16 Famous Tourist Attractions in Paris: Best Places to Visit

Last Updated on 21st June 2026 by admin

It’s easy to see why Paris tops almost everyone’s travel bucket list. Between the cobblestone side streets, the smell of fresh espresso from sidewalk cafés, and a history that is baked into every stone wall, the city has a pull that is hard to ignore. But if you are planning a trip, looking at a map of the city can feel overwhelming. There are simply too many museums, monuments, and iconic views fighting for your attention.

To help you sort through the noise, this guide cuts straight to the 16 absolute best sights in Paris. Whether you want to stare at legendary masterpieces, stand where historic revolutions went down, or just find the prettiest spots to relax, these are the essential landmarks that make the city what it is.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most recognized structures in the world, and one of the most iconic tourist attractions of France. Rising 330 meters over the Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower is a massive iron lattice structure designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. Local artists originally hated it and called it a giant eyesore, but today it is the ultimate symbol of France.

It still works as a major broadcast tower for radio and TV. The tower is one of the most famous towers in the world and has three levels you can visit. You can take the 704 stairs or ride the elevators to the first and second floors, which have glass floors, history displays, and expensive restaurants.

The top summit sits at 276 meters. You have to take a separate glass elevator to get up there, where you can see Eiffel’s private historic office with old wax models inside. At night, 20,000 golden lights flash for five minutes every hour on the hour. It looks amazing and makes for a perfect travel photo.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the top tourist attractions of Paris. As one of the largest museums in the world, the Louvre is a massive treasure trove housed inside a former royal palace. It features an overwhelming collection of over 38,000 artworks and ancient artifacts that span from prehistoric times right up to the 19th century.

The sheer size of the place is wild. Once you walk through the famous glass pyramid, it is easy to get lost among the endless galleries and exhibits. Most visitors head straight for Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, the Mona Lisa, but the museum contains thousands of other artworks and historical treasures that are just as impressive.

Some of the Louvre’s most famous treasures include the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and a huge collection of paintings, sculptures, royal furniture, and decorative arts. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Renaissance masterpieces, or French royal collections, there is enough here to keep you exploring for hours.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Located right in the center of Paris on a small island called Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame is a massive Catholic cathedral and one of the oldest churches around. Construction started way back in 1163 and took almost 200 years to finish, making it one of the oldest churches in the world.

It is super famous for inspiring Victor Hugo’s classic book, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and it’s the exact spot where Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor in 1804. Notre-Dame Cathedral is most famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, which is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. Outside, you can’t miss the two giant twin towers that climb 69 meters high, or the creepy stone gargoyles hanging off the edges.

Inside, the space is huge, featuring a giant pipe organ from the 1700s and incredible, colorful stained-glass windows. Its coolest features are definitely the three massive rose windows, which are round and measure a whopping 30 feet across.

4. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe symbol of France's military history

Sitting right in the middle of a massive, crazy traffic circle called Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is a huge monument dedicated to France’s military history. Napoleon Bonaparte ordered it to be built in 1806 to celebrate his big battlefield victories, though it wasn’t actually finished until 1836. The monument is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world.

The arch stands 50 meters high and is covered in detailed sculptures showing intense battle scenes. The monument is a major spot for national pride. Right underneath the arch’s vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has an eternal flame that gets rekindled every single evening to honor the soldiers who died in World War I.

It’s also the main focal point for the big Bastille Day military parade every July 14th. If you don’t mind climbing 284 steps to the top, the viewing deck gives you an awesome, straight-line view right down the famous Champs-Élysées avenue and the rest of the city.

5. Sainte-Chapelle

stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Tucked away on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a beautiful 13th-century Gothic chapel that looks like a massive jewelry box from the inside. King Louis IX built it back in the mid-1200s for a very specific reason: he needed a secure, grand place to store his prized collection of Christian relics, including what he believed to be Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

The building is split into two levels. The lower chapel was meant for the palace servants, but the real showstopper is the upper chapel, which was reserved strictly for the king and his close circle. Even today, people come here mainly to see the incredible stained-glass windows that cover almost every wall of the upper chapel.

Today, because the room has such incredible acoustics, it’s a super popular spot to buy tickets for evening classical music concerts. What makes it world-famous is its stained glass. It holds 15 huge vertical windows from the 1200s that cover almost the entire room, showing over 1,100 colorful biblical scenes that look incredible when the sun shines through.

6. Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Street of Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris

Stretching for about 1.2 miles from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is easily one of the most famous streets in the world. Flanked by beautiful 19th-century buildings and rows of trees, this grand boulevard has been the site of major moments in French history, from military parades to massive victory celebrations.

Today, the avenue is split into two distinct vibes. The lower section near Place de la Concorde is lined with green spaces and cultural hubs like the Grand Palais. The upper section is packed with luxury stores, famous cafés, theaters, and some of the busiest shopping spots in Paris. You’ll find flagship stores from brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, along with historic cafés and entertainment venues.

There are also several museums and landmarks nearby in Avenue des Champs-Élysées, including the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, which offer a glimpse into Paris’s rich cultural history. It is also the famous final sprint line for the Tour de France cycling race every summer, making it a must-stroll spot for anyone visiting the city.

7. Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum)

Beautiful Clock in Musée d'Orsay Museum in Paris

If you want to see incredible art but find the Louvre too massive and overwhelming, the Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum) is the perfect spot. It is a one of the famous museums located on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris. The building itself is awesome, it used to be a grand Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 World’s Fair. You can still see the huge, beautiful station clocks inside, which make for amazing photos.

The museum bridges the gap between old-school history and modern art, housing the biggest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. It’s the place to go if you want to see famous paintings by legends like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Renoir, and Edgar Degas.

Because it’s set up along the old train tracks under a giant barrel-vaulted glass roof, the lighting is fantastic and it’s much easier to navigate than a typical museum maze. Visitors to the Musée d’Orsay can marvel at its stunning architecture while exploring its extensive collection of art and sculpture.

8. Montmartre

If you want a break from the classic city grid, head up north to Montmartre. It is a is a beautiful and historic hill neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement of north Paris. It’s a historic neighborhood sitting on a huge hill, it completely feels like an old French village dropped right into the city. Back in the day, legendary artists like Picasso and Van Gogh lived and worked here because the rent was cheap and the vibe was totally bohemian.

The main reason people climb the steep streets or take the funicular cable car is to see the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. It’s a massive, bright white church sitting at the very top of the hill, and the steps out front give you one of the absolute best panoramic views of Paris without paying a dime.

Down the street, you’ll run into Place du Tertre, a lively square packed with local painters doing portraits for tourists. It’s also right near the Pigalle district, where you can snap a photo of the iconic red windmill outside the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.

9. Seine River Cruise

If your feet are completely shot from walking all day, booking a Seine River cruise is the best lazy way to see the city. You just hop on one of the open-top boats, grab a seat, and let the city drift past you. Most of them have audio guides in a bunch of languages so you actually know what you’re looking at.

The whole selling point here is the view from the water. One of the main draws of a Seine River cruise is the opportunity to see Paris from the water. Since the river cuts right through the middle of Paris, you get an uninterrupted look at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame without dealing with traffic or crowds.

It’s also super popular to go right at sunset. Passing under Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in the city – while all the monuments start to light up is a pretty incredible experience, whether you’re traveling solo or on a romantic trip.

10. Palace of Versailles

Beautiful Staute in Palace of Versailles, Paris

The Palace of Versailles is a stunning architectural masterpiece located about 19 kilometers southwest of Paris in Versailles. You’ll have to take a 40-minute train ride out of the city center to get here, but Versailles is totally worth the trip. It started out as just a modest hunting lodge in the 1600s, but King Louis XIV turned it into a massive, gold-covered palace to show off his absolute power.

The main thing everyone crowds into is the Hall of Mirrors. It’s a giant, 73-meter-long gallery lined with hundreds of mirrors on one side and massive windows looking out at the gardens on the other. It’s pretty jaw-dropping, though it gets packed fast. The Palace of Versailles is a famous sightseeing place in Paris, and it attracts millions of visitors every year.

The palace is known for its incredible size, has a total of 2,300 rooms, including 1,000 rooms in the palace itself and the rest in various outbuildings and auxiliary structures. Don’t spend all your time inside, though. The backyard is a massive, 800-hectare landscape of manicured gardens, hidden mazes, and over 50 historic fountains. It is so big that you can actually rent golf carts or a rowboat to explore it all.

11. Centre Pompidou

Center Pompidou building exterior, Paris

You honestly can’t miss this building because it looks completely out of place in the middle of a historic neighborhood. The Centre Pompidou is a massive modern art museum designed inside-out. The architects basically decided to put all the building’s guts – like color-coded water pipes, electrical ducts, and giant elevators – on the outside of the structure so the inside would be wide open.

The museum named after French President Georges Pompidou, who commissioned the building in 1971, and was inaugurated on 31 January 1977 by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. Inside, it holds the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe. If you like weird, abstract, or thought-provoking art, this is your spot.

You’ll find everything from classic paintings by Matisse and Picasso to bizarre modern installations that make you question what art even is. Even if you aren’t a massive art fan, it’s worth visiting just to ride the massive covered escalator climbing up the outside of the building. The view from the top floor is easily one of the best vantage points in Paris.

12. Luxembourg Gardens

If you need a break from the standard museum crowds and concrete, the Luxembourg Gardens are a fantastic green space right in the 6th arrondissement. Built back in 1612 for a queen who missed her home country, the park was eventually opened to the public after the French Revolution, and locals have been hanging out here ever since.

The park is huge, covering 23 hectares of lawns, neat hedges, and massive shady trees. You’ll see people reading on the iconic green metal chairs scattered everywhere, playing tennis, or just taking a midday nap. The center of the whole place is a large octagonal pond where kids have been renting and racing vintage wooden toy sailboats for generations.

Keep an eye out while you walk around – the grounds are dotted with over a hundred famous statues. You can find everything from statues of old French queens to a miniature bronze replica of the actual Statue of Liberty, the famous New York City landmark, hidden among the trees.

13. Place de la Concorde

Fontaine Des Mers of Place de la Concorde, Paris

Sitting right at the end of the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is the biggest public square in Paris. It has a pretty wild history. During the French Revolution, this exact spot was where they set up the infamous guillotine and executed King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Today, the vibe is completely different. Right in the middle of the square, you’ll see a massive, 3,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk covered in hieroglyphics. It was a gift from Egypt in the 19th century, and it’s actually the oldest monument in the entire city.

The square is also famous for its two massive fountains, especially the Fontaine des Mers. Visitors can stroll around the square, admire the landmarks, and take photos of the these impressive fountains. They are made of green and gold iron and feature detailed sculptures of sea creatures spraying water, making it a great spot to snap a few quick photos while exploring.

14. Palais Garnier

Paris, the City of Light, is one of the world's most famous tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year. Known for its charming streets, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural history, Paris is home to numerous iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. From museums to monuments, there is an endless array of things to see and do in the city. In this article, we will highlight 15 of the top tourists sightseeing in Paris that are a must-see for any traveler. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just soaking up the city's unique ambiance, these attractions offer something for everyone. So, let's dive in and explore the top 15 tourist attractions in Paris. 1) Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most recognized structures in the world, and most iconic tourist attractions of France. This masterpiece of engineering stands at an impressive height of 330 meters and was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous towers in the world, which is made of iron and is divided into three levels. Visitors can take the stairs or an elevator to the first and second levels, which offer stunning views of the city of Paris. The third level is only accessible by elevator and provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Famous for: The Eiffel Tower is most famous for its iconic design, which is made up of four massive wrought-iron legs that taper to a point at the top. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of Paris and an iconic landmark that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is not only a tourist attraction but also a cultural icon that has been featured in numerous films, photographs, and artworks. The Eiffel Tower is also lit up at night, providing a great view of the city and making it a beautiful sightseeing spot in Paris for every traveler. It is an iconic symbol of French engineering and architecture, and an unforgettable experience. 2) Louvre Museum The Louvre Museum is one of the top tourist attractions of Paris. It is one of the largest museums in the world, with an impressive collection of over 38,000 pieces of art and artifacts. It is one of the world's most iconic and visited art museums, attracting millions of visitors each year. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal residence, and features an impressive collection of works of art from all over the world, spanning from ancient times to the present day. In addition to its extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, the Louvre also features a vast collection of decorative arts, including furniture, tapestries, and objets d'art. Famous for: The Louvre Museum is famous for its extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, as well as for its iconic status as a historic and cultural landmark in Paris. Some of the most famous artworks on display include Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. The museum's impressive collection is spread across an area of approximately 782,910 square feet (72,735 square meters) of exhibition space, making it world's largest museum. 3) Notre-Dame Cathedral Notre-Dame Cathedral is a historic Catholic cathedral located in the center of Paris and is one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and was completed in 1345, and one of the oldest churches in the world. It has inspired countless works of art and literature, including Victor Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame." It has also been the site of many important events, including the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France in 1804. The cathedral's soaring arches, intricate carvings and iconic towers have made it one of the most recognizable and famous landmarks in Paris. Famous for: Notre-Dame Cathedral is most famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, which is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. One of Notre-Dame's most iconic features are its twin towers, which stand 69 meters high and are visible from many parts of Paris. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, with beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a massive pipe organ that dates back to the 18th century. One of the most famous features of Notre-Dame is its large magnificent rose windows. The cathedral has three rose windows, each 30 feet in diameter. 4) Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe is the France's one of famous monuments, that serves as a symbol of the nation's military history and pride. It is located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. The monument is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world. Construction of the Arc de Triomphe began in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his victory on the battlefield and was inaugurated in 1836 during the reign of French King Louis-Philippe. It is 50 meters high, 45 meters wide and 22 meters deep, and is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings that seem to celebrate France's military history. Famous for: The Arc de Triomphe is famous for several reasons, it is a symbol of France's military history and national pride and is a monument to the bravery and sacrifices of the French soldiers who fought in wars throughout the nation's history. It is also famous for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures. The Arc de Triomphe is also an important site for national events and celebrations. Each year on July 14th, the French national holiday, a large military parade passes through the Arc de Triomphe. 5) Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle is a breathtakingly beautiful Gothic chapel located in the heart of Paris, France. It is widely considered one of top tourist attractions in Paris, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate architecture. The chapel also hosts classical music concerts, which make use of its exceptional acoustics and beautiful surroundings. Sainte-Chapelle was built by King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis, in the mid-13th century. The chapel was an important venue for religious ceremonies and events for the kings of France. Famous for: The stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle are among its most famous features, it houses the most extensive stained-glass collection from the 13th century. The chapel has 15 grand stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments, including the life of Christ, the Book of Genesis, and the Book of Exodus.Sainte-Chapelle's stunning architecture is another highlight, with towering spires and intricate stone carvings that bear witness to the Gothic style of architecture. 6) Avenue des Champs-Élysées Avenue des Champs-Élysées, also known simply as "the Champs-Élysées," is one of the most famous avenues in the world. It is one of the best places to visit in Paris and stretches for approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It has been a site of important events throughout French history, including military parades and victory celebrations. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées has many stunning architectural sites for tourists to see, including many beautiful 19th-century buildings as well as the Arc de Triomphe, which marks the west end of the avenue. Famous for: The Champs-Élysées is most famous for its high-end shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. It is home to some of the most luxurious stores in Paris, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Guerlain, as well as popular restaurants like Le Fouquet's and Ladurée. The avenue is also famous for its cinemas, theaters, and concert halls, which host a variety of events throughout the year. There are also several museums and landmarks nearby in Avenue des Champs-Élysées, including the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, which offer a glimpse into Paris's rich cultural history. 7) Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum) The Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum) is a one of the famous museums located on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris. The museum building was originally a railway station, named the Beaux-Arts which was constructed in the late 19th century and served as a busy terminal for trains traveling between Paris and southwestern France. The museum is known for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, as well as its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture.Visitors to the Musée d'Orsay can marvel at its stunning architecture while exploring its extensive collection of art and sculpture. Famous for: The museum's collection includes works by some of the most famous artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne. The Musée d'Orsay is also famous for its collection of decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, and glassware. The museum's collection of sculptures is also particularly noteworthy, with works by Auguste Rodin and other renowned sculptors on display and is one of the most recognized museums in Paris. 7) Montmartre Montmartre is a beautiful and historic hill neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement of north Paris. It is one of the most visited tourist places in the city, known for its artistic history, breathtaking views and bohemian atmosphere. The area was once a village located outside the city walls and has a long and rich history. Montmartre has a rich artistic history, with many famous artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, having lived and worked in the area. Whether you're interested in art, food, or nightlife, there's something for everyone in this charming neighborhood hill. Famous for: One of the most famous landmarks in Montmartre is the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Sacre Coeur), a beautiful, white-domed church that sits atop the hill and offers panoramic views of the city. The church was built in the late 19th century and is a popular spot for visitors to take in the stunning views of Paris. Montmartre is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, restaurants, and music venues. The Moulin Rouge, a famous cabaret, is located in the nearby Pigalle district and attracts visitors from all over the world. The neighborhood is also known for its food scene, with a range of restaurants and cafes to choose from. 8) Seine River Cruise Seine River cruises are a popular activity in Paris for visitors from all over the world. During the cruise, visitors can enjoy the sights of Paris from a unique perspective while enjoying a relaxing boat ride. Many cruises provide commentary in multiple languages, allowing visitors to learn more about the history and culture of Paris and its sites. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing way to see the city's famous landmarks or a romantic evening with their partner, a Seine River Cruise offers something for everyone visiting Paris. One of the main draws of a Seine River cruise is the opportunity to see Paris from the water. Famous for: The Seine River Cruise is famous for offering a unique and scenic way to experience the beauty and history of Pari. The Seine River runs through the heart of the city, and you can enjoy spectacular views of some of the most famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum with the help of a cruise. It is also famous for its romantic atmosphere. Paris is known as the "City of Love," and a cruise along the Seine River is one of the best options for couples to spend time together. One of the highlights of a Seine River cruise is passing under the Pont Neuf, the one of the oldest bridges in Paris, which dates back to the 16th century. 9) Palace of Versailles The Palace of Versailles is a stunning architectural masterpiece located about 19 kilometers southwest of Paris in Versailles. The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, King of France in 1623, but it was his son, Louis XIV, who transformed the property into the magnificent palace that we know today. The palace is a prime example of French Baroque architecture and is world-famous for its opulent decoration and breathtaking gardens. The total area of the Palace of Versailles, including the palace itself, the outbuildings, and the extensive gardens, is actually about 63,154 square meters (679,784 square feet). Famous for: The palace is most famous for its French Baroque architecture and is also world famous for its opulent decorations and breathtaking gardens. The palace is known for its incredible size, has a total of 2,300 rooms, including 1,000 rooms in the palace itself and the rest in various outbuildings and auxiliary structures. The palace gardens impressively contain over 210,000 flowers, 200,000 trees and 50 fountains. The Palace of Versailles is a famous sightseeing place in Paris, and it attracts millions of visitors every year and welcomes more than 10 million visitors annually. 10) Centre Pompidou The Centre Pompidou, also known as the Pompidou Centre, is a world-famous museum of modern and contemporary art, located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris in the Beaubourg neighborhood. It is a typical building, designed in a high-tech architectural style, with its structural elements and systems exposed on the exterior of the building. The museum named after French President Georges Pompidou, who commissioned the building in 1971, and was inaugurated on 31 January 1977 by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Famous for: The Center Pompidou is most famous for its unique and innovative design as well as its collection of modern and contemporary art. The building's brightly colored pipes, ducts and the exposed skeletons of escalators on its exterior façade make it one of the best places to visit in Paris. The Centre Pompidou is also famous for its Public Information Library (BPI), which is one of the largest in Europe, public library has approximately 450,000 documents, including books, magazines, videos, and multimedia materials. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring both established and emerging artists. 11) Luxembourg Gardens The Luxembourg Gardens, also known in French as the Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, just a short walk from the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It is a breathtaking green oasis that has attracting tourists for over 400 years. Covering 23 hectares of land, the gardens are known for their lush lawns, meticulously trimmed hedges, and a tranquil pond surrounded by shady trees. Originally built in 1612 as a royal garden for the Luxembourg Palace, the gardens were opened to the public in 1794 after the French Revolution. Famous for: The Luxembourg Gardens are famous for their picturesque beauty and serene atmosphere. Offering a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, visitors can stroll the tree-lined paths and relax on one of the many benches or chairs scattered throughout the gardens. There are also beautiful flower gardens and fountains throughout the park. The gardens are littered with numerous famous statues, including statues of French queens, famous authors, statue of Saint Genevieve, and even a smaller version of the iconic Statue of Liberty, the famous New York City landmark. The park's central feature is the Grand Basin, a large pond where visitors can rent small boats to paddle around the water. 12) Place de la Concorde Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous public squares in Paris, located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It is situated in the 8th arrondissement and covers an area of about 8.6 hectares. Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris and attracting visitors from around the globe. Visitors can stroll around the square, admire the landmarks, and take photos of the impressive fountains and obelisk. The square has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and it has witnessed many significant events in the history of France. Famous for: The fountain in the center of Place de la Concorde is one of the most iconic features of the square. It is known as the Fontaine des Mers, or Fountain of the Seas, and was built between 1836 and 1840. The fountain is made of white marble and features two large bowls, which are supported by a central pedestal. On top of the pedestal are sculptures of marine creatures, including dolphins, tritons, and sea nymphs. Luxor Obelisk is another one of the most famous things, located in the center of the Place de la Concorde, which was gifted to France by the Egyptian government in the 19th century. The obelisk is over 3,000 years old and is the oldest monument in Paris. 13) Palais Garnier Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier, is a grand opera house located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of the city. The construction of the building took over 14 years, from 1861 to 1875, was designed by Charles Garnier. The building was originally named the Salle des Capucines, but it was later renamed the Palais Garnier in honor of its architect. Famous for:

Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier, is a grand opera house located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of the city. If you want to see pure, over-the-top luxury, the Palais Garnier is a must-visit. It’s a massive, grand opera house designed by an architect named Charles Garnier in the late 1800s.

It took over 14 years to finish, and it actually served as the real-life inspiration for the famous story The Phantom of the Opera. The outside is beautiful, but the inside is where things get wild. The grand staircase is made entirely of white marble with heavy gold leaf accents, and it feels like stepping straight into a royal ballroom.

The absolute highlight is the massive auditorium ceiling. Back in 1964, the famous artist Marc Chagall painted a huge, colorful mural up there that shows scenes from legendary operas and ballets. Even if you don’t buy tickets for a live show, you can take a self-guided tour of the building during the day just to look at the architecture.

15. Pantheon

Located right in the middle of the lively Latin Quarter, the Pantheon is a massive, historic building that looks like it was taken straight out of ancient Rome. It was originally built in the late 1700s as a church, but after the French Revolution, the government turned it into a grand secular mausoleum to bury the country’s most famous citizens.

The building is an engineering marvel, especially its giant dome that you can see from all over the city. Inside, the main floor features Foucault’s Pendulum – a massive, heavy metal ball swinging from a long wire that literally proves the Earth is rotating. Its giant dome and grand neoclassical design make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

But the real reason to visit is to head downstairs into the chilly, sprawling crypt. This is where France honors its absolute icons. You can walk right up to the tombs of legendary figures like Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie, making it an incredible stop for history buffs.

16. Musee Rodin

If you want a totally different museum experience, the Musée Rodin is an absolute gem. It’s dedicated entirely to the works of Auguste Rodin, the guy who basically invented modern sculpture. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 6,600 sculptures, around 8,000 old photographs and around 7,000 objets d’art relating to the life and works of Auguste Rodin.

The museum is situated in a beautiful garden, which is spread over three hectares and features some of Rodin’s most famous works and provides a peaceful environment. You’ll find his most famous masterpieces, like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, sitting right out in the open among the trees and rose bushes. It feels way more like taking a relaxing stroll through a grand estate than standing in a stuffy art gallery.

Inside the mansion, you can check out his clay sketches, plaster casts, and even his personal art collection, which includes paintings by Van Gogh. It’s the perfect, quiet spot to wind down your Paris trip away from the massive crowds.

Paris is packed with bucket-list spots, but these 16 famous tourist attractions truly live up to the fame. Whether you’re staring up at the Eiffel Tower, exploring world-famous museums or relaxing in a historic garden, each place gives you a real taste of the city’s magic. Have an amazing trip!