Paris is a city full of iconic sights, and it’s no wonder 44 million people visited in 2022 alone. From historic cathedrals to modern bridges, gardens, and charming neighborhoods, the city offers landmarks that capture the heart of every traveler.
We’ve explored Paris multiple times, and to bring you a list of landmarks worth seeing, we’ve also gathered insights from fellow travel bloggers. Whether it’s a world-famous icon or a hidden gem, these are the places every traveler should experience — and here’s why.
Page Contents
Eiffel Tower
More than a famous landmark in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the main symbol of Paris and France. It is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and something everyone associates with the city of light and France.
The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 International Fair by bridge engineer Gustaf Eiffel. Built between 1887 and 1889, the tower was the main attraction of the fair despite its initially controversial design.
Considered a technological masterpiece in building-construction history, the Eiffel Tower was like nothing else built at the time, with about twice the size of the Great Pyramids or the Dome of St. Peter in Rome.
When finished, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world, with 300 meters (plus 30 meters of the antenna). Only in 1929 was it surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York. The base square is also huge, with 125 meters on each side.
Since its completion in 1889, more than 300 million people have visited the Iron Lady, as it is informally known. It is considered the most-visited paid landmark globally, and about 25,000 people ascend it daily. So expect long queues, particularly in the high season.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral reopened in 2024, once again welcoming visitors after years of careful restoration. Standing proudly on the Île de la Cité since the 13th century, this Gothic masterpiece is back at the heart of Parisian life.
With its striking towers, intricate rose window, and the famous gargoyles keeping watch over the city, Notre Dame is more than just architecture—it’s a symbol. Immortalized by Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the novel is often credited with saving the cathedral from destruction in the 1800s.
Step inside to see how the post-fire renovation has restored its grandeur, or linger outside to find “Paris Point Zero,” the small bronze marker from which all distances in France are measured. It’s easy to miss, but it’s a quirky detail worth seeking out.
Be prepared for crowds, though—like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, Notre Dame draws visitors from all over the world. But that buzz of excitement is part of the Paris experience.
Louvre museum
Even if you don’t love art, the Louvre Museum is a mandatory place to go. It is the most famous and largest museum in the world. And alongside the Eiffel Tower, they are the most iconic landmarks in Paris.
The Louvre Museum has an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts from a thousand years and various cultures. It displays 35,000 artworks, divided into sections according to culture: Egyptian, Greek, Roman, European, and Islamic. It is massive.
The most famous artworks of the Louvre are Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Greek statue Venus de Milo. They attract millions of tourists per year. So it can get a bit crowded.
Another interesting fact about the museum is that it became a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793. It has been working as a public museum since then, although it has had periods in which it was closed.
As it is massive, you will need at least 4 hours to explore it, though if you are into arts and history, we suggest taking the whole day for it. It can be a bit overwhelming, with so much to see and explore, so choose which exhibits you prefer. For more information about prices and opening hours, check out the official Louvre Museum site.
Visiting is an experience you should not miss while visiting Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, towering 50 meters above Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor those who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, it wasn’t completed until 1836—long after his death.
At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with the Eternal Flame rekindled every evening at 6:30 p.m., a moving daily tribute to France’s fallen.
Visiting is straightforward: the arch itself can be admired from the ground for free, but climbing to the top (13€ for adults, free for children under 18 and EU residents ages 18–25) is well worth it for sweeping views over Paris, including the Eiffel Tower. Inside, you’ll also spot the engraved names of generals who shaped French history.
Whether you pause to watch the Eternal Flame or climb up for the cityscape, the Arc de Triomphe is one of those Paris landmarks that feels both grand and deeply personal.
Disneyland Paris
Just 32 km east of Paris, in Chessy, Disneyland Paris brings Disney magic to Europe. Opened in 1992 and expanded in 2002 with the Walt Disney Studios Park—it’s the most visited theme park in Europe.
The resort goes far beyond the rides. Alongside Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, you’ll find themed hotels, restaurants, and plenty of shops, making it easy to turn a day trip into a full Disney escape.
For first-time visitors, the classics are unmissable: It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast, and the adrenaline rush of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.
Getting there is simple: direct RER trains link central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, right at the park gates. Shuttle buses like the Disneyland Paris Express also make the trip easy for those staying in the city.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply indulging your inner child, Disneyland Paris is a mix of nostalgia and thrill rides that continues to draw millions every year.
Moulin Rouge
With its bright red windmill spinning above the Montmartre neighborhood, the Moulin Rouge is one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks. Since opening in 1889, this cabaret has been synonymous with dazzling performances, glamour, and Parisian nightlife.
The Belle Époque spirit still lives on here. Inside, feathers, sequins, and elaborate choreography create a spectacle that blends music, dance, and theatrical flair. It’s a night of entertainment that has inspired countless artists and even Hollywood films.
Tickets don’t come cheap, but the Moulin Rouge experience is unlike anything else in Paris—an evening of champagne, world-class performers, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts nostalgic and electric.
For visitors looking for a night out that feels truly Parisian, few places capture the city’s spirit quite like the Moulin Rouge.
The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is more than just a boulevard—it’s one of the most famous streets in the world. Stretching 1.2 miles from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, it’s a mix of grandeur, shopping, and classic Parisian charm.
Luxury boutiques like Dior and Louis Vuitton stand alongside global names such as Nike and Sephora, making it a destination for every kind of shopper. But even if shopping isn’t your plan, the cafés and bistros invite you to linger. A favorite stop is Ladurée, the legendary pastry shop where macarons and tea feel like an indulgent ritual.
Located in the 8th arrondissement, the avenue is easy to reach on foot, by taxi, or via Metro Line 1. However you arrive, strolling down the Champs-Élysées is part of experiencing Paris itself.
Les Invalides
Hôtel des Invalides, or simply Les Invalides, is one of Paris’s most impressive historic sites, tucked into the 7th arrondissement. Built in 1671 by King Louis XIV as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it now houses several museums and monuments.
The star attraction is the Dome Chapel (Dôme des Invalides), where Napoleon I rests beneath the iconic golden dome—a sight visible from across the city. Les Invalides also hosts the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée), with over 500,000 military artifacts, from ancient armor to World War II artillery.
Beyond its history, the architecture is breathtaking. The dome, courtyards, and elegant façades make the complex a highlight for any visitor exploring Paris.
Napoleon’s tomb
Napoleon’s tomb, located within the Hôtel des Invalides complex in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, is a striking tribute to one of France’s most famous figures. Beneath the golden dome of the Dôme des Invalides, Napoleon Bonaparte rests in a sarcophagus of red aventurine quartzite, elevated for visitors to admire from multiple levels.
The tomb is surrounded by sculpted walls and bas-reliefs depicting key moments from his life and military campaigns, reflecting the grandeur of his legacy. Several members of Napoleon’s family and other notable French military leaders are also interred here, making the site a focal point for history enthusiasts.
At 107 meters (350 feet) tall, the gilded Baroque dome is a Parisian landmark visible across the city. Getting there is simple: take Metro Line 13 to Varenne or Line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg. A visit offers both a visual spectacle and a window into the life of a man who shaped France and left a lasting mark on the world.
Montmartre
Montmartre is one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods, perched on a hill in the north of the city above Pigalle and the famous Moulin Rouge. Its elevated position gives it a unique charm, with cobbled streets that wind past bistros, cafés, and artist studios, creating a village-like atmosphere in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
The neighborhood offers stunning views of Paris, day or night, and is home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, one of the city’s most visited landmarks. Montmartre has long been a hub for artists, from painters to performers, and you’ll find galleries and shops that celebrate this creative spirit.
Getting there is easy via Metro lines 2 or 12, stopping at Pigalle, Anvers, Abbesses, or Lamarck-Caulaincourt. Visiting in the morning is ideal to enjoy the streets before the crowds arrive and fully soak in the neighborhood’s charm.
Palace of Versailles
Versailles may lie just outside central Paris, but the Palace remains one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Originally a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, it was transformed over decades into the grand palace we know today, complete with sprawling gardens and lavish interiors.
The Palace of Versailles became a symbol of royal power under Louis XIV, showcasing French Baroque architecture at its most extravagant. Walking through its halls, you can sense the history and opulence that once defined the French monarchy.
With around 15 million visitors each year exploring the palace, gardens, and surrounding estate, Versailles is not just a landmark—it’s a must-see experience for anyone visiting Paris.
The Seine and its Bridges
The Seine River is at the heart of Paris, winding through the city and shaping its history, culture, and daily life. Its picturesque banks are lined with charming cafés, parks, and walking paths, making it a favorite spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.
The river is also famous for its elegant bridges, each with its own story, from the historic Pont Neuf to the romantic Pont Alexandre III. A cruise along the Seine is one of the best ways to see the city, offering stunning panoramic views of landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.
Whether by day or night, the Seine provides a unique perspective on the city that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries.