Paris skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in France, Europe
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Europe

Paris

France

Safety Score

7/10

Currency

EUR

Language

French

Timezone

Europe/Paris

About Paris

The city of Paris, often referred to as the "City of Light," is a magical destination filled with breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, and delectable cuisine. Its timeless charm, romantic ambiance, and historical significance make it a must-see for any traveler.

Eiffel TowerLouvre MuseumNotre-Dame CathedralChamps-ÉlyséesFrench cuisine

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and October to early November when the weather is mild and enjoyable and the tourist crowds are smaller than summer.

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan6°43mm
Feb9°48mm
Mar12°53mm
Apr16°63mm
May20°58mm
Jun22°59mm
Jul22°52mm
Aug19°54mm
Sep14°58mm
Oct9°51mm
Nov6°58mm
Dec20°50mm

Things to Do in Paris, France

Best Things to See & Do in Paris

Eiffel Tower
Monument
4.6

Eiffel Tower

The iconic 330-meter iron lattice tower designed for the 1889 World's Fair, offering three levels of observation decks.

Breathtaking city views
Iconic photo ops
Long security queues
Expensive tickets
2-3 hours
Louvre Museum
Museum
4.8

Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum, housed in a historic fortress and palace, featuring over 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa.

Incredible art collection
Stunning architecture
Overwhelming size
Massive crowds at Mona Lisa
3-4 hours
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Religious Site
4.7

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

A white stone Romano-Byzantine basilica sitting atop the hill of Montmartre, offering some of the highest views of the city.

Amazing free views
Beautiful interior
Strenuous uphill climb
Aggressive street vendors
1-2 hours
Musée d'Orsay
Museum
4.8

Musée d'Orsay

A magnificent museum located in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, housing the world's largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces.

World-class Impressionist art
Beautiful station architecture
Still gets very busy
Timed entry required
2-3 hours
Arc de Triomphe
Monument
4.7

Arc de Triomphe

A massive triumphal arch commissioned by Napoleon, standing at the center of 12 radiating avenues with a panoramic rooftop.

Unique rooftop perspective
Historical significance
Many stairs to climb
Very busy traffic circle
1 hour
Notre Dame Cathedral
Religious Site
4.9

Notre Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture that has recently fully reopened to the public following extensive restoration.

Stunning restoration
Rich history
Long entry lines
Ongoing perimeter work
1-2 hours
Palais Garnier
Architecture
4.8

Palais Garnier

A 1,979-seat opera house built in the Neo-Baroque style, known for its grand staircase and ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.

Opulent interiors
Stunning grand staircase
Expensive show tickets
Restricted areas during rehearsals
1-2 hours
Le Marais
Neighborhood
4.7

Le Marais

A historic district known for its cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, Jewish heritage, and trendy fashion boutiques.

Charming medieval streets
Excellent boutiques and food
Very crowded on weekends
Narrow sidewalks
Half day
Jardin du Luxembourg
Park
4.8

Jardin du Luxembourg

A 23-hectare formal park featuring the Medici Fountain, flowerbeds, and a large octagonal pond for model boats.

Beautifully manicured
Family friendly
Limited grass seating
Can be dusty in summer
1-2 hours
Sainte-Chapelle
Religious Site
4.8

Sainte-Chapelle

A 13th-century royal chapel famous for its 15 massive walls of breathtaking stained glass depicting biblical scenes.

Stunning stained glass
Intimate atmosphere
Security lines can be long
Small interior space
1 hour
Shakespeare and Company
Shopping
4.5

Shakespeare and Company

A legendary English-language bookstore on the Left Bank that served as a hub for famous writers like Hemingway and Joyce.

Historic literary charm
Unique book selection
Very cramped
No photography inside
45 mins
Catacombs of Paris
Historical Site
4.4

Catacombs of Paris

An underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people in a small portion of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris' ancient stone mines.

Unique and spooky experience
Intriguing history
Tickets sell out fast
Claustrophobic for some
1.5 hours
Canal Saint-Martin
Neighborhood
4.4

Canal Saint-Martin

A 4.6km long canal lined with trendy cafes, iron footbridges, and shaded quays, popular for picnics and 'apéro.'

Authentic local vibe
Great for picnics
Can feel a bit dirty
Less 'grand' than the Seine
2 hours
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Park
4.6

Père Lachaise Cemetery

The largest cemetery in Paris, serving as the final resting place for icons like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.

Peaceful and park-like
Famous gravesites
Very hilly and vast
Easy to get lost
2-3 hours
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Shopping
4.4

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

An upmarket French department store famous for its massive Art Nouveau steel-and-glass coupola and free rooftop terrace.

Stunning glass dome
Free rooftop city view
Extremely crowded
Expensive prices
1-2 hours
La Coulée Verte
Park
4.5

La Coulée Verte

An elevated park built on an old railway viaduct, running 4.7km through the 12th arrondissement with lush gardens and street views.

Quiet and green
Unique elevated views
Few exit/entry points
Narrow in some sections
1-2 hours
Entertainment
4.6

Atelier des Lumières

A digital art center located in a former foundry that uses 140 projectors to immerse visitors in floor-to-ceiling moving masterpieces.

Mesmerizing visuals
Great for all ages
No physical art
Tickets must be booked early
1-1.5 hours
Place des Vosges
Architecture
4.7

Place des Vosges

The oldest planned square in Paris, characterized by its perfectly symmetrical red brick buildings and vaulted arcades.

Perfect symmetry
Beautiful public park
Limited seating on grass
Can be crowded at lunch
1 hour

Things to Do in Paris - Top 18 Attractions

Planning a trip to Paris? Discover the 18 best things to do in Paris, France. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets and outdoor adventures, our guide covers the top attractions and must-see sights that make Paris one of the most popular destinations in France.

Top things to see in Paris include Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sacré-Cœur Basilica and 2 more incredible sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into what makes Paris special for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

Whether you're visiting Paris for a weekend break or a longer stay, there are things to do for every type of traveller — cultural experiences, historic sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local food markets. Most visitors recommend spending at least 2–3 days to cover the main highlights of Paris.

Browse the full list of Paris attractions below, save your favourites, and build a personalised itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Our free Paris travel guide is updated regularly so you always have the most current recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paris

What are the must-see attractions in Paris?

Paris offers numerous iconic attractions. Our curated list includes top-rated landmarks, museums, and hidden gems. Browse our recommendations above to plan your perfect sightseeing itinerary.

How do I skip the lines at popular attractions in Paris?

To avoid long queues, visit popular attractions early in the morning or book skip-the-line tickets online. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Are there free attractions in Paris?

Yes, Paris has many free attractions including parks, historic neighborhoods, and sometimes free museum days. Check our tips section for money-saving advice.

Explore More of Paris

About Paris, France

Paris is one of France's most visited destinations, celebrated for Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Élysées. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Europe can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Paris has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.

Our free Paris guide covers 18 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Paris's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.

The food scene in Paris is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic France cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Paris doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Paris's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.

Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Paris visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Paris that fits your pace.

A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is French; the currency is EUR; the best time to visit is The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and October to early November when the weather is mild and enjoyable and the tourist crowds are smaller than summer.. Getting around Paris is generally straightforward — most cities in France offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Paris travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.

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