Paris Tourist Attractions

Paris offers an incredible collection of historic landmarks, world-class art museums, and stunning architectural masterpieces. Below are the top tourist attractions to explore in the city.

Iconic Landmarks & Views

Eiffel Tower

Historical landmark

Eiffel Tower is Gustave Eiffel's iconic, wrought-iron 1889 structure and the definitive symbol of Paris.

• Elevators and stairs take visitors to observation decks offering panoramic views of the city.

• Spectacular light shows illuminate the tower every hour after sunset.

• Booking timed-entry tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long lines.

Arc de Triomphe

Monument

Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at Place Charles de Gaulle, commemorating Napoleon's victories and fallen French soldiers.

• Visitors can climb to the rooftop observation deck for views down twelve converging avenues.

• Houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame relit every evening.

• Located right beside premier shopping and dining along the Champs-Élysées.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is an iconic white-domed basilica situated at the highest point in Paris within the Montmartre neighborhood.

• Offers one of the finest sweeping views across the entire city landscape.

• Features impressive interior mosaics, stained-glass windows, and access to the dome.

• Surrounded by the artistic cobblestone streets, cafes, and portrait artists of Place du Tertre.

World-Class Art Museums

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, housed in a former royal palace along the Seine.

• Home to masterworks including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

• Framed by I. M. Pei's famous glass pyramid courtyard entrance.

• Requires advance online reservations for guaranteed entry.

Musée d'Orsay

Art museum

Musée d'Orsay holds a premier collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, beautifully housed inside a restored Beaux-Arts railway station.

• Features masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

• Famous for its massive station clock looking out toward Montmartre and the Seine.

• Offers a more manageable footprint compared to the massive Louvre.

Historic Cathedrals & Architecture

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris is a 12th-century French Gothic cathedral situated on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris.

• Celebrated for its flying buttresses, gargoyles, rose windows, and historic role in French history.

• Set in one of the most picturesque walking districts in central Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century royal Gothic chapel renowned for its breathtaking stained glass.

• Features 15 magnificent stained-glass windows depicting over 1,100 biblical scenes.

• Built by King Louis IX to house sacred relics.

• Frequent venue for evening classical music concerts.

Day Trips Near Paris

Palace of Versailles

Castle

Palace of Versailles is an opulent 18th-century royal château located roughly 12 miles southwest of central Paris, easily accessible by train.

• Features the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and lavish gilded decor.

• Surrounded by expansive French formal gardens, fountains, and Louis XIV's estate.

• A popular full-day or half-day excursion from the capital.