Tourist Attractions in Paris

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Paris

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Paris

Paris has always had a romantic halo. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital of lovers, the centre of art and palatial European architecture. Excursion programmes in Paris are always rich, so every day you will discover the capital of France anew.

A river trip along the Seine, admiring the solemn vaults of Notre Dame de Paris, a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, tasting the best French wines and cheeses – this is a small list of what you should have time to do during your trip to Paris.

Festivals and events are held year-round in the French capital, interesting theatre premieres start, and the best exhibitions in Europe are arranged. Paris is also the centre of gastronomic tourism. French cuisine is considered to be the most exquisite in the world.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower

 4.7/5

384157 reviews

The most famous and recognisable symbol of Paris (and the whole of France), a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Several million people visit the attraction every year. The tower is a metal structure 324 metres high with lifts, an observation deck, restaurants and a lighthouse at the top. It was built by Gustave Eiffel and originally served as the entrance to the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:45 PM

Louvre Museum

 4.7/5

304316 reviews

An architectural ensemble that served as the residence of French kings from the 16th to the 17th centuries until the court moved to Versailles. The palace became a museum already in the 18th century. The first collections were gathered from the personal funds of Francis I and Louis XIV. Now the collection of the Louvre has more than 400 thousand exhibits, about 35 thousand are permanently exhibited. The famous painting “Mona Lisa” created by da Vinci is kept in the museum.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Arc de Triomphe

 4.7/5

234038 reviews

An architectural monument on the Place Charles de Gaulle. Construction of the monument began in 1806 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte after the French victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. The work was completed after the emperor’s death in 1936. The arch was built by architect Jean Schalgren. The four sides of the monument are decorated with sculptural groups dedicated to military victories and achievements of the French Revolution.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:15 PM

 0/5

An outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the most visited cathedral in Paris. It was begun in the XII century on the site of an ancient pagan temple of Jupiter. By the middle of the XIV century the work was completed. During the French Revolution Notre Dame fell into disrepair, but in 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte chose it as the site of his coronation, which partially restored the temple to its former importance. The last restoration took place in the 1920s.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

 0/5

The temple is located on Montmartre Hill, it rises above Paris with snow-white domes. Construction began in the second half of the XIX century, when France was going through hard times. The temple was erected on the site of the demolished Benedictine monastery, where Ignatius Loyola – the future Grand Master of the Jesuit order – took his vows. The basilica was built over 30 years with donations from Parisians and state funds.

Champs-Élysées

 4.7/5

2947 reviews

The famous Parisian street is considered the most expensive street in the world, along with Fifth Avenue in New York and Oxford Street in London. It stretches for almost 2 kilometres from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Important events of French public life take place here, and during holidays the street is decorated with garlands. On the Champs-Elysees there are shops of famous brands, restaurants and hotels.

Palace of Versailles

 4.6/5

139596 reviews

A palace and park ensemble in the Paris suburbs, the famous residence of the French monarchs. Versailles appeared thanks to the efforts of Louis XIV in the XVII century. Gradually from a modest hunting castle under the supervision of architects Jules Ardouin-Mansard and Louis Leveaux grew a luxurious palace, which became a symbol of the era of the “Sun King”. Many European monarchs took Versailles as a model for building their own residences.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Jardin du Luxembourg

 4.7/5

105404 reviews

The architectural complex was built for Henry IV’s wife Maria de’ Medici in the 17th century. The palace is now home to the French Senate, and the garden has become a popular place for Parisians to stroll. Concerts and photo exhibitions are often held here. The attraction is located in the Latin Quarter of the city. Somewhere in this neighbourhood lived the famous characters of A. Dumas from the immortal work “The Three Musketeers”.

Open time

Montmartre

 4.7/5

5443 reviews

A hill and a famous neighbourhood of the French capital. A colourful place where representatives of the Parisian bohemians lived, including André Salmon, Picasso, Modigliani, Georges Braque. Montmartre was the birthplace of the modern artistic style Cubism. A considerable number of sights are concentrated here: boulevards, temples, museums. The main square of the district still gathers people of art.

Île de la Cité

 4.7/5

740 reviews

It is located in the centre of the capital, in the middle of the River Seine. Several bridges connect the island to the rest of the city from all sides. Cité is the heart of Paris, home to Notre-Dame-de-Paris, the Château de la Conciergerie and the Chapel of St-Chapelle. Celtic settlements on the island appeared in 300 BC. In 508 AD, the Cité fortress became the residence for the rulers of the Merovingian clan, the first dynasty of French rulers.

Place de la Bastille

 0/5

A late 18th century square built on the site of the Bastille defence fortress. For almost 400 years, the fort served as a prison for political prisoners and became a symbol of the hated monarchy for the people. After the famous storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, it was decided to dismantle the structure. A wide square was paved in its place. In 1840, the July Column was erected here in honour of the July Revolution.

Latin Quarter

 0/5

An old neighbourhood in the centre of Paris around the Sorbonne University. The neighbourhood used to be mainly inhabited by students, as the Sorbonne is home to several other educational institutions. Over time, the neighbourhood has become a tourist attraction. It is always noisy and fun. There is a relaxed and festive atmosphere in the numerous bars.

Sorbonne

 0/5

A real pride of France, one of the best and oldest European universities. The institution was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and since then it has been keeping the old traditions and maintaining the highest quality of education. Since the beginning of the XVII century Sorbonne became the centre of European philosophy and theology. Today, the Sorbonne brand unites 13 independent universities.

The Centre Pompidou

 4.4/5

56587 reviews

A popular museum of modern art, built in 1977 by French President J. Pompidou. It is a symbol of modernisation and renewal of France. The original design of the building was proposed by the authors R. Rogers and R. Piano. The building is unusual in that all engineering communications are moved outside, while inside the building maximum space is used for various expositions.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Musée d'Orsay

 4.7/5

86520 reviews

Museum displaying the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. The building was constructed for the opening of the 1900 Paris World Exhibition and was used as a railway station until 1939. The architecture of the museum is a combination of elements of industrial style and classicism of the XIX century. After the station was closed, the house was planned to be demolished and a hotel built in its place, but then it was decided to organise the museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Palais Garnier

 4.7/5

42035 reviews

Another name for the theatre stage is the Grand Opera House. Its construction began under Emperor Napoleon III in the mid-19th century according to the project of architect Charles Garnier. Several dozens of sculptors worked on the decoration of the facade, so there is no single style in the design. The interiors of the opera house are made without bulky columns and supports (as in other theatres), so there is a lot of space and light inside.

Open time

Moulin Rouge

 4.3/5

10334 reviews

A famous French variety show, art cafe and the hallmark of Parisian nightlife. The cabaret has existed since the end of the XIX century and has been very popular for more than 100 years. At first this place was considered to be a “hot spot” with frivolous morals. The cabaret hall is always full, tickets for performances are bought in advance. The shows involve dozens of artists and hundreds of costumes made by famous designers.

Open time

MDPH 75 - Maison départementale des personnes handicapées de Paris

 3.7/5

281 reviews

An architectural complex near the Eiffel Tower. The house was built under Louis XIV and was used as a shelter for veterans who were wounded and maimed during wars. There were no similar institutions in Europe, so the monarch showed his care for his subjects. The House of Invalides received its first guests in 1674. The ensemble consists of the church of St Louis, slender rows of barracks, a park and a hospital.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Conciergerie

 4.4/5

8964 reviews

A former royal castle on the Isle of Cité, one of the oldest in Paris. It was built on the site of a 6th century fortress where King Chlodwig of the Franks lived. Until the end of the 14th century, the castle was home to the French monarchs, but after the court moved to the Louvre, the Conciergerie was turned into a prison, which over the centuries has been littered with dark stories. Thousands of prisoners (including Queen Marie Antoinette) went to the guillotine from here.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Panthéon

 4.6/5

53096 reviews

A French Classicist building in the Latin Quarter. It was originally a church, but later became a burial place for famous and important personalities in French history. The Pantheon began to be built in 1764, the first stone was laid by King Louis XV. The ashes of the great thinkers Rousseau and Voltaire, the writers Emile Zola and Victor Hugo, and the physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie rest under the arches of the building.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Montparnasse Tower

 4.5/5

11591 reviews

The only skyscraper in the city limits over 200 metres high. The tower houses company offices, shops, banks and restaurants. More than 5,000 employees work in the building every day. The observation decks can be reached by high-speed lifts that take passengers to the 56th floor in a few tens of seconds. The tower was built between 1969 and 1972.

Open time

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

 4.6/5

3544 reviews

A world-famous necropolis where many famous personalities are buried. The attraction attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. The cemetery has been operating since 1804, over two centuries its territory has grown to several dozens of hectares, today it is a whole city with alleys, chapels and monumental crypts. Many actors, statesmen, writers, artists and poets have found their final resting place here.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Catacombs of Paris

 4/5

8329 reviews

A network of artificial caves and tunnels laid at a depth of 15-20 metres. Their total length is not one hundred kilometres. The dungeons have existed since the XIII century. There used to be limestone mines, then wine cellars, and since the XVIII century – underground cemeteries. Tourists can walk along a 2.5 – kilometre excursion route in the catacombs, the rest of the underground complex is closed.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM

Pont Alexandre III

 4.8/5

32634 reviews

A graceful bridge decorated with angels, nymphs and openwork lanterns in the boz-ar architectural style. It spans the Seine River. Passing over the bridge, one can get from the Champs Elysees to the territory of the House of Invalides. The structure was named in honour of Russian Emperor Alexander III to emphasise the closeness of France and Russia at a certain period of time. The bridge was declared a valuable architectural monument in 1975.

Open time

Capuchin Boulevard

A Parisian street that became famous during the development of cinema. It was here that the Lumière brothers showed their first film in 1985. After that, small cinemas began to open one by one on the boulevard, as the new art quickly gained popularity among the public. The Olympia and the Paramount Opera, which opened in the early 20th century, are still open. The composer Jacques Offenbach lived on the Boulevard Capuchinok.

Bois de Boulogne

 4.3/5

26887 reviews

A large green massif of Paris, a park area called “the western lungs of Europe”. In the past centuries, it was the location of royal hunting grounds. Luxurious festivals, receptions and picnics of the French court were organised on the territory of the forest. Under Louis XVI the Bois de Boulogne Forest was opened for public visits. Now this area has become a popular city park.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Tuileries Garden

 4.6/5

102423 reviews

A public park occupying the space from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. The garden features sculptures – copies of exhibits from the royal Versailles, chestnut alleys and flowerbeds. The park was started by Catherine de Medici. On her order, the tile workshops were demolished (they were called “tuileries”, hence the name of the garden) and the place was cleared for the future park.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Paris

 0/5

A river that is considered the soul and centre of life in Paris. It is one of the largest in France. The Seine originates in Burgundy and flows into the Strait of La Manche. On the territory of Paris the river artery repeatedly bends, dividing the French capital into historical-cultural and business parts. Numerous pleasure boats ply the Seine, transporting tourists from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

 4.5/5

70182 reviews

A shopping centre, a temple of the fashion industry and a place of pilgrimage for fashionistas from all over the world. The collections of all the famous French designers are presented here. Originally at the end of the XIX century it was a small shop selling ribbons and lace, but in a few years it grew into a large shopping centre. Galeries Lafayette was one of the first to use modern marketing: brightly coloured signs, discounts and large windows.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Disneyland Paris

 4.5/5

285318 reviews

An amusement park in the Parisian suburb of Marne-la-Vallée, in operation since 1992. The park belongs to the American company Walt Disney. It is a magical world for children, where all the famous characters of Disney cartoons live, the scenery from favourite fairy tales is recreated, and countless rides that delight adults also work. The park is home to residential and business districts, hotels and golf courses.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM