Top 5 Things To Do in Paris
Paris as a Tourist Destination
Paris is forever defined by the essential French romantic spirit. There’s something so enchanting about the avenues and the cafés that you would inevitably fall in love with the vibes. The most obvious things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel and the Louvre, but you can also find other amazing attractions waiting for you. You know Mona Lisa, but have you given your thoughts to the Thinker at Musee Rodin? Have you stood silently in front of the Water Lilies at Musee de l’Orangerie? There’s so much to feel in Paris that you might want to pause and rethink. Sitting silently within the precincts of the Notre Dame Cathedral, you may start to rediscover heaven by all means. Paris is a heavenly experience, but the city also has its labyrinths of hell. Within the eerie Catacombs, you look into the stark eyes of death as you stand in awe in the labyrinthine display of human skeletons.
If the Catacombs famish you and make you want to return to the world of the living, take a break with the fabulous street foods in Paris. From Indian Kebabs to Middle Eastern Falafel and Thai cuisine, there is no dearth of options. A typical Montmartre café menu consists of classic French dishes such as crepes, onion soup, and smoked salmon. Pizzas and burgers are very popular, and you can find several places serving these. Budget-wise, be ready to spend up to 1,500 Euros for a 7-day trip to Paris. This estimate does not include the airfare and assumes you would stay in budget accommodation. A standard mid-range hotel charges approximately 80 Euros per night, so expect to spend up to 600 Euros for accommodation.
Getting around Paris can be done cheaply, especially if you have a travel pass. Popular walking tours include the Emily in Paris tour, based on a TV show, and the Da Vinci Code tour, based on a book.
Things To Do in Paris
1. Ascend the Eiffel Tower
If you need a definitive Parisian experience, visit the Eiffel Tower, standing tall. An ascent to the top unveils a marvelous view of the Parisian cityscape, something that remains etched in your memory forever. The tower is more than just an engineering marvel. It’s emblematic of the very spirit of French resilience standing tall in a chaotic world. You can take the stairs up to the second floor. From there, you need to take the elevator to the top.
Tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower can be purchased at the ticket office, although you can book online and skip the queue. Ticket combos for the stairs and elevators are also available. The elevators remain open up to 11:00 PM while the stairs are accessible up to 5:30 PM on weekdays. Before you visit, make sure you check the official website and get all the updated information. The fantastic monument is one of the top places to visit in France.
2. Explore the Louvre Museum
Visiting the Louvre is the hallmark of the Parisian experience. The magnificent museum houses some of the greatest artistic creations of all time, creating an almost magical ambience. As you stand in awe in front of the priceless creations, you can feel the very existence of humankind assigned to preservation. From the Egyptian vault to The Code of Hammurabi, ancient mysteries reckon at your awakening in the Louvre. Famous creations include the Mona Lisa, the Dying Slave, and The Wedding at Cana. The Venus de Milo is a beautiful embodiment of the Goddess of Love, just as the Winged Victory of Samothrace is dedicated to the mighty Goddess of Victory. The Louvre houses some of the most magnificent artistic creations from the Renaissance and the Hellenistic era. The museum is also a great place to explore the richness of French culture and the intrigue of Egypt. Exploring the magical museum is one of the top things to do in Paris, by all means!
3. Cruise the Seine River
The Seine has witnessed Paris from the very beginning to this day. Sightseeing cruises offer beautiful views of the iconic landmarks on the way, including the Eiffel, the Musee d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Conciergerie. The options vary by your preferences, and you can select from lunch cruises, dinner cruises, and champagne cruises. The best time to visit Paris may be the spring season by most accounts, but a winter in Paris has its own charms. River cruises are available throughout the year, offering a wonderful experience anytime you visit. Imagine gourmet dining and handpicked champagne while the pleasant boat glides past the iconic landmarks. Some cruises also have audio commentary, introducing visitors to the history of the attractions you come to see along the way. A typical journey starts at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, taking you past one attraction after another as you indulge in fine dining.
4. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most majestic monuments of Christendom in the whole world. Dedicated to ‘Our Lady’, the cathedral houses a magnificent 14th-century sculpture dedicated to the Virgin Mother and the Holy Child. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 2019 destroyed the famous spire on top of the monument. Restoration works were undertaken in due time, and the Cathedral has only recently decided to allow visitors again. As it is, the majestic monument is one of the top tourist attractions in France and has been emblematic of the city’s heritage for more than 800 years. As you enter through the triple-arched doorways, you walk down a ‘symbolic path’ to the portal of the Last Judgment, representing the fabled ‘narrow way’ in the Holy Bible. The path is initiated at the North Aisle, taking you to the ambulatory and back to the starting point down the South Aisle on the right side. The stained glass windows and the sculptures offer a consummate spiritual experience that you would not want to miss.
5. Experience Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre
A visit to the romantic city essentially culminates in exploring the artistic district of Montmartre. The artistic heritage of Van Gogh, Gauguin, Lautrec, and Monet is celebrated in the heart of the hapless romantic, a feeling that is deeply Parisian in origin. The place is essentially a tribute to the martyrdom of Saint-Denis, perhaps most emblematic in the Sacre-Coeur of Montmartre. The relatively modern religious structure is a homage to the Holy Heart of God, where you may rediscover the meaning of eternal peace. Montmartre is essentially a heartfelt space where you can visit religious sights and a risqué cabaret on the same avenue. The Montmartre trip should be one of the highlights of Paris as a tourist destination, especially if you are artistically inclined. Artistic explorations include the Place du Tertre, the Musee de Montmartre, and the Rue Lepic. Furthermore, you should take the time to visit the Montmartre cemetery and the Saint Pierre Church in the neighborhood.
