It may require several trips to Paris to discover all there is to do and see in the City of Lights, but a weekend in that beautiful city, when well planned, is definitely long enough to start diving into the capital.
(credits: telegraph.co.uk)
There are direct flights to Paris from just about every country in the world. You will probably arrive at either Charles De Gaulle or Orly Airport, both of which are about 45 minutes from the center of Paris. The easiest way to get into the city is by taxi.
If you want to get there by train you have to know that there are 6 different train stations in Paris so where you arrive will depend upon where you are coming from just as where you leave will depend on where you are going.
Paris is an easy city to get around. Most of the city is walkable or easily connected by a comprehensive and reliable metro system. Taxis are readily available and there is even a vast network of public bikes you can use.
There is no best arrondissement (district) to stay in Paris, since the things to do are spread out around the city. However here are some hotels with good locations.
Luxury Hotels:
Shangri-La
(credits : cntraveler.com)
Four Seasons George V
(credits : hotelscombined.com)
Boutique Hotels:
Relais Christine
(credits : booking.com)
Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal
(credits : champagne-arlenoble.com)
Mid-range Hotels :
(credits: hotelemile.com)
(credits: agoda.com)
Cheap Hotels :
Generator Paris
(credits : neweuropetours.eu)
Hotel Chopin
(credits : booking.com)
What would a visit to Paris be without enjoying the cuisine of its many restaurants? Here is a small selection of restaurants and cafés that we can never go wrong with.
Café de l’Homme
(credits therooftopguide.com)
Le Café de l’Homme trocadero is an elegant, comfortable and timeless location that has been conceived and designed as a celebration of France, its culture and its lifestyle, everything that has contributed to its international influence. It offers a breathtaking view of The Eiffel Tower and you have a large variety of choices on the menu.
Le coq
(credits: tripadvisor.ie)
Le coq is a chic and trendy place to eat. The constantly renewed menu attests to fresh, current and seasonal flavors. Whether for a reasonably priced lunch or a more chic romantic dinner, the dishes prepared by the chef unfold in a wide range of choices and quality products.
Le Relais de l’ Entrecote
(credits: relaisentrecote.fr)
Le Relais de l’ Entrecôte is a particular restaurant because the only dish served is steak and unending amount of fries, which is how the line to be seated will seem unless you go early. Try to get to the restaurant 10 min before its opening hours. This place is known for its delicious mistery sauce that goes on top of the steak. No one knows the ricepie a part from the chef. You should definitely try it, you won't regret it!
Café de flore
(credits: chefsfeed.com)
Café de flore is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris. The place is celebrated for its famous clientele, which in the past included high-profile writers and philosophers such as Sartre and Picasso. It’s a peaceful and charming place to have a break from visiting.
Le Procope
(credits: commons.wikimedia.org)
Le Procope is the oldest café of Paris it was opened in 1686, and was a hub of the artistic and literary community in 18th and 19th century . Le Procope is a place full of history where the greatest writers & intellectuals met such as Rousseau, Diderot and Napoleon. You can see Napoléon's hat, Benjamin Franklin's salon and Voltaire's desk! The ambiance is both historical and elegant.
We all know that French pastries are the best in the world. You should undoubtedly take advantage of your stay to eat some delicacies.To do so, Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are the best places to go.
Ladurée
(credits: maryhop.com)
Pierre Hermé
(credits: Matthieu Salvaing, chefs.bernardaud.com)
They are both located on the Champs Elysées and both have beautiful shops. If you haven't tried macaroons yet, you now know where to go.
Have a French pastry, sit down and just enjoy this savory and delicate moment.
A weekend is a short period of time to be able to discover the city by walking, some alternatives are the Bus Tour and the Seine River Tour. Both options are cheap and efficient ways to have a general knowledge about Paris.
The most popular tourist attractions are the following:
- The Eiffel Tower -
(credits: pariscityvision.com)
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Sure, it's crowded and expensive, but once you have made it to the top, the breathtaking view of the city will make you forget about those inconvenience .
- The Louvre Museum –
(credits: en.wikipedia.org)
The Louvre Museum is the most famous museum in the world. It is also the most visited museum in the world with 10 million visitors per year! The reason for that you may ask? It is the home to so many unique pieces of art.
- Palais Garnier -
(credits: french moments.eu)
The Palais Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera House, is glamorous, and gorgeous. It is also home to its very own Hall of Mirrors. Sure, it’s not as big as the one at Versailles but it is incredibly beautiful and well worth visiting.
- Montmarte -
(credits: getyourguide.co.uk)
Taking a walk in Montmartre is a must, there is no other place like this. It is a charming village with artists running down the streets, nice restaurants, beautiful buildings and a enchanting atmosphere.
Now that you are ready to pack, here are some extra advices:
- Don’t take public transports or walk late at night alone.
- Keep always an eye on your belongings, when walking in the streets put your bag in front of you.
- When exiting the airport don’t pay attention to the people asking you if you want a taxis, go directly to the taxis station.