Paris is the global capital of romance and culture, a city where every street holds a piece of art or history. You could spend a lifetime exploring, but if you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll want to hit the highlights, the ones everyone knows. Here are three essential landmarks.

Start your visit at the Eiffel Tower. Erected for the 1889 World’s Fair, the “Iron Lady” is now a globally recognized symbol of France. Take two lifts to the third, top, floor for a sprawling, unforgettable view of the capital. Or stop at the second floor for a romantic dinner for two at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant, from a mere €295 (¥52,000). It goes without saying, there’s a strict dress code.

Next, head to the Louvre Museum. It takes up most of the Louvre Palace, opening there in 1793. It’s huge, so plan your route carefully before you enter with the crowds of other culture tourists. You’ll want to check off masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace, but there are countless other treasures to see. Pose outside with I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid, a brilliant contrast to the Renaissance architecture.

Next, head to the beating heart of Paris to see Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been open for less than a year after it was restored from the terrible 2019 fire. It still contains important Christian relics like the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore on the cross, a piece of the cross and a nail used to fix him to the cross.

Sadly, that’s all we have time for. Until next time, Au revoir!