Are you planning a trip to Paris and want to know where to go? In this guide we help you discover the top 5 must-see landmarks. The city is a blend of art, history and culture that has grasped many visitors. If it is your first time or even when you are a returning traveller, Paris offers a diverse set of things to see.
1. SEEING PARIS FROM THE TOP: TOUR MONTPARNASSE
In the heart of Paris stands the 210 tall Tour Montparnasse. It stands out against the low-rise skyline and gives an amazing view of the city. This skyscraper remains an essential must-see of your visit of Paris, and here’s why.
With 59 floors, the Tour Montparnasse is the tallest skyscraper in Paris. It was completed in 1973 and is often nicknamed ‘the Parisian Giant’. Although met with public criticism at first, this tower has since been embraced as it offers a fantastic view of the city. As after its completion it led to a ban on buildings over seven stories in central Paris, it now towers over the city.
The building’s reflective glass façade mirrors the Parisian sky. Inside, its top floors have undergone subtle updates throughout the years to enhance the visitor experience in 2025. A high-speed elevator takes you to the 56th-floor observatory in just 38 seconds. On the top the floor-to-ceiling windows open up a magnificent outlook of the city.
Interactive exhibits, updated digital panels, and multilingual guides now provide context to the iconic sights visible from above. You can easily spot landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. The open-air rooftop terrace is particularly popular for sunset visits and photography enthusiasts.
Whether you want to see the city from above or take a memorable picture of Paris, the Tour Montparnasse delivers. Its impressive height, panoramic views, and the opportunity to see Paris from a bird’s eye view make it a must-see destination.
2. The Louvre Museum: An Art Lover’s Paradise
Next on our list of must-see Paris attractions is the Louvre Museum, a timeless place of art and culture. With more than 35,000 works of art on display, you can easily spend multiple days in the museum.
It houses masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, whose smile continues to puzzle and enchant visitors. Don’t pass on the Greek statue Venus de Milo, admired for its graceful form and mysterious past. Although not to be missed, the Louvre isn’t merely about individual artworks. It tells a narrative of humanity’s artistic evolution.
Wandering through its immense halls, you’ll encounter a blend of ancient civilizations, classical antiquity, and Renaissance brilliance. Egyptian mummies, Mesopotamian relics, Islamic ceramics, French Baroque canvases—all coexist under one roof. The Louvre combines it all under one roof.
In 2025, the Louvre continues to innovate. Virtual reality installations and expanded multilingual tours make the museum more accessible than ever. The Louvre app, launched in recent years, now offers AI-guided routes tailored to your interests and time constraints. Navigating this massive complex has never been easier.
For visitors to Paris, the Louvre is not a quick stop. If you want the full experience, be prepared to take your time. It is a place like no other where art comes alive and history speaks.
3. The Unforgettable Eiffel Tower
When one thinks of Paris, the Eiffel Tower immediately comes to mind. An everlasting symbol of the city, it continues to attract millions of visitors every year. The Eiffel Tower is more than an iron structure of 330 meters tall. It’s an embodiment of human ingenuity, architectural advancement, and the spirit of Paris.
Every detail of the Eiffel Tower has a story. From Gustave Eiffel’s original designs to its rapid construction for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. Although once dismissed as an eyesore, the Tower has become a beloved symbol of innovation and Paris.
The three levels of the Eiffel Tower each offer a unique experience. The first floor, equipped with interactive displays and a glass floor, provides thrilling perspectives of the ground below. The second floor is known for its fine dining and boutique shopping. The summit is only accessible by elevator and offers a panoramic view that is simply breathtaking. On a clear day visibility extends for over 70 kilometers.
In 2025, recent renovations have made the Eiffel Tower greener and more efficient. Solar panels, wind turbines, and an updated visitor system reflect a broader effort by Paris to make its most iconic landmark more sustainable. As it gets dark the tower lightings up with 20,000 lights, the Tower remains a must-see—now with modern conscience and classic style.
4. The Majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is another Parisian must-see that you need to visit. It is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. With its grandeur and attention to detail, it leaves an impression never to forget. Following the tragic fire of 2019, the cathedral has been under careful reconstruction ever since. In 2025, parts of it are once again open to the public.
The iconic façade with its twin towers and rose window has been lovingly restored. Scaffolding and protective structures signal the ongoing dedication to full revival. Inside, you can again view several chapels, admire the restored stained glass, and explore new exhibits detailing the rebuilding process.
The treasury of Notre-Dame houses several religious relics. Including, what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ. Outside, the refurbished square and gardens offer an exceptional view of the building.
A climb to the towers is expected to reopen later this year. It will once again give access to its breathtaking views and enables an up-close view of the famous stone gargoyles.
Notre-Dame in 2025 stands not only as a monument to faith and architecture, but as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and the unwavering spirit of Paris.
5. Beneath the Streets, the Catacombs of Paris
The Parisian landscape hides a fascinating world beneath its surface, the Catacombs of Paris. Also known as ‘The World’s Largest Grave’, this ancient labyrinth offers a unique insight into the city’s past.
Established in the late 18th century as a response to the city’s overflowing cemeteries. The Catacombs transformed miles of old limestone quarries into a macabre subterranean cemetery. Today, they hold the remains of more than six million people. The neatly stacked skulls and bones create hauntingly beautiful walls.
Descending a narrow spiral staircase, visitors enter a world far removed from world above. Silence, dim lighting, and stone corridors stretch out into the shadows. The path is punctuated by plaques bearing warnings and poetic reflections, such as the iconic “Stop! This is the empire of death.”
In 2025, the Catacombs have improved safety and navigation for visitors. Subtle lighting is added and multilingual guides invite everyone to come and visit. Smart audio tours share haunting tales and historical context, creating an immersive experience.
A visit to the Catacombs isn’t for the faint-hearted. The chill and darkness are real. For those who seek the unusual, who want to delve beneath the surface—literally and metaphorically—the Catacombs offer one of Paris’s most unforgettable journeys.
A Concluding Stroll Through the City of Lights
In conclusion, Paris is steeped in history, art, and culture. The city is waiting to be discovered. From the towering Eiffel Tower to the Catacombs beneath the street, the city has something to offer for everyone. Each of these must-see Paris attractions offers a unique glimpse into the city.
Don’t forget to take in the panoramic city views from the top of Tour Montparnasse and explore the vast art collections in the Louvre. With the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks is once again welcoming visitors.
The city extends an invitation for you to lose yourself in its charm, to navigate its streets, to taste its cuisine, and to come back over and over again. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity and let the city of love, lights, and life surprise you with every step. As Audrey Hepburn famously said, “Paris is always a good idea.”
