Paris Landmarks – 61 Most Beautiful Places to See (+ Map)

We bring you a big guide to Paris – the city of lights, art and endless inspiration. Whether you’re planning to admire world-famous monuments, soak up the atmosphere in cosy cafés or simply wander the romantic lanes, we have everything you need in one place. We’ll show you not only the best-known landmarks, but also give you practical tips on how to enjoy visiting them to the full and without stress.

Let’s take a look together at the best of what Paris has to offer:

Paris landmarks – a map of the places to see in Paris

1. The Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel)

The symbol of Paris and of the whole of France. This 330-metre-high iron lady was built by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exhibition in 1889 and was originally meant to be only a temporary structure. Today it’s one of the most visited monuments in the world, offering absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the whole of Paris from its three levels.

Practical tips: Book tickets online weeks, ideally months, in advance, otherwise you risk hours in the queue or a sold-out sign. You’ll take the best photos of the tower from Trocadéro square. Don’t miss its evening sparkle, which happens every hour on the hour after dark.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is charged and the prices differ depending on whether you take the lift all the way up or climb part of the way on the stairs. Open daily, in summer until late at night.

Where to stay by the Eiffel Tower?
Hôtel Le Relais Saint Charles – within walking distance, excellent breakfasts and soundproofed rooms

2. The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)

The largest and most famous art museum in the world, housed in a former royal palace. Its collections include hundreds of thousands of works from antiquity to the 19th century, including such icons as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The modern glass pyramid in the middle of the courtyard forms a fascinating contrast with the historic architecture.

Practical tips: The Louvre is enormous, so don’t try to walk through all of it in one day. Choose one or two collections that interest you most. Buy tickets online for a specific time and you’ll avoid the long queues.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Thanks to an online ticket you don’t have to queue. On some holidays and on the first Friday of the month (in the evening) entry may be free, but be prepared for crowds.

Where to stay by the Louvre?
Appartement Central Les Halles – a beautiful apartment with a kitchen

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and the heart of the whole of Paris. Although it was badly damaged by fire in 2019, its majesty and importance endure. The cathedral witnessed coronations and royal weddings and became immortal thanks to Victor Hugo’s novel. The ongoing restoration is a symbol of hope and resilience.

Practical tips: The interior of the cathedral is currently closed for restoration. You can, however, look at its exterior from the square and the surrounding streets and follow the progress of the works. The reopening is planned for the end of 2024.
Entry and opening hours: Viewing the exterior is freely accessible. Follow the official news about the reopening.

4. The Arc de Triomphe

This monumental arch was built on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate his victories. It stands in the middle of a busy roundabout on Place Charles de Gaulle (Étoile) at the end of the famous Champs-Élysées boulevard. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame.

Practical tips: Whatever you do, don’t try to run across the roundabout to the arch! Use the safe underpass. From the viewing terrace at the top there’s one of the most beautiful views of Paris and the twelve boulevards that radiate from it like a star.
Entry and opening hours: You can buy entry to the viewing terrace online. Open daily.

5. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre

The white Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) basilica rises majestically on the top of Montmartre hill and offers a stunning view of the whole of Paris. The Montmartre district itself is a tangle of picturesque cobbled lanes, artists’ studios, small cafés and Place du Tertre, where painters work and sell their pictures in the open air.

Practical tips: You can take the funicular up the hill (an ordinary public transport ticket is valid on it) or walk up the steps. Explore the side lanes away from the main crowds too and discover the hidden vineyard or the famous “Wall of Love”.
Entry and opening hours: Entry to the basilica is free. The climb into the dome for an even better view is charged.

Where to stay in the area?

Hotel de Flore – Montmartre – rooms with an excellent breakfast, a 13-minute walk from the Sacré-Cœur basilica.

6. Musée d’Orsay

This museum, housed in the beautiful building of a former railway station, is home to the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. Here you can admire works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh and many others. The enormous station clock on the top floor is one of the most photogenic spots in Paris.

Practical tips: The museum is easier to navigate than the Louvre, but even so set aside at least 3 hours for it. Don’t miss the viewing terrace with its beautiful view of the Seine and the Louvre.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged.

7. Sainte-Chapelle

This gem of Gothic architecture, hidden within the grounds of the Palace of Justice, will take your breath away. While the lower chapel is fairly plain, the upper chapel is formed almost entirely of walls of coloured stained glass rising to a height of 15 metres. On a sunny day the interior lights up in a thousand colours and creates an absolutely magical atmosphere.

Practical tips: Plan your visit for a sunny day so that you can enjoy the stained glass in its full glory. Since it’s located in the justice complex, expect a security check at the entrance.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged (a combined ticket with the nearby Conciergerie is recommended).

8. The Palace and Gardens of Versailles (Château de Versailles)

A symbol of absolutist power and extravagant luxury, the residence of the French kings led by the Sun King, Louis XIV. The palace itself is stunning, especially the famous Hall of Mirrors. Just as breathtaking are the enormous, carefully maintained gardens full of fountains, sculptures, canals and hidden corners, including the Petit and Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s hamlet.

Practical tips: Versailles is outside Paris, so set aside a whole day for it. Buy tickets online. The gardens are enormous, so consider hiring a bike or a golf cart. At weekends in summer the “Musical Fountains” shows are held, when all the fountains spray in time with Baroque music.
Entry and opening hours: The palace is open daily except Monday. The gardens are accessible daily. It’s ideal to buy a ticket that combines entry to the palace and the gardens.

9. Centre Pompidou

This extravagant building, which looks as if it had been turned inside out – with colourful pipes, escalators and a steel structure on the outer façade – is the main Paris centre of modern and contemporary art. Inside there’s the Musée National d’Art Moderne, a public library, a cinema and a design shop.

Practical tips: Take the outer glass escalator all the way to the top for a great view of the Paris rooftops. The square in front of the centre is a lively place full of street performers.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Entry to the museum is charged.

10. The Panthéon

Originally a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, today a magnificent mausoleum where the most important figures of French history are buried, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie-Skłodowska and Alexandre Dumas. Its neoclassical architecture is inspired by the Roman Pantheon, and beneath the dome swings the famous Foucault pendulum, which proves the rotation of the Earth.

Practical tips: From the gallery below the dome there’s a beautiful view of the Latin Quarter. A tour of the crypt where the tombs are is a fascinating immersion into French history.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. You can buy tickets online.

11. The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

Parisians’ favourite park, spreading around the Luxembourg Palace, the seat of the French Senate. It’s a perfect place for a rest, a picnic or simply watching local life. Here you’ll find beautiful flower beds, fountains (including the famous Medici Fountain), tennis courts and plenty of the iconic green chairs, which you can move wherever you like.

Practical tips: Children will love sailing small model boats on the octagonal pond in front of the palace. It’s an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy Latin Quarter.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily, the opening hours differ by season (from dawn to dusk).

12. Musée Rodin

One of the most charming museums in Paris, located in the Hôtel Biron, where the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked. Inside and in the beautiful adjoining garden you can admire his most famous works, including iconic sculptures such as “The Thinker”, “The Kiss” and “The Gates of Hell”.

Practical tips: A walk through the calm garden full of sculptures is an artistic experience in itself. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful afternoon away from the main crowds.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged.

13. Père Lachaise Cemetery

The largest and best-known cemetery in Paris is more of a romantic park and an open-air gallery than just a final resting place. Many famous figures are buried here, such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin and Molière.

Practical tips: The cemetery is enormous and rambling. Pick up a map at the entrance so that you can find the graves that interest you. Wear comfortable shoes, the paths are cobbled and uneven.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

14. Opéra Garnier

This beautiful opera house, also known as the Palais Garnier, is a masterpiece of Second Empire architecture. Its interior is the embodiment of luxury and opulence – a monumental marble staircase, a foyer full of gold and mosaics and an auditorium with an enormous chandelier and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.

Practical tips: If you’re not going to a performance, you can see the interior during the day on a self-guided tour. It’s one of the most ornate and stunning interiors in Paris.
Entry and opening hours: Self-guided tours are possible daily. Entry is charged.

15. Musée de l’Orangerie

This small museum in the corner of the Tuileries Gardens is home to one of the greatest masterpieces of Impressionism – Monet’s Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas). Two oval rooms are completely covered with enormous canvases that absorb you entirely and draw you into Monet’s world of colour and light. In the basement there’s also an excellent collection of works by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso and others.

Practical tips: It’s an ideal place for calm contemplation of art. It’s recommended to buy a ticket online to avoid the queues.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Entry is charged.

16. The Champs-Élysées boulevard

The most famous boulevard in the world stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s lined with luxury shops, cinemas, cafés and car showrooms. It’s the setting for major national celebrations and the famous Tour de France race.

Practical tips: Walking the whole length of the boulevard is an experience, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices. It’s at its most beautiful in the evening, when the whole street is lit up.
Entry and opening hours: The boulevard is freely accessible 24 hours a day.

17. The Alexander III Bridge (Pont Alexandre III)

The most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris, connecting the Invalides area with the Grand and Petit Palais. It’s decorated with angels, nymphs and winged horses and is a great example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It offers beautiful views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Practical tips: It’s one of the most popular spots for photography, especially at sunset or at night, when it’s beautifully lit.
Entry and opening hours: The bridge is freely accessible.

18. Les Invalides

A complex of buildings originally built by Louis XIV as a home and hospital for war veterans. Today it houses the Musée de l’Armée (the Army Museum), one of the largest in the world. The biggest draw, though, is the stunning golden dome of the Dôme des Invalides church, beneath which lies the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Practical tips: A visit to Napoleon’s tomb is genuinely impressive. The sarcophagus is much larger than you’d expect. The ticket covers both the army museum and the tomb.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged.

19. The Conciergerie

This medieval palace on the Île de la Cité was once part of the royal residence, but it became famous above all as the notorious prison during the French Revolution. It was here that Queen Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. The tour takes you into Gothic halls and reconstructed cells.

Practical tips: It’s recommended to buy a combined ticket with the nearby Sainte-Chapelle. With the “HistoPad” tablet you can visualise how the rooms looked in the past.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged.

20. Place des Vosges

The oldest and, many say, the most beautiful square in Paris, located in the elegant Marais district. It’s perfectly symmetrical, lined with 36 brick houses with arcades. In the middle there’s a pleasant park with fountains and lawns. Beneath the arcades you’ll find art galleries, cafés and the house where Victor Hugo lived.

Practical tips: It’s an ideal place to rest after exploring the Marais district. Buy something tasty in the local bakeries and have a picnic on the lawn.
Entry and opening hours: The square and the park are freely accessible.

21. Moulin Rouge

The most famous cabaret in the world, a symbol of bohemian life in Paris at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The distinctive red windmill on the roof is an icon of the Pigalle district. Even today, magnificent, colourful dance shows take place here every evening, including the famous cancan.

Practical tips: If you want to see a show, you have to book tickets well in advance. Even if you’re not going inside, it’s worth seeing the famous red windmill from outside, especially at night when it’s lit up.
Entry and opening hours: Entry to a show requires a booking, an unforgettable experience guaranteed!

22. The Tuileries Gardens (Jardin des Tuileries)

These formal French gardens connect the Louvre museum with Place de la Concorde. Originally palace gardens, today they’re a popular public park full of sculptures, fountains and two small museums (the Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume).

Practical tips: It’s an ideal place for a walk between a visit to the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay (you just cross the bridge over the Seine). A large funfair is held here in summer.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

23. The Marais district

Le Marais is one of the most beautiful and liveliest districts in Paris. It’s a fascinating mixture of history and modern life. On the one hand you’ll find elegant aristocratic residences here (the so-called hôtels particuliers) and the beautiful Place des Vosges, on the other it’s a pulsating centre of fashion, design and great food and also the heart of the Parisian Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.

Practical tips: Simply wander the narrow medieval lanes and discover hidden courtyards and gardens. On Rue des Rosiers, have the best falafel in the city.
Entry and opening hours: The district is freely accessible.

24. The Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)

The historic heart of Parisian intellectual life, named after the Latin spoken here at the Sorbonne university in the Middle Ages. This district on the left bank of the Seine is full of students, ancient churches, narrow lanes, bookshops (including the famous Shakespeare and Company) and lively bars and restaurants at affordable prices.

Practical tips: Walk along the main Boulevard Saint-Michel, but don’t forget to turn into the side lanes, where you’ll discover the true charm of the district.
Where to stay?
Hôtel Des Mines – stylish accommodation, just 200 metres from the Luxembourg Gardens.

25. The Catacombs of Paris (Catacombes de Paris)

A unique and slightly morbid experience that takes you into an underground realm of the dead. In this enormous ossuary, created in former limestone quarries, the remains of more than six million people are stored, their bones and skulls carefully and often artistically arranged along the walls of dark corridors.

Practical tips: Interest is enormous and capacity is limited. You have to buy tickets online well in advance, otherwise you won’t get in. It’s cold underground (around 14 °C), so take warmer clothing.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged and requires an online booking.

26. Canal Saint-Martin

This 4.5 km long canal is a favourite spot for young Parisians and offers a bohemian, relaxed atmosphere far removed from the grandeur of the Seine. It’s lined with trees, picturesque iron footbridges and historic locks. Its banks are an ideal place for picnics, walks and sitting with friends.

27. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district

After the Second World War this district became the epicentre of intellectual and artistic life, where the existentialists led by Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir met in legendary cafés such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Today it’s an elegant, luxurious district full of art galleries, antique shops and fashion boutiques.

Practical tips: Have a coffee in one of the famous cafés and watch the life around you. Visit the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest in Paris.
Entry and opening hours: The district is freely accessible.

Practical tips: You can take a cruise boat that also passes through the underground section of the canal. It’s at its liveliest here on warm evenings.
Entry and opening hours: The canal and its surroundings are freely accessible.

28. Shakespeare and Company

More than just a bookshop, it’s a legendary institution. The original shop was the centre of the anglophone literary scene in the 1920s, where authors such as Hemingway and Joyce met. The current bookshop, opened in 1951, continues this tradition. It’s a magical, if slightly chaotic labyrinth full of books from floor to ceiling.

Practical tips: Photography inside is mostly not allowed. Respect the calm and the atmosphere of the place. In the adjoining café you can have a good coffee with a view of Notre-Dame.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

29. Place de la Concorde

The largest square in Paris, at the end of the Tuileries Gardens. It has a bloody history – it was here that the guillotine stood during the French Revolution. Today it’s dominated by a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk from Luxor, two monumental fountains and statues symbolising French cities.

Practical tips: From the square, beautiful views open up in every direction – towards the Champs-Élysées, the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre and the parliament building across the river.
Entry and opening hours: The square is freely accessible.

30. Musée Picasso

This museum, housed in the beautiful historic Hôtel Salé palace in the Marais district, boasts the largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso in the world. It includes thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics from every period of the artist’s life, allowing a comprehensive view of his incredible work and development.

Practical tips: For lovers of Picasso it’s an absolute must. The museum is easy to navigate and its location in a historic palace gives the visit a unique atmosphere.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged.

31. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

This isn’t just an ordinary department store, it’s an architectural gem and an experience in itself. Its biggest draw is the breathtaking Art Nouveau glass dome, beneath which the main hall spreads out. Besides luxury shopping it also offers a great gourmet food court.

Practical tips: Don’t miss the free rooftop terrace, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris, including the Opéra Garnier and the Eiffel Tower.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

32. The Petit Palais

This “Little Palace”, built for the World Exhibition in 1900, stands opposite the Grand Palais. Inside it hides the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris with collections from antiquity to the early 20th century. It’s a beautiful, often overlooked building with a charming inner garden and a café.

Practical tips: Entry to the permanent display is free! It’s a great place to see fine art in peace and without the crowds.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry to the permanent collections is free, only temporary exhibitions are charged.

33. La Défense and the Grande Arche

The modern, futuristic face of Paris. This business district full of glass skyscrapers and open-air modern art forms a sharp contrast to the historic centre. Its landmark is La Grande Arche, a monumental modern arch that is an exact continuation of the historic axis leading from the Louvre through the Arc de Triomphe.

Practical tips: Take the glass lift up to the roof of the Grande Arche for a unique view of the city from a modern perspective.
Entry and opening hours: The district is freely accessible. Entry to the roof of the Grande Arche is charged.

34. Fondation Louis Vuitton

This magnificent building, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, looks like a glass ship sailing among the trees in the Bois de Boulogne. It’s one of the most important centres of contemporary art and architecture, hosting top-class exhibitions and a rich permanent collection.

Practical tips: The building itself is already a work of art. From its terraces, interesting views of Paris and the adjoining woods open up.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Tuesday. Entry is charged.

35. Tour Montparnasse

This skyscraper is often called the least popular building in Paris, but it offers one huge advantage: it’s the only place from which you get a panoramic view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower. The viewing platform on the 56th floor and the open rooftop terrace provide an unbeatable 360° view.

Practical tips: The best time to visit is just before sunset, so that you see the city by day, at dusk and at night, when the Eiffel Tower lights up.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged.

36. Musée de Cluny (the Museum of the Middle Ages)

This fascinating museum is housed in two historic buildings at once – the Gothic palace of the abbots of Cluny and the remains of ancient Gallo-Roman baths. Its greatest treasure is the mysterious and beautiful series of six tapestries “The Lady and the Unicorn”.

Practical tips: The museum recently underwent an extensive renovation and modernisation. It’s an ideal place for all lovers of history and medieval art.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged.

37. Place Vendôme

A symbol of Parisian luxury and elegance. This octagonal square, designed in the 17th century, is home to the most prestigious jewellers in the world (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels) and the famous Ritz hotel. In the middle stands a column inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome, cast from cannons captured at the Battle of Austerlitz.

Practical tips: Even if you’re not planning to shop, a walk around the square and admiring the window displays is an experience.
Entry and opening hours: The square is freely accessible.

38. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

One of the most original and most romantic parks in Paris. It was built on the site of a former quarry and is full of steep cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic trees. Its centrepiece is a lake with an island, on top of which stands the small Temple de la Sibylle, from where there’s a beautiful view of Montmartre.

Practical tips: It’s a favourite spot for locals, ideal for a picnic and an escape from the city centre. Be prepared for walking uphill.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

39. Rue Crémieux

This short cobbled lane not far from the Gare de Lyon is Paris’s answer to Notting Hill. It’s lined with low houses whose façades are painted in pastel colours and it’s one of the most “Instagrammable” spots in the city.

Practical tips: Remember that it’s a normal residential street. Please be quiet, respect the residents’ privacy and don’t block the entrances.
Entry and opening hours: The street is freely accessible.

40. Marché des Enfants Rouges

The oldest covered market in Paris, founded as early as 1628. It’s a lively, busy place where you’ll find not only stalls with fresh produce, but above all plenty of small restaurants and bistros serving food from all over the world (Italian, Moroccan, Japanese, Lebanese).

Practical tips: It’s an ideal place for lunch. You can buy food at a stall and eat it at the communal tables in the middle of the market.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday.

41. Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte)

The first elevated park in the world, which became the inspiration for the famous High Line in New York. This 4.7 km long green oasis was built on a disused railway line and winds above the streets of the 12th arrondissement. It offers a unique walk among trees and flowers with unusual views of Parisian architecture.

Practical tips: It’s an ideal place for a calm walk or a run away from the traffic.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

42. The Grand Palais

An imposing exhibition hall with an enormous glass roof, built for the World Exhibition in 1900. Together with the Petit Palais opposite and the Alexander III bridge it forms one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in Paris. It’s used for major art exhibitions, trade fairs and fashion shows.

Practical tips: The Grand Palais is undergoing an extensive renovation and its full reopening is planned for 2025. Follow the official website for current information about access and programmes.
Entry and opening hours: Entry depends on the event taking place.

43. Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum, housed in an elegant villa on the edge of the city, is a treasure for all lovers of Impressionism. It boasts the largest collection of works by Claude Monet in the world, including the famous painting Impression, Sunrise, which gave the whole art movement its name.

Practical tips: It’s a little away from the main tourist routes, and so it’s usually calmer here than in other large museums.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged.

44. The river Seine

The Seine isn’t just a river, it’s the artery of Paris and a UNESCO-listed monument in its own right. A walk along its banks is one of the most beautiful Parisian experiences. And from the river it’s perhaps even lovelier, so don’t miss a cruise! You can admire the historic bridges and the other passing boats (Bateaux-Mouches), browse old books at the “bouquinistes” stalls on the bank or simply sit on the embankment with a bottle of wine and a baguette.

45. Musée Jacquemart-André

Imagine being invited to visit an opulent 19th-century Parisian mansion that has remained exactly as its owners, the couple Nélie Jacquemart and Édouard André, left it. This museum isn’t just a gallery, it’s a journey through time. You’ll walk through their private apartments, the ballroom and the winter garden and admire one of the most beautiful private art collections, including works by Italian masters such as Botticelli and Mantegna.

Practical tips: Don’t miss a visit to the museum café, which is in the former dining room and is considered one of the most beautiful in Paris. It’s a perfect place for an elegant lunch or a break for coffee and cake.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged.

46. Passages Couverts Parisiens (the covered passages of Paris)

Let yourself be transported to the 19th century and explore these charming forerunners of modern shopping centres. The covered passages are glass-roofed lanes connecting the Paris boulevards, full of antique shops, bookshops, boutiques and picturesque bistros. Among the most beautiful are Galerie Vivienne with its beautiful mosaic floor and Passage des Panoramas, the oldest of the surviving ones.

Practical tips: It’s a great programme for a rainy day. The passages are mainly in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. Explore several of them, each has its own unique atmosphere.
Entry and opening hours: The passages are freely accessible during the opening hours of the shops inside (usually from morning to evening).

47. The Church of Saint-Sulpice

This monumental church not far from the Luxembourg Gardens is the second largest in Paris, after Notre-Dame. It’s an architecturally fascinating building with two deliberately different towers. Inside you’ll find beautiful frescoes by Eugène Delacroix and a great organ. The church was also made famous by the novel “The Da Vinci Code” thanks to the gnomon (a type of sundial) that stretches across the floor.

Practical tips: In front of the church there’s a beautiful square with the Fountain of the Four Bishops. The place is much calmer than the overcrowded main landmarks.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

48. Musée Carnavalet – the History of Paris

Do you want to get to know the story of Paris from its beginnings to the present day? Then you have to visit this museum. It’s housed in two beautiful connected palaces in the Marais district and takes you through the history of the city with paintings, sculptures, furniture and even reconstructions of entire rooms from Parisian houses. It recently underwent an extensive and very successful renovation.

Practical tips: The best thing is that entry to the permanent display is completely free! It’s a great way to understand the context and development of the city you’re exploring.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry to the permanent collections is free.

49. Hôtel de Ville (the Paris City Hall)

The imposing, magnificent building of the Paris city hall is a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture. Although the original building burned down during the Paris Commune, it was rebuilt in even greater beauty. It’s a functioning administrative centre of the city, but its façade decorated with statues of famous Parisians is worth admiring in itself.

Practical tips: The square in front of the city hall is very lively – in winter there’s a large ice rink and Christmas markets, in summer concerts and other events are held here. Tours of the interior are possible, but only with a booking in advance.
Entry and opening hours: Viewing from outside is freely accessible.

50. La Madeleine (the Church of La Madeleine)

This church will confuse you at first sight. It looks like an ancient Greek temple. Its construction was interrupted several times and its purpose changed – at one point it was even meant to be a “Temple of Glory” for Napoleon’s army. In the end it was consecrated as a Catholic church. Its monumental appearance with 52 Corinthian columns is absolutely unique in Parisian architecture.

Practical tips: From the massive steps in front of the church there’s a beautiful view down Rue Royale all the way to Place de la Concorde. Classical music concerts are often held inside.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

51. Parc Monceau

One of the most elegant and romantic parks in Paris, located in the luxurious 8th arrondissement. Unlike the formal French gardens, it’s designed in the English style and is full of small surprises – here you’ll find ancient columns, a small Egyptian pyramid, a Renaissance arcade and a picturesque little bridge.

Practical tips: It’s a favourite spot for local families and runners. Thanks to its location away from the main tourist routes it’s much calmer here. Ideal for an afternoon of relaxation.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

52. Pont des Arts (the Bridge of Arts)

This simple metal footbridge connects the Louvre with the Institut de France. It became famous as the “bridge of love”, where couples from all over the world attached padlocks. These had to be removed because of the excessive weight, but the magic of the place remains. It’s one of the best places for a picnic with a view of the Île de la Cité.

Practical tips: Buy a bottle of wine, some cheese and a baguette and join the Parisians who sit on the ground here on warm evenings, chatting and enjoying one of the most beautiful views in the city.
Entry and opening hours: The bridge is freely accessible.

53. Place de la Bastille & the Opéra Bastille

This square is a symbol of the French Revolution. It was here that the notorious Bastille fortress stood, whose fall on 14 July 1789 set off the revolution. Today the July Column (Colonne de Juillet) stands here in memory of the victims of later revolutions. The square is dominated by the modern building of the Opéra Bastille, the second Paris opera house.

Practical tips: The outlines of the original fortress are marked on the ground, so you can get an idea of how massive it was. The area is full of bars and restaurants.
Entry and opening hours: The square is freely accessible.

54. The Church of Saint-Eustache

This church, on the edge of the former central market of Les Halles, is an architectural gem. From the outside it has the structure of a magnificent Gothic cathedral, but its interior details and decoration are already Renaissance. Its organ is one of the largest and most famous in France and concerts are held here regularly.

Practical tips: Because of its location it’s often overlooked by tourists hurrying to the nearby Louvre, which makes it a calm and majestic place for contemplation.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily.

55. Cité des sciences et de l’industrie (the City of Science and Industry)

This is one of the largest science museums in Europe, located in the modern La Villette park in the north-east of Paris. Unlike classic museums, the Cité focuses on interactivity and fun. Its enormous displays cover topics from space through the human body to robotics and video games. It’s an ideal place for curious children and adults alike, where you can touch and try out everything.

Practical tips: Ideal for families with children who are already tired of historic monuments. The grounds also contain the submarine Argonaute, a planetarium and the enormous spherical cinema La Géode (currently under renovation). Set aside at least half a day for a visit.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except Monday. Entry is charged; tickets can be bought for the main displays, for the children’s Cité des Enfants or as a combined ticket.

Unconventional places in Paris

56. Disneyland Paris

It isn’t a monument in the true sense of the word, but for many visitors to Paris this magical world is an absolute must. Disneyland, the most visited amusement park in Europe, is a short way outside the city and consists of two parks: the classic Disneyland Park with the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle and its fairy-tale worlds, and Walt Disney Studios Park, which focuses on the world of film, animation and Marvel superheroes. It’s a place where dreams come alive, and not only for children.

Practical tips: Always buy tickets online in advance, they’re significantly cheaper than on site. Download the official Disneyland Paris app, where you’ll see the current waiting times for the attractions, a map of the park and the parade times. If you can, avoid weekends and French holidays, when the park is at its fullest.
Entry and opening hours: You can buy tickets here, the prices differ by season and ticket type (one or both parks, one or more days). Open daily all year round; the opening hours vary, but are usually from morning until the evening.

57. Musée Grévin (the wax museum)

The Paris answer to the famous Madame Tussauds, but with a much longer history and housed in beautiful 19th-century premises. Here you’ll meet more than 200 wax figures of famous people from French history (Louis XIV, Napoleon) and from the present day (actors, singers, athletes). The highlight of the visit is the stunning Hall of Mirrors (Palais des Mirages), which creates infinite illusions thanks to a light show.

Practical tips: It’s an entertaining, light-hearted attraction for the whole family. Don’t forget your camera, photos with the celebrities are the main draw here. For a better price, buy tickets online.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily. Entry is charged.

58. Les Égouts de Paris (the Paris sewers)

For a truly unconventional and unique experience you can head into the Paris underground and explore its famous sewer system. This museum lets you look into a fascinating world of engineering designed in the 19th century by Baron Haussmann. You’ll walk along walkways above real, working sewers and learn all about the history of water management in the capital. It’s a look at the “insides” of the city that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Practical tips: Be prepared for a specific environment – it’s dim, damp and has a characteristic smell, although it’s usually not unbearable. The visit isn’t suitable for people with breathing difficulties or a sensitive nose.
Entry and opening hours: Open daily except some holidays. Entry is charged. The museum was recently modernised and is very informative.

59. La Petite Ceinture: a secret garden on abandoned tracks

Imagine an abandoned railway line that once encircled the whole of Paris and that nature has taken back over the decades. Today its accessible sections are a unique park, where instead of crowds of tourists you walk along rusty tracks swallowed by wild vegetation. It’s an oasis of calm, a gallery of street art and a place where you’ll feel like an explorer of a lost world right in the middle of the capital.

Practical tips: The line isn’t continuous, but consists of several separate sections (in the 15th or 16th arrondissement, for example). Ideal for a calm walk away from the bustle of the big city.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily during normal park hours (from morning to dusk).

60. 59 Rivoli: an explosion of art in a legal squat

In the middle of the busy Rue de Rivoli shopping street you’ll come across a building whose façade is an explosion of colours, sculptures and banners. This is 59 Rivoli, a former illegal squat that the city eventually legalised and turned into a studio house for 30 artists. You can walk freely through six floors, watch the artists at work, admire art on every centimetre of the walls and staircases and even chat with the creators.

Practical tips: This isn’t a quiet, sterile gallery. Be open to chaos, creativity and interaction. Most of the artworks are for sale, if you’d like to take home an original souvenir.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is free, a voluntary contribution is welcome. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

61. Musée des Arts Forains: a ticket to a world of magic and dreams

Forget classic museums. This place is a magical dream, a private collection of historic fairground attractions that draws you into the game. On a guided tour with a guide who is more of a storyteller, you’ll not only see hundred-year-old carousels, machines and games, but above all try them out! You’ll ride the Venetian carousel with bicycles or play old horse-racing games. It’s pure joy and nostalgia.

Practical tips: Entry is possible ONLY with a booking for a guided tour in advance! You have to buy tickets online for a specific time. Without a booking you won’t get inside.
Entry and opening hours: Entry is charged and requires an online booking. You’ll find the tour dates on their website.

62. La Butte-aux-Cailles: a forgotten village in the middle of Paris

While the crowds pour into Montmartre, this small “village on the hill” in the 13th arrondissement lives its own calm life. Thanks to the former quarries underground, tall buildings were never built here, and so the district has kept its original character with low houses, cobbled lanes and small squares. It’s a paradise of street art, full of great and affordable bars and bistros.

Practical tips: The best way to get to know the district is to wander aimlessly and discover the street art by artists such as Miss.Tic. It’s an ideal place for an easy-going evening away from the tourist centre.
Entry and opening hours: The district is freely accessible 24 hours a day.

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