Paris
Is there anyone who went to Paris and not fall in love with
the city? This was my 5th time in Paris and once again I was amazed by its charm, elegance and beauty...
Here are some tips where you can enjoy the see both as a tourist and a local
Must see museums
Top two is always obvious: Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. These
two huge museums are the top two visited ones. In order to avoid the queue
online ticket is an option another option is to go during lunch time around
14.00. This trick definitely worked for me! I just waited for 15min and voila I
was inside the museum!
View of Louvre |
Musee d'Orsay |
Third museum to go and my favorite was Centre Pompidou. This
modern museum is composed by a library, two big galleries and exposition areas.
If you love Kandisky, Chagal, Matisse and many more you can spend hours without
noticing!
Must Walk & See
Champs-Elysee is not the one I’m sorry. It’s unnecessarily
to crowded and redundantly popular. I suggest St.Germain area. Every street
ends up in another street such as Rue de Sevres, Boulevard Raspali, Rue des
Rennes, Rue de Vuagirard and many more. Walking in Paris is a must to feel the
vibe of this amazing city.
St.Michel area is one of the most popular places. There are
many second hand bookstores where you can find books both in English and French.
While you are there take a short walk to Quartier Latin and eat a crepe
there(salty/sweet)
Le Marais: My favorite area for sure! Previously dominated
by Jews is now transformed to an area of shopping and eating. Jews are still
there with their traditional restaurants, dishes and bakeries. While you are in
Le Marais you must try falafel, too good.
Pigalle- Sacre Coeur-Montmarte- Moulin Rouge: Start you tour
to Scare Coeur from Pigalle, head to Sacre Coeur and then head down to
Montmarte where you will see many souvenir shops, cafes to chill and painters who
will want to paint you! Unfortunately they are not very talented or very
expensive so I suggest you to skip this option! Finally you will see Moulin
Rouge to be honest I was expecting something much more spectacular however it’s
just a red building with a mill. Moulin Rouge was my only disappointment in
Paris!
Quai de Seine: Just walk along the Seine river look at the
book shops along the river, pass from Ponte des Arts(where they have removed
the love locks instead there are graffitis), the area around Ponte des Arts has
many art galleries every nice walk. If you are in Paris during summer you can
enjoy Plage sur Seine where there is sand and chaise with umbrellas along the
river. It’s an amazing place to have some peace and enjoy summer
Canal St.Martin: This small canal is so bohemian and less
touristic. There are many cafes and shops around it. You can easily reach by
metro (metro
stops: République, Jacques Sergent, Parmentier)
Canal St.Martin |
Opera Area: The opera building is just amazing, walking up
behind the Opera you arrive at Boulevard Ousmann, the most crowded and
touristic part of Paris where Printemps and Gallerie LaFayette is located
Cathedral Notre Dame and surrondings: Situated on this small
island in the middle of Seine, it’s
possible to reach Notre Dame from Pont Neuf, Rue des Bernardins, boulevard
St.Michel or by metro (Cite, St.Michel) walk around in this small island and
enjoy the view. Then pass to Hotel de Ville.
Hotel de Ville Area: situated at the heart of the city there
is always an event in this neighborhood. During summer there are free concerts
and during winter there is an ice skating area. If you are walking around the
city this will be one of the spots that you will pass by.
Eiffel Tower: If it’s your first time in Paris of course
it’s interesting to go and see Eiffel Tower. You have two options to reach by
metro either you stop at the Eiffel Stop and reach at the gardens lying in
front of it. This is a better option if you wish to go up of the tower. If you
want just a photo you can take off at the Trocard stop and see it from a bit
further. It’s possible to reach to tower by walking form this station as well
Avenue Victor Hugo: Walking around in these rich
neighborhoods of Paris will make you feel just happy. The architecture will
amaze you till your core. And at the end you reach Champs-Elysees
Relax here
Jardin du Luxembourg |
Jardin de Luxembourg : Located in the heart of the city
between Boulevard St.Michel and Boulevard Raspali is a huge garden to relax on
the grass or on benches and enjoy the sun and summer
Jardin de Tuliers: after a fulfilling tour in Louvre this
garden will feel amazing. Just lay on the benches and chill.
Eat & Drink
Parisians are very into their comfort and they love food of
course French cuisine is one of the best cusisnes. In Paris you have many
options every restaurant/café/bar is just too beautiful. Each of them have
their space at the outside with little tables and chair and almost all of them
make you feel Parisian and you feel like you belong to the city.
St. Germain Area:
Café Flore and Les Deux Magots: Located in the heart of
St.Germain, these two cafes are the oldest. If you want to feel old Paris you
must go here. They were the preferred cafes of Hemingway and many more artists.
La Moccha: This cafe is a must go place to feel that you are
in Paris. It’s situated in St.Germain and very close to Musee d’Orsay
Canal St.Martin:
Ponte des Arts |
La Marine: Situated by the canal this typical Parisian café
offers amazing food. If you aren’t hungry then definitely try Kusmi Tea.
Comptoir Generale: This terrace bar has very nice cocktails
with a spectacular view. It’s one of the must-go places while you are in Paris
Le Marais
Le Voyagier: one of the best cafes among many others in Le
Marais. It’s one of the best places to feel the vivant vibe of the quartier and
watch people while enjoying lemon tart with ice coffee.
Le Marais is also very vivant at night Yono and Éclair de
Genies are bars with tasty cocktails and cool atmospheres.
Les Philosophes Café is one of the popular cafes on Rue du
Vielle Temps where you can enjoy traditional French cuisine.
Dinner
George’s: Situated at the terrace of Centre Pompidou, this
restaurant offers delicious food with a breath taking view.
View from George's |
Ralph’s: Located in the courtyard of Ralph Lauren store in
St.Germain, this resto is preferred by tourists and locals. Food is amazing;
the best is the burgers for sure. You need reservations for dinner and lunch
L’Avenue: Located on the side street of Champs Elysees
offers one of the most expensive yet delicious food. If you have no budget
concerns try this restaurant where you may see many famous people then continue
your night at Lark. One of the best night clubs in Paris. Make sure you have
reservations!
Breakfast:
Eric Kayser: Although it’s pain au chocolat is a bit heavy
its croissants are delicious. They have many shops around Paris.
KGB, Piaglle |
Lili’s Brownies: This cute place is located in rue de Dragon
where you can taste delicious cakes, muffins and brownies.
KGB: located in Pigalle, this hipster café offers you different cakes,tea
and coffee options
Carretta: If you wish to have pleasant yet a bit expensive
breakfast with the view of Eiffel, try this place! (metro stop: Trocard)