For years, Paris, the capital of France, has remained at the forefront of the world's most visited destinations.
Its astonishing success is underpinned by the city's captivating history and its spectacular cultural heritage. Additionally, Paris serves as a cradle of art in its myriad forms.
These factors together create an aura around the city that ignites the imagination of people from all corners of the globe. Such immense commercial success might tempt one to idealize the city, leading to the risk of dissatisfaction or disappointment if reality doesn't match expectations.
A well-planned itinerary can help avoid this, ensuring your visit to Paris meets your expectations. Read on for some tips on visiting the City of Light.
What are the must-see sights in Paris?
The Seine splits the city in half. The bridges across the river are among the city's most beautiful attractions, with the Pont Alexandre III being particularly magnificent.
It offers stunning river views and nearby landmarks, including the golden dome of Les Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte is entombed.
The Seine is dotted with islands. One houses the city's most important symbol — the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose construction began in 1163 and took 180 years.
Nearby is Sainte-Chapelle, famed for its exquisite stained-glass windows — a must-see. A short walk from here is the Hotel de Ville, a spectacular piece of architecture and the seat of city government.
The Eiffel Tower is a must-visit in Paris. Standing 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, several observation decks offer breathtaking views of the City of Light. The tower lights up in the evening with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a unique atmosphere.
A great idea is an evening river cruise on the Seine, where you can admire the illuminated landmarks with a glass of French wine — perfect for a romantic outing.
Also, don't miss the Church of Madeleine, a neoclassical Catholic Church that looks like a Greek temple with monumental columns and a lavishly decorated interior.
From there, stroll down Rue Royale to reach Place de la Concorde, where the Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt to France, stands. The nearby fountains add elegance and charm to the area.
No visit to Paris is complete without exploring the Louvre, one of the world's largest museums and a former royal residence. The famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is among its many impressive artworks.
Close to the Louvre are the charming Tuileries Gardens, an ideal place to relax after sightseeing. For a change of pace, visit the Catacombs, the city's oldest burial place, to learn about Paris's early history.
How to Experience the Parisian Atmosphere?
The heart of the city beats in its cafes and restaurants. To experience Parisian life, visit the local cafes, including the iconic Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots on Boulevard Saint Germain, one of the city's most prestigious addresses.
Also, stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, ending at the Arc de Triomphe, commemorating those who died for France in wars at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries.
As night falls, the perfect idea is to visit Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of cabaret and a symbol of Parisian nightlife.
Montmartre is an artistic center of the city, where many important painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived and worked. It still retains its character and is home to many local artists.
Free Walking Tour – Paris
Paris, a bustling city full of diverse attractions, can be overwhelming. To navigate it efficiently, consider joining a guided Paris free walking tour. Walkative! organizes regular tours of the city's major attractions.
Our free tours are ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups of friends. Guides will show you the most exciting and authentic aspects of Paris. It's the perfect way to gain extensive knowledge in an accessible manner and see the city through the eyes of a local.
The rules of the free walking tours are simple – there are no set prices. Just reserve a spot on the Walkative! website, show up at the meeting point and decide how much to pay for the guide at the end.
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This story was brought to you in partnership with Walkative!
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Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
