My initial vision of Paris was a combination of what I had read in the Da Vinci Code and what I could remember from the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie, “Passport to Paris”. Needless to say, I had no idea the reality of what the city had to offer. Luckily my friend living in Paris was an excellent personal tour guide. She showed me many of the incredible places to explore (and foods to taste) on a budget.
Quick List: Paris Monuments
- Eiffel Tower: you can never have too many pictures of it, with it, underneath it, on top of it etc. It’s just so iconic and a must-see.
- Arc du Triomphe: an amazing monument in honor of those who fought and died for France, also great views of the city from above.
- The Louvre: there is no shame in taking a selfie with the Mona Lisa. Heidi Klum did.(She just happened to be visiting the Louvre in the same weekend. No, I did not see her, but my friends rode on the same escalator with her…so that’s pretty cool).
- Notre Dame: home to Quasimodo, incredible architecture and stained glass windows.
- Love Lock bridge: located behind Norte Dame, some locks date back to the 1950’s pledging their enduring love.
- Sacre Coeur: a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
- Palace of Versailles: just an hour train ride out of the city, included in a metro pass for zones 1-3.
- Laudree: located on the Champs Elysees, this bakery has been delicious macaroons since 1862. Try the blue Marie Antoinette flavor, as words cannot describe how good it is.
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Money saving tip: While not all monuments have an entry fee, bring your student ID for discounted entry, or your student visa from anywhere in the European Union for free entry to those that do charge.
Where to stay
The Regent Monmartre is part of the HipHopHostel family which operates 15 hostels located near the many famous monuments throughout Paris. We chose Regent for its proximity to Sacre Coeur (some rooms have a great view of the basilica) and Moulin Rouge. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly when suggesting places to celebrate our friend’s birthday. Several pubs, bistros, and cafes are within walking distance or a short metro ride away.
Metro line 2 (blue) stop, Anvers, is a half-block up the street from Regent. The Paris metro system is a great way to get around and save some money. Last weekend it was free in an effort to reduce pollution levels in the city, lucky us!
Other notable accommodations: free breakfast, who doesn’t love free food; and a kitchen available to prepare the wonderful, fresh, inexpensive foods you purchased from the night street market next door.
4 Things I tried from the Checklist Challenge
1. Buy food from a street vendor. Similar to waffle stands in Belgium, crepe vendors are never far in Paris. I suggest trying both sweet and savory. You can’t go wrong with Nutella-banana, but the ham, egg, and cheese crepe gave it a run for its money
2. Browse through a local store. Paris is known for fashion, but local boutique styles do not come cheap. Vintage shops offer trendy items at a reasonable price. Scavenging through the shops is a quirky and fun experience with friends. You never know what you might find (example: a Wisconsin Badgers sweatshirt 4,200 miles from home).
3. Walk in a local park. A must in Paris is to walk along the Seine River. You never know where the paths may lead. During our walk, we discovered the Statue of Liberty, amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, and an artist painting the scenery.
4. Find a street market. Eating out in Paris can be expensive. We bought fresh food from the market and had picnics around the city. We were able to save money and sample the local cuisine, all with a great view.
To add to your Bucket List: Have a picnic in Paris. Pair a baguette with a bottle of French wine or splurge on macaroons from Laudree pastry shop. Whatever you choose not much beats good food, good friends, and a glittering Eiffel Tower.
There is so much to see and do in Paris. Tell us about your adventures in a comment below or send them to info@travelchicks.tv. Travel tips and suggested must-sees/dos are always welcome.
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