20 Places to Explore in Paris

Hannah Malmstrom

Last updated 15 Aug 2025

Photo credit: Yovan Verma on Pexels

Keen to start your Paris itinerary but unsure where to begin? Well, we’ve got just what you’re looking for. From classic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to lesser-known gems tucked away in scenic neighborhoods, we’ll help you discover all the best places to explore in Paris with our handpicked selection.

No matter your travel style, this city has something for everyone. So let’s get exploring!

Klook tip: Don’t forget to set up a European eSIM before heading to Paris. With mobile data in your pocket, you can be confident when navigating the city’s different neighborhoods.]

1. Eiffel Tower

Kick off your city exploration with none other than Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Of course, you can always take photos with the majestic structure in the background (you can even book your very own private and professional Photoshoot around Paris).

But while you’re here, don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal. Pre-book an Eiffel Tower elevator tour to learn more about its rich history from expert guides and take in panoramic views of Paris from the top.

And if you want to treat yourself to a delicious dinner with a spectacular view of the city at night, you can even get a dinner reservation at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie.

Location: 7th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Champ de Mars Park, Palais de Chaillot, Palais de Tokyo

Klook tip: Know which part of Paris you’re in by checking the last two digits of your address zip code. This indicates the specific arrondissement or neighborhood of your location.

Now, you might be wondering, what are arrondissements? In a nutshell, they’re Paris’s different neighborhoods (sometimes even called Paris’s 20 small cities). They go around clockwise from the left and right banks of the Seine River in the center, spiraling out to the outer edges of the city.

2. Arc de Triomphe

This is another one of those historical places in Paris that should be included in your itinerary. Secure a ticket to the Arc de Triomphe and take in its stunning feat of architecture and design, including its small archways and stunning pillars adorned with sculptures.

Climb the 284-step stairway leading to the rooftop terrace and you’ll be in the perfect spot to see the entire cityscape.

Location: 8th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Tuileries Garden

Klook tip: If you’ll be hopping on the RER or Metro lines to get to the Arc de Triomphe, make sure to take the exit at the Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Known for its striking flying buttresses, beautiful stained glass windows, and legendary gargoyles, the Notre-Dame Cathedral continues to captivate millions of Paris visitors as one of the top places to explore in Paris. Although it faced challenges in the 2019 fire, restoration efforts have brought it back to life, and it's once again open to the public.

So while you’re in the city, don’t miss your chance to see this Gothic architecture marvel and consider booking a guided tour of Notre Dame. With this package, you can hit two birds with one stone and experience the nearby Saint Chapelle too.

Location: 4th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Saint Chapelle, Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, views of the River Seine

4. Paris Catacombs

Up for a hair-raising, once-in-a-lifetime experience? Take a detour to the Paris Catacombs and walk through its eerie tunnel walls lined with skulls and bones from the 18th century.

This historic site, which is one of the largest grave sites in the world, stretches over an impressive 280 kilometers (about 174 miles)! While only a small part of this network is open to visitors, it offers a unique glimpse into the underground world of the city, running deep beneath its streets.

Location: 14th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Luxembourg Gardens, Montparnasse Cemetery, and the Pantheon

5. Panthéon

The Pantheon in Paris, which is inspired by and modeled after the one in Rome, is another must-see attraction. Once you step inside the building, you’ll be greeted by soaring arches, vibrant frescoes, and elegant columns that create a wonderful church-like atmosphere. And, the sunlight streaming through the dome is absolutely beautiful!

Learn more about its deep history as the burial site of many prominent French figures like Marie Curie, Voltaire, and Alexandre Dumas, and be sure to add the Pantheon to your itinerary.

Location: 5th arrondissement a.k.a. the Latin Quarter (map)
Nearby spots: Le Jardin des Plantes, Rue Mouffetard, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church

6. Louvre Museum

Have you really been to Paris if you haven’t checked the Louvre Museum off your list? Whether you’re an art lover or simply a curious traveler, wandering through the museum’s many galleries is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Apart from being home to thousands of art pieces like the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a masterpiece in its own right and serves as one of the most iconic places to explore in Paris. Its famous glass pyramid entrance (designed by I.M. Pei) and sprawling landscaped courtyard serve as the perfect backdrop for photo ops.

Avoid long lines and book your Louvre Museum skip-the-line tickets ahead of time for a hassle-free experience.

Location:1st arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Tuileries Garden, Palais-Royal Garden, Musee de l’Orangerie, Garnier Palace

Klook tip: Did you know there are other entrances to the Louvre that usually have shorter lines? You can try the entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre or the Porte des Lions. Just double-check the opening times for the Porte des Lions entrance, as it’s not open every day.

7. Tuileries Garden

If you're searching for a peaceful place to unwind and rest your feet, the Tuileries Garden (also known as Jardin des Tuileries) is just the spot!

You can even grab snacks or eat lunch in nearby cafes and food stalls. But if you want to bask in the sun while you enjoy your food, going on a picnic here is also a great option!

Since the Tuileries garden is just a stone’s throw away from the Louvre (right between the museum and the Place de la Concorde, and alongside the River Seine), we recommend booking an outdoor walking tour so you can see the garden landscapes and nearby attractions all in one go.

For a fun and unique experience, you can also join Paris bike tours that include a stop here.

Location: 1st arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: The Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome, Grand Palais, Petit Palais

8. Musée de l'Orangerie

You won’t have to venture very far from Jardin des Tuileries to get to Musée de l'Orangerie. It’s a hidden gem located right within the garden grounds. And, even though it’s one of the smaller museums in Paris, it’s still home to an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, most notably Monet's breathtaking "Water Lilies.”

The intimate atmosphere of the Musée de l'Orangerie’s nicely lit oval rooms allows visitors to really appreciate the art pieces.

Location: 1st arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: The Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome

9. Musée d'Orsay

Located on the scenic left bank of the Seine, the Orsay Museum is housed in what used to be a train station. It features impressive arched windows, intricate decor, and an abundance of natural light, especially highlighted by its signature clock.

As one of France’s top museums, it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art, with some stand-out paintings including “Dance at le Moulin de la Galette” by Renoir and Van Gogh’s self-portrait. If you’re a fan of artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, or Degas, you’ll want to check this place out!

Location: 7th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Musee Rodin, Les Invalides, St-Germain-des-Pres

10. Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie

Discover the magic of Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, two iconic landmarks in the heart of Paris (and just a couple of blocks away from the Notre Dame Cathedral)!

Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its exquisite stained glass that bathes the chapel in a rainbow of glowing colors.

A short stroll away, the Conciergerie, once a royal palace and later a notorious prison, offers a glimpse of the French Revolution.

Book a Saint-Chapelle and Conciergerie combo experience and don’t pass up the opportunity to learn more about Paris’ fascinating history.

Location: 1st arrondissement (Sainte-Chapelle map & Conciergerie map)
Nearby spots: Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, Place Dauphine, Flower Market, Palais de Justice

11. Palais Garnier

As soon as you see the Palais Garnier (also known as the Garnier Opera), you’ll immediately be struck by its picturesque facade and elegant interiors.

From its grand double staircase to the horseshoe-shaped auditorium decorated in rich velvet, every nook and cranny of the museum is a sight to behold.

To fully explore the building, you can get a Palais Garnier audio tour and check out each section at your own pace. And you can even indulge yourself by booking a memorable opera, concert, or ballet performance!

Location: 9th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Galeries Lafayette, Musée du Parfum, Bouillon Chartier, Café de la Paix

12. Musée Rodin

You might not hear about the Rodin Museum as much as some of the bigger Paris museums, but if you love sculptures, it’s a must-visit on your itinerary.

If you book a private tour, you can learn more about Rodin’s creative process from an expert guide. And the best part? You’ll have access to a seven-acre sculpture garden, where most of his famous statues are displayed amongst the plants.

Location: 7th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Les Invalides, Army Museum, Tomb of Napoleon

Klook tip: Looking for a more convenient way to book all your museum tickets? Get Klook’s Paris Museum Pass and enjoy access to over 50 museums and attractions around the city. Just choose between the 2, 4, or 6-day pass, and get your e-ticket right away!

13. Luxembourg Garden

Find your way to one of the most beloved places to explore in Paris. The Luxembourg Garden is a favorite green oasis for both locals and tourists alike. Surrounding the gorgeous Palais du Luxembourg, it’s the perfect escape from the bustling city.

Here, you can sip a café au lait in one of the iconic green chairs, go on a picnic, or simply take a leisurely stroll among the flowers. It’s a great place to experience a slow afternoon in Paris.

Location: 6th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain des Prés, the Pantheon, Saint-Sulpice Church, Rue Mouffetard

14. Petit Palais

Located right across from the Grand Palais on Avenue Winston Churchill, this underrated Beaux-Arts-style museum showcases a diverse range of art, housing medieval pieces and Renaissance paintings from artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Fragonard.

Behind the Petit Palais’ grand exterior, you'll also find a quaint inner courtyard with a café surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and elegant pillars. If you want to chill out or drink some coffee away from the chaos, this is the place to be.

Location: 8th arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Petit Palais, Pont Alexandre III, Champs-Élysées, Marigny Theater

15. Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection

Check out more modern exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations from François Pinault’s very own 10,000-piece private collection of contemporary art.

The building itself is also part of the overall experience. One of the first things visitors notice when they step into the building and look up is the huge panoramic painting created in 1889, which spans a full 360 degrees around the glass dome.

Location: 1st arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: The Louvre, Palais-Royal Garden, 59 Rivoli, National Library of France

16. Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) - Richelieu

Drop by the National Library of France in Richelieu and experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the Oval Room, which features a magnificent oval skylight and wooden paneling all around a central library area.

While you’re here, you can also wind down, read some books, or simply appreciate the beautiful architecture of the building. And the best part is that, although some parts of the library require tickets, you can still enjoy the main library spaces and the beautiful Oval Room for free.

Location: 2nd arrondissement (map)
Nearby spots: Palais-Royal Garden, Palais Brongniart, The Louvre, Bourse de Commerce

17. Moulin Rouge

When you think of classic places to explore in Paris, the Moulin Rouge is surely one of the first spots that comes to mind. Known for its vibrant can-can dancers and striking performances, the legendary venue captures the spirit of Parisian nightlife.

Experience their world-renowned cabaret shows firsthand. With Klook, you can even choose from different combo options, which include the show plus additional champagne, dinner, tours, or transportation.

Neighborhood: 18th arrondissement a.k.a. Montmartre (map)
Nearby spots: Place du Tertre, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Musée de Montmartre

18. Place du Tertre

Right in the heart of Montmartre, Place du Tertre is a lively square brimming with artists, cafés, and vibrant street performances. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to get your portrait sketched by a talented portrait artist or caricaturist.

You can also explore the rest of the neighborhood on your own or pre-book a guided Montmartre private tour to learn more about its history and charm from an expert.

Location: 18th arrondissement a.k.a. Montmartre (map)
Nearby spots: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Lapin Agile cabaret, Musée de Montmartre, Moulin Rouge

19. Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Since the Basilica (more commonly called Sacré-Cœur) is perched right at the top of Montmartre, you can get clear panoramic views of Paris right from its steps. Although it does require a bit of a climb (hint: more than 200 steps), getting to the top is certainly worth it.

But don’t let the cityscape stop you from taking a look inside one of the most important places in Paris. Stepping into the church, you'll find beautiful apse mosaics and high archways, giving a peaceful atmosphere for self-reflection.

Location: 18th arrondissement a.k.a. Montmartre (map)
Nearby spots: Place de Tertre, Musée de Montmartre, Dali Paris Museum

20. Palace of Versailles

Wrap up your Paris itinerary with a half-day guided tour at the historic Palace of Versailles. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features lush gardens and lavishly decorated rooms that showcase the ornate allure of French Baroque architecture.

Some of the notable spots you can look forward to exploring here include the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the expansive Gardens of Versailles.

Location: Town of Versailles (map)
Nearby spots: Royal Chapel, Royal Opera of Versailles, Grand Trianon

Ready to get out there and explore Paris?

Now that you’re prepped with a solid list of must-see gems, make sure to book your activities and travel essentials ahead of time for a hassle-free trip!

FAQs

What is the prettiest place in Paris?

The charming streets of Montmartre, with their artistic history and breathtaking views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, are arguably among the prettiest in Paris.

But of course, the city is brimming with so many more stunning spots. Take in the picturesque sights of the Luxembourg Gardens and don’t miss the romantic ambiance of the Seine River at night by taking a Seine River Evening Sightseeing Cruise. Each corner of this city offers something magical!

Are 3 days enough for Paris?

Absolutely! While Paris is a city you could explore for weeks, a well-planned 3-day itinerary can give you a taste of most of its iconic sights. You can check off the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and lovely neighborhoods like Le Marais and the Latin Quarter from your bucket list.

Just make sure to prioritize what you want to see and prepare beforehand. You can also take advantage of Paris day tours and all-in-one packages like Klook’s Best of Paris Guided Tour or Hop-on Hop-off Paris Bus Pass and hit multiple birds with one stone.

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Paris?

Without a doubt, the Eiffel Tower takes the crown as the number 1 tourist attraction in Paris. This historic landmark is a must-see for any visitor, offering breathtaking views from its various levels.

Whether you choose to admire it from afar or take the lift to the top, the Eiffel Tower is sure to leave an unforgettable and cherished memory.

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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.

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