Paris is always a good idea and a city I plan to visit again and again! The art, history, monuments, and food all make Paris easily one of the top cities on my bucket list. Below are the top 10 Paris places to visit you won’t want to miss (in no particular order), plus Paris attractions that are a bonus if you have extra time in Paris!
Paris has some of the most famous monuments, museums, art, and cathedrals, and for the most part, they are all within walking distance. So walking is one of the best ways to see Paris and get around the city.
But the subway is safe and very easy to use if you’re not a big walker or the weather isn’t cooperating. Keep your entire stuff close by, because it’s there.
Also, when inserting the ticket into the slot of the ticket gate, wait for it to come out and keep it in a safe place. If you lose it or lose it from the ticket gate, you may be stuck at the station for a while learn from our mistakes!
Or you can use a taxi, Grab or the Uber app, but to get a taste of Paris, and it’s best to walk at least a short distance.
1. Cruise on the Seine River
One of our favorite things we did in Paris was a night cruise on the Seine River. This gives you the chance to see many of Paris’ top attractions, including the glittering Eiffel Tower, all lit up as you pass under the beautiful bridges of Paris!
These tours also introduce you to the history of the city and are a great way to see more of Paris in a short amount of time.
Please avoid the dinner cruise when planning your tour. The food is not worth the money and you can have better dinners elsewhere in Paris. Let me know if you have any other experience!
2. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture and is known as one of the top attractions in Paris. It was completed in 1345 and has 10 bells and a tower 226 feet high. You can walk outside North Dame, although it is currently closed for reconstruction work following a devastating fire.
3- The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is undoubtedly one of the top 10 attractions in Paris. Did you know that the Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world? Many people go outside to see the Louvre, but please visit this museum! The Louvre Museum houses some of the most important works of art in the world.
We also recommend buying Louvre tickets in advance so you can enjoy Paris instead of waiting online. Plus, make a game plan for what you want to see at the Louvre. A serious effort to see all the works of art can get you lost in the Louvre for a month or more.
For us, the Code of Hammurabi, the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Dying Slave were among the must-sees, but with so much beauty to see, it’s okay to walk around a bit. The best time to take a souvenir photo at the Louvre museum is early morning or at night when the pyramid is lit up.
More on Animesonnet.com: The Most Famous Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Here
4- Tuileries Garden
It’s right outside so it’s a great place to relax after walking around the Louvre. We sat by a large fountain and watched the ducks and their chicks swimming around. There is also a cafe in the park where you can satisfy your appetite from your Louvre trip.
The gardens are large with statues, fountains and the triumphal arch of the carousel. If history is your thing, these gardens date back to Henry III in the 1500s. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy lunch.
5- Concord Square
The Place de la Concorde is famous for many public executions, including those of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. While you’re in the square, visit the Luxor Obelisk, the Fontaine de la Concorde, and the Rue de Paris.
The Luxor obelisk is 75 feet high, weighs 230 tons and is more than 3000 years old. Originally located outside the Luxor Temple in Egypt, this temple was donated to France by the Ottoman Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha.
The Luxor Obelisk is located in the center of the Concorde Square.
Right next to the Luxor obelisk, there are two fountains on both sides. Each has intricate detail and beauty. Completed in 1840, the North Fountain commemorates shipping and trade on the rivers of France, while the South Fountain commemorates commerce and maritime industry.
6- Victory Arch
Arc de Triomphe in the center of Charles de Gaulle Square. The ship was built to honor those who died fighting for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. You can actually climb to the top and see Paris from above!
Arc de Triomphe construction began in 1806 and is 164 feet tall. In fact, it was the largest triumphal arch until 1938.
7- Eiffel tower
Without one of France’s most famous landmarks, this place wouldn’t be on the list of top 10 attractions in Paris. Did you know that the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and it took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to build the World’s Fair?
We went to the Trocadero Gardens, lay on the grass, ate crepes and looked at the towers. We refrained from climbing the Eiffel Tower as we were told the best views of Paris came from Montparnasse tours. He was right
8- Tour of Montparnasse
A wise friend once told me that if you want to see Paris like a real Parisian, go to the top of Montparnasse to see it all.
We had a bit of trouble finding the top entrance, but after asking a few times, we finally made it. We had to walk around the other side of the building and pay €18 each, but the views were amazing!
First, head to the 56th floor, where you’ll find a telescope, food, and a gift shop. You can then climb the stairs to reach the outdoor terrace.
9- Versailles
If you are in Paris for at least three days, Versailles should be one of the top ten attractions on your list! This palace will amaze you with a walk through history. For this area, approximately 37,000 hectares of land were cleared to create tree-lined paths, walkways and gardens lined with thousands of plants and trees.
We paid to access the castle and the Trianons, but the palace is so big it’s not worth it if you’re not there early! Gardens, on the other hand, are free! We also recommend buying tickets online in advance.
The gardens are extensive and golf carts and bicycles are available for hire. We went to a large pond where people rented bicycles for an hour. This allowed us to see many properties and provided a nice breeze on a hot day.
Also, be sure to check the timetable of incoming and outgoing trains to avoid a standoff.
10- Orsi Museum
The Orsi Museum is located in the former Orsi train station and covers the period from 1848 to 1914. Each ticket was €13.50 and the lines were short, which is always a plus!
This museum is much smaller than the Louvre but has some great pieces. Our favorite area was the Van Gogh exhibit with some of his most famous works. I prefer the Orsay Museum to the Louvre!
Both were a lot of fun, so if you’re a museum fan, please check them out.
Do you want to know more about Paris: Here