attractions · Paris
Skip the filler. These are the sights that make Paris worth the flight, ranked by what millions of travelers actually rate highest.
1st arrondissement · $
The world's most-visited museum holds 35,000 works across a former royal palace, from the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to Vermeer's Lacemaker, entered through I. M. Pei's 1989 glass pyramid. Even a focused visit covers barely a wing, so a plan matters more here than anywhere.
Insider tip: Book the 9am slot online, enter via the less crowded Carrousel or Porte des Lions entrance, and see the Mona Lisa first or last.
Champ de Mars, 7th arrondissement · $
Gustave Eiffel's 330-metre iron lattice was the world's tallest structure when it opened for the 1889 Exposition and was meant to stand only 20 years. Its golden hourly sparkle, five minutes after each nightfall hour, remains the city's best free show.
Insider tip: Book summit tickets online weeks ahead for sunset, or skip the lines entirely by taking the stairs to the second floor; view it sparkle from Place du Trocadéro.
7th arrondissement, Left Bank · $
A Beaux-Arts railway station from 1900 now houses the world's greatest Impressionist collection, including Monet's cathedrals, Van Gogh's self-portraits, and Renoir's Bal du moulin de la Galette beneath its vast coffered glass roof. The giant station clock windows on the top floor frame Sacré-Cœur across the Seine.
Insider tip: Go Thursday evening when it stays open until 9:45pm and the Impressionist galleries empty out; photograph the clock window early.
Île de la Cité, 4th arrondissement · $
The 12th-century Gothic masterpiece reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire, its limestone vaults cleaned to a brightness unseen in centuries and its spire rebuilt to Viollet-le-Duc's design. Entry remains free, with the rose windows and restored choir the highlights.
Insider tip: Reserve a free timed slot on the official app a day or two ahead, or join the shorter no-reservation line before 8:30am.
Île de la Cité, 1st arrondissement · $
Louis IX built this 1248 royal chapel as a giant reliquary for the Crown of Thorns, wrapping its upper level in 15 fifteen-metre walls of stained glass containing 1,113 biblical scenes. On a sunny day the interior dissolves into pure colored light, the supreme achievement of Gothic glasswork.
Insider tip: Buy a timed ticket online and go on a bright morning; combine with the adjacent Conciergerie on a joint ticket.
Montmartre, 18th arrondissement · $
The white travertine domes crowning Montmartre's 130-metre butte have overlooked all of Paris since 1914, with free entry to the basilica and the city's best natural viewpoint from its steps. The stone self-cleans with rain, which is why it stays luminously white.
Insider tip: Climb via the quieter rue Foyatier funicular or back streets at sunrise; the dome climb of 300 steps is worth it on clear days.
April–June & September–October
Euro (EUR)
French
How this list is made: we only feature places rated 4.5 stars or higher with 1,000+ reviews from real travelers. Ratings and review counts are approximate and move over time — always check current numbers before booking. Photos are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under free licenses (credits in each gallery).
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Good to know
Four days lets you cover the Louvre, Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre with unhurried café time, which is the point of Paris. Add a fifth day for Versailles, which deserves a full day on its own.