Romance, art, history, food. This is the perfect sum-up of what awaits you when you visit the city of Paris, which contains world-famous landmarks around every corner. The city is the perfect getaway to relax and enjoy the beauty of history, architecture, and food. Whether it being walking along the Seine or enjoying a croissant at a street-side café, the charm of the city will encompass you everywhere.
The Eiffel Tower
The one thing you cannot miss in Paris, as in literally can’t miss seeing it in the city picture, is the Eiffel Tower. This is the most visited paid attraction in the world and is an iconic monument which millions ascend every year. The tower is from 1889 and was built for the World’s Fair. It has since been a symbol of French engineering and innovation. It is possible to take an elevator, or if you are adventurous climb the stairs, to the top of the tower, where you will experience breathtaking views of the city. You can check out the Paris Pass price and consider investing in this pass to have skip-the-line perks.
At night, you can enjoy the tower sparkling with a light show every hour. If you want to experience the tower in a unique way, you can have a picnic at Champ de Mars, which is the park located right below the structure. This is also the perfect location to watch the lights twinkle.
The Louvre Museum
As the largest art museum in the world, the Louvre Museum has become a central landmark of the city. For any art lover, this museum is worth visiting with its more than 38,000 objects ranging from prehistory to the 21st century. For most visitors, the most famous piece is on the bucket-list, which is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. However, the museum has so much more to offer, including the Venus de Milo and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Due to the size and scope of the museum, it is recommended to opt for a guided tour to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Notre-Dame Cathedral and Le Marais
Made in a Gothic architectural style, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is a testament of history with its majestic towers and intricate stone carvings. After the tragic 2019 fire, the cathedral is still under restoration, but even despite this, its facade remains a wonder to behold. You can opt for a walk around the Ile de la Cité to appreciate this symbol of Parisian religious and cultural life.
If you are looking for a more intimate and historic side of Paris, you can head to the Le Marais district. With medieval architecture, charming squares, and a vibrant arts scene, this area is worth a visit. One of the highlights in this area is Victor Hugo’s house, which is where the famous author of Les Misérables once lived. You can also visit the Pompidou Centre, which is known for bold modern art and avant-garde design or visit the Carnavalet Museum which is dedicated to the history of Paris.
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
If you are looking to experience the grandeur of Parisian life, you have to go for a walk along the Champs-Élysées. This is an iconic avenue which is lined with luxury shops, cafés, and theaters. Walking down the avenue will take you to the Arc de Triomphe, which is another site worth visiting. Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned this monument to honor those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
Once you are by the Arc, you can climb up to the top and have a beautiful view of the city. The most beautiful view is the straight shot down the Champs-Élysées you will have access to, looking towards the Louvre Museum.
Palace of Versailles
Many visiting Paris also prioritizes going for a day trip to Versailles. The Palace of Versailles is an extravagant royal residence and was once the home to King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Some of the most iconic examples of opulent French design includes the Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments.
The palace in itself is impressive and beautiful, but you should also set aside time to spend exploring the many large gardens behind the palace. The gardens include fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured lawns. If you find yourself in Versailles during summer, then you can catch the Fountain Show where the gardens come alive through music and water displays.
Montmartre, Sacré-Cæur, and Sainte-Chapelle
If you are looking for a bohemian experience, you should visit the hilly neighborhood Monmartre. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh used to live in this neighborhood. Most known for its charming, cobbled streets, quaint cafés, and street artists, Montmartre is an area worth getting lost in. At the top of the hill sits the Sacré-Cœur Basilica where you can catch panoramic views of Paris. Being one of the most beautiful structures in the city, the white-domed church is worth visiting to climb the dome to gain a high vantage point for a beautiful view.
Two hidden gems of the city you should consider visiting is the catacombs of Paris and Saint-Chapelle. The catacombs is a morbid reminder of the past of the Parisian history. The chapel is located on Île de la Cité and is known for its stunning stained-glass windows telling biblical stori