Paris - also known as the city of love is a favorite spot for couples, but there is so much more this city has to offer. Paris is one of the hottest destinations in Europe, visited by millions of tourists every year.
We all know Paris for it’s iconic Eiffel Tower. However, Paris features many other beautiful attractions dating back hundreds of years including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe. The city is also home to hundreds of unique cafes, boutiques and colorful streets which attract the attention of visitors from around the globe. With so much to do and see in Paris, here are top 5 things you don’t want to miss out on:
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is not only the most iconic landmark in Paris, but it is also well known around the world. The tower was first constructed as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair in 1889. Today, the tower is visited by thousands of tourists every day. If you climb up the top floor, you can witness surreal views of the city. However, note that the line can be extremely long. There is a champagne bar, a restaurant and a brasserie inside the tower for you to enjoy. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit here.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is also considered a Parisian icon similar to Eiffel Tower. This cathedral is the finest example of gothic architecture and is known as one of the best Gothic Cathedrals in the world. The construction of the cathedral started in the 10th century and it took more than 200 years until it was completed. The architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral is absolutely stunning both inside and out. You can explore the cathedral and take a walk to the top to witness magnificent city views. It is estimated that around 12 million visitors come to the cathedral every year making it one of the busiest spots in Paris.
3. Musee du Louvre
The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous historical museums in the world. The museum was opened in 1793 and it now features more than 35000 art pieces dating back to that time. You can witness a variety of unique art pieces from different cultures and time periods. The museum also exhibits thousands of popular paintings including ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo da Vinci and ‘Liberty of Leading the People’ by Eugene Delacroix. This museum attracts around 10 million visitors every year. After you enjoy the museum, take a stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden if weather permits.
4. Musée d'Orsay
The magnificent Musée d'Orsay is another famous museum in Paris featuring an amazing art collection. You’ll witness paintings from various artists such as Van Gogh, Degas, and Cezanne. The museum is also home to many beautiful sculptures, photographs and furniture. There are two cafes and a restaurant in the museum offering a variety of delicious food items to the visitors. You can either explore the museum on your own or choose guided tours, which we recommend for this spot.
5. Arc de Triomphe
The jaw dropping Arc de Triomphe was built to mark the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars. The=is unique Arch is the largest in the world and is decorated with beautifully carved sculptures. Under the Arch, people can see the names of battles that were fought during the first French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire. You’ll also find the names of generals who fought in those battles. There is also a tomb housing the body of Unknown Soldier who was buried there as a remembrance of a large number of soldiers who died during World War I.
