The Best Places to See in Paris, France

They call it the most romantic city on the planet, but the fact is, there’s tons more to see and do in Paris, France, than a lot of people think. Among the SIMOVO team, most of us have made the trip over to the French capital at least once, and every vacation is slightly different.

Yes, the reputation for romance and high culture here is well-deserved (as you’ll see from our list of Paris, France places to see below), but if you’re looking for cultural experiences off the beaten track, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

In this guide, we take a look at what’s making Paris still such a huge draw for tourists and adventurers all over the world, and which places, landmarks, and cultural experiences are worth putting at the top of your bucket list.

Why Paris is one of the most visited cities

France remains one of the most popular countries for tourism the world over. In fact, in 2025, France was the most-visited travel destination above all others, meaning it continues to allure people with its unique food, wine, and reputation for romance.

Paris is, of course, right at the top of many travelers’ lists, and for good reason. Having held the Summer Olympic Games in 2024, interest was once again reignited in the city. That said, it was already a must-see location for millions of people spread across the globe. But why is this?

We’ve mentioned the romantic reputation, but think about the landmarks - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe! What’s more, Paris is famously easy to navigate thanks to its metro system, making it one of the most accessible cities of its size.

For many, too, Paris is exciting thanks to the fact it is always evolving. There are frequently new festivals, resort openings, restaurants, and artistic hubs opening up - meaning there’s a fantastic balance of iconic history and forward-thinking tourist attractions.

While you’ll hopefully spend most of your time in the city exploring all it has to offer, don’t feel bad if you need to look at your phone occasionally! Make sure to plan your mobile usage, especially data, ahead of time so you don’t get caught out. With a SIMOVO eSIM for France, for example, you can always be sure you’ve got access to the fastest and most reliable 4G and 5G in the city.

Best things to see in Paris

Now we’ve set the scene nicely for why Paris is such a huge deal for tourists and travelers all over the globe, let’s look at some of the city’s best-loved landmarks and cultural hotspots. If you’re just starting to make a must-visit list, put these spots at the very top!

Eiffel Tower

Now, really, can you expect to travel to Paris and not take in the Eiffel Tower? Arguably France’s most famous landmark, the tower was built back in 1887, and in the centuries since, it’s proven to offer a fantastic vantage point to view the city’s panoramas. 

And, there’s likely more to the Eiffel Tower than you imagine. It’s perhaps most famous with tourists and visitors for its hugely popular elevator and glass floor, but you’ll also find a champagne bar and a rooftop terrace to enjoy as you watch the city beyond. As you can imagine, the landmark tends to be one of the busiest spots in Paris, so always make sure to plan a trip ahead to beat the crowds.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is undoubtedly one of the most famous and celebrated art collections, home to centuries of incredible artistry and architecture. Did you know that it used to be a medieval fortress?

Now, you can tour the museum and take in more than 3,000 incredible works of art from some of the most important creators across thousands of years. It is here where you can see the original Venus de Milo, sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch, and Théodore Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa, painted in the 19th century.

Are we missing someone? The Mona Lisa, of course, perhaps the most famous painting of all time - is displayed in the heart of the Louvre. Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic portrait was actually stolen in 1911, but thankfully, it’s been back home since 1913.  

Montmartre

From architecture and art to entire communities now, with Montmartre being a delightful village based entirely within the city of Paris! As one of the city’s most popular districts, it’s a beautiful reflection of historic France, home to picturesque streets, buildings, and windmills! History and architecture fans in particular will adore the Sacré-Cœur basilica, a 19th-century place of worship boasting amazing views across Paris.

Art fans can go beyond the Louvre to sample Paris’s famous creativity even further thanks to Montmartre’s artist studios, galleries, and tributes to surrealism. Plenty of people visit Paris purely for Montmartre, and there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

Notre Dame Cathedral

France’s most famous cathedral has had a tumultuous few years, as a result of a devastating fire in 2019 that left much of the building in dire need of repair and restoration. Thankfully, the building is mostly back open to the public at the time of writing, meaning visitors can once again marvel at the stunning architecture that’s still standing after more than 850 years.

Notre Dame is actively used for worship and quiet contemplation, too, meaning it’s wise to show careful respect if you take a tour of the cathedral. Whether or not you practice religion, there are festivals and events that you can enjoy here across the year.

Cultural experiences in Paris

There really is no blog post long enough to share absolutely all the best Paris, France places to see - but, we’re going to have a go at quick-fire listing some more of our favorite experiences to help build your appetite for visiting! Be sure to check out:

• The beautiful Tuileries Garden and Parc Monceau
• Traditional macarons, croissants, and desserts
• Champagne cruises along the River Seine
• Authentic jazz at clubs such as the Le Bal Blomet
• Gentle walks along the Canal St. Marin
• The lively fête de la musique, if you’re visiting in June
• Shopping with your eyes across the city’s concept store scene

Of course, it’s well worth rounding up your trip to Paris cost before planning an itinerary, so be sure to crunch those numbers so you don’t get disappointed when you arrive!

Best time to visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris, France really depends on what you want from the experience! However, the best weather here tends to fall during the summer, though you’re always likely to experience crowds between July and August.

So, we recommend taking a trip when the weather is a little milder and when the city’s natural spaces are still verdant. Consider booking a trip in April or September for an optimal experience, when it’s low on crowds and still pleasant in terms of climate.

And, of course, you shouldn’t book a trip until you’ve got an eSIM for Europe loaded up and ready to go! You never know what adventures you might want to share with friends back home, so always make sure your mobile data is taken care of. Bon voyage!