Paris is the capital city of France, located in the northern part of the country on the banks of the River Seine. It is one of the most famous cities in the world and is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Discover the best things to do in our Paris Travel Guide below.
Paris is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, history, art, fashion, and cuisine. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, parks, and gardens, making it a popular tourist destination attracting millions of visitors every year. Explore the top attractions, activities, and experiences in our comprehensive Paris City Guide below.
Official Paris Tourism website: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/
Google map of central Paris
Top 20 Paris Attractions
Paris’s top 20 attractions feature the city’s most recognisable landmarks, major museums, and historic districts. Highlights include the Musée du Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle. Other key sites are the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, Palais Garnier, the Panthéon, and the Palace of Versailles. Popular areas such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, the Champs-Élysées, and the Tuileries Gardens also feature prominently. These locations form the core of most visitor itineraries and are well connected by public transport.
Best Attractions in Paris (Ranked 21-40)
This section lists Paris attractions ranked 21 to 40, offering a broader view of Paris beyond the principal landmarks. The selection includes cultural institutions such as the Musée Rodin, Musée Carnavalet, and Musée Marmottan Monet, alongside architectural and historical sites including Hôtel des Invalides, Saint-Eustache Church, and Place de la Concorde. Public spaces such as Jardin des Plantes, Place des Vosges, and Île Saint-Louis provide green areas and historic streetscapes. These attractions complement the top 20 and allow for a more detailed exploration of the city’s history, art, and neighbourhood life.
Must-see Attractions in Paris (Ranked 41-60)
Paris attractions ranked 41 to 60 highlight a mix of specialist museums, historic churches, neighbourhood landmarks, and modern developments. Notable sites include the Basilique Saint-Denis, Château de Vincennes, Musée des Arts et Métiers, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. Areas such as La Défense and Montparnasse Tower reflect contemporary architecture, while Parc Monceau and the Bastille neighbourhood provide additional local character. These locations extend beyond the main tourist circuit and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Paris’s cultural and urban landscape.
Museums and Galleries
Paris is home to a broad selection of museums spanning art, history, science, and culture. Major institutions include the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée de l’Armée. Many museums feature extensive permanent collections, with several offering free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Smaller specialist museums, such as the Musée Rodin and the Musée Carnavalet, present more focused exhibitions. Museums are distributed throughout the city and are easily reached by public transport.
Churches and Cathedrals
Paris contains a wide range of historic churches and cathedrals that reflect its religious significance and architectural evolution. Key sites include Notre-Dame Cathedral, noted for its Gothic design and central role in French history, and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, located on the heights of Montmartre. Other important churches include Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stained glass, and Saint-Sulpice. These buildings span Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles and continue to function as places of worship and cultural landmarks.
Historical Sites
Paris is home to numerous historical sites reflecting its political and cultural development. Key landmarks include the Palace of Versailles, the Conciergerie, Les Invalides, and the Panthéon. These sites provide insight into the history of the monarchy, revolution, and state institutions. Architectural styles range from Gothic to Neoclassical. Many locations offer exhibitions and guided tours, and are accessible by public transport. Most are open to visitors year-round, with varied ticketing options.
Parks and Gardens
Paris offers a variety of parks and gardens that provide green space and recreational areas across the city. Notable examples include the Jardin du Luxembourg, Tuileries Garden, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Parc Monceau. These spaces feature formal landscaping, walking paths, statues, and seating areas. Many parks also host seasonal events and cultural activities. They are free to enter, widely distributed throughout the city, and accessible by public transport.
Neighbourhoods
Paris is divided into distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and history. The Marais offers historic architecture and museums, while Montmartre is known for its artistic heritage and hilltop views. The Latin Quarter features universities and Roman ruins, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés is associated with literature and cafés. These areas include shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Neighbourhoods are easily explored on foot or by metro and form part of most visitor itineraries.
Modern Landmarks
Paris features several modern landmarks that reflect its contemporary architecture and urban development. Notable examples include the Grande Arche in La Défense, the Centre Pompidou with its exposed structural elements, and the Philharmonie de Paris. These sites serve cultural, administrative, and public functions. They contrast with the city’s historic architecture and highlight modern design trends. Most are accessible by metro and form part of Paris’s broader cultural and architectural landscape.
Shopping
Paris offers a wide range of shopping options, from department stores to specialist boutiques. Key locations include Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and the shops along the Champs-Élysées. Neighbourhoods such as the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés feature independent retailers and designer outlets. Markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen offer antiques and vintage goods. Shopping areas are well connected by public transport and cater to a variety of budgets and interests.
Free Things to Do
Paris offers a range of free activities suitable for visitors with varied interests. Public parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are open year-round. Entry to national museums is free on the first Sunday of each month. Walking tours of neighbourhoods like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter provide cultural insight at no cost. Visitors can also view landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame from public spaces.
Day Trips
Paris is well situated for day trips to nearby destinations of historical and cultural interest. Popular options include the Palace of Versailles, the medieval city of Provins, and the gardens at Giverny. Fontainebleau offers a former royal residence surrounded by forest. These sites are reachable by train or car and provide structured visitor experiences. Day trips allow for exploration beyond the city and are commonly included in extended Paris itineraries.