Top 7 Monuments in Paris: Best Iconic Places to Visit

Monuments in Paris are breathing works of art, love, and history, which have made it one of the most recognisable cities in the world. From landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower to tiny treasures of a scenic avenue, every monument provides a distinct window into the French culture and heritage. Whether you’re visiting France for romance, to take photos or to learn the history and explore these great buildings, your visit to Paris memorable. This Paris travel guide features the top 7 monuments in Paris with their location, best time, duration and tips to explore Paris with a sense of self-confidence.

Top 7 Monuments in Paris: Must-Visit Attractions in 2026

1.  Eiffel Tower — The Most Famous Monument in Paris

One of the most romantic places to visit in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. There is no better way to capture the essence of the city and the modernism it embodies than standing on its viewing decks and seeing Paris stretching endlessly beneath. Whether you see it by day or sparkling at night, it’s an unforgettable experience that defines a Paris trip.  

• Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
• What to See: Observation decks, restaurants, night sparkles, Seine views
• How to Get There: Metro (Trocadéro / Bir-Hakeim) 
• Best Time to Visit: Sunset to night (Spring & Autumn)
• Entry Fee: ~€18–€29 depending on level & lift/stairs
• How Long to Spend: 2–3 hours
  

Local Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets online; go early morning for photos

2. Louvre Museum — Paris’ Top Art and History Landmark

The Louvre is not only a museum, but it is a treasury of human civilisation. Hosting more than 35,000 artworks that include Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and huge Renaissance halls. Even the past palace layout is also indicative of the iconic French Renaissance buildings in Paris, and therefore, it is a beautiful monument inside and without.

• Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
• What to See: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Egyptian antiquities, palace architecture
• How to Get There: Metro (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre)
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or Wed/Fri late evenings
• Entry Fee: ~€22
• How Long to Spend: 3–4 hours
  

Local Tip: Use the lesser-known Porte des Lions entrance to skip queues

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris — Gothic Masterpiece

Notre-Dame is one of the family-friendly monuments in Paris. It has been identified among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paris, with its Gothic architecture being a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Although it has been restored, the traveller still comes to see its strength and architectural wonder. 

• Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
• What to See: Gothic façade, flying buttresses, riverside views
• How to Get There: Metro (Cité Line 4)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning; Spring & Autumn are best for walks
• Entry Fee: Free exterior; fees may apply for tower access
• How Long to Spend: 1–1.5 hours
  

Local Tips: Walk across the bridge behind Notre-Dame for stunning riverfront photos.

4. Arc de Triomphe — Best Views of Champs-Élysées

A visit to the Arc de Triomphe makes you find yourself at the midpoint of the greatest avenue in Paris and peer down upon a dozen of the radiating avenues. It is monumental, patriotic. The rooftop has some of the most spectacular views in Paris, with its magnificent Haussmann architecture as well as the stunning Champs-Élysées.

• Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
• What to See: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, rooftop panoramic deck
• How to Get There: Metro- Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6 & RER A)
• Best Time to Visit: Sunset & night for Champs-Élysées lights
• Entry Fee: ~€16 rooftop access
• How Long to Spend: 45–60 mins
  

Local Tips: Go at night for calmer views.

5. Sainte-Chapelle — Paris’ Most Beautiful Stained Glass Monument

Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most breathtaking monuments in Europe. Its stained glass, soaring up almost 15 metres, creates a kaleidoscope of glowing reds, blues and purples. A dazzling example of Gothic architecture in Paris, Sainte-Chapelle is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paris thanks to its deep royal history.

• Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
• What to See: 15-metre stained glass, medieval royal chapel
• How to Get There: Metro Cité (Line 4)
• Best Time to Visit: Late morning when sunlight hits the glass
• Entry Fee: ~€13–€15
• How Long to Spend: 45 mins

Local Tips: Visit on a weekday to avoid the tour group rush. Combine it with the nearby Conciergerie.

6. Sacré-Cœur Basilica — Best Free Monument in Paris

Sacré-Cœur is one of the best free monuments in Paris, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Its white domes stand proudly above Montmartre, and the basilica’s interior provides a peaceful break from the city’s buzz. This Roman-Byzantine style basilica adds a unique touch to architecture in Paris, standing proudly above Montmartre with unforgettable city panoramas.

• Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
• What to See: Dome climb, panoramic views over Paris, mosaics
• How to Get There: Metro Anvers (Line 2) or Abbesses (Line 12) + funicular
• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise (peaceful) / Sunset (beautiful city glow)
• Entry Fee: Free basilica; ~€7 for dome climb
• How Long to Spend: 1–1.5 hours

7. Musée d’Orsay — World’s Top Impressionist Art Museum

Musée d’Orsay is the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist art. Housed in a converted Beaux-Arts train station, it gives you rare closeness to works by Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh and more. The architectural design of the museum is a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts architecture, where the beauty of a 1900 structure of the railway station is maintained. It is one of the must-visit attractions in Paris for art lovers in 2026. 

• Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
• What to See: Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh — Impressionist masterpieces
• How to Get There: Metro Solférino (Line 12), or RER C: Musée d’Orsay
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
• Entry Fee: ~€16
• How Long to Spend: 2 hours

Historic Landmarks in Paris You Shouldn’t Miss 

Paris is home to some of the most historic landmarks in the world, preserving centuries of art, culture, and French identity. Alongside the iconic monuments listed above, here are a few more historic places in Paris worth adding to your itinerary:

• Palace of Versailles — The grand home of French royalty, known for the Hall of Mirrors & manicured gardens
• Panthéon — A neoclassical marvel where France’s national heroes are laid to rest
• Conciergerie — A medieval royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution.
• Les Invalides — Military history site housing Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum
• Pont Neuf — The oldest surviving bridge in Paris, offering scenic Seine River views

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Paris Monuments

• Use public transport — the Metro is fast, safe and connects all major monuments.
• Book tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
• Walk whenever possible — Paris’s beauty is experienced best on foot.
• Stay aware of pickpockets in crowded areas like the Louvre and Champs-Élysées.
• Explore beyond monuments — neighbourhoods like Montmartre, Le Marais and Saint-Germain reveal the city’s heart.

Conclusion — Plan Your Visit to the Top Monuments in Paris

Exploring the Top 7 Monuments in Paris is the best way to uncover the city’s artistic brilliance, rich history, and breathtaking skyline views. From world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to spiritual masterpieces like Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, each monument showcases a unique chapter of Parisian heritage. Whether you are an architecture lover, a lover of culture or a lover of photography, these are simply iconic places to visit in Paris and guarantee that you are treated to the romance and magic that the city has to offer.  Book Paris tour packages from PickYourTrail to enjoy a well-planned trip with customizable itineraries, top attractions, and expert travel support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best monuments in Paris to prioritise on a first visit?

A: For first timers, prioritise the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame. These three capture the skyline, art and historic heart of the city.

Q: What are the top places to visit in Paris besides these monuments?

A: Consider a Seine river cruise, the Tuileries Garden, Montmartre neighbourhood, the Latin Quarter and Ile Saint Louis for a fuller experience.

Q: What are the best things to do in Paris for couples?

A: Take a sunset Seine cruise, picnic near the Eiffel Tower, wander Montmartre at twilight, visit Musée d’Orsay and enjoy a late dinner in Saint Germain.

Q: Is it possible to see several monuments in one day?

A: Yes. With efficient planning, you can combine nearby sites such as Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and the Louvre on the same day and save the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre for another day.

Q: Are there times when tickets or entrance rules change?

A: Yes. Museums and monuments may change opening times, ticket prices and access protocols. Book in advance and check official sites before travel. 

Q: Where can I book a Paris package with itinerary options?

A: PickYourTrail lists Paris and France packages that include itineraries, pricing and booking options, which many travellers find convenient.

Q: How many days do you need to see the top monuments?

Two to three days allow comfortable visits without rushing.

Q: Is Paris expensive for sightseeing?

Some monuments require paid entry, but many breathtaking views, like Sacré-Cœur, are free.

Q: Which monuments offer the best views in Paris?

A: The Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur Basilica are known for the best views in Paris, especially at sunset.

Q: Which are the historic landmarks in Paris that are UNESCO-listed?

A: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle are among the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Paris.