Paris attractions include not only the Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame Cathedral. The entire historic city is a tempting point on the tourist map of Europe. After all, Paris is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
There are many monuments and interesting places worth seeing and visiting. That is why it is worth planning your trip and the sightseeing well, because with a limited time, you cannot see everything.
In addition, the popularity of the French capital means that crowds of tourists can be found here at every turn, which significantly extends the exploration of the local attractions.
Paris and its attractions and monuments
Paris is a city of museums, historic architecture and green parks. It tempts with its romantic atmosphere, numerous restaurants and cafes, and charming neighborhoods. You can walk around the capital of France regardless of the weather, because virtually every season of the year has its charm here. You can roughly visit the attractions of Paris only during the weekend.
However, it will take at least a week to get to know this amazing city better.
The capital of France is an ideal place for lovers of history, architecture and broadly understood sightseeing. Paris is considered a romantic city, so it is often the destination of newlyweds or couples who are going to get engaged. It will also work well for families with children or seniors. Everyone can visit and enjoy the attractions of Paris at their own pace.
So let’s start exploring Paris with our travel guide.
Sightseeing of Paris
As already mentioned, it takes a week to visit all the attractions of Paris with ease. We mean, of course, the entrance to all monuments and museums. If we are in the capital of France for only two or three days, you should rather be prepared for a cursory tour. So to see at least the greatest attractions and monuments. Unfortunately, visiting museums or other objects from the inside in Paris in such a short time will be difficult because virtually all of them are crowded with tourists.
There are long lines in front of almost every entrance. So it is better to visit the Louvre from the outside and go to the Eiffel Tower, to come back here the next time and go inside.
The main center and historic sites of Paris can be easily explored on foot. However, this does not mean that it is not worth using public transport. The metro will take you quickly and easily to most attractions in the city. Even as far away as, for example, Versailles. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds of tourists, it is worth coming to Paris in April, May, June or September.
Then there are a bit less visitors. The peak season here falls on the holiday months – July and August, and during the New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
Paris tourist attractions
Now let’s move on to some of the most recognizable monuments and tourist attractions in Paris, but also around the world.
Eiffel tower
The Eiffel Tower is the undisputed symbol of Paris and its greatest attraction. There is no tour of the French capital without visiting the foot of this steel structure. The Eiffel Tower was erected because of the world exhibition in 1889 that was held here. You can climb up the stairs or take the elevator to the individual levels. The tower is an excellent viewpoint over the entire cities.
After dark, twinkling lights add to its incredible charm.
See on the map of Paris how to get to the Eiffel Tower:
Louvre
Another place strongly associated with Paris is the Louvre. The former residence of the French monarchs has been turned into one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. Inside, you can admire a really large collection of works of art, from ancient times to the present day. The most famous are of course the Mona Lisa, Venus of Milo or Nike of Samothrace.
Among over 300,000 exhibits, you can also see an Egyptian gallery and an exhibition of Italian painting.
Unfortunately, next to the characteristic entrance with a glass pyramid, there is usually a very long queue of people willing to visit.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The third undisputed symbol of Paris is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. One of the most famous and recognized temples in the world. The cathedral was built for almost 200 years (1163-1345), mainly in the Gothic style. Completed, it was consecrated to the mother of Jesus. For hundreds of years, the temple has witnessed many coronations of monarchs, but also the funerals of distinguished persons of France. The building itself impressed with its façade stretched between two towers and a rosette in the middle, as well as figures of gargoyles.
Unfortunately, in 2019, as a result of a powerful fire, the Notre Dame Cathedral was destroyed. Reconstruction works are currently underway, but it is still inaccessible to tourists. It can only be visited outside.
Triumphal arch
The Arc de Triomphe is another object associated with the capital of France. Built in 1836 in honor of those who fought for the country during the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution. The arch is located in Charles de Gaulle square and is right at the roundabout.
At the very top there is an observation deck with a panoramic view of Paris and the Champs Elysees. Under the Arc de Triomphe there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame. See on the map of Paris how to get to the Arc de Triomphe:
Champs-Elysees
The most famous and most popular street in Paris are the fabulously expensive Champs Elysees. There is no shortage of luxurious boutiques, expensive restaurants and shops of global brands.
We can find here premises with names such as Guerlain or Mont Blanc, as well as flagship headquarters of well-known companies.The Champs Elysees itself stretches for about two kilometers and is often used as a venue for official celebrations in the French capital, as well as for protests and demonstrations.
Interesting places in Paris
Paris is not only monuments and attractions, but also interesting places that are definitely worth visiting and visiting.
Montmartre
One of the most interesting places in Paris is undoubtedly the Montmartre district. In the past, this part of the city was inhabited by the Parisian bohemian, including famous artists, writers and painters. Today, the Montmartre district can be crowded with curious tourists who want to see the peculiar atmosphere of this place for themselves.
In addition to the winding and narrow streets, the Place du Tertre Artists Square and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica are attractions here. In the middle of the Montmartre district there is also a cemetery from 1825 and a bridge from 1888 that runs exactly over it.
Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
When visiting Paris, you should definitely go to the Pere-Lachaise cemetery. It is the largest necropolis in the French capital. Many famous people are buried here, including: Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Victor Hugo or Molière, Frédéric Chopin and Oscar Wilde. The trip to the Pere-Lachaise cemetery itself is also an opportunity to walk among the tombstones, which have become works of art, originating from the neo-Gothic, neoclassic and baroque.
See on the map how to get to this cemetery:
Catacombs
A very interesting place for a trip in Paris are also the local catacombs. An unusual attraction filled with the remains of the former inhabitants of this city, who were moved from the local cemetery in the 18th century. For tourists, an almost two-kilometer route has been made available here, among 6 million skulls and bones. It takes about 45 minutes to cover it, and while hiking you can see, among others museum, the Crypt of the Passion and the “Gilbert’s Tomb”. It is definitely not a Parisian attraction for everyone.
Sights of Paris
What monuments in Paris are worth seeing and visiting? Below is a list of the most popular ones.
Versailles
One of the greatest monuments of Paris is Versailles, located on the outskirts of the city. It is the residence of as many as four French kings, interestingly the most visited by tourists in all of France. The entire area, including the Palace of Versailles, covers almost 790 hectares.
In addition to the royal residence itself, you can visit the Historical Museum, the National Palace and, above all, the gardens of Versailles. It is them in combination with such an extensive estate that make the greatest impression.
The whole thing has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In season, there are real crowds of tourists here.
See on the map how to get to Versailles:
Les Invalides
As the name suggests, it was built in 1671 as a shelter for veterans of the French army. To this day, Les Invalides is actually a hospital and hospice. In addition, it houses the offices of the Ministry of Defense, as well as one of the largest Military Museums.
At one time, the remains of Napoleon (mausoleum) were also buried here.
The National Pantheon of Paris
The Pantheon is another important monument of Paris on the map of most tourists. It may not be as impressive as the one from Rome, but it is more important for the French.
The bodies of people of merit for this country are buried there, including: Voltaire, Rousseau, Emile Zola, Alexandre Dumas or Marie and Pierre Curie.
Opera Garnier
The Opera Garnier is an old historic building in Paris that still serves its purpose today. However, you do not have to go to a performance here to see its interior. The Opera Garnier is the largest musical theater in Europe. Inside, you can admire its lavish interior.
It delights with its richly decorated facade with gilded statues on the domes and a gigantic, eight-ton chandelier. In this building, even the staircase, which was lined with marble in 33 types, is impressive.
What to see in Paris
What, apart from attractions and monuments, is worth seeing in Paris? Below are some interesting places on the tourist map of Paris.
Museum d’Orsay
While visiting Paris, the Orsay Museum is definitely worth visiting. Practically entirely devoted to contemporary art, it boasts the largest collection of Impressionist works. We can admire here paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas and Claude Monet. The museum is located in the building of the former railway station, on the Seine.
Pompidou Center
The Pompidou Center is a museum of contemporary art that is definitely worth seeing in Paris. The building itself, decorated with kilometer-long pipes, attracts attention. The Pompidou Center was established in 1977 and is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary and modern art.
Among them, it is worth mentioning the works of artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer Dali, and Pollock. In addition, there is also a library, cinema, cafe and restaurant.
Sacre Coeur Basilica
The Sacre Coeur Basilica is one of the attractions of the Montmartre district. The temple is situated on the highest hill in Paris.
The building was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. In the middle is the largest bell in the French capital, hidden in the tower. It is worth paying attention to the Byzantine mosaics and the views from this place.
Now one of the most recognized attractions of Paris:
Moulin Rouge
A place that is definitely worth seeing in Paris is also the building of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Unfortunately, his red mill is only a dummy, referring to the tradition of this district, which until the nineteenth century had numerous mills. However, not only the building itself is interesting here. If we have so much time, it is worth booking tickets for the evening performance. Interestingly, at the very beginning, circus shows were held here, then operettas were staged and even cinema films were shown.
Currently, you can have an excellent dinner here and watch the performances of talented dancers and dancers, including the famous Cancan.
Tourist map of Paris attractions
Check and locate all the monuments and places of interest on the map of Paris attractions:
What attractions, interesting places and monuments in Paris do you like to visit the most? We are waiting for your feedback on the forum below.