First time in Paris? These are the French capital's must-see attractions

Tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list

If you've never been to Paris, the first thing most tourists do is head to the Eiffel Tower. And we're not here to reinvent the wheel – there's a reason it's arguably the most famous landmark in the world.

Gustave Eiffel completed this iconic Blackpool Tower knock-off in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, and comparisons with our beloved UK seaside escape don't stop there. Get ready to shout 'it's like Blackpool illuminations out here' as the tower twinkles beautifully every night on the hour until 1am, or 2am in the summer.

OK, the Parisian version is perhaps a little nicer than its copycats. The Eiffel Tower always looks gorgeous thanks to the sixty tonnes of paint used to glam it up every seven years, and around seven million people visit every year – so go see what all the fuss is about.

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Meet Mona Lisa in the Louvre

You could spend your whole holiday in the Louvre if you really wanted to. The world's most famous museum displays over 35,000 works of art – assuming you admire each one for around 30 seconds, and spend 8 hours a day in the museum, it would take you well over a month to see everything.

Even the most enthusiastic art aficionados might want to avoid dedicating a whole month of holiday time just to explore the Louvre. Thankfully the museum has lots of suggested routes depending on what you're interested in. First-timers should consider The Louvre's Masterpieces trail, on which you'll see Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace and, of course, the Mona Lisa.

The route ends around the iconic Louvre Pyramid, which you don't need a ticket to admire from the museum's spectacular grounds. Be the ultimate tourist and take a snap of yourself pointing at the tip of the pyramid – or if that sounds too embarrassing, strut through the architectural masterpiece towards the gorgeous Jardin du Carrousel like the cool Parisian jet-setter you are.

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But don't forget about the other museums

Anyone who loves art and museums will be spoilt for choice in Paris. Walk 15 minutes from the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries and you'll find L'Orangerie, famed for its beautiful murals of Monet's Water Lilies. Or, cross the River Seine and explore the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, the museum boasts the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, including Van Gogh's most famous Self-Portrait and Starry Night Over the Rhône.

Or for something modern, head to the Centre Pompidou, where you'll find the high-tech, colourful Centre Pompidou. It houses the largest collection of modern art in Europe, only really rivalled by MoMA in New York, and boasts everything from a library and a cinema to exhibitions and live concerts.

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Admire Notre-Dame, a Gothic architectural masterpiece

A first trip to Paris isn't complete without visiting the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, with its intricate gargoyles and stunning stained glass windows, has stood tall since the 12th century.

Though a devastating fire in 2019 damaged the roof and spire, lots of painstaking work has been put in to get the cathedral back to its former glory. And that excellent work is about to pay off, as Notre-Dame is reopening to the public on 8th December 2024. Festive trip to the French capital, anyone?

Until then, the exterior and the nearby Île de la Cité offer plenty of photo opportunities. Despite the scaffolding, it remains one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture around.

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See the Arc de Triomphe, the world's most famous arch

Us Brits love a roundabout, so we're sure you'll jump at the chance of seeing the most famous roundabout in the world. Place Charles de Gaulle is not for the faint of heart, as cars encircle one of France's most important landmarks in much the same way a moat filled with sharks would. Don't even bother crossing this dangerous road – there's an underground passage that'll take you right to the centre, so there's no need to dodge any cars. Or sharks.

But maybe you're more interested in the treasure this automotive moat is protecting. That'll be the Arc de Triomphe, a huge arch commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz. Climb to the top for fantastic panoramic views of Paris, or head beneath the arch to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay tribute to the people who lost their lives in World War I. Don't miss the eternal flame that is relit every evening.

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Promenade along the Champs-Élysées

Once you've seen the Arc de Triomphe, it's time to don your favourite pair of shades and become the celebrity you were born to be. The Champs-Élysées is probably the most famous avenue in the world and is lined with high-end shops, cafes and theatres – so you might want to pack a few extra euros to fully immerse yourself in this glamorous boulevard.

Pay a visit to Louis Vuitton and pretend you can afford everything, grab a luxurious continental breakfast or steak dinner at Fouquet's then indulge in macarons at Ladurée.

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Lay back in a Parisian jardin

Paris is home to some of the most beautiful and tranquil gardens in the world, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. Start with the Luxembourg Gardens, a 25-hectare oasis in the heart of the city. Commissioned by Marie de' Medici in the 17th century, these gardens feature perfectly manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, and the stunning Medici Fountain. Rent a sailboat to float on the pond, or simply relax in one of the iconic green chairs scattered throughout the park.

And if you're near the Louvre, make a beeline to the Tuileries Garden, sandwiched between here and Place de la Concorde. Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, the garden is adorned with statues, fountains, and seasonal flower beds, providing a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely walk or a vin rouge.

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Speed up Montparnasse Tower

You can't see the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Eiffel Tower. As good a view as it is from the French capital's most famous attraction, you'll need to find somewhere else for the best panoramic views of Paris that'll make your friends and family sufficiently jealous.

We reckon the best view of the Paris skyline can be found on the 56th floor of Montparnasse Tower. Be warned – it boasts the fastest lift in Europe, which will whizz you 196 metres up the tower in 38 seconds and almost certainly make your ears pop.

It's worth it though. The observation deck provides a 360-degree panorama of the city, including a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower itself. It's a fantastic spot to catch the sunset and enjoy the city lights at night. Plus, with fewer crowds than the Eiffel Tower, it's a more relaxed way to take in the breathtaking scenery.

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Delve deep underground into the Paris Catacombs

For a truly unique and somewhat eerie experience, descend into the Paris Catacombs. This labyrinth of underground tunnels holds the remains of over six million Parisians, transferred here in the late 18th century due to overcrowded cemeteries. As you walk through the dimly lit passages, you'll see neatly arranged bones and skulls of many Parisian residents' ancestors.

The Catacombs are not for the faint-hearted, but are a great place to pay tribute to the people who helped make Paris the thriving city it is today.

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Get artsy at Montmartre

Montmartre, with its bohemian charm, has long been a haven for artists and free spirits. This historic district, perched on a hill, offers winding cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the city. Stroll through Place du Tertre, where local artists sell their works and might even sketch your portrait.

Don't miss the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which dominates the skyline with its striking white dome. The view from the top of the hill it's perched on is stunning, but even more spectacular is the panorama you'll find after climbing up 300 spiralling steps to the basilica's dome.

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Float along the Seine on a river cruise

Yes, river cruises are incredibly touristy. But that's what your first time in Paris is all about, right? They're a fantastic way to see lots of top tourist attractions without clocking up an exhaustingly high step count, so you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and more from the comfort of your seat.

We'd recommend going one step further and tucking into a delicious three-course meal while floating along France's famous river. When we last visited, we tucked into delicious sea bass and steak frites and kicked back with a cocktail or two on a romantic river cruise along the Seine, all while being serenaded by an excellent live singer. It was as relaxing as it was cheesy and we'd do it all over again.

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Eat everything

Paris lays claim to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other European city, so you'd have to be very unlucky to find a meal you don't like in this foodie capital. Whether you're after white tablecloths and sophisticated dishes or great-value set menus, you'll find all of that and everything in between on a short stroll through the French capital.

We've got lots of recommendations on places to eat in Paris from our recent trip if you need some inspiration.

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