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 a curated list of 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. 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 and start with the Italian paintings.
Samy's personal favourite monument in Paris. Perched at the top of Montmartre, the white Byzantine basilica offers one of the most extraordinary views over the city. Free entry. Climb the dome for a panoramic view, or sit on the steps at sunset.
Napoleon's great triumphal arch — climb the 284 steps to the rooftop for an extraordinary view of the twelve avenues radiating outward, the Champs-Élysées below, 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. The rebuilt spire, the restored interior, and the new treasury make it more beautiful than ever.
The best way to understand Paris is from the water. A one-hour cruise brings you face-to-face with the most iconic monuments: Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, the Tuileries. The evening cruise — with the Eiffel Tower illuminated and the city lights on the water — is unmissable.
The world's greatest Impressionist collection — Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne — housed in a spectacular 1900 railway station. Visit on a Thursday evening (open until 9:45pm) for the quietest experience.
One of the most beautiful interiors on earth — 1,113 stained glass panels from the 13th century, flooding the upper chapel with coloured light. Most tourists walk past without knowing it exists. Those who go in never forget it.
Beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement, 300 kilometres of tunnels hold the remains of over six million Parisians. One of the most distinctive and unforgettable experiences the city offers. Book skip-the-line tickets well in advance.
The grandest royal palace ever built — the Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette's private apartments, and 800 hectares of Le Nôtre's formal gardens. Arrive early and spend the full day. The musical fountain shows in spring and summer are spectacular.
The most beautiful formal garden in Paris — 23 hectares of lawns, fountains, orchards, and the Luxembourg Palace, all designed for strolling, reading, or simply sitting in the sunshine with a café noisette from the nearby Saint-Germain cafés.
The most visited tourist attraction in Europe — and genuinely magical regardless of age. Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park offer an extraordinary full day (or two). Arrive at opening and tackle the most popular rides first.
