1. Eiffel Tower: Touchè. I have a little confession: we actually skipped to climb up the Eiffel tower because I couldn't manage to book the ticket online and every time we went to check it out, there was a line for at least 2 hours of waiting.
To be honest, we didn't care that much because what makes the Paris view unique is actually the tower itself, so I kinda felt like it was not such a big must-do for me. Instead, we spent 1 hour chilling out in Les Jardins du Trocadero with the best view! Also don't forget to keep an eye for the tower every here and there. Paris streets and buildings are amazing but it gives a unique joy for the eye when they are combined with the tower.
Another point is the night view, but I will not say a word, I will let the photo do all the talking. The tower starts a light show once an hour.
2. Musee du Louvre: There is the art, and there is the art. Even though I'm not an expert with the paintings and art, having the Mona Lisa inside is a good reason to spend a couple of hours inside. My other point is Da Vinci Code. Going to Louvre was on my list since middle school, when I read the book.
Nevertheless, even if you prefer to skip the museum, just check around the museum for the crystal pyramids. We went to the museum early in the morning (around 9) and we had to spend 10 minutes to pass the security, while we bought the tickets from the online machine in the ticket office.
Once there, have a little walk around Jardin des Tuileries to chill out.
3. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris: My next must-see location is Notre-Dame, especially after watching the musical recently once more. The details of the building is amazing. We went to the cathedral really early in the morning so we skipped the line completely, but my tip would be to skip going inside if you encounter a massive cue, it's not worth to wait 1 hour while Paris streets are waiting for you to discover.
4. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: I was interested to find a nice spot to get the city view with the tower and after an intensive search, I found Lafayette! It's a shopping center that you can also spend some time and spending money, but the best part is that you don't have to spend a single cents to appreciate this view!
5. Street Life: Even if you have no plan at all, just wandering around the city is amazing. Just enjoy an afternoon to sit outside of a French cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Have a walk around the river and cross each bridge to enjoy the golden guardians and mellow street lights.
Generally when we travel we skip the nightlife to have more energy for the next day exploring. Paris made us feel that it would have been a big big mistake, since Paris is also amazing under the lights.
And do not forget to check out the shops! Lately, I am into minimalist lifestyle, so I try not to purchase items that I will not use or bring any joy to my life. So, I only bought a beret (hello, I'm in Paris) and enjoyed the amazing bookshops here and there. Shakespeare & Company is one of the best spots to check out if you are into books as much as I am!
6. Sweets: I am not into Macarons that much, so I spent all my time digging the crepes, but I cannot deny how cute Macarons look at the shops!
7. Weather Forecast: I feel like I am speaking the obvious but be aware that weather in Paris seems to be changing dramatically! We managed to find a 15°C of temperature with all day raining in the middle of July! Just, be prepared and do not skip the forecast search.
Enjoy!
Labels: France, Highlights, Paris
