Paris, the city of love and light, is a place that has long captured the imagination of travellers from around the world. With its romantic streets, delicious food, and world-class museums, it's no wonder that Paris is often at the top of many people's bucket lists. But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to know where to start. That's why we've put together this guide to the top tourist attractions in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Standing at over 300 metres tall, it is the tallest structure in Paris and offers handsome views of the city from its various viewing platforms. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower has since become a symbol of Paris and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.
- Entrance fee: €10.40 for adults, €8.40 for 12-24 year olds, free for under 12s
- Opening hours: 9:30am-11pm
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Bir-Hakeim): 10 minutes
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is one of the world's largest and most famous museums, housing a vast collection of art and artefacts from around the world. From ancient Egyptian relics to Renaissance masterpieces, there is a wide range at the Louvre. The museum is perhaps best known for its iconic glass pyramid, which serves as its main entrance, and for being the home of the Mona Lisa.
- Entrance fee: €17 for adults, free for under 18s and for all on the first Sunday of the month
- Opening hours: 9am-6pm (closed Tuesdays)
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre): 5 minutes
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous and beloved landmarks in Paris. Located on the Île de la Cité, the cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and has been a place of worship for over 850 years. Although the cathedral was severely damaged by a fire in 2019, it remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the resilience of Paris.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 8am-6:45pm
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Cité): 5 minutes
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a Roman-Byzantine-style basilica located on the highest point in Paris. With its iconic white façade and domed roof, the basilica is a striking sight and offers visitors handsome views of the city from its esplanade. Inside, the basilica is equally impressive, with its ornate mosaics, stained glass windows, and grand organ.
- Entrance fee: free (€5 for the dome)
- Opening hours: 6am-10:30pm
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Abbesses): 10 minutes
Montmartre
Montmartre is a charming and historic neighbourhood located on a hill in the north of Paris. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre was once the home of many famous artists, writers, and musicians, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dalí. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors who come to see its narrow streets, quaint cafes, and handsome views of the city.
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Abbesses or Anvers): 10-15 minutes
The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in the world, stretching for nearly two kilometres from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Lined with cafes, shops, and theatres, the Champs-Élysées is a bustling and vibrant place that offers visitors a glimpse into the Parisian way of life.
- Walking time from nearest metro station (Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau or Charles de Gaulle-Étoile): 5-10 minutes
Booking in Ile-de-France: where to look
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- Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
- Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
- KKday — Local experiences and day tours
- Welcome Pickups — Fixed-price airport transfer, driver waits for you
The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal palace located on the outskirts of Paris. Known for its opulence and grandeur, the palace is a testament to the power and wealth of the French monarchy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the palace's handsome gardens, which cover over 800 hectares, as well as its lavishly decorated rooms, including the famous Hall of Mirrors.
- Entrance fee: €20 for the palace and gardens, €27 for the palace, gardens, and estate of Trianon
- Opening hours: 9am-6:30pm (closed Mondays)
- Travel time from Paris: 35-40 minutes by RER train from Gare de Lyon or Châtelet-Les Halles
Paris is a city that has a wide range, from its iconic landmarks and world-class museums to its charming neighbourhoods and vibrant street life. We hope that this guide has inspired you to explore all that Paris has to offer and that you have a wonderful and memorable trip.
