Best things to do in Paris
Find out more about those top places in Paris
Paris: You Know It, You Love It (Probably!), But Here's the Hilariously Honest Lowdown on the City of Lights! - Your Essential Travel Guide!
Ah, Paris! The city that needs no introduction, the place that pops into your head when you dream of romance, art, and maybe a really good croissant. It's practically a celebrity in the world of travel, consistently topping lists of the best places in the world to visit. And for good reason! Known as the European capital of fashion and the arts, Paris is like a magnet, pulling in millions of visitors year after year who are eager to soak up all that this iconic city has to offer.
Seriously, trying to describe Paris to someone who's never been is like trying to explain the internet to your grandma using only mime. It's just... Paris. It's got that je ne sais quoi, that certain something that makes it utterly irresistible. And one of the biggest reasons for this magnetic pull? Well, it's home to some of the most instantly recognizable top attractions on the planet, landmarks that have graced a million postcards and fueled a billion dreams.
We're talking about the one and only Eiffel Tower, that iron giant that pierces the Parisian sky and basically screams "I'm in Paris!" The Musée du Louvre, home to a certain enigmatic smile and enough artistic masterpieces to keep you busy for a lifetime (and maybe a few afterlife visits too). And of course, the majestic Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, a symbol of resilience and architectural grandeur (currently undergoing a stunning restoration, but still a powerful sight).
But Paris is so much more than just these superstars. Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the must-see places to visit and the oh-so-chic things to do in the City of Lights. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all while embracing the Parisian art de vivre (that's the art of living well, darling!).
Top Attractions: The Big Three (and Beyond!) That Make Paris, Well, Paris!
You can't go to Paris without ticking these off your list (even if you have to fight a few selfie sticks!):
The Eiffel Tower: Ironclad Icon with Views for Days (and Nights!)
This isn't just a tower; it's a symbol! Ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Whether you go during the day to spot all the landmarks or at night to see the twinkling city lights, it's an experience that lives up to the hype. Just be prepared for a bit of a queue – everyone wants a piece of that view!
Musée du Louvre: Home to Mona Lisa and a Whole Lotta Art!
Prepare to be overwhelmed (in the best way possible!) at the Musée du Louvre, one of the world's largest and most famous art museums. Say hello to the Mona Lisa (try to get a good selfie!), marvel at the Venus de Milo, and wander through halls filled with masterpieces. Wear comfortable shoes – you'll be doing a lot of walking!
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris: A Symbol of Resilience and Beauty
Even though it's currently being lovingly restored after the devastating fire, the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris remains a powerful and awe-inspiring sight. Witness the ongoing work and reflect on the cathedral's enduring legacy. The surrounding area is also worth exploring.
Things to Do Beyond the Big Three: Getting Your Parisian On!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Parisian charm:
- Wander Through Montmartre: Explore the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning views, and maybe even get your portrait sketched by a local artist.
- Stroll Along the Seine River: Take a romantic walk along the Seine, cross its iconic bridges, and maybe even hop on a Bateaux Mouches for a different perspective of the city.
- Explore the Latin Quarter: Immerse yourself in the student atmosphere of the Latin Quarter, browse the bookstores, and enjoy a coffee at a traditional café.
- Indulge in Parisian Pastries: From croissants to macarons, Parisian pastries are legendary. Treat yourself to a daily dose of deliciousness from a local boulangerie or pâtisserie.
- Visit the Palace of Versailles: Take a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, the former residence of French royalty, and wander through its extravagant halls and gardens.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that are steeped in history, brimming with art, and oozing romance, Paris is undoubtedly your city! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with iconic sightseeing and delightful things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with the City of Lights – and maybe come back with a few extra pounds thanks to those irresistible pastries! Bon voyage!
-
Eiffel Tower
Known all over the world, The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures ever built - its significance does not just cut across Paris and France alone, but the entire Europe. Named after famous French Civil Engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower stands at a staggering 324 meters and was built as an icon for the 1889 World’s fair. It main highlight is its observation deck at 276 m, which is also the highest available to the public in the European Union.
-
Musée Du Louvre
In a beautiful city like Paris, this is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city and that goes to show how amazing it is. Established in 1793, it is situated in the Louvre Palace, which began as a fortress by Philip II in the 12th century. The Museum is the world’s largest art museum and the most visited as well, receiving over 10 million visitors in 2018. It features over 38,000 objects dating from prehistoric to modern times, some of its exhibitions include collections of ancient Greek and roman sculptures and several paintings from notable artists (including the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci).
-
Cathedrale Notre Dame
If you are familiar with cathedrals, you would know that there a several Notre Dames around the world but this one in Paris is considered “the main Notre Dame”. The hard to miss cathedral was built in 1345 using French Gothic style designs, with its interior and exterior displaying great artistry. Recognized as the spiritual center in France – it home to the Crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ and a nail from the true cross.
-
Les Catacombes
Not a place for the faint at heart, the Les Catacombs popularly known to tourists as the Catacombs of Paris are a group of ossuarries which hold the remains of over six million people. Built in from 1810 when the city was trying to solve its problem of overflowing cemeteries, leading to the exhuming of bones and storing them in disused quarry tunnels. In recent times the Catacombs have been renovated and the bones arranged into more aesthetically pleasing patterns. It also serves as a resting place of casualties of some of France’s notable events such as the riots of Place de Greve and that of the French Resistance.
-
Arc de Triomphe de l’ Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe de l’ Ètoile which when translated is “Triumphal Arch of the Star”, it is one of France’s symbolic structures built to celebrate the victories of the French Wars and as a memorial for those that died during the battles. The monumental arch presents a Neoclassical architectural style and stands at a height of 50 meters with almost 660 names inscribed inside its walls, most of which are French generals of the first French Empire. Beneath the arch is the tomb of an Unknown Soldier, which has an eternal flame.
-
Jardin du Luxembourg
With several gardens spread across the city, it can be a daunting task to pick the one to visit - however, the Jardin du Luxembourg can be said to be one of the top and most visited gardens in France. Built for the Marie de’Medici the garden is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris - spanning over 23 hectares of flowerbeds, lawns, trees and more than a hundred statues. Its major attraction is the Medici Fountain built in 1960.
-
Place de la Concorde
Designed by the famous Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the Place de la Concorde is one of the sites that played its part in the history of France. Built in 1772 it features two fountains named “the fontaines de la Concorde”, a 3,500-year-old obelisk at its center and several other statues. It was known as the Palace de la Revolution during the French revolution era and the site where the prominent figures in France’s history faced guillotine.
-
Palace of Versailles
Considered a must visit by most tourists, the stunning Palace of Versailles is another example of the beauty of French architecture. Situated about 20 km off the center of Paris, the palace was once the official residence of the Royal family of France from originally being a hunting lodge. A tour of the Palace of Versailles would have you visiting the Royal apartments, hall of mirrors, Royal Opera House and so much more.
