Guide to the
Paris Sights

So Much to See, So Little Time?
We Can Help

History, art, and iconic monuments — famous Paris sights include the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, museums, historic buildings, and even the bridges spanning the Seine.

Paris Sights Map

With all the historic and artistic riches, choosing can be difficult. But, don't worry, we're here to help.

Popular Paris sights are found throughout the city — the 1st Arrondissement around the Louvre, the Paris Islands, the Marais, the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain des Prés, and the Eiffel Tower neighborhood.

We'll help you narrow down your choices to suit your interests and the time you have available.

Don't forget, if you're going to be visiting many museums at all you should get yourself a Paris Museum Pass before you leave home!

Insiders Guide to the Paris Museum Pass »

Paris Sights – The Louvre Quartier

Louvre

Think of the Louvre as the center of Paris and work out from there. With a Paris Museum Pass, you can visit the Louvre as many times as you would like.

Start your Paris visit with a quick view of a few of the masterpieces of Louvre and then perhaps end your trip with another Louvre visit to focus on French 16th century painters or Ancient Greek statues.

Nearby are the Palais Royal, with its public gardens; the massive and beautiful Tuileries Garden, Place Vendome and Place de la Concorde.

Paris Sights – The Islands

The Islands

For a couple of small pieces of real estate there are a lot of Paris sights on the Islands.

Ile de la Cité is where you find Notre Dame, its towers and its crypt; the lacy wonder of La Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie.

You'll love the shops, restaurants, small hotels and food stores found on the other island, Ile St Louis.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Its Towers & Ile de la Cité Tour

Discover 2000 years of history on the Islands of Paris. This ½-day walking tour includes a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and a climb to the top of the bell towers. You'll skip the line and be rewarded with a gargoyle's view of Paris.

Ile de la Cité & Notre Dame Cathedral Tour – Details and Booking »

Paris Sights – The Marais

The Marais

The Marais has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Paris and a favorite place to go for shops, clubs and cafés.

It's also the home to many traditional Paris sights like Place des Vosges; the Pompidou Center; Musée Carnavalet; the history of Paris Museum; Hotel de Ville, the Paris city hall; the Picasso Museum and much more.

Paris Sights – The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter

Often, the first things you think about the Latin Quarter are the Pantheon and the Sorbonne the oldest univeristy in Europe.

But it's also where you'll find the Jardin des Plantes, the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the Museum of the Middle Ages (part of it set in the ruins of a Roman bath!) and the the oldest zoo in Europe.

Paris Sights – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The Left Bank neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés was known as the haunt of writers and philosophers. Today it's known for chi-chi shopping, restaurants, chocolate shops and upscale living.

You also find the fabulously lovely Jardin du Luxembourg; Bon Marché and Le Grand Epicerie de Paris, the church of Saint-Sulpice, and Musée d'Orsay.

Paris Insiders Gourmet Tours

Taste your way along Boulevard Saint-Germain stopping at the city's best fromagerie, boulangerie, patisserie, and wine shop. Choose from a number of different gourmet tours at —

The Guide to Paris Food & Wine Activities »

Paris Sights — Eiffel Tower

Of course you'll want to see the Eiffel Tower, but make sure you get your tickets in advance. The best way is to book a Eiffel Tour Skip-the-Line Tour.

While you're in the neighborhood you might want to visit Museée du Quai Branly, the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art or the Trocadero and its museums.