Top 10 Things to Do in Paris, France: Attractions, Landmarks and Hidden Gems

Paris, often called the City of Light, is one of those destinations everyone dreams of experiencing at least once in their lifetime. With its rich history, breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, and picture-perfect streets, Paris has something for everyone. From strolling along the Seine to marveling at Gothic cathedrals, indulging in French pastries, or simply people watching at a café, the city’s timeless charm is irresistible.

Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit in Paris, plus a bonus section on the best spots to photograph the Eiffel Tower.

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Top 10 places to see in Paris, France

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most iconic landmark and a must-see on any trip. There are several ways to experience it: you can climb to the top for sweeping city views, or simply admire it from afar with a picnic on the Champ de Mars. Ticket prices vary depending on whether you take the lift or stairs and which level you choose:

Ticket for the Second Floor (with Lift access): €23.10 Adult; €11.60 Youth (12-24)
Ticket for the Top Floor (with Lift access): €36.10 Adult; €18.60 Youth (12-24)
Ticket for the Second Floor (with Stair access): €14.50 Adult; €7.30 Youth (12-24)
Ticket for the Top Floor (with Stair and Lift access): €27.50 Adult; €13.80 Youth (12-24)

Tickets can be booked directly on the official website (https://ticket.toureiffel.paris/fr) or if you prefer a guided tour, you can check out GetYourGuide HERE.

Once you’re inside, there’s no time limit and you can explore at your own pace.

At night, the Eiffel Tower becomes even more magical. It lights up and sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour after dusk (e.g., 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, midnight), and until 1am during summer months.

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00am–11:45pm (extended until midnight in summer)
Entry fees: €14–€36 depending on stairs vs. lift and floor level
Tips:
- Book online in advance
- Arrive early for security checks
- After 8:00pm tends to be less crowded
- Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night (lights up 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour)

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre Dame took nearly 160 years to complete and has long been a storytelling landmark, with stained-glass windows and sculptures depicting biblical scenes. Recently reopened after years of restoration, it remains one of Paris’s most moving sites.

Visiting with a guide is highly recommended, as they provide in-depth insights into the cathedral’s history and can offer skip-the-line access. Tickets are available on HERE.

Without a reserved time slot, general admission queues can stretch over 60 minutes. To avoid long waits, it’s worth booking a reserved time in advance.

Note that Notre Dame is a religious site, so eating, drinking, and taking phone calls inside the cathedral is not allowed.

Opening hours: Weekdays 8am–6:45pm; Weekends 8:00am–7:45pm
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France.
Entry fees: Free entry; with a guided tour is €25 – €30
Tips:
- Entry is free, but reserving a time slot is highly recommended to skip long queues.
- Buy a reserved time slot at least 2-3 days in advance before visiting since it is unlikely to get a reserved entry on the day and you may need to wait in line for a while
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds
- Dress modestly since it is a religious place
- Download the free app for self-guided tours

3. The Louvre Museum

Home to the world’s greatest collection of art, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is more than just a museum, it’s an experience in itself. Its grand galleries and courtyards could take days to explore, so planning ahead is essential.

Due to its popularity, tickets often sell out quickly. If you know you want to visit, it’s best to book in advance. When I visited, tickets were already sold out a week ahead, so I couldn’t go inside, but I admired the iconic Louvre Pyramid and explored the exterior of the former palace, which is beautiful in its own right.

If you visit on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August), entry is free, though it tends to be busy.

A guided tour can help you learn in-depth stories about some of the Louvre’s most famous masterpieces. Tickets for guided tours are available on GetYouGuide HERE.

Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (9AM – 6PM); Wednesday and Friday (9AM – 9PM); Closed on Tuesday
Entry fees: €22 for general admission; Free entry for children under 18 years old
Guided Tour:
Tips:
- Free entry on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August)
- Book tickets in advance before visiting since it gets sold out quick
- Enter via Carrousel du Louvre to avoid long lines
- Plan which sections you want to see since the place is large
- Mornings and evenings are quieter

4. Jardin du Luxembourg

These gardens are a favourite spot to escape the bustle of Paris. You can come here to read, picnic, and relax under shady trees, surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and ornate fountains. The air is often filled with the gentle sounds of birds, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Strolling along the tree-lined paths, you’ll discover statues, sculptures, and a serene pond where people sail miniature boats.

There are plenty of chairs around if you don’t have a picnic blanket.

Opening hours: 7:30am until dusk (varies by season, 8:00pm – 9:00pm in summer)
Address: 75006 Paris, France
Entry fees: Free
Tips:
- Perfect for a picnic or stroll around
- They have chairs around the park to sit and enjoy the garden
- Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the fountains, statues, and well-manicured flowerbeds
- Grab some pastries (croissants) from La Maison d’Isabelle and walk 15 minutes to enjoy at Jardin du Luxembourg

5. Seine River Cruise

Cruising along the Seine lets you see Paris from a whole new perspective. Passing under historic bridges and alongside illuminated landmarks, the experience is especially magical at sunset.

I bought my ticket from GetYourGuide on the day for £14.72 (€16.95), making sure the weather was good for it. I arrived at the dock 15 minutes before boarding, but the boat was already very crowded. If you want a seat on the top deck, it’s best to arrive 30–45 minutes early, since seating is first-come, first-served. Luckily, I managed to squeeze into a top-deck seat, though it was still busy.

On the top deck, if seats are full, staff allow you to sit on the stairs or floor, but standing is not permitted for safety reasons.

Tickets do not have set time slots so you can show up at your preferred time.

Departures are between 10AM to 10PM (one departure every 30 minutes) from April to September
Departures are between 10:30AM to 9PM (one departure every hour) from October to March

There is commentary during the cruise, but I mostly enjoyed simply taking in the sights as the boat passed historic landmarks. I would love to go on this cruise again at night when the Eiffel Tower sparkles.

Opening hours: Daily, generally 10:00am–10:00pm (depends on operator)
Entry fees: €15–20 (varies by operator; GetYourGuide offers convenient booking HERE)
Tips:
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early to secure a top-deck seat
- Have voucher ready to scan
- Best Eiffel Tower views from the front left side of the boat

6. Arc de Triomphe

Built to honor Napoleon’s army, the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly above the Champs-Élysées. You can climb to the top for one of Paris’s best panoramic views, especially at sunset when the city glows, or admire it from a distance to capture the perfect photo.

There are designated spots in the middle of the road (mainly for pedestrian crossing so be careful) where you can position yourself in the centre for a classic photo of the Arc.

Tickets to visit the rooftop of Arc De Triophe can be purchased on site (https://tickets.monuments-nationaux.fr/) ranging from €16 to €22 depending on the date of visit or on GetYouGuide HERE where they might have special offers on.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00am–10:30pm (last entry ~10:15pm)
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Entry fees: €16 Adult; Free for children under 18 years old
Tips:
- Access via underground tunnel (do not cross the traffic circle!)
- Recommend booking in advance to secure a spot to visit
- Visit at sunset for the best views
- Go early to avoid crowds

7. Le Petit Palais

Often overshadowed by the Louvre, the Petit Palais is a FREE museum with an impressive collection of art ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist gems. Its Beaux-Arts architecture, ornate façade, and beautiful courtyard café make it worth a visit, even if you’re short on time. Strolling through the galleries, you’ll find a mix of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that showcase France’s artistic heritage.

The courtyard is particularly charming, with a peaceful fountain and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a coffee or light snack while soaking in the museum’s elegant surroundings. If you’re seeking a quieter alternative to the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais provides a more intimate experience without the crowds and it’s free.

Opening hours: Tue–Sun (10:00am–6:00pm); Fri & Sat evenings until 8:00pm; Closed on Mondays
Address: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Entry fees: Free for permanent collection; €11–15 for temporary exhibitions
Tips:
- Don’t miss the courtyard café
- Friday/Saturday evenings are quieter
- Great alternative if you want a less crowded museum experience and it’s for free

8. Archives Nationales (Hôtel de Soubise)

For a quieter, more intimate look at French history, the Archives Nationales hold centuries of important documents and artefacts, from medieval manuscripts to revolutionary records. The grand 18th-century architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise, complete with ornate staircases and elegant salons, is as impressive as the collections themselves. The tranquil gardens provide a peaceful spot to stroll or sit and reflect on the history surrounding you.

Visiting here gives you a chance to experience a different side of Paris, away from the crowds of the major museums, and to gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s political, social, and cultural heritage. Guided tours or informational displays help bring the documents and artifacts to life, revealing fascinating stories from France’s past.

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Fri (10:00am–5:30pm); Sat–Sun (2:00pm–5:30pm); Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris, France
Entry fees: Free (special exhibits may charge a small fee)
Tips:
- Visit mid-week for fewer crowds
- Explore the gardens
- Allow time to linger over historic manuscripts and exhibits

9. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre is the artistic heart of Paris, full of cobbled streets, lively cafés, and a vibrant creative energy that has inspired generations of painters, writers, and musicians. Wandering through its narrow lanes, you’ll discover street artists at work, charming boutiques, and hidden squares that feel like stepping back in time.

At the summit stands the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a stunning white church with sweeping views over the city. Its iconic dome offers one of the best panoramic vistas of Paris, stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the distant skyline. Inside, the basilica impresses with its mosaics, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

Opening hours: Basilica daily 6:00am–10:30pm; dome/crypt 10:30am–6:00pm
Address: Sacré-Cœur Basilica / 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Entry fees: Free for the basilica; €6–8 for dome or crypt access
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes (steep hill)
- Sunrise or sunset has the best views
- Explore Place du Tertre nearby to see local artists at work

10. Pont Saint-Michel

Pont Saint-Michel, completed in 1857, connects the Left Bank with Île de la Cité. While modest compared to other Parisian landmarks, it has one of the city’s most atmospheric spots, particularly at dusk when the Seine reflects the lights of Notre Dame and the surrounding buildings. Walking across the bridge, you’ll experience the gentle hum of the city, the sounds of boats gliding along the river, and the occasional street musician adding a soundtrack to your stroll.

The bridge is also a great vantage point for photographers, which has classic views of Notre Dame, the Seine, and the historic quays. Nearby, you’ll find cafés and small shops that make it easy to extend your walk along the river. Combining a visit here with a riverside stroll or a stop at Île de la Cité provides a peaceful yet scenic slice of Parisian life.

Opening hours: Open 24/7
Entry fees: Free
Tips:
- Best visited at dusk for the reflections
- Close to the Notre Dame Cathedral
- Combine with a riverside stroll
- Expect street vendors and performers nearby

Eiffel Tower Photo Spots

No trip to Paris is complete without that perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower. Here are some of the best spots I found:

2 Port Debilly – A stunning riverside angle with fewer crowds.
Jardin de la Tour Eiffel – Sit just under and enjoy a nice picnic on front of the Eiffel Tower
Jardin d’Erevan – A peaceful place to sit with bread and cheese while enjoying a direct view of the tower.
Place du Trocadéro – The most classic, symmetrical view, perfect for those “postcard” shots.
Avenue de Camoens – Popular with wedding photographers. I went on an overcast morning, but I think the afternoon light would make it even better without the harsh light.
Rue de l‘universite – Iconic framing at the western end of Rue de l’Université, the Eiffel Tower looms dramatically between elegant Parisian façades

Overall

From seeing historic monuments to finding hidden corners for the perfect Eiffel Tower photo, the city sparkles. Whether you’re there for world-class art, romantic strolls, or simply soaking in the Parisian atmosphere, each moment in Paris feels like stepping into a living postcard.