It is going to be almost three years since I've been living here in Paris and I can only thank my stars that I have been lucky enough to have had the chance to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, even two and a half years down the line, I still find it hard to think of reaching a point in the near future when I might be done exploring the city.
Just another piece of work on a sequestered wall in Montmartre
There is an endless list of things to do in Paris. Probably that is why I love it. However, all the good things come to an end and I know that I might be moving on to some other part of the world soon. Before that happens, I thought I will jot down a list of my favourite things to do in Paris.
Food
Every city has its own charm and one of the most charming things about Paris is the superlative quality of food everywhere. From the best boulangeries to the amazing cafés, Paris is full of great places to eat. Apart from the regular bistros and brasseries, there are also so many other places to explore in Paris. It wasn't tough for me to decide which food l should start this section with.
Burgers
Burgers = Happiness.... and there are so many burger places serving the much needed happiness in Paris. Although I could easily list out 10 to 20 burger places on my list, I would like to keep this post as short and simple as possible. So out of all the burger places that I have visited these are the ones that I would recommend:
L'Artisan du Burger
Big Fernand
Roomies
Hank Burger
Mamie Burger
Coffee
Coffee is the best way to start a day. Among the cafés that I have visited so far, these are the ones that really made my day:
Holybelly
La Caféothèque de Paris
Strada Café
13- A Baker's Dozen
Matamata Coffee Bar
Other interesting places to eat
Les Antiquaires - My undisputed number one. Almost every dish that they serve is great, never disappoints.
Au Petit Sud Ouest - The best foie gras and duck confit in Paris.
La Gare - It used to be an actual underground Metro station, later converted to a restaurant.
Urfa Dürüm - A small and crowded place but amazing for kebab rolls.
Bouillon Chartier - Classified as a 'monument historique' since 1989.
Things to Do
A post about Paris without the Eiffel Tower is incomplete. So here it is.
The Eiffel Tower
Now let's move on. Paris is home to a few of the most visited monuments and museums in the world. In fact, there are so many famous places in Paris to visit, that even though the city has a giant Ferris Wheel, just like the London Eye and Singapore Flyer, this wheel doesn't even make it to the 'Top things to do in Paris' list.
The Paris Ferris Wheel
Museums
Out of all the museums that I have been to these would be the ones that I liked the most:
Musée du Louvre
Musée d'Orsay
Musée Rodin
Movie Locations
From French Kiss to Da Vinci Code to Inception, all kinds of Hollywood movies have been shot in Paris. If you have the time it is fun to check out a few of the most famous movie locations in Paris. In fact, there are a few Bollywood movies that are set in Paris as well. Significant parts of movies such as Queen, Befikre, Don (the new one released in 2006) and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom were all shot in Paris.
Le Pure Cafe from 'Before Sunset' Then (left) and Now (right)
There is also an app called Secrets de Paris, which contains an endless list of things to do in Paris.
Seine River Cruise
Each and every cruise has its pros and cons. However, the best ones from the tried and tested list are:
Bateau le Calife - Best dinner cruise
Bateaux Parisiens - Best lunch buffet and cruise
Vedettes du Pont-Neuf - Best value for money cruise
View from Bateaux Parisiens
Bastille Day Fireworks
On 14th of July every year, France celebrates the Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the Storming of the Bastille in 1789. This celebration starts with a military parade and a fly-past of the French Air Force in the morning and ends with one of the most spectacular firework displays in the evening. With perfectly coordinated music, lights, and fireworks, it is one of the most beautiful events that I have ever witnessed.
Here's the video. Also, if you're a Coldplay fan like me, here is the shortcut link to the best part...
(Click here for the Coldplay part).
Walk along the Seine
Finally, if you're just looking to just spend a relaxing evening in Paris, you can always take a walk along the river. It's beautiful, buzzing with people and absolutely free!
"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." - Ernest Hemingway
