Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s romantic, magical, and beautiful yet a little gritty at the same time. I’ve been to Paris a few times over the years and I always find myself going back to these places. And no, this list does not contain the very popular Eiffel Tower. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a given for Paris. I have been to the top a few times but I have to admit it’s not really my favorite part of Paris. To be honest, I don’t really think it provides the best views of the city (there’s a better place for that, I’ll explain below!). I only really visit it if I’m with someone who’s visiting Paris for the first time.

Read on to find out my favorite places to see and visit while in Paris! I’ve broken these down into six common intentions for visiting the city: History, Architecture, Romance, Great Food, Art, and Nightlife.

If you’re looking for great food, art, and history:

Montmartre + Sacré-Cœur

My absolute favorite area of Paris is Montmartre. This neighborhood is in the 18th arrondissement of Paris and resides above the rest of the city on this tall hill. At the very top is the breathtaking Sacré-Cœur, the Sacred Heart Basilica. This Roman Catholic Church stands tall as a beautiful historical monument over the Parisian cobblestone streets. It is at the very top of this basilica that I believe gives the best views of the city, even better than the Eiffel Tower. There are a lot less people that you have to fight through for these views and a lot shorter of a line. However, you do have to be willing to climb the very steep winding staircase to the dome, all 300 steps all the way to the top. No elevators here! But the views are completely worth it!

The last time I was in Paris my sister and I stayed in Montmartre at this tiny hotel and it was the perfect location. We woke up early and walked alongside the children skipping to school and adults heading to work. Then we stopped at this little cafe that just opened and picked up some freshly baked warm from the oven pain au chocolat. Then we walked over to the Sacré-Cœur and sat on the steps and ate while looking out over the view. This area is pretty quiet in the morning with only a handful of people but in the evening Montmartre becomes alive with lots of people talking and laughing, music, artists, and food.

I could probably spend three whole days just enjoying Montmartre, eating, drinking, and people watching. There are also some great little shops for souvenirs as well as very talented local artists selling their art on the street.

The Louvre

The Louvre is another famous must-visit in Paris. It is well worth fighting the crowds to visit here at least once to see famous works such as the Mona Lisa and my favorite, the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Make sure to allocate at least half a day here if not more as this place is huge and you can easily get lost walking through all of the art collections.

Château de Versailles

Versailles is another beautiful place to visit outside the city. Versailles is an extravagant palace built in 1682 for the King of France. It takes about an hour and half to get to Versailles from Paris by train but the visit is well worth it. Just make sure you don’t try to go on a Monday as they are closed as well as make sure there’s no strikes happening at the time which may shut down the palace! I’ve only walked through the palace on my own, we didn’t do a guided tour and I’ve been there twice and that was fine with me. You’re also free to walk the gardens which are really beautiful.

If you’re looking for history and architecture:

Notre-Dame de Paris

If you couldn’t already tell I love visiting historic cathedrals! The Notre Dame is another Paris landmark you definitely cannot miss when visiting Paris. I just love admiring the French Gothic architecture with the flying buttresses and the gargoyles (that totally make me feel like I’m in the Hunchback of Notre Dame!). I love climbing up to the top of the bell tower and looking out over the city. Some of my favorite shots that I’ve taken in Paris are closeups of the gargoyles watching over Paris. I’m so amazed every time I see this architecture and artwork up close in so many parts of Paris that these were all created so long ago with very little technology and just so amazed by the talent and the detailed work that went into everything.

Arc de Triomphe

Another great work of architecture in the city is the Arc de Triomphe located on the Champs-Élysées, a famous avenue in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe‘s construction began in 1806 and is a monument honoring those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary War. Beneath the vault is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. It really is a majestic monument and to really experience it you must not just see it from afar but to actually stand underneath it. But make sure you do not try to cross the traffic circle as you probably will die! Traffic is crazy and nonstop going around this intersection and that always amuses me watching people driving trying to figure out how they don’t hit each other. To get over to the Arc you need to take the underground pathway which will take you to the center island the Arc sits on.

If you’re looking for romance:

Seine river cruise

This is a great option for seeing the city by water! At night this is especially romantic because you pass by the lit Eiffel Tower (I snuck it in!) and you also pass by the Notre Dame. Some cruises even offer a dinner and champagne option as well if you want to spend a little more.

A free option and very Parisian thing to do is just take a seat by the Seine River either during the day or by night (just make sure you are with someone as it can get sketchy). Bring a sandwich or some snacks and just eat dinner while sitting alongside the river and people watching. There will usually be a bunch of people doing this at all hours of the day and night.

If you’re looking for nightlife:

Spooky: Cimetière du Père Lachaise

I know, not exactly nightlife but I had to squeeze this one in! I might be weird but I love visiting old cemeteries! This one in Paris is really really old and houses some of the most famous of the dead including Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and more. It was established in 1804 and you literally need a map to make your way through this cemetery because its so large and winding you can easily get lost. People have to actually pay big money to be buried here and spots are leased so if a family doesn’t continue to pay, their ancestor’s remains can be dug up and moved to another cemetery. If you’re into cemeteries this one is a must-visit! You might also if you’re very careful be able to sneak in a beer to drink/give a toast at Jim Morrison’s grave, but you didn’t hear that from me!

Party: Le Showcase Nightclub a nightclub underneath the Pont Alexandre III Bridge in Paris

No visit to Paris is complete without staying up all night to party at one of the most unique places for a nightclub. This nightclub is actually hidden underneath the Pont Alexandre Bridge and is completely underground. From above the bridge you would never be able to tell there was a nightclub nearby. Once inside though be prepared for very large crowds and expensive drinks but it does offer a unique location for a good party if you’re looking to stay up until 5am.

Paris has something for everyone and it’s always a good idea to visit. Every time I go back it’s a different experience but the awe of its history and beauty is always the same.

Let me know if you have any questions on visiting Paris!