All of the exalted babble about the "city of lights" can be enough to make you lose your crèpes. But Paris really is one of those places that every traveler should experience at least once. There are more landmarks here than arrondissements, yet every visitor will experience a thrill the first time the spindly span of the Eiffel Tower lurches into view. The Louvre will fulfill your lifetime quota for big-name masterpieces, and if you stop to contemplate the number of great artists and thinkers who have worked and wandered in this iconic city, you might experience a flash of existential pleasure. There’s a lot of history in Paris, and you can get to the bottom of it all with a voyage into the catacombs. Those with claustrophobia can visit any of the city's famous department stores or experience price-tag anxiety in the boutiques that crowd the chic boulevards. Oh, and come hungry. Paris really isn’t Paris without food. Café culture occupies a good part of any Parisian’s time, so you’d be remiss if you didn't pass a few hours doing likewise. At night, catch the Parisian cabaret. The performers seem even more brilliant after an absinthe, but you didn’t hear that from us. Paris is a legendary monster of a city, but with the right attitude and a bit of time, you can find some part of it to call your own.
tripwolf tripguru for Paris, Isines, shows you the most exciting aspects of the city. Isines has been living in the city for seven years and knows it by heart. More information on Isines can be found on tripwolf's community profile pages on the Web.
A Nous Paris (http://www.anous.fr/), finally, is a free magazine distributed in the subway. It gives great tips for activities and concerts in Paris. It can also be read online.
We recommend the free weekly newspaper A Nous Paris, which is distributed in the subway. It is interesting and full of excellent fodder for plans -- absolutely perfect for your trip.
What places give me that special Paris feeling the fastest?
What places give me that special Paris feeling the fastest? The banks of the Canal Saint-Martin will give you a quick feel for the city. Right nearby is trendy and lively: between Place de la République and the Rue du Faubourg du Temple. In the area near the Quai de Valmy, Rue de Lancry, and the Rue de Marseille is a colorful mix of small cafes, trendy restaurants, and shops, traditional retailers, and Bobo families with children and tourists.
Where and how can I get to know approachable native citizens?
To meet Parisians in their natural environment, you must be patient: they are often somewhat suspicious contemporaries. The best approach is a walk at the flea market or in popular neighborhoods (19th or 20th arrondissement), in a relaxing atmosphere.
In the evening, go for a mojito near the Bastille, a little dance in the Sanz Sans (http://www.sanzsans.com) or Baron (http://www.clublebaron.com) -- alcohol will do the rest. Another tip: the fireworks of July 14 at the Champ de Mars. Guaranteed to encounter many happy and relaxed people.
Bus/subway ticket: 1.70 € / average taxi ride: 10/12 €.
...a coffee / a beer / a pack of cigarettes?
1 coffee, between 1.90 and 2.20 €, depending on location / beer: 3 € in the best case, 10 € in the worst case, average 4.50 € / pack of cigarettes: 5.90 €
What makes this city distinctive, unique, or nerve-wracking - and what are the reasons for it?
Paris is a unique combination of small communities, each has its own identity. Batignolles in the northwest to Butte aux Cailles in the southest to trendy Haut Marais and Jourdain -- each neighborhood thrums at its own pace.
What should I avoid in Paris under all circumstances?
The areas around Goutte d'Or, Porte de la Chapelle, or Stalingrad are a little unsafe at night. The Lido and the Moulin Rouge are tourist traps (unless you are looking for tourists and retirees).
Is there anything else that people should know about Paris?
The city can be pretty trashy, funny, lively, dangerous, and creative - which is significantly different than its tourist image as a city of museums, love and romance can make us believe.
A must-see for literary buffs. Navigate the city on foot to best appreciate the former haunts of literary greats like Kerouac, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald; wander through the settings of 19th century masterpieces like Victor Hugo's Les Miserables and Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. Truly a moveable feast.
If you are going to visit the city just for a short period of time the best thing is to use the 1,5 hours night bus tour for just 18 euro or the boat cruise through the Seine for 9 euro. Both starts from Plaza Sant Michel
An spectacular city in any time of the year, that's why it is the city of light and love. You will need more than a weekend to be able to see everything in Paris. And even so you will come back…
One of the best city with rich culture and monuments yet ahead of times. PS: watch out for the €2 toilet useage fee inside Louvre. Control your bladder! There is free toilet elsewhere althought it is a bit rare and hard to come by.
Paris is great. Two things I loved about it:
1. It is a "by foot" city. You can walk from one great place to the next. And when you are too tired to walk... take the metro and you are home.
2. There is soooooo much to see, just the architecture, the history the museums is just fantastic. Really one of the best places to visit.
Note: When in French do like the French do - find out how they want to be addressed and so forth, it makes all the difference.
the best of architecture, scenery, gardens, food, art, and more. so much to see and do, including the simple things like shopping at the markets, sitting in a cafe sipping coffee and watching the world go by, strolling through the many beautiful gardens. the ultimate in style.
One of the most fantastic cities in the world. you just have to love it :)
And the stairway in front of Sacre Coeur is propably the most beautiful place in the world.
the best of architecture, scenery, gardens, food, art, and more. so much to see and do, including the simple things like shopping at the markets, sitting in a cafe sipping coffee and watching the world go by, strolling through the many beautiful gardens. the ultimate in style.
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