Top Tourist Attractions in Paris: 15 Best Places to Visit in 2026
Planning a trip to Paris from the USA? This guide covers the top tourist attractions in Paris and the best things to do in Paris. For each place, you get the 2026 ticket price, opening hours, the nearest metro stop and a tip that saves you time. We also cover visa rules for US citizens and green card holders, and where to find vegetarian and Indian food.
Quick answer: The top 10 places to visit in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, a Seine River cruise, the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris. Plan 4 to 5 days to see them without rushing.
Top 10 Paris Attractions
| Attraction | Adult ticket (2026) | Closed on | Time needed |
| Eiffel Tower | €14.80 to €36.70 | Open daily | 2 to 3 hours |
| Louvre Museum | €32 | Tuesday | 3 to 4 hours |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | Free (towers €16) | Open daily | 1 hour |
| Sainte-Chapelle | €22 | Open daily | 45 minutes |
| Arc de Triomphe | €16 (Oct to Mar), €22 (Apr to Sep) | Open daily | 1 hour |
| Musée d’Orsay | €16 online | Monday | 2 to 3 hours |
| Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre | Free | Open daily | Half a day |
| Seine river cruise | About €17 to €19 | Runs daily | About 1 hour |
| Palace of Versailles | €35 Passport ticket (peak season) | Monday | Full day |
| Disneyland Paris | Changes by date | Open daily | Full day |
Prices are for visitors who live in the USA. They come from official sites and were checked in October 2026. Prices can change, so check before you book.
What’s New in Paris in 2026
If you read an older guide, you may pay more than you planned. Here is what changed this year.
- Higher prices for visitors from outside Europe. Since January 2026, the Louvre costs €32 for non-EU visitors (Europeans pay €22). Versailles and Sainte-Chapelle also charge non-EU visitors more. If you live in the USA, you pay a higher price, whatever passport you hold.
- Eiffel Tower stair tickets must be booked ahead. This rule started on September 29, 2026. New Eiffel Tower prices start on January 11, 2027.
- Louvre booking is required until November 1. From October 17 to November 1, 2026, every visitor needs a timed ticket. After that, booking is still strongly advised.
- The Louvre’s Apollo Gallery has reopened. It opened again in July 2026, nine months after the October 2025 jewel theft. The stolen crown jewels are not on display.
- Notre Dame is fully open. The cathedral reopened in December 2024, and its bell towers reopened in September 2025.
- A new Hindu temple near Paris. The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges opened on September 6, 2026. It is the first traditionally designed Hindu temple in France.
- New border checks for Americans. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully live. On your first trip, border staff take your fingerprints and photos instead of stamping your passport. ETIAS, the new travel permit, has not started, and there is no launch date yet. Do not pay any website that says you need it now.
15 Top Tourist Attractions in Paris
These are the must-see places in Paris for first-time visitors, with practical details for each.
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris. You can take the elevator or the stairs to the second floor. To reach the top, you must take the elevator.
| Ticket | Adult | Youth (12 to 24) | Child (4 to 11) |
| Elevator to 2nd floor | €23.50 | €11.80 | €6.00 |
| Elevator to the top | €36.70 | €18.40 | €9.20 |
| Stairs to 2nd floor | €14.80 | €7.40 | €3.80 |
| Stairs, then elevator to the top | €28.00 | €14.00 | €7.00 |
Kids under 4 go free.
- Hours: Open every day from 9:30 am to late evening. The top may close in bad weather.
- Nearest metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9).
- Tip: Book only on the official Eiffel Tower ticket page. After dark, the tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the start of every hour. For the best free photo, go to Trocadéro, across the river.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and the home of the Mona Lisa. It is huge, so pick a few must-sees and plan your route before you go.
- Ticket: €32 for non-EU visitors. Kids under 18 go free.
- Hours: 9 am to 6 pm, and until 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday. Closed on Tuesday.
- Nearest metro: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7).
- Don’t miss: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and the Apollo Gallery.
- Tip: Buy tickets only on the official Louvre website. The museum warns that tickets from street sellers or copycat sites may be refused at the door. Wednesday and Friday evenings are less crowded.
The free Tuileries Garden starts right outside. At its far end is the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Monet’s giant Water Lilies paintings.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024 after the 2019 fire. Entry is free.
- Ticket: Free. The bell towers cost €16 (424 steps, no elevator). The treasury costs €12.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 7:50 am to 7 pm (Thursday until 10 pm). Weekends 8:15 am to 7:30 pm.
- Nearest metro: Cité (Line 4) or Saint-Michel.
- Tip: Book a free time slot on the official Notre-Dame website or app, up to 2 days ahead. Entry tickets sold on other sites may not work.
4. Sainte-Chapelle
This small royal chapel has 15 tall stained-glass windows that fill the room with color. Go on a sunny day to see them at their best.
- Ticket: €22 for non-EU visitors. A combined ticket with the Conciergerie costs €30.
- Nearest metro: Cité (Line 4). It is a 5-minute walk from Notre-Dame.
- Tip: There is an airport-style security check, so book a time slot to skip most of the line.
5. Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe stands at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the most famous street in Paris. The rooftop has one of the best views of the city and the Eiffel Tower.
- Ticket: €16 from October to March and €22 from April to September. Kids under 18 go free.
- Hours: 10 am to 10:30 pm in winter and until 11 pm in summer (opens at 11 am on Tuesday).
- Nearest metro: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A).
- Tip: You climb 284 steps. The elevator has been out of service since August 2026, so this visit is hard for seniors. Use the underground tunnel to reach the Arc. Never cross the traffic circle on foot.
6. Musée d’Orsay
This museum sits in an old train station. It holds the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings, with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir. It is smaller and easier to see than the Louvre.
- Ticket: €16 online or €14 at the door. Everyone gets in free on the first Sunday of the month, but you must book a slot.
- Hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm, and until 9:45 pm on Thursday. Closed on Monday.
- Nearest station: Musée d’Orsay (RER C) or Solférino (Line 12).
- Tip: Go to the 5th floor to see the giant clock window that looks out over the Seine.
7. Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre is the hilltop artists’ area of Paris. The white Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits at the top and gives you a wide view of the city for free.
- Ticket: Free. Climbing the dome costs extra.
- Hours: Open daily, 6 am to 10:30 pm.
- Nearest metro: Anvers (Line 2). From there, ride the funicular up the hill with a metro ticket.
- Tip: Walk to Place du Tertre to watch artists at work. Near the steps, people may try to tie a “friendship bracelet” on your wrist and then ask for money. Say no and keep walking.
8. Seine River Cruise
A boat ride on the Seine shows you the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and many bridges in about an hour. It is a great choice for families, older parents and anyone with tired feet.
- Price: About €17 to €19 for adults with Bateaux-Mouches. Kids pay less.
- Where to board: Pont de l’Alma, near Alma-Marceau metro (Line 9).
- Tip: Take an evening cruise to see the monuments lit up. Many group tours already include one.
9. Palace of Versailles
Versailles was the home of the French kings. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and the huge gardens. Plan a full day.
- Ticket: €35 for the Passport ticket (palace, Trianon and gardens) in peak season. Kids under 18 go for free.
- Hours: Palace 9 am to 6:30 pm, closing at 5:30 pm from November to March. Closed on Monday.
- How to get there: Take RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The ride is about 40 minutes, and the palace is a 5-minute walk from the station.
- Tip: Tuesday is very busy because the Louvre is closed that day. Go on Wednesday or Thursday if you can.
10. Disneyland Paris
If you are traveling with kids, plan a day at Disneyland Paris. It has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World (the new name for Walt Disney Studios since March 2026).
- Ticket: Prices change by date. Weekdays outside school holidays are cheaper.
- How to get there: Take RER A to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy. The ride is about 40 minutes from central Paris.
- Tip: The new BAPS Mandir is on the same RER A line, 2 stops before Disneyland. You can visit both on the same day.
11. Luxembourg Gardens
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a much-loved park in the Left Bank. Sit by the fountain, watch kids sail toy boats, and rest after a busy day.
- Ticket: Free.
- Nearest station: Luxembourg (RER B).
- Tip: The Latin Quarter and the Panthéon are close by, so you can see all three in one afternoon.
12. Le Marais
Le Marais is one of the oldest parts of Paris. It has narrow streets, small shops, cafés, and place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in the city.
- Ticket: Free to walk around.
- Nearest metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1).
- Tip: Many shops here open on Sunday, when much of Paris is closed.
13. Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette
The Palais Garnier is the grand opera house that inspired The Phantom of the Opera. Right behind it is Galeries Lafayette, a department store with a famous glass dome.
- Ticket: The Palais Garnier tour is paid. Galeries Lafayette and its rooftop terrace are free.
- Nearest metro: Opéra (Lines 3, 7 and 8).
- Tip: Go up to the Galeries Lafayette rooftop for a free view of the Eiffel Tower and the opera house.
14. Catacombs of Paris
Under the city, the Catacombs hold the bones of millions of people in long tunnels. It is unusual and a little spooky, so it suits adults and older kids better than young children.
- Ticket: Book online in advance, because tickets often sell out.
- Nearest metro: Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4 and 6, RER B).
- Tip: There are about 130 steps down and over 100 steps up, with no elevator. It is cool inside, so bring a light jacket.
15. BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Bussy-Saint-Georges
This is the newest place to visit near Paris and a special stop for Indian-American families. The hand-carved stone temple opened on September 6, 2026. It is about 25 km (15 miles) east of central Paris.
- Ticket: Free.
- How to get there: Take RER A to Bussy-Saint-Georges station.
- Tip: Cover your shoulders and knees. Shoes come off and go in lockers, and photos are not allowed inside. Check visiting hours on the official BAPS Paris website before you go.
Read more: BAPS Paris Mandir travel guide
Free Things to Do in Paris
Paris can be expensive, but many of the best things to see in Paris are free. If you are wondering what to do in Paris on a budget, start here:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (book a free time slot)
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the views from Montmartre
- Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower photos
- Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens
- Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace
- A walk along the Seine and over Pont Alexandre III
- Musée d’Orsay on the first Sunday of the month (booking needed)
- The Louvre on the first Friday of the month after 6 pm (not in July or August)
Visa Rules for Travelers from the USA
US citizens (including Indian-Americans with a US passport) do not need a visa. You can stay in France and the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Europe.
Indian passport holders living in the USA (green card, H-1B, F-1 and other visas) need a Schengen short-stay visa. A US green card does not replace it.
- Where to apply: Start on the official France-Visas website. Then book an appointment at the French visa center that covers your US state.
- Fee: €90 for adults, plus a service fee charged by the visa center.
- When to apply: 1 to 3 months before your trip. Processing usually takes up to 15 days but can take longer in busy months.
Read more: Europe packing checklist
Vegetarian and Indian Food in Paris
French food uses a lot of meat, butter and cheese, but vegetarians can still eat well.
- Little India (10th arrondissement): Passage Brady and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis are full of Indian restaurants. Saravanaa Bhavan has a branch here for South Indian vegetarian food such as dosa and idli.
- La Chapelle: This area has many South Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants and grocery stores.
- Easy French options: Crêpes, falafel in Le Marais, bakery breads and pastries, cheese plates and salads.
- Handy phrase: “Je suis végétarien” means “I am vegetarian.” Ask “sans viande?” to check for “no meat.”
Hindu temples in and near Paris:
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Bussy-Saint-Georges (opened September 2026)
- Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam (Ganesh Temple), Rue Pajol, 18th arrondissement. It holds a big Ganesh festival parade each year in late August or early September.
Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth It?
The Paris Museum Pass gets you into more than 50 museums and monuments. In 2026 it costs:
| Pass | Price |
| 2 days | €85 |
| 4 days | €105 |
| 6 days | €125 |
It includes: the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, the Notre-Dame towers, Versailles and more.
It does not include: the Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises or Disneyland.
Is it worth it? Yes, if you plan to see 4 or more paid sites. The Louvre (€32), Versailles (€35) and Sainte-Chapelle (€22) alone add up to €89, which is more than the 2-day pass. You still need to book a free time slot at the Louvre and Versailles.
How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?
Most first-time visitors need 4 to 5 days. This simple 4-day plan groups the best places to visit in Paris by area, so you spend less time on the metro.
| Day | Plan |
| Day 1 | Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, evening Seine cruise |
| Day 2 | Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées at sunset |
| Day 3 | Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Latin Quarter, Musée d’Orsay |
| Day 4 | Versailles (not on Monday), or Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur |
| Day 5 (optional) | Disneyland Paris and the BAPS Mandir, both on the RER A line |
Prefer a guided trip? Our Europe group tours include a Paris city tour, the Eiffel Tower second floor, and a Seine cruise.
Read more:
Best Time to Visit Paris
- April to June: Mild weather and gardens in bloom. The best time overall.
- September to October: Pleasant weather and smaller crowds than summer.
- July and August: The warmest and busiest months, with higher hotel prices.
- November to March: Cold, but flights and hotels cost less. December has Christmas lights and markets.
Read more: European cities to celebrate Christmas with fewer crowds
Getting Around Paris and Staying Safe
- Metro: The fastest way to get around. A single ride costs €2.55 in 2026. Airport trips need a separate ticket.
- Walking: Many top sights sit close together along the Seine, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Pickpockets: Be careful at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur and on Metro Line 1. Keep your phone and passport in a front pocket or a zipped bag.
- Common scams: People asking you to sign a “petition,” the friendship bracelet trick, and someone “finding” a gold ring. Say no and walk on.
- Money: Cards work almost everywhere. Use a card with no foreign transaction fee, and carry a few euros for small cafés.
- Tipping: Service is already included in restaurant bills. Leaving a euro or two for good service is kind, but not expected.
- Power plugs: France uses Type C and E plugs at 230 volts. Pack a plug adapter for your US devices.
Read more: ways to find cheap flights for your next vacation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 tourist attractions in Paris?
The top 5 tourist attractions in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles.
What is Paris famous for?
Paris is famous for landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, art museums like the Louvre, French food and fashion, and the river Seine. It is often called the “City of Light.”
Do US citizens need a visa for Paris?
No. US citizens can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS has not started yet, so there is nothing to apply for right now.
Do green card holders need a visa for France?
Yes, if you hold a passport from a country like India that needs a Schengen visa. A US green card does not replace the visa. The fee is €90 for adults.
How much does it cost to go up the Eiffel Tower in 2026?
An adult ticket costs €23.50 by elevator to the 2nd floor and €36.70 by elevator to the top. The stairs to the 2nd floor cost €14.80.
Which day is the Louvre closed?
The Louvre is closed every Tuesday, and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.
How many days are enough for Paris?
4 to 5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Paris. Add a day if you want to visit Disneyland or Versailles without rushing.
Is the Eiffel Tower included in the Paris Museum Pass?
No. The pass covers the Louvre, Versailles, Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe, but the Eiffel Tower needs its own ticket.
Is Paris worth visiting with family?
Yes. Paris has easy public transport, many free sights, Disneyland for kids, and plenty of vegetarian and Indian food. Book big sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre early.
Plan Your Paris Trip with GoGo Trips
The top tourist attractions in Paris have something for everyone, from art lovers to families. Whatever is on your list of things to do in Paris, book the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre early, keep one day for Versailles or Disneyland, and leave time for a slow walk by the Seine.
Need help with flights from the USA, hotels, or a guided Europe tour that includes Paris? Our travel experts can plan it all for you.
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