Every person should make a point to visit Paris at some time in their life. The beauty, the culture, the cuisine, the historical monuments, and the architecture, are things that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Paris is gorgeous juxtaposition of the old world and new, and gives you a taste of high fashion, art, and a meld of cultures from across the globe that will transform the way you view life. Get out a pen and paper and add “Visit Paris!” to your bucket list right now.
When you do visit Paris, we’ve put together a list of activities that you should make sure to incorporate into your trip, to get the most out of the experience:
- Visit the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is probably the most well-known icon in Paris, and for good reason. It should be at the top of your list while visiting Paris. Take the time to go to the top of the Eiffel, once during the day and once at night, so that you can soak in the 360 degree views of the city, as well as seeing it lit up at night. If you have the energy, you can hike the 704 stairs that take you to the second platform– the highest point that visitors can access. If you are not up to that, you can take two elevators to the same point for just a few euros more.
Insider tip: If you find your international phone service is unreliable while you visit Paris, you may enjoy the boost in service bars when you get to the top!The area around the Eiffel Tower is just as gorgeous as the structure itself. Make sure to give yourself a few hours to have a picnic in the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, to explore the magical walking paths that surround the Eiffel, with ponds and foliage that you only find in Paris, and to take pictures with the iconic merry-go-round and bridge right across the street.
- Take a ferry on the River Seine. During our trip to Paris, one day we bought day-passes on a ferry that continually traveled the 777 kilometers of the River Seine, making stops at seven of the most important tourist attractions in Paris, so we could jump on and jump off at any point. This is possibly our favorite outing that we took during the entire trip. Traveling by boat gives you the opportunity to really soak in the Parisian atmosphere that you just can’t get by bus or taxi. Not to mention, Paris is famous worldwide for its bridges, and taking a ferry can see the opportunity to see every one of them.
- Stroll Down Champs Elysees. If you’ve ever picked up a single issue of Vogue magazine, you already know that Paris shopping is unlike anything you can find in the world. Many of the most famous retailers and designers in Paris can be found on a single street– Champs Elysees. Cartier, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, and Hugo Boss (as well as dozens of others) are all found on this street. If you want to take home a designer piece from the cradle of fashion, this is where you’ll find it. Otherwise, just strolling down the Champs Elysees is a great cultural experience.
As you reach the end of Champs Elysees, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, the famous monument that was erected in 1836 to celebrate the men who have fought in the name of France. A special ceremony is conducted at the Arc de Triomphe twice a day to recognize France’s fallen soldiers, which is very enriching to watch. Also, climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe gives you an incredible view of the city. - Take a day to Versailles. The palace of Versailles, the home of Marie Antoinnette, is just a short train ride from Paris. Versailles is a whimsical and sprawling estate that includes intricately decorated rooms, perfectly manicured shrubbery, giant fountains and elaborate statues. Versailles gives you a taste of French history, as well as the French countryside on the trip out.
Do you have anything to add to our list? Please contribute them in the comment section below.
