Paris can be grand, romantic, noisy, elegant and slightly overwhelming—all before lunch. That is part of its appeal. The city rewards first-time visitors, but it also keeps offering new corners to people who return. This guide brings together five places that make a strong introduction. If you are planning a wider European trip, our Europe travel category has more ideas.
I would not try to see Paris only through its biggest monuments. Keep the famous sights, of course, but leave room for a neighbourhood walk, a long coffee and the kind of accidental discovery that makes a city feel personal.
Before the list, watch the Paris video:
#5 — Montmartre
Montmartre is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and sweeping views across Paris. The hilltop neighbourhood is home to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, narrow streets, cafés, boutiques and art galleries. Street performers add to the mood, while the Moulin Rouge brings a very different kind of Parisian spectacle.
#4 — Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on the Île de la Cité. Its stained glass, gargoyles and famous rose window have made it one of the world’s best-known churches. Construction began in the 12th century and took almost 200 years to complete. Even when you are admiring only the exterior and nearby Square Jean XXIII, the scale of the building is remarkable.
#3 — The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is housed in a former palace and contains one of the world’s most famous collections of art and artefacts. The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo are among the highlights, but the museum is much larger than its famous names. You could spend an entire day exploring its galleries, temporary exhibitions, cafés and restaurants.
#2 — Palace of Versailles
About 20 kilometres from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is one of the great examples of French Baroque architecture. It was the main residence of French royalty from 1682 until the Revolution in 1789. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments and the Royal Opera, then continue into the vast gardens with their fountains, sculptures, Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon.
#1 — The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol most people picture when they hear “Paris”. Completed in 1889 as a temporary structure for the World’s Fair, it eventually became permanent. Take the lift for panoramic views, eat at one of the restaurants, or admire the tower from the ground. At night, when thousands of lights sparkle across its frame, it is difficult not to stop and look up.
Paris is more than a collection of famous sights, but these five places make a memorable first route. After the Eiffel Tower, leave the timetable behind for a while. The next good discovery may be waiting on an ordinary street.
If you are continuing through Europe, our London guide is another city worth discovering.
