Paris

The 10 things you simply must see in Paris

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  1. Eiffel Tower

  The crown jewel of the Paris skyline is even more spectacular up close. Booking Eiffel Tower tickets in advance will let you bypass the tourist crowds and go straight to the top.

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  2. Seine River

  Does it get any more romantic than a boat cruise down the Seine, taking in the sights and drinking champagne? Pro tip: You can get incredible Eiffel Tower photos from the river.

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  3. Moulin Rouge

  Dedicate a Parisian night to the Moulin Rouge. Go put on your best outfit, and make your way to the Pigalle District to pay homage to the birthplace of the can-can.

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  4. Musee du Louvre

  It would take nine months to glance at every work inside of the Louvre museum. Prioritizing is key! A tour guide can help point out interesting pieces and keep you stress-free.

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  5. Palace of Versailles

  There is no greater luxury than seeing this ornate splendor up close. Bike through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, tour the king's apartments, and take as many photos as they'll let you!

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  6. Disneyland Paris

  If you're looking for a little family fun, the European Magical Kingdom is located just outside the city. You can book transportation with your Disneyland Paris ticket, which is incredibly helpful.

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  7. Paris Catacombs

  The underground ossuaries of Paris house the remains of six million people. Nicknamed "The World's Largest Grave," the Paris Catacombs are certainly a curiosity worth exploring.

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  8. Notre Dame Cathedral

  Although still an icon of Paris, Notre Dame de Paris was heavily damaged by fire on April 15, 2019. Visits to "Our Lady of Paris" have been canceled for the foreseeable future.

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  9. Champs-Élysées

  The Champs-Élysées, the world's most beautiful avenue, leads from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde and into the Tuileries garden. During Christmas, you'll see all those trees spectacularly alight.

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  10. Arc de Triomphe

  Standing tall in the Place Charles de Gaulle, this monument honors those who fought in the French Revolution and Napoleonic War. Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for incredible views.

Frequently asked questions about Paris

Planning Your Visit

• What should you know before you arrive in Paris?

  In a city this crowded with people and this steeped in tradition, you should decide which attractions you want to see in advance. Know which museums are a must-visit for your group. Make dinner reservations. Decide which neighborhoods you want to explore. Figure out how to beat the crowds at the Musee d'Orsay.

• How big is Paris?

  If you haven't been to Paris before, you may be surprised by how sprawling the city is compared to other, more walkable tourist destinations like Rome or Barcelona. (You can certainly walk -- but the Métro will help you zip around quicker!) Try to organize your sightseeing by neighborhood, so that you're not racing across the city several times a day.

• How many days should you spend in Paris?

  It depends! It really will help to prioritize what you want to see before you go, and map out how long it will take you to see everything on your list. You could easily fill five days with tours and major attractions -- but remember to dedicate time to strolling down the Seine, shopping your way through the Marais, and drinking a Kir Royal at a sidewalk cafe.