A guide to Paris

After two nights in Paris, I can definitely say France stole my heart. Beautiful people, great food and so much history… It was a dream come true to visit some of the most famous monuments of the city, like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, The Louvre, and other highlights. Here is a quick guide, personal notes and “must-do” in the city of love.

Where did I stay?
Ibis Budget Hotel is a great option for a budget rate, only nine minutes away (walk) from Porte de Saint-Ouen metro station. Great accommodation for travelers that want contemporary-style rooms and comfort, while enjoying free Internet access, ‘all you can eat’ breakfast buffet, free parking and around the corner market.

What transportation I used?

By day: Walking around the city is always a great idea if your planning to go on long-distance destinations public transportation is awesome in Paris. For instance, taking the metro is a very inexpensive way to make your way around, since it only costs €1.60 (Approximately $1.79 US dollars).

By night: Uber is a great, cheap and safe option for transportation around the city. You can also use taxis in Paris, but they’re a little more expensive.

First day

Early in the morning, I went to The Palace of Versailles, a 17th-century royal château located outside the city (you’ll need transportation to get there). If you’re planning on seeing the inside of this magnificent palace make sure to go early to avoid the waiting line. We decided to spend €27 (approximately $30 US dollars) to rent a golf car and explore the surroundings of the château and the colorful gardens. You will also find Marie Antoinette’s estate and magnificent monuments along the way.

After Versailles, I went back to the city to visit the Arc de Triumph, from there I walked to the Eiffel Tower (approximately 20-minute walk). I've always dreamed of eating a croissant and drinking an espresso while admiring the Eiffel Tower… and it finally came true!

I met a long-time friend for lunch at Alfio Café and Restaurant, located six minutes away (walking) from the Eiffel Tower. Had a delicious spicy penne pasta and France local beer 1664. We went for a walk at Avenue des Champs-Élysées which is known for its luxury shops, restaurants, and theaters.

After dinner (escargots and champagne are very popular in France) we went back to the Eiffel Tower. Paris by night is more beautiful than words can ever describe. I was thrilled to be climbing the tower, 704 steps to get to the 2nd floor and a short elevator ride to get to the top. The view is breathtaking and you'll not regret having to take all those steps. Make sure to wear warm clothing since the cold breeze is no joke once you’re at the top.

My night couldn’t end in a better way, sitting on the grass, drinking champagne and enjoying the tower light show. It was truly a magical moment.

Note: By night you will find many sellers in the area offering you champagne bottles for less than €10. You could also bring beverage and food to the park and make a little picnic, there’s always music and of course a great view of the tower.

Second Day

The next day I booked a 4-hour bike tour (for €32, approximately $35 US dollars) with Blue Fox Travel. Biking is a great way to get a more personal feel of the city, while visiting some of the top monuments, like Notre-Dame, The Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Musée d'Orsay, Élysée Palace, Hôtel des Invalides (Tomb of Napoleon), Seine River Banks, Rue Cler Market, and the Eiffel Tower.

Our last night we had dinner at La Bonne Franquette, a restaurant located in Montmartre (a large hill in Paris 18th arrondissement). After, we went to Paradis Latin, a cabaret show with a youthful combination of dance, magic, acrobatics and of course, French cancan. Definitely, the perfect way to say goodbye to this city, the following day another destination awaited…

Had such a good time, can’t wait to be back, Au revoir Paris. Lots of love.

A guide to Paris

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