Tourism in Paris: what to see and do
Complete guide to visiting Paris: must-see monuments, museums, neighbourhoods to explore, gastronomy and practical tips.
Updated on 8 April 2026
Paris, the City of Light, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, welcoming over 30 million visitors a year. The capital of France and a global centre of art, fashion, gastronomy and history, Paris never ceases to surprise.
Must-see monuments
The Eiffel Tower
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. Its 330 metres of height offer an unrivalled panoramic view over the capital, especially at sunset.
The Louvre
With 35,000 works on display across 73,000 m², the Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum. Here you’ll find Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Notre-Dame de Paris
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, underwent extensive restoration following the 2019 fire and reopened in December 2024 in all its splendour.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Le Marais — medieval and Renaissance architecture, art galleries, Place des Vosges
- Montmartre — the hill, Sacré-Cœur, bohemian artistic atmosphere
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés — literary cafés, bookshops, Jardin du Luxembourg
- Canal Saint-Martin — trendy neighbourhood, towpath walks
- Belleville — street art, multiculturalism, panoramic views
Parisian gastronomy
Paris is a world gastronomic capital:
- Bakeries: croissants, tradition baguettes and pain au chocolat
- Bistros: steak-frites, moules marinières, devilled eggs
- Starred restaurants: Paris has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city
- Markets: Marché d’Aligre, Marché Raspail (organic on Sundays)
Getting around Paris
Paris has one of the world’s densest transport networks:
- Métro: 16 lines, 302 stations
- RER: 5 lines serving suburbs and airports
- Vélib’: bike-sharing stations throughout the city
- Batobus: river shuttle services on the Seine
Practical tips
- Museums: free on the first Sunday of each month
- Paris Museum Pass: unlimited access to over 50 museums and monuments
- Best season: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November)
- To avoid: July–August (crowds and heat), many shops close