Quick Trips: A Mini Paris Getaway!
- Jes Bellamy
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
When it comes to taking quick trips, it is ideal to fit in everything that's a priority. As a flight attendant, I typically have up to 2 days to tour destinations, making me a pro at taking quick trips. So, maybe you are just passing through the city, have limited time to travel, or are on a cruise visiting the city. Either way, getting the most out of your trip is what's important, and I want to help you with that!
Let's be honest, everyone dreams of visiting the breathtaking city of Paris, France, often considered the most romantic city in the world. And it is! But don’t worry, you don’t have to be boo’d up to enjoy what this city has to offer, you can eat all the croissants they have to offer on your own or with anyone of your choosing! Either way, I am going to show you how to do so if you only have a day or two in Paris.
Although this blog will focus on being a quick trip, I highly recommend spending more than 2 days in Paris; in fact, a whole week would be the best way to do it. But if you're passing through on a layover or don’t have a lot of time to explore, I’ll show you how you can get the most out of your trip!
When To Go
Paris is one of those rare cities where you can visit all year round and still find it aesthetically beautiful. I’ve been in the summer and the winter, and I loved both visits equally. Just go off of how you feel and what kind of experience you want for yourself.
Lodging
There is a plethora of hotels and Airbnbs available, from expensive to inexpensive. To limit transportation costs, I highly recommend staying in the 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower area), a prime and walkable location with lots of attractions nearby. Or you can stay in the Le Marais area, a more central neighborhood with lots of shopping and restaurants nearby.
Transportation
Ubers and Taxis are available in Paris; however, they can be costly. If you're comfortable with it, take the train to get around for a more affordable experience. Other than that, if you are in the heart of Paris, walking is the best way to get around!
What To Do
In a short amount of time, I suggest choosing two attractions you really want to immerse yourself in, and you can see the rest as you walk by. I say only two, mainly because you don’t want to overexhaust yourself. I also recommend checking out different cafes, shops, and restaurants, and there's not enough time in the day to do everything.
Some places I’d recommend visiting are:
The Louvre Museum - a National art museum that is home to the Mona Lisa. You can take a picture outside with the famous glass pyramid or do a complete tour inside. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance!
The Eiffel Tower - visit the most iconic structure in the world. Trust me, it's 10x more astonishing in person than in pictures. Here you can take the stairs or elevator up the tower to get a beautiful view of the city. There are three restaurants inside the tower you can visit, or you can walk around the Seine River, see the locks on the bridge, or even take a lovely boat ride down the river. I also suggest seeing the tower at night to witness the 5-minute sparkling light show, which happens every hour on the hour!
Arc De Triomphe - Another very famous monument that you can see or go inside to explore historical exhibits and sculptures. You can also climb to the rooftop terrace for a 360-degree view of Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral - A medieval Catholic cathedral where you can take a tour and see holy relics, different sculptures, and paintings!
Also check out different shopping districts like Champs-Élysées or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and if you end up having more time in Paris, check out other sites like:
Jardin du Luxembourg
Sainte-Chapelle
Palace of Versailles
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Food and Restaurants
My favorite part of Paris is the food, of course! France is known for having some of the best food in the world, so I highly suggest spending some time eating at all the different cafes and restaurants. Honestly, eat as many croissants and crepes as you like; you really can’t go wrong with the location. There is also a good Croque Monsieur and French Onion soup at Café Kléber that I really enjoyed, and you can never go wrong with yummy Creme Brûlée.
Ultimately, Paris isn't just a destination; it's an experience that lingers long after you've left, whether it was a short trip or a long one! If you've been dreaming of Paris - Go! You won't regret it.
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