Explore Paris like a local with expert guide Vadim Hedonist. Discover what to See in Paris, Top 10 Must-See Attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable!
1. Eiffel Tower
What’s Paris without the Eiffel Tower? Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, it initially sparked controversy: some admired it, while others called it an “iron monster.” Now, it’s the city’s main landmark. Climb to the top for breathtaking views!
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM (January-June, September-December), 8:45 AM – 12:45 AM (June-August)
- Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
- Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
| Ticket Type | Adults | Youth (12-24) | Children (4-11) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairs access (2nd floor) | €11.30 | €5.60 | €2.80 |
| Lift access (2nd floor) | €18.10 | €9.00 | €4.50 |
| Stairs + lift (2nd floor + summit) | €21.50 | €10.70 | €5.40 |
| Lift access (2nd floor + summit) | €28.30 | €14.10 | €7.10 |
Tips:
- Visit in the evening — the tower sparkles with lights every hour.
- Book tickets online in advance.
- If you plan to go to the third floor, dress warmly — it can be chilly.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is not just a museum; it’s a treasure trove of art. You’ll find everything from the Mona Lisa to ancient Egyptian sarcophagi. Did you know it was once a royal palace? Yes, Louis XIV lived here before moving to Versailles.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun), 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM (Wed, Fri), closed on Tuesdays
- Price: €22
- Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
- Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en
Tips:
- If you have a ticket, use the entrance through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center (Palais Royal metro station) — there are fewer queues.
- Focus on a few halls — you can’t see everything in one day.
- Visit in the evening on Wednesday or Friday — fewer tourists.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece was built over nearly two centuries! After the fire in 2019, the cathedral was closed for restoration, but it’s now partially open for visits. You can enter and see the progress of the restoration with your own eyes.
- Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM (Sat-Sun)
- Price: Free
- Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
- Website: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/
Tips:
- Come in the morning for a peaceful visit.
- Book a free entry ticket online.
- Take a walk around the Île de la Cité after visiting the cathedral.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Built by Napoleon to honor his victories, this arch is a symbol of Parisian grandeur. Climb to the top and see the famous Champs-Élysées from a height.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (April-September), 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (October-March)
- Price: €16
- Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Website: www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en
Tips:
- Visit the arch at sunset — the views are magical.
- Use the underground passage for safe access.
- Don’t forget to take a photo with the arch at night — it’s beautifully lit.
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The white basilica on the hill of Montmartre looks like a fairy tale! This place has inspired artists and writers for centuries. And the view from the dome is simply stunning.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM (basilica), 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (dome)
- Price: Free (basilica), €7 (dome)
- Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
- Website: https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/en/
Tips:
- Climb to the dome for the best view of Paris.
- Explore Montmartre — there are plenty of cozy cafes and galleries.
- Visit the Place du Tertre near the basilica.
6. Musée d’Orsay
If you love Impressionism — this is the place for you! The museum features works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Tue-Sun), until 9:45 PM on Thursdays
- Price: From €16
- Address: Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Paris
- Website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en
Tips:
- Start your visit from the top floor.
- Don’t miss the famous clocks in the museum.
- Come in the morning for a peaceful visit.
7. Palace of Versailles
Once the home of French kings! Versailles is stunning with its Hall of Mirrors, which literally dazzles with its beauty.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (April-October), 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November-March), closed on Mondays
- Price: From €27
- Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
- Website: https://en.chateauversailles.fr/
Tips:
- Buy a ticket with a specified entry time.
- Visit the fountains on weekends — they only operate then.
- Dedicate a whole day to exploring the palace and gardens.
8. Champs-Élysées
This is not just a street — it’s the heart of Paris! You can walk through boutiques or have coffee at one of the cafes with a view of the Arc de Triomphe.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Price: Free
- Address: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Tips:
- Take a stroll in the evening — the illumination makes the avenue magical.
- Check out famous stores or cinemas.
- Walk to the Place de la Concorde at the end of the avenue.
9. Disneyland Paris
A famous amusement park located 32 km from the center of Paris. It’s perfect for family fun or for those who want to relive their childhood.
- Opening Hours: Varies depending on the season
- Price: From €59 for a one-day ticket
- Address: Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray
- Website: https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-int/
Tips:
- Buy tickets online in advance for savings.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid queues.
- Use the FASTPASS system for popular attractions (available only for certain attractions).
10. Luxembourg Gardens
One of the most beautiful parks in Paris, created in 1612 by order of Marie de Medici. It’s an ideal place for a walk and a break from the city bustle.
- Opening Hours: Depends on the season, usually from 7:30 AM to sunset
- Price: Free
- Address: 6e Arrondissement, 75006 Paris
- Website: https://jardin.senat.fr/en.html
Tips:
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful walk.
- Bring a book and have a picnic on the grass.
- Don’t miss the Medici Fountain and numerous sculptures in the park.
Bonus Places:
- Tuileries Garden
Perfect for a stroll after visiting the Louvre! Enjoy the tranquility and admire the fountains and statues.
- Les Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb
Historic site with a golden dome and an impressive military history museum.
- Website: www.musee-armee.fr/en/home.html
- Place des Vosges
The oldest square in Paris with beautiful arcades and cozy cafes.
- Paris Catacombs
The underground world of the city with thousands of human remains — eerily interesting!
- Website: www.catacombes.paris.fr/en
- Montparnasse Tower
Want to see the Eiffel Tower from a height? Climb up here!
- Website: www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en
Want to learn more about Paris’s hidden gems? Join my custom tours! I’ll show you the city through the eyes of a local and reveal secret places you won’t find in guidebooks. Book a tour now!
