How to have a good time in the City of Lights

Paris

This website is dedicated to helping tourists have a nice vacation in the City of Lights. Missing the real Paris is an easy thing to do, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées are great of course, but that’s not where Parisians themselves hang out, let me share with you my tips to get in touch with locals.

Paris is a very peculiar European capital. It is the most visited city in the world, but more than anything it’s the most beautiful and interesting. Each building is full of History, each courtyard, each square hides surprises. Each district has his own spirit. Being a student in the left bank is far different from being a businessman in the Opera district! But how will you find out about it?

Paris-night

The first thing I would recommend is to see and visit the landmarks. They’ll help you find your way in Paris. You can see HERE for tip-supported tours made by locals, who are really in love with their city. You don’t need to book for these tours, you just have to show up at the right hour at the meeting point. Choose the Paris Landmarks tour to see the main monuments of the right bank. By the way, the other tours are also very lively and interesting (I witnessed it!).

Then, you have to experience the Parisian way of living during your vacation. Obviously, you have to try first the french “café”, in the morning, in Montmartre for example. If you’re not an early bird, you can have breakfast until 6 pm at “Coquelicot”.

romantic

If you want to try a french sport like bocce balls or a “pique-nique” with your family in a park: You can book HERE to give it a try!

Also try the brand new Welcome to Paris Tour, a personal walking tour of the city that will give you the orientation you need to take advantage of every minute you’ll spend in Paris.

For €35 get a 2h+ walking tour and a boat cruise. No need to book, all the information are HERE.

Champs-Elysées

A few tips you may find useful:

  • It’s more pleasant to visit Montmartre in the morning, when it’s still quiet, as well as the Eiffel Tower. For example, you can book online for a visit at 9 pm HERE, so that you’ll skip the ticket lines!
  • At the Louvre, you can beat the crowd by entering through the “Porte des lions” Gate, located away from the pyramid and towards the river.
  • Moreover, you can get a Museum pass who will allow you to have an unlimited access and no lines to all major museums. It can be bought at most museums, and costs 32 euros for 2 days or 48 euros for 4 days.
  • Want to see the Moulin Rouge show? Ask your hotel first: they often recieve commissions from the Moulin Rouge, and they love nothing more than booking people at the Moulin Rouge.
  • No shopping on Sundays! By law, most stores are closed on Sundays, although exceptions exist for food stores in the morning and for stores in touristy areas like the Marais, Champs Elysees and more.