Paris, the city of lights, situated along the banks of River Seine, is the most visited tourist places in the world. The Eiffel tower, museums, cathedrals, basilicas, galleries, palaces, parks, upscale shops, trendy cafes, and renowned fashion houses- you will never have enough of it. You will be lovestruck in the boulevards and gardens of Paris. There is so much to see in Paris that you need to plan and prioritize the sight-seeing spots. For efficient use of time, you should learn a few French phrases, know about the local food culture, and public transport.
Let us look into the various aspects that a tourist should decide to have a marvelous time in Paris:
Choose the area where you wish to stay:
The city of Paris has twenty districts or arrondissements. These arrondissements have circular layouts and are numbered based on their proximity to the city center. The first seven districts have most of the famous tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Marias in the 4th, Saint-Germain in the 6th, and Rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement are some of the great neighborhoods for tourists. Relaxed eateries selling food at affordable prices are present in the 11th arrondissement. So if you are a food-lover willing to learn the Parisian cuisine, then this is the place for you.
The higher sectors are more residential. If you want to experience the life of locals, you can opt to stay there. Moreover, the cost will be relatively less as you move away from the city. The best place for honeymooners would be the hills of Montmartre. Apart from the crowds of the city, the place offers some breathtaking views from the hilltop. It inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
Transport in the city:
The metro rail in the city is well-connected, fast, and reliable. You also have beautiful walkways throughout the city where you can get around at your own pace, do some street shopping, and have delectable food from the roadside carts. There are exclusive walking tours for landmark places such as Notre Dame, Montmartre, and in certain areas like Latin Quarter, and Marais. You can also rent power bicycles that are pollution-free and cost-effective. Taxis are readily available, and one can also take the open-roof buses for a unique view of the monuments. A cruise along the River seine is in the must-do activity of the visitors. Those who find it costlier can go for pleasure boat rides on Bateaux Mouches.
The French gourmet:
Baguettes, croissants, crepes, steaks, fries, sandwich cookies, loads of cheese, hot chocolates, fresh onion soup, excellent seafood, gelatos, lots of fresh fruits, red wine, and the list goes on. What to eat in Paris? The problem of plenty might be your worry-point as you plan your trip. You might already feel like inflating. But when in France, you should eat like the French. They sit down and savor each meal with pleasure and take long strolls to burn the calories.
The next question that pops is where to eat? You have famous restaurants that serve incredible food. (The city has 70 Michelin-starred restaurants.) But they come with a high price tag too. One should try a few of them surely, but should not miss the local food available at small hotels and food carts. The best part is you can always find them near all the famous tourist attractions. One can also buy fresh groceries and wine from food markets, make a picnic, and enjoy with your friends and family.
Best time to visit Paris:
Paris has a pleasant weather for the entire year. The summer months from June to August are warm with the maximum temperature going up to 25-degree Celsius. Winters are not freezing, and the maximum temperatures are around 7/8 °C. The city attracts many tourists in the summer months of June and July and during Christmas time in December. If you want to find cheap hotel rates and avoid the crowd, then the rainy months from January to March are the best.
How to dress up in Paris?
The French are a little less casual. If you wear sweatpants, workout t-shirts, and flip flops, you will be instantly known as a tourist. And, you can face cons and tricksters. Choose neutral colors and simple designs for all occasions.
For summers, women can wear skirts, light blouses, and simple skater dresses. Do not wear skinny dresses. Let the clothing be comfortable and chic. Women can have accessories like summer scarves, wide straw hats, and sunglasses. For men, lightweight trousers, jeans, button-down shirts, striped cotton t-shirts are a must. French men love layering. Thus, you should always have a well-tailored overshirt or a coat. Even in the summer, the weather could turn chilly. So, it is advisable to have a cardigan or jackets.
In Autumn and Springs, the weather in Paris is a little chilly. So, you will need sweaters, both light ones and warm ones. You can also have scarves to protect you from the cold winds. In autumn, the rain is on the horizon at any time. So one should have a light raincoat. A small umbrella in the handbag is convenient. Due to lower temperatures, both men and women should consider wearing leather jackets, pea coats, and trench coats. Women can wear stockings and tights too. In this season, it is wiser to choose waterproof footwear.
Winters in Paris is the time for the thermals. Buttoned-up shirts, warm sweaters, and long, woolen overcoats are a must. You will also need thick socks and long leather boots. Thick woolen scarfs and waterproof gloves can keep you snugger.
Must-visit places in Paris:
The city is rich in history, art, culture, and modernity. A single day is not sufficient to traverse the land of fashion and romance. So, you should allocate a week or at least a long weekend. In case you are planning for a long trip, ensure to have a carte a gratter. It would ensure that you do not miss out on any of the spectacular locations in the city and its suburbs.
The first thing that comes to our mind in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. Another place that offers a top view of the city without costing as high as the higher floors of the Eiffel Tower is the Arc de Triomphe. It is an iconic monument built to commemorate the French victories in the Napolean wars and the French revolution. It has an overview deck at the top. It is located at the Square of the Star (Place de l’Étoile), where 12 straight roads meet. One of them is the famous Champs-Élysées. It is a well-known and a magnificent avenue in Paris. It is also a busy commercial center and has theatres, top-notch restaurants, luxury shops, and art galleries.
Find out the various things that one should while visiting Champs-Élysées. The other end of Champs-Élysées is the Place de la Concorde. It is the largest square in the French capital and at its center, stands the Egyptian Obelisk of Luxor.
The places mentioned above were a small list in the most enchanting capital of the world. There is much more, remember, Paris is a city that you can explore and explore!