Paris is the capital of France and is known for its museums, architectural landmarks and romance. Paris is an exquisite city, as it is the world’s most visited city, it offers something for everyone. It’s been described as the ‘The city of lights’, ‘city of romance’, ‘city of love’ and many more cliches have been used.

A common difficulty would be knowing what to restrict yourself to seeing while visiting. A detailed guide on the top places to visit in the city along with some tips and tricks to make the experience that much easier.

Basilique du sacré coeur de montmartre ( Basilica of the sacred heart of Montmartre )

      

Also known as the wedding cake on the balcony of Paris, this lovely Roman Catholic church is built on the Butte Montmartre, and as the highest point in Paris, it gives you a great view over the city. You can climb the 222 steps or take the funicular (a cable railway and an inclined elevator, which uses a cable traction for movement on a steep slope) to reach the top. The Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie and Lucien Magne in Romano-byzantine style, and built to honor the 58,000 men that died during the Franco-Prussian War. The Sacré coeur is recognized by its intriguing done and white color. Inside the building, the ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France. To go even higher, visitors can access the dome where 360 view of Paris is magnificent.  The Sacré Coeur is situated in Montmartre, an idyllic and bohemian neighborhood full of lovely boutiques, restaurants and street art.

Tips:

• The entrance to the chapel is free; for the crypt and the dome there is a fee.

• At night the stairways are full of people hanging out, drinking, eating and singing

Champs-Élysées

    

Shopping time! While you will not find many Parisians here (it is quite expensive and there are mainly chain stores), the most beautiful avenue in the world is still worth a visit. The buildings are beautiful and the little alleyways on both sides are full of bistros, bars and clubs to explore.

Tips:

• Step inside a perfume landmark at Maison Guerlain

• Avoid eating at the champs élysées and instead at the fouquet’s restaurant

Eiffel tower

Paris wouldn’t be Paris without this iconic landmark! I think the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is at night, when it is illuminated. Start at Trocadero to enjoy the best view of the tower (it’s always busy, so it may take a while before you can take your perfect photo), and then walk down the stairs towards the tower until you arrive beneath it. After you’ve admired it up close, walk further on Champ de Mars and pause for a drink in the grass (on summer nights) or a romantic walk (on winter nights).

-The tower twinkles on the hour, every hour, from nightfall till 1am. It’s magical.

– Go twice to be able to see it during daylight and enjoy a picnic underneath and at night

Palace of Versailles

          

The Palace of Versailles, a royal chateau which dates from the 17th century, is a beautiful monument to French history. It’s also a grand place that offers plenty of opportunities for a relaxing day out. For the ultimate romantic experience, head straight to the gardens. Here you can wander around the grand and the modest to find small hiding places and escape the others who have made the trip out. There are also plenty of places to share a meal or a drink together, including the restaurant La Flotille next to the Grand Canal, as well as Angelina’s (a world famous café) with a terrace and take away.

Tips:

• Visit the palace right when it opens or right before it closes to beat some of the rush

• Make sure to grab a audio guide along with the ticket package. Super helpful info for each room

Pont des arts

This pedestrian Lover’s bridge is full of locks. Our guide tells us that sections of the wire mesh which is full of locks is routinely replaced. If this is not done, the bridge might fall in the river because of the weight of the steel locks. Sorry to spoil the romance, but the locks do not stay forever. It is still fun though to put your locks and throw away the key.

Pont Alexandre III

The bridge is the most beautiful in Paris. Built as a symbol of friendship between France and Russia, you will notice that the 4 posts with the gold monuments depict war and peace. This can be reached by walking from Invalides ( Napoleon’s tomb) or from Champ Elysees. The bridge should be one of your Paris picture op background aside from Eiffel and the Louvre pyramid. The good part about it is that there is no entrance fee and there is no queue. Also no closing time.

Tips:

• Plan our trip to be able to head to the flea market nearby, timing is key!

Rue cler

We visited this neighborhood based on a strong recommendation of a famous American guide. It was near the Eiffel so there was no harm in taking a short stroll. What I liked about the pedestrian street is that it a variety of shops. I remember the cafes, flower shop, cheese store, butcher store, and fruit stand. The store which is unforgettable is the chocolatier. We had our first taste of Paris macarons from this store at 1 euro each. They actually are good. This street seems to be a preserved Parisian street which caters to the tourist. Still worth a 20-30 minute visit.

Tips:

• Try out the huge pizza slice at the tribeca

Le Chalet des Iles ( The island cottage )

Situated west of the city, Bois de Boulogne is a large park with several lakes. One of them has an island, on which this lovely restaurant is situated – only accessible by a boat. After exploring the wooded paths with their numerous trees,  flowers and birds, take a relaxed brunch at the Chalet. This is a gem hidden behind a lake.

Tips-

• Should rent a rowing boat to explore the lake fully.