Top 15 Paris Attractions Including Map

Here are 15 must-see attractions in Paris that you shouldn't miss during your city trip to France. Read all about the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other popular sights in Paris.

Are you planning a trip to the French City of Love and don't want to miss the most important sights in Paris? Then you'll find everything you need to know for your journey in this article. I present to you the 15 most popular attractions in Paris, provide all the information about prices and opening hours, and give you tips on where to buy tickets for each attraction and activity.

On the following Paris map, you can see where the most important attractions are located. Perfect for planning your city trip! Below, I will introduce you to the top 15 attractions in Paris in detail.

Many of the attractions charge an entrance fee; the more you visit, the more your costs will add up.

We have a helpful tip for you: To save a lot of money, it's worth getting the Paris Go City Pass - this gives you free admission to numerous attractions and many other benefits.

With the code URLAUBSGO05, you'll receive a 5% discount on your Go City Pass in Paris until December 31, 2025.

The Paris landmark, the Eiffel Tower, tops my list of the must-see attractions in Paris. No matter how many times you've been to the French capital, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is simply a must on a city trip.

With a height of 324 meters, this iron masterpiece built in the 19th century is absolutely impressive and even ranks among the most visited landmarks in the world. If you're taking the Metro to the Eiffel Tower, you should get off at the La Motte-Picquet - Grenelle station (U6, U8, or U10) or the École Militaire station (U8) and leisurely stroll through the Champ de Mars park to the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, you can get off at the closer Bir-Hakeim station (U6). From there, it's about a 600-meter walk to the Eiffel Tower. If you want to climb the landmark, you'll need a ticket, which you should ideally purchase online in advance to avoid long wait times. You can choose between tickets for access to the first and second floors or additionally to the summit. You also need to decide whether to take the stairs or the elevator. The first floor offers visitors a glass floor and an interesting cultural path detailing the history of the tower, while the second floor features the Jules Verne Restaurant and at the top of the Eiffel Tower is Gustave Eiffel's office and a champagne bar. Plan for at least an hour and a half for your visit.

After dark, the Eiffel Tower offers a special highlight: at the top of every hour, the tower is illuminated by a romantic light show featuring 20,000 lights for five minutes. Find a nice spot and enjoy the view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower - an unforgettable moment! But beware: Taking photos or sharing photos of the illuminated Eiffel Tower is technically prohibited. The reason is that the lighting of the Eiffel Tower is copyright protected as a work of art. However, there's no objection to a snapshot for your private collection.

Guru Tip: From the Palais du Trocadéro in the Jardins du Trocadéro park on the opposite side of the Seine, you have a great view of the Eiffel Tower and can take memorable photos. If you want to enjoy the evening light show from here, make sure to arrive on time to secure a good spot!

The Louvre Museum cannot be missing from any list of the most popular attractions in Paris. This renowned art museum showcases world-famous works such as Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa', the 'Venus de Milo', and 'Liberty Leading the People', to name just a few of the treasures that visitors can marvel at in the Louvre.

The world's most famous museum is located near the Place de la Concorde and the Jardin des Tuileries in the former residence of French kings, the Palais du Louvre, which dates back to the 14th century. The glass pyramid will catch your eye from afar, having become one of the city's landmarks since its opening in 1989. I recommend purchasing tickets for the Louvre online before your visit; it is not only one of the largest but also one of the most visited museums in the world, so those who decide at the last minute can expect a waiting time of up to two hours. At the information desk located directly beneath the glass pyramid, you can pick up tickets that will help you navigate the museum and locate the various artworks more easily. To gain a better understanding of the exhibits, I recommend the audio guides (available in English) or a guided tour of the Louvre. Great trails are also available, allowing you to explore the museum based on your thematic interests, including classical themes like the Italian Renaissance or masterpieces, as well as trails that follow the paths of films like The Da Vinci Code or the song APES**T by JAY-Z and Beyoncé. Alongside the permanent exhibits, you can also look forward to changing exhibitions in the Louvre that cover various themes or epochs. As you can see, there's so much to discover in the Louvre. Make sure to plan at least three to four hours for your visit.

Let's talk about the Paris sight that has made the saddest headlines lately: the Notre-Dame Cathedral. A devastating fire on April 15, 2019, destroyed the roof of one of the world's most famous churches, shocking the world and prompting numerous condolences and calls for donations.

The cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, stands on an island in the Seine, Île de la Cité, which is regarded as the oldest part of Paris. Since 1991, the Notre-Dame Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its two stone towers surviving the fire. Unfortunately, the crossing tower that had graced the massive nave since 1859 fell victim to the fire.

As the Notre-Dame Cathedral is at risk of collapse, it cannot currently be visited from the inside. However, a visit to Île de la Cité during your sightseeing is still worthwhile - take a look at the venerable church from the outside, and then make a stop at Sainte-Chapelle, which is only about 800 meters from Notre-Dame. You can find all the information about Sainte-Chapelle in the corresponding section further down.

One attraction in Paris that particularly captivates me is the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre.

The white church, which sits high above the 18th Arrondissement in the artist district of Montmartre, is a real sight to behold, but it also offers something more. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view over Paris. But let's take it step by step: If you take Metro line U2 to Montmartre, you can get off at the Anvers station and take the Funiculaire de Montmartre up to the basilica. Admission to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, completed in the early 20th century, is free, so be sure to take a quick look inside before finding a spot on the grand staircase, which has 237 steps, to enjoy the view over Paris alongside many other tourists and locals. If you're lucky, you might enjoy live music or other performances by artists on a nice day. With a glass of French wine in hand and the sounds of the musicians in your ears, the evenings at Sacré-Cœur become truly unforgettable.

Guru Tip: Next to the famous basilica, there's the smaller St. Pierre de Montmartre, one of the oldest churches in Paris. Be sure to stop by!

However, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is not the only highlight that Montmartre has to offer. If you're here, be sure to wander through the vibrant artist district, order a café crème at one of the many French bistros, browse through vintage shops, buy a souvenir, and watch the artists at Place du Tertre. You might even feel like getting your portrait done? In the past, world-renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne have lived in Montmartre - the chances of encountering a future star painter here are quite good.

Other attractions in Montmartre include the Cimetière de Montmartre, home to hundreds of cats, the Moulin de la Galette, the last of twelve windmills that once existed in Montmartre, the flea market Marché aux Puces de St. Ouen, which takes place here on weekends, and the variety show Moulin Rouge(R), which I will present to you in more detail in another section of my Paris attractions article.

Guru Tip: In my detailed article about Montmartre, I offer many tips for your walk through the artist district. Read which cafés I particularly recommend and which museums are worth visiting.

Another attraction in Paris that I highly recommend is the Palace of Versailles, which invites you on a journey to royal times about 20 km from the city center.

Originally built as a small hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles was transformed into a magnificent pleasure palace by King Louis XIII and later by his son Louis XIV. Until the French Revolution, Versailles served as the opulent residence of kings and is now a museum designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For your visit to the Palace of Versailles, you should definitely set aside a whole day; the grounds are simply vast. The palace building, with its Hall of Mirrors, lavish salons, chapel, and the king's chambers, will surely leave you in awe before you continue through the impressive park that surrounds the palace, one of the largest in all of Europe. You shouldn't miss the Petit Trianon, built for Madame de Pompadour, one of Louis XV's mistresses, which was the favorite retreat of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was executed at the Place de la Concorde.

Another attraction at the Palace of Versailles is the fountain show, which takes place on weekends from April to the end of October. To attend the show, you must purchase an additional ticket. If you have the Passport ticket (€20), you can attend the show at no extra cost. It's best to buy your tickets online in advance.

Where the Avenue des Champs-Élysées meets the Place Charles de Gaulle, you'll find a multi-lane roundabout, in the center of which lies your next Paris attraction, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, or Triumphal Arch of the Star.

Commissioned by Napoleon in the early 19th century, this Parisian monument is meant to memorialize himself and his victories. Although Napoleon resigned before its completion, the Arc de Triomphe remains a symbol of glory. Many state ceremonies are held here, and the Tour de France finishes at this roundabout each year.

Through an underpass, you can access Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Triumphal Arch stands. Before heading up to the observation deck on the Arc de Triomphe, be sure to take a look at the intricate reliefs adorning the nearly 50-meter high arch. Beneath the arch, you'll also find the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, two war memorials commemorating the fallen of World War I.

Unfortunately, guided tours of the Arc de Triomphe are only available for registered groups; you will receive a brochure with the key information at the entrance. To access the observation platform, you must use the stairs, as the elevator is reserved for guests with limited mobility. However, the effort is worth it: From here, you have a fantastic view of the Champs-Élysées and the other eleven streets radiating from the arch, with the Eiffel Tower easily visible in the distance.

Opening Hours: January 2 - March 31 and October 1 - December 31 daily 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM, April 1 - September 30 daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, closed on January 1, May 1, July 14, November 11, and December 25.

Guru Tip: Wait times at the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile are usually short; for smoother access, you can also order your tickets online at no extra cost.

The next attraction in Paris begins at the Triumphal Arch, making it easy to combine both highlights. A stroll along the nearly two-kilometer long Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a must, as it's only after you've walked down France's most famous boulevard that you can truly say you've been to Paris. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is bustling with activity, the windows of luxury brands invite you to browse and marvel, and restaurants and cafés beckon you to linger.

As you continue down the tree-lined avenue towards Place de la Concorde, you will soon see Le Palais de L'Élysée on your left. This is the official residence of the President of the Republic, currently Emmanuel Macron. Opposite the Élysée Palace, you can spot the Grand Palais. This impressive building was constructed specifically for the World's Fair in 1900. Today, it, like the adjoining Petit Palais, serves as a state museum with interesting temporary exhibitions. So if you'd like to round off your stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées with a museum visit, you have a good opportunity here.

Guru Tip: On the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, you'll not only pass shops of world-renowned designers but also the famous Lido. This theater is one of the most famous in Paris, renowned for its phenomenal costumes and stage shows. Perfect if you want to top off your city trip with an amazing show.

On the site of a former train station lies the next of the top attractions in Paris that I want to introduce you to.

The Musée d'Orsay is located along the Seine, opposite the Jardin des Tuileries, where the Louvre Museum and the Musée de l'Orangerie are located. How about dedicating a day to museums while discovering many masterworks? I highly recommend this, especially on rainy days.

The train station, which was opened at the beginning of the 20th century for the World's Fair, is a protected historical building and has been used since 1986 as a unique museum where you can admire works by Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, among others. The unique works of Claude Monet and other Impressionists can also be found in the Musée d'Orsay across three levels. Be sure to allocate at least two hours for your visit.

Special Features: Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month

Guru Tip: There is a combo ticket that grants you access to both the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie at the Louvre for the price of €18; I've linked this and two other offers here.

Paris is undoubtedly the city of love and romance for most of us, but how about a truly different experience in between?

Did you know that under the city lies a roughly 300-kilometer-long network of quarries that were once used as burial sites for deceased Parisians? You can even visit these catacombs in Paris today. But be cautious: small children and those with weak nerves should skip this excursion to the realm of the dead.

The Catacombs of Paris are undoubtedly the most macabre of the attractions in Paris, as here, at Place Denfert-Rochereau, you descend 130 steps to reach the resting place of approximately six million Parisians. Not all catacombs in Paris are accessible to the public, and it is strongly advised not to wander through the underground maze without a guide. There have been frequent reports of people getting lost in there and never seeing the light of day again. Despite this, thrill-seekers are often attracted to the illegal entrances. I strongly recommend a guided tour through the publicly accessible parts, which stretch 1.5 km. To avoid long wait times, you should secure tickets for the Catacombs of Paris in advance. I've already found suitable offers for you.

From the realm of the dead aboveground to the realm above: The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, opened in the early 19th century, is a park-like cemetery that is popular for its extraordinary graves.

In addition to the graves of Parisian citizens, many famous personalities are buried at Père-Lachaise, including philosopher Comte, entrepreneur Armand Peugeot, composer Frédéric Chopin, writer Oscar Wilde, and musicians like Jim Morrison and Édith Piaf. One grave seems to particularly captivate many visitors - the grave of journalist Victor Noir or, more accurately, the statue on his grave. The reason for the many visitors is quite risqué. If you want to know what's so special about the statue on the grave, take a look at my article about lucky charms. Another popular - and far less risqué - photo opportunity is the Crématorium du Père Lachaise, built in the neo-Byzantine style in the late 19th century.

Let's return once more to the artist district of Montmartre. Here lies the world-famous cabaret with the red mill, the Moulin Rouge(R). Built as a venue at the end of the 19th century, the cabaret is located in the midst of the Pigalle entertainment district, where sex shops line the streets, strip clubs entice visitors, and numerous bars draw in night owls. Yes, this too exists in Paris.

At the Moulin Rouge(R), two shows take place every evening, one at 9:00 PM and another at 11:00 PM. Tickets for the show start at €87; you can check availability and prices directly on the official website of the cabaret and order tickets online. Over 800 seats are available across different balconies. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can enjoy a French dinner followed by a show. Prices for such an exclusive evening start at €185.

The royal Place de la Concorde, the Place of Concord, is the largest square in the city and thus cannot be missed in my list of the most important attractions in Paris. As you walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe, the first thing to catch your eye is the imposing 22-meter-high obelisk. The impressive obelisk, from Luxor, was a gift from Egypt and has been adorning the Place de la Concorde since 1836. Although it is the unofficial landmark of the square, you can also discover many other artistic buildings here. There are the eight statues in the lavish fountains, representing allegories for the eight French cities of Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Brest, Nantes, Rouen, Strasbourg, and Lyon, as well as the luxurious Hôtel de Crillon, where the recently deceased fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld designed two suites.

As the Place de la Concorde is located in close proximity to other important attractions in Paris, a little detour is very worthwhile. From here, your tour can continue on to the Louvre or the next sight, the Sainte-Chapelle.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is not the only noteworthy sacred building on Île de la Cité.

While you're on the island in the Seine, which you can easily reach via several bridges, be sure not to miss a visit to Sainte-Chapelle! As part of the Palais de la Cité, the former residence of French kings, this palace chapel, built in the 13th century, is one of the most beautiful sights in the French capital. Particularly the chapel and its intricately designed windows will amaze you. Fifteen colorful and intricately decorated glass windows, each 15 meters high, create a truly magical atmosphere inside the church. If you want to learn more about the representations on the windows, you can download a free app before your visit or dive into the history of this venerable church with an informational sheet. Alternatively, you can also join a guided tour. Significant relics like the Thorn Crown and parts of the Cross of Jesus were temporarily kept in Sainte-Chapelle, but they are now stored elsewhere along with the treasures of Notre-Dame and therefore unfortunately cannot be viewed. Plan for about an hour for your visit to Sainte-Chapelle.

Special Features: The last entry is half an hour before closing.

Are you looking for a special outing after sightseeing in Paris?

Disneyland(R) Resort Paris, about 30 km east of the city, is the perfect conclusion to my list of the top attractions in Paris. Opened in 1994, this resort is one of the most popular and most visited amusement parks in the world, where you can meet the heroes of your childhood. On the massive grounds, you'll find two theme parks, Disneyland(R) Park and Walt Disney Studios(R) Park, as well as several enchanting themed hotels. At Disneyland(R) Paris, you will find five themed lands as well as numerous shows and parades.

One day is almost not enough to visit all the rides and attractions. It's best to buy a two-day ticket along with a hotel nearby so you can make the most of your time. In my hotel search, I've already found a selection of suitable hotels for you.

In addition to the 15 attractions presented, there are even more experiences awaiting you in the capital of France. How about a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a boat trip on the Seine, or a visit to the Opéra Garnier? You can find tickets for other attractions and tours in Paris here:

The beautiful capital of France is always worth a city trip! Have the top attractions in Paris convinced you? Then take a look at my current Paris offers or browse through my handy city trip search and put together the perfect package.