These 10 Paris Hotspots SELL OUT Fast — Don’t Even Think About Showing Up Unbooked
Paris wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t wing it in a day either! As I’ve watched countless tourists face the dreaded “COMPLET” (sold out) signs, I’m here to save your trip from disappointment. Sure, spontaneous wandering down cobblestone streets makes for magical Paris moments, but some experiences need some planning magic. Consider this your golden ticket to actually seeing the sights you’ve dreamed about instead of just their queues.
1. Eiffel Tower Summit
The Iron Lady isn’t just a pretty face – she offers the most spectacular views of Paris anywhere. Skip the endless lines by booking tickets at least 60 days ahead, especially for summer visits.
Pro tip: Reserve for sunset (around 9 pm in summer) and watch the city transform from daylight to a sea of twinkling lights.
Weekday mornings are your best bet for thinner crowds. And yes, the champagne bar at the top is worth every euro!
2. Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile and thousands of other masterpieces, the Louvre demands strategy.
Pro tip: Book tickets 30 days before your visit and aim for Wednesday or Friday evenings when it stays open late. You’ll thank yourself for avoiding the weekend crush. Morning slots before 11 am also work well.
Remember – no one sees “all” of the Louvre in one go, so pick a few sections that spark your interest rather than rushing through like a madman.
3. Catacombs
Beneath Paris lies a haunting labyrinth of bones—the final resting place of six million Parisians. Tickets sell out lightning fast, so book 60 days ahead if possible.
Pro tip: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons see fewer visitors, and the first or last entry times offer the most peaceful experience. It is not for the faint-hearted or claustrophobic, but it is absolutely fascinating for history buffs and anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
4. Sainte-Chapelle
This gothic jewel box of stained glass will leave you speechless. The 15-meter-high windows seemingly defy physics and turn sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Pro tip: Book 14 days ahead and time your visit for morning sunlight (before noon) for the most dazzling effect. Weekday mornings help you dodge the crowds.
Also – the chapel sits just minutes from Notre Dame, making for an easy pairing.
5. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former train station, this museum showcases the best of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir – they’re all here waiting for you.
Pro tip: Book 14-21 days ahead and hit this spot on Thursday evenings, when it stays open until 9:45 p.m. You’ll have Monet’s waterlilies almost to yourself! The central gallery, with its giant clock face, makes for an iconic photo op.
6. Palace of Versailles
Just outside Paris sits the epitome of royal excess – a grand palace that helped spark a revolution. Book at least 30 days ahead, especially for summer visits.
Pro tip: Tuesday and midweek are less hectic than weekends. Get there at opening time (9 am) to beat the tour buses. The gardens are free except during fountain shows, so extend your day by exploring them thoroughly.
Pack comfortable shoes – your feet will beg for mercy otherwise!
7. Paris Crypt (Crypte Archéologique)
This hidden gem beneath Notre-Dame Square reveals 2,000 years of Parisian history in archaeological layers.
Pro tip: Book 7-14 days ahead and go on weekday afternoons when tourist numbers dip. The crypt gives context to everything you’ll see above ground afterward.
Plus, it’s temperature-controlled, making it a perfect escape from summer heat or winter chill.
8. Centre Pompidou
Pompidou stands out even in Paris with its inside-out architecture and mind-bending modern art. If you haven’t heard, it will be closing this summer for 5 years of extensive renovations, so now’s a great time to go before the doors shut.
Pro tip: Book 7 days ahead for exhibitions, and shoot for Thursday evenings when it’s open late. The rooftop views rival pricier options around the city, and the street performers outside add free entertainment. Perfect for when classical art starts to make your eyes glaze over.
9. Seine River Dinner Cruise
See Paris from the water while enjoying French cuisine – the ultimate two-birds-one-stone experience. Reserve a Paris river cruise 21-30 days ahead, especially for summer evenings and weekends.
Pro tip: The 8:30 p.m. sailing offers both daylight and nighttime views as you glide past illuminated monuments. Yes, it’s touristy, but even locals secretly love it for special occasions.
10. Moulin Rouge Show
The legendary cabaret hasn’t lost its sparkle after 130+ years. Weekend shows sell out ridiculously fast, so book a whopping 90 days ahead.
Pro tip: The late show (11 p.m.) offers the same spectacular feathers and sequins but often with slightly better availability. Spring for the dinner package only if you’re more interested in the experience than gourmet food—you’re paying for the setting, not Michelin-star cuisine.
Remember, Paris rewards planners! While spontaneity has its charm, having these key experiences locked in gives you the freedom to wander and discover between your scheduled highlights. Bonne visite!
