by nightowl
If this is your first time to visit Paris, and you only have a limited time to see the sights, be sure to include these iconic attractions,
Paris has many more treasures for you to discover, but if you can only visit a handful of them, then these are your must-see, do-not-miss essentials.
When in Paris, one can't help but notice the Eiffel Tower sooner or later. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, and built in 1889 just in time for the opening of the World Fair, the Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most recognizable structures. It has become not only a symbol of Paris but also an icon for the entire French nation.
So then, a visit to the Eiffel Tower should be the staple on every Paris tourist list of things to do. Depending on your physical constitution, you may either ride the elevator or climb the more than 300 steps each to the first and second levels. Restaurants are located on each of these levels which are a tad pricey but provide a great view over the city.
The third level, at the top of the tower, can only be reached by elevator. To access the Eiffel Tower, tickets must be purchased, and lines may be long. Regardless, if you've never been here before you will not want to miss this.
The Champs-Élysées is the major boulevard leading to the Arc de Triomphe monument. It is famous for it's world-class luxury shopping, bistros, theaters and cafes and has been named the "most beautiful avenue in the world". The sidewalk is lined with specially trimmed chestnut trees.
Although traffic gets quite congested during rush hour, it is a sight to behold. Take a leisurely stroll down this most expensive (rent-wise) avenue, which runs for about 1.25 miles (or 2 kilometers) from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, which was built by Napoleon to commemorate his victories. Truly one of the premier Paris tourist attractions especially for first time visitors.
The Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1163 and 1345 in the French gothic architecture. It almost goes without saying that Notre Dame has seen its share of historic events: The coronation of Napoleon in 1807, the wedding of Mary Queen of Scots. the canonization of Joan of Arc, to name but a few examples. The cathedral also contains the Holy Crown of Thorns reliquary.
Its flying buttresses, fearsome Gargoyles, magnificent organ and beautiful stained glass windows are just a few of the architectural details that put this famous church on my must-see list of Paris tourist attractions.
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![By Tirithel (Own work) [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Sacre_Coeur_Exterior.JPG)
Sacré-Cœur BasilicaThe Sacre-Coer Basilica, also known as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is a very popular landmark located atop the Montmartre hill.
The PanthéonModeled after the Pantheon temple in Rome, this neo-classicistic church has become the final resting place of many of Paris' notable citizens. Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, along with a host of other illustrious Parisians, are interred here.
The Musée du Louvre is not just one of the largest museums, but also (unfortunately) the most visited art museum in the world. Long lines may be taxing your determination to behold the magnificent masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt & Co., but you must persevere!
Visiting the Louvre, at least once in your lifetime, is not optional. Plan the day early, bring some snacks and entertainment for the wait, ensure your camera has good batteries (no flash allowed inside though) and prepare to be blown away.
Keep this in mind when planning your visit to the Louvre:
Although the Louvre may be the largest and most famed of them all, Paris has many other significant museums. In fact, you could probably visit a different museum every other day for an entire year, and not run out of destinations.
If you are an art lover and museum fan I'd highly recommend investing in the Paris Pass. You'll not only gain free entrance to over 40 museums but it also includes front-of-the-line priviledges for some of the most popular ones like the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou and many others.
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There are, of course, a myriad of other landmarks and attractions that Paris has to offer. As such, one page cannot do justice to this topic. However, if you are planning your first trip to Paris and have limited time, this little guide will point you to the essential Paris tourist attractions that should not be missed.
If you do plan on doing a fair amount of sightseeing, I highly recommend planning your stay ahead of time and investing in the Paris Pass. One price will give you access to all the major attractions, not just in the city of Paris, but also some surrounding areas, and it even includes a cruise on the River Seine.
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What are your favorite Paris Tourist Attractions?
nightowl, Thank you for the essential Paris tour. I think that if I could do only one indoor experience it would be the Louvre and only one outdoor experience it would be the Champs Élysées (even though I love the Jardin des Plantes and the Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens).
Never been there. That's why every time I see something talking about this marvelous place, I'm attracted to it. It's on my Places I'd Like To Go list.
Nicely written article and beautiful photos. Paris is must see destination and the attraction one can visit are countless.
Paris is a lovely place and it is in my wish list. A beautiful tourist vacation place which is an epitome of ancient art, culture and heritage. The photos are amazing.
Last year I visited Paris, and I would recommend everyone to do go there and enjoy rich culture, history, and beautiful architecture.
Louvre amazed me! HUGE museum! Wonderful art!
You have covered the most important tourist attractions in this article! Love it!
Thanks for your comments and tips. It has been many years since I last visited, but Paris is unforgettable. One day I hope to bring my kids.
One fine day I'll need this as Paris is high on my travel list. You've heightened that desire with a beautiful review of the magical Paris.
Pere Lachaise cemetery for taking photos and the amazling interesting Quai Branly museum ( indigenous art, cultures and civilizations)
A very difficult question. Maybe I kike best just wandering about, no special goal. Rue de Rennes is my favourite shopping street, so I often end up there.
I love visiting Paris. Notre Dame is my favorite place to go, though there are so many other places to visit as well.