“We'll always have Paris.” Or at least, 36 hours in Paris! Known as ‘The City of Light’ due to it being the first city to adopt gas street lighting, Paris is a popular travel destination. From the romantic Eiffel Tower, to chic streets and many cafes, museums and restaurants, this city has a lot to offer. As Audrey Hepburn stated, Paris is indeed always a good idea.
When limited with time, hop on/hop off city tour buses are the fastest way to see the main highlights of the city, while gaining some additional information too. Choose from 1 day or 2 day passes, plug in some headphones (you should be given a pair on board) and enjoy the tales of Paris’ historical landmarks in your own language. It takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete one route loop and you can start the tour at any stop.
Hop off the bus at this stop as you mustn't miss the world’s largest museum and Paris’ central landmark - The Louvre. Divided into eight astounding departments, The Louvre has plenty to offer and it should take you 2-3 hours to make your way through the exhibitions. It’s open every day from 9am to 6pm and closed on Tuesdays. To avoid long queues it is advisable to book the tickets online.
After a morning of artistic indulgence, why not stroll to Cafés Verlet, located just around the corner from the Louvre, for some freshly roasted coffee. There are more than 20 varieties of single-origin beans and house blends to sample, with an added slice of cake.
For a completely free experience, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. Paris is an expensive city and free entry attractions are a rarity, so take advantage of this historical beauty. Be sure to check out the cathedral at night when it is lit further enhancing its majesty.
Why not end a day with a romantic stroll through Jardin de Luxembourg, one of Paris’ most popular parks? Decorated with fountains, flowers, trees and romantic benches, it’s a perfect place for a well deserved break.
Paris can get extremely overwhelming due to the amount of tourists. If you find yourself not wishing to spend another day following the crowds and wanting to do something different, you should visit the Catacombs of Paris. Opened in late 18th century, they offer an alternative way to experience an otherwise romantic Paris. The duration of the tour is 45 minutes and they’re open daily from 10am to 8pm.
Art lovers should visit Montmartre - the 18th district of Paris, known for its art. This fun and pleasant district is filled with outdoor artists, cafes, restaurants and museums. It’s where most artists based their studios and the artistic feel is still present up to this day.
Get a feel of medieval Paris through Le Marais, one of Paris’ most bohemian neighbourhoods. Spend an afternoon strolling through Parisian boulangeries, Jewish restaurants, boutiques, LGBT friendly bars and many lanes full of surprises. Here you can find L'as Du Falafel - the most popular falafel spot in the district. You can get an authentic feel of Parisian street food by ordering at the window or eating inside.
Finish your weekend with The Eiffel Tower, one of Paris’ most iconic symbols. To avoid the queues, walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator - you’ll benefit from amazing views as well as some exercise! Leave this tour for last and try to go at night - it’ll make your Paris experience unforgettable!