Paris at sunset, from the top of the Eiffel Tower
As a traveler, you always hear stories of Paris–some good, some bad.
For many who come expecting to be wooed by sexy French men, baguettes and wine, Paris is disappointing. It doesn’t live up to the hype. This is known bitterly by some as, “Paris Syndrome.”
For me, Paris has been amazing. And everything I thought I’d find–the rude people, the dirt, the smug attitude–has been quite the opposite. Everyone has been so incredibly friendly. I’ve been walking around, talking to everyone and I’ve yet to meet one person who hasn’t wanted to stop, talk and try to help me figure out where I’m going. The food is predictably amazing, and the wine, even more so.
There are a few pretty quick and simple ways I’ve found to fall in love with Paris. Here are five:
1. The trick to loving Paris is having no expectations: The city can be as unpredictable as the weather. When we arrived here a few days ago, it was raining, and they told us it would rain all week. Voila! Next day and every day since, nothing but sunshine. If you come here expecting something, you’ll be disappointed. The people are, for the most part, very friendly. There are hundreds of things to do. Personally, I’ve most enjoyed myself when I’ve done nothing at all–sit down in a cafe with a glass of wine and just looked around.
2. Don’t try to do it all: There are so many activities in this city and many that you’ll probably feel like you “should” or “have to” do. You might even say things like “I’m in Paris, I have to go to the Louvre.” You don’t! You don’t have to do anything, really. Just get a baguette and some meat and cheese and have a picnic for less than 5 Euros. There are a couple of really special things to see though–the Louvre is great, but overwhelming and chaotic and crowded and huge–but the Eiffel Tower at night is amazing. If you do go up to the top, I recommend getting there at about 5:30 pm and getting in line so that you can watch the sun set over Paris. It’s amazing! Cost is 14 Euros to get to the top.
3. Eat everything: This, of course, is my motto for travel. Paris offers some pretty tasty treats, like croques, crepes, baguettes. If you see it, and it looks good, eat it!
4. Spend wisely: The city can be expensive, which can be really, really frustrating. To save money, go to the Metro and buy 10 tickets for 12 Euros. This is less expensive than buying a day or multi-day pass, which you probably won’t use enough anyway. Eat on the cheap–buy a baguette, meat and cheese from local shops and you’ll have a huge delicious meal for two, for under 5 Euros. Or hit up the local grocery stores (they’re everywhere). As stated earlier, Paris can be cheap or expensive depending on what you do or don’t do. You can go to the Eiffel Tower for free. To go to the top is 14 Euro. Etc, etc.
5. Explore local parks: The city is full of parks. They’re gorgeous and a great way to sit and think. To me, this city feels contemplative. It’s the kind of place you take time out to write, and to think. If you’re into cemeteries, the largest and most impressive is Pere Lachaise, where Jim Morrison is buried. He’s kind of hard to find, so it’s almost a little scavenger hunt. Pere Lachaise is its own station on the Metro. It’s free to enter.
