Visit Paris Like a Pro

This is the only article you need to read to plan a successful trip to Paris. Travel the City of Love like a pro with these practical suggestions and tips and save yourself from spending unnecessarily as well as to make the most of your time in this beautiful capital of France.

 

Your Ultimate Guide to Paris

The Eiffel Tower

• It’s better to avoid going to the top of the tower unless you have a lot of time on your hands and are well equipped with patience. However, if you really want to go up this magnificent tower, go up to the 2nd floor from where you can get a good view of Paris.
• You can avoid the rush by getting down at Trocadero Station instead of the closest metro station from the Eiffel Tower.
• Don’t forget that the Eiffel Tower is lit up every hour. Plan your visit accordingly.

Timings:

• Summer: 9:00AM – midnight
• Winter: 9:30AM – 11:30PM

Cost:

• Stairs to the 2nd floor – 5€
• Lift to the 2nd floor – 8.50€
• Lift to the top – 14.50€

 

The Sacre Coeur

• Schedule your visit either in the early morning or early evening as it’s a spectacular sight to watch the sunrise and sunset lighting up the building.
• Save your energy by avoiding the steps while going up. Take a funicular instead. You can walk while coming back.
• Wear proper attire. Keep your legs and shoulders covered.

Timings:

• Basilica: 6:00AM – 11PM
• Dome & Crypt: 9:00AM – 6PM (Winter)
• Dome & Crypt: 9:00AM – 7PM (Summer)

Cost:

• Basilica – Free
• Dome – 6€
• Crypt – 3€
• Combined ticket – 8€

 

Les Invalides

It houses many museums and the tomb of Napoleon. In case you don’t have much time, enjoy the golden dome without entering and if you want you can also have a short pleasant walk in the courtyards.

Timings:

• 10:00AM – 6:00PM (Summer)
• 10:00AM – 5:00PM (Winter)

Cost:

9.50€

 

The Arc of Triumph

• The views from the top are incredible. However, come prepared to wait in a long queue and to go 280 steps up and down. Arrive as early as possible.
• Don’t forget to see the foot of Arc. It’s beautiful as well as free.
• The flame for the Unknown Soldier is lit at the base at 6:30PM. It’s very crowded. So brace yourselves for this.

Timings:

• 10:00AM – 11:00PM (Summer)
• 10:00AM – 10:30PM (Winter)

Cost:

8€

 

Pantheon

Its exterior is more remarkable compared to its interior. If you don’t have an interest in people who are buried there, it’s best to not go inside and use that time to visit another site.

Timings:

10:00AM – 6:00PM

Cost:

7€

 

Pere Lachaise

• It’s a large cemetery so get your own digital copy of the map online rather than paying an exorbitant amount for a map at the site.
• Plan which tombs you want to see and make an itinerary to avoid getting lost in the cemetery and wasting your precious time.
• It’s situated on a slope. Get down at Gambetta Station and opt for the back entrance if you want to save yourself from the trouble of climbing uphill. Through the back entrance you can enjoy an easy downhill walk to Pere Lachaise.

Summer Timings:

• 7:30AM – 6:00PM (Mon-Fri)
• 8:00AM – 6:00PM (Sat)
• 9:00AM – 6:00PM (Sun)

Winter Timings:

• 8:00AM – 5:30PM (Mon-Fri)
• 8:30AM – 5:30PM (Sat)
• 9:00AM – 5:30PM (Sun)

Cost:

Free

 

Saint Germain Des Pres

• It’s popularly referred to as the Lost Generation’s Neighbourhood because of the movie, Midnight in Paris.
• Don’t forget to check out these lovely cafes –Les Deux Maggots, Café de Flora, and Le Procope.
• It’s a fantastic place to take a long stroll. You should not miss these streets –Boulevard St. Germain, Rue Bonaparte, Rue de la Seine, and Rue Buci.

 

Iconic Views

Places from where you can see the iconic views of the City of Lights:

• The foot of the Sacre Coeur
• The roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe
• Alexandre III Bridge
• Parc des Buttes Chaumont

 

Picnic Spots

What can be better than enjoying a memorable picnic with your loved ones at these beautiful spots in one of the most beautiful cities in the world?

• Breuteuil lawn
• Parc des Buttes Chaumont
• Quai des Orfevres
• Jardin des Invalides
• Champ de Mars
• Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor

 

Where to eat?

• There are countless restaurants and café in Paris to eat. I’d suggest the “Plat du Jour” to cut short long waiting time in restaurants. The food in this restaurant is good and reasonably priced.
• Remember to tip 10% at any restaurant in case the service charge is not mentioned.

 

Transportation in the City of Love

Metro and Bus:

• 1 Ticket: 1.70€
• 10-ticket carnet: 13.30€

Paris Visite Pass:

• 1-Day Pass: 10.55€
• 2-Day Pass: 15.15€
• 3-Day Pass: 23.40€
• 5-Day Pass: 33.70€

Note: Paris Visite Pass offers discounts on some tourist sites.

Batobus:

• 1-Day Pass: 15€
• 2-Day Pass: 18€

Velib:

• 30 mins: Free
• 1-Day Pass: 1.70€
• 2-Day Pass: 8€

 

Safety Tips

The city is safe. However, be aware of pick-pocketers. It’s best to not carry any unnecessary valuables while travelling.

*Ticket prices are subjected to change. Please confirm them before paying a visit to a particular attraction.

Hope you have a gala time in Paris!