The city of love, artistry and exquisite food, Paris never fails to delight. Sipping Rosé on the Parisian rooftops or taking midnight strolls across the Seine, there’s something for everyone in France’s iconic capital. So read on to find out what’s in store for you on your next trip to Paris!

Planning Your Trip

Currency: Euros Transport: There are many public transport links around the city, including to and from the airport and if you’re not walking it’s the most cost efficient way of getting around (with airport transfers for as little as €6) Credit Cards & Banks: All tourist areas have ATMS and accept credit card, but as with many European cities, it’s worth carrying cash for the few small retailers which don’t accept card!

What to Do

A Historic Stroll through Paris

Hotel des Invalides: One of the buildings that immediately stands out as you walk into the city (other than the Eiffel Tower that is) is Hotel des Invalides. It originally housed 4000 war veterans, but was raided by a mob right before the French Revolution. Today, it’s an incredibly impressive monument and well worth a visit! Alexander III bridge: From the Hotel des Invalides, take a leisurely stroll across the famous Alexander III bridge. Place de la Concorde: Continuing your walk, follow the river towards the Place de la Concorde stopping at the fountain to take pictures before returning back across the bridge, past the Petit- and Grand-Palais, past the Eiffel Tower and back to the beginning! Avenue des Champsee-Elysee: Today we decided to walk back over the Alexander III Bridge, getting a few photos on the way before making our way past the Petit Palais and followed our way up the Avenue des Champsee-Elysee, taking the time to do a bit of shopping while we were there. We stopped at Laduree (a famous French macaroon cafe) for lunch, bringing a box of sweet treats back with us to have in front of the Eiffel Tower one of the other days. Sainte-Chapelle + Notre Dame: We then made our way to Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame – which ended up being quite a walk! the street leading up to Notre Dame is filled with artists painting the famous site and we couldn’t help but buy a few paintings and posters ourselves. Sainte-Chapelle has the oldest stained glass in Paris and it really is mind-blowing to visit. And, of course, the view of Notre Dame beside the river is second to none, and a must-see when visiting Paris. Unfortunately we arrived too late to go inside (they close at 17:30) but I was so glad to have seen the outside at least (especially now the Notre Dame has sustained severe fire damage). Pont des Arts Bridge: Finally, before heading back we visited the famous Pont des Arts Bridge, known for all the padlocks lovers have fastened to its sides as a sign of love.

DAY 3 in Paris:

Eiffel Tower: We woke up early and headed straight for the Eiffel Tower, having heard queues were going to be long, but were pleasantly surprised not to have to wait long at all before getting to the top (this might have been because of the season – we did go in September). The view did not disappoint! Arc de Triomphe + Avenue des Champsee-Elysee: We then walked through the Avenue des Champsee-Elysee – this time to visit the Arc de Triomphe. Sacre Coer: Once we were satisfied (aka taken as many artsy pictures as possible without getting run over by ongoing traffic – the Arc de Triomphe is situated in the middle of a cross-section of 9 roads!), we made our way to the Basilica Sacre Coeur. The view from here is spectacular but it is a steep, long walk up so be prepared! (of course if you can’t manage the stairs there is a funicular which is included in your metro ticket if you have one). Drinks at at the 5* Raphael Hotel – Students, staying in an airbnb, we had been living off picnics and ready-meals in our one-room apartment but we wanted to splash out one evening and treat ourselves to a dinner venue at the 5* Raphael Hotel by the Arc de Triomphe. We couldn’t afford to have dinner there but we went for drinks! The hotel bar is an open-top sky garden bar that overlooks Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Each night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour, so we were able to watch the light show while we had our drinks. It really was a beautiful evening Evening walk by the Seine: After our evening drinks we went on a late-night stroll from Arc de Triomphe to Le Louvre, where we stayed for a while looking at the famous pyramid away from all the normal crowds. The nightlife in Paris is really vibrant and we saw lots of young people hanging out by the river, as well as Jazz musicians playing on the bridge. It was a lovely atmosphere to walk back to.

DAY 4 in Paris:

Disneyland: Since it was my friend’s birthday today, we had decided to book a ticket to Disneyland and spend the day there. It was actually my first ever time visiting Disneyland Paris and although I’m not much of a rollercoaster-lover, I must say it really is a spectacular Parc, and something you must do at least once in your life. We made sure to get the cute Mickey Mouse Ears which we wore around with us and spent the day re-living our childhood dreams (including hugging Mickey Mouse of course). Getting there: It was fairly easy to get to – just a train journey away (one of the few times we actually had to use public transport) and with lots of helpful clear signposts as to where to go. No expensive taxis needed!

DAY 5 in Paris:

Chateau de Versailles: This has to be my highlight of the whole trip – walking through the Hall of Mirrors was really an irreplaceable moment in my life. In terms of getting there, it’s a 40 min train journey from the centre of Paris (just take the RER C5 to Versailles-Chateau-Rive-Gauche station). It’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance (on the chateau’s website) so you can walk straight in, but because of the time we went, we seemed to be fine just queuing when we got there. When you arrive you are greeted by a large grand golden gate, which is impressive enough, but the State rooms are something else entirely. The vast size of the palace and estate is extraordinary in itself but the intricacy of the interior is unimaginable and really what blew my mind.