Paris. For each person, this city evokes a different sentiment. In some, it calls to their sense of romanticism. To others, it appeals to their feelings of beauty and aesthetics. Everyone sees (and feels) the city differently depending on the way the city is explored.
My first time in the city, I had just a few days to barrel my way through all the main sights and historical landmarks. It was intense, madness, exhausting, but I loved it. Audio tours, guided tours, self-guided walking tours, detailed itineraries, pre-booked time slots and tickets, you name it and I probably did it.
The second time I visited Paris, though, was a completely different experience. It was a short 3-day stopover on the way to the French Riviera. This time, I went with a more relaxed and flexible itinerary and discovered what I actually enjoyed the most in the city. Below are budget-friendly tips to experience this beautiful city and create memories that will stay with you.
1. Walks in Jardin du Luxembourg
Out of all the main gardens, my favorite park to roam about in was the Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the 6th arrondissement. The grounds are quite extensive, with sculptures and beautiful landscaping. The “chateau” with the fountain is so picturesque. It was lovely to walk around and observe how well-trodden this park is. Children playing at the fountain, joggers and wanderers everywhere, seniors sitting and chatting, even a tournament of pétanque (a popular French game) on that day. There was less of a tourist crowd, which made our walks calming and very “homey” in a way. I would recommend taking some time to just enjoy the atmosphere of Jardin du Luxembourg.
2. People-watching near the Panthéon
One thing that Paris is well known for is people-watching. Many restaurants are set up for that specific reason with the chairs all facing the street. One such restaurant that we went to is Le Comptoir du Panthéon on Rue Soufflot. The Panthéon overlooks the street on one side, which adds to the charm of the place. The vibe of the restaurant is quite laid back. It gave us an opportunity to observe all the people passing by, or the comings and goings of the restaurant, while enjoying a nice late afternoon rest from a day of walking and exploring. A few drinks and snacks, and we felt recharged.
3. Evening at Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower light show
When in Paris, you cannot miss the Eiffel Tower. However, take some time out to visit it at night. Every evening, at the beginning of each hour (sundown to 1AM), the Tower is illuminated and twinkles with lights. Bring a foldable blanket, light snacks and drinks, and settle in at Champs de Mars. When I went, there was a street performer singing middle eastern tunes, strumming his guitar. The atmosphere was friendly and laid back. We had such a lovely evening, enjoying the general vibe and the balmy air. And the Eiffel Tower suddenly twinkling behind it all added a beautiful feel to it. One thing to note, and to expect, is the constant comings and goings of the street peddlers (some selling alcohol, others selling souvenirs and gadgets). These vendors are at every tourist landmark, so just say no firmly and they will move on.
4. Night view of the Eiffel Tower
To stay on the topic of the Eiffel Tower, if you want a beautiful Instagram-worthy view, go to Pont de Bir-Hakeim. The night view of the Eiffel Tower is especially beautiful. We took the regular daytime pictures with the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars. However, my favorite pictures of the Eiffel Tower are the nighttime ones, and the view of the Tower from Pont de Bir-Hakeim with the ripples of the Seine is absolutely one of my preferred pictures from the trip.
If you are already near the Eiffel Tower, or you are planning to follow my above tip to spend the evening at Champs de Mars, Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a short walk to or from the Eiffel Tower. There is a metro station located close by it too. Go at sunset and stay at the viewpoint to take some amazing pictures of the Eiffel Tower at dusk and at nightfall.
5. Follow the river Seine
My last suggestion is more about sightseeing. Take a walk along the Seine and see what you see along the way. We started off in the early morning at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris and headed towards Pont Alexandre III. Then, we walked inwards towards the Champs-Élysées and walked along the famous street to the Arc de Triomphe. Of course, with the recent fire having caused the closure of Notre Dame cathedral, I would suggest starting at Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie area, and just spending a day wandering through Paris’ main tourist areas (the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III, Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées, the shopping area along the Champs-Élysées until you reach the Arc de Triomphe). Snack at smaller bakeries for a budget-friendly option along the way.
So, here were some of my favorite things that I did in Paris. A trip to this city is really what you make of it. While I would recommend first-timers to visit the main landmarks and museums, do take some time out to just meander your way through Paris too. Smell the roses, as they say. Those will be the moments you will most remember and love.
Travel Diaries of a Dreamer 