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Paris has always been an immensely popular tourist destination, even in 2018 when there were “yellow vest” protests.
In fact, their tourism numbers rose by 9 million in 2018, with a record of 438.2 million overnight stays!
Whether you’ve been to Europe before or have never set foot out of the country, Paris is definitely a destination you need to put on your bucket list.
If you’re planning on going soon, here are 9 Paris attractions you don’t want to miss!
1. Eiffel Tower
You can’t visit Paris without making a stop at the Eiffel Tower! This is an iconic structure that is essentially a symbol of the city.
It’s free to stop by the surrounding area, so make sure you that at least, especially if you’re on a budget. But if you have some money to spare, you can take a ride up to the very top to get a breathtaking view of all of Paris.
2. The Louvre Museum
This is yet another iconic attraction in Paris; you may recognize it by its glass pyramid out in front.
This is a massive museum where you’ll see famous works of art, such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Make sure you can devote an entire day to the Louvre, as it’ll take hours upon hours to explore every hall. You might need to stop for a break or even a nap!
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral was a sight to behold; it was first founded in 1163 and its construction took over 150 years to complete. This should show you just how much work was put in to make this place of worship an extremely beautiful one.
Unfortunately, a fire broke out in April 2019, which caused a significant amount of damage to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. So as of this writing, visitors aren’t allowed inside.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still take a refreshing walk along the Seine River to go see the exterior of the cathedral. Although it’s damaged and is covered in scaffolding (since they’re doing repairs), you can still get a pretty good idea of how it looked in its full glory.
4. Arc de Triomphe
When you see people take pictures in Paris, chances are, you’ll see them posing by a grand arch; this is the Arc de Triomphe. You can find it on the western side of the Champs-Élysées, which is one of the busiest streets in Paris.
Before you head over to catch your own selfie with the Arc, take a nice stroll down the Champs-Élysées first. Here, you’ll find many luxury boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafes to spend your time in.
5. Moulin Rouge
Do you remember the hit movie Moulin Rouge from 2001? Then you’ll be delighted to know that it’s a real place!
This cabaret is located in the Montmartre area of Paris and you can easily spot it by its big red windmill and the red lettering of “Moulin Rouge.” If you so fancy, you can catch an entertaining cabaret show while you’re here.
6. Montmartre Cemetery
If you’re in the area to see the Moulin Rouge, take an hour or two to walk through the peaceful Montmartre Cemetery. It’s the third-largest necropolis in all of Paris, so it’s definitely an attraction you should make a stop at.
Not only is it a beautiful necropolis to walk through, but you’ll also get a chance to see the resting places of many famous artists who both lived and worked in Montmartre. For example, composer Hector Berlioz and writer Alexandre Dumas are both buried at this site.
7. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles isn’t technically in the city, but if you tour Paris, it’s definitely one of the main attractions you need to go to. You’ll find it just 22 kilometers southwest of Paris.
The Palace of Versailles was a seat of political power for a lengthy period from 1682 to 1789. This palace was built to be lavish and show off France’s power.
When you arrive, you’ll see breathtaking gardens, which are free to visit in the off-season. Inside, you’ll get to see amazing frescoes, crystal chandeliers, and even gold figurines.
8. Paris Catacombs
Many European cities have a dark side to them, and France is no exception. For those of you who want to see this side of Paris, make a visit to the Paris Catacombs where numerous human remains line the tunnels.
Do note that you’ll only get to access a mile’s worth of the catacombs and you only get 45 minutes maximum down there. Because the attraction’s so high in demand and time is limited for visitors, make sure you arrive early, as the lines can be very long.
9. Disneyland Paris
If you’re not very interested in history and would rather go to a theme park, then you’ll be glad to know that Disneyland Paris is a fun, family-friendly place to go! Even if you’ve been to the parks in the US or other countries, Disneyland Paris has different things to offer, such as the Ratatouille Ride.
The theme park isn’t actually in Paris, but instead, is located in Chessy, which is 32 kilometers east of the city. This makes it just a short 35-minute train ride away.
Make Sure You See These Paris Attractions
If you were at a loss as to what to see in the city, then surely these Paris attractions are enticing. We’ve carefully curated these destinations so you don’t have to waste time doing so yourself.
So take a look at your itinerary and slot these attractions in where you can. We promise that you won’t regret it!
Looking for more travel tips? Then make sure to check out our other blog articles!