10 Best Things to Do and See in Paris
Exploring Paris on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Paris, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Paris. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Eiffel Tower
An iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower attracts visitors with its panoramic views over the capital and its emblematic iron architecture. As you ascend its different levels, you discover sweeping views of the Seine, major Paris landmarks and the city’s skyline. The site also offers observation areas, restaurants and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the tower is illuminated. It is an essential visit for appreciating Paris from one of its most famous viewpoints.
2. Louvre Museum
Located in the heart of Paris, the Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world and a must-see attraction in France. Its vast galleries showcase rich and diverse collections, from antiquities from the Near East, Egypt, and Ancient Greece to European paintings, sculptures, works of art, and decorative arts. Here you can discover famous masterpieces, as well as many lesser-known treasures, in an exceptional setting that combines historic architecture with contemporary spaces. A visit to the Louvre offers an outstanding overview of art and the history of civilizations.
3. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, located in the heart of Paris on Place Charles de Gaulle, is one of the capital’s most iconic monuments. As you discover it, you can admire its impressive monumental architecture, sculpted reliefs, and the spectacular view it offers over the grand avenues radiating around it. The site is also popular for its panoramic view from the top, which lets you take in a large part of Paris. It is an unmissable stop for understanding the city’s elegance and urban grandeur.
4. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre
Overlooking the Montmartre hilltop, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Visitors discover a vast church with a bright style, known for its white silhouette and its exceptional views over the capital from the esplanade. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and conducive to reflection, with rich decor and an impressive dome. The surrounding neighborhood completes the experience with its lively streets, stairways, and hilltop village feel, very popular with walkers.
5. Luxembourg Garden
The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the great green spaces in the heart of Paris, admired for its elegant paths, manicured lawns, and numerous flower beds. It offers a spacious setting for strolling, with ponds, statues, fountains, and shaded areas ideal for relaxing. The site attracts families, walkers, joggers, and visitors looking for a peaceful break. Near the Luxembourg Palace, it offers a classic and refined atmosphere, quintessentially Parisian.
6. Tuileries Garden
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is one of the most famous public gardens in Paris. Visitors can discover wide shaded paths, carefully maintained flowerbeds, ponds, statues, and plenty of benches for taking a break in the heart of the capital. A favorite spot for a walk, it also offers beautiful views of the nearby major landmarks and an elegant atmosphere that is both peaceful and lively. It is the ideal place to stroll, relax, and enjoy an iconic setting in the city.
7. Musée d’Orsay
Located in a former railway station on the banks of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’s major art museums. It is especially known for works from the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, with paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs and works of art. The museum is particularly popular for its collections devoted to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, bringing together many major artists. Its large, light-filled nave and exhibition spaces also make for a very enjoyable visit, both artistically rich and remarkable for its setting.
8. Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris is one of the most iconic landmarks in the French capital. Located on Île de la Cité, it impresses visitors with its Gothic architecture, sculpted facades, stained glass windows, and magnificent rose windows that filter the light with elegance. Inside, you will discover a vast space for reflection, chapels, soaring vaults, and an atmosphere steeped in history. Altogether, it offers a visit that is cultural, spiritual, and architectural, in the heart of Paris.
9. Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier, in the heart of Paris, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Parisian architecture. This famous opera house captivates visitors with its richly decorated façade, grand staircase, elegant salons, and ornate ceiling in the auditorium. A visit here reveals a prestigious venue where decorative arts, music, and stagecraft come together in a lavish atmosphere. It is a must-see attraction for anyone wanting to admire the cultural heritage of the French capital and one of the finest examples of a historic opera house in Europe.
10. Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle, located in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité, is a jewel of Gothic art that impresses with its elegance and light. Step inside and you discover a refined space where stained glass windows take center stage, with vast colorful windows bathing the chapel in an almost unreal atmosphere. The monument also charms visitors with the finesse of its architectural details, its soaring vaults, and its peaceful ambiance. It is a must-see place to admire a religious and artistic heritage of exceptional beauty.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
