Ah, yes! Paris, the City of Lights. Home to many of the world’s most popular structures and tourist attraction, Paris is also referred to as the fashion capital of the world. No one leaves Paris without having that feeling of joy and satisfaction of having been to this remarkable city.
Paris is one of the most visited places in the world, a city which automatically conjures images of food, iconic tourist attractions, and romance.
There are hundreds of things to do in Paris, but the chances are if you are visiting for a short period like a long weekend, the chances are you won’t have that much time so its best to focus on the absolute essential must visit locations.
Check out our guide to the best places to visit in Paris, now go fall in love with the French capital.
1. The Eiffel Tower
Obvious we know, but you can’t visit Paris without at least seeing the Eiffel Tower, better still you should climb it!
First up, you can work those lazy legs of yours as there are 300 steps from the ground to the first level, as well as from the first to the second level.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most seen structures in the beautiful city of Paris and one can never forget to visit this structure. The first three floors can be accessed by the lift or you can walk if you have the stamina to do so considering the number of steps you have to take. From the third level onwards, you have to ride the elevator.
But don’t worry, if you plan on taking the stairs from the ground to the third level, there are restaurants there that you can stop and take a break. The two restaurants there are Altitude 95 and Le Jules Vernes.
The view from the top of the very top of 1,040 feet high tower is spectacular and the best places too grab that iconic skyline view of Paris.
Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to save queuing on the day!
When returning to ground level it is well worth a visit as is taking a step back and wandering around the neighbouring area to see the tower from a different perspective! You can also have a picnic at a park nearby.
2. The Louvre
Who would ever want to pass up a visit to the world famous museum, the Louvre. Built in the 12th century as a fortress, the Musée du Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world and has over 35,000 different art pieces. This historic museum has eight departments, each with a different type and era of art.
You can enter the Louvre from three different entry points: from the Porte des Lions, from the underground shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre, and lastly, one that most tourists would frequently enter, the main entrance in the pyramid structure. Just like the Louvre, the Louvre Pyramid is also frequented by the people.
This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and the world, and the pyramid entrance is perhaps the most famous part of the building. Movies such as the Da Vinci Code often feature this glass structure in some of their scenes.
You could easily spend all day here, so make sure you allow enough time when planning your trip!
3. Arc de Triomphe
Another massively famous landmark, you simply can’t visit Paris without spending some time gazing at this monument. The Arc was built to celebrate napoleons many victories and contains the tomb of a French solider and is inscribed with the names of the fallen.
4. The River Seine
Walk alongside the Seine river, you can stop off a the man made beach Paris Plage (although note you cannot actually swim here!) or go for a swim alongside the river in the Piscine Josephine Baker, there are also lots of eateries and restaurants where you can stop for lunch alongside the river front.
5. Champs Elysees
If shopping is your passion, then you have to go to Les Champs-Élysées, one of the most popular and exclusive shopping destinations in the world. Celebrities and socialites shop here whenever they stop by the romantic city of Paris. After you get off one of your flights to Paris, this should be your first stop.
Located at the heart Paris, the streets of Les Champs-Élysées are lined with trees and of course, shopping stores many people love.
Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Adidas and other popular brands line the streets where people mill around and shop. If you ever get tired of all the shopping, you can also have a cup of coffee or have a snack in the cafes located in the avenue. During the holidays, Les Champs-Élysées is a light with Christmas decorations and there are so many events held in this high-status tourist spot.
6. Cafes
Whenever a movie has a setting in Paris, they would also have a scene or two that features the characters drinking coffee along the sidewalk. When in Paris, why not do this? If it makes you feel very French, then go ahead and do so. Paris is lined with street cafes like La Sancerre and Café de Flore. Don’t forget to order a croissant with your coffee!
7. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris, is a medieval Catholic cathedral and one of the most visited locations in Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. This is an essential photo stop for any first time visit in Paris.
8. Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre
Montmartre is a large hill in northern Paris, 130 m (430 ft) high, and at the top is the really impressive Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre. This is a popular tourist spot, and one of the best locations to get an iconic photo of the famous Paris skyline.
Once you have done the main attractions, or you are a slightly alternative experience, view our non-touristy things to do in Paris. Or to see more of this city and country, view France tours. If you want to be more than just a tourist you could also book a language course in Paris.