All About Paris

Famous Paris Places and Neighborhoods

A handy primer before your next vacation in Paris—whether you’re sipping coffee on the Champs-Élysées, marveling at Sacré-Cœur, or discovering the Marais district’s hidden corners.

The Eiffel Tower

When it was first completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood as the tallest building in the world, rising over 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet). Originally built to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution for the 1889 World’s Fair, what was meant to be a temporary exhibit soon became the enduring symbol of Paris—and France itself.

An angled black and white image of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Today, the tower is the main TV transmitter for Paris and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time, as they often sell out quickly. It is recommended to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance.

Arc de Triomphe

One of the world’s most instantly recognizable monuments, the Arc de Triomphe anchors the western end of the Champs-Élysées, serving as a proud symbol of French patriotism. Commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz, the arch was ultimately finished in 1836, long after the emperor’s death.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, on a bright sunny day in Spring

At 50 meters (164 ft) high, the monument’s exterior features relief sculptures representing major Napoleonic battles. Underneath, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, constantly lit by an eternal flame in honor of fallen soldiers. A small museum inside explains the arch’s rich history, while 284 steps lead you to the top—rewarded by a breathtaking view of Paris.

The Arc de Triomphe is open daily. Plan to buy tickets in advance online, especially in high season. If you’re feeling fit, the climb to the top is well worth the panorama.

Getting to the Arc de Triomphe:

Champs-Élysées

Running from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is a broad, busy boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and international flagships. Historically designed as a royal promenade, it’s seen countless parades and historical moments. Catch it late at night to see the city lights, or visit during the day for people-watching.

Palais de Chaillot / Trocadéro: Across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower sits the imposing Palais de Chaillot. Built for the 1937 international exhibition, it now houses multiple museums—from French monuments to maritime history. The fountain-filled Trocadéro Gardens below frame a postcard-perfect photo of the Eiffel Tower, especially when illuminated at night.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Long a center of literary and intellectual life, Saint-Germain-des-Prés blends centuries of history with a lively, modern scene. Wander narrow streets lined with cafés once frequented by Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Stop by the oldest church in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or lounge in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens. For a quintessential café experience, have a seat at Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore and watch life unfold.

Tuileries and Opéra

Dominated by the opulent Opera Garnier and the formal Tuileries Gardens, this district of wide boulevards and grand arcades showcases 19th-century Parisian grandeur at its peak.

Palais Garnier (Opera Garnier): An architectural masterpiece, the Opera Garnier’s marble, gold, and rich red velvet conjure an air of bygone luxury. Guided tours are available, or you can attend an evening ballet or opera.

Golden statues atop the Palais Garnier opera house.

Tuileries Gardens: Stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, these meticulously designed gardens invite you to stroll or relax by ornamental ponds. The Orangerie Museum, at the southwestern corner, features Monet’s Water Lilies—a dreamy immersion in Impressionist art.

The Tuileries Gardens in Paris.

Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité

This storied island is where Paris was born. The Gothic marvel of Notre-Dame has endured centuries of history and remains an enduring symbol of France—even as restoration continues after the 2019 fire. Nearby, Saint-Chapelle dazzles with 13th-century stained glass, while the Conciergerie stands as a reminder of darker chapters in the city’s Revolutionary era.

The interior of the refurbished Notre-Dame in Paris

Getting to Notre-Dame de Paris

Marais, Les Halles & Bastille

Winding medieval streets and chic galleries define the Marais, once a regal enclave turned hip neighborhood. Do a little boutique browsing or swing by one of its countless cafés. Les Halles, once the city’s main market district, is now a lively shopping hub anchored by the modernist Centre Pompidou (with its museum of modern art). Farther east, the Place de la Bastille—marked by its towering column—still resonates with the revolutionary spirit of 1789.

Centre Pompidou: A modern icon of “inside-out” architecture, the Pompidou houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne and regularly hosts cutting-edge exhibitions. The surrounding plaza is a hotspot for street performers and late-night gatherings.

The modern exterior of the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Place des Vosges: Tucked away in the Marais, this perfectly symmetrical 17th-century square is one of Paris’s oldest and prettiest. The arcaded walkways, manicured lawns, and elegant mansions make it a charming spot for a midday pause or an evening stroll. The Place des Vosges is home to the Maison de Victor Hugo, where the renowned French author lived from 1832 to 1848.

The Place des Vosges in Paris. — The Place des Vosges

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

North of central Paris, Montmartre’s winding lanes and hilly overlooks have inspired artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. At its summit stands the gleaming white Sacré-Cœur Basilica, finished in 1914. Step inside for one of the city’s most striking interiors, or climb to the dome for sweeping cityscapes. In the bustling square of Place du Tertre, modern-day painters still offer portraits and caricatures.

Sacré-Cœur basilica on Montmartre in Paris, France

Descend into Pigalle—today a mix of old neon cabaret signage and a fast-evolving bar/music scene. Although it’s safer than it once was, keep aware at night.

Getting to Sacré-Cœur:

The Louvre Museum

The largest and most-visited museum worldwide, the Louvre spans eight centuries of art history, from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Iconic masterpieces like Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo draw big crowds, but the museum also boasts a vast array of Egyptian, Greek, and Islamic collections. The modern glass pyramid in the main courtyard, unveiled in 1989, has become a must-see in its own right.

A short introduction video to the Louvre Museum in Paris

Getting to the Louvre

Musée d’Orsay

Directly across the Seine from the Louvre, the d’Orsay showcases French art dating from the mid-19th to early 20th century, particularly Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Don’t miss Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône or Monet’s serene lily ponds. Housed in a converted 19th-century railway station, the d’Orsay marries grand Beaux-Arts design with some of history’s boldest art. Buy Musée d’Orsay entrance tickets.

Van Gogh's iconic "Starry Night Over the Rhône" at the Musée d’Orsay. — Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night Over the Rhône”

Getting to the Musée d’Orsay

Visit the official Musée d’Orsay website for further information.

Les Invalides

Commissioned by Louis XIV as a home for war veterans, this elegant complex boasts a glittering dome that you can spot from across Paris. Beneath it lies the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, surrounded by tributes to other military heroes. The on-site Musée de l’Armée chronicles France’s military past, filled with suits of armor, vintage weaponry, and a poignant exploration of the nation’s martial legacy.

Les Invalides in Paris. — Les Invalides in Paris

Getting There:

Practical Tips for Exploring Paris

Buy tickets in advance for major sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the d’Orsay.
The Paris Museum Pass might save you time (and money) if you plan to see multiple museums.
Early morning or later in the evening often brings smaller crowds at must-sees.
Wear comfortable shoes—Paris is best discovered on foot, even if you use Metro or bus connections for longer hops.
If you need help planning, contact us for a custom itinerary or a private tour. We’ll make sure you see your “musts” while experiencing the city like a local.

From quiet medieval squares to grand boulevards, from classical monuments to modern art, Paris truly has something for everyone. We hope this rundown helps you map out the spots you’ll love most. As always, reach out if you’d like personalized recommendations or guided experiences!