“Paris exists to remind you that all your dreams are real.” ~ Audrey Hepburn
The first look at the magnificent Eiffel Tower leaves you speechless and urges you to explore all the best places to visit in Paris.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Paris never fails to fascinate you. Tree-lined avenues, lavish formal gardens, small boutique cafes, fashionable shopping streets, Paris romanticizes everything.
Paris tourist places are not just any attractions but they are visual treats that leave an imprint on your mind forever. Be it a garden, a cathedral, or a museum, there are so many beautiful places in Paris that you cannot explore them all in one go!
That is why we have curated this list of top places to visit in Paris that you can add to your itinerary for a memorable sightseeing experience.
Best Paris Tourist Places That Will Leave You Mesmerized
Now discover what makes Paris so alluring and have a life-long love affair with the ‘City of Lights’.
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre
- Arc de Triomphe/ Champs Elysées
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Musée d’Orsay
- Palais Garnier (The Opéra Garnier Grand Hall)
- The Latin Quarter
- Luxembourg Garden Jardin du Luxembourg
1. Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel)
You might have seen the Eiffel Tower a gazillion times – on Instagram, Facebook, and any other existing social media network, but seeing it in real life is a magical experience that many travelers cannot express with words. And besides, what would Paris be without the symbolic Eiffel Tower? Right?
Constructed by Gustave Eiffel to honor the centenary of the French Revolution, Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high. You can actually visit the 2nd floor at 275 meters to enjoy panoramic city views, which will be one of the best experiences you’ll have in Paris. Not to mention, the beauty of this tower lures nearly 7 million visitors annually. Isn’t that crazy?
- Location: Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris
- Timings: Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, except 14th July
2. Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
Long lines just to glance at the Mona Lisa painting? There must be something unique about it! Indeed! The most famous painting of the Mona Lisa is housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. One of the most visited places in Paris and the world, the Louvre displays 35,000 artworks – from antiquities to European paintings.
Skip the line tours help you to get straight to the museum to witness the famous masterpieces including the Venus de Milo sculpture. Take a three-hour guided tour if you love this kind of place and get in-depth commentary about the masterpieces. Besides, the museum is located near Jardin des Tuileries, which is a plus.
- Location: Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
- Timings: Open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, except Tuesday
3. Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris)
Architecture admirer? There is no better place to visit in Paris than Notre Dame Cathedral. Walk around Notre Dame and climb the 387 stairs inside to get to the top. It will be exhausting no doubt, but the view makes it worth it.
The Gallery of Kings here is the main highlight that has rows of 28 finely carved figures of the French Kings. The heads of the kings were lost during the Revolution and to see them, you can visit Musée de Cluny. Inside the cathedral, the stained-glass windows are the eye-catcher and the most noteworthy one displays 80 Old Testament scenes centered on the Virgin.
- Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
- Timings:
Open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6.45 pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 7.45 pm (no midday closure throughout the week)
4. Montmartre
Big on the artistic scene, Montmartre is a whimsical neighborhood and is one of the best places to visit in Paris. It charms you with its cobbled streets, bistros, and the magnificent Basilica. Evolved from its traditional village atmosphere, it appeals to artists so much. If you are one, do visit Montmartre on your Paris tour.
Sacre-Coeur is the most prominent landmark of this area and is quite a masterpiece honestly, of grandeur and grace. The famous Le Mur des Je t’aimes or Wall of Love with “I Love You” written 311 times in 250 languages is a major attraction. Plus, the famous Moulin Rouge Show is held in Montmartre.
- Location: A large hill in the 18th arrondissement.
- Timings: Any time of the day.
5. Arc de Triomphe/ Champs Elysées
You must be wondering why we have combined both. Right? Well, Champs Elysées – a grandiose avenue – leads to Arc de Triomphe. Both are the most visited places in Paris and showcase brilliant architecture, history, and cultural memoirs.
Can you believe, Champs Elysées receives 300,000 visitors every day? And why not, the avenue is lined with high-end luxury shops, cafés, theatres, and abundant beauty.
The first look at Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile will make you think – India Gate? Yes, it looks quite similar structurally. It is the most popular monument in Paris because of its design and structure that is influenced by the Arch of Titus in Rome, Italy. Do not forget to see names of the French generals, French victories, patriotic quotes, and messages on the walls of this structure.
- Location: Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Timings: Open every day from 10 am to 9.45 pm except 1st Jan, 1st May, 14th July, 11th Nov, and 25th Dec.
6. Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)
How can you visit Paris and not check out the beautiful gardens? Not Fair! Jardin des Tuileries is one of the top places to see in Paris. Whether you are a couple or a family, a visit to this public garden will refresh your mind. Take leisurely strolls or admire the beautiful tree-lined paths, it’s up to you!
Tuileries Garden is solely recommended due to its picturesque landscape and strategic location. You can enjoy sitting under the sun seeing the fountains and striking sculptures in the middle of the city? Even if you don’t love it, this is one of the top Paris tourist places you cannot miss.
- Location: Between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
- Timings:
Open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm (Last Sunday in September to last Sunday in March)
From 7 am to 9 pm (Last Sunday in March to last Saturday in September)
From 7 am to 11 pm in June, July, and August.
Also Check: Most Beautiful Castles in France that embody Magnificence
7. Musée d’Orsay
Keen to know about French history? Visit Musée d’Orsay and treat your eyes to the exquisite collection of Impressionist art from 1848 to 1914. Roam around the big spacious galleries that are brimming with the most cherished paintings in the world. No wonder, Musée d’Orsay is one of the best places in Paris for history buffs.
The museum holds the masterpieces of classic Impressionists namely Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet as well as Pierre Bonnard and Vincent van Gogh. Can you believe that? And the famous pieces of the museum include Claude Monet’s The Magpie and Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait and Starry Night. Book lover? There is a book store, a gift shop, and two cafes on-site as well.
- Location: Musée d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
- Timings: Open every day from 9.30 am to 6 pm, except on Monday, 1st May, and 25th Dec.
8. Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier)
For an exceptional sightseeing tour in Paris, you must visit Palais Garnier. It is one of the most impressive landmarks and places to visit in Paris that represents the beauty of the Second Empire. The moment you step into the Opéra Garnier, you will be mesmerized by the massive chandelier hanging from the exquisitely designed ceiling with 7 tonnes of pure bronze.
The whole building is just a magnificent masterpiece of elegance and eccentricity. And every way you turn, it is adorned with baroque statues, carvings, and sculptures. With this much beauty and elegance in one place, how can you not fall in love in Paris? Plus, the stage in the auditorium is so big that it can accommodate 450+ artists in one go.
- Location: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
- Timings: Open every day from 7:30 am to 2 am (last service at 11 pm)
9. The Latin Quarter
Discover one of the fascinating places in Paris, The Latin Quarter. Culturally and geographically rich, this place graces the River Seine on the left and encircles the University of Paris. Known worldwide to be a great educational center, it is lined with cute cafes, bistros, pubs, restaurants, and malls.
Besides the historic Paris University, other institutions like École Normale Supérieure, the École des Mines de Paris, Panthéon-Assas University lies in the Latin Quarter. So, if you want to spend your time in the City of Lights amidst lively streets, the Latin Quarter is your place to be.
- Location: 5th and the 6th arrondissements, left bank of River Seine
- Timings: Any time of the day.
10. Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg)
Split into two gardens – French and English, Luxembourg Garden is among the best places to explore in Paris for a lovely time with loved ones. Head to the orchard of forgotten and old apple varieties, the greenhouse (orchids and rose garden) to learn about the botanical heritage. It is quite interesting.
A large pond and geometric forests enhance the beauty of the Luxembourg Garden. If you are on your honeymoon trip, Luxembourg Garden is one of the most beautiful and romantic places to visit in Paris. Also, with so many activities to indulge in here, you can come with your family on a sunny day for a picnic.
- Location: 75006, Paris
- Timings: Opens between 7.30 am and 8.15 am, Closes between 4.45 pm and 9.30 pm
With this list of best places to visit in Paris, you can now have the most exciting sightseeing experience. Paris is a magical land that turns your dreams into reality. The pictures you have been seeing on the internet can now be explored in real life. Isn’t that exciting? And for those who are visiting for the second or third or fourth time, you must find a place in this list of places in Paris to visit for a new and unique experience.
Also Check out Customized Paris tour Packages here.
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