Top 7 Things to See and Do in Paris

Must visit in Paris

Do you want to visit a city where you can get art, history, fashion, and even romance in the same locality? If so, you should decidedly explore Paris. There’s something about each corner being a postcard.

This City of Light is stunning architecture, iconic art and undeniable charm. The legendary Louvre, the majestic Eiffel Tower and the historic beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral has made Paris the most iconic itself that it is.

Paris is not just a city. For centuries, this is a cultural heartbeat that has fed art, fashion and cuisine. You can be sitting at a café au lait by the side of the Seine, or close to being awestruck at the masterpieces at its world-famous museums and imagine you are walking down its streets with cobblestones. Every moment is magical here.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 7 places for a must visit in Paris and experience. Are you ready to make your trip memorable?

Around every corner of Paris, there is something interesting. It is the never ending wonders of Paris. Whether you’re into history, art, adventure; there’s no shortage of iconic places to visit. Alright, the top 7 must go places are next!

1. Eiffel Tower: The Icon of Paris

Visit Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a landmark so famous. Inaugurated first in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s fair of the same year, the building stands at 330 meters high.

At first, some people even didn’t like the design, but after that millions of people fell in love with it. The Eiffel Tower is visited by people around the world who come to see and take in the amazing view of Paris.

The tower has three levels. And on the first and second levels you can even dine in (or just enjoy the view). The highest level is the third one that shows you a bird's eye view of the whole city. Make sure you notice the sparkling light show every hour after sunset.

Paris is an ideal place to visit for anyone who enjoys photography and is the best site for an all photography enthusiast to shoot from that place. Avoiding huge crowds is also a good idea, and visiting in the morning or evening is a good way of doing that. The tower is open every day, and tickets should be booked in advance online, so you don’t have to queue.

• Location: Located on Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.
• Hours: 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM
• Admission: Adult: €16.60 (hill access costs extra)
• Best For: Photography, iconic views, romantic evening

Pro Tip: The best pictures of the view and least crowds will be if you visit at the crack of dawn or late in the evening before sunset. But, you can book online in advance to save time.

2. The Louvre Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art

The Louvre Museum

This is one of the biggest, and most famous museums in the world. It houses over 35,000 artworks including the world famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It has been the art lover's place but first it was a royal palace.

The museum is so huge that it’s useful to plan ahead. Focus on those key exhibitions that you are really interested in, for instance the paintings from the Italian Renaissance, or the ancient Egyptian collection.

The well known glass pyramid entrance, which is also the beautiful architecture of the museum, is also designed by the famous architect i. M. Pei. After looking around the galleries, stop and enjoy the peaceful games around.

If you only have one day to visit the Louvre, go early or at dusk when there are fewer crowds to take in the artwork and the pyramids. For more information about the artwork, there are guided tours.

• Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
• Hours: Construction Components open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM.
• Admission: €17 for adults
• Best For: Those interested in history, in culture, and in art

Pro Tip: The best thing you can do is book your tickets online before leaving to skip all the long lines. Wednesday and Friday evenings are less crowded and give you a bit more time to take in the art.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Gothic Gem

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

The world’s most beautiful church is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is on Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris and is Paris's oldest church. The cathedral is built between the 12 and 14 century in characteristic flying buttresses and magnificent rose windows and much more elaborate stone carving than the other cathedrals so far.

Inside, there are splendid stained glass windows, including the famous Rose Windows. The view as you climb the bell towers of the cathedral is great but the climb is long.

Some sections of the cathedral have been impaired by fire in 2019. You can go in for free but ongoing work is still harbouring restoration. You should also go there to appreciate its architecture and history.

• Location: Île de la Cité, 75004 Paris
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM – 6:45 PM
• Admission: €10 for tower access; Free to enter
• Best For: History places, religious sites, architecture.

Pro Tip: If you come early, you can avoid the crowd, and figure out if the bell towers are open to visitors. Avoid the weekend and holiday season if you are after a peaceful experience.

4. Montmartre: The Heart of Parisian Art

Visit Montmartre

Montmartre has always been a charming neighbourhood, luring artists for many centuries. Its cobblestone streets, art studios and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top put it at the top of a hill. Once Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse Lautrec lived here, and its arts scene is still vibrant.

Passing through Montmartre, you’ll find plenty of cafes, galleries, and street artists. One of the best places to go is the place du Tertre where artists put their paintings and some of them will even paint your portrait. There's a richer Montmartre history than you might expect and the Montmartre Museum does a great job of telling it.

Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is beautiful. It is amazing to enjoy the Parisian atmosphere at night, when its streets are full of music and entertainment.

• Location: Montmartre, 75018 Paris
• Hours: From 10 AM – 7 PM daily, shops and cafés are open
• Admission: Walk free for about €6 entrance into Sacré-Cœur.
• Best For: Those who love art, Those who are culture enthusiasts, Those who like scenic views.

Pro Tip: That's an early morning visit. Artists out in Place du Tertre if you are into that but avoid the afternoon crowds.

5. Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: Paris' Grand Boulevard

Champs-Élysées And Arc de Triomphe

The Champs–Élysées is probably one of the most famous streets in Paris, running from the Place de la Concorde to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. From theaters, cafés, luxury shopping, and everything else, this grand boulevard is a peach stroll, taking in Parisian flair.

It is in fact the hub of various national celebrations. Take Bastille Day, in which case, the avenue is where the French military grand parade takes place, a beautiful thing, but at quite a price!

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the top of the Champs Élysées in Paris, and when you visit this part of the world you will certainly not want to miss it. After his victory over France, Napoleon commissioned the Arc in 1805 to be the stunning tribute it is today to those who fought and died for France.

If you're up to its 284 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views out over Paris, looking down on the Champs-Élysées.

During your stay, you’ll be able to enjoy a walk down the luxury boutiques, but you’ll also be more than happy putting your feet up and taking in Paris. The Champs Élysées is a realization of history, soaked through with charm from the shops to the people watching to just basking, full to the brim with history and some of the most elegant beauty Paris has to offer.

• Location: Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
• Hours: Arc de Triomphe 10AM to 10:30PM
• Admission: Champs-Élysées free; Arc de Triomphe €13
• Best For: Shopping: history lovers: panoramic city views

Pro Tip: The Arc de Triomphe gets really crowded so it's suggested to visit early. There's 284 steps to the top if you feel like climbing it for spectacular views over the city.

6. Musée d'Orsay: The Impressionist Haven

Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay is found in the middle of a former railway station situated on the shores of The Seine River. It boasts works by impressionists such as Monet and Degas and is probably most famous for its collection of French works from 1848 to 1914.

The museum layout is set up shifting through the 19th century with everything from realism, to post impressionism.

An architectural treasure, the Musée d'Orsay reminds us of a story through time. The building is also beautiful, and features an exceptional glass roof and clock tower, all of which contribute in a way of their own to the fabric of the space. If you’re a fan of art history, it’s a must see.

The crowds are smaller if you get in very early or very late in the afternoon. If you’re interested in a specific artist, you’ll be given a guided tour of the museum’s highlights.

• Location: Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
• Hours: Mon – closed; Open 9:30 AM – 6 PM
• Admission: €14 for adults
• Best For: Fans of Impressionism, lovers of art and history

Pro Tip: So, if you’re there, and happen to be nearby, it’s worth popping into the café just inside the museum to offer a sit down after your visit to the galleries.

7. Luxembourg Gardens: A Peaceful Escape

Luxembourg Gardens

One of the most beautiful green spaces of Paris is The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). Nestled in the heart of the Left Bank, this venerable garden offers visitors a place to rest, stop and take in that favourite Paris tradition of people drinking beer in groups at picnic tables, or, amongst the oldest Parisians, just to take a whistle round.

A large pond, fountains and statues come scattered about in this charming confection of French and English styles. The Medici Fountain is one of the highlights that you shouldn’t miss: a gorgeous Renaissance style structure set in lush greenery, a painting right out of.

There’s a playground and summer puppet shows for those with kids. Also, families love the pond where you can sail model boats.

The Luxembourg Gardens were founded at the end of the 17th century, as a gift from Marie de Medici, widow of king Henry IV. Today it is a peaceful getaway from the traffic and bustle of the city, and has both history and peace to offer.

• Location: 75006 Paris, 6th Arrondissement
• Hours: Hours: varies seasonally 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
• Admission: Free
• Best For: Families, the peaceful escape, or nature lovers

Pro Tip: Enjoy a pit stop by the pond, bring a picnic. However, if you don’t like the noise, then coming early in the morning or late at night will be quieter.

Best Places to Enjoy Parisian Cuisine

Paris is heaven for foodies, and it’s not just because of the city’s landmarks. Good eats are the name of the game in this city and this sanctuary for foodies will take you there. Paris has flaky croissants in the morning and fine dining for night.

• Begin with a Classic French Breakfast: Be a Parisian and start your day like one! Also not to be missed is either sinking your teeth into a buttery croissant with a rich café au lait at Le Grenier à Pain or Pierre Hermé. Super simple, delicious, and very French.
• Have a Taste of Traditional French Bistros: Basically, this is a place to find French authentic flavors. Hit cozy bistros such as Le Comptoir du Relais or Bistrot Paul Bert. And this is not about meals, this is about experiences to remember.
• Don’t Skip the Pastries & Desserts: When we say pastries, we mean Paris. Take pleasure from Laduréé's colorful macarons or éclairs from Maison Pichard. Trust me, you will not come here just to have dessert, it’s compulsory.
• Savor Cheese and Wine: Cheese lovers, rejoice! Visit Fromagerie Barthélémy to taste Brie, Camembert and Roquefort while tasting a local wine. It’s a match made in heaven.
• Explore Parisian Food Markets: Visiting food markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges and Marché Bastille are really good ways to get a glimpse of Parisian life. The best vendors of these markets unload fresh and flavorful finds.

Fun Fact: You probably didn’t know, but Paris has more than 40 Michelin-starred restaurants. It serves no wonder why this city is a dream destination for foodies from around the world.

Paris city literally simply decides to charm you with its history, its beauty, its charm. Wow, experience awe inspiring views from the Eiffel Tower while viewing world class art in the Louvre or merely indulging in all of French rich foods.

If you are planning your next holiday, make sure these are on your travel list. Paris is called the “City of Lights,” and once you’ve been there it’s easy to see why: It gives memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!