Places to visit in paris; Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Most of the time, when I think about Paris, I imagine myself taking a selfie with the Eiffel Tower, searching for the Louvre on the map, and booking a hotel in a street filled with that Parisian vibe I found in Emily in Paris. I might also picture a walk along the Seine or a stop at Notre-Dame. But how many of us really know about other famous Paris tourist attractions beyond these icons? Are there truly hidden gems in Paris waiting to be discovered beyond the usual postcards?

If you are planning a trip to Paris, we have decided to create a series of guides for Paris travel tips, and in this one, we talk about attractions you can add to your Paris bucket list.

Top tourist attractions in Paris

I don’t want to ignore talking about the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. The fact is, most travelers choose Paris for its vibe, sitting at a café with a coffee in front of this famous tower, or wanting to see how such valuable treasures are kept inside a museum like the Louvre. So I categorize the top tourist attractions in Paris into famous ones and hidden ones.

Famous places in Paris

The following attractions are top on people's Paris travel list; now, when I look at the list, a question comes to my mind: Is a 1-week itinerary to Paris enough to see all the attractions below?

1. The Eiffel Tower

You don't really visit the Eiffel Tower; you experience it. It quietly sets the mood in Paris, whether you're walking around it, sitting on the grass nearby, or just seeing it from a distance.

Area: 7th Arrondissement

Hotel prices: €150–€350 per night

Getting there: Metro Line 6 or 9

2. The Louvre

This place is the most famous museum. Even if you don't like art, the Louvre's size and the stories behind its collections will grab your attention right away.

Area: 1st Arrondissement

Hotel prices: €170–€400

Getting there: Metro Line 1 or 7

3. Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur

Montmartre is like a small village that sits on top of Paris. Sacré-Cœur's view, narrow streets, and artists make it one of the most moving places in the city.

Neighborhood: Set on the hilltop of the 18th arrondissement

Hotel budget: From around €120 up to €280

Getting around: Best reached using Metro lines 2 or 12

4. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame

When you stand in front of Notre-Dame, you remember how old Paris really is. You don't even realize it, but the details, the history, and the mood make you slow down.

Area: On Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s oldest zones

Nearby hotels: Generally €160–€350 depending on season

Access: Metro line 4 stops close by

5. The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

This is where Paris shows off its big side. The walk feels like a movie, and climbing the Arc gives you one of the best views of the city from above.

District: 8th arrondissement

Where to stay: Luxury-focused area, hotels from €200 to €500

Transport links: Metro lines 1, 2, and 6 all connect here

6. River Seine

When you look at Paris from the water, it looks different. A calm, almost poetic way to get from one landmark to another is to walk or cruise along the Seine.

Runs through: Central Paris, crossing multiple districts

Hotel prices along the river: Typically €150–€350

How to get there: Many metro stations line the riverbanks

7. Le Marais

Le Marais is busy but never too loud. You can find cool cafés, small museums, and shops just by walking around.

Situated in: 3rd and 4th arrondissements

Accommodation range: Around €130–€300 per night

Metro access: Lines 1 and 8 serve the area well

8. The Musée d'Orsay

This museum is in an old train station, which makes it feel lighter and more welcoming than the Louvre, especially for people who like Impressionist art.

Location: On the Left Bank near the Seine

Hotel cost nearby: Usually between €160 and €330

Transportation: Metro line 12 is the most convenient

9. The Latin Quarter

There is always energy here. The Latin Quarter feels young, curious, and alive thanks to its bookshops, students, and casual restaurants.

Neighborhood: 5th arrondissement, close to universities

Where to stay: More budget-friendly, €100–€250

Best access: Metro line 10

10. The Palace of Versailles

There is a lot of drama and scale in Versailles. The palace and gardens are great examples of how French royalty showed off their wealth and power.

Where it is: Just outside Paris, in Versailles

Hotel prices nearby: Approximately €120–€250

Getting there: RER C train from central Paris

11. Saint-Germain-des-Près

This neighborhood has a quiet elegance about it. Historic cafés, fashionable streets, and a slower pace give it a Parisian charm that will never go out of style.

Area: Elegant 6th arrondissement

Accommodation level: Higher-end, around €180–€400

Metro lines: 4 and 10 pass through the neighborhood

12. Place de la Concorde

You might not stay long, but this square has seen some of the most important events in French history. It's more important than it looks.

Located in: The 8th arrondissement

Hotel costs: Usually €180–€420

Transport options: Metro lines 1 and 8

13. The Saint-Martin Canal

This is where people who live here go to breathe. People sit by the water, talk, and enjoy a more laid-back and unpolished side of Paris.

District: 10th arrondissement

Staying here: Hotels range from €110 to €260

Public transport: Connected by Metro lines 5 and 11

14. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise is surprisingly quiet and feels like an open-air museum where history, art, and nature come together.

Area: Eastern Paris, in the 20th arrondissement

Nearby hotels: Often more affordable, €90–€220

Access: Metro lines 2 and 3

15. The Garden of Tuileries

This garden is in the middle of the city and is a good place to take a break. It’s where sightseeing slows down, and Paris feels effortlessly calm.

Position: Between the Louvre and Champs-Élysées

Hotel prices close by: Around €170–€380

Getting there: Metro line 1 stops nearby

The above names are not the complete list; there are hidden gems in Paris that fewer people talk about, but they are worth visiting. Also, you can check the best recommended Paris hotels before reading about lesser-known locations in Paris.

Hidden gems in Paris

Paris's real vibe is often found in places that aren't very popular with tourists but are loved by locals and noted by official city guides as unique, underrated attractions that aren't on the usual tourist trail. Visiting these places gives you a deeper feel of Paris life and history, without the need to be in a place full of tourists.

Official tourism websites and well-known travel guides often list quiet squares, historic passages, local parks, and neighborhood treasures as hidden gems that should be on your itinerary. Below, we mentioned some of them:

1. Square du Vert-Galant: Your Secret Island Escape

Imagine chilling on the very tip of Île de la Cité, right where the Pont Neuf begins. That's where you'll find Square du Vert-Galant, a small park that feels miles away from the city noise. Grab some snacks, find a spot under the trees, and watch the boats go by on the Seine. It's the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Position: At the very tip of Île de la Cité, right by Pont Neuf

Hotel prices close by: Roughly €160–€360 per night

Getting there: Metro line 7 or 4, then a short walk

2. Jardin du Ranelagh: Classic Paris, Minus the Crowds

Everyone knows the Luxembourg Gardens, but have you heard of Jardin du Ranelagh? This gem in the 16th arrondissement has all the charm of a traditional Parisian garden, with fewer people. Think tree-lined paths, flower beds, and even a puppet show that's fun for all ages. It got a makeover during Haussmann's big redesign of Paris, so you know it's got style.

Position: 16th arrondissement, tucked in a quiet residential area

Hotel prices nearby: €180–€350

Getting there: Metro line 9 or bus 22

3. Parc de Belleville: Views That Will Blow You Away

Want amazing views of Paris without fighting through crowds of tourists? Head to Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement. This park sits on a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. With waterfalls, open lawns, and a laid-back atmosphere, it's a favorite spot for picnics and sunset photos. Plus, it's a great way to experience a more local side of Paris.

Position: Eastern Paris, overlooking the city from the 20th arrondissement

Hotel prices in the area: About €100–€230

Getting there: Metro line 11

4. Jardin Catherine-Labouré: Your Private Garden Sanctuary

Need a break from the city streets? Jardin Catherine-Labouré in the 7th arrondissement is your answer. This peaceful garden used to be a vegetable garden for a convent, and it still feels like a hidden sanctuary. Walk under vine-covered arches, admire the flowers, and enjoy the tranquility. Because it's a bit off the beaten path, you will likely have it mostly to yourself.

Position: Hidden inside the 7th arrondissement, near Rue de Babylone

Hotel prices nearby: Around €180–€400

Getting there: Metro line 10

5. La Butte-aux-Cailles: Step Back in Time in This Village in the City

If you're looking for a truly Parisian experience, don't miss La Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th arrondissement. This neighborhood feels more like a small French village than a part of a big city. It's a world away from the tourist crowds, and you have a chance to see a different side of Paris.

Position: 13th arrondissement, south-east Paris

Hotel prices nearby: €90–€220

Getting there: Metro line 7

To book a hotel in Paris, we can give you a quick way to search for them, right now:

Practical Tips for Visiting Paris Attractions

Your bucket list for Paris is ready, but now you actually need to get there in the best way you can to go to the heart of Paris and see its beauty as much as possible. Below, we have provided quick information; typically, if you book a tour to Paris, your tour leader will guide you as best as possible.

Best Times to Visit Popular Spots

Most visitors spend too much time waiting in lines and miss some of the best parts of Paris simply because they don't know the best times to visit. You can avoid the typical tourist traps and have a richer experience by following some simple advice.

Eiffel Tower:

Go early (8-9 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 8 p.m.). The morning fog can create amazing photos, and at night, you’ll see the tower's light show with fewer people around.

The Louvre:

Wednesday and Friday evenings (until 9:45 p.m.) are usually less crowded. If you prefer daytime, try to arrive right when it opens at 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

Versailles:

Arrive when it opens at 9 a.m. to beat the tour bus crowds. Another option is to visit after 3 p.m., when it’s less busy, and the gardens are beautifully lit.

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur:

Visit at sunrise for a quiet experience and fantastic views of the city. Evenings are great for seeing street performers and enjoying the local culture.

Musée d'Orsay:

Tuesday and Sunday mornings are generally quieter. The light in the old train station is particularly nice before noon.

Realistic Timing for Visits

Don't try to cram too much into one day. Here’s a more practical guide to how much time you'll need at each location:

• Eiffel Tower Plan for 1.5-2 hours. If you’re dining there, add another 1-2 hours.
• Louvre: 2-3 hours for a quick visit to see the highlights. If you're an art fan, you could easily spend 4-6+ hours.
• Notre-Dame: 30-45 minutes to view the exterior (currently the only option).
• Versailles: A full day (4-6 hours) to see both the palace and its gardens.
• Montmartre: 2-3 hours to explore the neighborhood.
• Musée d'Orsay: 2-3 hours to see the main exhibits.

Smart Route Planning

Paris is walkable, but strategic clustering can save you hours when visiting all the attractions. Here's how to group attractions so you're exploring neighborhoods rather than crisscrossing the city:

Cluster 1-Right Bank Classic Route: Start at the Louvre, walk through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde, then up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. This is a full-day plan.

Cluster 2-Left Bank Cultural Walk: Visit the Musée d'Orsay, explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. This works well as an afternoon activity.

Cluster 3-Islands and Latin Quarter: See Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Shakespeare and Company. This area is compact and can be done in half a day.

Cluster 4-Montmartre to Marais: Experience two different neighborhoods. Spend the morning in Montmartre, then take the metro to the Marais for the evening.

Cluster 5- Museum Triangle: The Left Bank is home to three world-class museums, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin, and Les Invalides. These spots are located in a sort of triangle, with each about a 15-to-20-minute walk from the others.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, pick the museum that interests you the most. After your visit, spend some time exploring the nearby streets, which are full of cafes, shops, and parks. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, near the Musée d'Orsay, offers a taste of Parisian literary history. The area around the Musée Rodin is quieter and has some upscale boutiques. Les Invalides is close to government buildings and has a more formal feel.

Ticketing Tips

Book in Advance (Essential):

• Eiffel Tower summit (book 60 days ahead during peak season)
• Versailles (skip-the-line tickets are a must)
• Sainte-Chapelle (timed entry tickets)

Book Online (Recommended to avoid lines)

• Louvre (expect long wait times in summer if you don’t)
• Musée d'Orsay (especially on busy days)
• Arc de Triomphe rooftop

Saving Money to visit all the places to visit in Paris

Paris is a city that truly appreciates those who plan. Want to see great sights without emptying your wallet? Here are some tips:

Free Entry:

First Sunday of the Month: Free entry to the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Rodin, and Orangerie. Be aware that it will be crowded.

Under 26 EU Residents: Free entry to national museums (bring ID).

Always Free: Notre-Dame exterior, parks (Luxembourg, Tuileries, Buttes-Chaumont), Sacré-Cœur interior, Père Lachaise Cemetery, the booksellers along the Seine.

Discounts:

Evening Hours: The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay have extended hours on certain evenings, sometimes with reduced prices after 6 p.m.

Student Discounts: A valid student ID can get you discounts at many attractions.

Combo Tickets: Packages like a Seine cruise + Eiffel Tower visit, or Catacombs + cruise, are often cheaper than buying separately.

If you plan to visit just 2-3 paid attractions, buy individual tickets online. If you’re visiting 5+ museums, the Museum Pass is likely the better choice. If you're on a budget, target free Sundays and the many free sites throughout the city.

Final words:

With a bit of planning, seeing Paris doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can have a memorable adventure without spending all of your money.

We recommend taking the last smart steps: bundle your flight with hotels you choose near the above Paris attractions to save even more. Still, if you don't know what’s good for you, use PlaninGO trip planner, powered by data from other travel experiences, to suggest the best way to travel to Paris based on your travel style, budget, etc.