Looking for the top 10 most beautiful sights in Paris with a handy map? Which highlights should you definitely see and do? It is one of the frequently asked questions on a first visit: what to do in Paris. Paris is an open-air museum and has more than 10 sites and famous tourist attractions. There really is so much to experience. We also discover new fun things to do with every visit. The many sights in Paris, fun activities, monuments, famous museums in Paris, atmospheric streets and beautiful squares ensure that Paris is and remains a top destination for tourists. Paris has many attractions, spots and places that you should visit.
In this article our top 10 best places to visit in Paris. The best highlights and attractions in Paris that you should not miss. By buying your tickets for the sights in Paris in advance, you can avoid the queue and enjoy your visit much faster. Also read our frequently asked questions about the sights and highlights in Paris. Discover a map of the best tourist places in Paris, things to do in 2 or 3 days & free attractions.
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus + Cruise on the Seine (1h) →
• Nice combination: Tickets Montparnasse Tower + Tootbus Hop-On-Hop-Off Paris →
1. Eiffel Tower: most famous tourist attraction to visit in Paris
Undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Designed by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. Consisting of 3 floors, the highest floor is 276 meters high. The first and second floors are accessible by stairs and elevator. Only an elevator goes to the 3rd floor. In total, the Eiffel Tower is 330 meters high, if you include the antenna on top.
There are often gigantic queues at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, but patience is rewarded. The magical view of Paris is truly breathtaking. Nice to know: many Parisians were initially not so charmed by the Eiffel Tower. Now the unmistakable symbol of the French capital and one of the best places to visit in Paris.
2. The Louvre museum: must-see and top 10 highlight in Paris
You should not miss the Louvre in Paris, the most famous and largest museum in the world during your visit to Paris. The Louvre is, next to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited sights in Paris. Rightly so. The cultural symbol of Paris with a number of world famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci or the Venus de Milo. The works of art cover a history period of no less than 5000 years.
It’s best to allocate a full day for it. Tip: be sure to buy your ticket in advance to avoid the queue.
3. Sacré-Coeur: enjoy a beautiful view of Paris
The Sacré-Coeur is located on the Montmartre hill and is certainly one of the top 10 attractions in Paris. The Sacré-Coeur was built in 1871 to commemorate the victims of the Franco-German war. After the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur has the highest vantage point in the city.
Entrance to the Sacré-Coeur is free. From the dome (which is payable) you have a beautiful view of Paris. To reach the Sacré-Coeur you first have to climb 237 steps or you take the funicular up. There is also an entrance fee for a visit to the crypt. Keep in mind that there is often a long queue here on busy days. Or book a ticket for a guided walk in the Sacré-Coeur and then enjoy a great walk through the Montmartre district.
4. Arc de Triomphe: climb to the top of this famous spot
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is 50 meters high and is located in the 8th arrondissement, on the busy roundabout Place Charles de Gaulle. It was built by Napoleon in honor of his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean-François Chalgrin and took 30 years to build.
After climbing 284 steps you reach the panoramic terrace. The reward here is also a breathtaking view over the Champs-Élysées and the 12 (star-shaped) boulevards. One of top 10 spots in Paris that you should not miss.
5. Notre-Dame: must-see highlight in Paris
Besides the Sacre-Coeur, Notre-Dame of Paris is the most famous church, located on the island of Île de la Cité. World famous because of the book “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”, which Victor Hugo wrote in 1831. The cathedral is 130 meters long, 69 meters wide and 35 meters high.
More than 13 million tourists visit the cathedral every year. This makes it one of the most visited attractions in the world. In the spring of 2019, part of Notre-Dame in Paris went up in flames in front of the whole world.
Good to know: Notre-Dame will reopen its doors to the general public on December 8, 2024.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg: beautiful city park in Paris
Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most beautiful and largest city parks in Paris. Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is not to be missed during your visit to the City of Lights. Enjoy the beautiful pond in one of the typical green chairs or you can also have a nice picnic with a glass of wine and some French cheese. Or relax at the beautiful Medici fountain. You can also enjoy a lovely walk through the garden and Jardin du Luxembourg is also highly recommended with children.
Jardin du Luxembourg is freely accessible and one of the top attractions in Paris.
7. Père Lachaise: visit the famous cemetery in Paris
The famous Père-Lachaise cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris. Without doubt also one of the top 10 sights in Paris. A quiet and dreamy place that attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. Especially during the autumn in Paris very beautiful because of the beautiful autumn colors.
It is a cemetery where many celebrities have their final resting place. Just think of Edith Piaf, Honoré de Balzac, Jim Morrison, Gilbert Bécaud, Frédéric Chopin or Oscar Wilde. Good to know: at the entrance you can obtain a map of Cimetière du Père-Lachaise so as not to miss any highlights.
8. Boat trip on the Seine: discover the tourist highlights
A river cruise on the Seine remains a unique experience and of course one of the highlights of Paris. You see Paris in a different way and the view of the beautiful historic buildings and bridges are truly beautiful. Very nice to do in Paris.
You usually depart from the Eiffel Tower and you sail past famous sights of Paris such as the Grand Palais, Notre Dame, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre-III and of course the Eiffel Tower.
9. Montmartre: a district not to be missed
The Montmartre district in Paris is one of the best neighborhoods that you should not miss. It was once a village outside Paris, but has been part of Paris since 1860. Many famous painters such as Vincent van Gogh and Picasso have lived and worked here. There are lots of fun things to do. Montmartre is touristy, but skip the Sacré-Cœur (if you haven’t visited it yet) and stroll through the small streets. You will get to know the real Montmartre.
Montmartre has many famous attractions such as Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge, Cimetière de Montmartre or Musée de Montmartre, which is worth a visit just for its beautiful garden with terrace. There is even a vineyard in Montmartre (Clos Montmartre).
10. Château de Versailles: must-see and ideal as a day trip
The Palace of Versailles is a final must-see with over 10 million visitors per year. It is located about twenty kilometers from Paris and can therefore also be perfectly combined as a day trip from the center of Paris.
In addition to the castle itself, there is an extensive park with several smaller castles and pavilions. The entire estate is over 800 hectares. It is therefore best to allocate a full day and avoid the busiest moments of the day.
These were best places to visit in Paris. Highlights and famous places in Paris not to be missed. For most monuments, famous tourist attractions and activities in Paris, it is best to buy your tickets in advance to avoid any queues. Enjoy the 10 most beautiful tourist spots and sites in Paris!
FAQ about the best sights & tourist spots to visit in Paris
1. What are the absolute must-see tourist attractions in Paris?
The Big Five:
– Eiffel Tower
– Louvre Museum
– Notre-Dame Cathedral
– Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
– Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
2. Can I visit the Eiffel Tower without climbing it?
Absolutely! Admire it from the Trocadéro, picnic by the Champ de Mars or take the elevator up for jaw-dropping views. Not into heights? It’s just as magical from below, especially at night when it sparkles every hour on the hour.
3. Is the Louvre really worth visiting?
Yes, even if you’re not an art buff. It’s a palace, an experience and the home of some of the world’s most famous art. Go with a plan (or a coffee in hand) and focus on the highlights. Bonus: it’s free on the first Friday evening of each month.
4. What’s the deal with Notre-Dame right now?
After the church was badly damaged by a fire on April 15, 2019, it took just over five years to complete the restoration. The reopening to the general public was in December 2024. Although the cathedral is open again, a visit to the towers and treasury is not yet possible.
5. Is the Seine River cruise touristy or totally worth it?
A bit of both, but definitely worth it. Especially at sunset. It’s a relaxed way to see Paris from a different angle.
6. Where can I see Paris from above (besides the Eiffel Tower)?
– Montparnasse Tower: Less charm, more height (but fewer crowds)
– Sacré-Cœur: climb the dome for epic views
– Arc de Triomphe: classic Paris rooftops from the top
– Bonus: some department stores (like Galeries Lafayette) have free rooftop terraces
7. What’s the best way to explore Montmartre?
Wander! Get lost in cobbled streets, spot street art, visit artists on Place du Tertre, and eat a crêpe with a view. Pro tip: skip the tiny tourist train and explore on foot if you can.
8. Is Versailles part of Paris?
Technically no, it’s a short train ride away. But it’s one of the most famous day trips from Paris. Go for the palace, stay for the gardens (and the Hall of Mirrors). Wear comfy shoes because it’s huge.
9. Are skip-the-line tickets really necessary?
For big attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles? Yes, especially in high season. Paris loves art and so do millions of visitors, better to skip the queue than waste your croissant time.
10. Can I see the main sights in one weekend?
Yes, if you plan smartly and don’t try to see everything. Prioritize 2–3 major spots, leave time for wandering, and remember: a coffee on a terrace is just as Parisian as a museum visit.
