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Famous places in Paris and what makes them iconic
Known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris also tops the list when it comes to entertainment and culture. Many flock to the city’s renowned landmarks, museums, and historic sites. From lofty towers and busy boulevards to its iconic museums and grandiose palaces, Paris has a way of romancing its visitors to return time after time.
1. Eiffel Tower:
The Eiffel Tower has been a national icon for over 130 years. You’ll see it in every skyline photo and box-office hits like Midnight in Paris, Rush Hour 3, and Monte Carlo.Looming over 1,000 feet above the city, many still try to capture this architectural marvel in a single frame—whether it’s from Les Jardins du Trocadéro or the sprawling lawns of Champ de Mars. To get ahead of the crowd, buy skip-the-line tickets or opt for a guided climbing tour (a pro-tip to beat the elevator lines). The picture-perfect views from the summit are absolutely worth it.
2. Louvre Museum:
The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world. Millions of tourists make the trip not just to pose in front of its sleek pyramid entrance, but to see masterpieces like Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa first-hand.
Housing an extensive collection of over 380,000 exhibits, the museum can’t be covered in a day. Check out our guide to the Louvre's must-see paintings or maximize your visit with a skip-the-line guided tour of the Louvre’s highlights.
3. Arc de Triomphe:
Located at the western end of Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe is the most emblematic attraction in Paris. It was constructed in 1806 to commemorate some of France’s biggest victories, and memorialize noble soldiers who lost their lives tragically.
Don’t just admire it from the ground: climb up to the viewing platform and revel in unobstructed views of the city—you might even be able to see La Défense and Montmartre in the distance. After that, conquer the scores of boutiques, department stores, and fancy restaurants along bustling Champs-Élysées.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral:
The 800-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’ most revered monuments. This esteemed church is also the most famous Gothic cathedral of the Middle Ages, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.Formerly the location of major events like coronations, weddings, and funerals, the Notre-Dame also became a common tourist pit-stop. Inside, visitors would marvel at the stained-glass rose windows and massive bells. Although it remains closed after the devastating fire, you can still appreciate its resplendent architecture along the banks of the Seine River.
5. Champs Élysées:
Whether you’re planning a sightseeing bus tour or a shopping spree, add Champs-Élysées, Paris’ famous shopping street, to your itinerary. This tree-lined boulevard is one of the most beautiful spots in Paris. It also connects Arc de Triomphe with Place de la Concorde, so include some photo-taking along the way. Better still, get a tourist pass and save on entry fees.
Known as the Beverly Hills of Paris, Champs-Élysées is home to upscale boutiques, posh restaurants, and swanky hotels. There are wallet-friendly options too, like Starbucks and McDonald’s. If the little ones are tagging along, the Disney store warrants a detour.
6. Disneyland Paris:
Disneyland Paris is the only Disneyland in Europe, and that makes it worth a trip. Start your day early and revel in the magic of both parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Check out the best Disneyland rides, heartwarming shows, nostalgic Disney merchandise and dazzling fireworks, this fun-filled outing will excite the young and young at heart.
Don’t miss the Disney Village nearby—a great shopping and dining hub, especially if you need to bag more souvenirs. There’s also a wonderful hot-air balloon ride, PanoraMagique, which boasts spectacular views over Lake Disney (weather-permitting). Read our guide to Disneyland Paris for more tips and tricks before you go.
7. Seine River:
Seine River is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. Soak in the lovely scenery from the comfort of a bateaux (flat-bottomed riverboat). Whether it’s day or night, prep your cameras for the regal Grand Palais, Ponts des Arts, Île Saint-Louis, and the Eiffel Tower.
Surprise someone special and take them on a lunchtime sightseeing cruise. Or pick a sunset sail and watch the monuments shimmer beneath the night sky.
8. Basilica of Sacré-Cœur:
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is a striking Roman Catholic church nestled on Montmartre hill. It’s one of the most noticeable landmarks in Paris and attracts many for its gleaming-white marble architecture and special aura.
For the best vantage point, head up to the esplanade area—after climbing over 200 steps—and be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the city. Avoid golden hour though, when it’s teeming with photo enthusiasts. After your visit, explore the neighborhood and visit Place du Tertre, Le Consulat (for coffee lovers), and Musee de Montmartre, which celebrates the art and history of the area.
9. Musée d'Orsay:
Musée d'Orsay is renowned for housing the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. Most of these brilliant artworks span the period between the 18th and 19th centuries. With thousands of paintings (some of which are rare), and hundreds of sculptures, make a beeline for famous pieces first like Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Claude Monet’s The Magpie.
This opulent museum sits in a century-old railway station. Come on weekday mornings when it’s less crowded, and take advantage of the photo ops starting with the Musée d’Orsay Clock.
10. Tuileries Garden:
Once you’ve wrapped up your Musée d’Orsay tour, stroll to the nearby Tuileries Garden. This popular French garden is the ideal spot for a lazy afternoon picnic, amidst the manicured trees and statues. Alternatively, admire the colorful shrubs from the park benches or cafes.
If you visit Paris during the summer between June and August, enjoy Fête des Tuileries. The kids will love this traditional carnival with over 60 attractions, a 1900s carousel, and treats like cotton candy and toffee apples.
11. Panthéon:
The Panthéon honors revolutionary French citizens like Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Voltaire. Built in a neoclassical style, this national mausoleum was originally a church. Today, you can pay homage to some of the most distinguished people whose final resting place is in the Crypt.
Inside, you’ll find many statues on the main floor, breathtaking artworks, and sculptures of illustrious scientists and politicians. The Panthéon may not be suitable for young kids or the elderly (due to the lack of elevators), so make this a brief pit-stop before exploring the rest of Paris’ Latin Quarter.
