Paris is a city of endless wonders, but with so much to see, knowing which destinations to prioritise can make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.
In This Article
The Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars
No trip to Paris is complete without experiencing the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark. Constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, this wrought-iron lattice tower stands 330 metres tall and offers three observation levels. The summit, at 276 metres, provides breathtaking panoramic views extending up to 70 kilometres on clear days. Tickets for the lift to the summit cost approximately 28 euros for adults, while stairs to the second level are around 11 euros as of 2026. The surrounding Champ de Mars park is perfect for picnicking with a view, especially during the summer when the Eiffel Tower sparkles with lights for five minutes every hour after sunset. For a unique perspective, book a Seine River cruise that passes beneath the tower, with tickets from 15 euros. Early morning visits offer the quietest experience and the best light for photography.
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in its own right, housed in the former Palais du Louvre. Its collection spans from ancient civilisations to the mid-19th century, with over 38,000 objects on display across 72,735 square metres of gallery space. The museum’s most famous attraction is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but the collection also includes the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and countless masterpieces of European painting. Advance booking is essential – timed-entry tickets cost 22 euros and allow you to skip the main queues. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and offers free admission on the first Friday of each month after 6 PM for visitors under 26. A focused visit of two to three hours is recommended for most visitors, as the museum is simply too vast to see in one day. The nearby Tuileries Garden offers a beautiful place to rest after your visit.
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is the historic artists’ quarter, perched on a hill in the 18th arrondissement. Its winding cobblestone streets, vine-covered buildings, and bohemian atmosphere have attracted painters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The basilica of Sacré-Cœur, built in Romano-Byzantine style, sits at the highest point in the city and offers stunning views from its dome at a height of 200 metres. The Place du Tertre, just behind the basilica, is where artists set up their easels and offer portraits and landscapes for sale. The surrounding area is full of charming cafés, crêperies, and the last remaining working vineyard in Paris, the Clos Montmartre. The Montmartre Museum provides insight into the area’s artistic history. Reach the hilltop via the Montmartre funicular (valid with a standard Metro ticket) or by climbing the 300 steps. The area is particularly atmospheric in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
Despite the devastating 2019 fire, Notre Dame Cathedral remains one of Paris’s most significant landmarks. Following extensive restoration, the cathedral reopened in December 2024 and is once again welcoming visitors to admire its soaring Gothic architecture, magnificent rose windows, and the newly restored spire. Entry to the cathedral is free, though timed slots must be reserved online in advance. The adjacent Île de la Cité, the natural island on which Paris was founded, also houses the Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic gem renowned for its 15 breathtaking stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The Conciergerie, a former royal palace and revolutionary prison, completes the historical complex on the island. The nearby Pont Neuf, despite its name meaning New Bridge, is actually the oldest standing bridge in Paris. A walk along the Seine quays here reveals the famous bouquinistes, secondhand booksellers who have lined the riverbanks since the 16th century.
Palace of Versailles
Just 20 kilometres southwest of central Paris, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most magnificent royal residences in the world. Built by Louis XIV, the Sun King, the palace symbolises the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the King’s State Apartments showcase the pinnacle of French Baroque design and craftsmanship. The estate extends over 800 hectares and includes the formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon palaces, and the picturesque Queen’s Hamlet. A full day is recommended to explore the palace and gardens properly. Tickets cost approximately 21 euros for the main palace, with combination tickets including the estate available for around 33 euros as of 2026. Thursdays in high season feature the Musical Fountains Show, where the gardens’ fountains perform to Baroque music. The RER C train from central Paris reaches Versailles in about 40 minutes.
Which of these Parisian destinations would you visit first on your trip?
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Paris is overwhelming if you try to do too much. The best trip we had was when we picked three things and spent the rest of the time wandering. Montmartre is lovely early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The view from Sacré-Coeur at sunrise is unforgettable. The covered passages like Galerie Vivienne are beautiful and mostly tourist-free. Less is more in Paris.