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Articles > Europe > France > Paris > Paris - The World's Most Romantic City
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Paris - The World's Most Romantic City
Paris is one of the world's fascinating and vibrant capitals. The city simply pulsates with energy and culture. Dubbed as the City of Light, Paris' 20 arrondisements offer diverse attractions and experience for the discriminating tourist. For first time visitors, exploring Paris can both be exciting and a bit overwhelming. There are many things to see and to do – from visiting its numerous museums and national monuments, lazing around its royal gardens, shopping for designer outfits along its chic streets, sampling the city's gastronomic delights, sipping coffee in the Parisian sidewalk cafes, or just soaking the vibe in along the river Sienne. Some say it takes a lifetime to discover the city's delights but if you only have a weekend in Paris, be sure to visit these top attractions:
1. Eiffel Tower – built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Towering 324 meters above the city, the tower was highly criticized before its construction because of its perceived monstrosity. Now, a trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Make sure to go up as the tower provides amazing views of Paris. It is accessible by stairs but if you're feeling lazy and you have extra euros to burn, you can always take the lift. The tower is also home to two restaurants – Altitude 95 on the first floor and the expensive Jules Verne on the second floor. For 11.50 euros, you can also stage a proposal at the top of the Eiffel Tower (a la Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes), that is, if you don't mind sharing the space with Paris' thousands of visitors. Be sure to go there early as the queue gets really long.
2. Arc de Triomphe – another famous Parisienne landmark, the Arc de Triomphe offers a panoramic view of Paris' widest street, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The monument was built to honor the French Army whose names are inscribed under the arc. The best way to enjoy this attraction is to go up the monument and breathe in Paris' chic boutiques and cafes along the Champs- Elysées.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral – this is not your ordinary cathedral as it witnessed the enthronement of Henry VI and Napoleon I. Famed for its impressive stained glass and its gothic architecture, the Notre Dame is a must-see for any visitor in Paris.
4. Sacre Coeur – located in Mortmarte, the Sacre Coeur is best viewed at night. You have the option of walking up the steps to reach the basilica or you can also take the lift to the top. This white church glows amazingly at night and presents the most stunning nighttime view in all of Paris. The nuns' enchanting vespers is also a plus for the early evening visit.
First time visitors must see the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Families can now enjoy the much-improved Disneyland Paris, located less than an hour away from the centre of the city. Culture vultures can visit the visiting exhibitions to the Grand Palais or the Cite de Science. Of course, the must-see in this regard is the Louvre. Once a tourist trap due to its inclusion of Leonardo's Mona Lisa, now it is as visited (rightly or wrongly) for its importance to the plot of the book and film, the Da Vinci Code. Indeed, if you are a fan of either, guided tours of all the Parisian locations included in the Code can now be enjoyed. It is a novel way of seeing the city.
Paris is known for being an expensive city and, sadly, this is still the case. However, with some planning ahead, there are plenty of ways of saving money here. If you don't mind the cold Parisian accommodation costs drop dramatically during the winter, from November to March. Likewise, prices of flights to the city drop during this time. Another option is to take the Metro while travelling throughout; it is safe and easy to use.
You might be surprised by Paris' hostels or budget hotels. Many are cheap but comfortable, centrally located and are welcoming to old and young alike, not just an option for the backpackers among you. However, Paris is also home to some of the best hotels in the world. You can make the most of your trip to Paris and stay at one of the city's many romantic hotels.
1. Eiffel Tower – built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Towering 324 meters above the city, the tower was highly criticized before its construction because of its perceived monstrosity. Now, a trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Make sure to go up as the tower provides amazing views of Paris. It is accessible by stairs but if you're feeling lazy and you have extra euros to burn, you can always take the lift. The tower is also home to two restaurants – Altitude 95 on the first floor and the expensive Jules Verne on the second floor. For 11.50 euros, you can also stage a proposal at the top of the Eiffel Tower (a la Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes), that is, if you don't mind sharing the space with Paris' thousands of visitors. Be sure to go there early as the queue gets really long.
2. Arc de Triomphe – another famous Parisienne landmark, the Arc de Triomphe offers a panoramic view of Paris' widest street, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The monument was built to honor the French Army whose names are inscribed under the arc. The best way to enjoy this attraction is to go up the monument and breathe in Paris' chic boutiques and cafes along the Champs- Elysées.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral – this is not your ordinary cathedral as it witnessed the enthronement of Henry VI and Napoleon I. Famed for its impressive stained glass and its gothic architecture, the Notre Dame is a must-see for any visitor in Paris.
4. Sacre Coeur – located in Mortmarte, the Sacre Coeur is best viewed at night. You have the option of walking up the steps to reach the basilica or you can also take the lift to the top. This white church glows amazingly at night and presents the most stunning nighttime view in all of Paris. The nuns' enchanting vespers is also a plus for the early evening visit.
First time visitors must see the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Families can now enjoy the much-improved Disneyland Paris, located less than an hour away from the centre of the city. Culture vultures can visit the visiting exhibitions to the Grand Palais or the Cite de Science. Of course, the must-see in this regard is the Louvre. Once a tourist trap due to its inclusion of Leonardo's Mona Lisa, now it is as visited (rightly or wrongly) for its importance to the plot of the book and film, the Da Vinci Code. Indeed, if you are a fan of either, guided tours of all the Parisian locations included in the Code can now be enjoyed. It is a novel way of seeing the city.
Paris is known for being an expensive city and, sadly, this is still the case. However, with some planning ahead, there are plenty of ways of saving money here. If you don't mind the cold Parisian accommodation costs drop dramatically during the winter, from November to March. Likewise, prices of flights to the city drop during this time. Another option is to take the Metro while travelling throughout; it is safe and easy to use.
You might be surprised by Paris' hostels or budget hotels. Many are cheap but comfortable, centrally located and are welcoming to old and young alike, not just an option for the backpackers among you. However, Paris is also home to some of the best hotels in the world. You can make the most of your trip to Paris and stay at one of the city's many romantic hotels.
About the Author
Dara Ward operates over 150 world travel sites including Hotels in Paris. Dara works from home in Wexford, Ireland.
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