People have these preconceived expectations of Paris and what it will be like…and to me, it seems like either all of your expectations are met and more or Paris leaves you disappointed. You either love Paris or you just don’t.

And I LOVE Paris. Every. Single. Little. Thing.

I think I actually belong there. Aside from my lack of knowledge of the French language and I don’t exactly exude that classy Parisian sophistication.

Alas, I’ll stay in London.

Here are a few of my favorite things from my first trip to Paris:

Eiffel Tower: it’s a must, it’s iconic. It’s even more intricate and grand in person. I think you need to see it from all vantage points as well–the view from Champ de Mars (the park area below) is just as stunning as coming from the Palais de Chaillot and crossing over the Seine River. Also, you must go to the top! You can save a little $$ and possibly some time waiting if you’re not opposed to stairs. It’s quite a haul on the stairs but only to the first platform then you can take the lift up. Once atop La tour Eiffel, soak in the views and grab some hot chocolate or champagne! We planned to get to the top before dusk so we could see the city in day time and watch the sun set from above. Once the sun has set, the Eiffel Tower lights up for the night and even sparkles for the first five minutes of every hour (starting at 8 and continuing until 1am in the winter and 2am in summer).

River Seine Cruise: you know I love a good river cruise so if there’s a body of water, I’m cruising it, and I’m recommending it. We hoped on at the Eiffel Tower and found a good outside seat with views of both sides of the river. Again, we timed our cruise to leave late afternoon and be returning facing the sunset. These river cruises are super inexpensive but often very informative providing historical facts and city commentary.

Museums: here is the quick and dirty…

the Louvre has free admission on the first Sunday of the winter months so if you get locked out of your ATM card and have 0 dollars euros, logically you should head there first and worry about food and money later. Also, free under 18 yrs and on Friday evenings if you’re under 26 yrs. FYI, closed on Tuesdays. Must-see: the Mona Lisa. And of course, obligatory photos outside.

Musée d’Orsay: free admission on first Sunday of the month. closed Mondays. Museum ticket allows for entrance to the Musée Rodin on the same day so you can see this guy…

Arc de Triomphe: Iconic symbol of France with good views.

And of course, there are at least 4892748578 more museums in Paris so you should definitely consider a Paris Museum Pass if you’re into that.

Pont de l’Archevêché or lovers bridge. There are at least two other bridges in Paris that have been home to padlocks of lovers over the years but have received lots of hype from the media for destroying the pedestrian bridges. This bridge is a sturdier road bridge and is now home to many locks from visiting lovers.       

Notre Dame:

La Basilica du Sacré Coeur: located in the Montmartre arrondissement (or district), and to me the experience of this was the journey to get there. We started this adventure to the Basilica by exiting the metro at the Blanche station. This was not the Paris I was used to. Facing Moulin Rouge and many other stores and nightclubs of the like, we began our hike to the top of Montmartre. Someone told us the important thing to remember is that the Basilica is at the top so keeping heading uphill, which was a valuable tip as the cobblestone streets seemed to blend one into the next. The Montmartre area is artsy and full of little shops and street vendors with paintings of everything Paris. The Basilica is quite impressive and boosts beautiful views of the city.

Things to eat in Paris: 

Steak frites. Our favorite was le Relais de l’Entrecote. Only one thing on the menu but they do it right. And they just keep bringing more and more.

Grab a bottle of Champagne from Champagne and a baguette and enjoy in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars.

Nutella crepe. Mmmmmm.

I will definitely be returning to Paris when my sisters come for a visit and for the French Open next year…. what are your favorites in the city of love that I cannot miss?!