARC DE TRIOMPHE AND CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
The Arc de Triomphe, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. It was inaugurated in 1836 as a symbol of honor for the French troops after Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. Standing 50 meters tall, the arch is adorned with reliefs and sculptures that depict significant moments in French history, as well as the names of battles and generals engraved on its surface. From its terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Champs-Élysées and the twelve avenues converging at Place Charles de Gaulle. Here’s the link to the official Arc de Triomphe website where you can check ticket availability and prices.
The Champs-Élysées, often referred to as “the most beautiful avenue in the world,” stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Spanning 1,9 km, it’s lined with luxury shops, theaters, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or not, we recommend not missing the walk through this area. We biked along the cycle path on each side, stopping at any point we wanted to explore further.
4. MONTMARTRE AND SACRÉ-CŒUR
Montmartre, the quintessential bohemian neighborhood of Paris, is famous for its cobblestone streets, cafés, and atmosphere, which has inspired generations of artists. You will find it atop a hill in the northern part of the city. Montmartre has been home to painters like Picasso and Van Gogh, who captured the essence of the place. The heart of the neighborhood is Place du Tertre, a lively square where artists still exhibit and sell their works today, keeping the creative tradition of Montmartre alive.
At the very top of the Montmartre hill stands the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Cœur), offering one of the most impressive views of Paris. Built in the late 19th century in a Romanesque-Byzantine style, it stands out with its white silhouette. The interior is equally impressive, featuring one of the largest mosaics in the world decorating its central dome. On the day we visited, there was such a long queue to enter that we simply admired the Basilica from the outside. If you are luckier and find fewer people when visiting Sacré-Cœur, keep in mind that access to the basilica is free, and it is open from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. You will need to pay for a ticket if you want to visit the dome area and the crypt.
5. MOULIN ROUGE
The Moulin Rouge, opened in 1889, is one of the most famous cabarets in the world and an icon of Parisian nightlife. It is located in the Pigalle neighborhood at the foot of Montmartre, making it the perfect stop after exploring that area. Moulin Rouge is characterized by the red windmill on its façade. It is a venue that has hosted and continues to host performances combining dance, music, and acrobatics, keeping it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
6. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
Notre Dame Cathedral, located on Île de la Cité in the center of Paris, is one of the most well-known Gothic jewels in the world. This cathedral has witnessed over 800 years of history, from royal coronations to significant cultural and historical events. Despite the 2019 fire that destroyed much of its roof and iconic spire, Notre Dame Cathedral remains a symbol of resilience for Paris. It is currently undergoing restoration, with a global effort dedicated to restoring its former glory. Even in its current state, the cathedral continues to attract millions of people who wish to admire its architecture.
7. SAINTE-CHAPELLE
Sainte-Chapelle, also located on Île de la Cité in Paris, just a 5-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Gothic style and one of the most stunning chapels in the world. Built between 1242 and 1248 by Louis IX, it was conceived as a place to house sacred relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The highlight of Sainte-Chapelle is its spectacular stained glass windows, which cover almost 600 square meters and depict over 1,000 biblical scenes, creating a luminous effect that transforms the interior into a true kaleidoscope of colors.
Over the centuries, Sainte-Chapelle has survived the ups and downs of history, from the French Revolution to the Nazi occupation, and has been restored to preserve its original beauty. Today, it is a must-visit for those who want to admire its stunning architecture and enjoy the unique atmosphere within. We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance if you want to visit the interior, as long lines form to enter.
8. GARNIER PALACE
The Garnier Palace, also known as the Paris Opera, is considered a masterpiece of 19th-century theater and architecture. It was inaugurated in 1875, designed by architect Charles Garnier. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city, and just its facade adorned with sculptures, columns, and a golden dome will impress you. Inside, the most beautiful parts are the grand lobby, the marble staircase, and the opera hall.
In addition to being a venue for renowned operas and ballets, the Garnier Palace has also inspired literary and cinematic works. Today, the palace continues to be a center of excellence in the world of music and performance, and it also offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore its history and architecture. If you do not book a guided tour, you can visit on your own, as we did, for €15. There is a reduced rate of €10 for ages 12-25 and for family packages. You can find all the information on its official website by clicking here.
9. MUSÉE D'ORSAY
The Musée d'Orsay, located in an old train station along the Seine River, is one of the main art museums in Paris. Inaugurated in 1986, the museum features a collection of masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir, as well as sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts that reflect the culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture of the building is notable for its iron and glass structure.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum organizes temporary displays that attract art lovers from around the world. Visiting hours are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 9:45 PM. They also have all the information on their official website to purchase tickets online, clicking here.
10. SEINE RIVER
The Seine River, which winds through the heart of Paris, has been an important transport route and a vital element for the development of the French capital since ancient times. With a length of 77 km, of which 13 flow through the capital, it has witnessed countless historical events, from the coronation of medieval kings to the liberation of Paris in 1944. Today, it remains an active transport route, used by commercial and tourist vessels.
If you embark on a boat ride along the Seine, you can enjoy a different perspective of some of Paris's most iconic monuments, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower, as well as pass under historic bridges like the Pont Neuf, the oldest in the city, and the Pont Alexandre III. In addition to being a waterway, it also serves as a meeting and recreational place for Parisians and tourists, who take advantage of the pedestrian areas along its banks to enjoy relaxing walks, have a drink in one of its squares, or simply enjoy the scenery around them.
And that’s it for the 10 must-see places in Paris!
If you have more time, this city is full of history and culture, with plenty of places worth discovering. To help you make the most of your visit to Paris, here are some extra places to add to your itinerary based on your interests and what you’d like to explore, along with a brief description of each:
1. Les Invalides: In this architectural complex, you'll find several museums and monuments, including the Army Museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its impressive golden dome is an iconic symbol of Paris.
2. The Catacombs of Paris: A vast underground ossuary that contains the remains of millions of Parisians. This labyrinth of tunnels and chambers offers a unique perspective on the city’s history.
3. Tuileries Garden: This beautiful garden, located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde, is an ideal place for a stroll. It features fountains, sculptures, and an impressive view of the Eiffel Tower.
4. Pont Alexandre III: Considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, it is adorned with golden sculptures and lanterns. It offers spectacular views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset.
5. Bir-Hakeim Bridge: This pedestrian bridge provides a unique view of the Eiffel Tower through its arches and is popular for photos. It also connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements, allowing the passage of vehicles and trams.
6. Palais Royal: Located near the Louvre, this historic palace features beautiful gardens and elegant architecture. It is famous for its Buren columns, which blend contemporary and classical art.
7. Place Vendôme: This luxurious octagonal palace houses high-end boutiques and is a symbol of Parisian elegance. The Vendôme column in the center commemorates Napoleon's victories.
8. Palace of Versailles: Located just outside Paris, it is famous for its opulence and gardens. Originally a royal residence, the palace is an impressive example of 17th-century architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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