Novice visitors to “The City of Lights” often experience a sense of paralysis when they land at Charles de Gaulle International Airport or arrive at Gare du Nord. Paris has so much to offer that it overwhelms the mind. What to see first? What to see, period?
Some points of interest in the capital of France are obvious. Others however, coalesce in a busy sea of attractions and present serious contemplation on the part of active travelers. What to leave out and skip for another visit? What if there is no other visit? Impossible to see it all, even for the most eager and intrepid tourist, Paris packs more sights per capita than perhaps any other city. With a population that hovers just over 2.1 million people (12 million in metro Paris), Parisians are incredibly fortunate. A spectacular array of museums, monuments, parks and heritage architecure makes the city unforgettable and a perennial favorite. No wonder why more than 40 million people a year come to Paris from the rest of Europe and around the world.
Out of the plethora of highlights in the city, here are 10 that are most definitely must-see. Note the absence of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, both of which you’ll inevitably see in Paris anyway.
1. Basilique du Sacre
From the peak of Montmartre, the Basilique du Sacre soars over Paris like a beacon. The Romano-Byzantine Roman Catholic Basilica was built in 1914 and became famous all over again with the release of the film Amélie in 2001.
2. Notre Dame de Paris
The other famous Christian monument in Paris, Notre Dame is a Gothic wonder. Incredibly, construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and did not wind down until 1345. Countless epic events in the history of France have taken place inside Notre Dame ever since.
3. The Pantheon
One of the most famous burial sites in the world, the Pantheon is a conspicuous landmark in the terrific Latin Quarter of Paris. If you want to pay your respects to some remarkable figures in history, this is the place to do it. Voltaire, Hugo, Zola and Dumas are just some of the giants who rest in peace here.
4. Centre Georges Pompidou
A relatively new attraction in Paris, the Pompidou has only been around since 1977. Nevertheless, the massive, hyper-modern facility is home to a vast library open to the general public and the excellent Musee National d’Art Moderne.
5. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The other notable burial site in Paris for non-military use, Pere Lachaise is known throughout the world and especially among Jim Morrison fans. The enigmatic former frontman of The Doors has a plot here of course, but then, so do Oscar Wilde, Georges Haussmann, Balzac, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein and Marcel Proust. Bring a map – the list of famous people at Lachaise is eclectic, impressive and long.
6. Sainte-Chapelle
Île de la Cité is a natural island on the Seine river in Paris and well worth a visit. The site of three superlative Medieval landmarks, the island is accessible by Metro. Of the three, Sainte-Chapelle is the most spectacular. Since 1245 the chapel has been one of the undisputed masterpieces of Gothic architecture.
7. Musee d’Orsay
The result of the most famous railway transformation in history, the former Gare d’Orsay is a pre-eminent institution of fine art. One of the best in the world, the Musee d’Orsay features works from a relatively small but explosive period, namely 1848 to 1915. As a result, the museum is replete with names like Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Manet and Degas.
8. Jardin du Luxembourg
The historic Jardin du Luxembourg dwarfs every other public park in Paris, of which there are many. Size alone however, does not tell the entire story of this monumental space. The park is home to beautiful Luxembourg Palace, where the French Senate convenes to do the work of the nation. A long visit to the Jardin is in order, if not for a picnic then to see myriad monuments, sculptures and fountains.
9. Musee des Arts et Metiers
Every top ten has to have one wildcard and the Musee des Arts et Metiers is it when it comes to Paris attractions. The ominous backdrop of Umberto Eco’s great novel Foucault’s Pendulum, the museum not only contains said pendulum, but numerous other scientific instruments and inventions from throughout history. No other museum in the world is quite like it.
10. The Louvre
No amount of hyperbole can do the Louvre justice. So just go and find out what all the hype is about for yourself and for the love of da Vinci, ignore the life-hating cynics who call it overrated.
UNESCO World Heritage Museum Island on the Spree river has several terrific institutions that help cement Berlin’s reputation as museum central. The Alte Nationalgalerie, or Old National Gallery, is not only beautiful to look at but contains a fabulous collection of 19th century art from the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation.
One of the most recognizable architectural wonders in Berlin, the Bode Museum has a rather important collection of Byzantine, Medieval, Renaissance and Gothic art. The Museum Island facility underwent nine years of restoration between 1997 and 2006.
Another Museum Island gem, the Pergamon was built over a period of two decades, between 1910 and 1930, and is the most visited museum in Germany. The museum contains several iconic and massive landmarks, from the Ishtar Gate, a former Ancient Wonder built on orders by King Nebuchadnezzar II to guard the city of Babylon in 575 B.C., to the Great Altar of Pergamon.
A bold reconstruction program set to wrap up in 2009 will integrate the historic Neues Museum with the archaeological promenade of Museum Island and as a result, connect it with the Pergamon and Bode. Millions of new visitors to Berlin will therefore get a chance to see a terrific collection of Egyptian, Greek and other ancient artifacts.
The first major cultural landmark to open after the reunification of Germany, what initially strikes visitors to the Jewish Museum in Berlin is the architecture. The museum’s website describes it as a “deconstructivist masterpiece”. Whatever the case, the Daniel Libeskind design is a draw in and of itself. The interior collection of multimedia exhibits and objects covers over 2,000 years of history, with careful attention to the Holocaust of course.
The Berlin Zoo is one of the few in the world to achieve household-name status. The zoological garden dates back to 1844 and with more than 3 million visitors a year, is the most popular in Europe. More than 14,000 birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals live in the facility.
The Berlin Cathedral, or Dom, faces the Lustgarten city park on Museum Island. You could hardly choose a more idyllic location for a church, especially one of this grandeur and magnitude. The cathedral’s patron, Emperor Wilhelm II, envisioned a Protestant version of St. Peter’s in The Vatican when he first proposed construction of the Dom in the late 19th century.
Built about the same time as the Berlin Cathedral in 1894, the Reichstag was the first parliament of what was then the German Empire. In ruins for decades, the incredible facility underwent years of construction and upon the reunification of Germany in 1999, became the home of the Bundestag, or Parliament. A modern glass dome that provides spectacular views of Berlin is a popular attraction, with long lines to the top, especially in summer.
Views of the Berlin Wall are available around the city, most notably the East Side Gallery along the Spree river and two sections in Potsdamer Platz. The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse however, is the most sobering landmark left in the city of the Iron Curtain Cold War era.
Together with Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, the Brandenburg Gate is one of the venerable symbols of Europe. Erected in 1791, the Gate is the quintessential landmark of Berlin and the location of many historic events, most notably after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
A paramount symbol of Madrid, Plaza de Cibeles is where fans of soccer dynamo Real Madrid go to celebrate major tournament wins. The Plaza’s most remarkable feature is a fountain built between 1777 and 1782 in front of the fabulous Palacio de Comunicaciones, now Madrid City Hall.
As part of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, with the Prado and Reina Sofia, the Thyssen-Bornemisza is a special museum. The facility’s private collection of Impressionists, Expressionists and works from the late 20th century was once second only to the British Royal Collection.
Though the official residence of the King of Spain, the current monarch, King Juan Carlos, actually lives in the Palace of Zarzuela outside of Madrid. Nonetheless, that does not diminish the appeal of what is the foremost palace in Europe in size. While a vast portion of the 2,800 rooms are not open to visitors, tours of the interior do include the Throne Room, Hall of Columns and Gala Dining Room.
The National Library of Spain contains terrific architecture, interior design and of course, a collection of superb historic works. The facility’s collection runs well over 28 million items, from music scores to maps, graphic materials to newspapers. A walkabout the library is a must.
Open since 1992, Spain’s national museum of modern art is a superb attraction. The country of course, was a notable hotbed for 20th century creative pioneers, from Dali to Picasso and Mir? to T?pies. The Reina Sof?a features all the masters of the era and has a wonderful art library for visitors to peruse.
One of the best public parks in the world, the Parque del Buen Retiro hosts many events and festivals throughout the year and as such, is integral to civic life in Madrid. The park’s history dates back about 500 years and El Retiro contains many gorgeous fountains, sculptures and the brilliant Palacio de Cristal.
Since 1850, the Teatro Real has been one of the premier opera houses in Europe. Tours that highlight the historical importance of the theater run throughout the week but of course, the best way to experience the Teatro Real, is to take in a live performance.
The bull is the foremost symbol of Spain and while controversial in some circles, the Plaza de Toros is where the national spectacle of tauromachy unfolds. No matter how you feel about what takes place in the bullring, a visit to Las Ventas is essential if you happen to be in Madrid.
The dynamic Hapsburg era gave rise to ornate architecture throughout Europe, of which the central plaza in Madrid is a wonderful example. Together with nearby Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is a prime congregation spot in the city and hosts numerous events.
One of the most famous museums in the world and part of a select few with household name status, the Prado’s collection of art is spectacular. Works span the 12th century up to the 19th century and include masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Rembrandt, Titian and El Greco.