updated on May 30th, 2018
Paris, France… the city of lights, considered by many to be the most romantic place in the world. It has an extremely long history, dating all the way back to 8,000 BC and has seen plenty of notable history take place there since. Today, Paris is filled with iconic art, monuments, culture, and gastronomy. Below you’ll find a collection of the highest rated things to see and do, hotels to stay in, and restaurants to eat at. Paris is one place everyone should visit at least once in their lives. If you are going, we definitely hope you make the most of your trip.
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Top Things To See In Paris
Eiffel Tower
You can’t visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this 1,063 foot iron monument is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Visit either day or night for an incredible view! Visitors can choose to walk the grounds surrounding the tower or take a ride to the three platforms on the tower. Before your trip, check out our guide to getting the best photos of the Eiffel Tower.
The Louvre
While widely known as the home of the Mona Lisa, the Louvre also contains 35,000 other works of art. Located in the former palace of French royalty, the museum could take an art-afficionado a full week to complete. Take note: the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is another iconic landmark in Paris, built to honor those who fought during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War. After WWI, the tomb of the unknown soldier was added underneath the Arc. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for great views of the city, and we highly suggest visiting at night for incredible photos.
Disneyland Paris
After building Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland, it was time for a European version of the Disney empire. Disneyland Paris opened in 1992 and is now Europe’s most visited theme park. Disneyland Paris contains two theme parks, a shopping center, and a golf course to entertain the entire family.
Notre-Dame
This French Gothic church is located on the Île de la Cité, a small, narrow island in the center of the Seine River. Notre-Dame feels like holy ground the second you step in, and the crowds instantly hush when faced with the intricate stained glass, detailed paintings, and looming gargoyles.
Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur, the magnificent white church on top of the highest hill in Paris, feels much older than it is. The building was officially dedicated in 1919. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for views of the city, but be warned- the staircase is not for the claustrophobic! The surrounding Montmartre neighborhood is unique and lively, and visiting this area can easily fill an entire day.
Tuileries Garden
In between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde is the Jardin des Tuileries– a sweeping expanse of gardens and sculptures that is perfect for an afternoon stroll, and both locals and tourists alike flock here to relax. Through the years, ownership of the garden was passed from members of royalty until eventually becoming available to the public.
Avenue des Champs Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is one of the most well-known streets in the world, and visiting here will make it easy to see why. Luxurious restaurants, souvenir shops, cafés, and more line the wide street that is usually filled with traffic. Nearly anything you might need in Paris can be found on this iconic street, which ends at the Arc de Triomphe.
Musée d’Orsay
While it may commonly be 2nd to the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay should not be missed. A former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay now houses the largest collection of French post-impressionist art from 1848 to 1914. If you’re an art lover looking to enjoy paintings of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, Degas, or Seurat, this is Mecca.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The beautiful Le Jardin du Luxembourg covers almost 57 acres and was constructed as a residence by the widow of King Henry IV of France, Marie de’ Medici. Now the home to the French Senate, it hosts tourists among its lush gardens, tree-lined walkways, large pool, and fountains. Entrance is free and is an absolute must-see in spring.
Place de la Concorde
Covering 21.3 acres and originally designed in 1755, the beautiful Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris proper. The two fountains and the 75-foot high obelisk was at one time a grisly sight where several French Revolutionaries were executed by guillotine, including King Louis the 16th.
Where to Stay in Paris
There are so many hotels in Paris, it’s difficult to know which is the best hotel to stay in Paris. Below are the top rated hotels in Paris.
Hotel Cecilia Arc De Triomphe
Located right by the Arc de Triumph and a short walk from the metro station. The Hotel Cecilia Arc De Triomphe offers up larger rooms than typically found in Paris in a wonderfully central location.
Le Saint Hotel Paris
Elegant, tasteful, and cozy, the Le Saint Hotel Paris is a beautiful boutique hotel located in 7th arrondissement and right by the 6th. Combine all this with extremely friendly and helpful staff and it’s a perfect place to stay. Make sure to try out Le Saint Hotel’s gym. Much of it is a historical delight, straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.
Hotel Magda Champs Elysees
The Hotel Magda Champs Elysees is a clean and cozy home away from home in Paris with extremely attentive staff. It’s located right by the metro and hop on hop off buses. The rooms are very clean, though a bit small. Their in-room televisions offer English channels and Netflix.
L’Empire Hotel Paris
The L’Empire Hotel Paris hotel offers up clean and larger than Paris standard rooms. It’s located very close to the Louvre and the Pont Neuf. The hotel offers a wonderful morning breakfast and is extremely close to other Parisian cafes.
Hotel San Regis
An understated and elegant boutique hotel with staff that treat you like family. Located right by the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, their great rooms and staff will make this a perfect hotel for your stay in Paris.
Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Located in the 8th arrondissement and right by the Saint Lazare metro station. This cozy boutique hotel offers rooms with balconies and plenty of cafe dining nearby.
Flights to Paris
