The most important attractions of Paris – things you must see over a weekend

Paris attractions can be enumerated on and on! Lovers of the city will surely say that the whole lifetime is not enough to discover all its corners. One thing is certain – Paris is one of the world's greatest metropolis which has been stimulating the imagination and inspiring strong emotions in everyone who crosses its threshold.

Île de la Cité, an island in the River Seine, hides the oldest part and the city and its heart. More specifically, it is the Notre Dame Cathedral, the most famous temple and one of the most important historic monuments of Paris. The magnificent Gothic building impresses visitors with its size and artistry of workmanship. Unfortunately, as a result of fire that broke out in 2019, it is closed to tourists. Despite that, just a glance at its extraordinary silhouette and a walk around to admire its details will leave an unforgettable impression in you.

You can expect completely different world in the district of artistic boheme, conjurers, bodily pleasures and decadence. In the iconic Montmartre you will come across painters, street musicians, actors and cabarets, including Moulin Rouge, find atmospheric cafés and bars that serve cuisines from all over the world. The whole area is dominated by the white silhouette of Sacré-Cœur, a basilica built between 1876 and 1914, in which the Paris largest and heaviest bell tolls. And the views… sweet!

Considered the symbol of Paris today, the Eiffel Tower did not have an easy start. It was thought to be ugly, and its creator was cursed for defacing the city. However, it took only a few decades for the structure to become the icon and the most recognisable historic monument of Paris. Built for the World's Fair organised by the French capital in 1889, the "Iron Lady" measured at 324 metres and was the world's tallest structure at the time. It is impressive to this day, the more so as it is open to tourists. Unfortunately, if you wish to see it from the inside, you must get ready for standing in a long queue.

The times of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars brought many losses, also among the civilian population. To commemorate the victims, it was decided to raise a grand monument in the shape of a triumphal arch. The monument is situated in the centre of De Gaulle Square (formerly Place de l'Etoile), a solemn and majestic place, and a testament to the metropolitan character of the city. There are 12 streets coming off radially from the square. They are densely packed with buildings which appear as if they had no end. It is where Champs-Élysées, one of the world's most popular thoroughfares, starts, too.

Now look ahead and admire Champs-Élysées, the most prestigious street in Paris! At 65 metres wide and lined up with a double row of trees on each side, the impressive two lane street is always noisy and always crowded. Its hallmark - elegant restaurants and exclusive boutiques with the highest quality products… at the highest prices. This world is a dream from which you will inevitably wake up, so you'd better absorb the emotions while you can. When you reach the end of the street, to will get to Place de la Concorde, where you will see the wonderful Tuileries Gardens. You will certainly need a breather before the next dose of emotions!

A rest in the gardens is an excellent prelude to a visit at one of the most marvellous historic monument of Paris - the Louvre. Once a royal palace, today it is a grand museum of arts and araeology. Crossing the threshold of that amazing object, you will enter the magical world of masterpieces of painting, sculpture and artistic craft. And all this in a majestic setting.

Orsay is not just the name of a popular clothing brand, but also another wonderful art gallery. Musée d’Orsay is a must-see site for all lovers of art created between 1848 and 1918. Here, the works of art, mainly by impressionists and post-impressionists, are exhibited in the former railway station situated at the River Siene opposite the Tuileries Gardens. Contemplation is welcome!