What to Expect:
Paris brings millions of visits for its beautiful architecture, art collections, and divine cuisine. There are many things to do, whether it’s going to art museums, seeing the Eiffel Tower, or visiting the neighborhood of Montmartre. Most Parisians understand English, especially in touristy locations. I recommend downloading google translate app, as some locals don’t speak English. Parisians are hustlers (they work hard!); you notice this at restaurants, you are served quickly and then given the bill shortly. The customer service is not like in the U.S., where people will say, “how are you?” “have a good day!” Therefore, don’t take things personally. In my opinion customer service was better in smaller restaurants or bars. Overall, I enjoyed my visit.
Paris Locations:
There are 20 Paris Arrondissements (Paris districts). For example, the Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th district. There are also neighborhoods within the Arrondissements, such as Montmartre. There is plenty to see in Pairs! The best view of the city is at the top of the Arc, the Eiffel Tower is beautiful- I recommend pre-paid tickets, the Louvre will be crowded (even in November), and you may find the Notre Dame under construction due to the fire in April. Museums are not free, except on the first Sunday of the month, and some days of the week are open until 10pm. The is a line to see the Mona Lisa in the Louvre (usually about 15 minutes). I did not have enough time to see the Moulin Rouge or Catacombs- my friends highly recommend it. You’ll find crepes everywhere, they are delicious, eat as many as you can! I really enjoyed dining at Boteco VM, L CE NOMANIAC and L’ EClair.
I stayed in the 7th ARR. to see the Eiffel Tower more often. My friends recommend also staying by the 1st ARR, Montmartre, and the Latin Quarter.
Metro:
The metro will be challenging, especially if you don’t know French. The best way to learn is to get lost. I used the metro three times but typically walked; everything was usually a 15- 20-minute walk. You can also use electric scooters or Uber. Metro signs are labeled M or as Metropolitan (in green). I found them difficult to find while using google apps.
Metro: https://parisbytrain.com/paris-metro/
Weather:
The weather is around low 50s to low 40s, but when it rains, you feel it. Make sure to buy gloves and a beret. Visit in October when it’s slightly warmer (low to mid-60s) and considered low season. Though, I still found it quite busy in November. I recommend buying tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, and all the museums (especially the Louvre).
Solo Travelers:
I felt completely safe in Paris. You will see many tourists at every attraction, even in November! You make friends while getting lost and while waiting in line or exploring. I mainly walked, used the metro, or an Uber in Paris. Once you start traveling alone, you will be surprised to how many others travel alone as well. I recommend staying at a Hostel if you want to travel solo but feel nervous. Hostels often provide tours and provide many opportunities to make friends. How to select a Hostel? Go to Hostelworld.com, compare by ratings and reviews. Anything above 8 is good. Things to keep in mind- laundry facilities, 24 hour reception services, tour services, security lockers/entrance, and luggage storage.
Itinerary: organized by proximity
Day 1: District 7th and 8th ARR.
| 3:00 PM | Check in Airbnb |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Arc De Triomphe |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Eiffel Tower |
| 3:45pm – 4:45pm | Montparnasse Tower |
| 5:00pm – 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Eiffel Tower |
Day 2: District 4th, 5th, and 2nd ARR.
| 8:00am – 9:00am | Coffee + Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 9:30am | Jardin Des Tulenries |
| 9:00pm – 2:00pm | Musee d’ Orsay (Van Gogh) |
| 3:00pm – 4:30pm | Sainte-Chapelle |
| 4:40pm – 6:00pm | Conciergerie |
| 6:00PM – 6:30pm | Notre Dame Cathedrale |
| Sometime | Au Vieux Paris |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Dinner + Explore |
Day 3: 16th ARR.
| 8:00am – 2:00pm | Palace of Versailles + gardens |
| 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Lunch |
| 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Musee de Monet |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Dinner + Explore |
Day 4: 18th, 2nd and 1st ARR
| 8:00am – 9:00am | Montmartre |
| 9:30am – 10:00am | Sacred Heart Basilica |
| 10:30am – 2:00pm | Lourve Museum (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Samothrace, Venus de Milo) |
| 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Lunch |
| 3:00pm -3:30pm | Laduree |
| 4:30pm | Explore + Dinner + Explore |
Female Traveler 