Paris Attractions – Big, Small & Unexpectedly Brilliant

When it comes to Paris attractions, it's not just about ticking off the Eiffel Tower or Mona Lisa. Sure, they're on the list—but so are a few dozen other places, from grand monuments to backstreet marvels that never make it into guidebooks.

In this Paris attractions guide, we cover the full spectrum: the best attractions in Paris, the must-see attractions in Paris, and the ones that win us over simply by being charming, odd, or blissfully crowd-free. Some are monumental, some are miniature, and a few are best visited with a sandwich in hand. After all, seeing Paris isn't just about checking boxes — it's about knowing where to look.

The Top-Rated Paris Tourist Attractions

Two top-rated paris attractions: Arc de Triomphe & the Eiffel Tower, photo by Mark Craft

There's a reason the big-name Paris attractions are crowded — they're also pretty great. The Eiffel Tower still manages to surprise, the Louvre is more than just Mona Lisa, and the Musée d'Orsay is one of those rare museums where even the hallways deserve a photo.

Our guide to the top-rated attractions in Paris helps you figure out how to navigate them without wasting half the day in a queue. You'll find our take on what makes each spot special, plus tips on getting there, getting inside, and what not to miss once you do. We've done the legwork. You get the payoff.

Paris Must-Do Itineraries

Spending a day in Montmartre, photo Wikimedia by Albany Tim

There are a lot of Paris attractions — possibly too many for one lifetime, let alone one trip. That's why we created five smartly-organized itineraries that pack in the best sights without packing you off to bed by 3 PM. Each one is crafted around a single area, so you're not zigzagging all over the map.

You'll get a full day in Montmartre, another exploring the Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe, and a classic Eiffel Tower + Trocadero pairing. We'll also walk you through the Louvre (without losing you in it), and set you up for a perfect few hours at the Musée d'Orsay. A practical, not frantic, approach to the best attractions in Paris.

Paris Gardens & Parks We Love

Place des Vosges in the Marais, photo by Mark Craft

Why does Paris feel so airy and expansive, even though it's one of the most densely packed capitals in Europe? Blame it on the gardens — in a good way. Green space is everywhere here: tucked into street corners, laid out in grand promenades, even filling old railway lines like the Coulée Verte.

From the stately gravel paths of Jardin du Luxembourg to those blink-and-you'll-miss-it pocket parks, Paris does greenery on its own terms. Our Paris attractions guide includes the gardens you'll want to linger in — and maybe nap in, if jet lag gets the upper hand.

Paris Bridges – Spanning History

Pont Neuf seen from Pont des Arts, photo by Mark Craft

Crossing the Seine is one of those small pleasures that stays with you. The bridges of Paris aren't just functional — they're part of the city's fabric. Pont Neuf, paradoxically the oldest, has watched centuries roll by. Pont Alexandre III is a gilded drama queen. And the lighter, quieter spans — like Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor (we don't make these name up) — invite you to pause mid-crossing, just to take it all in.

There are 37 bridges connecting the Right and Left Banks, each with its own rhythm. Some carry traffic. Others are for pedestrians and daydreamers. Together, they shape how the city flows — physically and emotionally. Even if you're not looking for them, you'll find yourself drawn to them.

In our Paris attractions guide, we include the bridges not just as routes, but as destinations. They link quartiers, yes — but they also connect you to the mood of the city itself.

Paris Plazas & Squares

Place Dauphine on Île de la Cité, photo by Mark Craft

Paris may be a tightly-packed city, but it's got an uncanny knack for feeling spacious. Part of that trick lies in its public squares — called places — that open up the city like a well-timed breath. Some are grand and ceremonial, like Place de la Concorde. Others are barely more than a widening of the street, lined with cafe tables and pétanque players.

They're where revolutions began, artists lingered, and traffic still swirls with barely-contained chaos. These plazas are gathering places, resting places, and sometimes just good places to grab a crêpe. Don't skip the squares. They're the unsung must-see attractions in Paris.

A Grand Paris Stage: Place du Trocadero

Place du Trocadero, Esplanade and the Eiffel Tower on a foggy morning, photo by Mark Craft

Trocadéro Paris doesn't whisper for attention — it grabs the spotlight and holds it. With its broad esplanade, sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, and cascading fountains that seem designed for dramatic entrances, it's one of the city's most theatrical settings.

The Trocadero gardens sprawl below in tidy geometry, ideal for strolling or loitering with purpose, and behind you sit a pair of world-class museums: the Musée de l'Homme and the architecture-focused Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine.

Come for the view, but stay for the atmosphere. This is a place where skateboarders and bridal photoshoots share space without blinking. Whether you're on a cafe terrace, stretched out on the grass, or lining up a photo just-so, Trocadéro has a way of making your day feel like it belongs in a film reel.

Place du Tertre – Montmartre's Artistic Heart

Restaurants and cafes line the Place de Tertre, photo Wikimedia by Pierre Blanché

On a cobbled plateau just behind Sacré Coeur, Place du Tertre carries the bohemian past of Montmartre into the present — one sketch at a time. The Montmartre Artists' Square Place du Tertre Paris guide leads you through a corner of the city where easels still outnumber smartphones (on good days), and caricaturists set up shop like it's still 1925.

Painters work quickly, café waiters even more so, and there's always someone playing an accordion just out of view. Sit long enough and the square reveals its quirks: a perfect croque monsieur here, a surprisingly touching portrait there, a quiet lane just behind it all.

It's not a museum, and that's the point. Come for the portraits, stay for the people-watching. This square may be small, but it contains more than its share of Paris magic.

Family Things To Do In Paris

A red panda at the Jardin des Plantes zoo, photo by Mark Craft

Paris may be known for romance and haute cuisine, but it's also surprisingly good at entertaining kids. The city is full of things that make younger visitors light up — think zoos, parks, puppet shows, science museums, and boat rides where you get to shout under bridges. Some attractions are tailor-made for children, while others just happen to delight them by accident.

We've rounded up the best family-friendly Paris attractions, from hands-on workshops to open-air carousels and splash-friendly fountains. There's even a museum or two that's been known to keep kids happily engaged — yes, really. Paris might just win over the toughest little critic in your travel crew.

Paris Attractions – Planning, Wandering & Wondering

The Eiffel Tower, lit for nighttime, seen from a dinner cruise boat on the Seine, photo Paris City Vision

Paris doesn't need a checklist — it needs a bit of curiosity and a decent pair of shoes. Sure, it helps to know where the must-see attractions in Paris are, but some of the best moments happen on the way there: a sudden view of the Seine, a street musician on Pont Saint-Louis, a boulangerie that smells like an idea you once had about happiness.

So use this Paris attractions guide as your starting point, but don't be afraid to veer off course. For more help shaping your trip (without over-scheduling it into oblivion), visit our guide to what to do in Paris. You'll find just enough structure to keep your days interesting — and your travel companions agreeable.