Top 5 Things to Do in Paris

I’ve visited Paris twice, first in July 2015 for 3 days as part of a London trip and again in June 2016 for 4 days as part of a western Europe trip. Both visits were filled with incredible sights, and here are my favorites across the two trips:

1. Eiffel Tower

Why Visit:

The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and offers an unforgettable view of the city.

Highlights:

• Go up the tower for a 360° panorama of Paris.
• Watch the tower sparkle for five minutes every hour on the hour, starting at dusk.

How to Go:

I wanted to climb the tower, so I bought the stairs + lift option. There are also lift-only tickets if you don’t want to climb, but the climb was part of the fun for me. Regardless of which option you pick, book online in advance since tickets often sell out.

2. Day Trip to Palace of Versailles

Why Visit:

Palace of Versailles was the primary residence of French kings until the French Revolution. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its opulence, vast gardens, and historical significance.

Highlights:

• Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) → the most famous room with glittering chandeliers, gilded arches, and 357 mirrors reflecting the garden light.
• King’s & Queen’s Apartments → lavish rooms showcasing the lives of Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and other royals.
• The Gardens → stroll through 2,000 acres of fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined paths.

How to Go:

Timed entry tickets are required, so book online in advance. To get there, I took the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche station (~1 hour). Security lines can be long during peak season, so arrive 15–30 minutes before your time slot. It was very hot and stuffy when I visited in the summer as most rooms do not have air conditioning. I recommend going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

3. Musée du Louvre

Why Visit:

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and home to some of the most iconic works of art spanning over 8,000 years of history.

Highlights:

• Mona Lisa → see the lady with the mysterious smile painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The portrait was smaller than I expected and surrounded by crowds, but it was still cool to see the most valuable painting in the world in person.
• Venus de Milo → masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture famous for its enigmatic missing arms.
• Winged Victory of Samothrace → dramatic statue at the top of a staircase.

How to Go:

I booked timed entry online in advance to skip the ticket line. The museum is massive, so wear comfortable shoes, allow plenty of time, and take breaks at the cafés or benches. Also don’t come on Tuesdays since it’s closed!

4. Île de la Cité

Why Visit:

This small island in the middle of the Seine is where Paris was founded nearly 2,000 years ago.

Highlights:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral → a medieval Gothic masterpiece with immense cultural significance.
• Sainte-Chapelle → a chapel renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows.
• Seine River Cruise → many cruises depart near Pont Neuf and offer one of the most scenic ways to see Paris’s landmarks.

How to Go:

Admission to Notre-Dame is free, but you can reserve entry online in advance to skip the lines.

Timed entry tickets are required for Sainte-Chapelle, so book them online to save time.

There are many river cruise options (sightseeing, lunch, or dinner), and you can book them online or onsite.

5. Arc de Triomphe

Why Visit:

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor soldiers who fought for France, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most famous monuments.

Highlights:

• See the names of battles and generals engraved on the inner walls.
• Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Paris.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier → a memorial honoring all French soldiers who died during World War I. The eternal flame is rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM.

How to Go:

I bought tickets onsite, but you can also buy them online. There’s a pedestrian underpass before the traffic circle that provides safe access to the Arc without crossing the busy roundabout.