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Paris is really one of the best places I’ve ever been. Whenever I go on vacation, I always try to squeeze in a visit- even if it’s just a long layover! The best part about Paris (in my humble opinion) is that there is absolutely something for everyone. There is so much to do and see you could easily spend a week or two and not see it all. However, if you only have a few days I suggest putting the following at the top of your list to make the most of your trip. May I present my personal top 10 MUSTS while visiting the city of lights:
10. The Pantheon
Originally completed in 1790, the Pantheon’s original use was a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. This gorgeous piece of architecture now serves as a mausoleum to some great Paris notables. Often overlooked by visitors hurrying down the road to get in line for the Notre Dame, the Pantheon is often less crowded yet a great visit. Among those who call the Pantheon their final resting place include Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Louis Braille and Marie Curie.
9. The Latin Quarter
While you’re in the 5th arrondissement visiting the Pantheon, definitely take some time to check out the Latin Quarter. With its winding cobblestone streets and gorgeous architecture it’s easy to imagine what life was like in medieval Paris. Full of small shops and cafes, it a perfect place for a quick bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
8. The Eiffel Tower
I know, I know. You came here looking for a list that didn’t include the ordinary. But you can’t go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Literally it’s everywhere. Just walking around the city you’ll catch glimpses of its iron top peeking out from behind trees and over the tops of buildings. Can you really come home from a trip to Paris and tell everyone you didn’t visit Paris’s most famous landmark? No, no you can’t.
If you are visiting Paris during peak season (think June- mid September), consider buying your Eiffel Tower tickets ahead of time. A “skip-the-line” option would be an added bonus as lines for the elevator can get quite lengthy. If you’re really up for an adventure, consider skipping the lines all together and climbing the 674 steps up to the second floor of the tower. You’ll still need to take an elevator all the way up to the third level, however, as the stairs leading to the top are not open to the public.
7. Galeries Lafayette
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, an entire room dedicated to chocolate. What more can I say about the Galeries Lafayette. Located in the 9th arrondissement, this department store has it all. From designer clothing and handbags to oyster bars and cavier you help but feel like you’re living the life of luxury from the moment you walk in the doors. It’s also an awesome place to buy a souvenir beret to cheer up your friend after you both get stranded in Paris (Yes this happened and yes you can read about it here).
6. Luxembourg Gardens
If the busy city streets are getting you down or you need a place to sit and enjoy your morning coffee, the Luxembourg Gardens are for you. Located in the 6th arrondissement, the Luxembourg Gardens are the biggest in Paris, stretching over 55 acres. I fell in love with the Gardens almost immediately after we stayed in a hotel right down the road. From the blossoming flowers and the perfectly manicured lawns to the grand Luxembourg Palace with its giant fountain perfect for the local children to sail toy boats in, the Luxembourg Gardens are definitely worth the trip.
5. The Catacombs of Paris
Located south of the Luxembourg Gardens, this creepy tourist attraction is definitely worth the trip. It’s hard to believe but underneath the bustling streets of Paris, lies an entire network of tunnels. Not so terribly creepy right? Not really, except for the tunnels that are lined floor to ceiling with human bones that is. In 17th century Paris, the cemeteries were overflowing with the dead. The solution? Fill the underground tunnels with the bodies of course! Even though I was originally not keen on the thought of being deep underground with a few thousand dead people, actually being in the tunnels was amazing and I’m so glad I didn’t miss out. A couple of tips on this place though. 1) If you or someone in your group has issues with claustrophobia just be cautious. My best friend is very claustrophobic, she was able to complete the tour with no too much trouble but felt more comfortable being at the front of the group with our guide. 2) Make the Catacombs your first stop of the day and be there well before they open. Even showing up at opening time can mean hours of standing in line waiting to get in as they only let a certain number of people in the Catacombs at one time and tours often take precedence. We found a guided tour to be well worth it since we didn’t have to wait in a long line and we had a great guided tour.
4. Notre Dame
Once again, another Paris classic makes the list. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again- you can’t leave Paris without saying you’ve been here. The architecture is absolutely breath taking, even for someone like myself who has little to no knowledge about that sort of thing. This is another place to make sure you time your visit right to avoid long lines or check out a guided tour to skip the lines and get some in-depth history about the place.
Important Note: On 4/15/2019 the Notre Dame was involved in a devastating fire. This will obviously put a halt on tours until further notice.
3. The Louvre
I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about art. I will also admit that I was blown away by the Louvre. The sheer size of the place is overwhelming, just when you think you’ve finished a floor you turn the corner and enter another room. If you are an avid art lover you could probably spend days pouring over the massive amounts of art. For most of us, plan on a few hours. I went to the Louvre with the intentions of seeing 5 of the most famous pieces of art housed there: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, Dying Slave and Liberty Leading the People. Just walking through the Louvre looking specifically for these 5 pieces while casually observing the rest of the art took well over 3 hours. When I say the building is massive, it is MASSIVE. I suggest not going to the Louvre towards the end of a long day of sightseeing if you can help it- otherwise you might end up like me, complaining about your aching feet and vowing to never set foot in the Louvre again.
2. Seine River Cruise
Ok, so this is not a specific place. It is, however, a great way to get to see Paris as you cruise down the Seine in your tour boat. Most tours last from 1-2 hours and range from your average city tour to dinner, cocktails or desserts. Last time I was in Paris was for Bastille Day and we ended up doing a river cruise that ended with the boat docked right beside the Eiffel Tower where we watched the fireworks, drank champagne and ate delicious desserts. An added bonus is that the tours often operate until late in the evening, making them a great activity to do once the other attractions have closed for the day. The picture below is one of the many beautiful pictures I was able to get from one of my boat tours- several of the pictures from those trips are my favorite pictures of Paris. I’ve also included links to several tour boat options, I’ve personally taken the first tour and it was awesome. I’ve never done the champagne option but it’s gotten great reviews and looks like a blast!
1. Sacre-Coeur
You may have “seen” Paris but as far as I’m concerned you’ve never truly seen Paris until you’ve seen it from the steps of the The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacre-Coeur. Where do I even begin? The actual building itself is beautiful, breathtaking even. Something about the way its white domes rise in contrast with the beautiful blue Parisian sky just does it for me. The inside of the basilica is just as beautiful. The real draw to the place for me is outside, where on the steps you have a gorgeous panoramic view of the city of Paris. I’m not lying when I say I could sit there for hours just looking out into the horizon. Sacre-Coeur is located in Montmartre, an area in the northeast corner of the city built into a hill. Montmartre is an artists dream- romantic stone alleyways winding amongst the quaint shops and cafes, stone steps leading further and further upward until the reach the top of the hill where Sacre-Coeur is perched. Definitely take your time exploring the area before heading to the Basilica. Montmartre is a perfect place for a coffee break at one of the quaint little cafes or souvenir shopping for the perfect gift to bring back home with you. You can easily get to Montmartre by the Paris Metro- the station is Abbesses. Word of caution however. When you see the line of locals waiting for the elevator up from the station, make sure you get in line with them. The Abbesses station is the deepest in Paris and you will end up walking up 100+ stairs until you get out onto the street again (where you will then have to walk many more stairs to get to Sacre-Coeur).
So there you have it. My personal top 10 Paris must sees. Please feel free to comment below with your favorite musts of Paris!
