Paris Sights and Landmarks
There’s no possible way to take in all of Paris’ sights and attractions in one trip, as many of its greatest delights are carefully hidden among its less famous side streets or in the way the sun hits the Seine just so at certain times of the day. But for a good idea of the magic of Paris, the best bet is to take in equal parts history, art, culture and the everyday. Luckily for travelers on a budget, some of the best examples of each of these categories come completely free.
Free Attractions: Paris places a huge importance on the upkeep and maintenance of its public beauties. The perfect example is Jardin du Luxembourg, or Luxembourg Gardens. The immaculately landscaped garden is perfect for a picnic or a good book. One ingenious concept enacted in most of Paris’ parks and gardens is the presence of comfortable lounge chairs, perfect for starting a good book and dozing in the afternoon sun. The gardens center around a huge fountain, where children can rent sailboats to push around the water. The location is a delight for adults and children alike, but there are many kids’ activities at the gardens, including pony rides and tennis courts.
Besides the cost of a Metro ride to Paris’ Montmartre, soaking in the small-town charm and artistic influences of the district is completely free. The main attraction in this visually stunning area of Paris is the Sacrè-Coeur, a beautiful white domed basilica on Montmarte’s hilltop. Once you climb the steep, wooded steps to the church, you’ll be faced with one of the most breathtaking views of Paris. From there, you can wander inside for a tour or to sit in on a mass, or you can choose to pay a bit more for a climb up the tower steps for an even higher view. After you’ve had your fill of the Sacrè-Coeur, take some time to wander around the hilly, windy streets of the district, admiring the charming architecture and quaint feel.
Value Attractions: For just a few Euros out of your vacation budget, you can have unlimited access to some of the most awe-inspiring art that Paris, and all of Europe, for that matter, has to offer. The gargantuan Louvre is the first place that pops into mind for most people when thinking of art in Paris, but many regular visitors prefer the smaller and more manageable Musee d’Orsay, located right along the Seine. The building is a former train station, and the liberal use of windows makes for a glowing lighting system that illuminates the museum’s extensive collection of Rodin sculptures and modern and Impressionist paintings. The full-price admission fee is 9 Euros, with discounts for those under 30, and visitors that arrive after 4 p.m.
Those who want to maintain their cool may refrain from visiting the Eiffel Tower, but let’s get real — would a trip to Paris really be the same without it? A trip under the legendary tower is free, and impressive in itself. At night, visitors will get to take in the tower’s light show, both loved and reviled by locals. But for the true experience, an admission fee of just over 12 Euros (about half for kids) will take you all the way to the top, where you will be blown away by the view (and the windy conditions up there). The final ride to the top, in a glass-walled elevator, may leave those with vertigo a little shaky, but the hike is completely worthwhile. Along the way, helpful historical signs inform visitors of the tower’s construction and the different parts of Paris that are visible from it.
Luxury Attractions: For a heavy dose of camp and a bit of Parisian tradition, book a table and watch the show at the Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, made famous by countless paintings and the namesake film. Dinner and a show, with a half bottle of champagne per person included, ranges from 145 to 175 Euros, although a show-only option is available. For the hefty price, you’ll get a night of feathered headdresses, energetic can-can dancing and an altogether flashy experience.
For a splurge dinner in a more tranquil setting, try a dinner cruise down the Seine, the center of the city and its main marking point. For the most classy Seine cruise option, try the Yachts de Paris, a company that features luxurious boats and delicious meals. The company’s packages can accommodate between two and 800 people, providing a romantic experience as diners glide down the Seine as the sun dips below the horizon.