Best things to see in Paris – The absolute unmissables!
Paris is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and stands true to its many names; The City of Lights, The City of Love and even the City of Fashion. Whether you are here to see the city lights or to shop and eat, you will never run out things to do in Paris. Here is a comprehensive guide of the best things to see in Paris.
LONG POST ALERT – But then again I don’t want you to miss out on any of the best things to do see in Paris.
Best things to see in Paris – 15 Unmissables
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction, it is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Despite the long queues and security checks to board the lifts to get to the top of the Tower, your trip to Paris would be incomplete without a visit to it. The tallest structure in France, the tower is a mighty 324 metres tall and was completed in 1889. It was intended to be demolished in 1909 as it was only built for the 1889 Paris Exposition, but was thankfully saved as it as repurposed as a radio tower.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attraction in Paris. There are two viewing stages – one on the middle level and one on the highest level. The top level is just under the light beacon at the very top of the tower. While views from both the levels are incredible, if the height doesn’t get to you, I would recommend going to the very top.
Pre-book your tickets online and save yourself from the queues. You can book on the Official Eiffel Tower website.
Every evening at sunset, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated with lights. This is my favourite way to see the Eiffel Tower. PRO TIP: However, every hour for the first five minutes, the Eiffel Tower shimmers in a beautiful glimmering light show. And the grand finale is at 1am when this show lasts for 10 mins. The orangey lights on the Eiffel Tower are switched off and the whole Tower literally glitters like a million diamonds shining in the dark. There are many places you can see the Eiffel Tower from, but Trocadero is perhaps our most favourite.
2. The Louvre Museum
Possibly one of the world’s most visited museums, The Louvre houses some beautiful pieces of art. Some of the masterpieces held at the Louvre in Paris is the Mona Lisa, Gabrielle d’Estrées and one of her sisters and the 2,200 year old Winged Victory of Samothrace.
If you buy tickets to Museum online, you could save yourself from the long queues. However every first Sunday of the month, you can get free entry into the Louvre. But be prepared as the queues can be very long.
Don’t miss out visiting the Jardin Des Tuileries.
3. Jardin Des Tuileries ( Tuileries Garden) & Musée de l’Orangerie
Next to the Louvre Museum is the Jardin Des Tuileries, a green oasis that is the perfect place to relax after all that walking in the museums. It is a lovely walk along the River Seine and with the little French cafes dotted around the gardens, you could easily spend some time enjoying a drink or two.
And keeping with the theme of gardens, is the Musee de l’Orangerie where you can see the famous and mesmerising Water Lilies by Claude Monnet. The works by the famous artist are displayed the way he had stipulated them to, in twin oval rooms with the paintings surrounding visitors, It is almost a surreal feeling.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral
When one thinks of Gothic architectural beauty, only the Notre Dame Cathedral comes to mind. The Notre Dame Cathedral sits on Île de la Cité and it’s beautiful spire, rose windows, stained glass and gargoyles have to been seen to be believed.
Entry is free to most of the Cathedral, so don’t miss out seeing this architectural beauty.
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Perched on the hilltop of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a beautiful white-stoned basilica offering expansive views of the sprawling city of Paris in front of it. Although the Basilica is not very centrally located, a quick metro ride will get there.
Find some space on the stairs leading up to the Basilica, and spend some hours there just around sunset time. Its the perfect time to take in the sights over Paris just while the lights around the city are switched on.
6.Avenue des Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Walking down the Champs- Élysées is probably one of the most quintessentially Parisian thing to do. With every luxury shop imaginable lining both sides of this iconic road, this is the place to come to be seen and to see and to spend your riches or not. There are many restaurants if you just want to people watch. At the western end of the road is The Arc de Triomphe – France’s symbol of power. This beautiful sturcture was commissioned by Bonaparte in celebration of his victories and also pays respect to the countless loss of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country.
When the sun sets and the lights are switched on, Arc de Triomphe seems to almost glow in a golden light. The later in the evening you visit, the quieter and better it gets to see this structure in all its glory – well atleast in terms of the number of tourists as the roads are still busy.
7. Jardin du Luxembourg
When you’ve had enough of the sights and just want to take in Paris, head straight to Jardin du Luxembourg. It is one of Paris’ most visited parks with tree-lined pathways perfect for those long leisurely strolls and also boasts of a palace right in the middle of the park. The well manicured gardens with its colourful flower displays are always a delight. There are statues and sculptures of famous French historical figures all around the garden.
The park is also one of THE things to do with kids in Paris – kids can enjoy pony rides and also rent sailboats to sail in the Grand Basin – a pond right in front of the palace.
Close by are the areas of Latin Quarter and St. Germain where there is so much more to see – pretty Parisian cafes, chocolate shops and many more things to do in Paris.
8. Montmarte
Being the highest area in Paris and with the rising beauty – Sacre Ceour Basilica, Montmarte stills seems to retain its old world French village charm with its pretty cafes , boutiques and vintage stores. Sinking House of Montmarte is definitely one of the highlights of Montmarte known for the optical illusion of the building looking like it is sinking. To rest those tired feet, why not stop by Le Refuge, one of the most Instagrammed and iconic cafes in the neighbourhood or at Le Consulat to grab a quick bite.
9. Latin Quarter
Why not French Quarter you’re wondering? Latin Quarter got its name because of the many leading educational institutions such as the Sorbonne that have been in this area. Also in those days, the students studying in these institutions spoke in Latin. To this day, Latin Quarter is home to some really amazing bookstores, boutiques and cafes. Shakespeare & Company is probably one of the most iconic of bookstores in Latin Quarter, almost transporting you to a different era. Another famous bookstore that is a must visit is The Abbey Bookshop with books piled from floor to ceiling.
Don’t miss stopping by at the Paris Panthéon – the resting place of Marie Curie and Voltaire. Close by is the Sorbonne Panthéon which bustles with students and university life. Latin Quarter has loads of cafes, bars and places to eat and the neighbourhood has a really good nightlife as well.
10. Musee D’Orsay
Musee D’Orsay is as beautiful a building from the outside as it is on the inside with its precious art. The building used to be a former railway station. The museum houses art from the Impressionist and Post Impressionist era – from the time of Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir to name just a few famous artists. If you are a big art fan, then you can spend hours if not days in the museum. However, if you can only enjoy a couple of hours of art, then make sure you don’t miss the masterpieces.
On the Ground Floor, there are works by Monet and Picasso and also by Pisarro and Gustave Courbet. The Second Floor houses more works by Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. However the Top Floor is the cherry on the cake, with more incredible art by Picasso, Monet, Manet and Renoir. Don’t miss the large clock overlooking the Seine and views of Paris.
I would highly recommend buying tickets to the museum online here to skip the queues. As with other museums, you can visit Musee D’Orsay for free on the first Sunday of every month.
11. Galleries Lafayette
Thinking about Chanel, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton? Then don’t waste any time, and head straight to Galleries Lafayette where all your shopping dreams will come true. Sprawled over 10 floors and spread across four buildings, this beautiful luxury department store has everything and more that you can think of. You could also catch the Galleries Lafayette fashion show everyday at 3pm.
But if there is one thing you cannot miss here, then it is the view from the rooftop terrace. Head to the 7th floor and you will be wowed by the views of Paris, from the Sacre Ceour to the Eiffel Tower and the ornate Opera House.
12. Trocadero
Wondering where you can get the best picture of the Eiffel Tower? Wonder no more and head straight to Trocadero for the best vantage point and for those unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.
Top tip: This is also the best place to see the shimmering light show at the Eiffel Tower.
13. Moulin Rouge or a Cabaret show
When you go to Paris, you have to see the Eiffel Tower, eat a macaron while wearing a beret and you have to go to Moulin Rouge or experience a French Cabaret show. Ok maybe the macaron eating wearing a beret might be a bit much. But if you are lucky to get tickets to the Moulin Rouge, you will have an unforgettable experience with can-can dances and graceful dancers with their beautiful glittering costumes. If you don’t get tickets to the Moulin Rouge, fret no more, how about a Cabaret show on a boat anchored opposite the Notre Dame? Sound interesting, book your tickets t see La Nouvelle Seine.
14. Seine River Cruise
I call this seeing Paris the right way – the slow and romantic way. Watching the city go past you while sailing gently is the nicest way to see the city. As you float on the River Seine, you can see all the top attractions in Paris such as the Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, the Eiffel Tower, and the Musee D’Orsay. There are many river boat cruise providers that you can book tickets with and they have different offerings, one of them being a dinner cruise.
15. Catacombs of Paris
I am pretty used to traveling by the London tube trains everyday and go underground without giving it a second thought. But descending into the underbelly of Paris into the ossuaries knowing that there were the bones of nearly 6 million people here was a completely different experience. “Stop! Here lies the Empire of Death” is what you read before you head 60 feet underground to explore nearly 200 miles of Catacombs of Paris. Its an eerie feeling when you see the intricately arranged skulls and bones along long passageways.
Although I was glad to come out of the ‘darkness’ through the maze of tunnels, but the Catacombs of Paris is definitely something you should experience.
