Paris Attractions You Should Visit At Least Once

Nestled along the banks of the River Seine, Paris stands as a beacon of culture and history, captivating the world with its wealth of world-class museums and architectural marvels. From the iconic Louvre, the world’s largest art museum, to the illustrious Eiffel Tower, France’s most famous landmark, the French capital offers an abundance of experiences that leave visitors in awe. Join us as we embark on a journey through Paris’s artistic and architectural treasures, where every step unveils the timeless splendor that defines this enchanting city. Prepare to be immersed in the grandeur of art and the majesty of architecture as you uncover the soul of Paris, a city that effortlessly marries history with modernity in a tapestry of breathtaking beauty.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Marvel at ancient masterpieces in the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris contains 35,000 works of art

As the most visited art museum in the world and also the largest, The Louvre should be top of your list. It would take you no fewer than 100 days to visit the 35,000 works of art on display across 300 rooms – and that’s if you spend just 30 seconds looking at each one. From the mysterious Mona Lisa to the famous Venus de Milo sculpture, the scope of artistic relics is unrivalled. Make sure to stop by the glorious apartments of Napoleon III.

The Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, with its iconic red windmill, was built in 1885. The venue pioneered the famous French cancan dance, and has now become one of the most famous cabarets in the world. Expect flamboyant handmade costumes of feathers and elegance at every turn. The music is equally as delightful, brought to life by no fewer than 80 musicians and 60 choral singers. With a bottle of champagne, this dinner-show experience is sure to amaze.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the iconic Eiffel Tower

Originally built to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, the impressive Eiffel Tower has become the most iconic landmark of France. The first floor is home to The 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant whilst the second-floor observation deck provides spectacular bird’s eye views – the best in the city. The monument – which consistently attracts more than 6.9 million visitors from across the world – is especially beautiful at night when its 20,000 light bulbs put on a dazzling show.

Admire the neoclassical architecture of the impressive Arc de Triomphe

Hike 284 steps to reach the top of the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, a Neoclassical take on the ancient Roman arch, is one of Paris’s most iconic attractions. It’s worth hiking the 284 stairs to reach the platform on top of the arch as the views span right across the city, towering above the capital at 50m tall. At the base down below, you can warm your hands by the eternal flame, rekindled at 6.30pm each evening, and appreciate the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument paying tribute to the 1.3 million French soldiers who died in World War I.

Immerse yourself in the spooky history of the Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs are one of the spookier tourist attractions in Paris

Catacombs of Paris is one of the creepiest yet most fascinating places in Paris. Beneath its glamorous boulevards, you can browse the human bones and skulls of around six million Parisians. The underground tunnels date back to the 13th-century when they were mined as limestone quarries. But when the cemeteries of Paris started to overflow in 1774, the bodies were moved into the Catacombs, sprawling south from the Barrière d’Enfer (“Gate of Hell”) ancient city gate.

In love with French cuisine? Discover the best places to stay in Paris that are perfect for foodies, now bookable on Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.