Guys, there is a lot to do in the city of love. However, what many do not know is what the Parisians do here. This post is all about activities you can do in the city of love (on your own or with friends). Get ready because I have 10 REALLYYYY typical things to do in the city of lights.
1. Biking in Paris
The public bicycle system works relatively well in Paris and biking around might be one of the best ways to get to know the city. I fell over a few times in the beginning because there are no bike paths everywhere like in Holland BUT now I am a super prof on the subject.
Tourist information: The ticket for 24 hours is 5 €, and 5 bicycles can be used at the same time with this pass. There are stations all over the city and in case of emergency, just use the velib’ app for more information.
2. Picnicking in the park
Yes, picnic with wine, cheese, bread, sauces and some tomatoes is one of my fav activities in the city. AND YES: French love spending the afternoon talking and eating outside.
3. Saying HI to the Eiffel tower
Friends, you can laugh at me, but the best thing about living in Paris is to have the chance to be a tourist everyday. I know the Eiffel tower is mostly a touristic attraction but many Parisians stop by to “see her” from time to time or to do picnics in Champs de Mars. Anyway: Is not she beautiful?
4. Enjoying in Parisian sun in the park
I remember when I moved to Paris, people would invite me to go to the park and I would think: “What the hell are they going to do in the park?” I was born in the countryside and for many years I enjoyed a lot more the busy and grew areas. Over the years, I have become a fan of the parks, nice talk and hours lying down on the grass while enjoying the sun.
TRUE STORY: Sunny day in Paris means: esplanades full of people or parks full of people in the bikini (No, I’m not exaggerating).
5. Taking a boat tour in the Seine
Guys: coming to Paris and not taking a boat tour is like going to Rome and not seeing Papa. Anyway, it’s a MUST and it’s cheap. Honestly, it is superrrr beautiful to see Paris from the river.
The cheapest and shortest trip is about 1 hour and you can get the boat in several spots in the city.
- Price: 14€
- Company: Bateaux mouches
6. Exploring the Parisian streets
I know one can walk anywhere in the world but the streets in Paris have a lot of life, a lot of beauty, a lot of details. It is not every day that we walk down the street and stop to simply admire a building or two. So this is a MUST to do in the city. Best of all, it is free.
7. Going to a street market
I have become a fan fruit markets after my trip in South America. But it was in my Parisian days that I started going to the market (I used to go every Saturday morning). First, because the products are much fresher, then because they are cheaper and lastly, because people are incredible nice and welcoming.
8. Buying the famous baguette
When I was a student, I remember coming downstairs every morning at 7am to buy my baguette. Perhaps the myth that the French carry the baguette under their arms is one true one. And whoever comes to visit, I strongly advise you to stop in several boulangeries and appreciate the delicious desserts that they do. Most important, do not forget the magic sentence to ask for a baguette: “Une baguette, si vous plaît…”
9. Going to a museum or exposition
Paris is one of the coolest cities in terms of culture and art. There is an abundance of museums and art exhibitions to do daily. Therefore, going to at least one exhibition or museum is mandatory for anyone planning to visit the city of love.
TIPS: Check my article about the monuments to visit in Paris and their prices
10. Drinking beer/ wine/ cocktail in a typical French brasserie
I remember being a student in Paris and looking at the typically French cafes and thinking that one day I would have the money to sit down and enjoy a nice cocktail at the end of my day in a office. Little did I know that those brasseries were not that expensive after all, and that day would come sonner than I thought.
What did you think of these tips? Is anyone heading to Paris anytime soon?
Beijinho,
Daniela