Paris is on just about every person's travel bucket list, and rightfully so; it's truly an incredible city. It's got the history, the architecture, the food, the romance… I understand why people daydream about Paris and fall it love with it over and over again.

I myself have been to Paris half a dozen times since I first started traveling, visiting in various seasons and on a wide range of budgets. I've ticked off all the famous spots and activities: the museums, the tours, the day trips, etc., some of them more than once. And while I also enjoy exploring Paris beyond the touristy highlights, there's no denying that the city's top attractions are popular for good reason.

If you're heading to Paris for the first time, here are my opinions on which of the city's top tourist attractions are actually worth your time and money — and which ones you can probably skip.

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Paris tourist attractions worth your time (and money)

Note that this list is very subjective, and is based on my personal experiences and opinions. Not everyone will agree with where I've put everything on this list. But hopefully it can still help you make some decisions for your own trip to Paris!

Here are the top touristy things to do in Paris that I DO think are almost always worth it.

1. Musée du Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most iconic spots in all of Paris — and for good reason. The massive former royal palace complex today holds some of the most famous works of art in the world, from the Venus De Milo to the Mona Lisa. And it's probably on your Paris to-do list.

And while I do think the Louvre is generally worth it, you have to do it right.

I'm not a huge fan or art museums in general, and the Louvre is huge, crowded, and overwhelming. If you're going to the Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa and you don't plan to go on a tour or hire a guide, then you might actually not like the Louvre at all! The endless maze of hallways and crowds around the most famous pieces of art can easily sour a person on the museum as a whole.

BUT there are ways to do the Louvre “right.” If you want to get the most out of your visit to the Louvre, you either need to skip the Denon Wing (the most crowded part) entirely, and head to the Richelieu Wing and the Napoleon III Apartments instead, OR go with a licensed guide who will make sure you see all the highlights and learn a lot along the way.

Average price: Louvre tickets start at €22 for general admission. Guided tours usually run anywhere from €60-€120.

Louvre tours and tickets

• Closing Time at the Louvre: Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful – This 3-hour tour through Walks is an excellent option if you want to see all the highlights of the Louvre but want to miss the worst of the crowds. I always recommend this one to first-timers!
• Paris: Louvre Reserved Access and Boat Cruise – If by chance you arrive in Paris and realize you forgot to book your Louvre tickets and now they're all sold out, look for combo tickets like this one – they sometimes have more availability, even last-minute.
• Basic Louvre ticket – Just want to do your own thing at the Louvre? You do you! But definitely book your ticket well in advance, and plan to get in line a little early for your entry timeslot.

2. Musée d'Orsay

After the Louvre, the next-most-popular art museum in Paris to visit is the Musée d'Orsay. This museum, located in an old Beaux-Arts style train station, is much smaller and more manageable than the Louvre.

The Musee d'Orsay is most well-know for its Impressionist collections and overall architecture, and I personally prefer it to the Louvre because you can actually look at almost everything in a couple of hours. You can see famous works by the likes of Monet and Van Gogh here, plus lots more 19th century art.

I sometimes recommend people come here instead of the Louvre if they're not *that* into art, but you might want to visit both and decide for yourself!

Average price: Timed entry tickets are €16

Musée d'Orsay tickets and tours

• Book skip-the-line Musée d'Orsay tickets here.

3. Musée de l'Orangerie

At the far southwestern corner of the Tuileries Gardens you'll find the Musée de l'Orangerie, which is a small art museum famous for housing 8 of Monet's giant Water Lilies murals.

This was actually the first art museum I ever visited in Paris, and it's a great intro museum. There's a small collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings here, plus the rooms that were specially designed by Monet himself to display some of his Water Lilies panels.

The Monet pieces are stunning (and SO much bigger than you probably realize), and I like that this museum is smaller; you probably only need an hour here. It's very much worth it, though, if you enjoy the works of Monet and want to see his most famous pieces up close.

Average price: Tickets cost €12.50

Musée de l'Orangerie tickets and tours

• Booking tickets in advance is recommended.

4. Walking through Montmartre

Paris' 18th arrondissement — part of which is also known as Montmartre — is many peoples' favorite part of Paris. It was at one time a separate city to the north of Paris, and was where many starving artists with names like Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec lived and worked.

This neighborhood is one that begs to be explored on foot. You can go inside the Sacré-Coeur Basilica for free (and be sure to see the view of it from the Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet), watch artists working and selling their wares in the charming Place du Tertre, and just wander the narrow streets for plenty of charming views.

Yes, the Insta-famous cafes here are perhaps overrated, and I personally don't love the sunset crowds that gather on the steps in front of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica each evening (more on this later!), but Montmartre as a whole is 100% worth exploring.

Just be aware that this neighborhood is very hilly, and you'll likely run into lots of stairs! There is a small funicular that runs from the carousel up to Sacre-Coeur, though.

Average price: You can explore Montmartre for free!

Montmartre tours and tickets

• Hidden Montmartre: Paris' Secret Streets Walking Tour – If you want to take a neighborhood walking tour, this 2-hour morning walking tour in Montmartre is a great option, focusing on some off-the-beaten-track sights that you might otherwise miss.
• Montmartre Like a Local: Paris Food Tour – I LOVE food tours as a way to experience a city, and this small group tour in Montmartre is a unique way to get to know the neighborhood through food tastings at local spots.
• Paris: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour – Another fun food tour option in Montmartre if you want to focus a little more on wine.

5. Arc de Triomphe

Surrounded by the craziest multi-lane roundabout at one end of the famous Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous symbols of Paris. And I definitely think it's worth a visit!

You can use the underground pedestrian passageways to get from the Champs-Élysées to the area underneath the Arc. Here you can either simply walk around it to take some photos, or you can get a ticket to climb the 284 steps to the top. From the top, you'll have incredible views (some of the best in Paris!) out over the city, the Champs-Élysées, and towards the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.

Average price: Free to visit underneath; tickets to the top cost €16-€22 depending on the date of your visit.

Arc de Triomphe tickets and tours:

• Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets – Climb the steps to the top of the Arc for some of the best views of Paris. If you pre-book, you can skip the line at the ticket desk.

6. Saint-Chapelle

My favorite church in Paris isn't Notre Dame; it's Sainte-Chapelle, a small Gothic-style chapel within what used to be the royal residence of the kings of France. (Today, the former palace houses the Palais de Justice, one of the main judicial centers in Paris.)

The small Sainte-Chapelle is honestly a marvel. It was built in the 1200s for King Louis IX to hold his collection of Passion relics, including the alleged Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus. The chapel features stunning 50-foot-tall stained glass windows that depict different scenes from the Bible, most of which are original from the 13th century (!!!).

This is very worth it to see in person, in my opinion.

Average price: Entry costs €19

Sainte-Chapelle tickets and tours

• Sainte Chapelle Entry Ticket – Book in advance to skip the long lines.
• Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets – In case you want to visit the chapel and also the Conciergerie museum beneath the Palais de Justice.

7. Palais Garnier

Over in Paris' 9th arrondissement is the Palais Garnier, or Opera Garnier. This opulent, Italian-style building was built in the late 1800s at the request of Emperor Napoleon III to house the Paris Opera. It was designed by architect Charles Garnier (hence the name), and still operates as a performance venue today, now mostly showing ballets.

During the day, you can visit the Palais Garnier and wander through all its splendid rooms and lobbies. I'll admit: the interior of this place absolutely blew me away! You'll see the impressive marble staircase, the gold-coated Grand Foyer, and even the box that “belongs” to the Phantom of the Opera. On most days, you can also peek into the luxurious 1,979-seat auditorium with its famous painted ceiling.

You can book your self-guided tour tickets in advance, and then I highly recommend upgrading to the multimedia guide when you get there. It takes you on a 90-minute tour and has a cool visual element to it that you'll use as you walk around.

Average price: Entry costs €15, and the upgrade to the audio-visual guide is €8

Palais Garnier tickets and tours

• Opera Garnier Entry Ticket – Advanced booking highly recommended, as tickets do often sell out. You'll also want to check on opening times before you book, as some days they close to visitors when shows are going on.

8. Paris' famous parks and gardens

I'm rolling all of Paris' famous parks and gardens into one entry on this list, as I do honestly think they're all worth it – mostly because they're free to visit, and you're probably going to be close to many of them anyway as you explore the city.

The top ones I would recommend are:

• Jardin des Tuileries – The Tuileries Gardens date back to the 17th century, and are located just outside of the Louvre, which you'll probably visit anyway. These formal gardens are large, with multiple fountains and walking paths through rows of manicured trees. On nice days in Paris, the Tuileries is always teeming with people going for strolls or lounging around the large fountain pools, and you can get Eiffel Tower views from here.
• Jardin du Luxembourg – Over in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Luxembourg Garden also dates back to the 17th century when it was built around Luxembourg Palace for Marie de' Medici. The garden today is known for its tree-lined walkways, flower beds, and octagonal Grand Bassin, where you can often find people piloting model sailboats.
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – This one definitely isn't touristy, but it's an incredible local park in Paris' 19th arrondissement. Here you'll find wooded areas, walking trails, and a lake with a butte at the center.

9. Seine cruise

Paris is a beautiful city, and the banks of the Seine are incredibly romantic. And while cruising up this iconic river is undoubtedly very touristy, I still think taking a cruise on the Seine is a must-do in Paris! You'll see all the famous architecture, buildings, and bridges in one go.

I recommend doing a cruise before dinner, or around sunset. The two main companies that offer Seine sightseeing cruises operate on the Left Bank of the Seine, right in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Average price: Cruises start around €17, while dinner cruises will run around €75-€100

Seine cruise tours and tickets

• 1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower – The standard 1-hour cruise to see all the main sites.
• Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise – If you want to do a dinner cruise, this one has good reviews and all the tables have good views.
• Night River Cruise On The Seine With Waffle Tasting – In case you wan to try a nighttime cruise, this one is a good bet. Paris at night is also lovely.

10. Le Train Bleu

I'm honestly surprised that I'm adding this one to the list, because I always assumed that this opulent restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon train station in the 12th arrondissement was just for tourists and probably overrated. But then I actually had dinner at Le Train Bleu, and my mind was changed!

Le Train Bleu was built in 1901 to serve travelers during the golden age of train travel, and serves up classic French dishes in a room with high ceilings covered in frescoes and chandeliers.

The food and service are actually really good, and we found a mixture of locals, other French people, and tourists eating here.

You'll definitely want to book a table in advance!

11. Paris Day trips

IF you are in Paris for more than just a couple of days, then I also think taking a day trip is definitely worth it. There are several excellent Paris day trip options to choose from. The ones I'd most recommend include:

• Palace of Versailles – This is my favorite Paris day trip option! I recommend this full-day bike-based tour to Versailles, though this afternoon tour of Versailles is also a good one.
• Monet's home in Giverny – You can do this trip as part of a tour or on your own (read about how to visit Monet's House here); allow at least half a day to explore Giverny!
• Visit Champagne country – This small-group trip includes multiple wine tastings and lunch.

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5 Paris attractions I'm on the fence about

I've shared all the things in Paris that I think are always worth it. But now let's talk about a few things that I waffle back and forth about. These next Paris tourist attractions are super popular, but might not be right for you, depending on various factors including your travel style and what you're most interested in.

1. Notre Dame

Okay, hear me out on this one.

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a major landmark in the city, sitting on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine. And it's open again after restoration works following a devastating fire in 2019; the interior is now cleaner than it has been in centuries.

BUT, here's my slightly controversial take on this: ignoring Notre Dame's history, on this inside it's… just another church. It's not the most beautiful church in Paris (Sainte-Chapelle probably gets my vote for that), and the line to get in can sometimes be more than an hour long.

If you can get to Notre Dame early enough (before 10 a.m. at least, but before 9 a.m. is even better) and there's no line, then sure, pop in to see it. Entry is free, after all, and you can see it all in about 30 minutes. But if you visit later in the day and find a long line, I honestly think this is something you can skip!

2. Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is a popular book store near Notre Dame that might just be the most famous bookshop in Paris. Opened in 1951 and inspired by an older book store of the same name, Shakespeare & Co is unique in that it sells mostly English-language books — which is probably why it's so popular with tourists!

And while the shop is undeniably cute and cozy, I don't personally think it's a must in Paris unless you absolutely NEED to carry around that Shakespeare and Company tote bag for the rest of your trip. The shop is usually very crowded, and having to wait in line outside to enter is very common.

And since I'm not generally a huge fan of standing in line in order to enter a shop of any sort, this spot isn't one of my favorites.

3. Moulin Rouge show

It took me 4 trips to Paris before I actually booked a show at the famous Moulin Rouge in Montmartre. This cabaret theater is absolutely touristy, but has a really long history in Paris, dating back to 1889.

Now, did I enjoy the show overall? Yes! I definitely did. But do I think it's an absolute must-do in Paris? No, I don't.

The Moulin Rouge does two shows per night, one at 9 p.m. and one at 11 p.m. – so it's gonna be a late night, no matter what! Tickets are fairly expensive (over $100 per person), and they really pack people into the tables on fairly narrow and uncomfortable chairs.

The show itself is historically famous for its large company dance numbers and costumes festooned with endless feathers and sequins (and the fact that the female dancers are mostly topless), but the dancing itself is pretty basic – you're really going mostly for the costumes. (Though the 2-person acts in between the big dance numbers are all super talented.)

So this one is a maybe for me; if it's on your bucket list, then go, as you'll probably enjoy the show overall. But if you don't really care, then I don't think it's a must-do.

(And either way I definitely do NOT think doing the dinner show before the show is worth it. It's even more expensive, and means you'll be sitting at those cramped, uncomfortable tables for nearly 4 hours total! Go out elsewhere for dinner beforehand.)

Average price: Tickets for just the show start at €118 per person

Moulin Rouge tickets

You'll want to book these weeks in advance, especially if you want to go to the earlier 9 p.m. show.

• Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne – Show ticket with Champagne.

4. Paris Catacombs

Another spot that I don't think will be for everyone is the Paris Catacombs. The catacombs beneath Paris are a series of underground tunnels filled with the bones of the dead. The burials here date back to the 1700s, when Paris' cemeteries were overflowing and they began to move the bones underground into the tunnels of former limestone quarries.

I find places like this fascinating, so I personally enjoyed visiting the catacombs and learning about the history. But it IS essentially a cemetery filled with bones and skulls that are now artfully stacked into macabre displays. Add to this that it's generally always dark and damp inside, and it's not going to be for everyone!

Booking timed tickets in advance is recommended for this one, and I think doing the audio guide is fine (I don't really think you *need* a guided tour here).

Average price: Tickets are €12, and you can get an audio guide for €5 once you get there

5. Famous hot chocolate spots

You've likely seen some of Paris' famous cafes on social media, many of which are known for their “ancient” hot chocolate (or chocolat chaud) recipes. These would be spots like Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Angelina, and Carette.

Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore used to be frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and Angelina is beautiful inside. But they're all very touristy and overpriced these days, and you'll be packed in at very small tables, especially if you opt to sit outside.

I DO think visiting one is still warranted in Paris, but I would only do it if you don't have to wait a long time in a line (go either before 10 a.m., or later in the evening). I personally think Angelina and Les Deux Magots do the best hot chocolate if you want to try it, but opinions differ!

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5 touristy things in Paris you can skip

And now to the part of the post you've probably been most curious to read (c'mon, admit it, you scrolled down here first didn't you?). Here are a handful of things that I DON'T think are worth your time in Paris.

These are “touristy” things that I just don't really love — but I'll offer up some alternatives that you might like instead!

1. Going up the Eiffel Tower

If you want my honest opinion, I really DON'T think it's worth it to go up the Eiffel Tower. Even if you buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance (highly recommended), you'll still have to queue up to board the elevator which can take a while (or walk up 674 steps to the second floor).

And once you're up on the tower, you obviously can't SEE the Eiffel Tower in the Paris skyline (and really, what's the point of seeing the Paris skyline without the Eiffel Tower in it??).

Elliot and I went up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, and while the views are nice, I think there are better views of Paris for less money than you'll pay here.

Instead: Montparnasse Tower

If you still want to go up a tower in Paris, head to the Tour Montparnasse, or Montparnasse Tower. This tall black tower in the 15th arrondissement is generally considered to be an eyesore in the Paris skyline by most locals, but it offers up arguably one of the best views in the entire city.

From the observation deck on the 56th floor, you get 360-degree views of Paris. From here you can see the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, The Louvre, and everything else. The tower is open until 11:30 p.m., too, meaning you can either go up before sunset, or wait until after dark and see the city all lit up.

(As with everything else in Paris, booking your ticket in advance is highly recommended!)

2. Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

Another thing that I really don't think is worth it in Paris is picnicking around the Eiffel Tower. Having a picnic on the Champ de Mars might look romantic in photos, but in reality it's usually crowded and dirty, and you will be hounded non-stop by street vendors trying to sell you trinkets and people trying to scam you (do NOT engage with anyone trying to get you to sign a petition round the Eiffel Tower; they are scammers trying to rob you).

Not exactly the most relaxing picture, is it?

Instead: Picnic in Place des Vosges

Thankfully there are tons of other lovely places to picnic in Paris. You could go to any of the parks I mentioned earlier in this post, or take your picnic to the banks of the Seine.

But my top suggestion for a picnic spot is actually Place des Vosges in Le Marais. This super pretty green space is the oldest planned square in Paris, having been built in the early 1600s. It's much quieter than the Champ de Mars and is surrounded by trees and lovely buildings.

3. Sunset at Sacré-Coeur

While I do think that exploring Montmartre is worth it in Paris, I personally would skip it for sunset. Each night, hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people gather on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur to watch the sun set over Paris. It sounds romantic, sure. But the reality is that it's crowded, it's prime pickpocket and scammer territory (seriously, watch your back), and the sunset view is honestly just… okay.

Do your Montmartre exploring in the morning, and go elsewhere if you're craving a sunset view.

Instead: Other sunset spots

A few spots that I think are better for sunsets in Paris include:

• Along the Seine – Whether on a sunset cruise, or just on one of the many bridges crossing the river, you can get excellent sunset views of Paris here. You can even get icons like the Eiffel Tower and d'Orsay in your shots.
• Montparnasse Tower – I already mentioned Tour Montparnasse as a good alternative to going up the Eiffel Tower, and it's also a great option for watching a sunset, especially since it stays open late!
• Rooftop restaurants – If you want to enjoy dinner along with a sunset view, there are several good rooftop restaurants to choose from. Bonnie would be my pick for epic views, and I also like the Rooftop at the Terass' Hotel in Montmartre.

4. Shopping on the Champs-Élysées

People have heard of the Champs-Élysées, and therefore decide that's where they should go shopping in Paris. Except the Champs-Élysées isn't the best place to go shopping in Paris. Yes, it's a famous shopping street – but the shops you'll find here are either the highest of high-end (like Hermès and Chanel and Dior), or regular chain stores like Zara and H&M that aren't at all special.

Add to this the fact that 7 million people visit this one street each and every year, and it's one that I would give a miss.

Instead: Everywhere else

Okay, I'm not an expert on shopping, and definitely not shopping in Paris. BUT, here are a handful of spots I would recommend more than the Champs-Élysées:

• Department stores – like Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette
• Boulevard Saint Germain – Runs through Saint-Germain-des-Prés and into the Latin Quarter, and has dozens of shops and boutiques
• Pharmacies – Citypharma or Pharmacie du Forum Des Halles for French pharmacy/skin care goodies
• Rue Cler – for outdoor market stalls and food shops

5. Insta-famous restaurants

Lastly, if you've seen a Paris restaurant a lot on Instagram and Tiktok, I personally would probably avoid it. These spots can be fine, but generally aren't going to serve up the best food, and often come with long wait times and slow service after going viral online.

A few that come to mind that I would skip include Pink Mamma (though it does have a great speakeasy underneath it), Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, La Maison Rose (just stop for a photo), and Le Refuge Des Fondus. Some might add Chez Janou to this list, too, but their chocolate mousse IS worth the hype (if they don't run out of it before dessert).

Though, of course, you do you, and eat wherever you want.

Instead: Use TheFork

Paris has SO. MANY. restaurants to choose from. When I'm there, I use a combination of TheFork app and Google reviews to find good spots that haven't been overrun by online hype.

ALSO READ: The Perfect 5 Days in Paris Itinerary for Your First Visit

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And there you have it! My personal opinions on the top touristy spots in Paris and which ones you should definitely visit, and which ones I feel are overrated. You might not agree with my list, and that's fine! But I hope I've perhaps helped you narrow down your list of things to do in Paris.

What do you think? Is your favorite thing to do in Paris on this list?