Wondering what Paris sights and attractions you should see?
I don’t think I could ever get bored in Paris!
Every time I visit, I fall more in love and find new and exciting things to see and discover. From walking on its cobblestone streets, turning a corner to discover a pocket of cafes and bistros that look like a movie set, to getting lost in its history and art!
Having visited the city three times now, I have learned you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city and fall in love with Paris again and again. While some sights and attractions do require a fee, there are still lots to experience and see in Paris for free.
So, here are some must-visit Paris sights and attractions no matter how large or small your budget may be.
Don’t have time to read it all?
Here are the top 5 activities we recommend in Paris!
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The Eiffel Tower Light Show
The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction! One of the most popular of Paris sights and attractions and one of the most recognisable structures in the world!
Every evening, the tower comes alive with a stunning light show for five minutes. This happens each hour after dark. The best way to enjoy it is by finding a viewpoint from one of the many spots around the city or even by the Seine River. Sit back and take it in! If you have a little extra cash to spend, I would recommend stopping by a restaurant that has a view of the Eiffel Tower and enjoying a glass of champagne, or taking a boat cruise on the Seine while the Eiffel Tower sparkles against the night sky. This would be unforgettable!
Where it’s Located: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.
Closest Metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9).
Cost: Free to watch. Entry to the Eiffel Tower: €11.80 – €29.40 depending on the level you wish to visit or if you’re using the stairs or lift. Pre book tickets here
Stroll Along the Seine River
Walking along the Seine River allows you to experience Paris at your own pace. Along the river, you will see locals running and tourists taking boat cruises. Walking along the river, you will also pass by landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Depending on the time of day, you will see sellers, cafes, or restaurants open and you’ll occasionally encounter street performers.
My favourite way to enjoy it is by grabbing a bottle of wine, a baguette, and cheese then finding a spot along the river to relax. I would say this is a must do on your next trip to Paris.
Where It’s Located: Throughout central Paris.
Closest Metro: Various, depending on the location along the river.
Cost: Free. We recommend a river boat cruise (very affordable)
Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre
You’ll find the Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre hill, offering beautiful panoramic views of Paris. The basilica alone is worth the visit, and make sure you allow time to explore the inside.
Montmartre itself is a popular attraction in Paris. The historic district has been associated with famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. It is filled with quaint cafes, beautiful buildings, vibrant street art and performers.
Where It’s Located: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris.
Closest Metro: Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12).
Cost: Free to enter the Basilica. Dome access: €8
We recommend Montmartre Walking Tour.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of the world’s most famous avenues. It stretches 1.9 kilometres from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The avenue is always bustling with high-end shopping and iconic cafes like Ladurée. It’s a great place for window shopping or simply people watching if shopping is not part of your Paris holiday budget.
Where It’s Located: 8th District.
Closest Metro: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (Line 1 and 13).
Cost: Free to explore.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a beautiful public garden located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. It’s right in the heart of the city and all the major sights in Paris, so you can really take a peaceful break here. There are many sculptures to view throughout the garden if you want to take a stroll or you can take a seat and relax in one of the many chairs around the fountain.
Where It’s Located: Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris.
Closest Metro: Tuileries (Line 1) or Concorde (Line 1, 8, 12).
Cost: Free.
Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay, in a former railway station, is one of the most beautiful museums in the world. It is renowned for its extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.
One reason alone to visit this museum is to see works by artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. While you’re exploring the museum, make sure to take time to appreciate the beautiful building and its grand clock. A must visit for Paris sights and attractions.
Where it’s Located: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris.
Closest Metro: Solférino (Line 12) or Musée d’Orsay (RER C).
Cost: €16. Prebook Musée d’Orsay skip the line tickets
Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’s oldest and most vibrant districts to visit and needs a mention of its own. Famous intellectuals like Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus once gathered in this very area.
The Latin Quarter is also known for its medieval architecture, narrow winding streets and is where you’ll find the the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
Where It’s Located: 5th District.
Closest Metro: Saint-Michel (Line 4) or Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10).
Cost: Free.
Arc de Triomphe
You’ll find the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It was famously commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honour the French army. Like the Eiffel Tower, this is a famous icon and is up there with Paris sights and attractions to visit. If you look closely at the arch, it features intricate engravings that show various battles and victories.
It’s free to view, but climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers one of the best views in Paris where you can spot the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.
Where it’s Located: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris.
Closest Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Line 1, 2, 6).
Cost: €16 to climb, free to see the outside. Prebook your Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
Louvre Museum
Did you know the Louvre Museum was originally a royal palace? This is usually on everyone’s list to visit in Paris, and it should be!
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument. You simply could not see it all in one day, so if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris again, it’s worth a second visit.
The Louvre holds many masterpieces, but I would have to say the most famous is probably the Mona Lisa.
Where it’s Located: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
Closest Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Line 1).
Cost: €22. Prebook Louvre Skip the line tickets
Catacombs of Paris
If you’re after seeing something a little different in Paris, this is for you. The Catacombs of Paris are a network of underground tunnels that hold the remains of over six million people. The catacombs were created in 18th century because of the city’s overflowing cemeteries.
Many tourists have no idea what is under the beautiful buildings above. It’s worth a visit if you have time to really appreciate Paris’s history.
Where It’s Located: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
Closest Metro: Denfert-Rochereau (Line 4, 6).
Cost: €29. Book this tour that includes the Seine River Cruise
Walk Along the Many Bridges
Paris is home to 37 bridges over the Seine River, each with its own unique character and decorations. The most popular are Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III, known for its ornate decorations, and Pont des Arts, famous for its love locks.
The bridges also give you stunning views of the city, and there are plenty where you can snap a photo with yourself and the Eiffel Tower without the crowds of tourists.
Where it’s Located: Various locations across the Seine.
Closest Metro: Various, depending on the bridge.
Cost: Free. We recommend a river boat cruise (very affordable)
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-visit attraction in Paris for its historical and architectural significance. The cathedral has soaring ceilings and beautiful stained glass.
Unfortunately, Notre Dame suffered a devastating fire in April 2019, which caused significant damage. There are restoration efforts ongoing, and visitors can visit the site to learn about the fire, see the current restoration work and view it from a seating area they have constructed in front of it. There are plans to reopen by 2024.
Where It’s Located: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris.
Closest Metro: Cité (Line 4) or Saint-Michel (Line 4 and RER B/C).
Cost: Free to view and see the restoration efforts.
If you are looking for more tips about visiting Europe? Make sure to check out my Essential Packing List for Europe in Summer! 2 or 4 Weeks and 24 Tips for Traveling Europe.
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