Paris, the heart of France, is an unparalleled blend of art, history, and culture that has been enchanting visitors for centuries. This guide will help you discover the must-see landmarks that make Paris the unforgettable city it is—even more so in 2025, as it continues to evolve while preserving its timeless charm.
1. The Unrivaled Tour Montparnasse
Paris, a city known for its historic architecture, rich culture, and world-renowned landmarks, has one modern edifice that offers a unique perspective of the city’s grandeur – Tour Montparnasse. Standing tall at 210 meters, Tour Montparnasse defies the city’s low-rise skyline, marking a distinct presence in the heart of Paris. The skyscraper remains an essential addition to your itinerary of must-see Paris landmarks, and here’s why.
With its 59 floors, Tour Montparnasse is still the tallest skyscraper in Paris, often nicknamed ‘the Parisian Giant’. Completed in 1973, it serves as a relic of the city’s brief flirtation with modernist architecture. Initially met with public criticism—which led to a ban on buildings over seven stories in central Paris—this tower has since found its place in the city’s cultural landscape, embraced for the views it offers rather than its aesthetics.
The building’s reflective glass façade mirrors the Parisian sky, while inside, its top floors have undergone subtle updates to enhance the visitor experience in 2025. A high-speed elevator takes you to the 56th-floor observatory in just 38 seconds, where floor-to-ceiling windows open up sweeping vistas of the city.
Interactive exhibits, updated digital panels, and multilingual guides now provide context to the iconic sights visible from above. Visitors can easily spot landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame—all from a single viewpoint. The rooftop terrace on the 59th floor, open-air and unobstructed, is particularly popular for sunset visits and photography enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone seeking the best view of Paris, Tour Montparnasse delivers an unmatched experience. Its impressive height, panoramic views, and the opportunity to see Paris from a bird’s eye view make it a must-see destination in the City of Lights.
2. The Louvre Museum: An Art Lover’s Paradise
Next on our list of must-see Paris attractions is the Louvre Museum, a timeless beacon of art and culture. The Louvre is more than a museum; it’s a journey through centuries of human creativity, with more than 35,000 works of art on display, and many more stored in its archives.
It houses globally recognized masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, whose enigmatic smile continues to puzzle and enchant visitors, and the Greek statue Venus de Milo, admired for its graceful form and mysterious past. Yet, the Louvre isn’t merely about individual artworks—it’s a living narrative of humanity’s artistic evolution.
Wandering through its immense halls, you’ll encounter a blend of ancient civilizations, classical antiquity, and Renaissance brilliance. Egyptian mummies, Mesopotamian relics, Islamic ceramics, French Baroque canvases—all coexist under one roof. The Louvre encapsulates the world’s artistic heritage in one breathtaking location.
In 2025, the Louvre continues to innovate. New virtual reality installations and expanded multilingual tours make the museum more accessible than ever. The Louvre app, launched in recent years, now offers AI-guided routes tailored to your interests and time constraints, making it easier to navigate the massive complex.
For visitors to Paris, the Louvre is not merely a stop—it’s a destination that demands time, attention, and reverence. It is where art comes alive and history speaks in colors, textures, and carved stone.
3. The Unforgettable Eiffel Tower
When one thinks of Paris, the Eiffel Tower immediately springs to mind. An enduring symbol of the city, this architectural marvel continues to captivate millions of visitors every year. The Eiffel Tower isn’t merely an iron structure standing 330 meters tall; it’s an embodiment of human ingenuity, architectural advancement, and the spirit of Paris.
Every detail of the Eiffel Tower is steeped in history—from Gustave Eiffel’s original designs to its rapid construction for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. Although once dismissed as an eyesore, the Tower has become a beloved symbol of innovation and national pride.
The three levels of the Eiffel Tower each offer a unique experience. The first floor, now equipped with interactive displays and a glass floor, provides thrilling perspectives of the ground below. The second floor is known for its fine dining and boutique shopping. And the summit—accessed by elevator—offers a panoramic view that is simply breathtaking, with visibility extending for over 70 kilometers on a clear day.
In 2025, recent renovations have made the Eiffel Tower greener and more efficient. Solar panels, wind turbines, and an updated visitor system reflect a broader effort by Paris to make its most iconic landmark more sustainable. Still dazzling every night with 20,000 twinkling lights, the Tower remains a must-see—now with modern conscience and classic style.
4. The Majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is another Parisian gem that merits a visit. A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, it leaves visitors spellbound with its grandeur and attention to detail. Following the tragic fire of 2019, the cathedral has been under careful reconstruction, and in 2025, parts of it are once again open to the public.
The iconic façade with its twin towers and rose window has been lovingly restored, while scaffolding and protective structures signal the ongoing dedication to full revival. Inside, visitors can now view several chapels, admire the restored stained glass, and explore new exhibits detailing the rebuilding process—an extraordinary blend of tradition and innovation.
The treasury of Notre-Dame continues to house religious relics, including what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ. Outside, the newly refurbished square and gardens offer peaceful respite and exceptional views of the cathedral’s architecture.
A climb to the towers—expected to reopen later this year—will once again give access to breathtaking views and up-close encounters with the famous stone gargoyles that have watched over Paris for centuries.
Notre-Dame in 2025 stands not only as a monument to faith and architecture but as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and the unwavering spirit of Paris.
5. The Mystical Catacombs of Paris
The Parisian landscape, renowned for its splendor and radiance, hides a fascinating and eerie world beneath its surface – the Catacombs of Paris. Also known as ‘The World’s Largest Grave’, this ancient labyrinth offers a unique, unconventional insight into the city’s past.
Established in the late 18th century as a response to the city’s overflowing cemeteries, the Catacombs transformed miles of old limestone quarries into a macabre subterranean cemetery. Today, they hold the remains of more than six million people—neatly stacked skulls and bones that create hauntingly beautiful walls.
Descending a narrow spiral staircase, visitors enter a world far removed from the city above. Silence, dim lighting, and stone corridors stretch out into the shadows. The path is punctuated by plaques bearing somber warnings and poetic reflections, such as the iconic “Stop! This is the empire of death.”
In 2025, the Catacombs have improved safety and navigation for visitors, adding subtle lighting and multilingual guides while preserving the atmosphere. Smart audio tours share haunting tales and historical context, creating an immersive experience unlike any other.
A visit to the Catacombs isn’t for the faint-hearted. The chill and darkness are real. But for those who seek the unusual, who want to delve beneath the surface—literally and metaphorically—the Catacombs offer one of Paris’s most unforgettable and thought-provoking journeys.
A Concluding Stroll Through the City of Lights
In conclusion, Paris, a city steeped in history, art, and culture, is a world waiting to be discovered. From the towering Eiffel Tower to the enigmatic Catacombs, the city’s landmarks illustrate its diverse character. Each of these must-see Paris attractions offers a unique glimpse into the city’s soul, making Paris an unforgettable destination that continues to enchant travelers from around the globe.
Whether you’re soaking in the panoramic city views from the top of Tour Montparnasse, exploring the vast art collections in the Louvre, marveling at the architectural wonder of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or walking through the silent history of the Catacombs, Paris promises an experience unlike any other.
The city extends an invitation for you to lose yourself in its charm, to navigate its vibrant streets, to taste its gastronomic delights, and to fall in love with its endless allure. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity and an open heart, and let the city of love, lights, and life surprise you with every step. As Audrey Hepburn famously said, “Paris is always a good idea.”
