Traditional places
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To better guide you during your first trip to Paris, we have selected the city's most important works of art. Do you have little time but a great desire to discover the most famous museums, or do you want to plan your itinerary optimally? Check out our page on traditional places, which will help you with useful tips at any moment.
And that’s not all. Every little corner of the city hides secrets and curiosities. We have gathered them to make your stay even more interesting.
The most enchanting places in Paris await you—don’t miss them!
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1
Notre Dame
On the Île de la Cité stands one of the most beautiful cathedrals that have survived to this day. It took nearly two centuries to complete this masterpiece of Gothic art.
The cathedral was built on the site where a 4th-century basilica once stood, which in turn was built on the site of a Roman temple.
The façade is divided into three parts, supported by two towers. The latter measure 69 meters in height, and we highly recommend visiting them. In fact, the visit will allow you to discover the great bell Emmanuel, which has been there since 1685, and to enjoy the splendid view of the city.
The first level of the façade includes three portals: the central Portal of Judgment, the left Portal of the Virgin, and the right Portal of Saint Anne. Inside, five naves, 130 meters long, unfold before us. The first thing that strikes visitors is the extraordinary play of light coming through the stained-glass windows.
Notre Dame Cathedral houses the largest organ in France. Another treasure is the south transept, which contains valuable manuscripts and relics, including the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the Cross, and a nail from the Passion.
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Curiosities:
The cathedral is also the point from which all roads in France are measured. You can confirm this by finding the bronze plaque that marks the heart of France.
Almost everyone has at least once heard, seen, or read Victor Hugo’s novel *Notre Dame de Paris*. At the time Hugo wrote about the young gypsy Esmeralda and her beloved, the cathedral was in great need of restoration. So, Hugo launched his campaign to save the church, and it is thanks to him that the restoration work began.
Address: 6, Place du Parvis Notre Dame, Paris.
Cité (Line 4).
Opening hours: The cathedral can be visited from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, until 6:30 PM on Saturdays, and from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Sundays.
Prices: Admission is only charged for the towers: €8.50 per person.
Tips:
First of all, we recommend visiting the most important parts of the cathedral, such as the towers and the south transept. Additionally, you can stop by the famous flower market, which turns into a bird market on Sundays.
And if, after your visit, you want to stop somewhere to enjoy good cuisine, you can go to *Ze Kitchen Galerie*, where flavors and art come together in one place.
Restaurant address: 4, Rue des Grands-Augustins, Paris.
Saint-Michel (Line 4).
Tel.: +33144320032
Stato: aperto.
2
Tour Eiffel
There is no doubt, a visit to the symbol of the capital, the Eiffel Tower, must be on every visitor’s agenda.
The tower was built for the 1889 Universal Exposition and was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel. However, he was not the one who invented it. Eiffel financed the construction of the tower, which was designed by two engineers from his company.
Initially, the city's inhabitants were not very enthusiastic, but over the years, it became famous and loved worldwide.
Currently, the Eiffel Tower stands at 324 meters high and weighs 10,100 tons. You have two options to visit the monument: climb on foot (1,665 steps) or take the elevator. The structure is divided into 3 levels, accessible through the two aforementioned methods.
Remember that every hour (for the first 5 minutes), the tower’s lights start sparkling, providing an unforgettable spectacle. The best place to admire it is from the Trocadéro terrace (which is located in front of the tower).
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Fun fact:
On February 4, 1912, the Eiffel Tower became the scene of an experiment gone wrong. A well-known Austrian inventor, Franz Reichelt, decided to test his invention, a parachute cloak. He jumped from the first floor of the tower, but unfortunately, the parachute did not open, and he plummeted to the ground.
Address: 5, Avenue Anatole France-Champ de Mars, Paris.
Bir-Hakeim (line 6).
Hours: From September 2 to June 14. Elevator: from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM / Stairs: from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
From June 15 to September 1. Elevator: from 9:30 AM to 12:45 AM / Stairs: from 9:30 AM to 12:45 AM.
Prices: Elevator ticket to the second floor: €8.50 adults; €7 for youth (12-24 years old), €4 for children (4-11 years old) and disabled visitors.
Tips:
To avoid waiting in line for hours, buy your ticket in advance (see the excursions section).
To reduce waiting time for the elevators, it is advisable to enter from the East pillar. This is the furthest from the metro exit and therefore less crowded.
Stato: aperto.
3
Louvre
Originally, the Palais du Louvre was a fortification. Built in the 12th century, it was commissioned by Philip Augustus to protect the right bank.
With the reign of Charles V, the Palais du Louvre became the royal residence.
Today, in the halls of the ancient fortress, you can find the largest and most visited art museum in the world. Its collection includes masterpieces from all eras. They are divided into 8 sections: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities; paintings; sculptures; decorative arts; Islamic arts; and graphic arts. Examples include works by Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh.
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Fun fact:
With the success of Dan Brown’s novel (The Da Vinci Code), the museum gained even more popularity and charm.
Following this popularity, a dedicated tour was developed, showcasing all the artworks and details mentioned in the book. The visit lasts at least 90 minutes.
Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7).
Hours: From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the museum is closed on Tuesdays. For more information, visit the museum’s official website (www.louvre.fr). The museum’s ticket offices close at 5:30 PM. The museum remains open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Prices: €12 for permanent collections; free for visitors under 26.
Tips:
A thorough visit requires several days. To help you choose the sections you want to see, small maps are distributed at the entrance in all languages.
Do not miss masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa in the Salle des États, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
Stato: aperto.
4
Grand Palais
The emblematic building par excellence, Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
Located in the Champs Elysées area, the palace is recognizable by its enormous glass dome. The Grand Palais was designed by architects such as Henri Deglane, Albert Louvet, Albert Thomas, and Charles Girault.
In 1964, the Minister of Culture decided to transform part of the palace into a space dedicated to hosting prestigious exhibitions. This section was named the National Galleries of the Grand Palais. Even today, the Galleries remain one of the most important cultural centers in Paris.
The other part of the Grand Palais houses the Palais de la Découverte, where you will find the science museum.
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Interesting facts:
This is where the most important exhibitions in Paris take place, such as Cartier. Additionally, the structure hosts major fashion shows, including those by Dior.
Address: Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris.
Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13).
Opening hours: Vary depending on exhibitions, for more details visit the official website https://www.grandpalais.fr/visite/en/
Prices: Vary depending on exhibitions, for more details visit the official website https://www.grandpalais.fr/visite/en/
Tips:
Don’t rush your visit to this beautiful symbol of Parisian culture. The exhibitions at the National Galleries take place throughout the year and are well worth seeing.
Additionally, you can visit the Petit Palais, which is located in front of the Grand Palais.
At the end of your visit, you can take a pleasant walk along the Champs Elysées.
Stato: aperto.
5
Tuileries
From the first visit, the park impresses with its architectural and natural splendor. The Tuileries Garden is the oldest in the capital and also the most visited. Perhaps its popularity is justified by its excellent location. In fact, Tuileries is just a few steps away from the main tourist attractions.
Here, you can admire wonderful groups of allegorical statues created by Rodin, Giacometti, and others.
At the western end of the garden, there are two museums: Jeu de Paume, a center for photography and imagery, and the Orangerie, a museum that houses a collection of paintings by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, and Renoir.
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Interesting facts:
According to legend, a red man roamed these gardens. He was said to be a butcher named Jean who worked for Catherine de' Medici, who was passionate about the occult sciences. Jean had learned too many of Catherine’s secrets and was consequently killed. After his death, it was said that the man appeared to many famous figures, including Louis XVIII, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon.
Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris.
Tuileries (line 1), Concorde (lines 1, 8, and 12).
Opening hours: April-May from 7 AM to 9 PM, June-August from 7 AM to 11 PM, September-March from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Prices: Garden access is free, Jeu de Paume €8.50 (€5.50 reduced), Orangerie €9 (€6.50 reduced).
Tips:
Inside the garden, there is a Ferris wheel that offers the most fascinating views of the city center.
Near the garden is the fabulous Angelina pastry shop, where you can enjoy a Parisian brunch.
Stato: aperto.
6
Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées
The largest arch in the world was built in 1806, following Napoleon’s order to celebrate the victory of Austerlitz.
Under the arch lies the tomb of an unknown soldier, whose flame is lit every evening at 18:30.
Climb to the terrace and you will enjoy a unique view of the Champs Elysées, one of the most elegant avenues in the world. Although over time the Champs Elysées have lost some of their charm, becoming a prime shopping destination, it remains a special place where a simple walk is never so unique. The avenue, 700 meters long, offers a long perspective that connects the Arc de Triomphe, the Obelisk of Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens, and the Carrousel du Louvre.
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Trivia:
The famous avenue has often been featured in major films. One of them is Jean-Luc Godard’s masterpiece, “Breathless,” starring the magnificent Jean Paul Belmondo.
As for music, the most famous song is “Aux Champs Elysées” by Joe Dassin.
Address: Avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris.
Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (line 1).
Opening hours (for Arc de Triomphe): from April 1 to September 30, 10:00 - 23:00; from October 1 to March 31, 10:00 - 22:30.
Prices: €9.50, free for EU citizens under 26.
Tips:
For true fashion history lovers, we recommend visiting not only the most à la vogue avenue but also the Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, which houses over 5,000 garments and accessories designed by Yves Saint Laurent. Here, you can discover a significant part of French fashion history. Foundation address: 5 avenue Marceau. Open from 11:00 to 16:00. Entrance fee: €7.
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7
Sacre Coeur
The basilica that dominates the hill of Montmartre is one of the city’s symbols. Sacre Coeur is visible from almost every part of the city center, and it is easy to recognize due to its bright white color.
It was consecrated in 1919 and is a remarkable example of Romano-Byzantine art.
The most interesting part of the basilica is undoubtedly the dome. You can reach it by climbing 300 steps. The climb is a bit tiring, but it is worth it! A 360° panoramic view awaits you.
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Trivia:
Have you ever wondered why the basilica is so white? The explanation is quite simple: the stone used for its construction is from Château-Landon, which uniquely produces a white substance when it comes into contact with rain. So, the more it rains, the whiter the basilica remains.
Address: 35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris.
Anvers (line 2), Abbesses (line 12).
Opening hours: Basilica from 06:00 to 22:30 / Dome from 09:00 to 17:45.
Prices: Dome entrance €5, free entrance to the basilica.
Tips:
Not far from the basilica is Place du Tertre, where you can browse artists' works or simply enjoy a coffee in a café on the square.
Additionally, just a few steps away is one of the major evening attractions, the Moulin Rouge. Here, the cancan was born and became famous. For more information, check our Excursions page.
Stato: aperto.
8
Centre George Pompidou
This museum is itself a great work of contemporary art. Inside, it houses the most brilliant works of Cubism and Abstract Art. Here, you will find masterpieces by great artists such as Kandinsky and Picasso, Matisse and Chagall.
Every year, the Centre Pompidou hosts a wide variety of modern art exhibitions.
The building was constructed in the 1970s based on a design by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. The center appears very original and unusual, especially against the backdrop of the “Haussmann-style” buildings. The load-bearing structure is visible from the outside and is full of vibrant colors like blue and red. This type of design was intended to provide more space for the works housed inside.
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Fun fact:
Along with the MOMA (New York) and Tate Modern (London), the Centre Pompidou holds one of the three most important modern art collections. Currently, this collection is the most significant in Europe—don't miss it!
Address: Place Georges Pompidou, Paris.
Rambuteau (line 11).
Opening hours: from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (ticket office closes at 8:00 PM).
Prices: full price €11-13, reduced price €10-9. Panorama ticket €3.
Tips:
From the top of the museum, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city's main monuments. If you’re not a big fan of modern art but want to enjoy the view, you can opt for the "Panorama ticket."
Not far from the museum, you’ll find the St. Eustache Church—a Gothic art masterpiece. For more information about the church, check out our ART section.
Stato: aperto.
9
Musée D’Orsay
This museum is fascinating not only because it houses the great works of Impressionism but also because of its rich history. Before becoming one of the most visited museums, it was a railway station. In 1977, instead of being demolished, it was transformed into a museum.
The Musée d’Orsay, along with the Louvre Museum, is a must-see for visitors to the city. Here, you can admire the greatest works of Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Degas.
In memory of its past, the museum still preserves the monumental clock of the old station.
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Fun fact:
Before becoming a museum, the building served many purposes. Born in the 19th century, the Palais d’Orsay was originally the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It later hosted the Court of Auditors and the Council of State. However, in 1871, it was set on fire, and the state decided to sell the land to the Orléans railway companies. On July 14, 1900, the station was inaugurated, and its glory lasted for 40 years before it became obsolete and too small. At that point, it was converted into a parcel dispatch center for prisoners during the war. Later, it served as a reception center for prisoners after liberation. Finally, after a long history of transformations, the old station was declared a historical monument, and in 1986, the museum opened its doors to the public.
Address: 1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Paris.
Solférino (line 12).
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays. On other days, open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (until 9:45 PM on Thursdays).
Prices: €9; reduced price €6.50.
Tips:
The best advice we can give is to book your ticket in advance before heading to the museum. This way, you can avoid the endless queues of visitors waiting in line.
Also, take advantage of Café Campana after your visit. The café is located inside the museum and offers a relaxing and unique atmosphere, thanks in part to an unusual clock-window.
Stato: aperto.
