Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it’s not because we’re French that we’re saying so :p
Organizing your scheduled visit can quickly become complicated, especially if you have a short stay. So, we listed the 5 must-see places to visit in Paris.
1. THE EIFFEL TOWER
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower?
Probably not the same city. The Eiffel tower is one of the most visited places in the world and the symbol of Paris and France. You can’t miss it on your Parisian Trip.
A little story about it: designed by Gustave Eiffel for the centenarian commemoration of the French Revolution in 1889. The Eiffel Tower was built for only 20 years and was planned to be removed after!
Can you imagine it if they removed the Eiffel Tower? Oh Mon dieu! Fortunately, thanks to its structure, the Eiffel Tower could be used as a wireless transmitter, and because many wanted to keep it. The Eiffel Tower wasn’t dismantled. And as of today, there’s no plan to remove our Eiffel Tower 🙂
How to get there ?
There are a lot of options to go to the Eiffel Tower. We recommend taking the subway line 9 and stopping at Trocadero station. From the Trocadero, you will have an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower.
You can also take the bus, the boat, go there by bicycle or even electric scooters if the weather permits.
Our special Tips
At night if you have the chance to ride the Subway line 6, you can have a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling between station Bir Hakeim and station Passy.
Trust us, even if we lived in Paris for as long as we can remember, the Eiffel Tower never failed in mesmerizing us. It felt like stepping into a movie!
2. MONTMARTRE & THE SACRED HEART
We could make an entire guide about Montmartre because there are so many things to see and visit. If you have limited time, we recommend you to take at least 3 hours to walk in the Montmartre area and visit its Basilica, also called Sacre Coeur.
This is one of the most famous and romantic spots in Paris. A great place to spend time with your loved one.
Also don’t forget to pass the square of Tertre where a lot of artists do painting in the street. Even if it can get crowded, it’s always nice to see them. You can purchase a scenic painting, or any painting style that catches your attention. What’s even more exciting is that you can get your portrait done in real-time! Talented Parisian artists will surely give you one of your most cherished travel souvenirs ever.
How to get there
You have two main options to visit the Montmartre area.
You can ride the subway line 2 and stop at Anvers. Or take line 12 and stop at the Abbesses station. Then you will have to walk up to Montmartre.
Then if you’re a lazy a**, or because you ate too much cheese for lunch, you can ride the funicular which will bring you up to the top of Montmartre.
We recommend you to walk. Because it’s better for your health first. And second, you’ll enjoy the whole neighborhood. But, as for us, we sometimes get the funicular, as we know it already haha.
Our special tips
The Basilica will give you one of the most beautiful views of the entire Paris as the Sacre Couer is standing on top of the hill. A lot of spots there are perfect for pictures.
It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Except if you want the nice sunset and the golden light given by the end of the afternoon. Romantic effect guaranteed.
3. THE CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE DAME
Certainly the most emblematic religious monuments in Paris and is quite popular across the globe that should make it to anyone’s Parisian itinerary.
We especially know that religion has a great place in Filipino culture and heart. So, if you’d like to visit a church, you know which one to see.
A little story about it: Finished building in 1345, Notre Dame de Paris is the symbol of French Gothic art. You can climb the 387 steps (yes, we counted them 1 by 1 when we were there…), to reach the roof of the cathedral and to have a panoramic view of all of Paris. Well we will not lie to you, it will not be easy and it may be challenging, but it’s worth it.
By the way, when you visit the Notre Dame cathedral, take the opportunity to walk around on the Ile Saint-Louis, you will find pretty little typical Parisian streets that are truly Instagram-worthy.
And if you are a little gourmet and you like ice cream, do not miss Berthillon Glacier, 21 rue Saint Louis (on this island).
How to get there
By public transport, take the metro line 4, and stop at the mentioned station. Then you will have to walk 5 to 10 minutes to reach Notre Dame Cathedral.
You can also easily reach Notre-Dame by foot or by bike, if you do not want to take public transport, as it is in the center of the town.
Our special tips
After visiting the area and Notre-Dame, cross the Seine (the river), and go to the neighborhood of Saint Michel. There you’ll find nice bars and restaurants typical Parisian and affordable.
If you are there at night, this is a great area to party and socialize with locals and foreigners!
4. THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE & THE CHAMPS ELYSEES AVENUE
You might think that Champs Elysees is familiar and might have heard it on a French class. Yes this is the street where the song says “Aux Champs-Elysées, aux Champs-Elysées!”
The most beautiful avenue in the world is waiting for you!
As Parisians, we don’t go there often honestly. As it is mostly a tourist attraction and focuses on consumption. Tourists do their shopping there, getting some souvenirs or visiting famous luxurious boutiques.
You’ll see many Asian tourists queuing for the Louis Vuitton’s store for example.
However, the Champs Elysees Avenue is still a must-see place even if you don’t plan to shop.
There, you’ll also get the chance to admire one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Arc de Triomphe which was built in the 19th century and is the largest Arc in the world.
It is possible to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to have a great view for around 12 euros (700 pesos). As Parisians, we’ve actually never been to the top, maybe we’re stingy and we only take the pictures down.
The most convenient route will be to start your visit at the Arc, then walk down the Avenue to its end and get to the Place de la Concorde.
How to get there
There are a lot of solutions to access the Champs-Elysees. For us the best is to stop at the station Charles de Gaulles Etoile, subway line 1-2-6 or RER line A. You can search all the options on the website of the subway of Paris, RATP.
Our special tips
As we mentioned earlier this is not our favorite place in Paris. If we have one advice to give: try to avoid restaurants or cafes on the Champs Elysees.
They are usually overpriced, not very good, and the waiters are not friendly, especially with Asians, my girlfriend experienced that. If you are stubborn and still want your picture of you eating a macaron and an espresso for PHP 1000+, go! But do not tell us, that we didn’t warn you… :p
On a nicer side, since recently, some Sundays, cars are sometimes not allowed on the avenue, so we can walk on the street. You’ll see more Parisians then at that time as we enjoy that kind of initiative.
5. VERSAILLES CASTLE
You might have been familiar with the Palace du Versailles because of an infamous resident named Marie Antoinette. You might have seen this in movies, or documentaries.
This is the most famous castle in France and probably in the world, so definitely a place to see.
A little story: Versailles was built in the 17th century to show the power and supremacy of France in Europe. Yes, some will say that it is not within Paris, but hey it’s right next to and it’s worth it!
Two things to see in Versailles:
- The castle itself which is huge (biggest in the world)
- Its gardens are even bigger than the castle.
It is in the castles of Versailles that you will be able to see and understand the importance of the culture in France. Get lost, immerse and admire the beautiful, and opulent architecture and interiors of the palace.
We really advise you to include Versailles. Although it is a day trip, you don’t have to spend an overnight in Versailles but visiting the castle and the gardens will take you the whole day. So, it is better if you’re staying a week in Paris at least.
How to get there ?
Then we could do a whole article on how to go to the castle of Versailles. But frankly, we did not want to and it’s not the point here.
As it’s a little more complicated, we’re not too bad, we’re putting here the official website with the practical information if you finally decide to go there: How to go to Versailles.
Our special tips
Who says the most beautiful castle in the world, says a lot, a lot of tourists.
Having experienced the visit on a Sunday, I strongly do not recommend it. You have trouble moving, it reminded me of Market Market on a Saturday afternoon, (the view is better though).
So if you can, plan your visit on a weekday. It will be less crowded. Spring is definitely the best season to visit Versailles. And as we thought of everything :p
You can check the best time to visit Paris with this article: When is the best time to visit Paris if you are coming from the Philippines?
6. LOUVRE MUSEUM
Here we are the last must-see place to visit in Paris!
We could not make this list without the Louvre. It is the most visited art museum in the world. It is home to famous paintings, Mona Lisa is one of them (which is not as big as you might think it would be)
Located in the center of Paris in the former Royal Palace, the Louvre is also known for its glass pyramid. If you enjoy museums and are interested in history and art, this is the place to be.
If you do not have time to explore it, you can stay outside and enjoy the beautiful place for free 🙂 But you’ll miss a lot.
For those who wish to visit the Louvre, plan a minimum of half a day and select the art collections that interest you the most.
Indeed the museum is huge, you cannot visit everything in 2 or 3 hours. You will need days, and some even stay weeks, to visit the whole museum.
If you are not exhausted at the end of the visit, take the opportunity to chill in the Tuileries Garden, just next to the Louvre, when the weather is cool, it’s really nice.
How to get there
By subway you can ride Line 1 or 7, station “Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre” or Line 14, station “Pyramides”.
Our special tips
Again, the Louvre is a huge museum, we really recommend you to take the time to prepare your visit.
Here is the Louvre website if you want to plan ahead. Also think of taking comfortable shoes and resting well before making the visit otherwise you will finish with bloody feet.
If you are like us and you like pica-pica and good food, you can do that: last time, we invited a Filipino friend who was passing by Paris. We got some chips and a red wine at a nearby supermarket with some glasses, pique-nique style, and stayed there in the afternoon. Personally, that’s how we love that place haha!
Again you enjoy reading this blog post. Share it with your friends, let us know what is your favorite place to visit in Paris or which one do you want to visit first when you’ll be there?
