Paris

Ah Paris, a place I have been privileged enough to visit three times. A lifetime in Paris would be too little time spent there. I’ve had the joy of traveling with a few friends on their first trips to Europe, and while everywhere we traveled provided an amazing experience, Paris was the first place where they said they truly felt like they were in Europe. There’s something about seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time in person that really makes you feel like you are thousands of miles from home.

While one of my favorite things about Europe is its efficient and enjoyable public transportation, if the weather is favorable and you’ve got the right shoes, some of the best spots of Paris can be hit by foot. Not only does this save money, but in my opinion it is one of the best ways to experience everything the city has to offer. One of my favorite days started bright and early with a cafe noisette from Luxembourg Gardens Café, and a morning walk to The Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. Something about sipping espresso and wandering a bookstore by the river with views of Notre Dame just seems like the French thing to do. Properly caffeinated, and well versed in some poetry, my friend and I headed across the river past the Hotel de Ville for some shopping on Rue de Rivoli. From there we walked down to the Palais Royal and then the Louvre and had lunch in the Jardin des Tuileries. After a little chardonnay and some advice from our waiter we went on to wander the famous Champs-Elysees, the Rodeo Drive of Paris. At the end we purchased tickets to hike to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. While many travelers choose to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, if you are low on time in Paris and looking to save money as well, climbing to the top of the Arc is a much better option. With a 360 degree view of Paris, you can see everything from the financial district, to the Sacred Heart church on the hill, the Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower (the one view you can’t get from the Tower itself – personally I believe the best view in Paris should include the Eiffel Tower). From there we were able to walk back to our Airbnb for a little R&R after a long day of walking.

For a fun night in Paris, there are many options depending on what you want to do. Since it was my friend’s first time in the City of Light, seeing the Eiffel Tower glimmer at midnight was a must. We bought a bottle of wine, some brie, and a baguette and took the metro down to the Bir Hakeim stop and found a spot on the Champ de Mars lawn. For a night out on the town as a twenty something, a great area is the Latin Quarter in the Sixth Arrondissement – plenty of bars, kebab shops, cafes, and dining options; it is unlike any other neighborhood in Paris.

Quick tips:

-If short on time, check out Musee d’Orsay instead of the Louvre. It’s a great museum that used to be a train station. If determined, the whole thing can be seen in about three hours and will most likely have fewer crowds than the Louvre.

-Head to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre at sunset. There’s a funicular to the top but it costs money, so work off your croissant and nutella by hiking the stairs to the top for an amazing view of the city. Be aware, a lot of scammers in this area, but be smart and don’t let it deter you from seeing an amazing place.

-Stay in the Latin Quarter, there’s a lot to do and it has those Parisian vibes you are longing for.