There are lots of Paris attractions worthy of a place on your itinerary. Some are must-sees while others are a little more unusual. From the lofty heights of the Eiffel Tower to the murky depths of the catacombs, there’s something here for everyone.

Discover a world of historic battles, revolutionary legends and some of the most astonishing architecture in Europe while you're in Paris. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the City of Light.

Eiffel Tower

When it comes to Paris attractions, the Eiffel Tower stands head and shoulders above the rest. Rising high above the Parc du Champ de Mars, Europe’s most iconic landmark receives over 7 million visitors each year. It was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution.

From the three observation decks you can see for miles, with the top of the tower offering unrivaled city views. There are shops and restaurants on each floor, as well as art exhibitions. Come at dusk to see the Eiffel Tower illuminations twinkling against the night sky.

Versailles Palace

The Palace of Versailles is one of the top places to visit in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Famed for its manicured gardens and lavish interiors, the palace is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Versailles lies just 17 kilometers west of the city and makes a great day trip during your stay.

Masterminded by the Sun King, Louis XIV, the complex just oozes extravagance, with the famous Hall of Mirrors dazzling all who enter. You can also explore the former state apartments and the Gallery of Great Battles, with the latter showcasing centuries of French military success.

Arc de Triomphe

Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as you visit the monumental Arc de Triomphe. Splendidly situated in Place Charles de Gaulle on the Champs-Élysées, this ornate triumphal arch is one of the best-known attractions in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his battle victories, the Arc de Triomphe is both a history lesson and a viewpoint.

Intricately carved reliefs depicting scenes from the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution adorn the façade. Yet perhaps the best part is the terrace at the top, which offers grand Parisian panoramas of the Eiffel Tower and beyond.

Catacombs of Paris

Interested in macabre Paris attractions? There are plenty to go around, but the Catacombs of Paris take some beating in the spooky stakes. Accessed from the Place Denfert-Rochereau, this eerie underworld has been the realm of the Parisian dead for centuries after traditional cemeteries reached maximum capacity.

A maze of dark tunnels spans out beneath the City of Light, with miles of ossuaries lining the walls. The bones of over 6 million people have been placed here, including those belonging to revolutionary heroes and tyrants. Take a tour of the catacombs and discover a whole different side of Paris.

Sainte Chapelle

Often heralded as one of the most elegant Paris monuments, Sainte Chapelle is an explosion of light and color. Constructed in 1248 to house the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at his crucifixion, Sainte Chapelle is steeped in historical significance. The holy relic itself is now in the Louvre Museum.

Highlights of your tour will be the enormous stained-glass windows that illustrate biblical scenes in all colors of the rainbow. Come in the early evening for the best light! You’ll find Sainte Chapelle on the Île de la Cité and it’s often combined with visiting Notre Dame Cathedral.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is the main event on the Île de la Cité and can be enjoyed from both land and water. It’s a popular sighting on a Seine River cruise and is a useful landmark for travelers who are trying to get their bearings.

Thanks to its Gothic architecture, Notre Dame is one of the most famous Paris attractions for visitors from across the world. It’s home to dazzling stained-glass windows and was the setting for Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation. See if you can spot the symbolic gargoyles that keep their beady eyes on the comings and goings down below.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Looking for spooky Paris tours? Then get yourself to the eerie Père Lachaise Cemetery and take a walk among the spirits. This vast burial ground is the largest in the city, with around 800,000 resident souls taking their eternal rest here. Among them are notable figures like Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Frederic Chopin.

The cemetery is a photogenic place, and there are regular guided tours for those who want to discover the famous graves. This garden cemetery in the 20th arrondissement is a tranquil spot, surrounded by nature and ancient trees. Ghost sightings aren’t guaranteed!

Pantheon

Not to be confused with its counterpart in Rome, the Pantheon is another must-see Paris attraction. Found in the 5th arrondissement, the Pantheon is often featured on city tours. Originally built as an abbey in the late 18th century, this striking Paris landmark is now a mausoleum. It’s the final resting place for French icons such as Voltaire, Marie Curie and Alexandre Dumas.

Pick up an audio guide to discover what lies within these hallowed walls, then climb up into the dome for eye-popping views. Don’t miss the famous Foucault Pendulum or the hall of art filled with ancient masterpieces.

Opera Garnier

If you’re looking for places to visit in Paris that offer a good evening out, the Opera Garnier hits all the high notes. It’s one of the world’s most famous opera houses, with an architectural heritage dating back to the 19th century.

By day you can enjoy a guided tour and learn insider secrets about past performers who have graced the stage here. Then by night, take your seat and feel the excitement build as the lights dim for an evening performance. There’s everything from ballet and opera to recitals and symphonies to enjoy here in the 9th arrondissement.

Conciergerie

From palace to prison, the Conciergerie has had many faces over the centuries. Located on the Île de la Cité in central Paris, this striking Gothic palace hides many secrets. If you’re interested in the French Revolution, then this is one of the key attractions in Paris to visit. It was here where Marie Antoinette spent her final days, before being led to the guillotine

Tickets for the Conciergerie in Paris include access to the original prison cells – you’ll be glad you weren’t a resident! There are chapels, courtyards and chambers to discover too, showing the palace’s more aesthetic side.

Montparnasse Tower

Stretching high up into the clouds above the 15th arrondissement, the Montparnasse Tower is one of the most visible Paris landmarks. It’s ranked among the tallest buildings in Europe and on a clear day, you can see for miles. Head up to the observation deck on the 56th floor and enjoy 360-degree views over the City of Love.

You can go up during the day and see the Eiffel Tower from a new perspective. Or wait until night falls and see the city lights twinkling away. There’s a panoramic bar too so why not make an evening of it?

Sacre-Coeur

Standing proudly at the highest point in Montmartre, the Catholic church of Sacre-Coeur has kept watch over Paris since 1914. It boasts the largest mosaic and the heaviest swinging bell on the planet. Of all the attractions in Paris, Sacre-Coeur is the one that will steal your heart, thanks to its beauty and historical significance.

Once you’ve marveled at the interior, climb the 300 steps to the top of the tower for sweeping views across the city. Still want more? Then head down into the mysterious crypt and stand in the presence of holy relics and revered religious icons.

Football Stadiums

Sports fans will love the Paris tours that take in the city’s football stadiums. The Stade de France is the country’s national stadium and is a popular venue for sports fixtures and concerts. Situated just north of the city in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France is home to the national football and rugby union teams.

Over in the 16th arrondissement, the Parc des Princes is where you’ll find the Paris Saint-Germain football team. There are often games on during the summer. You can take a tour behind the scenes at both stadiums and enjoy a match for the full experience.