A city in
the world that needs no introduction; Paris! Lovers come here to fall more in
love, families come here to learn about the history, tourists and travellers
come here to bask in what is known as the ‘Parisian culture’; each person comes
to Paris with expectations and more times than not, they leave quite satiated.
I was on a quick trip to Paris last week and
thought I would tell you a few things to not miss for sure if you’re on a short
visit to the city of love, cheese, wine and more.
Paris will always have something new for you each
time you go. But a few things remain constant like the Louvre, the Sacred Heart
and the Eiffel Tower of course. These three need to be seen because they tell a
story of a different time. But what I want to write about isn't just what one
would see but how one can take in this city with open arms and let the city
become part of you too. Here is how you should see Paris to fall head over
heels in love with it in 5days.
Here is my list of things you should do to feel
like a total Parisian.
1. Find
the little café and bistros on the street corner: As a traveller the first
thing on my mind is to try the local food, I love experimenting with dishes and
enjoy trying out what the locals have to offer. There are so many restaurants
that these websites talk about but the best and the biggest surprised are the
little bistros and cafés all over the place. One might struggle a little with
French but don’t let that get you down. French food is diverse and has
something for everyone, find what interests you and devour it. My favourite is
Steak Frites and delicious buttered fish with Radish, an unlikely combination
but as delicious as it gets. I love the Bistro 25
right on the Champs Élysées Avenue for its location, food and ambience.
2. Do
the touristy things but in a different way: Don’t just go to see the Eiffel
Tower. Relax on the Champ De Mars, find yourself a quick bite, walk to the lush
gardens around the Eiffel and take in the beauty of this massive structure.
Yes, I understand there is a lot to see and do in five days, but the point of a
holiday is to relax, what better way than on the grass, watching a huge
monument, with the River Seine nearby, nothing gets better.
3. Desserts
Desserts Desserts: I have a sweet tooth the size of India. And even though I
can’t cheat and indulge always in desserts, when in Paris, there are no rules.
Try the pain au chocolate, my quick easy fix between meals. It is basically a
puff pastry stuffed with chocolate and is delicious with some coffee or hot
chocolate. Don’t miss the lemon tart, the éclairs, these delicious chocolate
and pistachio rolls (They call them escargots too), stand in line and have a
Financier, it is an almond tea cake and trust me, they are AMAZING. Go and find
nice gelato and ice cream places, don’t miss the macarons and crepes, lots of
places online where they suggest getting them, I think you should try them all
and decide for yourself. Also, try these amazing little desserts called
Profiteroles; you will not be able to eat just one. Paris is the best place to
indulge your sweet tooth and you definitely should.
4. Moulin
Rouge: I am sure you would've spent the
whole day seeing the Louvre, it does take the whole day so don't skimp out on
it. But once done there are two night shows one cannot miss. The Moulin Rouge
is the original cabaret of Paris; it is where the Can Can dance form
originated. It is scintillating and unforgettable and as someone who loves dance
and is a dancer myself, I was mesmerized by the talent and the production. Go
to the one near Montmartre, Blanche station. That is the best show there is. If
you can't get tickets to Moulin Rouge, try and catch a show of the Cirque Du
Soleil.
5. Shopping: I am a
typical tourist when it comes to one thing and that is shopping. Vacations are
taken only to shop and I truly believe there is no harm in spending on yourself
after working hard the whole year. Paris, like Japan gives you a lot of tax back
on your shopping. So buy the brands you've been meaning to buy and get some
money back in the process. Don't forget to ask before if they are a tax saving
shop.
Also, I’d like to say to first time travellers,
Paris is beautiful but there are parts of it that are unsafe, please please
please take care of your belongings, I have been pick pocketed in this city
once and I almost swore never to come back but I did. If you want to have a
good holiday, stay safe.
Paris makes you feel rich in culture, style, and
class and poor that you don't stay in the city always. It has a beautiful mix
of old and new whether that is trends, architecture or people. But I would
suggest you go to this city, especially if doing a small trip, with no
expectations at all. Let the city do what it does best; take you in and make
you fall in love. Which is why when a tourist leaves they always say, “Paris,
je t’aime!”
