"Paris, One Of My Favorite Cities" Paris by Donna_in_India

Paris Travel Guide: 22,165 reviews and 53,882 photos

Paris is a wonderful walkable city with so many interesting sights. It is truly a beautiful city. You could easily spend months there immersing yourself in the culture. I have been to Paris about 5 or 6 times over the span of more years than I care to mention. Each time has been a different experience – from the original backpack trip (2 of them actually) to my most recent apartment stay with my husband. And even on my last trip I saw things and experienced things I had not seen/done before. I love the churches and cafes, the bakeries with their warm baguettes, and the museums!

It’s an easy city to navigate. When you aren’t walking, the metros are clean, convenient, and efficient. The local people seem to prefer at least an attempt at your speaking French.

Fact wise, it’s the capital of France with a population of 2+ million people (10+ million in the metro area). In central Paris, the Right Bank is located north of the Seine River and the Left Bank is located south of the River. It is divided into 20 numbered districts (arrondissements) that spiral out from the city center.

If your time in Paris is short, plan out your days carefully. Make sure to check weekly and/or holiday closings for museums and plan around them. Allow extra time for lines, even in the off-season. Buy admission tickets online, where available.

The weather is nice in the late springtime and the crowds are less. Accommodations run the range from budget to luxurious, although the budget ones seem to be getting harder to find. I strongly recommend renting an apartment!

Nightlife will keep you busy from the Moulin Rouge (and such type) show(s) to the latest, hottest club. There is a wonderful assortment of foods including bakery treats, various baguette sandwiches, and street food such as crepes. Please do not eat at McDonald’s in Paris!!

There is a something about Paris that will keep you wanting to return. Each time I’ve left I hadn’t expected to come back. I’m so glad I keep getting the chance to return.

There is just so much to see in Paris but I recommend not trying to see it “all” during your trip because not only is it impossible to do in a limited amount of time, but you will be rushing so much you won’t enjoy what you ARE seeing. Allow plenty of time to stop and relax! One of the best things to do in Paris is sit at a cafe, have a cappuccino, and people watch! My own favorite sites are the Rodin Musuem and Sainte-Chappelle.

I’ve included a travelogue which is from my day-to-day journal of our time in Paris along with my tips and photos. Hope you enjoy them!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Great Art and Architecture, Delicious Food!
  • Cons:Can be expensive.
  • In a nutshell:No matter how many times you visit, you'll still see something new!
  • Last visit to Paris: Apr 2007
  • Intro Updated Aug 17, 2009
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Reviews (19)

Comments (14)

  • pfsmalo's Profile Photo
    Jun 1, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    Well written and thought-out tips Donna, with plenty of info and photos to back them up.

  • mindcrime's Profile Photo
    Jan 16, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    great page, I liked your travelogue! unfortunately we couldnt find an appartment in Paris the days we wanted.

  • SLLiew's Profile Photo
    Jan 9, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    Excellent tips of Paris. Bring back fond memories espcially the Louvre. Cheers, SL:)

  • littlesam1's Profile Photo
    Jan 4, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Very well researched page Donna. Paris is my favorite city of all.

  • Maurizioago's Profile Photo
    Aug 5, 2010 at 1:21 AM

    I hope to visit Paris next year. Ciao!

  • balhannah's Profile Photo
    Jun 25, 2010 at 5:13 PM

    Paris, and you have done it well! The Sacre Coeur, and lovely photo's you have taken, how appealing this Basilica is from the outside, I imagine it would be just as nice inside!

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Apr 6, 2010 at 5:32 AM

    Yes, it would be so great if more people would read the manual and learn how to turn off the flash on their digital cameras! Glad you enjoyed your visit to Paris. Nice tips!

  • wise23girl's Profile Photo
    Aug 9, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    Good to remember. Did you pass these tips on to the VT ???for inclusion in holiday planning ideas

  • diosh's Profile Photo
    Aug 2, 2009 at 4:59 PM

    Notre dame- it's stunning each visit, isn't it? Now trying to leave a comment on Eiffel Tower tip- I can't!Do you see what I mean? xx Great Paris tips-- still appearing in same box, although I've been looking vat different info!

  • ForestqueenNYC's Profile Photo
    Jun 28, 2009 at 8:17 AM

    Good tips, Donna. And I agree that walk, walk, walk, is a must do. The city is a museum itself and the only real way to see it is on foot.

Donna_in_India

“Life isn't measured by the amount of breaths you take, but by the amount of moments that take your breath away.”

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