It's hard to miss the 324 meter (1,063 ft) high landmark built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel to mark the centenary of the French Revolution. One of the world's most visited monuments attracting 7 million visitors a year, the tower has three floors accessible by lift: at 58 meters, 115 meters (with a view to the ground below), and at 275 meters. The more adventurous can climb the 1,665 steps!

The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, this historic building is a former royal palace, with an area of 210,000 square meters including over 60,000 for the exhibitions. The Louvre is huge and you could spend days here, so if time is tight skip the lines by booking a three hour highlight (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory) guided tour.

Art lovers can head to the Musee D'Orsay housed in a former train station — be sure to visit the cafe and watch time go by (literally) on the museum's giant transparent clockface — or the Orangerie, which is home to eight, tapestry-sized Nympheas or water lilies paintings. Enjoy sculptures at the Rodin museum, or take in modern art at the Centre Pompidou with its exposed pipes and air ducts.

The Pont Neuf links the mainland to Ile de la Cite where you will find the Conciergerie, a former medieval palace turned prison during the French revolution, and the famous Notre Dame cathedral. But that's currently closed after fire damage so head to the tiny church Sainte-Chapelle to admire its dazzling stained glass.

A favorite Parisian pastime is to flaner, or stroll. So why not check out Paris' green spaces? Among the city's impressive gardens are the Tuileries (pictured) next to the Louvre museum and the Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement. If you want to escape fellow tourists, head to the Buttes Chaumont park in northeastern Paris, where locals go to find great views of the city and relax.

France is known the world over for its fine cuisine and one the best things to do in Paris is eat! From croissants and other baked treats to fois gras pate, oysters, snails and steak et frites. Desserts from glace ice cream to creme brulee are heavenly. And be sure not to miss the cheese and bread selection. Oh and don't forget the wine! A good way to sample all the treats is to take a food tour.

Even if you can't afford tickets for a show, the opera house is an impressive building that is mostly overlooked by tourists. Built during the mid-to-late 1800's, the interior is filled with rich decoration and excessive ornamentation — think gold! If you really want to learn all the history of this amazing place, make sure to book a guided tour. You might even encounter the Phantom of the Opera!

The Eiffel Tower has one of the best views stretching beyond into the countryside. The 56th floor of Tour Montparnasse, meanwhile, offers great views of all of Paris. And the view from the Arc de Triomphe is not to be missed either as it displays the 12 avenues radiating from it, including the Champs-Elysees.

Paris has many districts but one not to miss is Montmartre. Up on a hill it feels more like a village. Sacre-Coeur Basilica is one of its most famous attractions and to get there, maybe take a ride on the funiculaire Montmartre. After enjoying the views explore the Place du Tertre, the place to go if you want your portrait or caricature taken, or just enjoy the artistic cafes and boutiques.

These places might not be over-run but are quintessentially Parisian: Go underground at the Sewer Museum or even the Catacombs (pictured). Hike the Promenade Plantee, a linear park built atop a disused railway line or walk among the dead in the famous Pere Lachaise or the lesser visited Montmartre cemetery. And when its dark, find a quiet spot to watch the Eiffel Tower nightly light show.