Whether it's your first time in Paris or your tenth, whether you're here for a weekend or a week, travelling alone or with family — the city always has something unmissable to offer. This is Samy's list of the twelve experiences that define Paris: the monuments, the museums, the gardens, and the day trips that belong on every itinerary.
The symbol of Paris — and arguably the most recognisable structure on earth. 324 metres of iron lace, built in 1889, still astonishing every single person who sees it for the first time. Visit during the day for the views, return at night for the sparkling light show that runs every hour on the hour. Book tickets well in advance.
The world's most visited museum — 35,000 works of art across 72,735 square metres, from the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Give yourself a full day. Arrive early, start with the Italian paintings (Room 711 for the Mona Lisa), and don't forget to picnic in the Tuileries gardens afterwards.
Samy's personal favourite monument in Paris — and the favourite of many Parisians. Perched at the top of Montmartre, the white Byzantine basilica offers one of the most extraordinary views over the city. Free entry. For the best experience, climb the dome for a panoramic view, or simply sit on the steps as the sun sets over Paris.
Napoleon's great triumphal arch — built to honour the warriors of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Climb the 284 steps to the rooftop for an extraordinary view of the twelve avenues radiating outward like a star, the Champs-Élysées below you, and the Eiffel Tower on the horizon.
The most beloved cathedral in the world — Notre-Dame de Paris reopened in December 2024 after five years of extraordinary restoration following the 2019 fire. The rebuilt spire, the restored interior, and the new treasury make it more beautiful than ever. One of the great emotional experiences of Paris.
The best way to understand Paris's geography — a one-hour circuit of the Seine passes all the great monuments: Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Pont des Arts. Take the evening cruise for the most romantic experience, when the lights reflect on the water.
The world's finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, housed in a spectacular converted railway station. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne — all at their most extraordinary. The building itself is as beautiful as the art. Visit on a Thursday evening when the museum stays open until 9:45pm.
The most beautiful interior in Paris — 15 floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows from the 13th century, 1,113 scenes from the Bible, flooding the upper chapel with coloured light. It is simultaneously one of the greatest Gothic masterpieces in the world and one of the most overlooked. Hidden inside the Palais de la Cité — most tourists walk past it without knowing it exists.
Beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement, 300 kilometres of tunnels hold the remains of over six million Parisians, transferred from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century. A profound, strange, and completely unforgettable experience. Wear comfortable shoes — 131 steps down, 112 back up.
The grandest royal palace ever built — the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, Marie-Antoinette's private domain, and 800 hectares of formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre. Plan a full day; arrive early. The fountain shows in the gardens (spring to autumn) are among the most spectacular things you'll see in France.
The most loved park in Paris — 23 hectares of formal French garden in the heart of the Left Bank, beloved by students from the nearby Sorbonne, families with children, and chess players who occupy the same benches every afternoon. Over 100 statues throughout the gardens, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty. One of Paris's great free pleasures.
The most visited tourist attraction in Europe — two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios), dozens of rides, and the kind of magic that works regardless of age. Take the RER A from central Paris (35 minutes). Book tickets well in advance and arrive early to beat the queues at the most popular attractions.
