So here I am, riding a bus with internet from Mexico City to Guadalajara and since I will be sitting down for the next 6 hours I thought writing in my blog was an excellent idea to pass time.
Unless you were born in the European Union, Paris’ museums and attractions can be quite expensive so like I mentioned before, make sure to pick your must-sees before you leave for Paris.
According to the Cathedral’s website, “tradition has it that Notre-Dame’s first stone was laid in 1163 in the presence of Pope Alexander III.” Of course, throughout the years, many additions and restorations have been made to this gothic building but its essence is still the same as hundreds of years ago, which is why entering Notre-Dame is a must. Since Notre-Dame is a place of worship, there are no fees charged to enter the building (this is not the case with all cathedrals and churches though); with beautiful stained-glass windows, sculptures, and giant organs this place is art in itself.
This building is unlike any other in Paris, and yet this is perhaps one of the least known tourist spots; before going to Paris I had never heard of this place, but thankfully, a friend recommended this place and it was worth it. Although Romano-Byzantine in design the architecture of Sacre-Coeur seems Taj-Mahal like which makes hard to imagine this is a basilica. The contrast between the white basilica and the green hill where it stands makes the beauty of this building more dazzling--and a favorite resting spot for both locals and tourists.
Close to Sacre-Coeur is in the world-known night-club theater of Moulin Rouge; unlike Sacre-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge is expensive with tickets starting at €114.00 to €216.00 depending on the menu. If you have the euros to spare then this show might be something you are interested in, but if you are like me, all about saving, then just take some pictures in it famous façade.
A beautiful park close to Notre-Dame, Luxembourg is ideal for a picnic or for an under-the-sky nap. During the afternoons the park is full of children playing with toy boats in the central fountain and with students reading and talking in the gardens. From time to time you can catch a free concert and amazing exhibitions.
Perhaps this is the most famous art museum in the world and this is no surprise considering it is the residence of some of the most famous art pieces by artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Jacques-Louis David, Raphael…
The Louvre is no small museum; seeing the entire collection might take as long as two days and getting close to the art might be an impossible feat with so many tourists walking through its corridors, so make sure to start your visit as soon as the doors open. The entrance is €12.00 but the first Sunday of every month entrance is free.
The question is not which one to see, but which one to go into; at around €8.00 the arc de Triomphe provides an excellent view of Paris’ beautiful streets and a perfect sight of Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, and The Louvre Museum. On the other hand, the Eiffel Tower charges €13.40 (lift to the top) for near aerial views of the entire city; take into account the tower is not apt for people with acrophopbia and the wait is rather long, but if you do not mind this then go ahead. In my case, I found the view from the arc much more worth it than the Eiffel Tower, but this all depends on your personal preference; if you have the money definitely go into both.
One of the most know palaces, Versailles is only a train ride outside of Paris. This is a place where you will need to spend your entire day since the Palace is divided in many parts and it gardens are simply breathtaking. The mirror room is one of its most famous rooms and the estate of Marie-Antoinette is a favorite amongst tourists. Entrance is around €18.00 for a one-day pass.
There are many other places that are just as beautiful as the ones previously mentioned and equally famous; the Catacombs, the Paris Opera, Champs de Mars, Centre Pompidou, and countless parks, museums, and churches make Paris one of the most magical cities in the world which makes Paris a destination like no other.
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