Are you dreaming of a trip to the romantic city of light and love? Oui s’il vous plait! Not only is Paris the capital of France, but it is also a major tourist hub for fashion, culinary, cultural, and artistic mastery. So, finding the best places to visit in Paris will be easy.
Located in the north-central part of France along the river Seine, Paris is divided into different arrondissements (districts) and is home to countless iconic structures, some of the best museums, restaurants, and cathedrals.
There is no shortage of things to do and see in the famous city known for having over 130 museums and events like Paris Fashion Week. Are you wondering what you should add to your itinerary? Continue reading to see some of the best places to visit in Paris.
Tip: Not sure when to visit? Check out the best time to visit Paris.
5 Must-Visit Areas and Their Attractions
Paris offers many dreamy locations to feed your appetite for art, culture, history, fashion, or, well, food. These five areas have everything from France’s most famous architectural attractions to underrated vintage storefront bakeries with pastries that will leave you smitten. Keep reading to explore those 5 must-visit areas.
La Marais
Located in the 4th arrondissement, La Marais was once the Jewish Quarter and still has many kosher restaurants. This fashionable district in the heart of the city is on the more expensive side with its 17th-century mansions and luxury boutiques for design houses like Gucci and John Galliano.
Are you a lover of the Romanticism movement in literature? Then La Marais will be a treat as it has the Musée Victor Hugo, which pays tribute to the work of the Les Misérables author. You can also visit the Musée Picasso to see some of the beautiful art by the Spanish artist.
Fun Things to Do in La Marais: Become the Life of the LGBTQIA+ Party
La Marais is known for its vibrant nightlife and being an LGBT-friendly area. Mix this together, and you get plenty of queer-centric bars and clubs.
Gay clubs like Cox and Freedj offer clubbers a safe and hip space to unwind and dance the night away. It doesn’t stop there. Described as a “queerfeminist bar”, La Mutinerie is another place for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and hosts concerts, drag shows, karaoke nights, and even self-defense classes.
Montmartre
One of the most beautiful districts in Paris is Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement. Montmartre’s cobbled stone streets are lined with cute cafes, architecturally exquisite buildings, and gorgeous views.
You could do a Montmartre walking tour and see beautiful sites like Sacre-Coeur Basilica. The ornate and intricately designed basilica sits perched atop the highest hill, and once you make it up the stairs, you get to look out in awe at the charming city views.
Must-See Places in Montmartre for Movie Magic
Did you know that one of the most famous destinations in Montmartre was used in a movie? Café des Deux Moulins appeared in the 2001 classic Amélie. The café is not just a major tourist attraction for film enthusiasts; it is also a fantastic spot to grab coffee, beer, or a tasty meal.
On the Boulevard de Clichy, you will find the cabaret show famed as the birthplace of the can-can. The one and only Moulin Rouge! If you’ve cried and sung along to the musical, you have to see a show (and enjoy a meal) at the iconic club.
The 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement is rich in culture, art, and history. The district offers visitors the chance to see some of the best museums in Paris.
In the artsy region, galleries like Galerie J. Kugel, located on the left bank of Paris, house artworks from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. You could even visit the tomb of Napolean Bonaparte at the Musée de l’Armée or go on a guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay and see the French artwork the museum displays.
The 7th arrondissement has an old-world charm and storybook feel to it. The popular region is home to prestigious schools, embassies, UNESCO’s headquarters, and lots of artisans specializing in different arts and crafts.
The arrondissement is made up of four districts:
- Saint-Thomas d’Aquin district
- Les Invalides district
- Ecole Militaire district
- Gros Caillou district
Must-See 7th Arrondissement Attraction: The Eiffel Tower
What iconic structure comes to mind when you think of Paris? It has to be the Eiffel Tower and the accompanying Champs de Mars Park.
Fun Fact: The Eiffel Tower took roughly 26 months to be built and needs to be repainted every seven years.
The district attracts thousands of visitors, but apart from being a hot travel spot, the charming neighborhood is popular amongst locals for its central location, safety, and laid-back vibes.
Top Tip: Get all the necessary information about a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket here.
The Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter, located in the 5th arrondissement, is a learning hub of Paris and home to Sorbonne University — the oldest university in France. Wondering why it’s called the Latin Quarter? Back in the day, educators and students spoke predominantly Latin up until 1789.
While the Latin Quarter is perfect for the bookish crowd (moody cafes and bookstores like the famous Shakespeare and Company), the district also offers much more. Rue Mouffetard is a lively street showcasing gorgeous 16th to 18th-century architecture and restaurants like the Le Vieux Bistrot.
Best Place to Visit in the Latin Quarter: The Panthéon
The Panthéon is perched on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. It was initially intended to be a church but is now a mausoleum. Buried in the architecturally astounding monument are the likes of Voltaire, Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and the architect who designed the Pantheon, Jacques-Germain Soufflot.
You could do a self-guided tour of the Panthéon (or tour with a group). Once you’ve seen all the glorious attractions inside, you can come out and admire the gorgeous views of the city below.
Belleville
Belleville is a hip urban area famed for its street art scene. The quaint district is the perfect place to go if you want to feel like one of the locals, as its low-key vibe and diverse population make for a fun and immersive experience. Every month, a street food market beckons residents and visitors to gather for fun and to chow down on tasty food.
Belleville has the 44-hectare Père Lachaise cemetery, which draws in thousands of visitors to pay their respects to those buried there. Buried at Père Lachaise are French singer Edith Piaf, writer Oscar Wilde, The Doors frontman Jim Morrison, and composer Frédéric Chopin.
Fun Fact: Sure, you’re in Europe, but who says you can’t enjoy international treats while in Paris? Belleville has quite a few Chinese restaurants in the area.
Best Street to See Urban Art: Rue Denoyez
Rue Denoyez Street is like an urban outdoor gallery known for its ever-changing display of art. You can head to the street and watch artists spray painting on the walls and admire the beautiful and innovative art showcased.
The art is not exclusive to the walls. Colorful flower and plant pots line the streets, too. A leisure stroll down the long street makes for a visually stunning experience.
Rue Denoyez is located near the Metro Station, so getting to and from the art space is easy.
5 Additional Must-See Locations
The list of things to do and see in Paris winds on in perpetuity. The City of Love has so much to give and will leave you wanting more. C’est pas grave, as the locals will say, it’s no big deal. Here are some additional must-see places for your stay in Paris.
- Catacombs of Paris (14th arrondissement)
- Notre-Dame de Paris (4th arrondissement)
- Goutte d’Or or “Little Africa” (18th arrondissement)
- The Palais Garnier Opera House (9th arrondissement)
- Tuileries Garden (1st arrondissement)
FAQs About the Top Places to Visit in Paris
So, you now know the best places to visit in Paris. If you still have a few queries about traveling to the romantic city, check out these frequently asked questions.
Is Paris Cheap or Expensive?
A trip to Paris can, unfortunately, be quite expensive. There are ways to make your stay more budget-friendly, like finding affordable hostels, hotels, or airbnbs. You may need to pay to visit some famous sites, but there are many free things to do in Paris.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
Weatherwise, the best time to visit is spring and autumn. Spring falls between March and June, while autumn is from September to December (Christmas in Paris makes for a storybook visit). December is also one of the cheapest times to visit Paris as most tourists go home for the holidays and the colder weather rolls in.
Is Paris Safe to Visit?
Paris is generally safe for tourists (for female solo travelers as well). It is still essential to exercise caution when visiting certain regions, out at night, or in densely populated areas.
Paris is not off-limits at night, though. If out on your own, be alert and aware of your surroundings, and stay on a safe and well-lit path. You could, however, also do a night walking tour of Paris.
What Is the Most Visited Spot in Paris?
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited spot in Paris. Some of the other most visited sites include the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, and the River Seine.
Final Thought on the Best Places to Visit in Paris
Paris is as beautiful as it is filled with fun things to do. There’s something for every kind of traveler, and the city of light and love promises to make your journey unforgettable. Now that you know some of the best places to visit, your fairytale vacation to Paris awaits.
Next Read: If you want to make your trip to Paris as luxurious as possible, check out this Champagne Tour from Paris.
