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What are the Must-See Places in Paris?

Aniza Pourtauborde
Aniza Pourtauborde

Paris, France is the world's most popular city destination for tourists all over the globe. Dubbed the City of Love, it offers its visitors more than just passion and romance. Steeped in more than 2,000 years of culture and history, this city promises tourists a memorable vacation with its impressive architecture, enlightening museums, historical monuments, and beautiful gardens.

La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution (1789). Initially considered an eyesore, today it is the landmark of Paris. At 984 feet (300 m) high, the tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city from all directions. The view at sunset is especially breathtaking, and well worth the long line to the top.

The Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Notre Dame de Paris (Notre Dame Cathedral) was the first cathedral to be built, marking the city as the capital of France. Its construction began in 1163, but took almost two centuries to complete. The cathedral is designed based on Gothic architecture, with several large rose windows, colorful stained glass, pointed arches and spires, and innovative sculptures, such as gargoyles. The cathedral saw many historical moments, including the crowning of Henry VI of England in 1430.

Six million people visit the Louvre museum every year.
Six million people visit the Louvre museum every year.

Le Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum), a fortress in the Middle Ages, is now home to Leonardo Da Vinci's world-renowned painting, the Mona Lisa, and an impressive collection of art and antiquities from the world over. Six million people visit the Louvre Museum every year to admire its exhibits and collections. It would take months to complete a tour of everything in the museum. Therefore, it is recommended to choose what to see first and leave the rest for another visit.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.

Le Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is a beautiful park in the heart of Paris. This 61.8-acre (25-hectare) park was initially built for Catherine de Médicis in 1559, and it is an amazing place to unwind from a long day of sightseeing. There are two fascinating museums to visit within the park itself: Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and La Musée de L'Orangérie. A visitor may also enjoy a cup of coffee by the many fountains and sculptures in the park.

Bistros are part of the fun in Paris.
Bistros are part of the fun in Paris.

L'Avenue des Champs-Élysées (The Champs-Élysées Avenue), featuring luxurious boutiques and awe-inspiring automobile showrooms, is not to be missed. The long avenue leads towards the Arc de Triomphe, an arch constructed under Napoléon Bonaparte's reign in 1806 as a symbol of victories during his time. The arch was built over the tomb of an unknown soldier, and a constant flame is lit to commemorate him and others who perished during the two World Wars. The avenue is also the site of major celebrations, such as New Year's Eve and French National Day on 14 July.

Many of Paris' top destinations are on the Île de la Cité.
Many of Paris' top destinations are on the Île de la Cité.

La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (The Sacred-Heart Basilica), located on Montmarte Hill in the north of Paris, was erected in 1873 and is an imposing reminder of the sins committed by the city. Many at the time believed that sinful acts had caused the downfall of the French in the Franco-Prussian war (1870). Designed and built by Paul Abadie, the 272-foot (83-m) white basilica today overlooks an outstanding view of the city.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, the construction of which began in 1163, is one of the most famous sights in France's capital city.
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, the construction of which began in 1163, is one of the most famous sights in France's capital city.

Le Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) is so named because Latin was widely spoken in this area during the Middle Ages. This popular neighborhood is well-known for its colorful student life, bistros, and eclectic secondhand bookstores. There are also historical monuments and attractions nearby, such as Le Panthéon and L'Église St. Étienne du Mont.

Les Catacombs de Paris (The Catacombs of Paris), an underground network of tunnels spanning more than 186 miles (300 km), are not for the faint-hearted. The Catacombs are an intricate maze of burial grounds filled with bones exhumed from the Cimetière des Innocents in the 18th century. An efficient tour guide is necessary, as visitors may become lost in the complex passages or trapped in cave-ins that occasionally occur. Although the Catacombs can be an eerie experience, it is fascinating to learn about the darker side of the city's history.

At night, the view of Paris from the Tour Montparnasse is unparalleled.
At night, the view of Paris from the Tour Montparnasse is unparalleled.

From its elaborate architectural designs to its classy French lifestyle, Paris is certainly a city that teases the senses. With so many amazing tourist attractions, it is no wonder that it is the most visited city on earth, and it will no doubt continue to be so for many years ahead.

Discussion Comments

anon352511

Thanks for all of the great advice. I want to make sure I see all the Paris attractions while I'm there, Who knows the next time I'll go back will be?

anon238765

As an international student living in Paris, I would add the Parc Buttes-Chaumont. It's a great parc and pretty unknown. And also the canal st martin is worth a visit. Regards from paris.

anon229693

Yeah, I read about the Louvre on Places In Paris, a good resource if you're thinking of going out there. Has anyone spent any more time in the Louvre than an hour? I wonder how long it would take to see everything in there! --Geoff

anon155037

Paris: The most spectacular city in the world, nice gardens, buildings and cultural monuments.

anon119365

i spent three months in france this year, and out of all that only one week in paris! personally i thought the Louvre was magnificent and powerful just by its size, but i was only given one hour to visit it by my tour group! we spent almost the whole time staring at a map and frantically rushing towards the Mona Lisa. it's a huge uproar for such a small painting!

Anyway, i recommend visiting one of the most monumental art museums to anyone remotely interested in culture and history.

anon96501

I've been to all those places and they are all so beautiful and I've gone to all them by the time i was 8! I'm 11 now and will be 12 in september

anon90572

I have to agree with you on that. The Louvre was absolutely beautiful, however, because of the its massive size - I was unable to take it all in! I literally looked at my map to find the Mona Lisa and that was really all I wanted to see. I regret it now though. The next time I go to Paris, I will definitely spend an entire day exploring both inside the Louvre and out! I recommend that for anybody planning a trip there.

The Catacombs were incredible as well! They are a walk through history. Very sad that you are not allowed to take pictures down there, but it's for a good reason. Not recommended for anybody who may be claustrophobic.

anon83454

I did the Louvre yesterday – it's cool, but huge and confusing. Its sheer size made me find myself, very quickly on, start picking up speed, until I was just glancing at works and moving on.

If I knew more on art, I would have been far more discerning about what I would have like to have seen.

lemmings

I haven't been there but I have heard that tourists who visit the Louvre just run from each one of the three or so most famous works and don't see anything else!

I would love to see the catacombs. Wow. Talk about really experiencing history!

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    • The Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
      By: marcofinelli
      The Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
    • Six million people visit the Louvre museum every year.
      By: Luke Ma
      Six million people visit the Louvre museum every year.
    • Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
      Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
    • Bistros are part of the fun in Paris.
      By: Adam Wasilewski
      Bistros are part of the fun in Paris.
    • Many of Paris' top destinations are on the Île de la Cité.
      By: geronimo
      Many of Paris' top destinations are on the Île de la Cité.
    • The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, the construction of which began in 1163, is one of the most famous sights in France's capital city.
      By: atmospheric
      The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, the construction of which began in 1163, is one of the most famous sights in France's capital city.
    • At night, the view of Paris from the Tour Montparnasse is unparalleled.
      By: fazon
      At night, the view of Paris from the Tour Montparnasse is unparalleled.
    • The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is one of the world's most famous examples of Gothic architecture.
      By: Sailorr
      The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is one of the world's most famous examples of Gothic architecture.
    • There are a number of boutiques for buying high fashion designs along L'Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
      By: nyul
      There are a number of boutiques for buying high fashion designs along L'Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
    • Intersected by the Seine River, Paris is located in northern France.
      By: polesnoy
      Intersected by the Seine River, Paris is located in northern France.