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Paris Tourist Map: your downloadable PDF map

You are planning an upcoming visit to the City of Light and you need a tourist map that you can easily access on your smartphone, your tablet, even without an internet connection? PARISCityVision offers you a PDF Paris tourist map you can download completely free of charge. This map lists museums, monuments and must-see destinations and is a useful tool, whether you are spending a few hours or several days in France’s most beautiful city.

Click here to download the plan

More than a simple downloadable map of Paris

We are offering you much more than a basic downloadable Paris offline map. You will find all the information you need to make your visit to the capital city an unforgettable experience , gathered on one unique map.

Among all the must-see tourist destinations, locate the most beautiful and most popular Paris tourist attractions within a few seconds. On the same map, you can find Paris most emblematic places : enjoy one of the greatest views of the capital city from the Eiffel Tower and dive into the history of Notre Dame de Paris . Discover the famous Arc de Triomphe on the Place de l’Etoile. To experience the perfect french experience, enjoy a show at the Palais Garnier Opera House . Take your time while visiting the infinite galleries of the Louvre Museum . Last but not least, climb the stairs of Montmartre to visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica , a breathtaking place offering a wonderful panorama over the city.

The greatest museums of the city are also indicated: on your map, pinpoint the location of the Louvre or the Orsay museums on the banks of the Seine, find the Centre Pompidou in the heart of the Marais district, and locate the most beautiful cultural buildings of Paris.

Organize your visits of Paris tourist attractions

Here are some tips to schedule the visit of some of the main monuments of the city. The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most visited places in the world. Each day, all year-long, thousands of visitors come to climb the 674 steps leading to the second stair of the Iron Lady. In order to try to avoid the crowd, we recommend you to go early , before 10:30 a.m. or on the contrary, at the end of the day , after 6:00 p.m. To discover the mysteries of the Louvre in a nice atmosphere, we advise you to schedule your visit out of the weekend. The Louvre is often crowded, but during the week , out of holidays, you might have the opportunity to enjoy a calmer atmosphere. to optimize your time, book your tickets online beforehand, so you don’t have to wait in line too much time. Last, some of Paris greatest places are free to visit , so don’t hesitate to look for hidden places and mysterious districts to truly dive into the Parisian atmosphere.

A tourist map which offers another view of Paris

Do you want to see a different side of Paris and visit hidden places, away from the major tourist sightseeing tours? Veritable gems await visitors who want to explore the authentic districts of the City of Light: covered passages around the Palais Royal , narrow streets and squares in the district of Montmartre. On our map, next to the most popular destinations, we spot other amazing tourist sites that will provide you with a unique travel experience. Our practical PDF map is always accessible. Are you looking for a Paris tourist map that you can print and slip into your pocket? Do you want to download a map to take with you and use, even when there is no internet connection? We will provide you with access to the best tourist attractions in Paris, free of charge , and all in one document! Gather all Paris tourist attractions on one map. Our Paris tourist map identifies the must-see destinations and tourist attractions : Museums

• Orsay Museum
• Centre Pompidou
• Grévin Museum
• Picasso Museum
• Rodin Museum
• Musée des Invalides
• Cité Des Sciences
• Eiffel Tower
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Sacré-Cœur
• Arc De Triomphe
• Garnier Opera House
• Moulin Rouge

Tourist areas

• Palais Royal
• Latin Quartier
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Other downloadable tourist offline maps

Plan your trip in advance and download our different Paris offline maps on your smartphone or tablet:

• Map of Paris monuments
• Map of Paris museums
• Map of Paris districts
• Map of Montmartre

PARISCityVision provides you with the best information in order to facilitate your stay in the capital city of France. With our Paris offline maps, take the entire capital in your pocket and choose the places you are most interested in to schedule your visits . On our plateforme, you will also find a wide range of priority tickets to visit the most beautiful places of Paris, different types of tours to discover the city at your own pace, and unique experiences to suit all of your desires. With PCV, make each stay a memorable experience.

The Ultimate FREE Paris Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Looking for a Paris tourist map that covers all the main sights?

Great news! Hi – I’m Christina, a shameless travel nerd who has already made one. WITH cute stamp icons… that are colour coded.

So yes, below, you’ll find a handy Google Map that you can use on your phone that includes…

• Top Paris museums & sights
• The prettiest photo spots and views in Paris
• Paris food & drink recommendations
• Fun shops to visit in Paris

I hope you find it helpful!

Save this Free Paris Map for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

My Free Paris Tourist Map

On mobile? Click this link here and the map should automatically open on your Google Maps app.

NOTE: Free sights are marked with a green background – be sure to expand the Map Legend to see the different layers and categories I’ve included!

Paris Travel Tips Video

First time in Paris? Here’s a video that explains some of the important must-knows to keep in mind before your trip.

More Paris Travel Resources

Finally, if you’re a bit more old school, then here are some articles and blog posts to help you out with your Paris planning!

• Free Things to do in Paris
• Paris Travel Tips
• France Travel Tips
• Paris to Disneyland Paris Day Trip Guide
• Disneyland Paris Tips

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Paris top tourist attractions map

Most popular places to visit detailed guide - paris top tourist attractions map.

What to do in Paris?

Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel No.5, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has the second highest number of Michelin-restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's most visited tourist site the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, Lido etc, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world with 45 million tourists annually.

Great things to do - Paris top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Metro with favourite sights - Paris top tourist attractions map

Must see travel destinations - Paris top tourist attractions map

What to do and where to go - Paris top tourist attractions map

Interesting sites in a week - Paris top tourist attractions map

Fun locations to go with kids / children - Paris top tourist attractions map

City sightseeting route planner - Paris top tourist attractions map

Three day highlights tour - Paris top tourist attractions map

Landmarks aerial / bird's eye view - Paris top tourist attractions map

Visitor points of interest - Paris top tourist attractions map

Best of Paris one day trip sights - Paris top tourist attractions map

Famous historical spots - Paris top tourist attractions map

Metro plan (RER rapid transport tram subway underground tube stations) - Paris top tourist attractions map

Central bus routes map - Paris top tourist attractions map

Open top double decker bus tour - Paris top tourist attractions map

Paris top ten tourist attractions

From Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, Paris holds some of the world's most famous sights and these ten attractions should be top of the list for any first-time visitor. With the exception of the overtly modern Pompidou Centre, they have been landmarks of this elegant and romantic capital for centuries and remain awe-inspiring sights, no matter how often you visit the city. Below is the list of the city's ten best sights and attractions, elected for their mass popularity, historical importance, or sheer aesthetic appeal. If you want to experience Paris' most essential and iconic places before exploring in more depth, this guide will help you pinpoint what to see and do first.

1. Musée du Louvre

The world's largest museum unsurprisingly also contains one of the world's most important collections of art and antiquities. To learn the Louvre in and out, you might need a lifetime. Still, one has to start somewhere. The secret to mastering the Louvre is to combine a few key works you definitely want to see with the discoveries you make by wandering aimlessly. The site of the world's largest and most diverse collection of pre-20th century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects, The Louvre is definitely one of Paris' most coveted attractions. Not forgetting the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, bask in the works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and countless others. The palace itself is testament to a rich history spanning from the medieval period to the present.

2. Musée d'Orsay

Walk over the bridge from the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay - and see the bridge between classical and modern art. Housing the world's most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist painting, the Musée d'Orsay's light, airy rooms whir you through three floors of modern wonders, from Degas' ethereal dancers to Monet's water lilies, all the way to Gaugin's leafy jungles. Major works by Van Gogh, Delacroix, Manet, and others await you, too.

3. Eiffel Tower

More than any other landmark, the Eiffel Tower has come to represent an elegant and contemporary Paris. The iron tower, which was built for the 1889 World Exposition by Gustave Eiffel, was wildly unpopular with Parisians when it was unveiled, and was nearly torn down. It has since attracted over 220 million visitors, and it would be hard to imagine Paris now without it. The tower crowns the Paris night sky with its festive light, and glitters up a storm every hour. Note that queues are shorter if you come late at night. The Eiffel Tower has a fabulous luxury restaurant, Le Jules Verne (with its own lift) and has just added a Champagne bar on the top floor. Cliché? Maybe. But essential.

4. Notre-Dame

This great Gothic cathedral, founded on the site of a Roman temple, was completed in 1334 and is a repository of French art and history. It also represents the geographical heart of France. No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to this marvel of architecture. One of the most singular and beautiful cathedrals of Europe, Notre Dame Cathedral's dramatic towers, spire, stained glass and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Witness firsthand the spot that was once the heartbeat of medieval Paris, and that took over 100 years of hard labor to complete. Climbing the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage is essential, too. You'll soon understand why Notre Dame is one of Paris' top attractions.

5. Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre

With its unmistakeable white dome, the Sacre Coeur sits at the highest point of Paris on the Montmartre knoll, or butte. This basilica, which was consecrated in 1909, is best-known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and for its dramatic terrace, from which you can expect sweeping views of Paris on a clear day. Take the funicular up with a metro ticket and stop off at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre. And after expending all your energy climbing Montmartre's formidable hills and stairs, consider a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.

6. Arc de Triomphe

The 164-foot Arc de Triomphe commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I does exactly what it was made to do: evoke sheer military power and triumph. It was built in an age when leaders erected monuments in their own honor, and scaled to their egos. The arch's beautiful sculptures and reliefs commemorate Napoléon's generals and soldiers. Visit the Arc de Triomphe to begin or culminate a walk down the equally grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysées. You can't help but feel grand yourself.

7. Centre Georges Pompidou

Parisians consider the Centre Georges Pompidou to be the cultural pulse of the city. This modern art museum and cultural center, located in the neighborhood affectionately dubbed Beaubourg by locals, opened in 1977 to honor president Georges Pompidou. The Center's signature skeletal design, which evokes bones and blood vessels, is either loved or reviled (no in-betweens). If wacky design isn't your cup of tea, the permanent collection at the National Museum of Modern Art is a must and features works by Modigliani and Matisse.

8. Panthéon

Today Paris's beautiful Panthéon building is a fitting final resting place for the nation's great figures. However, it was originally built as a church, on the instigation of Louis XV to celebrate his recovery from a serious bout of gout in 1744. Dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the structure was finished in 1790 and was intended to look like the Pantheon in Rome, hence the name; in fact it more closely resembles St Paul's Cathedral in London . During the Revolution it was turned into a mausoleum, but Napoleon gave it back to the church in 1806. It was later deconsecrated, handed back to the church once more, before finally becoming a public building in 1885.

9. Sainte-Chapelle

La Sainte Chapelle is a 13th century Gothic chapel built on the Ile de la Cité in the heart of Paris and commissioned by Louis IX. When you ascend into the chapel you are indeed struck by the weightlessness of the space, an effect achieved by the sheer amount of glazing, with the roof seeming to be held up by glass. The colour and saturation of the stained glass is tremendous as it wraps around the volume. This is a space to spend time in savouring the views and the experience. And worth the long queues that seem to be there all year round.

10. Hôtel des Invalides

Hotel des Invalides was built between 1670 - 1676 by King Louis XIV as a residence for sick and injured soldiers. Today, the complex of buildings designed by the architect Libéral Bruant, contain monuments, museums and mausoleums relating to French military history. The complex is easily recognisable on the Parisian skyline because of the 107 metre high (351 ft) gold gilded baroque dome that sits on top of the Hotel des Invalides' Royal Chapel, designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart. The Royal Chapel is now a mausoleum visited by tourists who flock to see the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose remains where interned here in 1861.

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Map of Paris - Interactive Map of Paris

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Paris. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Paris interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

You may also be interested in

2-Day Paris Itinerary

If you are staying in Paris for a few days and want to see and visit the city's top tourist attractions and museums, read our itinerary, which includes detailed information on what to see and how to get to the places.

General Information

If you’re planning your visit to Paris, you might be wondering what travel documents you need to travel to France, what the country's currency is, and other frequently asked questions all answered here below:

Paris Tourist Map in PDF

Get this map in PDF

• Paris Map in PDF Free download (1.5 MB)

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Tripomatic recommends

Save more than €100 on your trip to Paris with the Paris Pass . Get free entry to over 60 of the best attractions and unlimited public transport.

Locate the best sights and attractions in Paris using our free PDF tourist map. 26 must-see places in Paris have been carefully selected and pinpointed on the map. Make sure you don't miss any of Paris' highlights. Download the map in PDF and take it with you on your trip to Paris.

Tripomatic helps you in making the most of your trip to Paris. Discover the best Paris attractions on the map. Select the ones you like the most and turn them into your own tourist map. Available as a free PDF download.

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Paris sightseeing map with top sights

Paris sightseeing map helps locate the 24 top sights in the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Montmartre, the Champs-Elysées, Le Marais, Ile Saint-Louis, Ile de la Cité, Paris markets, the Luxembourg gardens, the Tuileries Gardens. Each sight has a dedicated page with full information. Paris sightseeing . Paris maps .

Paris City Hall facts

The Hotel de Ville (Paris City Hall) has been the heart of political and social life in the city since 1357.

The City Hall, the largest in Europe, is located at the heart of the city on the banks of the Seine river and the edge of fashionable Le Marais district . Although the city of Paris is relatively small with 2 million people, the City Hall exerts its influence over the 12 million people Ile de France region.

The city is divided into 20 arrondissements. Each one has its own city hall with limited administrative power. Check map of Paris arrondissements with top city sights.

Paris catacombs

The name Catacombs was given to this ossuary in reference to the Catacombs of Rome, an ancient cemetery situated not far from the Appian Way. The Cemetery of the Innocents near Saint-Eustache had been in use for nearly ten centuries and had become a source of infection for parisians. The city council decided in 1785, to prohibit further use of the Cemetery and to remove its contents. Disused quarries were chosen to receive the remains. This underground ossuary became an attraction in early 19th century and has remained so until today. Paris catacombs .

Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés

The Seine river in Paris

The Seine is a 776 kilometre long river flowing through Paris into the English Channel at Le Havre harbour ( France map ). The river banks in Paris are by all means one of the greatest urban landscapes in the world. You will best discover this landcape on a Seine River cruise or walking on the romantic Seine left bank quays from Jardin des Plantes and Paris Natural History Museum upstream to Pont Alexandre III downstream. Check Seine river map .

Seine river cruise

The top thematic Paris maps

As driving and parking are quite difficult in the city, the metro is the most heavily used means of transportation. The metro is safe and clean. Locate metro lines and metro stations on the map. Find your itinerary in town. Check our Paris metro map

Bus network

Download printable Paris bus network map .

Arrondissements

The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, its administrative subdivisions with each a separate city hall and a zip code. As example, the zip code of the 1st arrondissement is 75001. Locate most city top sights on the Paris Arrondissement map .

There is a wide choice of hotels and apartments in town with very different quality and value for money. Most hotels are small and charming boutique hotels. Locate our favorite hotels in town and our favorite districts for hotels on Paris hotel map .

Restaurants

There is a huge number of restaurant in the city, both French and foreign. In general, the tourist districts offer poor value for money. But, there are exceptions. Locate our favorite restaurants in town on Paris restaurant map .

Shopping venues

From the huge shopping malls to the small specialized shops, there are shopping venues matching your taste. Locate the best shopping venues in the city on Paris shopping map : fashion streets, department stores, shopping malls, flea market.

Paris map pdf

Locate the top monuments on Paris monument map . It includes the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Sacré-Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe, La Conciergerie, the Sainte Chapelle, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Palais de Chaillot.

Seine river

Discover the fabulous Seine river banks and its many famous sights, islands and bridges on Seine river map : Eiffel Tower, Palais de Chaillot, Musée d'Orsay, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Pont Neuf, Ile Saint-Louis, Ile de la Cité.

Gardens and parks

Locate the top gardens and parks on Paris garden map : Luxembourg Gardens, Les Tuileries, Parc de la VIllette, Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau, Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes.

Tourist map

Locate top tourist sights on Paris tourist map . It includes monuments, museums, gardens, shopping venues, restaurants

World Map » France » City » Paris » Large Detailed Tourist Map Of Paris With Metro

Large detailed tourist map of Paris with metro

You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required. For any website, blog, scientific research or e-book, you must place a hyperlink (to this page) with an attribution next to the image used.

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Paris Attractions and Metro Map

Montmartre Map

The best Paris tourist map. Download, print and fold our pdf maps before your trip to Paris. 

Our Paris & Montmartre map show the top tourist attractions and sites on one side, and a detailed Metro plan of Paris on the other.

To discover more about Paris and have access to our great sightseeing walks, download our app. The first tour is free!

We highlight the following top Paris attractions on our map: Notre Dame / Sacré Coeur / Eiffel Tower / Champs Elysées / Concorde / The Louvre / Opera / Sainte Chapelle / Le Marais / Latin Quarter / Pere Lachaise / Invalides / Moulin Rouge / St Pierre / Place du Tertre / Place Dalida .

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Map of Paris Attractions

Open tour hop on hop off bus map, big bus tour map, batobus river tour map.

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Paris Tourist Map

You can find on this page the map of Paris monuments, the map of Paris tourist buses and the map of Paris river bus Batobus. Paris is the capital of France and the most visited city in the world with 28 million tourists per year including 17 million foreigners. Thanks to its numerous monuments, museums, sightseeings, landmarks and attractions, Paris was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Paris, capital of France, is the most touristic city in Europe. Every year it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The site offers you maps of the monuments of Paris to guide you efficiently through the city. Tourists can also enjoy Paris thanks to tourist bus lines designed especially for them. The Opentour or Big Bus line vehicles allow you to visit the capital in an original way.

Paris sightseeing map

In Paris you can visit:

• museums: Orsay Museum, Louvre Museum, Quai Branly museum
• monuments: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe
• neighborhoods: Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Pigalle, Marais
• religious buildings: Cathedral of Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• squares: Place de la Concorde, Place de la Bastille
• different attractions: Trocadero, Invalides, Pont Alexandre-III, Grand Palais, Champs Elysées, Opéra Garnier, Jardin du Luxembourg, Moulin rouge, Centre Pompidou, Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand

The Paris monuments map gives useful addresses but also information on the most famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower which is located northwest of the Champ-de-Mars. The Arc de Triomphe, located at the top of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and northwest of the Place de la Concorde is also a monument not to be missed.

The Sacré-Cœur, at the top of Montmartre, as well as La Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame-de-Paris represent French Gothic architecture and are also must-see monuments in the city of Paris.

The monuments of Paris are scattered all over the capital. It is highly recommended to have a map of the monuments of Paris. Many trips can be made on foot to discover the capital in detail. The subway, buses or tramway will help you to go from one monument of Paris to another: you should also have a map of Paris transportation.

Paris hop on hop off

L'OpenTour of Paris is an original way of visiting Paris and discover its monuments, museums, attractions while getting on and off at your disposal. This concept of hop on hop off bus or open-top double-decker buses offers a network of 4 tourist tours and routes and 50 stops with commentary in 10 languages.

The Opentour buses offer to discover Paris thanks to 3 different day tours, as shown on the Open Tour map. You can switch from one tour to the other as you wish and the commentaries are available in 12 languages. You can get on and off freely and enjoy an exceptional view from the upper deck of the buses.

Details of the three Open Tour circuits :

• Red line: Montmartre - Grands Boulevards - Gare du Nord - République. Duration : 1 h 20
• Blue line: Opera - Madeleine - Louvre Museum - Champs - Elysees - Eiffel Tower - Concorde - Orsay Museum. Duration : 2 h 20
• Green line: Notre Dame - Luxembourg - Pantheon - Tour Montparnasse - Invalides. Duration : 1 h 20

The main Open Tour tourist bus stops: Madeleine, Opera, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, Invalides, Montmartre-Antwerp, Gare du Nord, the Grand Boulevards, Saint-Lazare Station, Saint-Germain, Montparnasse...

Hop on hop off bus paris

The Big Bus / Cars Rouges is a second hop on hop off bus company with open roofs to discover the city of Paris via a tour. Big Bus offers 2 lines, a tourist bus line and a river cruise line on the Seine. Tours are commented in 9 languages.

The Big Bus Tours of Paris (called the red buses) are buses with an open roof allowing you to admire the monuments throughout the route. The Parisian Big Bus Tours offer a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus service. Free Wifi, air conditioning, ponchos in case of rain bring comfort to the visit. The Big Buses stop at the company's bus stops every 10 minutes or so. The audio guides provided have commentaries in several languages (up to 14 different ones). In the minibuses, the drivers are multilingual.

Big Bus Paris offers 2 routes: 

• The Big Bus Rouge line has a fairly classic route: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower... First departure from the Eiffel Tower at 9:30 am, last departure shortly before 5:41 pm. Frequency: every 5 to 15 minutes. Duration of the complete tour: 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• The blue Big Bus line gives access to the Circuit Montmartre. You can take the bus at the Louvre-Pyramide stop or at Gare du Nord. Please note that there is no real stop on this route. At Louvre-Pyramide, first departure at 10 am, last departure at 5:30 pm. Frequency: every 30 minutes. Duration of the complete circuit: 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Paris river cruises

The Batobus of Paris is a regular river hop on hop off shuttle service transporting passengers on the Seine to visit Paris.

The Batobus takes you all along the Seine in the heart of Paris to reach different areas of the capital. Batobus allows you to visit the capital by looking at the monuments along the Seine and giving you the freedom to go up or down as you wish. Batobus is also a practical, river-based Parisian means of transport, accessible to bicycles.

It is made up of a fleet of 6 panoramic trimaran boats and has 9 stations. Its Pass is valid for 24 hours. With its panoramic view, its terrace, its heating and air conditioning, the Batobus offers a pleasant cruise and a practical means of transport.

• First departure from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame station at 10am.
• Last departure from the Eiffel Tower station at 5pm from Monday to Thursday and at 7pm from Friday to Sunday.
• Last departure from Beaugrenelle station at 6:50 pm from Monday to Thursday and at 8:45 pm from Friday to Sunday.

Stations and itinerary: Eiffel Tower, Invalides / Pont Alexandre III, Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes / Cité de la Mode et du Design, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Beaugrenelle. The whole loop takes about 2 hours, and the navigation time between each station takes about 8 to 12 minutes depending on the route.

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Paris Walking Tour Map: a free printable map and more

If you are planning a trip to Paris and want to discover the city by foot, you’re going to like the Paris Walking Tour Map I created! This map is a available as a high resolution pdf which you can download for free (links below).

Note: This post includes affiliated links down below. If you decide to purchase one of the books about Paris, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Paris Walking Tour Map –  The Itinerary 

Walking in Paris is the best way to discover the city and it allows you to take the time to admire the wonders it has to offer.

Let’s say that you walk up early and wanted to go to the Eiffel Tower first. Close up pictures done, you will then want to cross the river and go to the Trocadéro to admire the view from the Palais de Chaillot and the Esplanade, the best place to see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. Next, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. You can jump in a bus, to save a bit of time or walk up the Avenue Kléber.

From the Arc de Triomphe, walk down the Champs Elysée of course! If you’re not into shopping at this time, you can again jump in a bus. Toward the end, do not miss the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais on your right. If you want to see where the French President lives, you’ll have to do a little detour on your left. Otherwise, continue straight to reach the Place de la Concorde, its gorgeous surrounding palaces, its fountains and the Obelisk. After all, being 3000 years old, the Obelisk is most certainly the oldest monument in Paris!

From the Place de la Concorde, you can do a little detour on your left. Take the rue Royale which will take you to the Place de la Madeleine. It might be time to buy something sweet at Hédiard or Fauchon?!

Go back to the Place de la Concorde and walk through the Jardin des Tuileries to reach the Louvre. Just before reaching the Louvre, you should do a little detour, to your left, to see the Palais Royal. Go back to the Louvre, cross it and head over to the newly renovated Chatelet. Walk toward the Centre Pompidou and then back toward the Seine, to see the Mairie de Paris.

Next, enter the Marais. The best place to have lunch on the go, or in a charming little restaurant for a well deserve break. Continue toward the place des Vosges and then turn around to go back toward Notre Dame or walk up to the Bastille.

You will then need to cross the Seine. Either by taking the Boulevard Henry IV from Bastille (another possible little bus ride), either by crossing a bit closer to Notre Dame. Seing Notre Dame first from the ‘back’ is a treat, don’t miss it. The Ile de la Cité is a wonder to walk around as it displays some of the oldest buildings of Paris. Do not miss the Sainte Chapelle!

Take rue Saint Jacques toward the South bank, pass the Sorbonne University on your way to the Panthéon and then go to the Jardin du Luxembourg. You can have another little break there or wait to reach the Boulevard Saint Germain famous cafés!

From the Boulevard Saint Germain, go on the Seine bank and follow the Seine toward the West. You will be able to admire the Louvre on the other side, pass by the Musée d’Orsay and the Palais Bourbon (the seat of the French Assembly), before reaching the Invalides.

Continue along the river, pass the Musée du Quai Branly and see the Eiffel Tower reappear!

Congratulation. You walked over 20km in Paris but I’m pretty sure it was worth it!!

Here is the map to guide you:

You can click on the image above or the link below. A new window will open it with the high resolution pdf which you can download and print.

Paris Walking Tour Map – Free printable pdf

Tomorrow is another day… and tomorrow you can stroll through Montmartre, visit the Sacré Coeur and the Butte Chaumont. Tomorrow you can even do a bit of shopping at the Grand Magasins, see the Opéra Garnier and maybe head over to the Père Lachaise… but that is for tomorrow…

Special note about Notre Dame

As you followed what happened to Notre Dame, you know that visits won’t be allowed for a long time. Despite this, Notre Dame is still a place you can not miss. 

If you want to ready a bit more about Notre Dame and the aftermath of the fire, you can do so in this piece I wrote where I added my 2 cents . 

Goodies! (for RTatW Newsletter subscribers)

With some of the drawings prepared, I created some postcard that you can download for free. You can send them or of course keep them as a souvenir. You need to go to my “ Secret Page ” to access those in high resolution and choose the ones you want to download.

Here is what the postcards look like:

Available on Society6

Since my drawings are getting bigger & bigger and more & more detailed, I decided to make them available on Society6 . If you don’t know Society6, let me introduce you: It is a platform for creative souls to display their art as high quality art prints or all sorts of other products like phone cases, mugs, tote bags, pillows…

This is what one of the art print looks like but on Society6 , you can get it already framed in the type of frame of your choice. You can also get it on canvas or metal print.

Here is a selection of what is available so far: Art prints in various format, notebook and cards.

If you would like something special to be added, you can send me your request by email at Miss Coco Travel @ Gmail . com and I will add if I can.

Hope you like those!

You can also check my other maps: 

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These are affiliated links. If you decide to purchase one of the books about discovering Paris, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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32 must-see places in Paris (map + itineraries)

This list of the best places to see in Paris will help you prepare your trip and make sure you don't miss anything important in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Known as the City of Love, the capital of France is perfect for long romantic walks along the banks of the Seine or through the Montmartre and Le Marais neighbourhoods and visiting some of the world's most famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Sainte Chapelle or the ill-fated Notre Dame Cathedral, which will hopefully soon shine again.

Although Paris is a city to come back again and again, for a first trip we recommend you to stay 4 or 5 days, perfect time to visit the most important places and enjoy typical Parisian experiences such as having a coffee with a croissant in a nice terrace, having a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower or going shopping in its elegant galleries.

Remember that the quickest and most convenient way to get around Paris is to use the extensive metro, which has stops at all the city's main attractions, except for the Montmartre district, which can be reached by funicular or on foot.

Based on the experience of the several times we have visited this city, during the last one we wrote this list of Paris travel tips and this guide to Paris, we have made this selection of 32 must-see places to visit in Paris . Let's get started!

1. Trocadero Square

Getting there early in the morning by metro, bus or walking to Trocadero Square for the best views of the Eiffel Tower is one of the best things to do in Paris . If you arrive early in the morning, you can take a pleasant, uncrowded stroll through the Trocadero Gardens, a collection of green spaces, ponds and fountains decorated with sculptures such as the famous "Bull and Fallow deer", leading down from the Palais de Chaillot to the Pont de Jena over the Seine River. At the end of the gardens you'll come across a photogenic carrousel and the banks of the Seine, from where you also have an excellent view of the Eiffel Tower.

Other spots we love where you can see the Eiffel Tower and are located in the surrounding area are Rue de l'Université and Champ de Mars, perfect for a picnic with an unforgettable view.

2. Eiffel Tower, one of the must-see sights in Paris

The Eiffel Tower was created for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1889 and although Parisians did not like its design at first, over time it has become the most important symbol to see in Paris and the most visited monument in the world with more than 7 million people a year.

To get to the top of this 300-metre-high iron structure, built by the famous engineer Gustave Eiffel, we recommend you take the lift rather than the 1665-step staircase, not forgetting that unlike the staircase, the lifts form endless queues, which you can save by booking this ticket to the first floor or this one to the third floor. Also with this ticket you can access the 3 floors of the tower which allows you to see the structure of the building up close and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the whole city or enjoy one of the best restaurants in Paris " Le 58 Tour Eiffel ", perfect for a special occasion. If you prefer to dine in another restaurant, we recommend the Italian restaurant Chez Pippo, one of our favourites in Paris, which is located nearby.

A comfortable and interesting option to learn about the history of the tower and the city is to book this tour with an English speaking guide that includes the entrance without queues, a boat ride and a panoramic bus tour of the main neighbourhoods, squares and monuments of Paris. For more information you can check this post on how to visit the Eiffel Tower.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 0:45am July and August, the rest of the year from 9:30am to 11:45pm.

3. The Louvre

The Louvre , the most famous and visited museum in the world , is another must-see in Paris . Inaugurated at the end of the 18th century, this enormous space located in the Louvre Palace houses some of the most important masterpieces of history such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo or the Seated Scribe from ancient Egypt. In addition to its incredible structure, in 1989 a glass pyramid was built in the centre of the square, which acts as the entrance, and which is worth seeing at night, illuminated. An image that we are sure will stay in your memory forever.

Remember that to avoid the long queues at the entrance, which can take over two hours, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance from this page. Another great way to skip the queues and learn more about the history of the most important pieces is to book this tour with an English-speaking guide, an expert in art and history.

If you are not a great art lover, you can complete the tour of the museum in about 3 hours, following a small map where the most important works to see in the Louvre are marked on the 3 floors. If you're going to visit quite a few of the city's tourist attractions, it's worth buying the Paris Pass, which gives you free entry to over 60 Paris attractions like the Louvre.

For more information you can read this post on how to visit the Louvre Museum and this one with all the information about the Paris Pass.

Visiting hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm; Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 9.45pm and closed on Tuesday.

4. Royal Palace Gardens

The Royal Palace Gardens, located a few metres from the Louvre Museum, are a haven of peace where you can relax after a visit to the museum and another of the must-see places in Paris .

These gardens of the Palais Royal, built as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu, are surprising for having a courtyard at one end with columns of different heights (colonnes de Buren) that have become one of the favourite places for instagramers and photographers. Although our favourite part is the garden area with magnificent fountains where you can cool off and benches where you can sit and read a book, surrounded by arcades where you can find small antique and vintage clothes shops.

A good way to learn more about the history and not miss anything important in Paris is to book this free tour or this free tour of mysteries and legends, both with an English speaking guide and ranked among the best free tours in Paris.

5. National Library

Entering the Richelieu-Louvois branch of the National Library of France, located between the streets des Petits-Champs, Vivienne, Louvois and Richelieu, is one of the best free things to do in Paris. If you don't have a library card, you'll only have access to a small part of this building, but enough to see its beautiful reading room covered with nine domes supported by iron arches and illuminated by natural light. Another library worth visiting in Paris is the Bibliothèque Mazarin, located on the Quai de Conti, on the banks of the Seine, and considered the oldest public library in France.

Opening hours National Library: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm, Sunday from 10am to 6pm and Monday from 2pm to 7.30pm. Mazarin Library opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

6. Sainte Chapelle, one of the places to see in Paris

The Sainte Chapelle is our favourite church to see in Paris and one of the most beautiful in the world. Gothic in style and located on the beautiful Île de la Cité, it was built between 1241 and 1248 to store various relics such as the crown of thorns, part of the cross, the iron lance and the sponge of the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. What stands out most about the interior is its lack of walls, which enhances the impressive stained-glass windows of the upper chapel, where you will be left speechless in front of so much beauty. The lower chapel is more sober and has a 13th-century fresco of the Annunciation, considered the oldest mural in the city.

A good option to get to know the history of this church and not miss any detail is to book this visit with an expert guide in Spanish that includes a tour of the island. If you don't want to take a guided tour, you can book this skip-the-line ticket in advance or this one that includes the Conciergerie, a former Gothic palace that was used as a prison for historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, whose cell can be visited.

For more information you can read this post on how to visit the Sainte-Chapelle.

Visiting hours: from April to September from 9am to 7pm and the rest of the year from 9am to 5pm. Free entrance with the Paris Pass .

7. Vivienne Gallery

You can't leave the city without visiting one of its traditional shopping arcades full of fashion and antique shops, perfect for a coffee with a croissant in one of its cafés or patisseries, another of the best things to do in Paris. Among our favourites are the Passage des Panoramas and the Galerie Vivienne, two beautiful galleries with similar architecture that prioritises natural light and early 19th-century Parisian design, which will take you back to a bygone era of splendour.

8. Montmartre neighbourhood

Montmartre is our favourite neighbourhood in the city, along with Le Marais, which is another must-see in Paris . Although nowadays it is very touristy, we can say that it still retains a certain bohemian air of yesteryear when painters like Picasso and Van Gogh lived there and it is also the perfect place to stroll through its beautiful streets and buildings, paying special attention to the Place du Tertre, full of artists painting or selling their paintings, as well as visiting the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, one of the most beautiful places to see in Paris .

This church, which was built between 1875 and 1914, stands out for its white façade, its mix of Roman and Byzantine architecture and its staircase, where you can enjoy one of the best experiences in Paris: an unforgettable sunset, with magnificent views of the city.

The only aspect of Montmartre that we don't recommend, at least in our experience, is staying for lunch or dinner, as most of the restaurants offer tourist menus with a fairly tight quality/price ratio that, in our opinion, doesn't justify staying for lunch or dinner.

To get to Montmartre, take metro line 2 to Anvers or metro line 12 to Abbesses and from there walk up or take the Montmartre Funicular. A good way to explore this neighbourhood and learn about its history and anecdotes is to book this tour of Montmartre with a free English-speaking guide.

Visiting hours of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica: every day from 6am to 10.30pm.

9. Arc de Triomphe, one of the places to visit in Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe, built between 1806 and 1836 by Napoleon to commemorate his great victory in the battle of Austerlitz, is the most famous in the world and one of the must-see sights in Paris . At 50 metres high by 45 metres wide, and inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome, it is located in one of the largest roundabouts in the world, so you will have to enter through an underground passage, and once in front of it, you will see the moving Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the First World War. As well as being a symbol of Paris and France as a whole, this Arc de Triomphe is one of the best vantage points in Paris with excellent views of the grand avenue of the Champs Elysées. You can get in for free with the Paris Pass or book this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

For more information you can check this post on how to visit the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 11pm.

10. Seine River

The Seine River, which crosses the city forming some islands such as the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis, has become another of the points of interest to see in Paris where you can stroll during the sunset from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower along the river to enjoy one of the most romantic walks in the world. Along the way you'll cross some of the city's most beautiful bridges, including the Pont Neuf, Pont des Almes, Pont Alexandre III and Pont des Arts, which all have great views of the Île de la Cité, although our favourite is the late 16th-century Pont Neuf , which is the oldest bridge and links the Île de la Cité to the city.

In our experience, the best way to tour the river and see the city lit up is to book this boat trip on the Seine or this gourmet dinner cruise, both of which rank among the best tours in Paris. For more information you can check out this post about the best boat trip on the Seine.

11. Visit the Musée d'Orsay, one of the things to do in Paris.

Visiting the Musée d'Orsay, located in a former train station built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, is another of the most interesting things to do in Paris . In addition to observing the architecture of this imposing building covered by a large glass and steel vault that illuminates the interior with natural light, and which still preserves the old station clock, it is worth taking the time to see the masterpieces of great painters such as "Lunch on the Grass" by Manet, "The Starry Night" and several self-portraits by Van Gogh, "Women of Tahiti" by Gauguin, "Poppies" by Monet and "The Card Players" by Paul Cézanne, among many others.

To learn more about the history of the museum and its main pieces, we recommend you book this guided tour or just buy this ticket (included in the Paris Pass).

Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm (Thursdays until 9.45pm).

12. Place Vendome

The Place Vendome, which has at its centre the impressive Vendome Column, erected by Napoleon in 1810 in imitation of the Trajan Column in Rome, is our favourite square to visit in Paris. Surrounded by historic buildings that house some of the most expensive hotels in Paris such as the Ritz and the Vendome, it is home to luxury fashion boutiques such as Dior and Chanel, and especially fine jewellers and watchmakers such as Cartier.

13. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1163 and 1345, is one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Unfortunately, nowadays, as a result of the tragic fire of 15 April 2019, the building was badly damaged, and only its magnificent exterior can be seen today, with the western façade and the two towers standing out. Above the gates of the façade, there are 28 statues representing the kings of Judea and Israel.

For the moment, waiting and hoping for an exact reconstruction of the cathedral before the fire, we are left with the memory of its luminous interior thanks to its large windows and the ascent to its two towers, in which you can find its famous and mysterious chimeras or gargoyles, from where you can enjoy views to remember.

14. Montparnasse Tower, the best viewpoint to see in Paris

The Montparnasse Tower, with a height of 210 metres, is our favourite viewpoint to see in Paris . This office building, which clashes with the classical architecture of the city, has a viewing platform on the 56th floor and a spectacular terrace on the 59th floor, protected by glass but with open-air photo opportunities, from which you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the whole of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as its most important landmark. Although it's a bit far from the centre, it's easily accessible by metro on lines 4, 6, 12 and 13, which stop at Montparnasse-Bienvenüe. We recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially at weekends and during the high season, as there is a limited number of places per day.

Visiting hours: daily from 9.30am to 11pm. Free admission with the Paris Pass .

15. Champs Elysées

The Champs Elysées, a wide avenue of two kilometres connecting the Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe, is another of the most famous places to visit in Paris , where you can see the countless windows of luxurious shops, international restaurants and great historic buildings such as the Petit and Grand Palais. At the end of the walk you will reach the Place de la Concorde, where more than 1000 people were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution and where today you can see an Egyptian obelisk more than 3,000 years old.

If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, we recommend Splendid Etoile Hotel on hotel-splendid-etoile.parishotelinn.com . Located on Avenue de Friedland, just steps away from the Champs-Élysées, it embodies the essence of Parisian charm and sophistication. The hotel's classic Haussmannian architecture exudes elegance, while its interior boasts contemporary design elements and modern amenities. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and unparalleled service.

16. Tuileries Gardens

Past the Place de la Concorde are the magnificent Florentine-style gardens of the Tuileries, created by Catherine de Medicis in 1564 as the garden of the Tuileries Palace. It is worth strolling along the central avenue, decorated with trees, statues, fountains and ponds, until you reach the Arc de Triomphe de Carrousel, built by order of Napoleon, although for us the best part of the garden is to buy an ice cream or a crêpe at one of the stalls and sit in the comfortable chairs around the two ponds.

17. La Conciergerie, one of the must-see places in Paris

La Conciergerie, located on the Ile de la Cité, is one of the most historic places to see in Paris . A royal residence between the 10th and 14th centuries, this place was a royal residence until 1392 when it became one of the harshest prisons from which few prisoners emerged unscathed. Among several famous people of the time, Queen Marie-Antoinette was there for a time, before dying at the guillotine in 1793. During the tour of the prison you can see a reconstruction of Marie-Antoinette's cell and the differences in conditions that existed between the poor prisoners, who slept on the floor, and the rich prisoners, who had all kinds of comforts, including servants.

If you don't have much time, we recommend you book this skip-the-line ticket or this one, which also includes the skip-the-line ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle, located next door.

Visiting hours: daily: 9.30am-6pm.

Recommended travel cards Remember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate, we recommend you use the Revolut card and the N26 card, which are the ones we use, are free and will save you a lot of money. You can find more information in this article on the best cards for commission-free travel.

18. Le Marais, one of Paris's must-see neighbourhoods

Strolling through the bohemian neighbourhood of Le Marais, located in the heart of the city by the Seine, is another of the best things to do in Paris . Here you'll get a taste of old Paris as you stroll through cobblestone streets lined with vintage shops, hidden courtyards, art galleries, fashion boutiques, elegant mansions, designer restaurants and picnic spots such as the fantastic Place des Vosges, the oldest square in the city and home to Victor Hugo 's former home and the charming courtyard of the Hôtel de Sully. The most famous streets in the neighbourhood and where most of the locals are concentrated are Rue de Rivoli, Rosiers, Charlot, des Archives, Bourg Tibourg, Vieille du Temple, Obenkampf and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, as well as the alleyways adjacent to them all.

A trip to Paris, the city of love and romance, is an enchanting experience filled with architectural wonders, artistic treasures, and a vibrant cultural scene. To fully immerse yourself in the charm of the city, consider staying at the exquisite Hotel Brighton on brighton.parishotelinn.com . Nestled in the heart of Paris, this elegant establishment captivates with its timeless beauty and unparalleled location. Join us as we explore the allure of Hotel Brighton and discover a luxurious retreat that embodies the essence of Parisian elegance.

The neighbourhood is also home to some of the best restaurants in Paris, including L'As du Fallafel, Benedict, Comptoir Gourmet and Pain Vin fromage, where they serve a delicious fondue.

19. Paris City Hall

Listed as a Historic Monument, the City Hall or Hôtel de Ville, the seat of the Parisian municipality since 1357, is another of the most beautiful buildings to see in Paris . We love to sit in the bronze statue-adorned Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to take in its magnificent atmosphere and imposing neo-Renaissance façade.

A few metres from the Town Hall is another historic monument, the flamboyant Gothic-style Saint-Jacques Tower, set in a pretty garden. This 52-metre-high bell tower is all that remains of the former 16th-century church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was demolished in 1797 during the French Revolution, and during the summer you can climb it for a 360-degree view of central Paris.

20. Les Halles

From the Saint Jacques Tower you can start a tour of the Les Halles neighbourhood, which revolves around the Pompidou Centre and is another of our must-see places in Paris . Neighbouring Le Marais, this neighbourhood allows you to take a trip through different countries thanks to its multiculturalism, passing through different corners and buildings with history such as the Stock Exchange, the Nelson Mandela Garden and the Church of St. Eustache. One of our favourite areas is Rue Montorgueil, full of shops and terraces where you can have a drink, and the restaurant Au Pied de Cochon, where you can try different typical French dishes such as onion soup, foie gras and escargots (snails).

To finish the route, nothing better than seeing the original Stravinsky Fountain and entering the Georges Pompidou National Centre of Art and Culture, which stands out for its original exterior design with coloured tubes on the façade and for its valuable collection of modern art with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse and Miró. You can book your ticket to the museum on this page.

Opening hours of the Pompidou Centre: Wednesday to Monday from 11am to 10pm.

21. Luxembourg Gardens, another of the places to see in Paris.

The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the most beautiful green spaces to see in Paris as well as a perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located opposite the Palais du Luxembourg, near the Latin Quarter, it's a popular spot for Parisians to picnic, listen to free concerts or just chat with friends on the lawn, especially when the weather is nice. In these gardens with a large central pond, you'll also find several sculptures worth spending a few minutes in, among all kinds of plants and trees. One of its most charming and historic spots is the Medici Fountain, which dates back to the early 17th century when Queen Maria de' Medici had it built to recreate the Boboli Garden in her native Florence.

22. Catacombs

Another of the places to visit in Paris that have become more fashionable in recent times are the Catacombs. In this extensive network of tunnels and underground chambers at a depth of 20 metres, the remains of more than 6 million skeletons from different eras can be found, forming a large rosary. It is important to know that of the 300 kilometres of tunnels, only 800 metres of bone-lined wall galleries are open to the public.

A good option to skip the long queues, which can take more than 3 hours, is to book this ticket in advance. Bear in mind that the catacombs are a bit far from the city centre, so the best option is to get to the Denfert-Rochereau stop on metro lines 4 and 6.

Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8.30 pm, last admission one hour before closing time.

23. Other museums to visit in Paris

Paris is a city that breathes art in every corner, but at the same time, it is full of interesting museums with world-famous collections and works of art, which we recommend you to take into account during your visit.

Other museums to see in Paris, besides the Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou, are:

Musée du quai Branly : located very close to the Eiffel Tower, this modern space exhibits samples of indigenous art, cultures and civilisations from Africa, Asia, Oceania and America. You can book your ticket from this page.

Rodin Museum : in the rococo style palace of the Hotel Biron and its gardens, some of Rodin's most famous sculptures are exhibited, such as The Gates of Hell, The Thinker and The Kiss. You can book your ticket from this page.

La Orangerie : located in a former orangery, this museum has such great gems as Monet's huge paintings of The Water Lilies. You can book your ticket from this page.

All these museums are included if you have the Paris Pass. For more information you can check this post about the best museums in Paris.

24. Saint-Martin Canal

Another of the best things to do in Paris is to take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, starting at the Place de la Bastille, the symbolic site of the French Revolution and presided over by the Column of Jules. As you walk along the banks, you'll pass several parks and bridges from where you'll get the best views of this canal full of small boats, and then finish by relaxing in the Jardin des Plantes.

25. The Invalides

The National Palace of Invalides is one of the most iconic and historic monuments to see in Paris , housing the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Baroque in style, this immense complex was built in the late 17th century as a residence for homeless war veterans and today, in addition to Napoleon's mausoleum and some of his marshals' tombs, you can visit the Army Museum, among the best of its kind, and the Saint Louis Cathedral. This is because in the past, so that soldiers and royalty would not mix, this cathedral was divided into two: the Church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides for the military and the Church of the Dome for the royal family, the latter containing the sarcophagus with Napoleon's ashes.

A good option if you only have a few days in Paris is to book this tourist bus with recorded commentary in English that stops at the main tourist attractions in the city, such as Les Invalides. For more information you can read this post about the tourist bus in Paris. To enter the Saint Louis Cathedral, if you don't have the Paris Pass, you will have to book the entrance from this page.

Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 6pm. Closed on the first Monday of every month.

26. Latin Quarter of Paris

If you want to go out at night for dinner or a drink, you cannot miss the Latin Quarter, located to the south of the Ile de la Cité, a neighbourhood in which in its lively and busy streets such as Rue Huchette, you will find a wide variety of restaurants with terraces and signs showing prices much cheaper than in the rest of Paris. In the neighbourhood, as well as enjoying the atmosphere, you can take the time to see the Saint Michel square and fountain, visit the Church of Saint Sulpice, which has some beautiful frescoes by Delacroix and was featured in the film "The Da Vinci Code", or go into the beautiful Shakespeare & Co bookshop, although the most outstanding monument in the neighbourhood is the Pantheon of Paris, where the remains of illustrious French figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, Louis Braille and Alexandre Dumas, among others, rest in its interior.

If you don't want to waste time on your visit, we recommend you book this skip-the-line ticket in advance. A good option to learn more about the history and curiosities of the neighbourhood is a free tour of the Latin Quarter with an English-speaking guide.

Pantheon opening hours: daily from 10am to 6pm.

27. Galeries Lafayette, another place to visit in Paris.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is one of the most famous shopping centres in the world and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. With 7 floors distributed in a circular shape, which looks like a theatre thanks to its huge colourful dome, it also has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy one of the best views of central Paris for free. Inside the art nouveau-style interior, you'll find plenty of reasonably priced brands, a gourmet section to buy typical French products and an area of good-quality restaurants and cafés. One of the best times to visit is at Christmas, when the incredible window displays seem to come to life and a large tree inside sets the store apart from the rest of the city's Christmas decorations.

Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 8:30pm and Sundays from 11am to 7pm.

28. Paris Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier, an immense neo-baroque building built by order of Napoleon in the 19th century, is another of the most beautiful places to see in Paris . The ornate interior offers a luxurious and ostentatious image, full of gilding, mosaics and large chandeliers, and some of its highlights include the grand marble staircase and the impressive red and gold decorated auditorium, which inspired the play " The Phantom of the Opera ".

If you don't feel like spending a lot of money on tickets to see a show, we recommend you book this guided tour or this free entrance.

Visiting hours: daily from 10am to 5pm. Entrance included in the Paris Pass .

For more information you can check this post about how to visit the Opera Garnier in Paris.

29. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Pere Lachaise is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world as well as being the largest cemetery to visit in Paris. Known for being the resting place of many famous people, such as Maria Callas (her ashes were laid to rest here, but nowadays you can only see a commemorative plaque), Edith Piaf or composers such as Chopin. In addition, you can also find the grave of the singer Jim Morrison, leader of The Doors, which is one of the most famous in the place and is always full of souvenirs and gifts.

Another of the most beloved graves is that of writer, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, which has a figure of a naked angel with wings outstretched and is protected by glass, as fans used to paint their lips and mark the grave with a kiss. To find the most famous tombs you can buy a map at a kiosk near the entrance.

A great way to learn about the history of the cemetery and not miss anything is to book a guided tour in English. The cemetery is a little out of town but is easily accessible by metro on lines 2 and 3, which stop at Philippe Auguste and Pere Lachaise stations.

Visiting hours: every day from 8am to 6am, except Sundays when it opens at 9am.

30. Pigalle, one of the neighbourhoods to visit in Paris

An evening stroll in the Pigalle district, located at the foot of the Montmartre hill, along the boulevard de Clichy, is another of the things to do in Paris . This red-light district, dotted with sex shops and erotic clubs, has several trendy nightclubs and, above all, the famous Moulin Rouge where artists such as Edith Piaf, Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra have performed, and where the Féerie show is currently being staged. You can book your ticket in advance on this page.

If you visit Montmartre in the morning, you can walk to Pigalle for lunch at one of its best-known restaurants, such as Les Apotres de Pigalle or Café des Deux Moulins, famous for its appearance in the film Amelie.

31. Madeleine Church

The Church of the Madeleine, whose architecture is reminiscent of the classical temples of Ancient Greece, is another must-see in Paris. Surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns 20 metres high and erected in honour of the Great French Army by order of Napoleon, this church is impressive for its pediment with a scene of the Last Judgement and for its spectacular interior where the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene are kept.

Visiting hours: daily from 9.30am to 7pm.

32. The Defence

If you have more time, you can complete this list of places to visit in Paris by taking the metro to La Défense, the city's financial district. As well as numerous skyscrapers and the huge Quatre Temps shopping centre, it's worth a trip to this out-of-the-way spot to see the 110-metre-high Grande Arche de la Défense and take the lift up to its terrace for a unique view of Paris. You can book entry to the terrace on this page.

On your way back to the centre you can stop at the Bois de Boulogne for a pleasant stroll among the trees and ponds.

Paris itineraries

To complete this list of things to do in Paris, we recommend you follow these itineraries around the city, optimised according to the days you have available:

Paris in one day

Paris in two days

Paris in 3 days

Paris in 4 days

Paris in 5 or 6 days

To get to the centre of Paris in the quickest and most comfortable way, we recommend you follow these guides on how to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris, how to get from Beauvais Airport to Paris and how to get from Orly Airport to Paris.

Where to stay in Paris

A trip to Paris, the epitome of romance and elegance, is an experience that captivates the senses. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic Parisian atmosphere, consider staying at a charming bed and breakfast. These hidden gems offer a unique blend of personalized hospitality, cozy accommodations, and a glimpse into the local way of life. Join us as we explore the world of bed and breakfast in Paris, France , and discover a delightful alternative to traditional hotels.

A great area to stay in Paris is Le Marais, as it has a wide range of restaurants, is close to the main points of interest and has good metro and train (Chatelet) connections that will take you to Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles.

Our recommended accommodations in this neighbourhood are the Hotel Le Compostelle , Le Relais du Marais and the Paris France Hotel . Another good value for money option is the Hotel Londres Saint Honoré , located near the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens.

One more recommendation is Hotel Costes on costes.parishotelinn.com . It offers a range of meticulously designed rooms and suites, each showcasing the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Adorned with sumptuous furnishings, rich fabrics, and elegant décor, the accommodations provide a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the vibrant city. Unwind in the plush surroundings, indulge in modern amenities, and experience the epitome of Parisian luxury.

For more information on the best hotels and neighbourhoods to stay in Paris, read this post on where to stay in Paris.

Excursions from Paris

If you have time to spare, you can see some of the wonders of France by booking some of these recommended excursions:

Excursion to the Palace of Versailles

Excursion to Disneyland Paris

Excursion to Mont Saint Michel

Excursion to Bruges

Frequently asked questions about Paris

How much time do I need to see Paris? Although Paris is a huge city with long distances between the different points of interest, we believe that 4 or 5 days are enough to enjoy the best Parisian experiences and visit the main tourist attractions. If you have less time you can focus on visiting its most emblematic buildings such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle or the Louvre and stroll through its most charming neighbourhoods such as Montmartre and Le Marais, and then complete the whole list of Paris must-sees with another trip.

How to get around Paris? The quickest and most comfortable way to get around Paris is by metro, which stops close to all the most important sights in Paris, although sometimes you'll be better off on the RER train, which makes fewer stops. The price of a single ticket in zone A is 1.90 euros, although if you're going to take the metro more than once it's a good idea to get a 10-trip pass which will cost you less. Another good option for getting around the city if you're short on time is the one- or two-day tourist bus, which stops at the main sights of Paris and you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

What's the most beautiful thing about Paris? If you have less time and can't complete this list of the 32 most beautiful places in Paris, our top 10 would be: Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame, Le Marais, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Walk along the Seine, Les Halles and Latin Quarter.

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Paris Tourist Attractions Map PDF

Printable Map of Paris Attractions, Walking Tours Map

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Paris Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and that is for a good reason. If you're visiting this beautiful city for the first time, you should get yourself a printable tourist map Paris. But if you prefer to access the map on your device, then you should download the Paris interactive map. With 28 million tourists visiting Paris per year, the last thing you want is to get lost in the city and end up spoiling your trip. Thus, having a copy of the tourist information Paris map is very important.

We understand that as a first time visitor of Paris, navigating the city can be a bit confusing. By providing a copy of a Paris tour map, we hope that tourists will be able to enjoy their stay in the City of Lights even more. The map of Paris includes all information about the city, including directions on how to visit the famous Paris attractions and museums .

For visitors who would prefer to take the Paris metro, there's also a Paris metro map with attractions, which makes taking the metro train easier and more convenient. With the numerous museums, monuments, and famous landmarks scattered all over the city, you need to have a printable map of Paris to be able to see everything!

For those taking the hop on hop off bus, the Paris hop on hop off bus map is what you need. But for the more adventurous travellers who prefer to walk, there's a Paris tourist map walking that can serve as your guide. Regardless of the type of traveller that you are, having a copy of the Paris city sightseeing maps will be very helpful for you.

The best thing about our Paris tourist map pdf is that you can use it for free! This should save you some money in having to purchase an actual map that you can use for your trip. If you find it a hassle to refer to the pdf map in your device when navigating Paris, then you should get a copy of the Paris tourist map printable. That way, you can get the map printed and carry it with you as you explore the City of Lights!

• Interactive Paris Attractions Map
• Top Rated Paris Attractions

Paris L'Open Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour Map

Big bus paris hop-on hop-off bus tour map, open tour paris bus tour map, foxity bus sightseeing bus tour map, paris metro map, paris transport map, paris tourist map, paris walking tour map.

Top Paris Attractions Skip-the-line Tickets & Tours

Eiffel Tower Tour with Optional Summit and Seine Champagne Cruise

Paris Panthéon Entrance Ticket

Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket

Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour with Hotel Transfers from Paris

Catacombs of Paris Skip the Line Ticket and Audio-Guide

Montmartre Museum and Renoir Gardens admission ticket

Private Louvre Museum Tour by Alberto Local Guide and his team in Paris

Skip the Line: Musée de la Magie Admission Ticket

Top Incredible Travel Guides of Paris

What's On in Paris

Performances.

• Christmas in Paris
• The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

• The Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

• Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

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Top-Rated Restaurants

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Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, the maps of paris & the paris guide books we like the most.

Ready to savor the city? Here we'll guide you to one guide we consider as well as a couple of lightweight, easy-to-carry maps. Let's start with this advice — a Paris tourist map or guide book is the right choice when you just want to see the sights and enjoy your time in Paris, but don't need to drill down to specific street numbers. If that's you, read on to learn about our favorite pocket guides.

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

Frommer's paris day by day, 23 smart ways to see the city.

• Maps scale varies • 184 pages • Good Metro map • Includes fold-out map • 8.6 ounces

We're not big fans of mainstream guide books, but this pocket guide by Frommer impressed us. It has good sections with useful suggestions on walks, the Paris gardens, full day tour ideas, and so on. The Paris tourist maps that accompany each of the suggested itineraries are surprisingly good.

The front covers unfolds into a good Metro map , with a tourist map of Paris on the other side. The book also includes a small (that is, easy to handle) folded paper map as well.

Streetwise Paris Map

Laminated city center map.

• 1/14,000 • 2-sided accordion fold • Good Metro map • Weighs nothing!

Streetwise Paris is different from most folded maps. It has an accordion fold, making it easy to use on the street or Metro. It's laminated, making it waterproof and tear-proof, a real benefit. And, there's a very good Metro map in the classic style.

The Streetwise map covers the areas of Paris where most of the tourist action is. Streetwise is highly recommended by travelers, who consider it the ultimate tourist map of Paris. While we like it, our eyes tell us that the scale is a bit small for easy reading.

Our Most Popular Day Trips from Paris

Artwise paris, laminated museum map.

Based on the Streetwise map, Artwise Paris concentrates on things cultural like museums and art galleries, covering the city from Boulevard de Port Royal in the south to Boulevard Haussmann in the north.

The map index provide details on hours of operation, admission costs, addresses and phone numbers.

We like that the Metro stops are clearly indicated , and it also has a nice, separate Metro map.

Paris Planning Guides

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11 free things to do in Paris

Jun 7, 2024 • 12 min read

From museums like the Petit Palais (pictured) to glorious sculpture-filled gardens, here are the best free things to do in Paris © Franck Legros / Shutterstock

Rooksana Hossenally is one of the authors of the new Lonely Planet Paris guidebook . Here she shares her suggestions for the best things to do in Paris that won't cost you a cent.  

Paris’  history and culture draws visitors from all over the world. Given that it's one of the world’s top 10 most expensive cities , you might think you’d need a huge budget to really make the most of it. But you'd be wrong.

Actually, plenty of Paris’ true magic lies in the free things to do that take you beneath its museum-like surface. You can meet the artists of indie-spirited Belleville, visit free museums like the Petit Palais and the Musée Bourdelle, or enjoy a free Seine river cruise on your birthday. For something more offbeat, explore the abandoned railway of La Petite Ceinture, a hidden urban oasis, or dance the night away at drag bingo. Read on to find out how to see Paris without breaking the bank.

1. Explore Paris from its abandoned railway

Explore Paris from below and up above on its abandoned railway, La Petite Ceinture, which snakes around inner Paris. A 30km (19-mile) stretch of green space, it’s full of history and some of the city’s best street art. Built over 150 years ago, this urban railway – now an overgrown refuge for wildlife like foxes, as well as a playground for graffiti artists and urban explorers – is being slowly reclaimed by the city to turn it into a promenade similar to New York’s High Line.

The railway fell out of use completely by 1993 after being replaced by the Paris metro network and motorised vehicles. Today, it serves as a green oasis, with community-led projects like Jardins du Ruisseau, aimed at transforming parts of the railway into community gardens, and La REcyclerie and Hasard Ludique, which are hybrid food and arts hubs inside the railway’s former stations.

Planning tip: Parts of the railway are closed to the public so, before setting off, have a look at the map of open sections to plan accordingly. The guide also features detailed itineraries for each section. 

Read more: How to navigate your way around Paris  

2. Brush up on your art history at the Petit Palais

Visiting the Petit Palais in Paris has to be on every art and history enthusiast’s list because its brilliant permanent collections, which span several centuries, are totally free. Built for the 1900 World Expo, the museum, with its opulent architecture, features a semicircular garden, a beautifully decorated arcade, and intricate details like wrought-iron gates, majestic staircases and stained-glass windows, which make it worth the visit alone.

The Petit Palais’ collections trace works from the classical world and the Middle Ages through to the art nouveau and impressionist periods, with masterpieces by Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. There's also an impressive gallery showcasing 19th-century sculptures by artists such as Louis-Ernest Barrias and Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. There are regular (paying) temporary exhibitions that put a fresh spin on French history through art too. Make sure to keep some time aside for a snack or a coffee at the cafe in the museum’s circular central courtyard, laid out on a floor of blue-and-gold mosaic and surrounded by beautiful leafy gardens.

Planning tip: As with all museums in Paris, the Petit Palais gets quite crowded, so aim to go at opening time to get the huge spaces almost to yourself. Families with young children don’t have to queue – there is a dedicated entrance at the bottom of the stairs to the right. 

3. Travel back in time at these covered shopping arcades

Exploring Paris’ covered shopping arcades is a great way to see yet another side to the city and its unique history. These passages, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are filled with quirky boutiques, old bookstores and places to eat. Despite most of these passages being demolished due to the rise of department stores, a handful have survived and are primarily located in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th arrondissements.

Read more:  Our guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris

Notable passages include the ornate Passage du Grand Cerf, the Galerie Vivienne with its mosaic floor, and  Passage des Panoramas , the oldest arcade, known for its stamp shops and restaurants. Passage Choiseul has literary significance due to its association with writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline; Galerie Vero-Dodat is renowned for its antique stores; and Passage Brady, dubbed “Little India” for its South Asian eateries, should also be on your list. Each passage offers respite from the city bustle, making them perfect for a leisurely wander with or without children, come rain or shine.

Planning tip: There’s a smattering of great places to eat hidden in these arcades, including Canard et Champagne , Racines and Astair in the Passage des Panoramas, as well as Caves Legrand in Galerie Vivienne. 

4. Swap blockbuster museums for crowd-free art galleries

If you're looking for a fresh, crowd-free way to dive into Paris’ rich art scene, gallery-hopping is where it's at. Forget the packed museums – Paris has over 1000 contemporary art galleries, each offering revolving shows of the biggest artists and up-and-coming talent for free. Wander through the Marais, Belleville, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and even the north-east of Île-de-France, and you'll discover everything from cutting-edge contemporary works to street art.

The Marais probably has the highest concentration of galleries, including must-see Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, Thaddeus Ropac (also check out their space in Pantin), Marian Goodman, Nathalie Obadia, Continua, Xippas, and Almine Rech, among many others. For photography buffs, Polka is the place to be, especially on exhibition opening nights when they showcase some of the world's top photographers, including Sebastião Salgado. Belleville also brims with over 150 artists who welcome visitors to their studios every May for the Bellville Artists' Open Studios event. Whether you're a connoisseur or just love to bask in the art world, these galleries are your ticket to a more laid-back look into Paris’ art scene without having to brave the queues and crowds of the big museums.

Planning tip: The best way to explore the city’s art galleries is with guide Alexandra Weinress, who organises bespoke art walks  – as compact or detailed as you like – in both English and French.

6. Wander a garden of sculptures in an artist’s home

Nope, it’s not Auguste Rodin, but his assistant, Antoine Bourdelle. Later in his life, Bourdelle was a teacher to Giacometti, and was a pioneering sculptor in his own right. His dramatic, expressive works bridged the gap between classical and modern art, and he significantly influenced early-20th-century sculpture with his innovative techniques and bold forms. The artist's former atelier and residence have been turned into the  Musée Bourdelle , one of the most charming little museums in Paris.

Hidden in a side street just steps from busy Montparnasse station, Bourdelle's monumental bronze masterpieces are scattered around the quiet gardens that wrap around several workshop and exhibition spaces. One of the former workshops is now a minimalistic cafe with art deco accents – it's named Rhodia after the artist’s daughter, who also lived here. Tables are laid out in the shadows on a big terrace in summer as well as inside a lemon-yellow dining room, where you can lunch on ceviche and empanadas made by Latin American restaurant ISANA .

Planning tip: The museum is closed on Mondays and last entry is at 5:40pm. While you're in the area, climb up Montparnasse Tower – it's possibly the ugliest building in the city but it has the most magnificent 360-degree views of Paris. You’re also a seven-minute walk to the great-value, historic French restaurant Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse , with art nouveau interiors dating back to 1903.

5. Take a Seine river cruise on your birthday

While a cruise on the Seine might get a few eyerolls from locals or frequent visitors, it’s a truly special way to see the city, no matter how many times you’ve been. Trips vary from simple guided tours to floating dinner cruises and parties, and you usually have to pay for the experience. But if it's your birthday, the Vedettes de Paris company gifts you an hour-long guided cruise on the Seine free of charge. So grab your passport (as proof of your birthday) and head the office at the port, which is by the Eiffel Tower. You can choose between listening to the tour guide in English or French, or you can grab an audio guide with a wider variety of languages. You'll putter along the glittering water and past some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks, from the Grand Dame to the Musée D’Orsay and Notre Dame, and then back to the Eiffel Tower.

Planning tip: It’s not possible to book ahead, so you have to show up on the day (until 6:30pm). You can bring up to two guests but only the person whose birthday it is gets a free ticket.  

7. Get lost in St-Ouen’s maze of flea markets

The Puces de St-Ouen is a must-visit spot, especially if you love a good treasure hunt. Hailed as one of the largest markets in the world, this sprawling bazaar just outside the city’s northern edge is a vintage-lover’s dream. Imagine winding through a maze of over 15 markets totalling about 2500 stalls and shops, each packed with everything from retro furniture and vintage clothing to rare antiques and quirky collectibles. A wooden spiral staircase from an old French mansion, anyone?

What makes the Puces de St-Ouen so special is the lively, eclectic vibe; it’s like stepping into a different world where you can chat with passionate vendors, stumble upon unusual items, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love to browse, this place offers a fascinating glimpse into Parisian culture and history. You’ll leave with more than just a few fabulous finds.

Planning tip: The best time to go is on Saturday morning from 10am to really see the market in full swing. Half the fun is discovering a spot to eat, either hidden in the markets or on the main artery rue des Rosiers (the one in St-Ouen, not the Marais, for GPS users). My favourite is Le Coq d’Or , which has been serving excellent couscous for years. 

8. Dance the night away at a mini club with cutting-edge acts

Like any capital city, Paris brims with nightlife venues, each one more expensive than the last – unless you know where to go. If you’re on a tight budget and prefer not to have to splurge on entrance fees, then try Supersonic and Panic Room , both in Bastille. Not only are they totally free to get into, but they host emerging bands and performers, giving them an edge you don’t usually get in run-of-the-mill nightclubs. At Panic Room (open Wednesday to Saturday), there’s a bar upstairs, while the nightclub is in the basement. There’s a happy hour from 7–10pm with €7 cocktails and €4.50 pints of Bud. Over at the equally industrial-looking Supersonic (open Sunday to Thursday), the rock gigs or DJ nights are free to get into before 11pm.

9. Do a digital detox at a library that’s not just for literary buffs

Tiptoeing inside the stillness of the Oval Room at the Richelieu site of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF), which was finished in 1932, is like finding a portal to the past. Shelves all the way up to the oval glass ceiling are stacked with over 20,000 books (many of which date back centuries) and 9000 comic books, all of which are available to all visitors. From ancient scrolls to modern classics, it's a bibliophile's paradise. Whether you're a history buff, a literature lover, or just someone looking for a cosy corner to get lost in a good book, this is the place to come. Grab a seat and soak in the magic.

Planning tip: The Oval Room is free and open to all visitors (closed Sundays). It’s located in the beautiful, historic neighbourhood of the Jardins du Palais Royal, which is worth a wander for the gardens and the old boutiques tucked in the arches. 

10. Dabble in a spot of drag bingo

What could possibly add more cheer to a Sunday evening than a bit of free drag bingo ? Every week at the Parc de la Villette , a flamboyant cast of queens leads you on a cheeky three-hour extravaganza of fun, top-notch pop and dance. It’s probably a good idea to have some grasp of French if you want to join in on the laughs or have a chance to win. Locals don’t come here for the prizes, though (an old Tarantino DVD, if you’re lucky), but for an atmosphere that’s the perfect remedy to Sunday blues. The show starts at 6pm, but get there at 5pm for a good seat.

11. Find out why the Château de Versailles is more than a palace

The  Château de Versailles isn't just a palace, it's a whole vibe. From the gilded-furniture-filled Hall of Mirrors, where kings once held court and raucous parties, to the meticulously manicured gardens with elaborate fountains, to Marie-Antoinette’s private hamlet far from Louis XVI’s watchful eye, every corner of Versailles tells a story.

Built in the 1600s, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and over 15 million people visit each year, making it one of the most popular attractions in the world. The gardens are free to visit all year round and the whole palace estate is completely free on the first Sunday of each month from November to March. Get there early as the queues can be long.

Planning tip: The suburb of Versailles , a 45-minute journey out of Paris city center, is known for being just as expensive as the capital, so make sure to buy something to eat at a bakery before arriving, which you can enjoy on the lawns in the warmer months. To take in the whole palace, set aside at least half a day.

Keep planning your trip to Paris:

• Explore beyond Paris with these day trips
• Check out these budget-friendly tips before you book
• Find the best time to visit Paris for your perfect vacation

This article was first published Jun 23, 2019 and updated Jun 7, 2024.

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Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

32 Best Things to Do in Paris, France

If it's your first visit to Paris, you'll probably want to spend some time at the world-renowned  Eiffel Tower , the Louvre (home of the "Mona Lisa") and the Notre-Dame. Don't miss out on other notable city jewels either, such as the Musée

• All Things To Do
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• 3-Day Itinerary

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, head to Place du Trocadéro. (Just expect to contend with some crowds!) – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice. The first time, in 1909, the tower was kept around because of its potential as a transmission tower (an antenna was installed atop the tower). Gustav Eiffel, chief architect of the Eiffel Tower, had a variety of scientific experiments tested on the tower with the hope that any discoveries would help prolong its lifespan. One of these included a wireless transmissions test, which the tower passed with flying colors. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's transmission capabilities enabled it to intercept communications from enemies as well as relay intel to troops on the ground. The second time the Eiffel Tower was almost destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of the tower, but never ended up going through with his plan.

Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), and all day on Bastille Day (July 14). – Laura French  

If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features more than 35,000 works of art on display. Here, you can get up close to a variety of art from different time periods and cultures.

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) free

Note that the cathedral sustained significant damage as a result of a fire on April 15, 2019. Its wooden roof and spire collapsed during the fire. The interior of the cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It is set to reopen in December 2024. In the meantime, visitors can peruse a new exhibit that debuted in March 2023. It's located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the free exhibit highlights the ongoing construction work at the site, including the expertise of the workers, as well as some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral. There are also free, volunteer-led informational tours around the outside of the cathedral select days of the week. Consult this online calendar to see when English tours are offered.

Like the Eiffel Tower , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine , the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction of the famous cathedral started in the late 12th century and final touches weren't made until nearly 200 years later. Once you get an eyeful of the cathedral yourself, you'll start to understand why it took so long.

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Champs-Élysées Champs-Élysées free

Musician Joe Dassin once sang "Il y a tout ce que vous voulez aux Champs-Élysées," which translates to "There's everything you could want along the Champs-Élysées." And he's right. Paris' most famous boulevard – stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe – is a shopper's mecca. Along its wide, tree-lined sidewalks, you'll find such luxury stores as Louis Vuitton and Chanel rubbing elbows with less-pricey establishments like Adidas and Zara.

While the Champs-Élysées is no doubt a shopping paradise, recent travelers noticed the price tags at most stores can be pretty high. And the more affordable options are constantly swamped with people. The Champs-Élysées itself is no different. Because this is such a famous street in Paris, expect there to be crowds galore, both during the day and the nighttime. Still, many travelers enjoyed taking in the Champs-Élysées' bustling atmosphere and observing both locals and tourists come and go. Some recent visitors said a trip to the Champs-Élysées is not complete without a stop at Ladurée, the city's famous macaron shop.

Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées , the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The arch, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is adorned with several impressive, intricately carved sculptures. Underneath the arch, travelers will find the names of the battles fought during the first French Republic and Napolean's Empire, as well as generals who fought in them. Travelers will also find the famous tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The unknown soldier currently buried there is meant to represent all the unidentified or unaccounted for soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The flame that was lit when the soldier was laid to rest has not extinguished since it was initially lit in the 1920s, and is rekindled every night at 6:30 p.m. by a member of the armed services.

Aside from admiring the arch, visitors can climb to the top and take in the Parisian panorama. Most visitors are wowed by the immense size of the structure and recommend ascending to the top for the spectacular Paris views. Visitors caution that you'll have to wait in line to get to the top and the climb, which is made up of hundreds of stairs, can be a serious workout.

Latin Quarter Latin Quarter free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're in the area, check out the Grand Mosquée de Paris, next to the Jardin des Plantes. It's a beautiful mosque with a hidden-away courtyard, and there's an atmospheric tearoom attached that serves Middle Eastern sweet treats. – Laura French

Architecture lovers should not miss the Latin Quarter. Also known as the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Its narrow cobblestone streets, winding whimsically through the larger city grid, recall its medieval history. Why does this densely packed neighborhood of attractions, shops and restaurants retain this unique character? It escaped Baron Haussmann's planning reform of the city, thus retaining a more ancient ambience.

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Seine River Seine River free

You won’t have much trouble finding the Seine, as it flows directly through the heart of Paris. The river is perhaps one of the most famous waterways in the world and an attraction in itself. It's also useful for more practical reasons: It flows from east to west, dividing the city into the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Knowing where you are in relation to the Seine can help you find your way around during your trip.

For tourists, the waterway mostly serves as a photo backdrop, but it is a lifeline for locals. It's a reliable water supply, a major transportation route and vital for many kinds of commerce. It has also served as a source of sustenance for many fishermen dating back to the third century. In 1991, the Seine River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance in both the past and the present.

Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry (when it’s also free to enter the Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, Musée du Rodin, Musée Picasso and several other attractions). – Laura French

Housed in a former railway station along the Left Bank, the Musée d'Orsay is regarded for its rich collection of impressionist works. You'll see paintings by French artists like Degas, Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh, among many, many others. The museum also houses a number of sculptures, as well as photography and even furniture displays. And if you climb to the museum's top balcony, you can catch a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica through the museum's massive transparent clock.

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Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer's market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. When the city bustle becomes too overwhelming, meander around the paths and formal gardens, or just relax with a picnic. Kids can float sailboats at the Grand Basin, ride ponies, take a spin on the merry-go-round, or catch a puppet show at the on-site Theatre des Marionnettes. Adults might delight in the on-site Musée du Luxembourg, the first French museum that was opened to the public. Though with 106 sculptures to its name, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, the Luxembourg Gardens could easily be considered an open-air museum itself.

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) free

Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes. As blanched as it may appear on the outside, the basilica's interior is a sight worth beholding: The ceilings glitter with France's largest mosaic, which depicts Jesus rising alongside the Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.

You'll also likely be left in awe with the panoramic views found from atop the Sacré-Coeur's outdoor staircase. But for an even better photo-op, climb all 300 steps to the top of the dome. The dome is accessible to visitors every day from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mass is held multiple times a day every day.

Centre Pompidou Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – and recent travelers attest to this – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum. The Pompidou is all modern and contemporary art (think cubist, surrealist and pop art, among others). Even its exterior is a little "out there," with its insides (piping, plumbing, elevators, escalators, etc.) exposed on the outside.

Inside the inside-out museum, you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world (more than 120,000 pieces of art are in its complete collection). The most notable attraction within is France's National Museum of Modern Art, which features works from 20th and 21st-century artists. Here, you can find big names such as Matisse, Picasso and even Andy Warhol. Also within the Centre Pompidou is additional exhibition and entertainment spaces as well as a library, rooftop restaurant and cinemas.

Jardin des Tuileries Jardin des Tuileries free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re here, don’t miss Angelina, just across the street on Rue de Rivoli. This historic, belle epoque-style salon de thé opened in 1903 and serves excellent French delicacies and pastries alongside its famous, indulgently rich hot chocolate. – Laura French

Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres. Though it was initially designed solely for the use of the royal family and court, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991 (as part of the Banks of the Seine) and has been open to the public since the 17th century.

Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle

Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color. Sainte-Chapelle, which took just seven years to build, is a treasured example of French Gothic architecture and originally held Christian artifacts acquired by Louis IX. The building underwent a rigorous restoration between 2008 and 2014 and now welcomes visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1 (France's Labor Day).

Admission costs 13 euros (about $14) per person ages 18 and older. Audio guides are available in English (among other languages) for an additional 3 euros (about $3.50). 

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Pantheon Pantheon

Situated in the Latin Quarter – or the 5th arrondissement – of Paris, the Panthéon is a large church and burial ground with a storied history. The structure was completed in 1790 at the start of the French Revolution, and it served as a mausoleum, a church and an art gallery throughout its early years. In 1851, scientist Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within the building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced a number of times, and a replica was installed in 1995 and is still in operation today. The Panthéon also contains a crypt where a number of important historians, philosophers, scientists and writers are buried, including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Marie Curie.

Most recent travelers loved seeing the museum's noteworthy gravesites and Foucault's pendulum. They also recommended taking a dome tour for exceptional views of Paris; you’ll see the Eiffel Tower from the top, as well as many other well-known landmarks. Still, some visitors said the admission fee is too high.

Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris

A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – still exudes the opulence it radiated in the late 1800s. This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is due in part to its awe-inspiring Old-World interiors as well as Gaston Leroux, the author of "Phantom of the Opera," for which the Garnier served as his inspiration. Leroux claimed the phantom was indeed real, successfully incorporating real life opera occurrences (such as the chandelier falling and killing a bystander) into his fiction. The Garnier's lack of a robust historical record, as well as Leroux's writing talents, have left many wondering if there really was a dweller that lurked beneath the opera. Staff have claimed otherwise, but say with the opera's very real underground "lake" (water tank), it's easy to see how the story could be so convincing. Without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the opera, Leroux's tale may never have never come to fruition.

The best way to fully experience the Palais Garnier is by purchasing a ballet or opera ticket. Remember to book your tickets several months in advance, as performances are highly coveted. If you won't be in town for a performance or aren't up for forking over the oftentimes high price of a performance, you can explore the building's magnificent interiors on your own.

Le Marais Le Marais free

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, you’ll find the former house of Victor Hugo, which is now a museum that’s free to enter. – Laura French

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts), Le Marais is one of Paris' oldest and coolest districts – so cool, in fact, that French writer Victor Hugo (author of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables") called it home. With all of its cobblestone streets, stately stone architecture and tucked away courtyards, it's easy to feel as if you're strolling through medieval Paris. Back in the day, Le Marais housed some notable French royalty. King Henry IV was the one responsible for the construction of the Place des Vosges, Paris' oldest square. And Louis XIV called this neighborhood home for a while until he decided to move his family and court to Versailles . Much of Le Marais also survived the destruction of the French Revolution.

Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)

U.S. News Insider Tip: In summer, the palace hosts weekend fountain shows in the gardens, featuring music and special effects; come on a Saturday night to see the best, with grounds lit up to magical effect and a firework display at the end. – Laura French

The Château de Versailles, the sprawling palace and former seat of power, is located 10 miles southwest of Paris in Versailles. Every year, nearly 10 million travelers make the trek from Paris to bear witness to the chateau's world-famous grandeur in person. But between all of the gold figurines, dramatic frescoes and cascading crystal chandeliers you'll no doubt find in bulk throughout the chateau, you might be surprised to learn that King Louis XIV's extravagant former residence had pretty humble-ish beginnings.

Musée Rodin Musée Rodin

A hidden jewel in the city, the Musée Rodin is actually the former residence of famed 19th-century sculptor Auguste Rodin. But in the place of furniture and kitschy lawn ornaments are Rodin's emotive sculptures, including The Walking Man, The Kiss and The Thinker, among many more. In addition to the sculptures, the museum houses 8,000 of the artist's drawings in its collection – a fraction of those are on display –  as well as an area dedicated to the work of his muse and mistress, artist Camille Claudel. Visitors will also get to view pieces from the Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.

Recent travelers found Rodin's sculptures to be nothing short of stunning, and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art buff. Another big favorite, and for some visitors as much of a highlight as the art, were the beautiful on-site gardens. To travelers, the gardens, in combination with the museum's manageable size, created a serene and peaceful atmosphere not easily found at other top Parisian museums.

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain-des-Prés free

The arts abound in Paris. Although visual art gets the most attention here, the city is also a historic literary center. Saint-Germain, in the 6th arrondissement, is known as a 19th- and 20th-century intellectual hub. Here, great writers, thinkers and artists mixed and mingled in their homes and nearby establishments. Anyone battling writer's block will want to spend an afternoon wandering its picturesque streets, stopping by famous literary cafes or enjoying one of the museums located in the neighborhood's borders.

After filling your mind at the Musée Delacroix, Musée du Luxembourg or Musée de Mineralogie, unwind at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore. The former was visited by everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more recently, Julia Child. Nearby Café de Flore opened in the 1800s as well, and claims visitors from Leon Trotsky to Albert Camus to Picasso. Sartre worked from here – using the space as a historical Starbucks – while New Wave celebrities like Bridget Bardot or fashionista Karl Lagerfeld graced its seats later on, in the 1960s. There are plenty of mouthwatering pastry shops and bridge views, too.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann free

Whether or not you plan to shop, the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store is a sight to be seen. What started as a small novelty shop in 1893 has since grown into an approximately 750,000-square-foot megastore containing hundreds of brands, from budget-friendly options like Levi's and Carhartt to high-end labels like Prada and Cartier. And while you might be dazzled by the unending collection of fashionable goods, don’t forget to look up. The pièce de résistance of the luxury bazaar is the stunning neo-Byzantine glass dome 141 feet above the ground. There's also a glass walkway on the top floor of the building that allows the bravest of visitors to stand above all the action below. 

Several recent visitors called Galeries Lafayette the most beautiful shopping center in the world, pointing out that even if you aren't there to buy luxury products, the stunning building is a destination in itself. They also recommend going up to the roof of the complex (accessible from the eighth floor), which is open to visitors free of charge, to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From the roof, you'll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower , Sacré Cœur and Notre Dame .

Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris) Paris Catacombs (Les Catacombes de Paris)

Not every inch of Paris is as romantic as you think – in fact, the Catacombs are downright chilling. Prior to the creation of the Catacombs in the late 18th century, Parisians buried their dead in cemeteries. But as the city continued to grow, burial grounds ran out of space, graves started to become exposed and stunk up surrounding neighborhoods. The limestone quarries located 65 feet beneath Paris eventually became the solution, providing ample and safe space for the city's deceased loved ones. It took years to move millions of bodies from all the Parisian graves.

Today, the solemn, skull-and-boned lined tunnels weave beneath the heart of the City of Love, beckoning to visitors with an interest in the departed. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access about a mile's worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau (lines 4,6 and RER B) metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You'll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections. What's more, you'll have to descend 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. As such, the catacombs are not wheelchair-accessible. And because of the attraction's unique nature and popularity, expect a queue.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise) free

A cemetery as a tourist attraction? If any city can pull it off, it's Paris. Covering nearly 110 acres of the 20th arrondissement (district), the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It's also Paris' largest green space. Père-Lachaise is a maze of cobblestone pathways lined with leafy, cascading trees which perfectly shade the striking 19th-century burial chambers that permeate the grounds. Aesthetics aside, Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous burial grounds: Everyone from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein can be found here. Make sure to pick up a map before you venture in, there are more than 100,000 burial plots here (exact estimates vary dramatically).

Travelers admitted the main reason they made the trek to Père-Lachaise was to visit the famous faces buried here, though after discovering the enchanting grounds, they were happy to stay and wander. Visitors found the architecture of the individual tombstones and burial chambers to be stunning, especially with the many dramatic statues included with the plots. Others particularly appreciate the overall peaceful atmosphere of Père-Lachaise. Because the cemetery is so big, visitors say it's unlikely you'll be sharing lots of space with fellow visitors or tourists at any given time.

Bateaux Mouches Bateaux Mouches

For those who want to cruise down the Seine River , hopping on one of the six Bateaux-Mouches boats is a go-to option. Just about any meal you can think of is offered as you glide along the river – or as the company puts it, Paris's "most beautiful avenue." There are also hourlong cruise-only trips, for those who want to efficiently view some of the city's most iconic sights, including Notre Dame and the Musée d'Orsay . These cruises are among the best Paris tours . Combo tickets that include a bus tour or a cabaret show are also available.

Travelers who recently took a cruise loved the views from the boat and the informational nature of the tour. Many people took a night cruise, which was frequently lauded for its romantic atmosphere. However, a few visitors expressed disappointment with meal portions and the check-in process.

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Musee de l'Orangerie Musee de l'Orangerie

An extension of Musée d'Orsay , Musée de l'Orangerie features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. It is best known for its enlarged "Water Lilies" paintings by Claude Monet. The eight massive paintings are divided across two oval rooms that are filled with natural light from a glass roof. Monet increased the size of these paintings with the intention of fully immersing viewers in their beauty, especially after the hardships of World War I. Beyond the "Water Lilies" series, Musée de l'Orangerie houses the Jean Walter-Paul Guillaume collection, which features works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and more.  

Museum visitors – especially Monet fans – said this gallery is a must-see. They were pleased to discover it was a relatively small building, meaning it can be seen fairly quickly if you short on time. The smaller space also translates to less crowds, which many museumgoers appreciated.

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk about 10 minutes around the corner and you’ll find the Montparnasse Cemetery – a fascinating alternative to Père Lachaise , home to the burial places of artists and intellectuals, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Baudelaire. – Laura French

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck claims to have the best views in Paris – and once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The lower deck stands more than 650 feet high and overlooks major attractions, like the Eiffel Tower , through floor-to-ceiling windows. Travel another 32 feet upward to the rooftop terrace, and you'll find panoramic vistas of the City of Lights 365 days a year. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for the famed Parisian nightlife experience, Moulin Rouge will likely fit the bill. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, free-flowing Champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the City of Lights.

On a night at the Moulin Rouge, visitors can be wined and dined while watching talented burlesque dancers adorned in feathers, rhinestones and sequins. While many recent travelers felt that the show was a spectacular must-see while vacationing in Paris, others felt it was overhyped and overcrowded. However, those who opted for the dinner show said the food was fantastic with top-notch service to match.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont free

Paris is home to many beautiful public parks, where visitors and locals alike relax in grassy squares during periods of pleasant weather. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont's 61 acres boasts this – plus a lake, a suspension bridge and walking paths – and a dark history. Its name comes from the bare hill once occupying the site. Stone was mined here, sewage dumped and even horse carcasses discarded. When Napoleon III renovated Paris in the 19th century, it was selected as a large park site, and the artificial lake created. That transformation also washed away its medieval reputation as a gallows. Known as Gibbet of Montfaucon at that time, the bodies of people executed in the city were sometimes displayed here for months on end.

If you can put that history behind you, cross the Gustave Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, or ascend the hill with the Temple de la Sybille for beautiful views of Montmartre. Inside the hillside, quarrying created a cavern. Napoleon's park builders took the opportunity to add a human-made waterfall to the 65-foot-tall space. Summer visitors will especially enjoy the misty reprieve from Paris's heat and humidity.

Conciergerie Conciergerie

Located next to Sainte-Chapelle , the Conciergerie was once a royal residence for various French leaders. At the end of the 14th century, King Charles V and the rest of the palace's inhabitants moved to new residences at the Louvre . The abandoned building was then turned into a new parliament and office space for the kingdom. However, during the French Revolution (and for many decades thereafter), the Conciergerie served as a prison compound to hold both political and common criminals. Most famously, it held Marie Antoinette, the fallen queen of France, in the weeks before she was executed by guillotine in October 1793. In the 19th century, Antoinette's cell was transformed into a chapel, and in 1914 the entire building was deemed a historic monument and opened to the public.

Recent travelers said the site is a delight for history buffs. Still, others noted that if you aren’t particularly interested in the French Revolution or Marie Antoinette, you may find the empty jail cells and barren halls a bit dull. All visitors are given a "HistoPad" (available in six languages) to help enhance their experience. The iPad allows visitors to see what the rooms would've looked like centuries ago with the help of augmented reality, 3D reconstructions and interactive functionalities.What everyone seemed to agree on was the medieval architecture, which is said to be stunning both inside and out.

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Rue de Rivoli Rue de Rivoli free

One of the most famous shopping streets in Paris, the elegant Rue de Rivoli is lined with neoclassical buildings housing designer boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants built into historic arcades.

Named after Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Rivoli and stretching from Place de la Bastille in the east to Place de la Concorde, it's where you'll find the Louvre , the Jardin des Tuileries , Hôtel de Ville (Paris's elaborate city hall) and other attractions. It's also home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville – an elaborate department store founded in 1856. Other shops range from affordable brands like Sephora, L'Occitane and Mango to high-end designer stores and local French boutiques.

Bois de Vincennes Bois de Vincennes free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in the summer to catch the Paris Jazz Festival, when the Parc Floral hosts performers from Paris and beyond. – Laura French

Used as a royal hunting ground from the 12th century, this scenic, easterly refuge is Paris's biggest park, sprawling nearly 2,500 acres (making it nearly three times larger than New York's Central Park , and slightly bigger than its westerly sister, the Bois de Boulogne). It's home to verdant woodland as well as the Parc Floral, a botanical garden with its own mini golf course and various other family-friendly attractions. You'll also find four artificial lakes in the park – boats are available to rent on the Lac Daumesnil – alongside the Parc Zoologique de Paris, several cafes and restaurants and the Château de Vincennes, a lavish former royal residence built in the medieval era.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen free

Set on the northern edge of Paris and home to the highest concentration of antiques dealers in the world, this famous flea market is a must for anyone looking to browse and buy vintage treasures. Spread across twelve covered markets and five streets, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen houses everything from 17th-century furnishings to vintage jewelry, designer clothes, art, books and beyond. When your feet need a break, there are also a handful of restaurants.

At its heart is the Marché Vernaison, an eclectic mishmash of nearly a million objects, spread across nearly 100,000 square feet and selling pretty much anything you can think of. Equally unmissable is the Marché Dauphine, which sells books, vintage records, clothes and more in a huge pavilion, and the Marché Paul Bert Serpette, an upmarket spot specializing in avant-garde interior design that's seen everyone from Julia Roberts to Mick Jagger grace its floors.

Louis Vuitton Foundation Louis Vuitton Foundation

Open to the public since October 2014, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the brainchild of the LVMH Group (which owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton) and famed American architect Frank Gehry. In addition to the art gallery, Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles , among other renowned museums, university buildings and residences.

Outfitted with curved panels of glass and smooth concrete, the foundation's daring and modern design stands out among Paris' abundance of centuries-old buildings. Inside, you'll find collections of modern and contemporary art housed in both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum's goal is to promote art and culture on the outskirts of Paris, and it succeeds by attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. 

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