Paris is no doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and the world. From the Eiffel tower, to Notre Dame to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris is overflowing with can't miss tourist spots. So which ones should you make time for, and how much time should you make for them? Lucky for me, my sister studied abroad in Paris twice and my friend in college studied abroad there so I have plenty of advice!
The Eiffel Tower
Three things I want to advise you about the Eiffel Tower.
1. Don't go up it. My sister advised me this and I'm glad she did because it's expensive, touristy and there are plenty of other places to get a better view of the city and the beauty of the Eiffel Tower isn't inside it, it's being able to actually see it come on now.
2. The best view I got of the Eiffel Tower was from the metro stop Trocadero (check the pic of it during the day and video of it at night!) Shoutout to my sister for this tip! The view at night definitely remains one of the highlights of all of my travels! Seeing it light up and sparkle is so breathtaking. Enjoy a crepe while you watch!
3. Have a picnic next to the Eiffel Tower. This is a v touristy thing to do but it's cute AF and on a nice day you will feel like you are in a movie. There's a big green area next to the tower for you to sit on so bring a blanket and lots of wine.
Arc de Triomphe
Like I've mentioned in other posts, so many European countries seem to have their own arch/gate. Madrid has the Puerta de Alcalá, Barcelona has the Arc de Triomf, Berlin has the Brandenburg Gate and Paris has the Arc de Triomphe. This is such a postcard spot of Paris, it's used in movies all the time! I immediately think of The Devil Wears Prada.
There are lots of cars driving around it so it's near impossible to get a photo with no cars in it but its still beautiful regardless! Just appreciate the moment : )
Champs-Élysées
Talk a walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées after admiring the Arc de Triomphe! It's the most famous and the most beautiful street in Paris. Not only is it beautiful but its also a prime spot for shopping, full of designer brands and also the usual more affordable finds like Sephora (my obsession). If shopping isn't your thing you can also find plenty of theaters, cinemas and other entertainment venues. I do warn against eating around here though as it is definitely overpriced.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
No one should leave Paris without seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral! Unfortunately due to the recent fire it is no longer open to visitors until the repairs are finished but from the photos I've seen pop up lately, you can still get a beautiful view of the exterior.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre
This famous monument is a Roman Catholic church, named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and sits on top of the butte of Montmartre. You can see it from a distance and once you go up all the stairs to get to it, you get a beautiful view of Paris. I highly recommend it! It's a beautiful view at the bottom and the top. Also, after seeing many basilicas and cathedrals in Europe I found the architecture of Sacré-Coeur to be very unique and refreshing.
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
This city hall puts pretty much all the other city halls I've seen in the U.S to shame. It has a huge plaza and the architecture, like everything else in Paris, is beautiful and to top it off it sits right on the famous River Seine. I didn't go inside, as I've heard it's not totally worth it so I wouldn't recommend that but I definitely enjoyed the exterior.
The Catacombs of Paris
So if you aren't claustrophobic or scared of dark tunnels and lots of skulls, then yes you should do it because it is a really cool piece of history and unlike anything else I have ever experienced. However.... if you are claustrophobic like me then no I wouldn't highly recommend it unless you can really power through cause I was highly on the very of a panic attack when I was in there and kind of rushed through it to make it out before I freaked. But I will say it was insanely cool, also extremely creepy. I guess that is what to expect from a bunch of tunnels filled with 6 million skeletons. Another tip, buy tickets ahead of time, the line was suuuuuper long when I went.
Palace of Versailles
So obviously this isn't in Paris, its in Versailles, but it is very easy to get to from Paris and if you have time, this is clearly a top tourist spot to hit before you leave! It is less than an hour from Paris both by car and train, and the train is very affordable. Depending what time of the year you are going, the gardens may be free to enter and then the park is always free. To tour the palace you should buy tickets ahead of time. I didn't go in the palace cause it was close to closing by the time I got there and the line was long. If I went back I would! I would also try and plan to come when the weather is nicer, we showed up and it was cloudy and drizzling. Obviously it was still beautiful and I am so glad I went but I wish I could have fully enjoyed the gardens without being a bit wet and cold.
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