If you follow me on social media, you know that I spent 3 days in Paris last week! Everyone is shocked that we were only there for a few days. Let me guess, you’re wondering how we fit it all in? Today’s post will cover what I think you can skip, and what you CANNOT miss when visiting the City of Lights.
1. The Eiffel Tower: I know, this is a bit of a no-brainer. But you seriously cannot miss this OR getting a crepe at one of the vendors outside (I recommend nutella + banana). Quick tip: You will see a MASSIVE line (about a 2 hour wait) to ride the cart to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t do this! Either people are that lazy, or they don’t realize that you can take the stairs up for less money and no line! It’s a bit of a workout, but you will need all the exercise you can get in a city full of cheese, bread, and wine.
Also, be prepared to witness a selfie stick epidemic! I have never seen so many selfie sticks in my life! There are vendors everywhere trying to sell you one (yes, I bought one, don’t judge me). It’s so funny to think that I was in Paris just 3 years ago studying abroad with my FIRST iPhone (which got stolen by a french male model, but that’s a story for another day ha!) and I’m back just a few years later and the Eiffel Tower is just a giant swarm of SELFIE STICKS! Times they are a changin’!
2. River Tour on the Seine: Yes, this is a bit touristy, but it’s such a relaxing way to take in the city! Almost everything you will want to see is along the Seine, so this tour really covers it all. To be completely honest with you: If I’m going to take in a few hundred years of French history, I would like to do so while sitting on a boat sipping on some wine.
3. Montmartre: Montmartre is like a mini village within the city! It’s a very artsy area, so it was right up my alley. Definitely make time to walk around the streets of Montmartre- there are so many cute cafes and shops. At the very top of Montmartre is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic Basilica that sits on the highest point in all of Paris! You get the absolute best view of the city here, so expect to see more selfie sticks haha!
4. Visit a Cafe + Just Wander: My favorite day in Paris was our last day there, when we had absolutely nothing planned. Sometimes I think people get too hung up on seeing all of the historic sites when traveling to a new city. After waiting in line after line, running around an enormous city, and spending a whole lot of money–did you really enjoy yourself? My answer to that question would be: no. But that’s just me!
I loved just walking around, shopping, and going out to lunch with my mom our last day in Paris. Sometimes spending an ordinary day in a foreign country can be more valuable than immersing yourself in historical museums and tours. That’s what text books are for, am I right?! Haha.
Sit back, relax, and eat some cheese! Thats my new motto.
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