Best things to do in Paris: 20 places you can’t miss

From the world’s most visited museum to the symbolic Eiffel Tower, there’s a seemingly endless list of must-see places to visit in Paris. Maybe you already know where you want to go — be it the Louvre, Disneyland Paris, or Avenue des Champs-Élysées — or perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed with choices.

Wherever you are on your Paris trip planning journey, this guide fills you in on the 20 best things to do in Paris, all in one compiled list, with tips on how to make the most out of your visit. Simply pick your favorites and return again (and again) to see it all.

1. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the world's largest and most visited museum, with 10 miles of galleries to explore. Along with the famed “Mona Lisa,” the Louvre houses the “Venus de Milo,” “Liberty Leading the People” (France’s national painting), and “Hammurabi's Code” (a stone with the oldest readable written text).

Insider tips:

The Pyramid is the Louvre’s main entrance but is also the most crowded. At peak times, using the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions entrances is quicker.

Address and opening hours:

75001 Paris, France. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; and Friday, 9:00 AM-9:45 PM.

2. Tuileries Garden

Nestled between the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée de l’Orangerie is the Tuileries Garden, arguably Paris' most popular garden. This 55-acre space is set in the heart of the city and is the ideal next stop after the Louvre Museum. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset with a picnic or glass of wine.

Insider tips:

In December, the park hosts a Christmas market, and in the summer months, kids can sail toy boats in the fountains.

Address and opening hours:

75001 Paris, France. Open 7:00 AM-9:00 PM every day in April, May, and September; 7:00 AM-11:00 PM every day in June, July, and August; and 7:30 AM-7:30 PM every day in January, February, March, October, November and December.

3. Palais-Royal Garden and Courtyard

Surrounded by the 17th-century Palais-Royal and right next to the Louvre is the Palais-Royal Garden. Open to the public, the gardens and courtyard are filled with lime trees, rose bushes, long lawns, statues, and fountains. You can also find galleries, shops, and restaurants dotted around the garden.

Insider tips:

Don’t miss the Buren Columns, a contemporary art installation in the palace’s inner courtyard. Its juxtaposition against the Neoclassic courtyard has caused mixed opinions.

Address and opening hours:

2 Gal de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France. Open 8:00 AM-8:30 PM every day from October to March and 8:30 AM-10:30 PM every day from April to September.

4. Musée de l’Orangerie

The Musée de l’Orangerie is on the western edge of Jardin des Tuileries and is best known for its Claude Monet painting “Water Lilies,” though it also has eight other Monet pieces. It’s the perfect spot for fans of the impressionist greats. Alongside Monet, see works from Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and Henri Rousseau.

Insider tips:

The museum is small, so booking tickets in advance is best. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds.

Address and opening hours:

Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France. Open Saturday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays), and Friday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

5. Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic royal chapel on the Île de la Cité. Commissioned by King Louis IX in the early 13th century, the chapel is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture from that time. Inside, stained glass walls and vaulted ceilings create a striking prism of color.

Insider tips:

To maximize your sightseeing experience and save money, consider purchasing a combination ticket that includes access to both Sainte-Chapelle and the nearby Conciergerie.

Address and opening hours:

10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day from April to September and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM every day from October to March.

6. Seine River

The beautiful Seine River has been the setting of many films and TV shows. Historically, it was one of France’s major waterways, with the bustling city and its many architectural wonders springing up around it. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.

Insider tips:

A cruise on this river is one of the most picturesque ways to see Paris. Book your cruise early on in your trip to help you get an overview of the city’s layout.

7. Pompidou Center

The Pompidou Center is Paris’ most popular art museum after the Louvre. It is home to the National Museum of Modern Art, which showcases 20th- and 21st-century modern and contemporary art by artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Lucien Freud. The building is also a work of art, with its iconic “inside out” architecture, surrounded by large, colorful tubing and exterior escalators.

Insider tips:

Be sure to visit the 6th floor during your visit for amazing views of the city, from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre.

Address and opening hours:

Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France. Open 11:00 AM-9:00 PM every day except Tuesdays.

8. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most well-known Gothic cathedrals in the world and hosts millions of visitors every year. Beyond its soaring spires and stained glass windows, Notre Dame holds deep religious and historical significance, having witnessed centuries of pivotal events in French history. Although it is currently closed while restoration works are taking place, this is one Paris attraction to add to your list for when it reopens.

Insider tips:

The Crypt of the Île de la Cité is another must-see, located right beneath the cathedral.

Address and opening hours:

6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France. Set to reopen in late 2024.

9. The Pantheon

Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, King Louis XV commissioned his own Pantheon — the Church of Saint Genevieve. The Pantheon was used as a mausoleum for important French figures during the French Revolution before it was converted back into a church and then back into a mausoleum. Today, you can come here to pay your respects to the remains of great French citizens, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Èmile Zola, and Marie Curie.

Insider tips:

Before you leave, head to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Paris.

Address and opening hours:

Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France. Open 10:00 AM-6:30 PM every day from April to September, and 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day from October to March.

10. Eiffel Tower

Sightseeing in Paris isn’t complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Designed for the World’s Fair in 1889, the tower has remained an iconic symbol of France since its completion. You can enjoy the tower’s exterior for free or book a ticket to skip the lines and head straight up to the top for the highest view in Paris. You can catch the sunset from the top if you time it right.

Insider tips:

The Eiffel Tower’s 5-minute light show takes place every hour from sunset to 1 AM.

Address and opening hours:

Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France. Open 9:15 AM-10:45 PM every day (some dates may have different hours).

11. Musée d'Orsay

Directly across the River Seine from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, the Musée d’Orsay is hidden inside an old train station. The station was originally built for the World’s Fair but became too small as trains lengthened. It is now home to the largest collection of Impressionist art in the world.

Insider tips:

Musée d’Orsay is best seen after a visit to the Louvre, as the collection starts where the Louvre’s collection ends: at Romanticism.

Address and opening hours:

Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France. Open Friday-Wednesday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM (closed Mondays), and Thursday, 9:30 AM - 9:45 PM.

12. Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a 1.2-mile long road that starts at the Arc de Triomphe and ends on the edge of the 1st Arrondissement at Place de la Concorde. Along this busy avenue sit rows of perfectly trimmed trees, the Grand Palais, Michelin-star restaurants, and the flagships of famous brands. Cinemas, cafes, nightlife, car showrooms, and pretty much everything else you could want are at your fingertips.

Insider tips:

On the first Sunday of every month, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées closes to cars and becomes a pedestrian-only walkway.

Address:

75008 Paris, France. Open 24/7.

13. Arc de Triomphe

Located in Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris. Napoleon commissioned this Neoclassical Roman arch after his victory at Austerlitz. At the base of the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame that honors the fallen in World War I.

Insider tips:

It takes 284 steps to get to the top of the arch, but the view of Paris from here is worth it.

Address and opening hours:

Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France. Open 10:00 AM-11:00 PM every day from April to September, and 10:00 AM-10:30 PM every day from October to March.

14. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is one of the top things to do in Paris for theater lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. As the inspiration for “Phantom of the Opera,” the theater hosts magical opera experiences. Its extravagant Baroque design draws admirers from around the world.

Insider tips:

The best way to experience the Palais Garnier is to purchase tickets to a show. But if you don’t get the chance, an entry ticket lets you see the inside during the day.

Address and opening hours:

Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France. Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

15. Disneyland Paris

Experience the magic of Disney at Disneyland Paris, where you can step into your favorite fairy tales, have a blast on rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, and explore themed areas like Fantasyland and Adventureland. Don’t miss the live shows and dining options inspired by Disney classics.

Insider tips:

Beat the crowds by showing up early or staying late. Check out the Disneyland Paris app for updates on wait times and show schedules.

Address and opening hours:

Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France. Open 9:30 AM-11:00 PM every day.

16. Paris Catacombs

For a journey into the city's macabre past, the Paris Catacombs should be on your list. By descending 20 meters into the underground labyrinth, visitors are met with a chilling display of around 6 million skeletal remains arranged in intricate patterns within former quarries. Beyond the chilling remnants of bones lies a poignant narrative of Paris' response to its 18th-century health crisis.

Insider tips:

The average temperature inside the catacombs is about 57°F (14°C), and you’ll need to be able to walk 131 steps down and 112 steps up.

Address and opening hours:

1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France. Open 9:45 AM-8:30 PM every day except Monday.

17. Montparnasse Tower

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and the city with slightly fewer crowds than the most popular viewpoints, head to Montparnasse Tower. After it was built, Parisians had laws put in place to prevent another building of its height from being allowed in the city again, but the 360-degree views from the rooftop are worth the trip.

Insider tips:

The best time to visit is during a clear evening just before sunset to see the City of Light come alive.

Address and opening hours:

33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France. Open April to September, 9:30 AM-11:30 PM every day, and October to March, Sunday-Thursday, 9:30 AM-10:30 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-11:00 PM.

18. Louis Vuitton Foundation

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a modern contemporary art museum housed in an eye-catching 6-story building made of glass sails. The museum is a non-profit entity that aims to promote art and culture, featuring many rotating exhibits ranging from abstract art to modern sculptures.

Insider tips:

Plan your visit around one of the concerts, festivals, film screenings, and recitals routinely hosted here.

Address and opening hours:

8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris, France. Open Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM (closed Tuesdays); Friday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Some days have special hours.

19. Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge has been home to the world-famous cabaret and other theater shows for roughly 120 years. For a lively evening activity packed full of glitz, glamor, and personality, book a ticket to the cabaret show any night of the week.

Insider tips:

You can book a dinner before your show for the ultimate night of champagne and good times.

Address:

82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France.

20. Sacré-Coeur Basilica

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica sits at the highest point of Montmartre, making it one of the best places to visit in Paris for unobstructed views. This Roman Catholic Cathedral mixes Byzantine and Roman architecture and glistens white thanks to the self-cleaning Chateau-Landon stones it was built from at the turn of the 20th century. Entering the basilica is free, but if you want to climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome, there is an entry fee.

Insider tips:

If you want to avoid walking the hill and steps to the basilica, take the funicular that runs alongside the foot of the basilica.

Address and opening hours:

35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France. Open 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM every day.

FAQs

What are the must-see attractions in Paris?

The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Seine River are all essential Paris experiences. Disneyland Paris is perfect for children and families, while a dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge is ideal for adult groups and couples.

How can I avoid long lines at popular Paris attractions?

Purchasing tickets online in advance or opting for a skip-the-line ticket, which many Paris attractions offer, is your best bet for avoiding long lines. Visiting popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening can also help you avoid crowds. Call or check online to see when your attraction is typically the busiest.

What are some hidden gems or lesser-known attractions in Paris?

While there are plenty of famous Paris landmarks, there are an equal number of hidden gems worth exploring, such as the Canal Saint-Martin, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Montmartre Vineyard, and Musée de la Vie Romantique.

What's the best way to get around Paris to see all the attractions?

Paris has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, and RER trains, making it easy to get around the city. Many attractions are also within walking distance of each other

Are there any budget-friendly options for experiencing Paris?

Paris offers numerous free or inexpensive things to do. Strolling along the Seine River, visiting public parks like Jardin des Tuileries, and exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Le Marais are all free. Additionally, many museums offer free admission for certain visitors (children under 18, job seekers, etc.) and for all on certain days of each month.