Paris is a culturally rich city with stunning sights that will take your breath away! From the romantic Seine, enchanting architecture, and historic buildings, the City of Lights will never cease to amaze you with its charm ? We rounded up the 20 best places to visit in Paris for the ultimate bucket list! ?
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1. Eiffel Tower
It's the symbol of Paris, so this has to be at the top of your Paris itinerary ? Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 World Exposition by engineer Gustave Eiffel and reaches an astonishing height of over 300 meters. For ultimate panoramic views of Paris, take a ride on the elevator to the top of the tower, and we promise you'll be left in awe! At the top, you can also find the engineer Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment on display ?
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Opening hours: 9.30 am-10.45 pm daily
How to get there: Line 6 (green) of the metro will take you to Bir-Hakeim Station, an 8-minute walk away from Eiffel Tower.
2. The Louvre
The world’s most visited museum, the Louvre can be easily recognised by the iconic sleek glass pyramid at the entrance ? Once you enter, you’d be amazed by its abundant art collection, including some of the world’s most celebrated artworks, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave”. If you're coming on the 1st Saturday of the month, you'll enjoy FREE entry to the museum! However, do be prepared for the long queues, so we recommend that you choose this option unless you have time to spare for queues ? Alternatively, you can either book your tickets in advance via their website or choose the Skip-In-Line ticket, some of which comes with a free guided tour (you can book this via third-party platforms such as Klook and KKday).
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Opening hours: Sat-Mon, Wed-Thurs (9am-6pm); Fri (9am-9.45pm); closed on Tuesdays
How to get there: There are 2 metro stops located just outside the museum - Palais Royal Musée du Louvre and Louvre Rivoli. The entrances are close to the metro stops. Palais Royal runs on lines 1 and 7, while Louvre Rivoli runs on line 1.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Paris) is a Gothic cathedral with awe-inspiring architectural details – combining rose windows, stunning sculptures, and Gothic carvings, built-in 1163 ? Here's a fun fact: did you know that Victor Hugo (also the author of the famous 'Les Misérables') literary classic 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' is set in this cathedral? Since the cathedral is currently closed due to a fire in 2019, you can only view it from its public square, known as the parvis, for free ?
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
How to get there: If you're taking the Metro, get on a line 4 service to Cité, the only stop on the Île de la Cité itself - you'll be able to spot the cathedral there! Alternatively, you can take an RER B or C service to Gare De Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, on the banks of the Seine.
4. Arc De Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch) stands at the western end of the bustling Champs-Élysées and is the most renowned and emblematic triumphal arch in the world. Engraved on the surfaces are some of the French historic victories, battles and great military leaders! ? Head up the tower to catch one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, especially during sunset! You can also see other iconic Parisian attractions such as the Louvre and the Sacré Coeur.
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Opening hours: 10am-10.30pm daily
How to get there: If you're going by metro, take line 1, 2 or 6 and get off at the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station. Afterwards, walk towards Exit 1 : Arc de Triomphe. If you're using the RER, take line A and get off at the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station.
5. Champ-Elysees
Paris' Champs Elysees district is known for its high-end shopping and dining, and we all know Paris is the place to score all your favourite luxury bags at great discounts! If you're feeling peckish, check out Le Confidentiel! This halal French fine dining restaurant is cosily furnished and is the perfect place to head to if you want to treat yourself to a particularly fancy meal during your trip ?
Address: Running between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, where the Arc de Triomphe is located.
Opening hours: Open 24/7, however, the shops may close by 10 pm. Do check beforehand.
How to get there: The closest metro stop to the Champs-Élysées is Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau. If you'd like to take the train directly to the avenue, this is the spot to get off. If you're from the arc, you can simply walk down the avenue from Place Charles de Gaulle in the west.
6. Palace of Versailles
You haven’t seen glamour until you’ve been to Château de Versailles. Once home to the kings and queens of France, this palace is perhaps the most extravagant place in Europe ? Château de Versailles opens its door at 9 am, and you are encouraged to be there early and purchase your ticket in advance to skip the queue! The first king to live in Versailles, Louis XII, bought land and built a château for his hunting trips. Meanwhile, Louis XIV wanted to show his power through architecture. He radically transformed the place, thus the splendour and magnificence of the palace ?
The Hall of Mirrors is the central gallery and largest room in the palace. At 73m long, the gallery pays tribute to France’s political, economic and artistic successes. Check out the Queen’s Apartments and the Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette once resided and spent most of her time! Many of her portraits are also on display ?
P.S. Their website sells the Versailles Passport, which you can consider since a trip to Versailles will last a day!
Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Opening hours: 9 am-6.30 pm daily; closed on Mondays
How to get there: Take the RER C line train from Paris to the Palace of Versailles, also known as Château de Versailles. At the train station, follow the signs to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche and check the monitor before boarding the train because not all of them will get you to Versailles Château-Rive Gauche! The journey takes around 45 minutes. Purchase a round-trip ticket to avoid the queue when returning to Paris later!
7. Musée d’Orsay
Originally a train station in 1900, then used as a mailing centre during WWII, as a theatre, to finally – as Musée d’Orsay. Now, it displays collections of art from 1848 to 1914. Even the museum itself is an architectural masterpiece! Admire the works by popular Impressionist artists like Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Also, check out the museum’s giant transparent clock, which is pretty eye-catching on its own ?
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Opening hours: 9.30 am – 6 pm daily, 9.30 am-6.45 pm (Thursday); closed on Mondays (closed on May 1 and Dec 25)
How to get there: Nearest train stations are Solférino (Metro line 12), Musée d'Orsay (RER C)
#HHWTip: For museum lovers, we recommend getting the all-in-one Paris Museum Pass from third-party platforms such as Klook or KKday!
8. Sacré-Cœur
Travel would also mean discovering other cultures. The Sacré-Cœur is a famous Roman Catholic Church built in 1875. It took seven architects to complete this Romano-Byzantine-styled building. Check out their national monument - the grand pipe organ! It was unanimously considered one of the most remarkable in France. It is also one of the most widely heard pipe organs in the world ?
Being the second highest point in Paris at 130 metres high, enrich yourself with the view of the entire city of Paris here. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is on top of a long flight of stairs. If you are not keen on climbing up, take the Montmartrobus from Jules Joffrin or Pigalle, or the cable car from Abbesses or Anvers metro stations to reach there.
#HHWTip: Once you're done visiting the Sacré-Cœur, take the time to explore Montmartre, the charming former hilltop-village-turned-neighbourhood in which the Sacré-Cœur is located at! Montmartre is full of life and filled with plenty of atmosphere and charm. Explore the busy streets of Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels. With a flick of their brush, they easily charm passers-by with beautiful works of art. You can even ask them to paint your portrait! Fun fact: did you know that Vincent Van Gogh used to stay here?
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Opening hours: 6 am – 10.30 pm daily
How to get there: Nearest metro stations are Jules Joffrin or Abbesses (Metro line 12), Pigalle (line 12 or line 2) or Anvers (line 2).
9. Jardin du Luxembourg
Children can look forward to a puppet theatre, pony rides and a merry-go-round. There is also a tennis court and music pavilion. Ever heard of an orangery in a park? There is one in this huge garden, too ? This is the place to chill and soak in the relaxed atmosphere - plus it's free entry! You can take any available chairs and place them wherever you want to sit in this park. We recommend sitting near the large octagonal pond, the Grand Bassin. You can even rent remote-controlled boats to play at the pond.
P.S. Looking to plan out your Paris trip on a budget? We got you covered with some tips here!
Address: Rue de Médicis - Rue de Vaugirard - 75006 Paris
Opening hours: 7.30am and 8.15am, and closes between 4.30pm and 9.30pm according to season
How to get there: Nearest metro stations are Odéon (Metro lines 4 and 10), or Luxembourg (RER B)
10. Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou holds the largest collection of modern art in Europe. There are lots of things that you can see here! This includes visual arts, experimental film and more. Not only that, but you can also catch various art repertories ? Centre Pompidou is something out of the box.
The air-conditioning, lifts and escalators are built outside, making the inside more spacious. How interesting is that! Check out the National Museum of Modern Art, which is a world leader in the field of modern and contemporary art ?
#HHWT Tip: On the first Sunday of every month, admission to this museum (and some others) is free. Do be prepared for long queues though!
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm daily (Sun-Wed, Fri-Sat); 11am-11pm (only on Thursdays); closed on Tuesdays and May 1
How to get there: Nearest metro stations are Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14), Châtelet-les Halles (RER A, B and D)
11. Palais Garnier
Known as a magnificent opera house, Palais Garnier is a classic. Did you know that it sits above an underground lake? Way cool. The auditorium also hosts performances staged by the Opera National de Paris. They have performed classics like Phantom of the Opera and Romeo and Juliet. Time to find my Romeo…in Paris ?
Not only are the performances stunning, but the interior and exterior of the building are gorgeous! Look out for the huge sculptures on top of the copper dome. While you’re inside, spot the Grand Staircase, the Grand Foyer and the Grand Escalier. We're sure it’s called ‘grand’ for a reason! ?
Address: 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily, except on days with afternoon performances and exceptional closures, last entry 45 minutes before closing time.
How to get there: Nearest train stations are Opéra (Metro lines 3,7,8) and Auber (RER A)
12. Galeries Lafayette
Ever heard of the term ‘Luxury Bazaar’? ? Well, Galeries Lafayette is the epitome of one. There are 10 levels of duty-free shopping and a gourmet food court! Walk into designer heaven and catch their 30-minute fashion shows on Fridays too. Everything Paris-related can be found here!
The Art Nouveau style continues to enchant visitors. Remember to look up and spot the enchanting stained-glass dome at the main hall. If shopping is not your forte, enjoy the scenic view of Paris at their rooftop terrace, or discover over a century of its history with its free guided tours ?
#HHWT Tip: In the evening, Galeries Lafayette will light up. During the festive seasons, their decorations also light up the place impressively.
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Opening hours: Mon-Sat (10 am-8.30pm), Sun (11am-8pm)
How to get there: The closest station to Galeries Lafayette is Chaussée d'Antin (Line 7 and 9), but Opéra (Line 3, 7 and 8) and Havre – Caumartin (Line 3 and 9) are also located about a 3-minute walk away. Trinité (Line 12) is about an 8-minute walk away.
13. Shakespeare & Company
Shoutout to bookworms, we've found the perfect place for you! Shakespeare and the Company is an authentic Parisian bookstore, which was a refuge for legendary writers such as Scott Fitzgerald! Now, the shelves are home to popular autobiographies which avid readers seek for ?
You can get up close and personal with renowned authors - for free! Most events occur in their library, at their ground level or outside the bookshop ?
#HHWT Tip: Arrive at least 15-30 minutes early to get a seat, as spaces are limited.
Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
Opening hours: Mon-Sat (10am-8pm); Sun (12pm-7pm)
How to get there: Located within view of Nôtre-Dame and the Seine, Shakespeare and Company are easily accessed by Métro (take line 4 to Saint-Michel) or RER (take lines B or C to Saint-Michel – Nôtre-Dame). The shop can also be reached by the 27 and 47 bus lines, by rental bike, car or taxi, or foot.
14. Pont Alexandre III
An essential combination of Art Nouveau style and French panache, Pont Alexander III exudes charming lamps and sculptures as you walk on this lavish bridge ?
The construction of this bridge makes it one of the most popular spots for photographs amongst tourists. The best way to capture the bridge's beauty is from the left bank of the Seine River or even on the bridge itself, overlooking the rich sculptures of nymphs and angels ?
Address: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France
How to get there: By Metro line 13 or RER-A to Champs-Elysées - Clemenceau station
15. Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the River Seine ? Constructed during medieval times, the ancient stone bridge consists of two discrete spans connecting Île de la Cité – the island in the middle of the river – to the left and the right banks. Plus it makes a gorgeous photo for you to look over ?
Address: 75001 Paris, France
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Pont Neuf (line 7) which has an exit to the bridge. The other metro stations are Metro Cite and Saint-Michel, situated at a walking distance from the bridge
16. Disneyland Paris
Visit the fairy-tale Disneyland Paris and join your favourite Disney characters in not one, but TWO theme parks – Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park – and marvel at the whimsical surroundings ?
Address: Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (9.30am-9pm); Sat-Sun (9.30am-10pm)
How to get there: The best way to travel between Disneyland Paris and the city centre is on the suburban commuter train called the RER (Regional Express Network). Line A of the RER system terminates at Marne-la-Vallee station next to the front gates of Disney Village and the theme parks at Disneyland Paris.
17. Le Marais neighbourhood
Navigating the labyrinth of cobblestone alleys in Le Marais is a fascinating experience. One of the oldest districts in Paris, Le Marais is lined with historic buildings with grand architecture, museums, and trendy boutiques and cafés you’ve dreamt about.
A guided walking tour is available if you want to know more about the district. After all, that walking, take a short break and unwind at Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. The garden is every bit like a typical French garden and one of the few where you can sit on the grass. If you’re interested in Picasso’s works, Musée National Picasso is also located nearby!
How to get there: Saint-Paul is a station on Paris Métro Line 1, close to the Rue Saint-Paul. It serves the neighbourhood of Le Marais.
18. Panthéon
The Panthéon, located in the dynamic Latin Quarter, houses a crypt containing the tombs of well-known French figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Its neoclassical architecture and gorgeous large paintings will be bound to wow you ?
There are also sculptures and the cupola with the famous Foucault Pendulum, demonstrating Earth’s rotation ?
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily
How to get there: From the metro station Cardinal Lemoine (line 10); From the bus station Panthéon (lines 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85, 89); From the RER station Luxembourg (line B)
#HHWTip: After visiting Panthéon, check out the surrounding Latin Quarter – a lively student neighbourhood known for quaint bookstores, including Shakespeare & Company, and cheerful cafés and bistros!
19. Catacombs of Paris
Imagine an enormous collection of bones and ossuaries under the city - yup, that's the Catacombs of Paris. The overpopulated cemeteries in 18th-century Paris gave rise to these subterranean ossuaries, and more than 6 million people were moved over to this tremendous grave ?
Address: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Opening hours: 9.45 am-8.30 pm daily; closed on Mondays
How to get there: You can alight at the common station: Denfert-Rochereau. From here, the Catacombs are at a mere 3-minute walking distance.
20. Montparnasse Tower
Despite its outlandish appearance not being widely admired, a trip to the rooftop of the only skyscraper in Paris will afford you an unobstructed 360° panoramic view over the whole city, which is breathtaking ?
#HHWTip: We recommend arriving about 1 hour before sunset for the best views of Paris by day and night. While you will save some money on the Night & Day ticket, you'll mostly save the transit time if you only have to go to the tower once!
Address: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
Opening hours: 11am-10.30pm daily
How to get there: Montparnasse Tower is easily accessed from the Montparnasse-Bienvenüe metro station. Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13 stop there.
It is undoubtedly called the city of romance, with its rich heritage reflecting the country's history with a distinctive ambience. It is indeed the city that sparks interest among many. Paris will, for sure, leave you with wonderful, unforgettable memories ? Time to say Bonjour, Paris ?
P.S. Check out these articles to help you with your Paris trip!