With Paris set to host the Olympic Games in July and August, 2024, we thought we should put together a list of some of the best places to visit in The City of Love. We figure you already know about the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Seine river, so we’re focusing on slightly less well-known but still amazing places to go and things to see. If you’re familiar with Paris and think we missed out on something worth seeing, drop us a line and let us know.

And if you like this info, check out our A Day in Paris: Walking, Biking, & Boating Tours for Summer Tourists blog post, which provides a rundown of some of the best walking, riding, boating, and eating tours in Paris.

Note: The Buy Tickets links at the end of each description take you to a Viator tourism site where you can book a tour of the relevant attraction. OnTheGoSolo.com makes a small commission off of every booking, so by purchasing tickets in this way, you’re helping to keep our site up and running. Thanks!

In no particular order, here is our list of the Best of Paris: Destinations 2024.

Musée d’Orsay

Housed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay boasts an unparalleled collection of French art from 1848 to 1914. This cultural gem features iconic works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast galleries, which also include sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. The museum’s architectural grandeur, combined with its impressive collection, offers a captivating experience that bridges the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting a transformative period in art history. Buy Tickets

Sacré-Cœur

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a striking white-domed church, stands atop Montmartre hill, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. Completed in 1914, its Romano-Byzantine architecture is both majestic and serene. Inside, the basilica houses one of the world’s largest mosaics, depicting Christ with outstretched arms. The surrounding Montmartre area, historically an artists’ enclave, adds to the charm with its narrow streets, lively squares, and art studios. Visitors can climb the dome for an even more spectacular view or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the church’s interior and gardens. Buy Tickets

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris offer a unique and eerie journey into the city’s underground. Created in the late 18th century to address the city’s overflowing cemeteries, this ossuary contains the remains of over six million people. Visitors can explore a small, but fascinating portion of the 200 miles of tunnels, lined with meticulously arranged skulls and bones. The Catacombs provide a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Parisian history, reflecting the city’s historical challenges with urban space and mortality, and offer an unforgettable experience beneath the bustling streets of modern Paris. Buy Tickets

Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin, located in the elegant Hôtel Biron and its surrounding gardens, is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin. Opened in 1919, the museum displays a vast array of Rodin’s sculptures, including famous pieces like “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and “The Gates of Hell.” The museum also features works by Rodin’s muse, Camille Claudel, and showcases paintings, drawings, and photographs from his collection. The beautifully landscaped gardens provide a serene setting for many of his monumental sculptures, making it a perfect blend of art and nature. Buy Tickets

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg, created in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici, is one of Paris’s most beloved parks. Covering 23 hectares, it features meticulously manicured gardens, tree-lined promenades, and a large central pond where children sail model boats. The park is adorned with statues, including a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty, and is home to the ornate Medici Fountain. Visitors can enjoy tennis courts, playgrounds, and puppet shows, or simply relax in the iconic green chairs scattered throughout. The Luxembourg Palace, now the French Senate, adds historical and architectural interest to this peaceful urban retreat. Buy Tickets

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris, located in Marne-la-Vallée, about 32 kilometers east of Paris, is a magical destination for all ages. Opened in 1992, it consists of two parks: Disneyland Park, with its fairy-tale castles and themed lands, and Walt Disney Studios Park, which celebrates cinema and animation. The resort features thrilling rides, enchanting parades, and character meet-and-greets, bringing Disney stories to life. With numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops, Disneyland Paris offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, blending the charm of Disney with a touch of European elegance. Buy Tickets

Musée National Picasso-Paris

The Musée National Picasso-Paris, housed in the grand Hôtel Salé, holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Pablo Picasso’s works. Spanning his entire career, the museum showcases paintings, sculptures, ceramics, drawings, and engravings, reflecting his diverse artistic phases. Opened in 1985, the museum not only presents Picasso’s masterpieces but also his personal archives, providing insight into his creative process and life. The beautifully restored 17th-century mansion enhances the experience, offering a harmonious blend of art and architecture in the heart of the Marais district. Buy Tickets

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris, is a tranquil haven and a final resting place for many renowned figures. Established in 1804, it spans 44 hectares and is the burial site of luminaries such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. The cemetery’s tree-lined avenues, elaborate tombstones, and memorials create a serene and reflective atmosphere. It is not only a place for mourning but also for exploring history and art, attracting visitors who come to pay respects and appreciate its beauty and historical significance. Buy Tickets

Le Marais

Le Marais, one of Paris’s oldest and most charming districts, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant atmosphere. Once a swamp, it became a fashionable area in the 17th century and today blends historical charm with contemporary culture. Highlights include the Musée Carnavalet, which explores Paris’s history, and the elegant Place des Vosges. The area is also known for its diverse community, with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene and a strong Jewish heritage, reflected in its synagogues, delis, and bakeries. Buy Tickets

Place de la Bastille

Place de la Bastille is a historic and symbolic square in Paris, marking the site of the Bastille prison stormed during the French Revolution on July 14, 1789. Today, the square features the July Column, commemorating the revolution of 1830. The modern Opéra Bastille, one of Paris’s main opera houses, is also located here. The area is vibrant with cafés, bars, and shops, and frequently hosts public demonstrations and cultural events. Its historical significance and lively atmosphere make it a focal point of Parisian life. Buy Tickets

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is Paris’s most famous avenue, stretching 1.9 kilometers from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Lined with cinemas, theaters, cafés, and luxury shops, it epitomizes Parisian elegance and grandeur. The avenue is a prime location for major events, including the Bastille Day military parade and the finish of the Tour de France. Visitors can enjoy high-end shopping, fine dining, and sightseeing, making it a must-visit destination that captures the spirit and sophistication of Paris. Buy Tickets

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is now the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. It features a diverse collection of artworks, from ancient to early 20th-century pieces, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Courbet. The museum’s Beaux-Arts architecture, with its grand entrance and beautiful courtyard garden, adds to its charm. Free permanent exhibitions and temporary shows attract art lovers, while the café and garden offer a peaceful retreat. The Petit Palais stands as a testament to Paris’s rich artistic heritage. Buy Tickets

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter, located on the Left Bank of the Seine, is known for its vibrant student life and intellectual heritage. Home to the Sorbonne University, this historic district features narrow, winding streets filled with bookshops, cafés, and theaters. Its lively atmosphere is complemented by landmarks such as the Panthéon, the Cluny Museum, and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. The area has a bohemian charm, reflecting its long history as a center of learning and culture, and remains a hub for academics, artists, and visitors. Buy Tickets

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a chic and historic neighborhood on the Left Bank, known for its literary and artistic heritage. Famous cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore were once frequented by intellectuals such as Sartre and Hemingway. The area is home to the medieval Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, art galleries, antique shops, and high-end boutiques. Its blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication attracts both locals and tourists, offering a unique Parisian experience filled with history, culture, and style. Buy Tickets