Ultimate Paris Attractions Guide: Top 10 Must-See Sights & Hidden Gems in 2024
1. **Louvre Museum**: Students enjoy free admission, but reservations are essential. Aim to book your slot approximately one month ahead to secure the earliest entry time—this ensures a more relaxed visit with fewer crowds. Don’t forget to reserve an audio guide in advance; they sell out quickly, as I discovered when arriving at 9 AM only to find none available. Plan for a fulfilling 4–5 hour exploration.
2. **Palace of Versailles**: Free entry for students with a required reservation. To snag a preferred early time, book around one month in advance. Allow 2–3 hours for your visit. For an unforgettable experience, rent a bike (€10/hour) to roam the stunning gardens at your own pace. Pre-download the official app for insightful audio commentary.
3. **Musée d’Orsay**: Students enter free without reservations—just join the queue, which typically moves in about 20 minutes. Highly recommended for its impressive collection; set aside roughly 4 hours to fully appreciate the art.
4. **Musée de l’Orangerie**: Free for students, no booking needed. The line is short, with waits of 10–20 minutes. This intimate museum is perfect for a 1–2 hour visit, showcasing Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies.
5. **Musée Picasso Paris**: Student admission is free and reservation-free. Expect a wait of around 20 minutes. Dive into Picasso’s world for 2–3 hours amid a beautifully curated setting.
6. **Notre-Dame Cathedral**: Entry is free. While reservations exist, they’re hard to get; queuing directly (approx. 20-minute wait) is easier. Combine your visit with nearby gems like Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, and the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
7. **Arc de Triomphe Rooftop**: Free for students—no reservation required. Remember to pick up your ticket before ascending. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it, offering a breathtaking perspective of Paris.
8. **Les Invalides**: Free student entry without reservations. This vast complex houses multiple museums and Napoleon’s Tomb. A comprehensive tour can easily fill half a day with history and grandeur.
9. **Maison de Victor Hugo**: Free for students, no booking needed. Situated close to the Picasso Museum, it’s convenient to visit both in one trip and step into the literary legend’s home.
10. **Panthéon**: Students enter free with no reservation necessary. Explore this architectural marvel and final resting place of notable French figures at your leisure.
11. **Palais Garnier (Paris Opera)**: For just €10, purchase a performance ticket on-site to tour the opulent building and enjoy a show. A highly recommended cultural treat!
12. **Catacombs of Paris**: Student tickets cost €25, with visits lasting about an hour. Unless you’re delving deep into Paris’s underground history, this may be skippable for casual travelers.
The Louvre’s audio guides sell out fast, so booking ahead is a must. I’d rather skip the rush and savor the art at my own pace. Versailles feels even grander when you avoid the midday crowd. Paris still surprises with hidden spots beyond the usual highlights.
Reserving the audio guide in advance saved me from missing out at the Louvre. The tips on timing made a real difference. It’s smart to plan ahead for popular spots. Hidden gems are worth seeking too.
The guide’s tip about reserving audio guides for the Louvre was practical—didn’t want to miss out like others. Versailles’ free student entry is a nice touch, but timing matters. It’s clear the author values efficient planning. A good balance of popular spots and lesser-known places.