Things to do in Paris

10 best places to visit in Paris that you cannot miss!

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1

Eiffel Tower

Sightseeing

#2 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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The world famous Eiffel Tower definitely does not need an introduction unless you’ve been living under a rock. Built by Gustave Eiffel in the year 1889, the tower has become a symbol of France and is recognised world wide as a defining moment of the industrial era in the country. Today, this glorious work of art attracts as many as 7 million visitors annually, making the Eiffel Tower the most visited monument around the world. Comprising of three levels, you are greeted to a unique panoramic view of the city and the glittering skies during nighttime. In fact, the beautiful tower is also a renowned stage for numerous international events as well.

Hours
9:30 AM to 11 PM Monday to Thursday
9:30 AM to 12 AM Fridays and Saturdays

Address
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • The Eiffel Tower displays a marvellous view during the day as well as the night. Make sure to visit both these times for a different experience.
  • It is advisable to take the stairs to cut down on the long waiting queues at the elevator.
  • Consider reserving a prepaid ticket to skip the tiring ticket line.

Recommended Experiences
Skip The Line: Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with Host
Skip the line: Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Tickets
Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

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2

Louvre Museum

Sightseeing

#3 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Recognised as a central landmark of Paris, the Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and a famous historic monument of France. It hosts some of the most impressive art collections from around the world - including the iconic Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci - that enchants visitors of all ethnicities. The museum also draws crowd to witness the armless beauty titled ‘Venus de Milo’ and several other sculptures that are a part of the Louvre. Its iconic glass pyramid has become a symbol of sophistication and an element of elegance and is now recognised by tourists from around the world.

Hours
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Fridays
Tuesday closed

Address
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • Visit during the nighttime to avoid crowd.
  • It is best to chart your visit according to a map of the museum, as it is nearly impossible to cover every exhibit of the Louvre.
  • Consider picking the audio guide if you’re not fluent with French.

Recommended Experiences
Dedicated Entrance Tickets to Louvre Museum
Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum with Skip the Line Entry

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3

Arc De Triomphe

Sightseeing

#12 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Another well known monument of the city, the Arc de Triomphe stands tall at the western end of the famous Champs Élysées. The arch honours those who fought valiantly and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. With names of military soldiers engraved on its walls, the magnificent centrepiece is one of the biggest arches of the world. Visitors can benefit a panoramic view of Paris from atop this monument during the day and night. There is also a museum within the arch that retraces the history of Arc de Triomphe which is a must-visit for those interested to delve deeper into the roots of Paris.

Hours
10:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day

Address
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • There is no queue for those only visiting the exterior of the monument, so do not confuse yourself with the same.
  • It is best to book a museum pass or an online ticket to cut the queues.
  • The Arc de Triomphe has one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, so make sure to carry your camera for plenty of photo ops.

Recommended Experiences
Skip The Line: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets
Louvre Museum Dedicated Entrance + Skip the Line Arc de Triomphe Tickets

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4

Orsay Museum

Sightseeing

#1 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Located on the scenic banks of river Seine, the Museum of Orsay houses an impressive collection of impressionist (400 paintings) and post-impressionist (1,100 paintings) masterpieces of the world. Visitors can get a chance to view famous artworks from artists such as Monet, Degas, Sisley and Van Gogh as the Museum of Orsay is one of the largest art museums in Europe. Originally a railway station, you can still trace the origins of Gare d’Orsay in its opulent architecture. The museum also creates several temporary exhibits throughout the year and it tops on the list of Paris’s interesting attraction.

Hours
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Thursday
9:30 AM to 9:45 PM on Thursday

Address
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • Make a list of the paintings you’d like to view before heading here, as that will save some time on your hands.
  • The museum is least crowded during the noons and off-season.
  • There are several lines for individuals, groups and professionals - make sure you save time by getting into the right queue.

Recommended Experiences
Skip The Line Tickets to Orsay Museum
Guided Tour of the Orsay Museum with Skip The Line Entry
Dedicated Entrance to the Louvre and Orsay Museum

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5

Notre Dame Cathedral

Sightseeing

#4 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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The iconic church that was built almost eight centuries ago is another monument that is considered the pride of Paris. This notable cathedral is located on a small island (Ile de la Cite) in the middle of river Seine. The 800 year old church displays its tragic as well as glorious moments through the history of Paris. Through its phase of being almost demolished to being restored to its former beauty, a visit to Notre Dame is nothing less than taking a stroll down the valiant history of France. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the sparkling river Seine as well as historical artefacts housed within the Church once you’re in it.

Hours
8:00 AM to 6:45 PM Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 7:15 PM Saturdays and Sundays

Address
6 Parvis Notre-Dame | Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • While there is no entry fee for the cathedral, you may still face queues. Go as early as possible.
  • It is recommended to visit the bell tower inside the church that comes with a small fee.
  • Keep an eye on your valuables as the crowds can draw the attention of many-a-pickpockets.

Recommended Experiences
Notre Dame Cathedral Guided Tour
Notre Dame Cathedral Tour & Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Notre Dame and Gothic Paris

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6

Paris Catacombs

Sightseeing

#58 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Although often referred to as the city of lights, there is a dark, almost enigmatic past of the city that is retold within the catacombs of Paris. The underground ossuaries hold the remains of more than 6 million people. These ancient quarries were built as an effort to eliminate city’s overflowing cemeteries. Although slightly twisted, the catacombs have now begun gaining importance and is recognised as museum in Paris. The catacombs makes a perfect destination for those vying for an eerie, yet a curious story of the elaborate city.

Hours
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday to Sunday
Monday closed

Address
1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • Keep a flashlight handy as the tunnels can be dark.
  • It is advisable to wear covered shoes or boots as the quarry is prone to muck during the rains.
  • Show up at least 20 to 30 minutes before they open as the museum is prone to long queues.

Recommended Experiences
Skip the Line Catacombs Tickets with Audioguide
Skip the Line: Catacombs & Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Access Combo

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7

Palace of Versailles

Sightseeing

#1 of 79 things to do in Versailles on TripAdvisor

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Once a humble village in France, Versailles is a wealthy suburb that is home to the grand chateau of Versailles. The palace that once housed the royal family of France was considered as a symbol of absolute monarchy during the ancient times. Now open for tourists, visitors can view the life of Louis XIV from up close as well as some of the greatest achievements of France that are embedded within the museum. Don’t forget to spare some time for the opulent grounds of this palace that are beautifully done up and maintained till date.

Hours
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday
Monday closed

Address
Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • Book tickets well in advance to avoid the cumbersome queues.
  • Explore the gardens of the palace first as they tend to open earlier.
  • Make a handy map of the rooms you want to see first.

Recommended Experiences
Versailles Skip the Line - Priority Access with Audioguide Tour
Versailles Priority Access - Full Day Guided Tour from Paris
Versailles Entry Ticket with Audioguide

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8

Sainte Chapelle

Sightseeing

#5 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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The Sainte Chapelle church is located in the heart of the city, and considered as a gothic gem. Crowds often flock to this church for a glimpse of its striking painted glass panes that depict 1,113 scenes of the old and new testaments. Erected by King Louis IX, it took almost seven years to complete building the church. Often a favourite of architecture enthusiasts and students from around the world, Sainte Chapelle is often deemed as one of the wonders of the medieval world. Despite being subjected to various fires and floods, the church was restored and retrieved in the recent past. It now attracts as many as 900,000 visitors every year.

Hours
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM every day

Address
8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • The church is closed between 1 PM to 2 PM every day, so keep in mind before making your visit.
  • Look up for combined offers online if you don’t want to end up in a cumbersome queue outside the church.
  • Keep a map handy so you don’t end up missing some important parts of the church.

Recommended Experiences
Sainte Chapelle Priority Access Tickets
Sainte-Chapelle Tickets and Notre Dame Cathedral Tour

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9

Seine River Cruise

Sightseeing

#8 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Known for being a favourite of many-a-hopeless romantics, a boat ride in the river seine is not a such a far-fetched idea in Paris after all. While there are several Seine cruises happening throughout the day, remember to pick the one which shows you some important attractions that are located by the river in Paris. Cruise through the beautiful river and make the most of the unobstructed views of the monuments of Paris. You can choose a cruise ride which comprises of snacks, lunch or dinner along with an audio guide that briefs you with the history of the city during your ride.

Hours
8:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day

Address
Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France, Paris
Get Directions

Tips

  • Every boat company has different pricing as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Make sure you pick the one that suits you best.
  • If you’re looking for some audio narration during your tour, check with the guide if it is available in your language before you board.
  • Prioritise your Seine cruise with the locations you wish to visit and the pricing.

Recommended Experiences
Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Sightseeing Cruise
City of Lights: Paris After Dark Sightseeing Cruise
Seine Cruise & Skip The Line: Eiffel TowerCombo
Seine River Cruise + Dedicated Entrance Tickets to Louvre Museum

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10

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Sightseeing

#10 of 1,182 things to do in Paris on TripAdvisor

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Dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus, Sacre-Coeur Basilica is one of the most visited monuments of this city. Now standing as a sacred site, the artistic church is constructed using a white marble stone that gives it a stunning, chalky appearance. Visitors can make a trip to this church and avail a fantastic view of Paris since the church is constructed at an altitude of 130 meters above sea level. This makes it the second highest monument of Paris after the Eiffel Tower.

Hours
6:00 AM to 10:30 PM every day

Address
35 Rue du Chevalier-De-La-Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Get Directions

Tips

  • Pick late afternoons when the crowd is relatively lesser within the church.
  • Be wary of pickpockets if you’re venturing into the crowded areas.
  • The church observes a strict no-photography rule.

Recommended Experiences
Sacré-Coeur and Dome with Expert Tour Guide
Montmartre & Belle Époque Private Tour

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