The mere mention of this enchanting city evokes images of romance, art, and croissants. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that can make anyone fall head over heels in love with it. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the must-visit spots, and a few tips to make your Parisian adventure truly unforgettable.
Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with the grand dame herself – the Eiffel Tower. As you approach this towering iron structure, you can’t help but be swept away by its sheer magnificence. Built for the 1889 World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris and a global icon of love.
- Opening hours: The Eiffel Tower welcomes visitors every day from 9 am to 11 pm. However, evening visits, with the city lights twinkling below, offer a magical experience.
- Entrance fee: Starting at €11.80, depending on the level you wish to reach. Pro tip: Splurge a bit for the summit view; the panorama is worth every penny. You can book your ticket here.
- Tip: For the perfect Instagram-worthy shot, explore the surrounding areas. Trocadero, Avenue de Camoens, Pont de Bir Hakeim, Avenue de New York, Rue de l’Universite, and Pont d’Iéna provide unique perspectives. And don’t forget Line 6 of the metro; it’s your one-way ticket to stunning views.
Sacre Cœur
Nestled atop the artistic enclave of Montmartre, Sacre Cœur is a basilica that not only offers spiritual solace but also breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Opening hours: Sacre Cœur is open from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm daily. The earlier you arrive, the quieter it is, allowing you to savor the tranquility.
- Entrance fee: Entrance to the basilica is free! However, if you want to climb to the dome for a jaw-dropping vista, it will cost you €6.
- Tip: To capture the essence of Montmartre, explore Square Louise Michel, the area around the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre, and the delightful Square de la Turlure.
Notre Dame
Despite the tragic fire in 2019, Notre Dame remains a symbol of Parisian resilience. The Gothic masterpiece on the Île de la Cité is still a must-visit, even if only from the outside for now.
- Opening hours: Right now the inside is closed but you can see the exterior anytime. Keep an eye out for updates on the reopening of the interior.
- Entrance fee: Entrance to the cathedral is currently free, donations for its restoration are appreciated.
- Tip: For a breathtaking view of Notre Dame and the Seine, consider a boat cruise. A good place to take photos is from Petit Pont Cardinal Lustiger.
Louvre Museum
Home to thousands of years of human creativity, the Louvre is not just a museum; it’s a journey through time. From the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile to the imposing Winged Victory of Samothrace, every step is a revelation.
- Opening hours: The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Wednesday and Friday nights offer extended hours until 9:00 pm.
- Entrance fee: Tickets are priced at €22 for adults. Given the vastness of the Louvre, it’s advisable to plan your visit and focus on specific sections to avoid museum fatigue.
- Tip: For a less crowded experience, aim for Wednesday or Friday evenings. Don’t just focus on the Mona Lisa, explore other wings for hidden gems. Book your tickets here.
Palais Garnier
Indulge your inner aesthete at the Palais Garnier, an opera house that is a testament to opulence and artistic prowess.
- Opening hours: The opera house opens its doors daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with varying hours on performance days.
- Entrance fee: A standard ticket costs around €1h, but for a more immersive experience, consider attending a performance.
- Tip: Book your ticket here.
Palais Royal
Escape the bustling streets and find tranquility in the heart of Paris at Palais Royal. Its manicured gardens, classic architecture, and the intriguing art installation, Colonnes de Buren, make it a hidden gem.
- Opening hours: The gardens are open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, while the Cour d’Honneur is accessible from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Entrance fee: Entry is free.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe stands tall at the top of the Champs-Élysées, commemorating those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
- Opening hours: Visit from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, with extended hours until midnight during the summer.
- Entrance fee: You can see it from the outside for free. If you want to go to the top is €16 for adults, and EU residents under 26 get in for free.
- Tip: Climbing to the top offers an unparalleled view of the city. Capture the sunset – it’s a memory etched in gold. Book your ticket here.
Tuileries Garden
Nestled between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden provides a serene escape from the urban hustle.
- Opening hours: The gardens are open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- Entrance fee: Another free gem in Paris!
Moulin Rouge
For a taste of old-world glamour and Parisian cabaret, head to the legendary Moulin Rouge in the vibrant Montmartre district.
- Entrance fee: Tickets start at €87 for the show, but consider splurging on a dinner package for the full experience. Shows run twice nightly, and reservations are highly recommended.
Cruise in Seine
For a different perspective of Paris, take a leisurely cruise along the Seine. As the city lights shimmer on the water, you’ll understand why Paris is called the City of Lights.
- Entrance fee: Prices vary, but a basic cruise starts around €15. Splurge on a dinner cruise for a truly romantic evening.
- Tip: Book a night cruise for a mesmerizing experience. The illuminated monuments create a spectacle that’s nothing short of magical.
Versailles
While technically not in Paris, a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles is a must. Marvel at the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors and wander through the meticulously manicured gardens.
- Opening hours: The Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6:30 pm, The Estate of Trianon from 12 pm to 6:30 pm, The Gardens from 8 am to 8:30 pm, and The Park from 7 am to 8:30 pm.
- Entrance fee: It depends on which area you want to visit. The Palace €21. The Estate of Trianon €12. Passport (includes everything) €32
- Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and take a stroll through the gardens. Book your ticket here.
- Getting there:
- One of the most convenient ways to get to Versailles is by train. From the Paris city center, head to the Gare Montparnasse or Gare Saint-Lazare train stations. Trains to Versailles run regularly from these stations, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Versailles, it’s a short walk to the palace.
- The RER C line connects Paris to Versailles. Board an RER C train at stations like Invalides, Musee d’Orsay, or Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, and get off at the Versailles Rive Gauche station. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes. From the station, the palace is about a 10-minute walk.
- If you prefer a more personalized journey, you can also drive to Versailles. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. And for a hassle-free experience, consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation. Many tour operators offer packages that include a round-trip journey from Paris to Versailles, along with a guided tour of the palace and gardens.
Check my Paris Travel Guide and plan your trip to Paris now.
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