Thursday, November 13, 2014

Things to Do in Paris

If you could only pick one city in the world to visit, what would it be? The city of your dreams? Would it be Paris?

While I hope that you're able to travel to many places in your life, if you only ever went to Paris, you would still have an amazing adventure. Paris is a unique place. I've been lucky enough to visit Paris several times, and I'm in the process of planning another trip.

If you're planning to travel to Paris, I have a few recommendation about places that you should visit while you're there. Of course, there are so many different things to do in Paris, but these are a few of my favorites.

Places to Visit in Paris
Musée D'Orsay - Sometimes when you walk into an art museum, you know that you're supposed to appreciate the painting that you see, but unless you know about art, you aren't exactly sure why. That is not the case at the Musée D'Orsay. First of all, the Museum is in an old train station and the building itself is beautiful. Second, the Museum has artists you are likely to know. Degas, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh. Most of the paintings are easy for the casual visitor to enjoy. This museum is my favorite one that I have been to so far in Paris.






Musée Rodin - Another great art museum in Paris. In addition to the art itself, this museum has a beautiful garden. You will see Rodin's famous The Thinker. There are also plenty of other statues scattered among rosebushes and other flowers. If you are in Paris during the warmer months, you must spend time in the garden.



Palais Garnier (Opera House) - If you have seen The Phantom of the Opera, you may recognize this place. Yes, the book is set in this Opera House. The inside of the Opera House is absolutely stunning.



Sacré Couer - Head up to this Basilique in Montmarte for one of the best views of Paris. On the way up be sure to stop by the artists' stalls and take a look at the paintings. There are also a few good places to stop for crêpes in Montmarte, so I'd advise that as well.

Louvre - You knew that this one would be on the list. Chances are that you do want to see the Mona Lisa. There is lots of art to see in this museum. You could spend days in there, and not see everything. That being said, if you're pressed for time or if you want to avoid crowds and art isn't your thing anyway, you might want to chose a different art museum.



Notre Dame - While you could just view Notre Dame from the outside, it's worth taking the time to walk through the inside as well.



Eiffel Tower - It's up to you to decide whether you want to spend the time and money to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower (I personally would, but it's ok if you don't). However, you should explore the area in front of the tower. Bring a picnic for a meal and enjoy the view. Also, the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour at night until midnight. You need to see this.

Other Things to Do


Eat a crêpe. This must be done. I'd advise nutella and banana.

Walk down the Champs-Élysées. This where many famous shops are. You'll want to window shop. Stop by Laduree for a macaroon or two if the line isn't too long.

Spend a day at Versailles. Where Marie Antoinette lived. The palace is stunning. It's outside of Paris, so visiting it will involve a day trip.

Walk along the Seine. Either bank of the river is good for walking and people watching.

Shop at Galleries Lafayette. You don't actually have to buy anything at this huge department store, but you should take a look around. It reminds me of Macy's in New York or Harrod's in London.


Also, while in Paris, I stayed at a lovely apartment that I booked through airbnb. It was my first experience using airbnb, and I highly recommend using the service. I'm happy to share this code with you to get $25 dollars off your first booking with airbnb.


There are so many more great places in Paris, but that's my list of current favorites. Do you have any suggestions or questions?  

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22 comments:

  1. Paris isn't in my super top list of places to travel, but I DO want to visit one day. This list will come in handy! Thanks for sharing and for joining my weekly link party! :)

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    1. You do need to visit some day! Thanks for having your link party!

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  2. Very good list. I agree having a crepe is a must and eating macarons from Laduree!

    #SITSBlogging

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    1. Both of those are absolutely delicious! Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. My husband had always wanted to go to Paris, so we went for a few days several years ago. We did a lot of the stuff on your list and had a great time. (We probably had 2 crepes each per day. So delicious!) One place I particularly liked was Père Lachaise Cemetery, and I'd recommend it to others...though I'm not sure how many people want to spend their Paris vacations in a graveyard. :)

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    1. I'm glad that you enjoyed Paris! I've been to Père Lachaise as well, and I agree that it is an interesting place in Paris to visit. If I'd had enough time, I would have gone there again on this trip.

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  4. I would love to travel to Paris someday! This is an excellent list to help get my planning started. Safe travels!

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    1. I hope that you are able to get to Paris one day! Thanks!

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  5. Paris was never really on my radar, until a friend told me she was heading there for a week and I was in the neighbourhood so I popped over and we had the best time! And Orsay was definitely one of the best thing about my visit there!

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    1. I'm glad that you got to visit and that you enjoyed Orsay!

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  6. Hi! I followed you from Travel Tuesday! I was in Paris for the first time recently this past summer, and I didn't like it that much. BUT, I did find my favorite cathedral there! The Saint Chapelle cathedral still tops my list as the most beautiful cathedral I've ever seen!!
    And of course, I'd add that you must eat as many baguettes as you possibly can :D

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    1. Never been to Saint Chapelle. I'll have to try it!

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  7. Yes, yes, and yes. I love this list and so desperately want to visit Paris. Everything looks so beautiful! I will definitely be saving this list for "if I go"!

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  8. what a great list! i really like the eat a crepe instruction, lol, and that's no lie. i would add eat a macaron from laduree to that list, too. now anything pistachio flavored brings me back to our vacation this past april, and any macaron is held to laduree standards. thanks for bringing all this up for me!
    b

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  9. I visited Paris a few times, but I never can be more happy to see it again. I love everything about The City of Light and your list is pretty good. I can only be adding to "the fat tires" tour - segway - is the best way to see well guided tour and fast was to be in so many historical places! BON Voyage!

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    1. I've never seen the segway tour. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

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  10. I cannot really say that Paris was one of my favourit places, however you list makes me remember that we had a good time. A huge plus is, when you are under 25 and from Europe you get in everywhere for free basically! Tour Eiffel was the only place we paid entry! :)

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    1. I'm so jealous of my friends who are from Europe when they visit Paris because they can get in places for free there! That sounds wonderful!

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  11. Great list of the big sights to see and Galleries Lafayette is definitely a must - dangerous but definitely a must when in Paris! xx

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