Eiffel Tower
Probably the best known landmark in Europe, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and one of the city's must-see attractions. You can climb up the stairs or take the elevator after waiting in the (long) queue.
Arc de Triomphe
The arc de triomphe, located at the Place Charles de Gaulle commemorates Emperor Napoleon's victories. The arch was completed in 1836, long after Napoleon's reign had come to an end.
Louvre Museum
One of the not-to-miss sights in Paris is the Louvre Museum, possibly the most famous museum in the world with a fabulous collection. It is housed in the Louvre Palace, once home to France's Royal Family.
Sacré-Coeur
The Sacré Coeur is a basilica in Roman-Byzantine style located on top of the Montmartre hill. Construction started in 1875, but the building wasn't completed until 1914.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame de Paris is one of the first Gothic Cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted for almost two decades. From the lookout at the north tower you have a great view over the city.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is probably the most popular park in Paris. It was created in the 17th century as a private park for Marie de Medici - wife of King Henry IV - and opened to the public in the 19th century.
Musée d'Orsay
The Orsay Museum is housed in a grand railway station built in 1900 along the Seine River. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.
Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris. All buildings bordering the square have the same red-brick facade. One of the houses surrounding the magnificent square is home to the Victor Hugo Museum.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, connects the Tuileries with the Champs-Elysées. At its center is a 3200 years old obelisk, transported in the 19th century from Egypt.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous and most-visited cemeteries. A long list of famous people are buried here, from Rossini and Sarah Bernhardt to Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.
Champs-Elysées
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the most prestigious and most famous street in Paris and possible in the whole world. It stretches all the way from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf is the oldest and most famous bridge in Paris. The bridge was commissioned in the 16th century by King Henry IV. When it opened in 1607 it was the only bridge in Paris without houses built on it.
La Défense
La Défense is the prime high-rise office district of Paris. Many of Paris's tallest buildings can be found here as well a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe: the Grande Arche de la Défense.
Moulin Rouge
Ever since it opened in 1889 as a 'temple of music and dance', Moulin Rouge has set the standard as the world's most famous cabaret. Today its show attracts visitors from across the world.
Hôtel des Invalides
The Hôtel des Invalides is an immense 17th century complex originally built to accommodate war veterans. It is now home to several museums, including a large military museum.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a popular park in French formal style situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. The garden features numerous sculptures as well as a couple of museums.
Opéra de Paris Garnier
Now known as the Palais Garnier, this opulent building in Second Empire baroque style was constructed between 1862 and 1875 as one of the grandest opera houses ever built.
Musée de l'Armée
The National Army Museum in Paris covers the history of warfare from prehistoric times up to the Second World War. It is one of the world's most expansive army museums with a particularly large collection of military uniforms.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais was built near the Champs-Elysées as an exposition hall for the World Fair of 1900. The structure features art-nouveau ironwork and an enormous glass-domed roof.
Jardin des Plantes
This botanical garden was founded in 1626 as a medical garden and opened to the public in 1650. The garden is also home to a small zoo and the city's Natural History Museum.
Panthéon
The Pantéon, a 19th century building, was first designed as a church, but later turned into a civil temple. Its crypt contains the vaults of several of France's famous countrymen. Read more...
Versailles Palace
What started as a modest hunting lodge was expanded into the world's most famous palace, a model for all future European palaces. The palace is located just 20km southwest of Paris.
Montmartre
Despite the many tourists here, Montmartre - once Paris's artist's enclave - has managed to keep a charming and village-like atmosphere. The most famous attraction in this area is the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Tour Montparnasse
The Montparnasse Tower, built in 1973, was one of the first tall skyscrapers in Paris. After completion, the tower was seen as an intrusion of the skyline. The public outcry halted construction of skyscrapers in the historic center.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a very unusual park situated in the 19th arrondissement. The park is located on a rocky hill and features a 30m (100ft) waterfall, steep hills and a 'suicide bridge'.