Paris
7 Irresistible Reasons for Why You Should Visit Paris
The City of Lights is one of the top-visited destinations in the world. Paris attracts families, backpackers, groups of friends and couples, luring anyone that visits with its charm, style, and sophistication. There is an extraordinary combination of culture, trends, and history, both old and new, and traditional to contemporary, but if you need some reasons for planning a visit to Paris, we have compiled a list of the best things to see and do in this city.
It is worth mentioning that Paris is the type of city where you would do well to explore without a map or scheduled agenda. Every street in Paris throws up exciting surprises and every neighbourhood has distinct characteristics making it stand out from the rest.
Best things to see and do in Paris!
1. Thrilling Iconic Attractions
Landmarks are plentiful in Paris, and no list for reasons why you need to visit this city would be complete without mentioning the unintentionally famous Eiffel Tower. Enjoy the light show and views of the city from the tower itself or watch it light up in front of you on the Champ de Mars. It’s an attraction that you need to book in advance, but it is so worth it. You can’t visit Paris and not spend a bit of time around the Eiffel Tower.
One of the best ways to go sightseeing (from afar) in Paris is by a boat ride on the Seine River. Other famous landmarks of Paris include the Arc de Triumph, located at the top of the Champs Elysees and was built to honour Napolean’s French Imperial Army. Notre Dame Cathedral, the setting for the novel, Hunchback of Notre Dame, is one of the most elegant displays of Gothic Architecture you will ever see. For more amazing views, also visit the pantheon in Paris, which was initially a church and now a necropolis for prominent deceased citizens.
2. Food, food, and more food
The culture in Paris is by far one of the most luring characteristics, from the food markets to learning the language, it’s hard to ignore the stylish and romantic ambiance that exists here. Delve into French cuisine, whether it’s cheese and baguettes or pain au chocolat’s and macaroons. If you enjoy finer foods, one of the best things to do would be to spend an evening in one of many Michelin starred restaurants in Paris. Taste the work of some of the world’s best chefs! If this doesn’t sound like you, then embrace the café culture. You will not be short for café’s to visit in Paris, as Parisians love to people watch with coffees and pastries.
3. Visit one of Paris’s many stunning gardens
The fast-moving nature of Paris can sometimes be off-putting, but one of the best things to do in Paris to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life is to visit one of many amazing parks. The Luxembourg Gardens, belonging to the palace of the same name are Paris’s second second-largest parks, appealing to everyone, especially families because of the children’s pool and large open space.
4. Disneyland
Visitors flock to Paris every year to visit immerse themselves in the Disneyland experience. So whether you’re a huge Disney fan and want to live out the Disney dream, or taking your young family, you will encounter all types of people in the two theme parks. It is by far one of the best things to do in Paris if you love all things Disney or just like the thrill of rollercoasters. But be aware, the park can be very busy during the summer meaning ticket prices will rise, so if you’re looking to get visiting the park, try off-peak times.
5. Visit Paris for shopping heaven
Ignoring the vast amount of shopping havens is almost impossible in Paris but if you’re not going to hand over your hard-earned cash in the shops, then simply window shop. There’s no denying that this city is the centre of fashion, home to some of the forward thinkers of trends and fashions. International and luxury brand names adorn the streets. Paris also hosts some quaint boutiques, antique shops, and vintage markets so even if there is no more room in your suitcase for clothes, you can always take home a unique souvenir.
6. Museums and Street Art
Even if you’re not a lover of Art, you need to feature it on your long list of things to do in this city. You cannot neglect the wonderful art scene on a visit to Paris. There are many famous galleries and museums including the Louvre, holding more than 38,000 pieces, including great masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. But you also have locals lining the banks of the Seine River showcasing their work to the world.
7. Visit the world’s most fascinating cemetery in Paris
At Père Lachaise, you can have one of the most fascinating experiences in Paris as you visit the tombs of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin and a host of other big names, as well as Oscar Wilde’s tomb. This tomb is a block-like item conceived by Jacob Epstein with a modernist angel emerging. There’s also the tomb of French journalist Victor Noir, who was shot dead in 1870 in a duel with Pierre Bonaparte, the great-nephew of Napolean. Surprisingly, it is now something of a fertility, owing simply to the fact that it has a noticeable bulge. Women flock here to rub the spot for luck bearing a child, as evidenced by its polished sheen.
When all is said and done, the list could go on forever! Paris is a wonderful city offering a range of different experiences for all types of visitors. It’s also a very easy city to visit on an interrailing adventure, many of our pre-designed packages include a visit to Paris in their itinerary and when you’re there, you will understand why.
