What to Do in Paris? Top Places You Can’t Miss

1. Climb to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

It’s impossible to picture Paris without its most iconic landmark — the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, this masterpiece of iron and elegance rises 324 meters above the city and welcomes nearly 7 million visitors each year from all over the world.

What makes this visit unforgettable is, of course, the view. From the second floor, 115 meters up, you can take in a breathtaking panorama of the Paris skyline. And if you go all the way to the top — 275 meters above the ground — the experience becomes truly magical. The city stretches endlessly below, glowing in a soft golden light, especially at sunset. To make the most of your visit, book a table at Madame Brasserie (formerly 58 Tour Eiffel) on the first floor, where you can enjoy refined seasonal cuisine with a stunning view of Paris.

Feeling adventurous? Try climbing the 1,665 steps by foot — a true challenge rewarded with spectacular sights. For everyone else, the elevator offers a smooth and scenic ride to the top.

2. Admire the Majesty of Notre-Dame Cathedral

At the very heart of historic Paris stands the Notre-Dame Cathedral — more than just a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it’s a universal symbol of art, faith, and resilience. Proudly rising on the Île de la Cité, this 12th-century marvel has witnessed centuries of history and continues to inspire millions of visitors every year. Construction began in 1163 and lasted nearly two centuries, finally completed in 1345. Even after the tragic fire in 2019, Notre-Dame remains one of the most moving and beloved landmarks in Paris.

While awaiting its grand reopening in December 2024, you can still admire its breathtaking façade and intricate sculptures up close. Take a slow stroll around the area, especially along the Quai de Montebello, where the cathedral’s silhouette reflects beautifully in the Seine. Surrounding exhibitions and guided tours offer fascinating insights into its restoration and timeless legacy. And of course, don’t forget to look up — the legendary gargoyles and flying buttresses still watch over the city, preserving that unmistakable Gothic spirit.

Behind the cathedral lies Square Jean XXIII, a peaceful green corner perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. Just a few steps away, the Archaeological Crypt of Île de la Cité reveals the Roman roots of ancient Lutetia — a hidden gem many visitors overlook.

3. Explore the Treasures of the Louvre Museum

Once a royal palace and now one of the most visited museums in the world, the Louvre Museum is far more than an art gallery — it’s a sanctuary of culture, history, and timeless beauty. Located in the very heart of Paris between the Seine River and the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre spans over 60,000 square meters of galleries and showcases more than 35,000 works of art from civilizations across the globe.

Here you’ll find legendary masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and stunning collections of Egyptian and Mesopotamian antiquities. The museum’s centerpiece, the iconic glass pyramid designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei, has become an international symbol of Paris itself — perfectly blending classic grandeur with modern elegance.

The Louvre is not just a collection of art; it’s a journey through over 8,000 years of human history. Its eight departments represent the major civilizations of the world:

• Egyptian Antiquities
• Near Eastern Antiquities
• Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
• Islamic Art
• Sculptures
• Decorative Arts
• Paintings
• Graphic Arts

Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the medieval remains of the original Louvre fortress in the basement — a fascinating glimpse into the site’s royal past.

4. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Inspired by the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture, Napoleon I commissioned Jean Chalgrin to design a triumphal arch in honor of the imperial armies. Completed in the 19th century, the Arc de Triomphe remains the largest monument of its kind in the world — a symbol of France’s pride and history. Majestic sculptures adorn its pillars, and the names of 558 generals and key victories are engraved on its walls. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose eternal flame honors those who fell for France.

Standing 50 meters high and 45 meters wide, the Arc crowns the Place de l’Étoile, where twelve grand avenues converge — including the legendary Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Climb to the panoramic terrace at the top, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of Paris: from La Défense to the Louvre, the city unfolds in perfect symmetry.

The Champs-Élysées itself is often called “the most beautiful avenue in the world.” Stretching for nearly 2 kilometers between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, it’s a dazzling blend of Parisian elegance and modern life. Here you’ll find luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Guerlain, and Montblanc, as well as famous cafés and restaurants like Fouquet’s and lively entertainment venues including cinemas and the iconic Lido.

5. Take a Cruise on the Seine River

What better way to explore the City of Light than by gliding along the Seine on a relaxing river cruise — especially after sunset? As daylight fades, Paris slowly begins to sparkle. The city’s most iconic landmarks — the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Pont Alexandre III, and many others — reveal their illuminated beauty from the best possible viewpoint: the water.

For an even more memorable experience, book a dinner cruise in Paris aboard an all-glass boat. Over the course of two enchanting hours, you’ll savor exquisite dishes prepared by talented chefs while drifting past the shimmering reflections of Paris at night. It’s an unforgettable way to combine fine dining with sightseeing.

And don’t forget: every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five magical minutes at the start of each hour, while its beam of light sweeps across the city — a breathtaking spectacle that perfectly captures the romance of Paris.

6. Discover the Charm of Montmartre Hill

Rising 130 meters above the northern part of Paris, Montmartre Hill offers one of the city’s most picturesque and bohemian atmospheres. The neighborhood takes its name from this hill, crowned by the brilliant white dome of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Completed in 1919, the basilica was built in memory of the French victims of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and has since become one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

Just a few steps away, you’ll find the lively Place du Tertre, where painters set up their easels to sketch tourists or showcase their colorful works. This charming square recalls the days when Montmartre was the beating heart of modern art. In the early 20th century, great artists like Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh lived and worked here, shaping the artistic soul of Paris.

Today, Montmartre retains its creative flair. Wander through its cobbled streets, explore its cafés and art studios, and don’t miss the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret — a timeless symbol of Parisian nightlife and glamour.

7. Step into Royal Splendor at the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the most famous château in France — a dazzling symbol of royal power, artistic brilliance, and French grandeur. Built in the 17th century, it was designed to showcase France’s military might and cultural supremacy in Europe. This magnificent estate of palaces, gardens, and terraces once served as the royal residence of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.

A visit to Versailles is an essential experience for anyone exploring France. Inside, you’ll be captivated by its lavish rooms, golden furnishings, opulent décor, and masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art. Step into the legendary Hall of Mirrors, wander through the Queen’s Chamber, and admire the exquisite details that once reflected the height of royal life.

The vast Versailles gardens stretch across more than 800 hectares, featuring the Petit and Grand Trianon, the Queen’s Hamlet, the Orangery, and the elegant Swiss Lake. Designed in the classical “French garden” style, the landscape itself is a masterpiece — with sculpted hedges, fountains, and grand perspectives that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

8. The Latin Quarter and the Luxembourg Gardens

Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Latin Quarter is one of Paris’s most historic and vibrant districts. Centered around the Sorbonne University, this lively neighborhood has long been known for its academic spirit, bohemian cafés, and artistic energy. It’s home to some of France’s most prestigious institutions, including the École Normale Supérieure, the École des Mines de Paris, the Schola Cantorum, the Jussieu University campus, and even the École Polytechnique. The quarter takes its name from the Latin language, which was once widely spoken by scholars and students of the Sorbonne.

Beyond its intellectual legacy, the Latin Quarter invites visitors to enjoy simple Parisian pleasures — a stroll through cobbled streets, a glass of wine in a bistro, or a quiet moment in the Luxembourg Gardens. Surrounding the Luxembourg Palace, home to the French Senate, this beautifully landscaped park was redesigned by André Le Nôtre, the famous gardener of Versailles. It’s one of the city’s most beloved green spaces, perfect for reading, daydreaming, or people-watching under the shade of chestnut trees.

Within the gardens, you’ll find a fruit orchard with rare apple varieties, an apiary where beekeepers still harvest honey, and elegant greenhouses filled with exotic orchids. The park is also dotted with 106 statues, including a bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty and several ornate fountains that add to the serenity of the place.

9. Experience the Magic of the Moulin Rouge

At the foot of Montmartre Hill, in the lively Pigalle district, stands one of Paris’s most legendary landmarks — the Moulin Rouge. Built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, this iconic cabaret is known as the spiritual birthplace of the famous French Cancan. Originally a playful and seductive dance, the Cancan soon evolved into an art form that defined the Parisian cabaret scene and inspired countless venues around the world.

Today, the Moulin Rouge remains a must-see attraction for visitors from every corner of the globe. Behind its bright red windmill lies a world of feathers, sequins, and dazzling choreography — a true celebration of music, dance, and joie de vivre. Each performance offers a modern twist on classic cabaret, honoring more than a century of tradition while keeping the energy of Parisian nights alive.

The cabaret’s name and signature style have been imitated across the world — from Las Vegas to Tokyo — but nothing compares to the original in Paris. The Moulin Rouge has also achieved cinematic fame, thanks in part to Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, which reintroduced its legend to a new generation.

10. Have Fun at Disneyland Paris

For fans of Mickey Mouse and all things Disney, a trip to Disneyland Paris is pure magic. Located just 32 km from the center of Paris, this world-famous resort is easily accessible by RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station. It’s a perfect day trip for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience a little Disney wonder in the heart of France. You can also book a convenient taxi Disneyland Paris for a direct and comfortable ride straight to the park.

The resort features two theme parks: the Disneyland Park, with its enchanting fairy-tale castle, and the Walt Disney Studios Park, where the world of film and animation comes to life. Here, you can hop aboard classic attractions like Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and the Haunted Mansion, or join the excitement of the daily parades filled with music, color, and beloved Disney characters.

Between shows and rides, explore countless souvenir shops, themed restaurants, and magical corners that make Disneyland Paris a must-visit destination for travelers of all ages.