12 Should-See Sights in Paris for First-Time Guests

Should-see sights in Paris are all over the place—monuments, bridges, views, and locations you’ve seen 100 occasions earlier than stepping off the airplane. And if it’s your first journey, you in all probability wish to hit the massive ones with out getting misplaced in infinite choices or second-guessing what’s value it.

I’ve lived in Paris practically 20 years. I may inform you the place to sit down alone with a espresso for hours, or which nook baker has the most effective croissants. However earlier than you begin chasing hidden gems, it is sensible to go to the areas that made Paris iconic within the first place.

This isn’t a listing to tick off. It’s a set of concepts for what’s really unmissable—from the Eiffel Tower to stained-glass, catacombs, river mild, and rooftops.

Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷

📌 200+ handpicked spots I truly love – Get free entry to my Paris map 🗺️

The 12 Should-See Sights in Paris

Some cities ask you to dig deep. Paris provides all of it upfront. These are the locations that form town’s rhythm, that present up in tales, movies, and reminiscences—as a result of they are surely that central.

This record isn’t about seeing every thing. It’s about seeing what issues first. The sights beneath are numbered, however not ranked. You’ll discover monuments, museums, views, and one boat journey—twelve necessities, every with its personal purpose to be right here.

Decide what matches your tempo. Skip what doesn’t.

#1 The Eiffel Tower

Probably the most visited monument on the planet—and nonetheless value seeing up shut.

You’ve seen the Eiffel Tower in images your complete life, however nothing actually prepares you for its dimension. It’s enormous, stable, extra mechanical than sleek, and truthfully a bit overwhelming the primary time you stand below it.

Sure, it’s crowded, and sure, you’ll wait in line—however the Eiffel Tower continues to be a kind of once-in-a-lifetime sights that delivers precisely what you got here for.

Attempt to go late afternoon, climb the steps when you’re up for it, and stick round after sundown. Seeing it mild up in individual is one thing you don’t overlook.

▶ Learn the complete article: Visiting the Eiffel Tower: Find out how to Plan It Proper

#2 Louvre Museum

It’s huge, crowded, and completely value it.

The Louvre isn’t simply massive—it’s the most important museums on the planet, and it may be lots. However it’s additionally house to among the most well-known artworks you’ll ever see, and that also means one thing.

Don’t attempt to do all of it—however don’t go only for the Mona Lisa both. The Louvre is large, and attempting to see every thing in a single go will put on you out. Decide one or two sections. Head to the Denon Wing if you wish to see the Mona Lisa and the massive Italian and French works.

Attempt Richelieu for the French sculptures and Napoleon’s flats. It’s simpler to get pleasure from when you may have a spotlight.

E-book a timed ticket on-line to keep away from ready overly lengthy. Early mornings or late openings on Wednesdays and Fridays are your greatest guess for fewer crowds.

▶ Learn the complete article: Is the Louvre Price It? Your No-Nonsense Information

#3 Arc de Triomphe

Not only a monument—top-of-the-line views in Paris.

It’s straightforward to go by with out stopping on the Arc de Triomphe, however you probably have the time, it’s definitely worth the climb. There’s no elevator, and the steps are a little bit of a exercise—however the view on the high is among the greatest in Paris.

From up there, town format begins to make sense. You’ll see the symmetry, the Eiffel Tower within the distance, and the twelve streets stretching out like spokes. The monument itself was commissioned by Napoleon to have a good time France’s army victories, and up shut, the element is spectacular.

Go early to the Arc de Triomphe, or round golden hour when you can. And use the underground passage from the Champs-Élysées aspect—don’t attempt to cross the site visitors.

▶ Learn the complete article: Go to the Arc de Triomphe: Definitely worth the climb?

#4 The Champs-Élysées

It’s usually known as essentially the most stunning avenue on the planet—and sure, it has grandeur. The dimensions, the bushes, the view towards the Arc de Triomphe—all of it appears spectacular. For a lot of guests, strolling the Champs-Élysées looks like a dream come true.

However take it with a grain of salt. It’s touristy, overpriced, and stuffed with chain shops and the occasional rip-off. You gained’t discover a lot of actual Paris right here.

Nonetheless, it’s iconic. Stroll it as soon as, simply to see it. Begin on the Arc and head towards Place de la Concorde. Early morning is greatest—it’s quieter and fewer overwhelming.

▶ Learn the complete article: The Champs-Élysées: Iconic, Overrated, or Each?

#5 Notre-Dame Cathedral

Restored, reopened, and nonetheless certainly one of Paris’s strongest sights.

After 5 years of meticulous restoration, Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened its doorways in December 2024. The inside has been totally restored, permitting guests to as soon as once more expertise its hovering nave, intricate stained glass, and the reverent environment that defines this iconic cathedral.

Whereas some exterior work continues, the principle construction and inside are accessible. Entry is free, however it’s advisable to order a time slot on-line resulting from excessive demand.

Early mornings or late afternoons are typically much less crowded. Even when you’ve seen it earlier than, the renewed grandeur of Notre-Dame is value experiencing.

▶ Learn the complete article: Find out how to Go to Notre-Dame in 2025: After the Fireplace

#6 Sainte-Chapelle

Smaller than you count on. Extra stunning than you imagined.

Hidden contained in the previous royal palace (at present the Courtroom of Justice), on Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is straightforward to overlook—and also you shouldn’t. The sainted glass that you simply discover int this Gothic chapel dates again to the thirteenth century and is among the oldest on the planet. It appears unreal.

Fifteen tall panels inform biblical tales in reds, blues, and golds that change with the sunshine. It’s not massive, and the go to is not going to take lengthy, however it looks like stepping right into a jewel field.

Go on a sunny day if attainable. E-book forward —entry is timed and area is tight.

▶ Learn the complete article: Sainte-Chapelle in Paris – Fast Information

#7 Cruise on the Seine

A easy, enjoyable approach to see town from a distinct angle.

You simply sit again and let town glide previous—no strolling, no planning, simply the view.

When boarding a Seine River Cruise, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and all of the bridges in between. It’s a stunning means to soak up Paris, particularly when you’re quick on time or simply wish to gradual issues down for a bit.

The tempo is straightforward, the temper is quiet, and it’s not too costly both. Simply chill out and benefit from the change in perspective. In the event you really feel like making it extra particular, you may improve to a dinner cruise or a champagne tasting.

▶ Learn the complete article: 5 Greatest Seine River Cruise in Paris: Your Final Information

#8 The Catacombs

Darkish, unusual, and in contrast to anything within the metropolis.

The Catacombs aren’t for everybody, however they go away a mark. You head down into the Parisian underground and end up in slim tunnels lined with the bones of hundreds of thousands—organized neatly, virtually artfully, in lengthy stone corridors.

It’s quiet, all the time round 14°C, and might really feel a bit claustrophobic. However when you’re drawn to the stranger, darker aspect of Paris, this is among the metropolis’s most memorable experiences.

Tickets promote out quick, so guide on-line upfront. Don’t go anticipating a museum—it’s extra about environment than data.

▶ Learn the complete article: [Full guide to the Catacombs]

#9 Musée d’Orsay

Simpler to get pleasure from than the Louvre—and simply as spectacular in its personal means.

Set inside a former practice station proper by the Seine, the constructing alone is value a glance. When it comes to artwork historical past, Musée d’Orsay picks up the place the Louvre leaves off—protecting the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries.

It’s recognized for its unimaginable Impressionist assortment, with extra work by Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir than anyplace else on the planet. You’ll additionally discover Van Gogh, Degas, and Cézanne. The format’s simpler to comply with than the Louvre, the tempo is calmer, and the entire place feels extra manageable.

Begin upstairs for the massive names, then work your means down by way of the sculpture halls. In the event you’re visiting in excessive season, guide forward—it will get busy.

▶ Learn the complete article: [Full guide to Musée d’Orsay]

#10 Panthéon

Huge, critical, and infrequently ignored.

Set within the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon isn’t flashy—it’s huge. Constructed as church to honour Sainte Geneviève, it was reworked throughout the Revolution right into a secular mausoleum. In the present day, it stands as a state monument honouring France’s most outstanding figures.

Inside, you’ll discover the tombs of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and lots of extra. However don’t miss the Foucault pendulum or the rooftop view—top-of-the-line panoramas in Paris.

Entry to the Panthéon is normally fast, and it’s straightforward to pair with a stroll by way of the close by Luxembourg Gardens or whereas exploring the Quartier Latin.

▶ Learn the complete article: Information to the Panthéon: France’s Corridor of Honour

#11 Opéra Garnier

One among Paris’s most stunning interiors—and also you don’t want a ticket to the opera to see it.

Even when you don’t see a present, the constructing of the Opéra Garnier itself is value visiting. The grand staircase, the chandelier, the marble, the gold—it’s lots, in the easiest way.

You’ll be able to normally go to on a self-guided tour, however it’s not open day by day. Entry is dependent upon rehearsals and the efficiency schedule, and it usually will get booked out. Test forward earlier than you go.

Take your time, lookup usually, and when you’re into Phantom of the Opera, that is the place all of it started.

▶ Get your entry ticket nicely upfront: guide right here

#12 Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Iconic, energetic, and nonetheless stuffed with appeal—this one belongs on any must-see record.

Montmartre is certainly one of Paris’s most well-known neighborhoods for a purpose. Perched on a hill, it’s a mixture of previous artist corners, small museums, galleries, and cobbled streets—with simply as many bars, cafés, and buzzing crowds. It’s quaint, quirky, and chaotic abruptly.

Climb the hill utilizing the aspect streets when you can—it’s slower however much less packed than the principle stairs. Sacré-Cœur sits on the high of Montmartre, enormous and vivid, with a view that stretches throughout town. It will get busy on weekends, however that’s a part of the environment too.

Keep a bit after sundown. The vacationers skinny out, the sunshine softens, and the neighborhood feels extra like itself.

▶ Learn the complete article: 35 Greatest Issues to do in Montmartre (Native Insider Information)

Wrap up: Should-See Sights in Paris

That’s the twelve. The landmarks, the museums, the neighborhoods—the locations that also maintain up, even after they’re packed. You don’t must squeeze all of them in. Simply choose those that match your tempo, whether or not you want issues mapped out or want to wander.

There’s extra to Paris, after all. Smaller corners, native spots, quiet streets. However that is the place most individuals begin—and for good purpose.

They’re not simply well-known. They’re additionally value seeing for your self.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

Professional in: Parisian Life &

French Tradition, Journey

Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks

Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.

NEW: The Salut from Paris Journey Information:

If my Paris insights show you how to plan your journey, please contemplate supporting me. Merci! ❤️ ☕