Discover Paris: A Complete Guide to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and More

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Paris draws more visitors than any other city in the world. Along the Seine, charming neighborhoods overflow with centuries of history, world-class art, easy day-trip options, and endless experiences to discover.

Here are four Paris must-sees to add to your itinerary.

Built for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower is the city’s iconic centerpiece. Critics once argued it spoiled the skyline, but today it’s undeniably Paris’ most recognized landmark.

The tower soars roughly 330 meters (about 1,083 ft) and features three observation levels where you can take in 360-degree views of the city. The iron structure alone weighs some 7,300 tonnes (around 8,049 short tons) and was assembled using about 2.5 million rivets—an engineering marvel of its time.

At night the tower sparkles with a roughly five-minute light show on the hour. Buy observation-deck tickets in advance via the official website. For classic, frame-worthy shots, photograph the tower from the Champ de Mars or from the Trocadéro plaza across the river.

The Louvre, the world’s largest museum, began life as a royal palace and remains one of France’s top cultural draws. Its collection spans ancient civilizations through the mid-19th century, with more than 380,000 objects in total and roughly 35,000 works on permanent display.

A photogenic glass pyramid anchors the central courtyard. Crowds flock to masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the ancient Greek Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Because the museum is enormous, pick up a floor map and choose the galleries you most want to see before you go—it’s the smartest way to visit. The collections are organized in three wings—Denon, Richelieu and Sully—and even if you stick to highlights, plan on at least three hours.

Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate military victories, the Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. Twelve avenues, including the Champs-Élysées, fan out from this monumental roundabout.

The arch is about 50 meters (≈164 ft) tall and 45 meters (≈148 ft) wide. Its walls bear finely carved records of French victories and the names of notable generals. Beneath the arch, an eternal flame honors unknown soldiers who fell in World War I.

Climb the interior staircase to the viewing platform for a sweeping look at the city’s radial street plan and a distant glimpse of the Eiffel Tower—this is one of Paris’ best vantage points.

Montmartre, perched on Paris’ northern heights, has been an artistic hub since the late 19th century—think Picasso and Van Gogh. At the hilltop sits the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a striking example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture that dominates the skyline.

The basilica’s front steps and plaza offer free, panoramic views of Paris. Nearby Place du Tertre still buzzes with street painters who sell portraits and keep the area’s bohemian spirit alive.

If you prefer to skip the steep climb, take the funicular for a quick and easy ride up the hill.