I will never forget my first time in Paris, the smell, the chill atmosphere, it was a dream come true. I prepared this trip months in advance and when I was finally there, I just couldn’t believe it. I enjoyed every minute of my stay. I glided through the tiny streets, marvelling at the beautiful buildings, I had coffee at those fancy coffee shops, had dinner with view at the Eiffel Tower. I came back many times and I still feel the same enthusiasm as the first time, I don´t get tired of this city.
People told me that Paris was dirty. Where? People told me that the French can be unfriendly. What? I had some of the best interactions with people here in Paris. My first visit was a solo trip, they were very worried about me because I was by myself. I found that very kind of them. People also say is very expensive. But you know, you will build memories for life and that is priceless. Why only dream about going somewhere you want very much to go and never go, just because you don’t want to spend, well.. everybody does what it is best for them. All I know I don´t want to die with dreams. I tell you a secret, you don’t need to be a millionaire to visit Paris.
That’s why I’ve put together the essential Paris travel guide. Because there are some things you you need to know before going there.
Getting around in Paris
Public transportation in Paris is a very efficient and inexpensive way to get around. You can chose to move by metro, it is faster during rush hour though when traffic is hectic, a pack of 10 single tickets for the bus or metro is about €15, or get a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off busses to get from place to place and if you are heading somewhere farther away, you can always grab a taxi or Uber.
What to do
At my first time in Paris I stayed one week, because there´s so much to do and see and 3 days are not enough for a first time visit and for many might be the only visit. From its beautiful, historical monuments and museums to exceptional cuisine and cafe culture, it will take much time to see and the city is big. It looks like everything is close, but it is just an optical illusion. Make a list of all the places you want to visit, all you want to do, for when you are already there not to lose time trying to find out what would be best to visit.
THE EIFFEL TOWER
While in Paris I don´t think there is someone who would like to miss seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s a classic. I recommend you to go early in the morning, specially on summer days, if you want a photo with the tower without crowds, later in the day it becomes really busy the place. You can buy a ticket to go up so you can enjoy a perfect view from the Eiffel Tower over Paris. It is also very beautiful at night, sparkling.. you should have dinner at one of the boat restaurants on Seine. It’s pretty special and romantic.
LOUVRE
When I visited Paris for the first time, I had no idea I will have so many chances to go back again, so it was a priority to visit Louvre, in and out. Because, if seeing the Mona Lisa is on your life’s bucket list, don’t hesitate, although there is so many beautiful artworks like paintings, a spectacular collection of art and sculptures, Egyptian mummies, that deserve to be admired. Louvre is pretty impressive.
The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous in the entire world! Being mostly known for housing the Mona Lisa and its unique triangular shape. It attracts people all over the world each year and I can tell it is totally worth it.
PONT ALEXANDRE III
This is probably one of the best spots to watch the Eiffel Tower. This is a very important bridge, known for its central location and amazing architecture. On the bridge, you’ll find numerous pillars topped with gold-winged horses, old-fashioned lamps, I must say a very romantic place to walk at any hour of the day.
The bridge has a very good location, not only to watch the Eiffel Tower, or Paris, but it has numerous museums close to it, some of the most important are:
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Musée de Rodin
- Louvre Museum
If you have time try to visit all of them, because all of this museums have special and unique artwork, each of them transports you in a different time and era of history.
This is one of the greatest views of the Avenue des the Champs-Élysées, being one of my favourite streets in Paris. If you want to to get up to the Arc, take the underground passage so you can explore around it and climb up the 284 steps to the top. It is gonna worth it, trust me.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN PARIS
Let’s be honest, when we think of France, beside Paris we think about those delicious croissants and coffee with milk. Paris is a city for the most renowned restaurants and chefs worldwide. There is so many coffee shops to chose from now in Paris. Whether it’s Michelin-star restaurants, quirky hidden cafes, or great takeout food, there’s something for everyone! Some of our favourites were:
- Les Deux Magots
- Breizh Café
- O Coffee
- Matamata Coffee
There are so many other coffee shops, you can find just by wondering around in Paris. The prices varies depending in witch area of the city you are. Close to the touristic zones will be more expensive and if you go a little bit far away it will be cheaper. I have always preferred the zone close the Eiffel Tower, for safety reasons.
Madeleine 𓇼 