My Localized Guide: A Short Trip To Paris
I've never liked Paris whenever I was there on a short holiday to visit some friends. I found the place to be messy, full of dog faeces, and the Parisians to be cold. However, having lived there for 4 months, I slowly appreciate the charm of the city and the way of living. There is a distinct feature regarding this city. Upon stepping into the metro station, there will be that all familiar stench welcoming me back to Paris. Recently, I've been receiving requests from my friends to recommend some places to go in Paris for a few days. So, I am going to show you some places—other than the usual tourist attractions—below based on my experience there.
Free Museums
All museums in Paris are free on the first Sunday of every month. However, prepare for the long queues and war on these days. It is advisable to head there early to avoid disappointment. Museums, which are normally run and owned by the city of Paris, are always free on every Sunday. They are museums such as Petit Palais, City of Paris Museums of Modern Art, Maison de Balzac, Musée Carnavalet and Musée Cognacq-jay.
For EU students and citizens under 26, national museums are always free. The Lourve is free for ALL students, regardless the nationality, on Friday evening from 6.00pm to 9.45pm.
For more information, click here.
Have a Picnic and Wine Along Seine River and Jardin Du Luxembourg
Screenshot 2017-04-21 16.48.50 IMG_7934_edited
Go to the supermarket, get some cheese and good wine, and head over to Jardin Du Luxembourg on a nice afternoon. Similarly, you can do the same with some friends at night along the banks of Seine River, enjoying the night view of Paris.
The Latin District
The Latin District, also known as Quartier Latin , is a vibrant city and the heart of Paris students' scene. It houses the oldest university in France, the La Sorbonne. The neighbourhood takes its name from the fact that Latin was the common language of the students in the past. There are many cheap and good restaurants in that area. The best time to go is in the evening. Ernest Hemingway used to live in the apartment along Rue Du Cardinal Lemoine. Try spotting his apartment along that street! Key in Rue Mouffetard or Rue Descartes into your google map application to get there.
Le Marais
Le Marais, which means The Marsh in english, was a swamp before the 12th century. It is also known as the Jewish quarters. Today, it is the centre of hip boutiques, art galleries, heart of the gay community, colourful bars and traditional Jewish bakeries and delis. You could stroll around the vibrant area during the day to see another side of Paris. The nearest metro stations to this place are Hôtel de Ville or Châtelet.
Walking Around the 9th and 18th Arrondissement
This area comprises of the music district—Pigalle—and some hippie streets with nice cafés and graffitis. Walk around and explore, if you have the time, between Pigalle and Larmack area for interesting finds in the small alleyways and streets.
Do a Language Exchange
To immerse fully into the culture, do a language exchange with Franglish. It is like a speed dating process but with a twist. Each English-speaking participant will be paired up with a French-speaking participant. Both participants will converse in French and English for 7 minutes each before switching to a new partner. I used to do this on a weekly basis to improve my spoken French while I was taking classes in Paris. For more information, click here.
Best Location To See The Eiffel Tower At Night
Every night, from 10pm, the Eiffel Tower will sparkle for 5 minutes every hour. The best place to see the spectacle is at Place du Trocadero as indicated in the map above. Be sure not to miss it and remember to bring some wine or beers along.
Places to Eat and Chill Out
In this section, I will recommend some of my favorite eating places that will not burn a big hole in your pocket.
Miznon miznon2
Miznon at Le Marais - This restaurant was recommended by my Israeli classmate in my French class. They serve the best pitta bread sandwich that I've ever eaten in my life. My favorite has to be the one with beef and egg. I love this place because it has a unique decor and a laid-back feel. It was opened by an Israeli chef and it is an extension to the original branch in Tel Aviv. While waiting for your sandwich to be served, remember to request for the free flow slices of pitta bread. Then, dip them into the different type of sauces provided in the restaurant. Please call and check with them for their operating hours as they are normally closed for the Shabbat.
Address: 22 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris, France
Restaurant Boullion Chartier - This is a traditional restaurant that serves authentic French food at reasonable price. It is normally packed with people. So, do call and make a reservation before heading over.
Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France
Restaurant La Jolie Bohème - Tucked in a corner of the street right below the Montmarte hill is the La Jolie Bohème. Take a seat outside the restaurant and go for their Sauvignon Blanc during Happy Hour (5pm to 8pm). Thereafter, you can have a nice dinner and take a stroll up the Montemarte hill.
Address: 6 Rue de la Fontaine du But, 75018 Paris, France
Mobster Diner - This is my favorite burger chain in Paris. From just 10 euros, you can have a burger, homemade fries and a soft drink of your choice. You are able to choose the doneness of the beef patty. If you are hungry and on a budget in Paris, I highly recommend this place.
Address: 20 Rue des Boulangers, 75005 Paris, France
Johana's Fish and Chips - They serve affordable and fresh fresh and chips. One of the best I've ever had. Do check them out if you have the time.
Address: 30 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris, France
Voila! The above are my humble recommendations for your short stay in Paris. I did not include other famous tourist attractions as they are very well known and information is freely available on the internet. And remember, Paris comes alive at night. I hope you'll like my recommendations and have a great time there!
Comments