Paris Revealed: Unlock the Magic of the City of Love with this Travel Guide

26/08/2023

Paris, the City of Love, is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. From its stunning architecture to its world-renowned cuisine, there is something for everyone in Paris. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip:

Things to do:

Eiffel Tower – No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Take the elevator or climb the stairs for breathtaking views of the city. My personal favourite views of the Eiffel Tower are from the following locations: 29 Avenue Rapp in the 7^th arrondisment (this is the address of a famous house that won the best Façade in Paris in 1903). You can check out the stunning architecture of this house and then when you turn around you get a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower between the streets. The best thing about this view is I visited in the middle of the day and there wasn’t a single other tourist around taking photos. On the corner of the bridge near the Flame of Liberty. This spot gives you a great view of the tower with the Seine in the foreground. You can always do a tour and climb the Eiffel Tower also book the experience here.
Notre Dame Cathedral – This historic cathedral, with its stunning stained-glass windows and famous gargoyles, is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. At the moment the cathedral is undergoing restoration works but they should hopefully be completed by the end of 2023.
Nearby to the Notre Dame is one of my personal favourite buildings in Paris. Sainte Chapelle is a stunning building, and I could honestly spend hours in here looking at all the characters in the stained glass. This is definitely a must-do whilst in Paris. Book your tickets here.
Take a book to the Petite Palace and read in the gardens. Not only does this building have stunning architecture and an art museum, but there is also a garden courtyard inside where you can enjoy the nature and sit for a coffee or read your book.
Musée du Louvre – Home to the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It does get busy though so be sure to book your timeslot early. Book a timed entry here.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for a 360 view of Paris which includes the Eiffel Tower. Personally, I would recommend this over climbing the Eiffel Tower. Pictures just do not give the Arc the merit it deserves. This thing is huge!! And like all of the other architecture in Paris the detail is breathtaking. You can book a ticket online here.
Take a cruise on the Seine River, the best time is in the late afternoon/ evening about an hour or two before sunset. The cruise will take you down the river passing a number of historical landmarks and attractions. Going at twilight gives all of the buildings this magical glow. Plus, if you pack some picnic supplies and a bottle of wine you can sit in the park near the Eiffel Tower and enjoy whilst the sun finally sets and hopefully get to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle before heading back to your accommodation. Book a ticket here.

Where to eat in Paris:

Le Comptoir du Relais – A popular bistro that serves traditional French cuisine, including classic dishes like steak frites and escargot.
Le Jules Verne – A Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city along with gourmet French cuisine.
L’Ambroisie – Another Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Ambroisie is known for its traditional French cuisine and elegant dining room.
Chez L’Ami Jean – A bustling bistro that serves hearty French dishes, including roasted meats and stews.
Le Procope – The oldest cafe in Paris, Le Procope is famous for its historic atmosphere and classic French cuisine.

Bonus tip: Get a crepe from one of the street carts. The best crepes of my life.

Where to stay in Paris:

Hostels: For budget-conscious travellers, there are many hostels in the city that offer affordable dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Some popular options include the

St. Christopher’s Inn (stay at the one on the Canals)
People Hostel.

Hotels: From luxury 5-star hotels to budget-friendly options, there is no shortage of hotels in Paris.

Budget

The Pink Hotel is located in Paris’ 12th district, a 15-minute walk from the Bois de Vincennes. It offers air-conditioned rooms, a bar and free Wi-Fi.
Hôtel Piapia is located in the east of Paris just 900 metres from Place de la Nation and its many transport links. The famous Père Lachaise Cemetery is a 15-minute walk away. The hotel’s contemporary décor is inspired by space, the planets and the stars.

Luxury

Hotel de Crillon is set in Paris, 300 metres from both the Tuileries Garden and the Champs-Elysées and 1.5 km from the Louvre Museum. Some rooms have a balcony. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a spa.
Fauchon l’Hôtel Paris situated in Paris, an 8-minute walk from the Place de la Concorde and a 2-minute walk from Madeleine Metro Station, Fauchon l’Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness centre and a Spa Carita. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as the Olympia concert hall, refined shops and Opéra Garnier. Free WiFi is included.

Most Instagrammable Locations:

The Seine River – With its stunning bridges, iconic architecture, and romantic boat rides, the Seine is a prime location for Instagram photos.
Place des Vosges – This historic square, with its elegant buildings and lush greenery, is a popular spot for romantic walks and photos.
Montmartre – With its charming cobblestone streets, bohemian atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the city, Montmartre is a must-visit for photographers.
Luxembourg Gardens – With its beautiful gardens, stunning fountains, and historic palaces.

Paris is waiting for you! With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere, there’s no better time to visit the City of Love. So book your trip today, and get ready to fall in love with Paris. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, Paris is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t wait – start planning your dream trip to Paris now!

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