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Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Paris (With Tickets, Transport, and Routes)

  • Writer: MaYen Ma
    MaYen Ma
  • Aug 19
  • 5 min read
Paris
Visit Attractions in Paris

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Paris, the City of Light, continues to capture the hearts of travelers worldwide. From its timeless monuments to hidden gems, the French capital offers an unforgettable mix of history, romance, and culture. In this guide, we’ll dive into the 10 most popular attractions in Paris, offering not just a glimpse of what you’ll see but also practical details—ticket information, metro routes, suggested itineraries, and insider tips. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you explore Paris in the smartest way possible.


1. The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower

Why Visit

The symbol of Paris and perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the world. Offering panoramic views of the city, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any visitor.

Tickets

  • Adults (lift to top): €29.40

  • Ages 12–24: €14.70

  • Children (4–11): €7.40

  • Stairs to 2nd floor: €11.80

  • Tickets can be purchased online (recommended to skip long queues).

Transport

  • Metro: Line 6 (Bir-Hakeim) or Line 9 (Trocadéro).

  • RER: Line C (Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel).

  • Short walk from both stations.

Route & Tips

  1. Start at Trocadéro Square for the best photo opportunity.

  2. Walk across the Pont d’Iéna for dramatic views.

  3. Enter the tower from the south pillar to avoid crowds.

  4. Visit in the late afternoon and stay until evening when the lights sparkle every hour.


2. The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum

Why Visit

Home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and over 35,000 works of art. The Louvre is not only the world’s largest museum but also a former royal palace.

Tickets

  • General admission: €17 (online booking recommended).

  • Free entry for under 18s and EU residents under 26.

  • Free on the first Saturday evening of each month (6–9:45 pm).

Transport

  • Metro: Line 1 or 7 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre).

  • Bus: Lines 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 95.

Route & Tips

  1. Enter via the Pyramid entrance for iconic views.

  2. Focus on three wings: Denon (Mona Lisa, Italian art), Sully (Egyptian antiquities), Richelieu (sculptures, Napoleon III apartments).

  3. Allow 3–4 hours minimum.

  4. Combine with a stroll along the Tuileries Garden afterward.


3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral

Why Visit

Although still under restoration after the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame remains one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in the world. Visitors can still admire its façade and explore the surrounding Île de la Cité.

Tickets

  • Exterior and square: Free.

  • Towers (reopening in 2025): estimated €10–15.

  • Nearby Crypt Archaeological Museum: €9.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 4 (Cité) or Line 1 & 11 (Hôtel de Ville).

  • RER B & C: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.

Route & Tips

  1. Walk along the Seine River to approach the cathedral for the best view.

  2. Explore Shakespeare & Company bookstore nearby.

  3. Pair your visit with Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stained glass.


4. Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Why Visit

The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, while the Champs-Élysées is the world’s most famous avenue.

Tickets

  • Arc de Triomphe rooftop: €13.

  • Free for under 18 and EU residents under 26.

Transport

  • Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6).

  • The Arc is located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle.

Route & Tips

  1. Climb the rooftop for a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense.

  2. Walk down the Champs-Élysées for luxury shopping and cafés.

  3. End at Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Garden.

5. Musée d’Orsay

Why Visit

A converted Beaux-Arts railway station, now home to the world’s best collection of Impressionist art. See works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas.

Tickets

  • General: €16.

  • Free for under 18s and EU residents under 26.

  • Free on the first Sunday of each month.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 12 (Solférino).

  • RER C: Musée d’Orsay.

Route & Tips

  1. Start at the top floor with Impressionists.

  2. Don’t miss the giant clock windows overlooking the Seine.

  3. Combine with a Seine River walk or the Rodin Museum nearby.


6. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Why Visit

A charming, bohemian district famous for artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers stunning views of Paris.

Tickets

  • Basilica entry: Free.

  • Dome access: €7.

  • Crypt access: €3.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 2 (Anvers) or Line 12 (Abbesses).

  • Walk uphill or take the Montmartre funicular (uses a metro ticket).

Route & Tips

  1. Start at Place du Tertre to see artists at work.

  2. Visit the Sacré-Cœur interior, then climb the dome.

  3. Explore Moulin Rouge nearby for evening shows.


7. Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles

Why Visit

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Versailles is the ultimate symbol of French monarchy and grandeur.

Tickets

  • Palace: €19.50.

  • Passport (Palace + Gardens + Trianon): €27.

  • Gardens only (on Musical Fountain days): €9.50.

Transport

  • RER C: Versailles Château Rive Gauche (40 minutes from Paris).

  • Short walk to the palace entrance.

Route & Tips

  1. Start with the Hall of Mirrors.

  2. Visit the Gardens and Fountains.

  3. Explore the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.

  4. Plan at least half a day.


8. Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle

Why Visit

A hidden gem with some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in the world.

Tickets

  • General admission: €11.50.

  • Free for under 18 and EU residents under 26.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 4 (Cité).

  • Located near Notre-Dame.

Route & Tips

  1. Visit in the morning when sunlight illuminates the glass.

  2. Combine with a visit to Conciergerie, the medieval royal palace.


9. Seine River Cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

Seine River Cruise
Seine River Cruise

Why Visit

The best way to see Paris’s landmarks in one trip. Pass by the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Musée d’Orsay.

Tickets

  • Standard cruise: €15–€18.

  • Dinner cruise: from €70.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 9 (Alma-Marceau) for Bateaux-Mouches.

  • Other operators near the Eiffel Tower and Pont Neuf.

Route & Tips

  1. Take a sunset cruise for magical views.

  2. Choose dinner cruises for a romantic experience.


10. Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens

Why Visit

A relaxing escape in the heart of Paris, with fountains, statues, and the French Senate.

Tickets

  • Entry: Free.

Transport

  • Metro: Line 4 (Odéon) or Line 10 (Luxembourg).

Route & Tips

  1. Stroll around the Medici Fountain.

  2. Relax in one of the iconic green chairs.

  3. Ideal picnic spot before heading to the Latin Quarter.

Suggested Itinerary Route

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Paris

Day 1: Eiffel Tower → Arc de Triomphe → Champs-Élysées → Seine Cruise

Day 2: Louvre → Musée d’Orsay → Tuileries Garden

Day 3: Notre-Dame → Sainte-Chapelle → Latin Quarter

Day 4: Versailles Day Trip

Day 5: Montmartre → Sacré-Cœur → Moulin Rouge

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Paris Conclusion

Paris is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that blends culture, romance, history, and modern vibrance. By planning ahead with tickets, routes, and insider tips, you can make the most of every hour in the City of Light. Whether you’re gazing from the top of the Eiffel Tower, walking the artistic streets of Montmartre, or losing yourself in the Louvre’s treasures, each step is a moment to cherish.

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