Paris

Eiffel Tower

Tour Eiffel

7th arrondissement

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic wrought-iron lattice structure located on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. Standing as a global cultural icon of France, it was originally built for the 1889 World's Fair. Visitors can ascend to various levels to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, making it a technological masterpiece and a must-visit landmark for any first-time traveller to the capital.

Tip: Book your tickets online 4 to 6 weeks in advance to secure summit access and avoid queues that can last up to three hours.

Admission:

From €11.80 for stairs; €29.40 for summit lift

Time needed:

2-3 h

Louvre Museum

Musée du Louvre

1st arrondissement

As the world's largest art museum, the Louvre is housed in a former royal palace and contains an incredible collection of works ranging from ancient civilisations to the mid-19th century. It is home to canonical masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum's vast galleries require careful planning to navigate effectively within a single visit.

Tip: Book a timed entry slot online even if you qualify for free admission to bypass the longest general entry lines.

Admission:

€22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA

Time needed:

3-4 h

Musée d'Orsay

7th arrondissement

Located in a stunning former railway station on the Left Bank, this museum holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. You can find essential works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a massive station clock and a grand nave that provides a unique backdrop for the sculptures and paintings on display.

Tip: Visit on Thursday evenings after 6 PM for a reduced entry rate and significantly smaller crowds.

Admission:

€16 online; €14 on-site

Time needed:

2-3 h

Sainte-Chapelle

1st arrondissement

This royal chapel within the medieval Palais de la Cité is world-renowned for its breathtaking 13th-century stained-glass windows. The upper chapel features over a thousand individual glass panels depicting religious history, creating a kaleidoscope of light and colour. It is considered one of the highest achievements of the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture and remains a spiritual highlight of the city.

Tip: Try to visit on a sunny day to see the stained-glass windows illuminated in their full, vibrant glory.

Admission:

€22 for non-EEA adults

Time needed:

1-1.5 h

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

8th arrondissement

Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this massive triumphal arch honours those who fought and died for France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can climb to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular 360-degree view of the twelve radiating avenues that form the famous star-shaped junction of Place Charles de Gaulle.

Tip: Arrive around 6:30 PM to witness the daily rekindling of the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Admission:

€16-€22

Time needed:

1.5-2 h

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

18th arrondissement

Perched at the highest point in the city, this Roman Catholic basilica is famous for its white travertine stone and Romano-Byzantine architecture. The terrace in front of the church offers one of the most expansive views of Paris. Inside, you can admire one of the world's largest mosaics, while the climb to the dome provides an even higher vantage point for photography enthusiasts.

Tip: Use a standard Metro ticket on the Montmartre funicular to avoid climbing the 220 steep steps to the entrance.

Admission:

Free; Dome access €6

Time needed:

1-2 h

Catacombs of Paris

Les Catacombes de Paris

14th arrondissement

The Catacombs are a vast underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people. Created in the late 18th century to solve the city's overflowing cemetery problem, the tunnels now offer a haunting archaeological journey. The bones are arranged in decorative patterns along a two-kilometre walking route that sits twenty metres below the street level, providing a macabre yet fascinating history.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the temperature underground remains a constant 14 degrees Celsius year-round.

Admission:

€31 including audio guide

Time needed:

1 h

Palace of Versailles

Château de Versailles

Versailles

Located just outside the city, this former royal residence is a symbol of absolute monarchy. The estate includes the opulent Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartments, and vast formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. It also features the Trianon estate and Marie Antoinette's rustic Hamlet, offering a comprehensive look at the extravagant lifestyle of the French court before the Revolution.

Tip: Rent a bicycle or a golf cart on-site to explore the massive gardens and the Trianon estate efficiently.

Admission:

€25-€35 for a full passport

Time needed:

5-8 h