Time passes, fashions change how many times have we heard this phrase? But Paris never goes out of fashion and continues to be one of the most visited European capitals in the world. But what are the 5 most visited attractions in Paris? I’m sure you already know it.
Unfortunately, there is no day/time when this city is less besieged by tourists, and there is always a good reason to go to Paris. Often queues can last for hours, thus risking turning your weekend in wasting time, so I will try to help you choose the most suitable moment to make as few queues as possible.
Meanwhile, do not waste time with the transfer from/to the airport, read here!
NOTRE-DAME
At number 1 of the ranking, there is the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, it receives almost 20 million visitors a year. Visiting the cathedral is very simple, the queue to enter goes fast and is free.
The problem will be to visit the towers, but for this, they have created an app (Jefile) to organize the tour in groups. How does it work?
- Download the Jefile app.
- Start the tour recognition when you are near the Cathedral.
- Once you leave Notre Dame tour select the time you want to visit the towers. I suggest you do it either early in the morning or late at night (for the next day).
- Once confirmed presented 10min before the tour starts.
- The tour entrance is to the left of the church (not behind).
The tour price is included if you have purchased the Paris Pass. Do not you know what it is? Read here! Otherwise, they are € 15, opening time 10 am-5:30 pm from 1/10 to 31/03; 10 am-6:30 pm from 1/04 to 30/09; late opening until 11 pm on Saturdays and Fridays of July and August. Last entry 45 min prior to closing. Closed on 1/01, on 1/05 and on 25/12.
LOUVRE
In 2017, the Louvre was the world’s most visited art museum, receiving 8.1 million visitors. The museum offers a collection of works of art from all over the world and from any era. Free entrance with Paris Pass, or 15€ for the ticket.
Among the most visited paintings, the Mona Lisa painted in Florence in 1500 by Leonardo da Vinci. Right in front of the Mona Lisa, you will find the Wedding at Cana, do not miss it.
Another important piece not to be missed is the Venus de Milo, found in 1820 near an ancient theater on the island of Milos. Another famous Greek statue is The Nike of Samothrace, which depicts the winged goddess daughter of Pallas announcing the military victory. Amore & Psiche, a work of extreme beauty created by Antonio Canova between 1788 and 1793 is present in the museum too, take a look.
Other paintings that may interest you are The Liberty leading the people of Eugène Delacroix and The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David. If you do not want to waste time looking for these works you can either browse the museum map or download the app.
Have you been more than once and are you tired of always visiting the usual places in Paris? Read here!
EIFFEL TOWER
It has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015. The tower is 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall, during its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world.
You will have to do two lines to access, one for security and the other for tickets. The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants (one Michelin star) on the first and second levels. Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The climb from the first level to the second. Although it is usually accessible only by lift. Entrance € 25 lift included, € 10 by stairs. The Eiffel Tower is not included in Paris Pass.
There is always a lot of people visiting the tower I suggest you go early in the morning or late afternoon, in the evening (every hour) lights up for a duration of 5 / 10min.
VERSAILLES CASTLE
Versailles is one of the most beautiful castles in the world, visited every year by millions of tourists remains among the most visited attractions in France. The Palace is now a French Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. en count with Mirrors, the jewel-like Opera theater, and royal apartments; for the more intimate royal residences, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon located within the park; the small rustic “hamlet” created for Marie Antoinette. All the info and secrets about Versailles: read here!
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The Arc de Triomphe receives almost 2 million visitors each year, I recommend you visit it late afternoon/evening, the lights of the city light up (including the Eiffel Tower) and offer a magnificent show. Open until 11.00 pm, free entry with Paris pass or 10 €. The ticket office is located underground, they sell tickets until 10.30pm.
MAP OF PARIS:
This is all friends, now you know better the most visited attractions in Paris, now maybe you want to take a look at the less visited monuments of Paris?