you kinda have to do this... and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

When in Paris, you kind of have to visit one of the most famoust structures on Earth. Walking up to the tower along the Champ de Mars will give you great views of the tower and great photo opportunities.

One warning: the lines for the tower get HUGE early. I recommend getting there at least a half an hour before opening to avoid the huge lines. It opens at 9:00 AM in the summer and 9:30 the rest of the year. 11.50 Euros will pay for an elevator ride all the way to the top.

Up top, you have a great view of the entire city. Unfortunately, the day I went it was really hazy so the view wasn't all it could be; but it was still really cool.

Be prepared for a ton of (often rude) tourists pushing and shoving and getting in the way of your pictures, as will happen in any major tourist attraction, but don't let that ruin your time in and atop one of the top attractions in the world.

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: 7th arrondissement
Website: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

Home to a number of very cool shops, artists, and the impressive-looking Sacré Coeur church, the Montmartre area is a very cool place to spend an afternoon in Paris. Montmartre sits atop the highest hill in Paris, and offers a great view of the city.

A good way to do it is to take the metro to the Pigalle station. That lets you out on Rue de Clichy, home of the Moulin Rouge. From there you can walk up the hill to Sacré Coeur, right on the top of the hill.

Near Sacré Coeur is the Place de Tertre, where local artists gather and sell their paintings, or offer to draw a portrait of you, for a price of course.

For the rest of your time in Montmartre, just stroll around the streets, look in the many shops, have a bite to eat and a drink at a sidewalk café, and just enjoy a nice part of town.

The area is very hilly, so be prepared for that.

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Address: 18th arrondissement
Directions: 18th arrondissement
Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/

If you are at all into visiting old churches, Notre Dame is well worth your time. While I don't think it compares to the great old cathedrals in Italy, it is still very nice. What was most impressive to me was the many beautiful stained glass windows all throughout the church. Also check out the intricate carvings above the doors on your way into the church.

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Address: Place du parvis de Notre Dame , 75004
Directions: Métro: Cité; RER: Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint Michel-Notre Dame