Planning to visit the City of Love? 10 ideas of things to do for your first time in Paris!
Paris would definitely be in a lot of people’s travel list and it certainly is in mine. For this year’s summer holiday, Paris has always been at the top of my list.
Paris is such a gorgeous city and it has got a lot to offer that you will surely enjoy. We stayed there for a week (more of like 6 full days and 6 nights) but it felt like we needed more to discover the whole city but I wouldn’t mind going back as it is only an hour flight away from the UK. Anyhow, we were still able to do a lot of stuff. We learned a lot while enjoying as well.
Here are 10 ideas of things to do in Paris this summer:
1. See the Eiffel Tower day and night
First things first, when in Paris, visit the Eiffel Tower! As we arrived, when we got off the plane, then the train, it still didn’t sink in to me that I was already in Paris. Not until when we were walking to our hotel and I had a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, I then smiled and told myself, I am in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower is France’s global cultural icon. It was one of the landmarks we visited first on our first day in the city. We also dropped by there almost every day while we were there, given that it was only a 10-minute walk from our hotel, why not? It was so beautiful, especially at nighttime when all the lights are turned on and when it sparkles for 5 minutes every hour.
2. Appreciate the Paris skyline
Paris has got such a gorgeous skyline that you would definitely love to see from any high rise landmark but it would be a bonus if you saw it from the Eiffel Tower. My jaw just instantly dropped when I saw how magnificent this view of Paris was. My friend and I were able to get on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower and the view from up there was just breathtaking. It’s definitely a sight to see when you’re in Paris. It would complete your Paris trip!
3. Drop by and see different historical landmarks and sights
Paris has a rich history and has a lot of stories to tell. You will definitely learn a lot while sightseeing around the city. We were able to drop by to a few of these landmarks and learned a lot while we were there, the Arc de Triomphe and the Jeanne d’Arc are just two of these. We also dropped by to see the Wall of Love.
4. Visit various museums, galleries and exhibitions
With rich history comes stunning artwork. If you love art, then Paris is definitely one of the places to be! From classic to renaissance to modern art, you can see all of that variety in this city. Whether you want it in different forms, from paintings to sculptures, you will enjoy them here.
We were able to visit 3 museums and a few galleries and exhibitions while we were there. The Louvre Museum shouldn’t be missed so it was the very first museum we visited there and had a glimpse of Mona Lisa. We also visited Musée d’Orsay and Rodin Museum to learn more different kinds of art, also Centre Pompidou to see a few of its exhibits.
5. Stop over and admire different churches
Paris has a lot of beautiful churches and most of them are must visit sites when you’re in the city. Notre Dame Cathedral is at the top of the list which is why my heart broke when it broke out in fire. Montmatre Sacré-Cœur Basilica is also a gorgeous church. If you’ve got a day to spare to travel from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, then the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is a must see.
6. Let the inner child in you out in Disneyland
I’m in love with Disney and I don’t think it should be questioned as I know a lot of you grew up loving Disney so a day or two in Disneyland Paris is a must. It makes you look back to your childhood while enjoying yourself in the amusement park.
7. Go shopping!
I know a lot of people who go to Paris just to shop or if not, shopping is on top of their lists. Why? Well, why not when all these good are from France and you’re already in the country where your favorite products are produced. They said, it is much more affordable here too. I can’t really justify that as I wasn’t there to shop but I did enjoy walking through Avenue des Champs-Élysées and just eye shopping through its different shops. Galeries Lafayette is also a must visit, even when you’re not there to shop.
8. Enjoy the sun at their beautiful gardens and parks
Just want to relax and enjoy basking in the sun? Paris has got a lot of gardens and parks you can stopover at. Wanting to have a break from all the walking? Then do it at Jardin des Tuileries or at Jardin Luxembourg! Or just wanting to have a cup of iced coffee? Then have it at Palais Royal and its gardens! That short break from all the sightseeing would definitely be worth it. Also, there is Canal Saint-Martin which is usually less crowded.
9. Walk through different bridges
The River Seine is the lifeblood of Paris, it separates Paris’ historical halves. Knowing that, Paris has got 37 bridges that crosses River Seine and most of them are really pretty bridges that you can check out. We saw quite a few but just stopped by Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
10. Eat good food!
Of course! The number one reason why you’re on a holiday? Get to eat all the good food! From having different French delicacies to having mouthwatering dishes at different brasseries nearby. Our first meal in Paris consisted of having really good pasta and pizza at a brasserie near our hotel. Quite a few times, we were able to enjoye some crepes by the Eiffel Tower while enjoying the stunning view for free. Also, we had an afternoon tea at Ladurée with some sweet macarons.
For those who are travelling to Paris, I can give you a few tips.
First, you can get the Navigo Pass to access all modes of transportation in Paris from buses to trains. You can save a lot more than getting weekly travel cards which would cost you almost 60 euros, as you can get these passes for only less than 30 euros for a week. That’s half the price! Just make sure you’ve got a passport photo with you.
Second, you can also get Museum Passes which you can use to access 50 attractions within the city. You can save more with this than getting a ticket to each attraction.
Lastly, go early as queues are meant to be really long especially for the summer holiday. Waiting in line on a hot day wouldn’t be nice.
Paris used to be just a dream, now it has come true and I’m in love! I’ll surely be back in the City if Love. Hope this list will help you.
Be pretty, be happy, be you! H~
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