10 Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn’t Miss

Paris is captivating.  Its stunning views, iconic landmarks, old buildings and bridges, and cobbled streets justify the romantic feel commonly associated with this city.  It is appealing to dreamers and it could easily charm any traveler.  There are many incredible places to visit and if you are only planning a short trip, check this list of 10 beautiful sights in Paris you shouldn’t miss.  It also includes free attractions and our top picks from the Paris Museum Pass!

1 – Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris.  Seeing it up close, I finally realized why it became the cultural icon of Paris and the source of many artistic inspirations.  Its massive size, beautiful structure, intricate woven iron design, and romantic atmosphere left me in awe.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Eiffel Tower

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Eiffel Tower Champ de Mars View

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Eiffel Tower

You have to see the Eiffel Tower during the day and at night.  Starting at 10 pm, sparkling lights can be seen adorning the tower like diamonds.  This lasts for five minutes and appears every hour until 1 am.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Sparkling Lights Eiffel Tower

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower

If you are planning to go to the top of the tower, it is more convenient to buy your tickets from their official website than joining the long line at the Eiffel Tower ticket office.  If buying online, check for tickets at least a month in advance.  Time slots and tickets get sold out quickly.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Views from the Eiffel Tower

We bought tickets for 25 euros each which include lift access to the top.  A ticket with access only to the second floor is 9 euros cheaper.  The top floor is less crowded but, in my opinion, the views from the top and from the second floor didn’t have a big difference.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Views from the Eiffel Tower

Seeing the Eiffel Tower from Different Angles

Its grand size makes it easy to stand out in the city.  You could see it from different areas in Paris and from the top of other attractions.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Views of the Eiffel Tower Passerelle Debilly
View from Passerelle Debilly
Beautiful sights in Paris you shouldn't miss Views of the Eiffel Tower Passerelle Debilly
View from Passerelle Debilly

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Eiffel Tower

For accommodations near the Eiffel Tower, click here.

Attractions Included in the Paris Museum Pass

Depending on the number of days you plan to stay in Paris and the types of attractions you would want to see, you could consider buying a Paris Museum Pass.  Unlike how its name suggests, the attractions included in the pass are not exclusively museumsIt includes access to other attractions like Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Versailles.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre

Photo Wall Grid by All The Cute Things

2 – The Louvre

One of the world-renowned museums, the Louvre is extremely remarkable inside and out!  It has an immense collection of art and sculptures.  One day is not enough to see everything.  If you have limited time, research and decide in advance which pieces you would like to see.  I also recommend getting their audio guide (5 euros) and a map of the Louvre.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre Museum

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre Museum

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre Museum

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre Museum

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Louvre

Entrance fee: 17 euros/adult

For accommodations near the Louvre, click here.

3 – Musée d’Orsay

Another must-see museum is Musée d’Orsay.  Its gorgeous, unique setting was once a train station.  It has a great collection of artworks but, unlike the Louvre, exploring the entire museum is more manageable.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Musee d'Orsay

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Musee d'Orsay

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Musee d'Orsay

Entrance fee: 13.5 euros/adult

*If you have already purchased a ticket/pass in advance, line up at Entrance C.

Map of Musee d’Orsay

For accommodations near Musee d’Orsay, click here.

4 – Arc de Triomphe

Get incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, and the city from the top floor of Arc de Triomphe.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Pl

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Arc de Triomphe Place de la Concorde

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Arc de Triomphe

Entrance fee: 12 euros/adult

For accommodations near Arc de Triomphe, click here.

5 – Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame is included in our must-see list but we didn’t expect it to be one of the highlights of our trip.  This gothic-style cathedral is beautifully decorated with statues, stained glass windows, and chandeliers.  Even though it is crowded with tourists during our visit, it still has a solemn atmosphere.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame Cathedral

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame Cathedral

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame Cathedral

Don’t skip the tower of Notre-Dame.  Its 400+ steps might be daunting but the breathtaking views from the tower is worth every step! 😉  It has one of the best panoramic city views we’ve seen in Paris.  Come to think of it, I actually enjoyed our time at the Notre-Dame tower more than at the top of the Eiffel Tower.  The views are better and it was less crowded.  At the tower, you would also find the iconic gargoyles overlooking the city and the ancient 13-ton bell, Emmanuel.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Gargoyle EIffel Tower View Notre-Dame Tower

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame Tower Gargoyles

Book a time slot for your tour to the tower

Reservation is required even if you have a pass.  You could either book directly on the terminals on site OR online via the JeFile app (or DuckTheLine).  Based on our experience, the process was quick.  You just have to show your reservation at the line outside the cathedral.  The actual tickets to the tower does not have any line and if you have a pass, the entrance to the tower is already included.  The visiting time is not limited so you could enjoy the views as long as you want! 🙂

Download the “Jefile” app on Google Play or App Store

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Notre-Dame Tower Gargoyles

Entrance fee to the tower: 10 euros/adult

For accommodations near Notre-Dame, click here.

6 – Sainte-Chapelle

After seeing photos of Sainte-Chapelle, I knew that I had to include this stunning Gothic chapel in our itinerary.  The long line was worth the wait.  Although it’s hard not to get disappointed upon seeing the ground floor, you have to go up the stairs to reach the main attraction.  It took my breath away!  Hands down, this is the most beautiful chapel I have ever seen.  The tall windows were all made of different stained glass.  The light reflected through all of the colors of the stained-glass windows, it felt like I was inside a kaleidoscope.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Sainte-Chapelle

Entrance fee: 10 euros/adult

For accommodations near Sainte-Chapelle, click here.

Free Sights

Still looking for something to do with your remaining time?  Fill the rest of your itinerary with free but worthy-to-see sights!

7 – Champs-Élysées

Whether you love splurging on shopping during a vacation or you just enjoy strolling the streets, you have to walk along the street of Champs-Élysées at least once.  This famous, symmetrical street is known for high-end brands, cafés, and an amazing view of the Arc de Triomphe.  Stop by Pierre Hermé and Laduree for some French macarons!

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Champs-Elysees-2

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Champs-Elysees-2

8 – Promenade Plantee

My first impression of Promenade Plantee is its great resemblance to New York’s High Line.  Both are elevated linear parks built on former railways.  It comes as no surprise to learn that Promenade Plantee, the world’s first elevated park, was the inspiration of NYC’s famous High Line.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Promenade Plantee

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Promenade Plantee

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Promenade Plantee

You could visit Promenade Plantee for a refreshing stroll or for some amazing city views.  Like an enchanted garden, you would find different trees and flowers along the park.  If you’re visiting in spring, you might even see the cherry blossoms.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Promenade Plantee Cherry Blossoms

For accommodations near Promenade Plantee, click here.

9 – Place de la Concorde

At the end of Champs-Elysées is Place de la Concorde, a major public square that has a historic significance.  Here, you will find the 3,300 year-old Egyptian obelisk which marks the spot of the guillotine used during the French Revolution.  Imagine, standing at the same location where thousands were beheaded.  Eerie!

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Place de la Concorde

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Place de la Concorde-2

Aside from its monumental structures, I enjoyed our visit to Place de la Concorde because of its fun and lively atmosphere, ironic as it may seem because of its history.

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Place de la Concorde

Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn't Miss Place de la Concorde

For accommodations near Place de la Concorde, click here.

10 – Luxembourg Gardens

If you are looking for a place to relax or you just need a change in your busy Paris tour itinerary, stop by the Luxembourg Gardens.

For accommodations near the Luxembourg Gardens, click here.

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Paris is captivating.  Its stunning views, iconic landmarks, old buildings and bridges, and cobbled streets justify the romantic feel commonly associated with this city.  It is appealing to dreamers and it could easily charm any traveler.  There are many incredible places to visit and if you are only planning a short trip, check this list of 10 beautiful sights in Paris you shouldn't miss.  It also includes free attractions and our top picks from the Paris Museum Pass!

Can’t get enough of Paris?  Click the photos for more Paris posts!

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15 Replies to “10 Beautiful Sights in Paris You Shouldn’t Miss”

  1. That is one of the city’s on my bucket list to visit one day! Beautiful pictures.

  2. Paris always delights. I spend a lot of time taking in the Eiffel from different angles. Sadly could not make time for those museums but I hope to get back to them. Adding to this list of things that I still need to do, are the catacombs. They definitely intrigue me. Nice list for first timers in Paris.

  3. Paris is such a beautiful city. We consider it one of the most beautiful and romantic cities we have ever visited. Apart from the Eiffel Tower our favourites are the Louvre and Notre Dame. We also enjoyed a cruise on the river Seine. Your post brought back nostalgic memories our visit. Loved your video too, it captures the essence of Paris.

  4. Your post makes me wanna go! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  5. Great suggestions!! I went to Paris last year and only made it to Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a few other sights. Sadly, we didn’t have enough time for Musée d’Orsay. Next time, I really need to go there!

  6. OMG! We’re visiting Paris in 3 months and you just made us more excited about our trip. We will definitely try our best to visit all of these sights.

  7. Your photos’ are beautiful! Paris is such a picturesque city. Great suggestions here. We didn’t get to Sainte-Chapelle when we went to Paris so definitely going to have to go back!

  8. Paris can never disappoint you with its beauty and stunning landscapes. I am yet to visit Paris , but whenever I will i will make sure that I visit everything list here. Great post.

  9. Love this!! Especially want to see the Sainte-Chapelle now. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  10. hleguilloux says: Reply

    Paris is so gorgeous! And I agree with all of these sites, I was fortunate enough to see all of them except for Musée d’Orsay.. I didn’t have time which is so regrettable. Thank you for taking me back in time with your beautiful photos.

  11. loisaltermark says: Reply

    I agree on all of these! Paris is such a beautiful city and there is so much to see. Your photos are gorgeous and bring back so many great memories for me.

  12. Oh this has made me so homesick for Paris. I really love that city. There is something really just… stunning about the Eiffel Tower at night. The Louvre too! Great photos.

  13. I’ve been to Paris twice but somehow still haven’t visiting Louvre.
    The art history major in me, always needs a complete day or 2 in fine art museums.
    So I choose to skip them if I have just a few hours, coz I don’t feel I’ll do justice!
    But then, that’s my excuse to head to Paris again… Lolz…

  14. WOW you have really captured the beauty of Paris! I have never been, but this post really makes me want to!

  15. Wow! Your video is so lovely! 🌸 We’re going to Paris this summer and your post only makes me more excited for our trip. ✈️

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