Ah Paris, the city of romance! Where lovers walk hand and hand down the Champs Elysees and stop for a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower. In fact, there 136 museums in the center of the city alone! While this is all true, keep in mind that Paris is the most visited city in the world.
With over 30 million visitors a year in addition to the residents, Paris can get pretty crowded and very overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. For that reason, I’m compiling a list of top 10 attractions in Paris.
Oh and if you want to go off the beaten path and want to go beyond the popular attractions in Paris, you may want to check out our list of top unusual locations in Paris.
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Table of Contents
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.
Transport In Paris
The transportation system in the city can get overwhelming. Luckily it is overwhelming because there are so many options depending on where you want to go.
- Walk: Yes! The best way to explore the city is to walk. Many of the Attractions in Paris are just a stone’s throw away from each other. Walking allows you to take in the old city charm and you will find that the streets are really worth exploring. Plus its cheap and you don’t get stuck in traffic.
- Public transport: The transportation in Paris literally looks like a spiders web. Google maps does a great job of helping you decode it. The metros and the buses connect almost every aspect of the city.
- Cabs: This options is expensive and ironically despite the comfort factor, it can take time to hail a cab and to reach your destination because of traffic.
Attractions In Paris That You Should Not Miss
1. Eiffel Tower
⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5 (6,827 Reviews) Price: $38 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Outside Le Champ de Mars Café Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Of course we are starting with the Eiffel Tower, I mean it is the iconic symbol of Paris and one of the top Paris attractions.
Of course, you have to take the perfect selfie in front of the Tower and post it to Instagram.
Then, check your scheduled reservation time (you did schedule a reservation time to ride to the top, right?), and head to the top of the tower for amazing views of the city.
When making your reservation, try to time it so that you can be on the top of the tower at dusk so that you can see a gorgeous sunset and then be there when the lights are turned on the tower. Welcome to Paris!
“Amazing! Our guide Venus was very helpful and informative. She was very sweet and let us know exactly what to expect.”
Hillary (read more reviews now!)
Pro Tip: You will find the lines to climb up the Eiffel tower are huge. Instead of spending hours in the queue, make sure that you book your ticket way in advance!
2. Cruise The Seine River
The scenic Seine is one my favorite attractions in Paris.
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5 (17,039 Reviews) Price: $18 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point:
Board at Port de la Bourdonnais Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Seine River flows right through the heart of Paris, and cruising it allows you to see Paris from a completely different perspective. That is what makes it one of the top Paris attractions.
“Fun boat ride to tour the Seine. Everything went smoothly. Good for all ages.”
Ashley (read more reviews now!)
Along the route you will see landmark building and gorgeous bridges, including the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf. Be sure and take note of the Pont Des Arts bridge as well. The Pont Des Arts is an entirely pedestrian bridge that is constructed of metal.
In the spring and summer you will find people picnicking on the bridge! Wave hello to the people on the colorful houseboats as well as you pass by.
3. Explore The Louvre
The Louvre is without doubt one of the top attractions in Paris.
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5 (4,752 Reviews) Price: $32.53 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Main entrance of the Louvre Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Louvre, another Paris icon is one of the world’s largest museums and of course, houses countless pieces of priceless art.
Also take note that the Louvre is the world’s most visited art museum as well, so it easily gets crowded!
“It worked flawlessly. Went straight into the Louvre at the appointed time. The boat trip was so nice and showed me the main attractions along the Seine.”
Vibeke (read more reviews now!)
You could truly spend days in this great museum, so I recommend doing your research first and entering with a plan of attack prior to your visit. I know that the Mona Lisa will be on your list, but also note that there is are exhibits from all over the world to see as well.
4. Arc De Triomphe
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (12,962 Reviews) Price: $15 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Meet at the entrance of the Arc de Triomphe Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
At one end of the famous Champs Elysees stands the famous Arce de Triomphe which is one of the top Paris attractions.
The Arc de Triomphe was built by order of Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army. For a small fee, you can go to the top of the Arc and get some great views of Paris.
“Excellent. We had. I tour guide but just showed our voucher and the personnel there pointed us in the right direction. Even had a dedicated elevator for disabled persons as I walk with a cane and knee brace. Great views all around the city.”
Robert (read more reviews now!)
Safety tip: Don’t try to cross in traffic! There is an underground tunnel on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side.
5. Shop On The Avenue De Champs Elysees
The Champs Elysees is a shopper’s fantasy! Even if you don’t have the money to buy from the designer stores, you should at least stroll down the avenue and window shop. The avenue itself is popular as one of the famous attractions in Paris.
6. Visit Notre Dame
The Notre Dame was one of the most popular attractions in Paris till the fire consumed it.
⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5 (197 Reviews) Price: $40 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Next to the Statue of Charlemagne Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The gorgeous gothic cathedral, Notre Dame makes it one of the other noteworthy attractions in Paris and is definitely worth a visit.
Take time to stand outside and walk all the way the cathedral admiring all of the detail in the architecture.
“One of my favourite activities from our entire trip to Paris! our tour guide, Amber, was absolutely brilliant, I could not recommend her enough! learned so many fascinating things surrounding the history of Notre Dame.”
Alibhe (read more reviews now!)
The Notre Dame was the first building to use flying buttresses in its design. Notice the amazing stained glass and the sculptures all around you as well. Now, Notre Dame can get very crowded, so keep that in mind when planning to enter this gothic beauty.
Note: The Notre Dame is closed for visitors after the fire. You can still marvel at the exterior architecture.
7. Take A Walk In Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the attractions in Paris that you should not miss.
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (1,062 Reviews) Price: $40 per person Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 📍Meeting Point: 5 Pl. Blanche Details: Read more on Viator!
Montmartre was one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. While walking here, I felt like I were transported back to Paris of the past.
It’s here that you will find the Basilica of Sacre-Couer, the bar lined street of Boulevard de Clichy, and of course the famous Moulin Rouge.
One of my favorite parts about the street is the numerous artists who set up shop here. You can buy one of their paintings or get a caricature drawn for you.
“Paula was a fantastic tour guide. She told amazing stories about French history and showed us places we would have never seen on our own.
She had an excellent delivery, easy to understand, and did a great job keeping the group together. A tour guide can make all the difference and she was the BEST. 10/10″
Alex (read more reviews now!)
If you don’t want to walk around alone, just book a walking tour and have a local tell you all about the history of the area.
8. Catch A Show At Moulin Rouge
For some the Moulin Rouge ranks really high on the list of attractions in Paris.
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (6,913 Reviews) Price: $136 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Moulin Riuge Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
I know, most people view the Moulin Rouge as touristy ever since Nicole Kidman got involved. Despite that, you’re in Paris so you might as well do all the touristy stuff while you’re here
“Absolutely amazing experience was.”
Zlatka (read more reviews now!)
Book dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge and prepare yourself for lots of red velvet and sparkles.
9. Admire The Art At The Musee D’Orsay
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (10,097 Reviews) Price: $18.50 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day📍Meeting Point: Entrance A of the Musée d’Orsay. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The galleries of the Musee D’Orsay are home to the largest collection of impressionistic art in the world. Here you can admire works from Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas just to name a few.
10. Take A Day Trip To Chateau Fontainebleau
Chateau Fontainebleau is another must see when it comes to attractions in Paris.
⭐️ Rating: 4/5 (290 Reviews) Price: $128 per person Duration: 9 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pullman Paris Centre – Bercy Details: Read more on Viator!
I know what you’re thinking, why not Versailles? Well, Versailles is super crowded and overrun with tourist, that’s why. Instead, escape the crowds for a day and head to another fabulous chateau that is only about an hour outside of Paris, Chateau Fontainebleau.
Home to many French ruling families, the chateau is gorgeous inside and out. Spend the day touring the beautiful grounds, and take the perfect selfie in front of the grand horseshoe staircase before going inside to see the bedrooms of Napoleon and Marie Antoinette!
11. Visit The Catacombs
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (10,038 Reviews) Price: $34 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point: The entrance of the catacombs Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Did you know that there are a myriad of tunnels under the city? It is one of the lesser known facts about Paris! The catacombs of Paris are in just one part of the tunnels. It is one of the attractions in Paris that I found quirky and cool all rolled into one.
“Loved the quiet and serene of the Catacombs. Was my 17 yr olds favorite part of Paris!!”
Deanne (read more reviews now!)
The dimly lit passages are lined with the bones of people who died years ago in the city. Many of them are arranged in different ways so as to present them a bit more aesthetically. The passages can get damp and cold so make sure that you wear a light jacket when exploring.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to spend hours in line, book your skip the line ticket in advance!
And there you have it! If you are in the city of light make sure to add some of these attractions in Paris to your itinerary. It will help you cover all the top sights in the city easily and trust me, while they are sometimes really crowded, they are popular for a reason!
About The Author
Michelle is half of the blogging team, That Texas Couple. She and her husband Marty joke that they are wine drinking, chocolate loving, travel addicts.
Their blog, That Texas Couple, shares their travel tips, tricks, and stories with their readers.
As Marty and Michelle are both full time public servants, they take our time off very seriously! Whether it’s exploring their home state, or jetting to other countries, they find fun everywhere.
They hope to show others that you can work full time and still have a life full of great travel experiences.
You can get in touch with Michelle on Facebook and on Instagram.
Have you been to Paris? What were your favorite attractions in Paris?
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** The photographs in this post have been provided by the author and are not the owned by Globetrove
Bart Simpson
Monday 23rd of May 2022
Great! Thanks for the tips, this was very helpful with planning my upcoming trip!