There will be a time in the life of almost every person when he/she feel like fleeing away from their busy life to an exotic destination. Without any doubts, Paris is one of the best options for such an exciting vacation. In fact, the number of people flocking to this amazing city is skyrocketing with every passing year. This incredible city boasts a wide range of attractions that are ideal for people of any age, gender, and areas of interest. Some of those captivating attractions in the capital city of France include the sumptuous monuments, picturesque natural landscapes, adventurous activities, drool-worthy cuisine, astounding fashion culture, and whatnot. So, planning a trip to this enchanting city of France will be worth it in every way.
Planning your Paris Tours
When it comes to planning your Paris tours, a number of factors may bother you such as your lodging, food, itinerary, transportation, etc. Out of these, the accommodation is one of the most important factors. Make sure that the place or neighborhood that you choose for your stay is ideal to showcase the bewitching beauty of Paris.
Additionally, try to choose a place that is at an accessible distance from almost every attraction here. However, this will not be that easy since Paris is a big city and the attractions are widespread all around. To tackle this, you may first shortlist the places you would like to see and the activities you would like to indulge in when in the French capital. Then, choose an area for your stay accordingly. Keep your budget as well in mind. Note that you can find Parisian hotels ranging from the grand majestic ones to affordable lodgings. Of course, it will be challenging for a first timer to decide on all these options.
The Anatomy of the City
The French capital is divided into the left and right banks depending on the directions of the scenic Seine River. While the right bank is more of a trendy and hip area, the Left Bank is known for its elegant architecture and incredible Hemmingway haunts. These banks are further subdivided to districts or arrondissements. There are 20 districts in Paris and are given numbers. The 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th districts are the most popular options here since they are located at the center of the city.
When choosing a hotel to stay, most tourists tend to consider an option closer to the metro station. Needless to mention, metro trains are one of the best and easiest ways to get around the city. You can rely on public buses, cabs, bikes, etc. as well to explore this magnificent city.
Tips to Get around the City
It is not important to pay attention to the street names in the city since it might confuse you. It is to be noted that most streets are located at a distance of few blocks from each other and you can easily explore it on foot or bikes. In other words, it is extremely easy to get around Paris since the city boasts a great public transportation system. It is worth noting that purchasing transportation passes and tourist passes will make things easier for you. With a credible city pass, you are likely to get a discount of around 40% on your overall sightseeing and transportation expenses. Plus, you will not have to stand in long and tiring queues wasting your precious time.
The Best Parisian Neighborhoods
Most veteran travelers often recommended visitors to consider an accommodation facility at the city center since it features a huge number of attractions and is safe and walkable. Two of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris are the Marais in the 4th arrondissement on the right bank and the Saint-Germaine in the 6th arrondissement of the left bank. Other significant neighborhoods in Paris and the popular attractions and activities you can enjoy at each place are given below. This will surely help you to sort things out.
1st Arrondissement
This will be the perfect choice for all the visitors who give priority to sightseeing. Most of the renowned landmarks in the City of Lights are located in this area. Plus, it will be easier for you to venture other spots from the 1st. Some of the major highlights that you can see here include the Sainte-Chappelle, Louvre museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Tuileries Garden, bars, cafes, etc. Besides, the famous Orsay museum and the Saint-Germaine neighborhood are located just across the river. You can easily go there by means of city boat service or you may take a grand cruise depending on your budget. Additionally, the 1st district features a sound metro system with 5 metro lines to various parts of the city.
11th Arrondissement
If you are more of a foodie, this will be the ideal destination for you. Note that you can find different types of eateries here ranging from startups to the established ones. Since this area is located outside the central area of the city, the rent and food expenses will be relatively cheaper here. Most of the budding chefs have a restaurant at this place. Usually, the eateries here prefer catering to huge crowds. So, you will get an opportunity to mingle with locals this way.