Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is absolutely beautiful and, of course, one of the must-see landmarks when visiting Paris. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, although you are encouraged to reserve a time slot in advance. The reservation is also completely free. I didn’t make one because I wasn’t sure exactly when I would arrive, but this wasn’t a problem at all. There is a separate line for visitors without reservations, and I only had to wait around 5-10 minutes before getting inside. So if you don’t manage to reserve a spot, don’t worry - you can still visit; you may just have to wait a little. Once inside, the cathedral is incredibly bright and beautiful and has a very serene atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to remain quiet, particularly during services and announcements. The stained glass is especially stunning, and there are so many intricate details in the artwork and architecture that are worth taking the time to appreciate. There is also a treasury inside the cathedral that you can visit for a fee of around €12. It is relatively small, so you can comfortably see everything in under an hour. It contains a collection of religious and historical objects and is an interesting addition if you have some extra time. One thing to keep in mind is that there are no restrooms in the treasury area, so you will need to go outside if you need one. Overall, Notre-Dame is absolutely worth visiting. The cathedral itself is free, beautiful, peaceful, and easy to visit even without an advance reservation. Definitely one of the highlights of Paris!
Vyshnavi Vennelakanti - a month ago

We visited Notre Dame Cathedral during our stay in Paris and really enjoyed the experience. The queue outside looked quite long when we arrived, but it moved surprisingly quickly, so the wait was not an issue. The cathedral is beautiful inside, with impressive architecture and many interesting details. We enjoyed walking around and taking in the atmosphere of such a historic place. We also bought one of the souvenir coins from the machine inside, which was a nice keepsake to remember our visit to Notre Dame and Paris. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and the cathedral is definitely worth visiting, especially for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the story of Paris.
Mohammad Diab - a month ago

Notre Dame Cathedral is an absolute must-visit when in Paris, and my experience there was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking—from the intricate rose windows to the soaring ribbed vaults—and standing beneath those towering ceilings really puts you in touch with centuries of history and human achievement. But here's my insider tip: if you want to experience something truly special, I highly recommend doing the towers tour at night. Yes, it involves climbing a lot of stairs, and you'll definitely need a reasonable level of physical fitness to make the ascent comfortably. However, the reward is absolutely worth it. Once you reach the top, you're treated to an unforgettable view of Notre Dame's intricate roof architecture illuminated against the night sky, and beyond that, the glittering expanse of Paris spread out in all directions. The cityscape twinkling below is genuinely stunning—it's a perspective you simply don't get during the day, and I haven't seen many people talking about this particular experience. Whether you visit during the day to admire the cathedral's architectural details and interior beauty, or time your visit for the evening towers tour, Notre Dame delivers an experience that stays with you. It's one of those places that reminds you why Paris is called the City of Light.
Carlos Pereira - 2 weeks ago

I had the privilege of visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral before the 2019 fire, and it remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip to Paris. The cathedral was absolutely breathtaking, showcasing magnificent Gothic architecture, soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows. Every detail reflected centuries of history, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence. The atmosphere inside was incredibly peaceful and inspiring. Walking through the cathedral, admiring the beautiful chapels, sculptures, and the famous rose windows, was a truly memorable experience. It was easy to understand why Notre-Dame is considered one of the world's greatest architectural and cultural treasures. Its location in the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, made it even more special, surrounded by beautiful views of the Seine and some of the city's most charming streets. The visit was well organized, and despite the large number of visitors, the experience never felt overwhelming. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have seen the cathedral in its original form before the devastating fire. It remains one of the most beautiful landmarks I have ever visited, and I hope to return one day to admire its remarkable restoration. Notre-Dame is a timeless symbol of Paris and an unforgettable place that fully deserves a five-star rating.
Youssef George - 2 months ago

I saw the cathedral just a few weeks before it’s fire in 2019 which was an incredible experience. The cathedral now is even more spectacular. Notre Dame is now much more striking and you get a sense that this is how the architects and craftspeople intended the cathedral to dominate. I was very moved by the crown of thorns being on display- this was done very well and tastefully not just a tourist gimmick. 100% recommend paying a little extra to do the tour of the towers. You get an amazing view of the city and it really helped to amplify the history and scale of this incredible building.
Aid - 2 months ago