This Is Your Ultimate Paris Bucket List
Paris isn’t just a city. It’s a feeling. A whirlwind of timeless beauty, effortless charm, and croissants so good they should be illegal.
But with so much to see, do, and devour, where do you even start? Do you brave the Louvre crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa? Hunt down the best café for people-watching? Or get lost in hidden alleyways that feel like stepping into a movie?
Forget the endless research! This ultimate Paris bucket list has all the must-see sights, iconic spots, and local favorites you actually need to experience.
1. Eiffel Tower
You think you know the Eiffel Tower… until you see it in person. No photo, no postcard, not even a movie scene prepares you for that first jaw-dropping moment when it suddenly appears between Parisian rooftops. One minute, you’re strolling down a charming street, and the next—boom—there it is, soaring 1,083 feet into the sky like some kind of iron illusion.
Funny to think that when it was built in 1889, Parisians disliked it. Now? It’s the heart of the city.
If you’re up for a little challenge, skip the elevator at first and take the stairs. It’s 674 steps to the second level, but with every step, the view gets better. And honestly, it feels like you earned that macaron waiting for you later. Oh, and there’s a champagne bar at the top. Because, of course, there is.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is a kingdom of art. And the first thing you’ll realize? It’s massive. Like, “you could get lost in here for days” massive. Once a royal palace, this place now holds 35,000 masterpieces, from ancient Egyptian statues to Renaissance paintings.
And yes, we both know why you’re really here. You’re here to finally see her. The Mona Lisa.
But here’s the thing—she’s surprisingly tiny, and the crowd around her? Not so tiny. If you can elbow your way to the front, she’ll give you that mysterious little smirk, like she knows something you don’t.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Even half-covered in scaffolding, Notre-Dame still stops you in your tracks. This gothic masterpiece has been watching over Paris for over 850 years. It survived revolutions, wars, and most recently, a devastating fire.
Yet somehow, even after the flames, she stands proud, her twin bell towers rising like a silent guardian of the city.
Climbing to the top was once a must for a breathtaking view, but for now, the best place to admire Notre-Dame is from the Pont de l’Archevêché, where the cathedral’s reflection dances on the Seine. The good news? Restoration was in full swing, and in 2024, Notre-Dame was reopened, more glorious than ever!
4. Arc de Triomphe
You haven’t really felt Parisian chaos until you’ve watched the traffic swirl around the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a full-on free-for-all, with cars darting in twelve different directions, defying every known traffic law. But at the center of it all, standing tall and defiant, is Napoleon’s grand monument to military glory! It’s a symbol of France’s victories!
Getting up close is an adventure. First rule? Do not attempt to cross the traffic like some kind of action hero. There’s an underground passage for that. Once you’re safely beneath the arch, take a moment to admire the names of French generals etched into the stone, then make your way to the top terrace.
The reward? A spectacular 360-degree view, with the Champs-Élysées stretching out in one direction and the Eiffel Tower stealing the show in the other.
5. Champs-Élysées
Some streets are made for walking; the Champs-Élysées is made for strolling in style. Stretching 1.2 miles from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, this boulevard is where Paris goes all out.
There’re luxury boutiques, legendary cafés, and a buzz that never quite fades. It’s where you window-shop at Louis Vuitton, Ladurée, and Guerlain, then convince yourself that a single macaron totally justifies stepping into a world of high fashion.
Want my ultimate recommendation? Skip the overpriced cafés near the Arc and grab a coffee at a side-street bistro instead. Then, wander down toward the Jardin des Tuileries, where the crowds thin, and Paris feels a little more like your own.
6. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Some sights take effort, but trust me, the Sacré-Cœur is worth every step. Perched atop Montmartre’s highest hill, this dazzling white basilica watches over Paris like a guardian angel. Climbing the 300 steps up to its doors might leave you breathless, but the panoramic view at the top? Absolutely unreal.
It’s a cityscape that stretches for miles, best enjoyed with an espresso from a nearby café.
When you enter, the golden mosaics shimmer, and the hush of candlelight makes you forget the world outside. The real showstopper? The mosaic of Christ in Majesty, one of the largest in the world, glowing above the altar. It’s really something worth seeing, believe me!
7. Musée D’Orsay
If the Louvre feels like a royal palace, the Musée d’Orsay is the cool, artsy cousin who turned an old train station into something spectacular. This museum is where Impressionist magic comes to life.
Something like Monet’s water lilies, Van Gogh’s swirly skies, and Degas’ elegant ballerinas—all displayed under a soaring glass ceiling that floods the space with light.
Even if you’re not a museum person, this place is a dream. The grand station clock, with its golden Roman numerals, is a masterpiece in itself. You can’t say that you’ve been here, unless you stood behind it for a picture-perfect view of the Seine. Unlike the Louvre, you won’t get lost for days, but you will find yourself lingering in front of paintings that feel alive.
8. Sainte-Chapelle
If Notre-Dame is Paris’s grand storyteller, Sainte-Chapelle is its hidden jewel box. It won’t scream for attention. Not her style, at all! But step inside, and suddenly, you’re standing in a cathedral of light. Walls? Who needs them?
Here, it’s all 15 towering stained-glass windows, glowing in deep blues, fiery reds, and golden yellows.
It was commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13th century and built to house Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Today, it feels more like a passage into another world, especially when sunlight streams through the glass. You say it’s a church, I say it’s a dream!
9. Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier)
The Palais Garnieris a work of art so extravagant it makes Versailles look modest. Built in the 19th century as a temple to music and drama, this masterpiece is what happens when architects are told, “Go wild.”
Even if you don’t have opera tickets, the self-guided tour is a must. Wander through the Grand Foyer, where gold leaf and mirrors stretch endlessly, and step into the phantom’s world—yes, this is the very opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera.
The whole place feels like a scene from a dream, a blend of opulence and old-world mystery.
10. Seine River Cruises
The best way to see Paris? Floating down the Seine. Whether you hop on a simple Bateau Mouche or a fancy dinner cruise, drifting past the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower feels straight out of a movie.
The bridges arch gracefully, lovers linger along the riverbanks, and for a moment, life feels effortlessly elegant.
Day or night, the views are unreal. But there’s something special about an evening cruise, when the Eiffel Tower starts to twinkle and the city lights dance on the water. The gentle hum of the boat, the laughter of fellow travelers, the clink of wine glasses—it’s Paris at its most romantic.
11. Montmartre
Ah, Montmartre! Paris’s bohemian soul is on full display. This neighborhood once served as the artistic heart of the city, drawing legendary painters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Today, its winding streets, steep staircases, and picturesque cafés still hold that same creative spark.
The centerpiece is the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, its white dome visible from all over the city. But don’t rush to the top just yet. Take your time to wander through the charming streets below.
Place du Tertre is where local artists set up shop, sketching portraits of tourists and selling their paintings. It’s the kind of place where you can savor a croissant, grab a coffee, and soak in the creative energy of Paris.
12. Latin Quarter
If Paris had a heartbeat, it would be in the Latin Quarter. This is where the city feels truly alive. The narrow, winding streets are filled with bookshops, tiny cafés, and centuries of stories.
Named for the Latin-speaking students of the Middle Ages, the neighborhood still hums with an intellectual energy, thanks to the grand Sorbonne University at its core.
Wander down Rue de la Huchette, where the scent of fresh crêpes and roasting coffee drifts from street vendors, and pop into Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookstore where Hemingway and Fitzgerald once lingered. Perfect Parisian escape? Definitely!
13. Jardin Des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is where you get the best of both worlds: Parisian elegance and the peaceful retreat of nature. It’s located right between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This grand garden invites you to take a step back in time while enjoying a modern-day stroll.
Originally designed by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century, it was once a royal playground, and today it feels like Paris’s living room.
Find a bench by the fountains, breathe in the fresh air, and let the world slip away as you watch children chase each other around the giant carousel. It’s one of those places where you can almost feel the whispers of history.
14. Place De La Concorde
What is Paris’s most iconic square? Well, of course, Place de la Concorde! Because? Its history.
It was once the site of royal celebrations, but it also holds a darker history. It’s the spot where Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and other figures of the French Revolution were executed by guillotine. Today, it’s a place of peace and beauty, where tourists and locals alike enjoy the magnificent surroundings.
The obelisk is flanked by beautiful fountains, and on either side, you’ll find grand neoclassical buildings, including the Hotel de Crillon and the Palais Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly. It’s the perfect spot to marvel at both the city’s history and its architectural splendor.
15. Musée Rodin
The moment you step inside the Musée Rodin you’re greeted by the intimate atmosphere of the mansion’s grand rooms adorned with Rodin’s most famous sculptures. Some of them are the Thinker and The Kiss. Both of which feel even more powerful in person.
But it’s not just the sculptures that make this museum special. The museum gardens are a delightful escape, with greenery and serene pathways that allow you to experience Rodin’s works in a natural setting.
After you’ve wandered through the museum, take a seat in the museum’s charming café in the garden. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere—one of the best-kept secrets of Paris!
16. Catacombs Of Paris
If you’re in the mood for something a little eerie, the Catacombs of Paris offer an unforgettable underground adventure. Beneath the streets of the city, a labyrinth of tunnels stretches over 200 miles, and it’s home to the remains of over six million people.
It’s a fascinating yet slightly unsettling testament to Paris’s deep history.
These catacombs were originally stone quarries, but by the late 18th century, the city’s overflowing cemeteries were moved underground, creating a chilling yet historically significant resting place. Fun fact? The catacombs have been the inspiration for everything from novels to movies, and if you’re brave enough, you’ll discover a side of Paris you won’t see in the tourist brochures.
17. Le Marais
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that blends old-world charm with cutting-edge cool, Le Marais is where you want to be. This district is one of Paris’s trendiest and most historic areas, where medieval buildings sit side by side with hip boutiques and art galleries.
A stroll through Le Marais feels like walking through a living history book. The Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, is a serene escape with its perfectly manicured gardens and arcaded facades. Yet, just around the corner, you’ll discover quirky shops, stylish cafés, and even a thriving Jewish quarter with its delicious falafel joints.
It’s a place where history and modern life happily collide.
18. Saint-Germain-Des-Prés
For a taste of classic Parisian elegance, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is where you’ll find it. Do you want to know where all of the artists, writers, and smart people gathered? It’s right here, in this iconic neighborhood! I’m talking about Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir sipping coffee at Café de Flore. Cool, right?
Today, the area still hums with that same creative energy, mixing the old with the new in the best possible way.
As you wander the charming, cobbled streets, you’ll encounter historic cafés, chic boutiques, and atmospheric bookstores. Don’t miss the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, one of the oldest in Paris, whose Romanesque architecture stands as a reminder of the neighborhood’s ancient roots.
19. Palace Of Versailles
Imagine stepping into the lap of royalty! That’s the magic of the Palace of Versailles. Just a short train ride from Paris, this opulent palace is where the French monarchy once lived in true grandeur, and it’s hard to overstate the sheer extravagance.
The palace itself is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, with its gilded halls, stunning gardens, and Hall of Mirrors, where Louis XIV hosted some of the most luxiours events in history.
Let’s not forget the Gardens! They are as stunning as the palace itself. They stretch out for miles with meticulously manicured lawns, fountains, and sculpted trees. It’s easy to imagine yourself wandering through the grand avenues, perhaps even dreaming of the days when kings and queens strolled the same paths.
20. Centre Pompidou
If you’re a fan of modern art, the Centre Pompidou is a place where the art isn’t just on the inside—it’s on the outside, too! With its bold, colorful exterior of exposed pipes, escalators, and beams, this cultural powerhouse in the heart of Paris looks like something straight out of a futuristic dream.
Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the building itself is a work of art, challenging everything you think you know about architecture.
You’ll be greeted by an eclectic mix of avant-garde exhibitions, ranging from painting to sculpture to interactive installations. The National Museum of Modern Art holds a treasure trove of works from the likes of Picasso, Matisse, and Delaunay, while temporary exhibitions often push boundaries with experimental pieces.
Don’t miss the panoramic rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking views of Paris, including a perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower. Wink, Wink!
21. Canal Saint-Martin
For a charming escape from the usual tourist bustle, Canal Saint-Martin offers the perfect blend of peace and Parisian cool. Running through the 10th arrondissement, this canal is flanked by tree-lined streets, trendy cafes, and boutique shops that give the whole area a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
It’s a kind of a romantic atmosphere that feels almost cinematic.
Take a leisurely walk along the canal, or, for the full experience, hop on a boat cruise that takes you through the locks and under the charming bridges. Locals love to grab a croissant or bottle of wine from a nearby boulangerie and relax by the water, making it the perfect spot for people-watching. I say do exactly that!
22. Galeries Lafayette
If you’re in the mood for some serious shopping (or just some incredible people-watching), Galeries Lafayette is Paris’s ultimate retail therapy destination. This stunning department store is a visual masterpiece! Meet its Art Nouveau dome, stained-glass skylight, and grandiose staircases.
And let me tell you, the shopping experience is unparalleled! I’m talking from high-end designer boutiques to chic French brands. Girl dreams come true!
The selection of fashion, beauty, and gourmet food is as French as it gets. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or traditional French macarons, you’ll find it all under one roof.