Paris is a captivating and enchanting city that has a little something for everyone. It has pierced my heart in ways that allow me to fall in love with the city every time I go. Whether it is your first time or you’ve been there a dozen times, I hope I inspire you to add this city on your bucket list for the first time or again.
Ohhh my very 1st travel blog…. HOW EXCITING! And what better place to start than with Paris. I will add content as I am learning but here goes some fun tips and tricks that I learned on my recent trip to Paris. I went just as the Christmas season started Nov 30th, and got to see so many things in a different light. Most times that I went to Paris it was much warmer in Spring and Summer. Paris is spectacular in the Winter.
Paris, the City of Lights, is a dazzling dream that sweeps you off your feet with its charming whimsy, storied past, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the picturesque banks of the Seine, this city knows how to capture your heart, like it has mine.
Wander through the enchanting streets of Montmartre, and it feels like stepping into a lively painting, with cozy cafés, quirky artist studios, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica looking down at you. The Louvre is nothing short of an art lover’s paradise, boasting famous treasures like the mysterious Mona Lisa, tempting you to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration.
And oh, the food! A visit to Paris isn’t complete without indulging in delicious delights. From flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat that make your taste buds dance, to exquisite French dishes served in elegant Michelin-starred establishments, every bite is a moment to savor. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter and the Marais, where each little eatery has its own story and flavor to share.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the famous hotspots, Paris celebrates the joy of life! Strolling down the Champs-Élysées, popping into charming boutiques, or simply soaking in the atmosphere from a cozy café, you can feel the electric energy of this enchanting city. Whether you’re on a romantic adventure, delving deep into culture, or just wanting to bask in the Parisian joie de vivre, this city will sprinkle a little magic into your heart and soul!
General Info
Fun Facts
Must Try Foods
Tips and Things to Consider
Paris Tourist Passes – SOOO many choices, what to choose?
Experience Paris by choosing one of the Paris Visitor Passes that unlocks exploration in the City of Lights! MY FAVORITE is “Go City” All-inclusive passes. It is expensive but covers ALL things if you are only in Paris for a short time and want to see as much as you can. It includes the Paris Museum Pass for more iconic attractions. The convenient “Go City” app helps you navigate and enhance your Paris experience!
Stay tuned for a detailed chart on all Paris Tourist Passes to compare what is best for you. (I promise to have one up as soon as I figure it out).
“TheFork” App
TheFork app is an online platform in Europe for booking restaurant reservations, much like OpenTable. It is the go-to app for finding and reserving dining experiences in Europe in cities such as Paris, Vienne, Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, London. The app is owned by TripAdvisor company. It was very easy to use and far more superb then OpenTable in my opinion. They also have a Michelin Guide for those wanting to reserve a fine dining experience (based on availability of course!).
IDF (île de France) Mobilités App
Paris has started to use electronic forms of tickets for the train (metro/train/RER) and bus. I was so worried about going to the train station and having to figure out how to get a day pass or multiple tickets for the day. The IDF makes it easy for you to purchase your tickets ahead of time and scan into the train/bus using your phone. Soooo much easier. The app also allows you to find your destination and routes to get there (although I felt good old Google Maps was easier to find where I needed to go- mostly because I am more familiar with it).
When you download the app, you just need to Sign-In using your email address and create a password (like any other app). Once you are in, you go to the bottom right icon “MySpace” and go to the “My Navigo” area that says “My tickets on mobile” (there is also a option for “My Other Plans” in the event you bought a Navigo ticket at a store or at the station). From there you can go to “Buy a ticket.”
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- Single Tickets – to buy tickets for one trip. Single tickets for Metro-Train run about €2.50. Bus-Tram tickets are €2.
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- Day Tickets- to buy tickets to travel for 1-7 days. A 1-day Pass is about €12 (Zone 1-5).
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- Package- Buy and travel without limits depending on chosen duration (these cover zones 1-5). In many cases, if you are just going around Paris you will only need Zone 1-3). Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) and the famous gardens are in Zone 4. Parc Disneyland/Walt Disney Studies Park are in Zone 5.
Paris “Metro” trains- mainly used within the inner city parts of Paris. Has Metro lines numbered 1-14. The Metro is smaller and can get quite crowded during peak hours.
The RER (Réseau Express Régional)- includes lines A, B, C connecting the city to the suburbs and airports. Typically larger and air-conditioned to cater to commuters.
Tramway – mainly in the suburbs. Includes T-lines 1-13. In many cases you will be using either the RER or Metro within Paris
Bus- Buses run throughout the city, only problem is they can easily get stuck in Paris Traffic depending on the hour.
TAKE AWAYS:
Get a Paris Pass: If you have a short amount of time in Paris and want to see it all. Might save you a little $$. But if you want to see only a couple of things, then you can always get single tickets to the places you want to go. DON’T forget that entrance for places like the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomph, you will need to buy tickets a head of time (OR ELSE YOU WILL BE IN THE HIDEOUS LINE… Don’t say I didn’t warn you).
You must try Parisian Food: If you are not much of an adventurist when it comes to food… at the very least try a delicious fresh, buttery croissants, Croque-monsieur (you can never go wrong with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich), and Crêpes: Thin pancakes that are filled with sweet or savory ingredients. If you feel more adventurous try another Paris favorite from the list above.
Walk and explore: Paris is full of culture and history. There is history everywhere you walk and explore. It is truly captivating. If you are not a history junkie, there is AMAZING places to shop as well. There is so many wonderful things to see. Paris is a extremely walkable city so enjoy!!!
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