Planning your first trip to the City of Light?
Creating the perfect Paris bucket list can feel overwhelming with so many iconic attractions competing for your attention.
From the glittering Eiffel Tower to world-class art museums, Paris offers unforgettable experiences around every corner.
Your Ultimate Paris Bucket List: 15 Best Places To Go for First-Timers
Here are the essential experiences that belong on every first-timer’s Paris bucket list.
1. Eiffel Tower
- Ascend the Eiffel Tower to the top for panoramic views over Paris
- Head to Trocadéro and grab photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background
- See the Eiffel Tower as it lights up at night with its hourly sparkle show
- Capture the iconic street view from Rue de l’Université with the tower framed between buildings
Top Tip: Skip the line at the tower and book your tickets online here in advance to ascent to the top.
2. Louvre Museum
- Find the Mona Lisa in the Denon Wing (follow the crowds and signs!)
- Explore other masterpieces: Venus de Milo, Egyptian antiquities, and Napoleon III Apartments
- Snap photos outside with the iconic glass pyramid entrance
- Stroll through Tuileries Garden connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde
Top Tip: Skip the crowds with timed-entry tickets booked online here – essential for visiting the world’s most popular museum.
3. Arc de Triomphe
- Climb the 284 steps to the top for 360° views
- Snap photos of the perfect Champs-Élysées perspective
Top Tip: Purchase tickets online before hand to skip the queues and secure your climb to the rooftop terrace.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Step inside the Gothic cathedral
- Visit the archaeological crypt underneath
- Take photos from the nearby bridges for the best exterior shots
Top Tip: You can skip the long line of people, by purchasing this Notre-Dame Cathedral interior and exterior guided 1-hour tour
France Calls – Book Now & Save!
🏩 Find the perfect stay
Book hotels to luxury resorts across France – discover ideal stays for every traveler on Booking.com!
🗺️ Plan activities
Reserve priority access tickets, guided experiences, and unforgettable activities with Viator!
🚗 Rent a car
Easily rent a car to explore villages, countryside regions & coastlines at your own pace with Discover Cars!
5. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
- Climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for city views
- Wander the cobblestone village streets of Montmartre
- Watch artists paint at Place du Tertre
- Find the “I Love You” wall with declarations in 250 languages
- Take the funicular railway up the hill
Top Tip: If you are short on time, I highly recommend joining this Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour
6. Seine River
- Take a 1-hour cruise past famous landmarks
- Walk along the riverbanks and browse the bouquinistes book stalls
- Cross the ornate Pont Alexandre III bridge
- Enjoy drinks on a floating bar or restaurant
Top Tip: Pre-book your tickets for the most popular 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower
7. Champs-Élysées
- Stroll the world’s most famous avenue from Arc to Place de la Concorde
- Window shop at flagship stores like Louis Vuitton and Chanel
- Try authentic macarons at the famous Ladurée flagship store
- Stop for coffee at a classic sidewalk café
8. Palace of Versailles
- Tour the opulent Hall of Mirrors
- Explore the vast royal gardens and fountains
- Visit Marie Antoinette’s estate and village
Top Tip: Book this tour from Paris to Versailles with skip-the-line palace and gardens tickets
9. Sainte-Chapelle
- Be amazed by the floor-to-ceiling 13th-century stained glass
- Learn about the Crown of Thorns relic it was built to house
Top Tip: Reserve tickets online to avoid disappointment at this popular Gothic chapel.
10. Luxembourg Gardens
- Relax in the iconic green chairs
- Take photos at the Luxembourg Palace
- See the Medici Fountain
11. Le Marais
- Shop for vintage treasures and trendy boutiques in hidden courtyards and art galleries
- Try falafel on Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish quarter
- Visit Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square
12. Latin Quarter
- Browse books at Shakespeare and Company
- Wander the medieval streets around the Sorbonne
- Visit the Panthéon where famous figures are buried
Top Tip: Reserve tickets online to visit the Panthéon.
13. Musée d’Orsay
- See famous Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas on the top floor
- Take photos of the beautiful converted train station and giant clock with Paris views
Top Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets online (you go in through a seperate entrance) to maximize your time
14. Moulin Rouge
- Experience the world’s most famous cabaret show with dinner and champagne
- Take photos outside with the iconic red windmill
Top Tip: Book show tickets well in advance online as performances sell out quickly, especially for prime evening slots.
15. Palais Garnier
- Tour the opulent opera house and see the grand staircase, chandelier, and Chagall ceiling
- Attend an opera or ballet performance
Top Tip: Purchase entrance tickets to explore the opera house online in advance
Final Thoughts on Top 15 Bucket List Places to Go in Paris
This Paris bucket list covers the essential experiences that make the City of Light truly magical.
From iconic landmarks to cultural treasures, these 15 destinations will give you unforgettable memories and those perfect Instagram shots.
Ready to plan your perfect Paris adventure? Check out these helpful guides:
- 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
- What You Wish Someone Had Told You Before Visiting Paris
- 9 Best Day Trips From Paris
For more France travel guides, explore our comprehensive France travel content on the blog.
France Vacation Travel Planning Guide:
**🚑 Do I need travel insurance for France?
100% YES! — Visitors need travel insurance for emergencies. I recommend SafetyWing.
**🚙💨 How to get around whilst traveling in France?
By Car: Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the freedom to explore charming hilltop towns and vineyards at your own pace.
By Train: For travel between major cities, trains are efficient and affordable – book tickets through Omio.
**📲 Will my phone work in France?
Maybe — But you might come back to massive bill as it might be pricey. For the best experience, I recommend getting an SIM Card online before you travel.
**🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodation?
My go-to for hotels in France is Booking.com. However we often prefer a more authentic experience, and book apartments and homes through VRBO.
**✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
