Here are the 10 places not to be missed on your first visit to Paris, with practical advice on how to save time, avoid queues and make the most of every step. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find an interactive map with all the points of interest.
1. The Eiffel Tower đŒ
Why go there: absolute symbol of Paris, grandiose panorama.
- Metro: Bir-Hakeim (L6) / Trocadéro (L6, L9).
- Tickets: take them online (elevator to top or 2nd floor). Early morning and late evening slots are more convenient.
- Recommended duration: 1h30-2h (no queues).
- Best time: sunset + twinkling at night.
- See on Google Maps
2. The Louvre đš
Why go: largest museum in the world (Mona Lisa, Victory of Samothrace…).
- Metro: Palais Royal – MusĂ©e du Louvre (L1, L7).
- Tickets: online booking highly recommended. Alternative entrances (Carrousel du Louvre) often less crowded.
- Recommended duration: 2-3h on a thematic tour (Italy/Antiques/French Paintings).
- Closed on Tuesdays.
- See on Google Maps
3. Notre-Dame de Paris âȘ
Why go there: Gothic masterpiece, historic heart of the city (Ăle de la CitĂ©).
- Metro: Cité (L4) / Saint-Michel (L4, RER B/C).
- Advice: check accessible areas and any access restrictions inside.
- Recommended duration: 45-60 min + walk on the island.
- See on Google Maps
4. SacrĂ©-Coeur & Montmartre đ¶
Why go there: panoramic views, bohemian ambience, picturesque alleyways.
- Metro: Anvers (L2) + funicular / Abbesses (L12).
- Tip: arrive early to avoid the crowds at Place du Tertre. Keep an eye on your belongings.
- Recommended duration: 2-3h (basilica + walk).
- See on Google Maps
5. Champs-ĂlysĂ©es & Arc de Triomphe đ
Why go there: mythical avenue, 360° panorama from the roof of the Arc.
- Metro: Charles de Gaulle – Ătoile (L1, L2, L6).
- Tickets: we advise you to take a ticket for the Arc (spiral staircase).
- Recommended duration: 1h30-2h (ascent + walk).
- See on Google Maps
6. The MusĂ©e d’Orsay đŒïž
Why go there: Temple of Impressionism in a former railway station.
- Metro: SolfĂ©rino (L12) / RER C (MusĂ©e d’Orsay).
- Tickets: book online, late afternoon slots often quieter.
- Recommended duration: 2h.
- Closed on Mond ays.
- See on Google Maps
7. Latin Quarter & Pantheon đ
Why go there: student atmosphere, bookstores, monuments (PanthĂ©on, Sorbonne), Luxembourg gardens a stone’s throw away.
- RER/Métro: Luxembourg (RER B) / Cluny-La Sorbonne (L10) / Maubert-Mutualité (L10).
- Tip: combine Panthéon + Jardin du Luxembourg for a perfect morning.
- Recommended duration: 2-3h.
- See on Google Maps
8. The Seine & its bridges đ
Why go: unique views of the monuments. Cruise recommended.
- Popular landing stages: Pont-Neuf (L7 Pont Neuf) / near Pont de l’Alma (L9 Alma-Marceau).
- Photo tip: Pont Alexandre III at sunset.
- Recommended duration: 1h (cruise) + walk.
- See on Google Maps
9. The Palace of Versailles đ
Why go there: royal residence, French gardens, Hall of Mirrors.
- Access: RER C â Versailles-ChĂąteau-Rive-Gauche (30-40 min from Paris).
- Tickets: take a pass (chĂąteau + gardens) when Grandes Eaux is on.
- Recommended duration: 1 day. ( Palace of Versailles )
- See on Google Maps
10. Center Pompidou & le Marais đ
Why go there: modern/contemporary art + shopping and historic Marais streets.
- Metro: Rambuteau (L11) / HĂŽtel de Ville (L1, L11).
- Closed weekly: Tuesdays (check night-time opening hours).
- Nearby: Place des Vosges, Musée Picasso, BHV.
- See on Google Maps
Practical tips to optimize your visit
- Group by area to limit journeys (e.g. Louvre â Seine â Ăle de la CitĂ©).
- Online tickets on official websites to avoid queues and resellers.
- MĂ©tro & Navigo Easy: single tickets or passes depending on length of stay.
- Piques horaires: arrive at the opening or at the end of the day for major sites.
- Security: keep your belongings in crowded places (Trocadero, Montmartre, metro).