Paris, My Way: Your Personal Guide

This is my guide to Paris. I went to my 21st birthday celebrations with my mum. This was February, so whether clothing was appropriate for the temperature outside, not sure for your pavement fashion runaway. This is a quick guide that does not overwhelm you, and it includes things I have done on my visits to Paris and things I would like to do next time.

Though everyone knows about the Moulin Rouge windmill, the Notre Dame and the Louvre glass pyramids, there is more to Paris than that. If you love fashion and learning, the Dior Museum is for you. The YSL and Louis Vuitton experiences and museums around the Paris area also exist. The Art galleries are exquisite if you want something to see or wander around on those wet days. On The first Sunday of the month, galleries are free but come with long lines. It is best to book another day and get in the first slot possible before the Monet and the van Gogh get too busy. To see cliche art, visit the Louvre with the Mona Lisa. The Musee d’Orsay on the other side of the Seine is just as good, with one of my favourite paintings being Monet Lilys. There are more art galleries in the city; however, these are the most well-known and attract the most visitors.

If you are looking for exquisite architecture, Paris is the place to be. The Gothic period of architecture you have boomed in Paris with the white marble-like buildings lining the river Seine. There is no shortage of period buildings. If you want a specific place to see, visit the Galleries Lafayette, known as the beginning of the city department store. It comes with the intricate design of a roof dome; with its viewing platform, you can go to the shop to look at it in all its beauty. You might notice the number of beautiful churches, which you could find ironic for a country so powerfully headed on being secular. But one of the most well-known places outside Notre Dame is the Scare Coeur Basilica; following the pattern or design, it sits on top of a hill and looks out on all of Paris, so if you want views, love locks and lots of tourists this is the place to be. It is in the perfect location to walk down the Monmatrie for wandering and exploring. It would help if you went to the Place des Vosage, which has small art galleries and is the home of Victor Hugo.

Everyone goes up the Eiffel Tower and takes a boat ride along the Seine ( weather permitting), but did you know you can climb the Arc De Triomphe? Yes, you do have to walk up all those steps unless you are medically exempt. This metal spiral staircase goes up to an open area to learn about the history of the building and its more recent history, with the eternal flame on the grave of the unknown soldier, which sits under the arc. Then, there is one more flight of stairs to the view at the top. You can see the Eiffel Tower and understand why the people of Paris do not like it as it is such an eye sore and sticks out like a sore. You see Des Champe-Elysees and the river from above, and it is much cheaper and possibly less busy than the Eiffel Tower. Another thing to do is to go on the Metro line 6 towards the Eiffel Tower and sit on the left-hand side and see when your view changes from buildings then open up to the Eiffel Tower and the river seine it is like something out of a romcom. If you want a slower pace, explore Mononitrate, which has many cafes, restaurants, and street artists.

One must go to the Palace of Versailles if you have considerable time in Paris. I have only been there for 2-4 days, so I could not justify going there for a whole day as there is so much to do in Paris. There is not as much green space in central Paris, maybe due to the Olympics, but it is not as green as London is for me. Go to the Mediterranean village with a starry sky by Van Gogh, a cinema room. Explore all the avenues to find that perfect place for an Instagram picture, but remember to stay vigilant when picking pockets. If you are looking for a lazy day idea, go to the Cinema Le Grand Rex, which can be described as a beautiful experience

To shop is to live in Paris with all the designer brands you can desire, and you cannot turn a corner without seeing a shop of any sort. These are department stores and areas where you can shop for gifts and home pieces, and makeup designers wear the whole shebang. Most places are open late in the evening and are very busy, so be prepared to weave through other tourists, too. I bought mugs, prints, and clothes, which you can find at these places. I always shop independently on holiday; you can get the same Zara at home. Still, Samartaines has been sold in other countries like Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges in the French capital market.

To shop

• Galeries Lafayette
• Samaritans 
• Printemps
• Avenue Des champs-Elysees
• Montmartre
• l’ atelier d’ amaya bijoux
• Etienne Marcel
• vintage shopping around Beaubourge ( Le Marais or Chartelet.)
• Tilt vintage
• Rue de Turenne
• rue de Sevigne

To eat 

All my recommendations are from a Parisian herself or through the power of Instagram, TikTok, and short videos. I cannot lie; it did become overwhelming and confusing, so be strict and precise. I went on a dumpster dive to places to eat in Paris, which made me more stressed. Book two weeks in advance if you have a specific place you want to eat at. If not, walk and find it straightforward to find somewhere with something you like, even as a picky eater. To those uncertain about the French cuisine of frog legs and snails, the tender stalk might be your best bet with some pepper sauce, and french fries are a picky girls’ guide to French deques. The same goes for bars; when going for drinks, you will find a bar on nearly every corner with quaint French style and red tiles. If you are looking for something more specific as a Parisian or ask social media for help, it will be my first port of call for recommendations for anywhere I visit and the locals.                

• Pink Mamma- I highly recommend affordable Italian in the Monmontrate area.
• Best creperie- Chex Josselin- near Montparnasse
• Bouillon de I’Orangerie at the Jardin Des Tuileries
• Best Chinese- Taverne de Zhao, especially the Rue Moliere one.