Places You Have to Visit When Visiting Paris
If you are a travel enthusiast like us and you are already planning your trip for the next year, we encourage you to consider planning your vacations to the beautiful and amazing Paris, also known as ‘City of Lights’, and the city of love as well.
Paris is one of the most iconic cities in Europe, it is the capital of France, and is it the most populous city in the country. To travel to Paris is like being and starring in your own movie, whether you will be staying in a fancy hotel or a furnished apartment.
It is a beautiful city, and has so much to offer. Paris is charming in a seductive way, and for good reason. You can find sidewalk cafes left and right down a street, boutiques, outstanding museums, iconic monuments, and so much more.
First stop, the Eiffel Tower
A must see in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, which is most likely the most iconic monument in the skyline of the city, and a true symbol of French culture around the world. You should not miss the chance to visit this magnificent iron structure and admire its raw beauty in person, it is a truly unique experience different than watching it on a screen or picture.
Be sure to check the opening times of the Eiffel Tower to make the best of your trip, and book a ticket in advance if you want to go inside and up the Tower, because tickets tend to sell out quickly. The good news is that it is open all year round!
Get to Know the “Real” Paris on the Canal Saint Martin
Around the Canal Saint Martin you will find cafés and hip boutiques built by bourgeois bohemian hipsters, or bobo for short, that have claimed the once-derelict area of the 10th arrondissement, especially through the Rue Beaurepaire.
You can stand onto the veranda of the Paname Brewing Company where it overlooks the water and does trick for the perfect ambiance, location, and artisan beer inspired by the neighborhood.
Spend Parisienne Nights in a Boutique Hotel or Apartments for Rent
Instead of trying to book a hostel outside of Paris to get the cheapest price, which can be beautiful if you enjoy the countryside and city. However, since our intent is that you make the best of your trip, you may want to check out services like Airbnb and VRBO, where you can find picturesque furnished apartments at a reasonable price. There are also great rental agencies that help you find one as well, Haven in Paris and Paris Perfect Guest Apartment Services have good reputations.
Discover All the Parisian Pastries
There is more to enjoy in Paris than just macaroons and croissants, although they are definitely delicious and you should enjoy a few during your stay. Don’t miss out on sweet and complex confections that are not as popular, or easy to find, across the ocean.
Try sablés at Bontemps Pâtisseries, or pâtes de fruits at Jacques Genin, Yann Couvreur at the Canal Saint Martin. You should also stop by Fou de Patisserie, and for an entire sampling of the best treats you may find in the city, head to Hugo & Victor to enjoy samples from some of the most talented chefs in the country.
The Louvre – A Must
Did you know that the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world? This massive building used to be the home to French Kings, including Louis XIV. It was turned into a museum in the 18th century, during the French Revolution.
The Louvre is enormous and you would need several days to go through the entire museum. However, you can admire the highlights like the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, Venus de Milo in about about an hour or two.
Be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets online in advance, or choose to do a tour with a timed entrance or a 3-hour tour with an expert guide.
Get on the Arc de Triomphe
One of the best views you will have from Paris is on top of the Arc de Triomphe. You can look down the Champs-Elysees to the Louvre, over the rooftops to the Eiffel Tower. At night, you will get a spectacular view of the city, and the lighting show of the Eiffel Tower as it dances and sparkles with the city.
Spend the day at Champ de Mars
Going up the Eiffel Tower is quite an experience, but the Parc du Champ de Mars that is right next to it is a wonderful place to spend the day. Champ de Mars has flower beds and lawns that are beautifully and perfectly trimmed with military precision, as to be expected from a former army marching ground.
It is the ideal spot to spend the day and have a nice picnic with your family. All you need is a blanket, water, wine and your favorite treats to pass the time and enjoy, you can even wait for the light show from the Eiffel Tower at night.
Visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Head to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in the 18th arrondissement. You can enter the basilica for free, but if you wish to go up the dome or explore the crypt there will be a charge.
Always Be Kind
Even though Parisians have a reputation of being impolite to foreigners; that waiters are rude, salespeople unhelpful, and basically just standoffish and snobby. This does not mean that you should be unkind in return.
If you really want to visit Paris, take the time to learn a few French words, even if it is just to greet and say goodbye. A simple “Bonjour, Madame” when you enter a store will help you immensely during your visit. Also, note that French people tend to speak in lower voices, which means that it will do wonders if you keep your tone of voice soft in return.
We Will Always Have Paris
After all, we will always have Paris in our memories, and in our pictures too. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful and fascinating city. That has more than fashion and French cuisine to offer tourists.
