I hope everyone had a good weekend.
I watched a bunch of soccer games with my dad because he's into that, but I didn't understand what I was watching.
WARNING: If you're a soccer fan, skip this section.
Apart from a few players like Cristiano Ronaldo, why do soccer players look like ordinary people?
I mean, they're built like normal people.
In other sports, those players have
a different build than everyone else.
For example, I once met an American football player while playing golf, and he clearly looked like an athlete. We took a picture together and he was so big that I looked like a 15-year-old boy standing next to him.
However, with soccer, if a famous player walked past me, I wouldn't know.
Honestly, I know a couple of people at the local Planet Fitness who look more athletic than soccer players.
But hey, who am I to judge? I don't understand the sport.
This issue will take a unique approach to covering Paris. With countless resources detailing what to see in Paris, I'll instead provide guidelines on how to truly experience the city. It's easy to get led astray and miss out on an epic experience, so let's dive in and explore Paris the right way.
Spend as much time as possible in Paris
There's just too much to see in Paris. It's one of those cities that you have to visit multiple times, so dedicate as much time here as possible. I went to Paris last November for a second time, and I still spent the entire week there and had tons of things to do.
Slow down
Take time to do nothing. Paris is the perfect place for people watching. If you're only visiting attractions and museums, you're not getting the full Parisian experience. It's perfectly okay to spend a couple of days just doing nothing and observing the people.
Make reservations as early as possible
Lines are common when sightseeing in Paris, so making reservations is advisable. If you plan to visit many attractions, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass. It's a convenient option that can save you time. Nevertheless, having a reservation is essential to avoid spending your entire trip waiting in lines.
Don't forget about dinner reservations
Paris is a city that attracts people from all over the world. However, its restaurant scene, known for small and quaint eateries, can't always accommodate high demand. For this reason, it's advised to make reservations as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be turned away and left with fast food as your only option.
Learn a few French words
Many people perceive the French as unfriendly, but I disagree. I believe they are simply a proud people. French people love their language, and may get annoyed if someone approaches them speaking English without attempting French first. So what's the solution? If you need help, try asking, "Do you speak English?" in French (Parles-tu anglais?). In my experience, they will usually respond positively and try to assist, even if their English isn't fluent.
Take the Metro
If you're traveling around the city, I recommend using the metro. It's efficient and can get you to your destination quickly. However, be prepared, boarding a metro car can sometimes be challenging, so be assertive to avoid getting left behind.
Visit the local grocery store
You can enjoy a baguette along with French wine and cheese at a lower cost than what you might pay in the States. Seriously, give it a try. Check out the Reel I created, which features a grocery store in Paris.
Bring a larger pair of pants
To truly experience France, sightseeing isn't enough. You need to eat, and eat some more. Save room for sweets, as the French desserts are delicious. Honestly, I gained 11 lbs after my trip to France. Don't feel guilty; just hit the gym and work out when you get home.
Sitting outside is more expensive
People watching is a popular pastime in Paris, so anticipate paying more if you want an outside table. It's not a big issue if you're aware of this beforehand. The experience is completely worth it.
No free refills
Brace yourself - free refills are an American thing, so expect to be charged if you ask for a refill. Honestly, free refills are one of the main reasons I'm still in 'Merica. God, I love my country.
However, I must admit, I couldn't resist…
Here are some popular sites to visit in Paris along with my thoughts on each.
Honestly, I wasn't overly impressed. However, I believe it's one of those experiences that you should have at least once in your lifetime. So, do visit, but make a reservation to avoid wasting a day. I recommend purchasing a ticket that grants access to the top floor for a complete experience.
This picturesque Parisian avenue, often seen in movies, was once an unattractive swamp. Quite the transformation! It concludes with the famous Arc De Triomphe, another common sight in films. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down this street, indulge in some shopping, and soak up the culture.
When visiting the Louvre, I suggest getting a guide due to its vast size. It's easy to spend days attempting to see everything, so avoid wasting time searching for the Mona Lisa. Instead, consider booking a tour from sites like "Get My Guide". The tour, lasting approximately 2 hours, will guide you through the main exhibits while sharing intriguing stories.
While there are other chateaus worth visiting, Versailles remains a popular choice. It's the 'daddy' of royal palaces, which essentially set the standard for other royal palaces worldwide. If you decide to go, make a reservation to avoid waiting in line for hours. Ensure you arrive on time for your reservation, or you risk being moved to the back of the line. Versailles, being about an hour outside of Paris, makes for a quick day trip.
This basilica is renowned in Paris for its breathtaking views. It was once frequented by famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. For John Wick fans, you'll recognize the stairs from the latest movie. However, be vigilant of pickpockets in the area.
Unfortunately, this site remains closed due to a fire. However, you can still take pictures from outside. I eagerly look forward to the day it reopens.
Even if you implement just a few of the above tips, you're bound to have a great experience. Paris is a fantastic city, and if it's your first visit, you're sure to love it.
Keep Traveling,
Andrew
What advice do you have for someone visiting Paris?