Things to do in Paris
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Top 10 attractions in Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris stands on the Île de la Cité on the banks of the Seine, built approx. between 1163 and 1250, and has witnessed the historical changes of Paris. This Gothic-style cathedral is world-famous due to the poetic description by French writer Victor Hugo in his novel of the same name, "Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris". Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris stands on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine, with construction beginning in 1163 and largely completed by the mid-13th century. It is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and widely known due to Victor Hugo's novel of the same name. A fire in 2019 destroyed its spire and wooden roof structure, but after years of restoration, the cathedral reopened to visitors in December 2024, with the bell tower's summit access resuming shortly after. This phoenix-like structure has regained its status as one of Paris's most popular destinations. The cathedral's façade features three portals adorned with reliefs and statues depicting biblical stories, along with a row of royal stone figures, showcasing Gothic sculptural artistry at its finest. Inside, the restored stone walls and vaulted ceilings, now free of centuries-old soot, appear strikingly bright, while the three rose windows dazzle with color—particularly the southern one. The grand organ, with nearly 8,000 pipes and restored over several years, is equally worth admiring. Climbing the bell tower is a highlight: visitors ascend over 400 steps, passing the fantastical "gallery of chimeras" added during 19th-century renovations, where stone carvings of beasts and mythical creatures perch at railings—including the famous pensive "Stryge" gazing over Paris. The 17th-century "Emmanuel" bell, weighing over ten tons and rarely rung except on major occasions, can also be seen. From the nearly 70 m-high rooftop terrace, panoramic views encompass both banks of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur, while the restored wooden framework and rebuilt spire can be examined up close between the towers. Practical tips: The tower climb requires moderate physical fitness, with narrow stairs and some crouch-walking sections; advance reservations for time slots are recommended due to limited capacity. Beneath the square in front lies the Crypte Archéologique de l'Île de la Cité, displaying urban relics from Roman times onward, with its entrance on the square. As the cathedral remains an active place of worship, visitors are asked to maintain quiet during masses.Paris · 439m from downtown
Palace of Versailles
·Admire the magnificent and imaginative architectural design of the Palace of Versailles ·Step into the beautiful palace gardens of Europe and encounter forests, flower paths, greenhouses, colonnades, temples, villages, zoos, and numerous scattered marble statues ·Don't miss the featured exhibitions such as the harvest hall, war god hall, peace hall, church, theater, and king and queen suites The Palace of Versailles was built during the reign of Louis XIV of France (1643-1715) and consists of the main palace castle, gardens, Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the estate of Marie Antoinette. The first floor of the Palace of Versailles houses the suites of the crown prince and princess, the chapel, and the palace's historical gallery, while its main views are concentrated on the second floor of the main building and in the gardens. Grand Trianon: Though much simpler than the main palace castle, it is the most elegant and exquisite among all the buildings in the Palace of Versailles. This single-story palace, heavily influenced by Italian architectural style, is nestled between courtyards and gardens, topped with a flat roof surrounded by railings. Petit Trianon: This is a typical neoclassical-style building with a painting studio, bedroom, dressing room, etc. Marie Antoinette's palace gardens: The layout here reflects the queen's wide-ranging interests and refined tastes, far from the extravagance of Versailles, with traces of Enlightenment thought. △ The garden once boasted over a thousand fountains at its peak, and hundreds remain today. △ The magnificent palace is lavishly decorated, with colorful marble walls gleaming brilliantly and giant crystal chandeliers cascading down like waterfalls. △ The inner walls and dome are covered with Western-style oil paintings depicting vivid mythological scenes, as if recounting the glorious military exploits of past kings.Versailles · 17.9 km from Paris
Eiffel Tower
·Climb the Eiffel Tower-a cultural symbol of France and one of the landmark buildings in Paris ·Overlook the beautiful city scenery of Paris, the whole Paris is at your feet, like a huge map in front of you. ·Learn about the tower's more than 100-year history through objects, posters, photos, sculptures, paintings and videos at the observation deck on the ground floor △ A new cultural path(1st floor): Screens, touch screens, displays, digital albums, reproductions of items, etc. allow you to find out about all aspects of the Eiffel Tower, many little known. △ Your arrival on the 2nd floor is marked by amazement: Paris in all her splendour greets your incredulous eyes. You will enjoy clear views of all of the French capital's monuments: the Louvre, Gran Palais, the bends in the Seine, Montmartre, Invalides, Notre Dame, etc. △ After a spectacular ascent in glass-walled lifts, you're finally here. 276m up with only the antennae above you, Paris lies at your feet. The noise of the boulevards can't reach you here, but the wind catches you and your heart begins to race.Paris · 4.2 km from downtown
Louvre Museum
·Experience the charm of the filming locations of "The Phantom of the Louvre" and "The Da Vinci Code". ·Appreciate the magnificent display of the treasures of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and other civilizations here. ·Visit the giant glass pyramid that combines classical palaces with modern architectural styles. The Louvre Museum was built in 1204. The castle has undergone several expansions and was converted into a museum after the French Revolution. It is one of the three largest museums in the world, along with the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Today, the Louvre Museum has a collection of 400,000 pieces, spanning more than 1,500 years. The Louvre Museum usually exhibits only about 10% of the total collection, but it is enough to feast your eyes.The Louvre Museum has many treasures, the most famous of which are the "Three Treasures of the Louvre": "Venus de Milo", "Mona Lisa" and "Winged Victory of Samothrace". The marble of "Venus de Milo" is so white and pure, yet so moving. Is it Aphrodite? Or is it Amphitrite? When the "Venus de Milo" was sent to the Louvre, the art restorer's first reaction was to repair the missing arm of Venus. But in order to make the work not distorted, he finally gave up this idea.The missing arms make it very difficult to identify the statue. The identity of the deity in ancient Greek art is usually determined by the objects or iconic elements in the figure's hands. There were many questions about the identity of the goddess. Could she be Amphitrite, the sea goddess who was particularly revered on the island of Milo? Or was she Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, as her half-naked body suggested? She once wore jewelry, which tilted the balance of the statue's identity towards Aphrodite, also known as Venus in ancient Roman mythology. Later, a hand holding an apple was found near the site where the statue was unearthed. This is one of the artistic elements of Venus, and the marble used to carve this hand holding an apple is the same Paros marble as the statue. For centuries, Mona Lisa's famous mysterious smile has been sung and lingered. Mona Lisa looks at the viewer with her legendary smile, and behind her there is a beautiful natural landscape extending into the distance. The Mona Lisa: The Stolen Thief of the CenturyOn August 21, 1911, there was panic in the Louvre! The Mona Lisa was missing! Newspapers of all sizes published the news and offered a reward. But for more than two years, there was no trace of the Mona Lisa. Until one day, an Italian art dealer contacted the investigation authorities, and someone actually handed him this famous painting that the whole world was looking for! The person was Vincenzo Peruggia, a glass craftsman who had worked at the Louvre. The Mona Lisa was found, and she became even more famous. The Winged Victory of Samothrace is so light that it seems to float in mid-air. Originally a tribute to the gods, it stood high in a temple on the Greek island of Samothrace, just as it now stands on the Daru Stairs. The statue shows the winged goddess of victory Nike landing on the bow of a ship. "Dance Hall Star" When the Winged Victory was installed at the Daru Steps in 1883, the background decorations designed for it were far more complex than today, with the dome covered with magnificent mosaics. However, these decorations were not well received, and some critics even compared the Winged Victory to a cabaret star. Finally, in 1934, imitation stone wallpaper covered the original decorations, creating a solemn and elegant atmosphere.Paris · 1.2 km from downtown
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay, hailed as the "palace of impressionism," is where you can admire numerous masterpieces by great impressionist artists and experience the magic of colors and light. On the museum's plaza, six bronze statues represent the six continents of the world; inside the museum, beneath the grand glass dome, natural light filters through the glass and falls upon the paintings, allowing visitors to more vividly appreciate the charm of the artworks and the creative passion of the artists under this illumination. The palace of art, the holy land of impressionism The Musee d'Orsay faces the Louvre across the river and currently houses a collection of over 4,000 artworks, showcasing nearly half a century (1848–1912) of artistic creations from 1848 to the dawn of Cubism, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture displays. Locals often say that if you want to admire pre-1848 artistic treasures, visit the Louvre; if you're interested in modern art post-1912, head to the Centre Pompidou; while the Musee d'Orsay bridges the gap between the two. Currently, the Musee d'Orsay has over 80 exhibition halls across five floors, with three levels open to the public. These three floors chronologically display the museum's prized collections. The ground-floor hall primarily exhibits paintings, sculptures, and decorative artworks from 1850 to 1870, featuring masterpieces by numerous renowned artists. During your visit, you might start from the sculpture avenue at the center of the hall, explore the galleries along its sides, and then admire the famous model of the Paris Opera. Inside the museum, you'll notice traces of its former life as a train station—the tracks on the first floor, the VIP lounge on the second floor, and the hotel on the third floor have all been transformed into exhibition halls. Get a close-up view of the iconic clock at Musee d'OrsayParis · 1.9 km from downtown
Disneyland Paris
Welcome to an extraordinary new world where you can feel like a true citizen of Arendelle, experience your dream Frozen story, and enjoy all-new attractions, themed dining, immersive boutiques, and more! Starting spring 2026, Disneyland Paris embarks on a new chapter with a completely reimagined park. Discover extraordinary worlds, including the enchanting new Frozen-themed land, and awaken your spirit of adventure! Disneyland Paris is an unmissable part of any trip to the French capital!Chessy · 31.6 km from Paris
Seine River Cruise
· Board the Seine River cruise and enjoy the charming scenery of Paris · Enjoy delicious food while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Seine on a lunch/dinner cruise · Along the Seine River to Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Conciergerie, to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay Embark on a Seine River cruise to experience Paris from a different perspective. △ Take a photo with the Eiffel Tower from a unique angle on the Seine River △ Take the cruise, pass by Notre Dame de Paris-the beautiful architecture written by Victor Hugo △ Enjoy a romantic dinner on the Seine River-the most famous street in ParisParis · 4.3 km from downtown
Seine River
Dividing Paris into the right bank and the left bank, the Seine is the city's main river. The majority of Paris's most interesting historical sites are all located on the banks of the Seine. You can take a tourist boat for a short cruise up the Seine to enjoy the scenic beauty of both banks, including many places of interest such as the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower.Paris · 4.1 km from downtown
Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier was designed by architect Charles Garnier and completed in 1875. It is a building created with great effort during the Second French Empire, blending Baroque curves and intricate decorations. It is also the setting for the story of The Phantom of the Opera: Leroux's original novel is based on this theater, and the actual underground reservoir beneath the building is the prototype for the "Phantom's underground lake" in the novel. In terms of appearance, the white exterior walls, arches, and stone columns are covered with carvings. Above the colonnade are gilded bronze busts of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini. At both ends of the main facade stand gilded figure groups symbolizing "harmony" and "poetry," while at the top of the building is a statue of Apollo holding a lyre. Stepping inside, the grand white marble staircase is quite spectacular, with red and green marble railings ascending layer upon layer. The "Pythia" fountain statue at the base of the stairs is equally exquisite, while the dome of the staircase hall is adorned with paintings depicting Apollo and the Olympian gods. The auditorium is decorated with red velvet and gold leaf, featuring a massive 1964 ceiling painting by Chagall that draws inspiration from scenes of various composers' operas, with a grand bronze and crystal chandelier hanging at its center. The adjoining lounge gallery resembles a replica of Versailles' Hall of Mirrors, where golden columns, mirrors, statues, and chandeliers complement one another. The ceiling boasts murals themed around music history, and the dome is covered with gold-backed mosaics. Nowadays, most opera performances here have moved to the Opéra Bastille, while this building primarily hosts ballet performances and is open to visitors, serving as a classic destination to experience the refined aesthetics of the Second Empire. Highlights Exquisite appearance: The building's exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, from the white walls, arches, and stone columns to the golden Baroque statues at both ends. Opulent interior decor: Palais Garnier boasts a spectacular marble staircase. The grand hall is surrounded by statues of diverse forms, many of which depict deities from Greek mythology, exuding nobility under the glow of golden lights. Even the carvings beneath the staircase are exquisitely crafted. The ceiling is adorned with many colorful murals depicting several classic myths. Between the columns stand bronze busts of composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. The lounge corridor features golden columns, walls, statues, chandeliers, and murals with gold trim on the ceiling.Paris · 2.3 km from downtown
Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile
Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile stands at the center of Place de l'Etoile at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, construction began in 1806 and was completed in 1836, with the monument reaching approx. 50 m in height. The inner walls of the arch are inscribed with the names of hundreds of generals who fought alongside Napoleon and the victorious battles they won. Beneath the arch lies the tomb of an unknown soldier, with an eternal flame that burns continuously, adding solemnity to this monument of triumph. The four pillars feature four large reliefs: "The Departure of the Volunteers" by sculptor François Rude, depicting the winged Goddess of Liberty rallying the people to arms—this work is also widely known as "La Marseillaise"; "The Triumph of 1810" shows Victory crowning Napoleon; "Resistance" and "Peace" respectively depict France's resilience during the 1814 war and its return to tranquility afterward. Ascending to the top is a must: the summit houses a small exhibition hall with images, models, and artifacts detailing the monument's construction. From the viewing platform, the star-shaped layout of twelve radiating avenues unfolds below, with the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and the La Défense skyscrapers visible in one frame. At night, the illuminated boulevard offers a classic vantage point for Parisian cityscapes. Note that the ground-level square is congested with traffic; visitors must use the underground passage to reach the arch. △Twelve grand avenues in Paris radiate from the center, showcasing magnificent momentum and serving as a design model for major European cities △Avenue des Champs-Élysées at nightfall, magnificent and grandParis · 4.6 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Paris
Featured Cultural experiences in Paris
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Featured Day tours in Paris
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Departure from Paris: Full-day audio guide 1-day tour to the three great castles of the Loire Valley
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Paris
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Featured Food & drink in Paris
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Free things to do in Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Paris · 439m from downtownSeine River
Paris · 4.1 km from downtown
Ile de la Cite
Paris · 395m from downtown
Tuileries Garden
Paris · 2 km from downtown
Musée du Parfum Fragonard
Paris · 2.3 km from downtown
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Paris · 4.4 km from downtown
Luxembourg Garden
Paris · 1.6 km from downtown
Montmartre
Paris · 3.4 km from downtown
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Paris · 3.4 km from downtownBook now for tomorrow
Place de la Concorde
Paris · 2.5 km from downtownBook now for tomorrow
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What travelers say about Paris
Anonymous user1 August 2026
5.0
I came to Paris with my family, initially thinking that seeing the architecture and taking photos at Notre Dame would be enough. However, since we were already there, I decided to try a Chinese-speaking guided tour.
This decision proved to be absolutely right. It was probably the most worthwhile guided tour of our entire European trip, as I learned a lot of religious knowledge I didn't know before.
The guide, I think his surname was Li, spoke very naturally, not just reading from a textbook, but connecting the history, architecture, religious stories, and development of Notre Dame with the development of Paris, incorporating a lot of information. Many things I initially thought I wouldn't understand became clear after listening. Especially the stories of the sculptures, rose windows, and fire restoration – seeing them after hearing them made all the difference.
Europe is full of churches, and not understanding them can be quite frustrating. After today's tour, I felt like I had a sudden enlightenment. There was a small regret, though: some areas inside Notre Dame aren't free and require separate admission.
We met at 4:30 PM today, and waited in line for 10 minutes to enter. The pace of the tour was excellent; the content was rich but not tiring, and there was no feeling of being rushed. We could ask questions anytime during the tour, and the guide patiently answered them. He was highly professional and very approachable. Today, after the Notre Dame tour, we also visited the Latin Quarter of Shakespeare and Company. This wasn't part of the tour itinerary, but the teacher gave us extra time for free because we enjoyed it. By the way, you can also pay to climb to the top of Notre Dame, but the kids couldn't climb, so we skipped it...
Afterwards, we went back inside Notre Dame on our own and watched a mass. We found that because we had the guided tour, we understood many parts much better than before when we just took photos.
If it's your first time in Paris, I highly recommend not trying to see it on your own. Notre Dame is free, but the guided tour is definitely worth it; it significantly enhances the entire experience. It was one of the most worthwhile activities on our trip, and I've already recommended it to anyone planning a trip to Paris.
Also, try to go after 4:30 PM, otherwise the square gets very sunny. Also, Notre Dame has a dress code; you can't wear anything too revealing...
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Taryn7 October 2026
5.0
The Palace of Versailles was an incredible experience and definitely a highlight of my trip to France. The palace itself is absolutely breathtaking, with stunning architecture, beautiful rooms, and so much history around every corner.The ticketing process was simple, and the ticket was easy to use for entry into all the main areas of the palace. We were able to explore comfortably without any problems.The only downside was that some parts of the gardens were under construction during our visit, so we couldn’t fully experience the gardens at their best. However, this did not take away from the overall experience. Versailles is still a must-see destination and a place I would highly recommend visiting.
Palace of Versailles
Trips by CK22 September 2026
5.0
An absolute highlight of our Paris trip! Going all the way up to the summit of the Eiffel Tower was worth every single penny and a complete must-do when visiting Paris.Once at the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. The pinnacle of the whole experience was the champagne toast right at the top—enjoying a glass of chilled champagne with that spectacular view was purely magical.Everything was top-notch and smoothly organized from start to finish. We would book this experience again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Paris!
Eiffel Tower
_TI***097 October 2026
5.0
I was there 30 minutes before my tickets time, I waited about 25 minutes to get in. I enjoyed it considering I’m not an artistic person. I mainly wanted to see the Mona Lisa and I was quite glad I got to experience it, it was worth the wait and walk. There were other things to do there afterwards like shop around the stores
Louvre Museum
大小Vv！11 October 2026
5.0
The Musée d'Orsay, converted from an old train station, boasts a high-ceilinged dome that exudes a retro atmosphere, making the building itself a highlight. Inside, it houses a vast collection of Impressionist masterpieces, with original works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir available for close-up viewing. Compared to the Louvre, the flow of people is more relaxed, making for a more comfortable and leisurely stroll. It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, and renting an audio guide enhances the experience. If you're not particularly interested in painting, you don't need to allocate a whole day; two to three hours are generally sufficient to see the core exhibits.
Musee d'Orsay
Babyue9999 October 2026
5.0
What better place to dream than in 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 Paris？美梦成真🎂⁎⁺˳🧀.✰₊⁺
Disneyland Paris
Anonymous user11 October 2026
5.0
I spent only £8 for the sein river cruise. The ticket process is very easy .I booked through Trip.com and got the e-ticket few minutes later. The trip took 1 hours. I can said that it the best experience I ever had. The view is breathtaking and so beautiful.
Seine River Cruise
M33***5111 October 2026
4.0
The food was mediocre and not worth the price, but the scenery was nice; we saw the entire Seine River in two hours. The service was poor; the set meal included a bottle of wine, and after I finished the first glass the waiter poured for me, it took 20 minutes for them to refill it.
Seine River
Pearly Lin13 August 2026
5.0
Would recommend this place, its worth visiting. Everything inside is so beautiful and interesting. Recommend looking at the official website for more ticket prices, could be cheaper.
Palais Garnier
Igor_op9917 August 2026
5.0
I would recommend for everyone. The view is amazing and it had a lot of space up there for the people. Being open until late also makes it an easy evening spot to see the sunset in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile
