1. The Eiffel Tower
It’s a cliché for a reason. For the best experience, head to the Trocadéro at sunrise for the view, then walk across the bridge to the Champ de Mars for a picnic.
Pro Tip: Book your summit tickets at least 30 days in advance; they sell out instantly.
Pro Tip: Book your summit tickets at least 30 days in advance; they sell out instantly.
2. The Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a labyrinth of human history.
Insider Hack: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre (the underground mall) to avoid the massive lines at the glass pyramid.
Insider Hack: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre (the underground mall) to avoid the massive lines at the glass pyramid.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Fully restored and reopened to the public after the 2019 fire, the cathedral remains the spiritual and geographical "Point Zero" of Paris.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Climb the 284 steps for what many locals consider the best view of the city. You’ll see the 12 avenues radiating out like a star, including the famous Champs-Élysées.
5. Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
Perched on the highest hill in the city, the white basilica of Sacré-Cœur offers panoramic views. Afterward, get lost in the winding, cobblestone streets of Montmartre, the historic heart of the Parisian art scene.
6. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a stunning former railway station, this museum holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art (think Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir).
7. Centre Pompidou
For fans of modern and contemporary art, the "inside-out" architecture of the Pompidou is a must-see in the Beaubourg area.
8. Musée de l’Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries Garden, this is the permanent home of Monet’s massive Water Lilies an immersive, meditative experience.
9. Sainte-Chapelle
Do not let the small exterior fool you. The 13th century stained glass inside is widely considered the most beautiful in the world.
10. The Promenade Plantée
Long before New York had the High Line, Paris had this elevated park built on an old railway viaduct. It’s a lush, quiet escape from the city bustle.
11. Rue Crémieux
Tucked away in the 12th Arrondissement, this tiny pedestrian street is famous for its pastel-colored houses and potted plants—a photographer’s dream.
12. Shakespeare and Company
The world’s most famous English-language bookstore. It’s cramped, magical, and smells exactly how a bookstore should.
13. The Catacombs of Paris
Descend 20 meters underground to see the ossuary containing the remains of several million Parisians. It’s eerie, fascinating, and deeply historical.
14. A Seine River Cruise at Night
While it feels "touristy," seeing the monuments illuminate from the water is a quintessential Paris experience.
15. Picnic at Luxembourg Gardens
Grab a baguette, some Brie, and a bottle of Bordeaux, then find a green chair in these royal gardens for the perfect Parisian afternoon.
