Spread along the banks of the Seine River in France, Paris is a picturesque destination overloaded with European culture. Often called the City of Lights, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and among the top places to visit in Europe. From iconic historical monuments to world-class museums and less-known hidden gems, Paris is a city brimming with many stunning tourist places to visit which will take your breath away and will stay etched in your memory till you visit them again! Apart from Eiffel Tower, the most iconic monument in the world, Paris is also known worldwide for its museums especially the Louvre Museum, haute couture, stylish shopping hubs, and authentic French cuisine. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the country’s irresistible charm with our list of the top attractions in Paris as part of Europe tour packages.
Eiffel Tower
A Paris trip is incomplete without visiting the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower. Named after engineer Gustave Eiffel, Eiffel Tower is a lattice tower consisting of 18,000 sturdy iron sections (weighing over 10,000 tons) held together by 2.5 million rivets. It is regarded as one of the most-visited tourist places in the world and is among the prime places to visit in Paris. Erected in 1889 as the main doorway to World Fair, today it is a cultural icon of not only Paris but the entire region of France. With 1063 feet tall and comprises of 3 different levels, the tower is one of the tallest structures in the world. The first two floors of the tower consist of cafeterias, restaurants, and souvenir shops whereas the top level offers some of the most spectacular views of the Paris cityscape against the azure skyline. Also, the tower is illuminated with a myriad of bulbs during the night which is another sight to behold as part of Paris tour packages.
Louvre Museum
Housing over 300,000 artworks with only 35,000 on display, Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in Europe, and among the top places to visit in Paris. Opened in 1793, the museum has one of the most significant art collections in the world right from ancient Egyptian relics to the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” painting. Some of the must-see attractions here are Fayum mummy portrait’, Ghirlandaio’s ‘Portrait of an old man and his grandson’, Michelangelo’s ‘Dying slave’, and ‘Nike of Samothrace’, some Napoleon’s portraits, etc. The museum attracts more than 9.7 million visitors each year both local and foreigners as part of France Tour Packages.
Must Visit : Museums in Europe
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysees
Built in 19th century, Arc de Triomphe is another famous monument that stands at the western end of the bustling Champs-Elysees in Paris. With impressive sculptures, beautiful pillar carvings, and engraved victory tales on the arch, this historical monument was made in honor of all those brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for France during the Napoleonic Wars and French Revolution. Influenced by the Arch of Titus in Rome, this monument is 50 meters high, 45 meters wide and 22 meters deep. It is the most renowned and emblematic triumphal arch in the world, and another most visited tourist attraction in Paris after Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Known for its high-end luxury shops, theatres, cafes, and annual military parade, the site receives around 300,000 visitors every day.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is a beautiful Roman Catholic Church located on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cité in Paris, among the top places to visit in France. Built-in the Gothic style of architecture, the construction of the cathedral started in 1163 and was completed in 1345. The cathedral was witness to several historical events such as the arrival of the Holy Crown in 1239, the exoneration of Joan of Arc in 1456, and the coronation of Napoleon I in 1804. The cathedral has amazing sculptures and gargoyles, spectacular rose windows, gothic carvings, precious objects, and magnificent bells that add more charm to this architectural masterpiece. Due to the huge fire that hit the Cathedral in 2019, people are not allowed to go inside and climb to the top from where one can get a panoramic view of the region.
Palace of Versailles
Often ranks one of the top places to visit in Paris, the Palace of Versailles was built in the 17th century as an emblem of French Supremacy. Earlier, it was used as a former residence of the royal kingdom and the structure has deep connections with the political history of Paris. Constructed in the French Baroque architectural style, the palace boasts landscaped gardens, exotic decor, an amazing terrace, and a charming display of artwork of the Renaissance era. With over 2,300 rooms, Versailles Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, and among the most prominent castles in France. Famous for its royal occupants from King Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, lavishly decorated rooms, and priceless art, Versailles Palace gives you an unforgettable glimpse of royal life when you visit as part of Paris packages.
Disneyland Paris
Looking forward to a fun-filled day in Paris? Then, Disneyland is the perfect one. Located at Marne-la-Vallee, Disneyland is a bustling amusement park known for its super fun rides, shows, animation movies, rallies, and exciting moments of meeting your favorite characters. This amusement park was opened in 1992 and was formerly known as the Euro Disney Resort. is the most visited theme park in Europe, and the largest resort to be opened outside the United States. Spread across an area of around 4800 acres, it has two theme parks- Disneyland (with Sleeping Beauty’s castle) and Walt Disney Studios. One must not miss the galore of thrilling and super fun rides like Crush’s Coaster, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Autopia, Arcade Beat’em Disney Animation, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, Big Thunder Mountain, Discovery Arcade, Disneyland Railroad, Disney parade, and fireworks and crazy selfies with your favorite Disney character.
Latin Quarter
Situated on the left bank of the Seine River, Latin Quarter is a culturally and geographically rich area in Paris, among the top cultural destinations in Europe. This historic quarter is home to many renowned institutions including Ecole Normale Superieure, Schola Cantorum, Ecole des Mines de Paris, Pantheon-Assas University, etc. The place derived its name from the Latin language, which was once widespread in and around the University. The Latin Quarter is also known for vibrant student life, bistros, pubs, restaurants, malls, and cafes because of several significant education centers. Apart, don’t miss to visit the Luxembourg Park surrounding the Senate House that houses 106 statues, a bronze reduction of the Statue of Liberty, and 3 beautiful fountains.
Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier, formerly known as Salle des Capucines, is an age-old opera house and is the stage of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet. Commissioned by Napoleon III in the year 1860, the Opera Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier in an exuberant Baroque style. Adorned with wooden carvings, and paintings, the facade features classical columns and eight sculptures representing allegorical figures- Poetry, Music, Idyll, Recitation, Song, Drama, and Dance. The loggia depicts busts of composers, including Rossini, Beethoven, and Mozart, while the cupola is topped with a statue of Apollo with allegorical figures of Poetry and Music. At present, the Palais Garnier mostly hosts ballets in its auditorium and is home to the Paris Opera Library Museum. The grand staircase, the foyer, and the auditorium are spaces to not miss out on while here.
Seine River
One of the best ways to discover Paris is to cruise along the enchanting River Seine on a Bateau-Mouche riverboat. The 777 km long Seine River flows through central Paris and is the major source of water in the city. Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the river, is the historic heart of Paris with world-famous medieval masterpieces, hidden parks, and lovely 17th-century enclaves. While there’s not much to do at the river, there’s a lot to see around the banks of the river. A boat cruise along the Seine River allows tourists to see the sights from a different perspective. A daytime cruise allows tourists to appreciate the glory of the monuments brightened by sunshine, while the most romantic experience is an evening cruise. After sunset, the city’s landmarks are illuminated, which creates a special effect, and somehow the city seems more magical.
Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre
Sitting atop Montmartre hill, Sacre-Coeur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church in Paris. Consecrated in 1919, the basilica is designed by Paul Abadie and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Reflecting Roman-Byzantine style, the ceiling inside this white-washed basilica is decorated with the largest mosaic in France measuring about 480 sq. m. Also, visitors can climb to the top of the dome where one can get a panoramic view of the magnificent Paris. If you’re in Montmartre, do visit the Square of Tertre, a few blocks from the Basilica. Many artists are setting up their easels to paint tourists or exhibit their work. Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the hub of modern art in the early 20th century where many artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh worked. One can stroll past the many cafes and cabarets in the neighborhood.
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is a vintage and classic cabaret venue located at the foot of Montmartre hill in the heart of Pigalle. Built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, this place is known as the spiritual birthplace of the famous French Cancan. Initially, this place was introduced as a courtship dance but now it is an extravagant cabaret house providing entertainment for visitors from around the world. It is one of the best places to go in Paris at night due to its well illuminated building, sizzling music and romantic decor that draws large number of visitors, especially party freaks.
Musee d’Orsay
If you are an art lover and history buff, then Musee d’Orsay should be on your bucket list of places to visit in Paris. Located on the banks of the Seine River, Musee d’Orsay, or Orsay Museum is one of the largest museums in Europe. Earlier, it was constructed as a train station but later it was converted into a prospering museum in 1986. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. Among, the most loved artefacts of the museum are the Musee d’Orsay clock, artworks by some of the famed artists such as Gaugin, Dali, Renoir, Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh. Visited by millions of tourists, it ranked fifteenth in the list of most-visited art museums in 2020.
Catacombs
If you want to experience something weird on your Paris trip, then the Catacombs of Paris is one of the best places to explore that holds an enormous collection of bones and ossuaries under the city. Created in the 18th century, this place was formed due to the lack of space in the cemeteries in the city. More than 6 million bodies were moved to the ossuary. The catacombs stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access a mile’s worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. It is better to avoid those with even the slightest claustrophobia as the tunnels are only about 5 feet high.