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Many people dream of going to Paris, the City of Light. But if you finally get the chance to travel to this lovely city, chances are that you would feel overwhelmed with trip planning.
It would be hard to narrow down the places to visit in Paris because there are so many incredible things to see and do. With all of the iconic landmarks and tourist spots, the time you have there will not be enough to see everything.
This post will explore the five must-try experiences in Paris that will make your trip one for the books. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to fall in love with the wonders of Paris.
5 Best Experiences To Try in Paris
Explore The Louvre Museum
Right in the heart of Paris lies the center of the art world which houses a collection of over 35,000 works of art and artifacts. Among them are Alexandros of Antioch’s Venus de Milo, Aloïs Hauser’s marble statue of The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Jacques-Louis David’s The Coronation of Napoleon, and the oil painting that inspired the movie La Dentelliere, Johannes Vermeer’s The Lacemaker.
Another artwork on display is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the most famous work of art of all time, on every traveler and art enthusiast’s bucket list. No wonder the Louvre Museum is always jampacked.
The museum used to be the former residence of French Kings, so luxury and elegance are standard as you walk the halls and admire the impressive works of art on display. There is so much to see in this incredible museum, so to digest it all better and appreciate the collections, it’s best to take a guided tour.
To make your trip here more seamless and less stressful, you better get the skip-the-line ticket to avoid long queues. And to get to the Louvre in style, get a chauffeur-driven ride from chauffeur service Paris.
Climb The Eiffel Tower
No first-time traveler to Paris would want to skip the iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s a must-see for everyone. The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris, and it’s a representation of French culture. It’s a landmark that has attracted millions of visitors yearly yet never loses appeal.
Because of social media, the Eiffel Tower has become even more popular, and so many movies and television shows have featured it.
This majestic tower has three levels which you’re only allowed to climb up to the second level; you can get there by stairs or elevator, each offering a different view of the stunning city. The second level gives the most beautiful vantage point of charming Paris. However, be aware that there are 674 steps to climb, so it’s not for the faint of heart.
At night the Eiffel Tower and its beacon are lit up beautifully with golden lights from dusk until before midnight. The lights turn on only five minutes every hour because of energy-saving sensors. So, get your camera and be ready to pose whenever the tower gets illuminated.
Enjoy French Cuisine
Food is deeply embedded in French culture. It was even declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. And if you skip trying the finest French cuisine while in Paris, you’ll miss out on the true Paris experience.
French cuisine is among the most revered in the culinary world because of its sophistication, elegance, and rich flavors. For an authentic Parisian experience, try famous French dishes such as escargots, beef bourguignon, and coq au vin accompanied by a Merlot or Pinot Noir.
Get a Pain Au Chocolat for breakfast and a strong espresso before you begin your day. It’s available at bakeries and cafes scattered throughout the city. Take your breakfast al fresco along the cobbled sidewalks of Paris while you admire the fashion and culture of Parisians getting ready to start their day.
Consider booking a table at one of Paris’s Michelin-starred restaurants at night. Be prepared to splurge; these restaurants can be expensive, but the experience is well worth it. Try authentic dishes like the iconic French Onion soup and steak tartare. And take advantage of the colorful and divine French Macarons.
Your Paris food adventure wouldn’t be complete without trying the food offered at the food markets. Try a guided food tour to get the best experience.
One of Paris’s most famous food markets is the Marché des Enfants Rouges, located in the Marais neighborhood. This historic market dates back to the 1600s and is named after the nearby orphanage that used to be there. The market features a range of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods such as falafel and crepes. The food market will allow you to experience the city’s sights, smells, and flavors.
Take A Seine River Cruise
You’re mistaken if you think the Eiffel Tower is the only way to see Paris in a beautiful light. Taking the Seine River Cruise is another way to view the charming city from a different perspective.
The river passes through the heart of the city, and from here, you can see famous landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.
For a romantic and magical experience, take the cruise at night to enjoy the city in an enchanting way. The night cruise includes a romantic dinner for two and offers a magical ambiance that is perfect if you plan to propose to the one you love.
Visit Montmartre
Montmartre was once home to legendary artists Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. The charming neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe and is full of narrow streets, hidden staircases, and picturesque buildings. Many budding artists visit Montmartre to seek inspiration and to reflect, internalizing the lives led by those two great artists.
The stunning white church Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop the hill offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It’s a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and associated with Paris’ patron saint Saint-Denis. According to many, the church is Paris’s second most visited destination after the Eiffel Tower.
Another must-try in Montmartre is watching the Moulin Rouge. The show is a quintessential Paris experience, a famous cabaret that has entertained audiences for over a century. The high-energy show features elaborate costumes and sets with performances from cancan dancers, acrobats, and singers using music from traditional French chansons to contemporary pop hits.
Conclusion
Paris has plenty of experiences, and it caters to almost anyone. Whether artsy, serious, laid-back, or extroverted, this magical city has something for you. The five must-try experiences in this post are just a few of the many things you can do in Paris, so why not plan your trip and discover them?
