Paris, the City of Lights, is a timeless destination that enchants visitors with romantic ambiance, rich history, and world-class art and culture. With its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum, Paris is a top destination for travelers from around the world.
Whether you’re interested in art, history, cuisine, or simply strolling through charming neighborhoods, Paris has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best things to see and do in Paris, including must-visit attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
So grab a croissant and a café au lait, and let’s discover the magic of Paris together.
The Eiffel Tower
Undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and is a must-visit attraction for many tourists. Built-in 1889 for the World Exposition, this iconic structure stands at 324 meters high and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can take the elevator or climb the stairs to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris from above. The nearby Champ de Mars park is also a lovely spot for a picnic or a stroll.
The Louvre Museum
Known for its impressive collection of art and artifacts. The museum is home to over 35,000 works of art, including some of the world’s most famous masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre is not just a museum, it is a symbol of Parisian culture and history, and visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the galleries.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Historic landmark located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. The Gothic cathedral is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, stunning rose windows, and intricate architecture. Although the cathedral suffered significant damage from a fire in 2019, visitors can still admire the exterior and some of the interior, and learn about the cathedral’s rich history and culture.
Montmartre
Charming neighborhood located in the north of Paris, known for its cobbled streets, bohemian vibe, and stunning views of the city. Visitors can stroll around the Place du Tertre, an area known for its street artists, or visit the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, a beautiful church located at the top of the hill. Montmartre is also famous for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a night out in Paris.
Average day and night temperature
Monthly hours of sunshine
Monthly precipitation
Amazing Places:
Checklist
Paris is a city of romance, art, and culture. It’s a place that has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries. With its beautiful architecture, charming streets, and world-renowned cuisine, Paris is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. But with so much to see, do, and eat in this incredible city, it can be overwhelming for visitors to plan their trip. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with the top things to try, do, and eat in Paris.
- Eiffel Tower: The iconic symbol of Paris and one of the most visited landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
- Louvre Museum: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world, the Louvre is home to an incredible collection of art and artifacts, including the Mona Lisa. Don’t miss this cultural treasure.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of the most famous churches in the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Although it was damaged in a fire in 2019, it’s still worth visiting.
- Seine River Cruise: See the City of Light from a different perspective by taking a boat tour along the Seine River. You’ll get to see many of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Champs-Élysées: The most famous street in Paris, the Champs-Élysées is lined with luxury shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a stroll and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Montmartre: A charming neighborhood in Paris known for its narrow streets, artists, and picturesque views. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
- Palace of Versailles: Located just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a stunning example of French Baroque architecture and home to beautiful gardens.
- French Cuisine: Paris is known for its delicious cuisine, including French pastries, cheese, and wine. Make sure to indulge in some of these local delicacies.
- Parisian Cafés: Paris is famous for its café culture, and there’s no better way to soak up the atmosphere than by visiting a local café. The Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are two of the most famous cafés in Paris.
- Paris at Night: Paris is even more magical at night, with the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks lit up. Take a romantic stroll or join a night tour to experience the city’s beauty after dark.
Paris is truly a city like no other, with its unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine. Make sure to add these 10 must-see attractions to your Paris itinerary to have an unforgettable trip.
Did you know?
History
- Paris was founded around the 3rd century BC by a Celtic people called the Parisii.
- In the Middle Ages, Paris became one of the most important cities in Europe, and the site of numerous battles and sieges.
- During the 17th and 18th centuries, Paris became a center of Enlightenment philosophy, with many famous writers, artists, and thinkers living and working in the city.
- The French Revolution of 1789 began in Paris, and the city played a central role in the events that followed.
- In the 19th century, Paris underwent a major transformation, with the construction of many iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
- Paris was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, and the city was liberated by the Allies in 1944.
- In the post-war period, Paris became a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus leading the existentialist movement.
- The 1960s saw a period of political and social upheaval in Paris, with student protests and strikes leading to significant changes in French society.
- Today, Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, with millions of visitors coming each year to experience its rich history and culture.
- Paris remains a global center of art, fashion, and cuisine, and is home to numerous museums, galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Modern
- The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, was once considered an eyesore by Parisians, but is now one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
- The Louvre Museum, one of the world’s largest museums, received a modern addition in 1989 with the opening of the glass pyramid entrance.
- Paris is home to La Défense, a modern business district with towering skyscrapers and contemporary architecture.
- The Pompidou Center, a modern art museum in the heart of Paris, is known for its unique inside-out design.
- The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station, showcases impressionist and post-impressionist art in a modern and innovative way.
- Paris boasts a state-of-the-art public transportation system, including metro, bus, tram, and bike-sharing services.
- The Paris Plages project turns the banks of the Seine into a temporary beach in the summer months, providing a modern twist on urban relaxation.
- The Seine Musicale, a modern concert hall on an island in the Seine River, hosts a range of contemporary music performances.
- The City of Science and Industry, located in the Parc de la Villette, is a futuristic science museum that explores modern technology and innovation.
- The Parisian street art scene is constantly evolving, with modern murals and installations popping up throughout the city.
Food
- Paris is known for its iconic croissants, which are made with butter and can be found in bakeries all over the city.
- French onion soup is a must-try dish in Paris, with its rich broth, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on top.
- Escargots, or snails, are a traditional French delicacy that can be found on many menus in Paris.
- The city is also known for its macarons, delicate and colorful almond-based cookies with a creamy filling.
- French cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort, are a staple of Parisian cuisine.
- Steak frites, a simple but satisfying dish of steak and fries, is a popular option in Parisian bistros.
- Crème brûlée, a creamy custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust, is a classic French dessert that can be found in many Parisian restaurants.
- Baguettes are a staple of French cuisine and can be found in bakeries all over the city.
- Ratatouille, a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini, is a classic French dish that can be found in many Parisian restaurants.
- For a sweet treat, try a choux pastry filled with creamy vanilla pastry cream, known as a chouquette, which can be found in bakeries and patisseries throughout the city.
