The first time I ever visited Paris was a few years ago when I was in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend. We live together now. I had heard so many things about Paris, the beauty, the romance, the food and the wine. 

The Finest Architecture

The city of Paris sure did live up to its expectations. The architecture is absolutely stunning, such as the Grand Palace of Paris, the Arc De Triomphe, the Notre Dame and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Many buildings in Paris are covered in gold and exquisite art. The buildings are truly striking. 

The Eiffel Tower

I remember seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. It wasn’t what I expected. I was walking towards it, and I was looking everywhere for it. But I couldn’t find it. My boyfriend told me, “Soreh, turn around”. Sure enough, it was there. 

The first words out of my mouth were “It’s so small.” I was coming from living in New York City. The city of skyscrapers. Once I got past my initial reaction, I learned to enjoy the view of the tower, especially when it’s all lit up at night every hour.

My Impressions of Paris

To be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with Paris. It took me a few times visiting to see what most people see in Paris. I thought it was too busy, just like NYC and overpriced. 

I’ve been back to Paris numerous times in the last few years. My sister lives there. Everytime I go visit, I learn more things about Paris, and learn to like or even love Paris. 

The last time I visited was about 5 weeks ago. I walked down Champs-Élysées for the first time. I saw the magnificent luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. The Abercrombie & Fitch store is the most insane retail store I’ve ever seen. The entrance is situated like you’re walking into a castle. There is a long pathway made of small rocks. The doors are massive, and covered in a beautiful gold design. It’s a clothing store like no other.

Where to Wine and Dine

My favorite thing to do in Paris is walk around all the small streets and find typical French brasseries. A brasserie is a typical French restaurant. One of my favorite brasseries in Paris is La Maison by the Arc De Triomphe. Even though it is located so close the tourist stop, the Arc De Triomphe, there isn’t a tourist in sight.

La Maison serves the best lemon meringue pie. The meringue is about double the height of the lemon cake underneath and is absolutely scrumptious.

No matter which brasserie you go to, the food is usually amazing, and the wine selection is incredible. The French love their wine, and they have good reason to. I’m a wine enthusiast, and some of the best wine I’ve had is from France. 

One of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to is the cocktail bar called UC-61. The interior is designed to look like a submarine. One the outside of the building, it looks abandoned. You usually have to ring a bell to get in. The inside is nothing like what you’d expect when looking at the bar from the outside. It’s cozy and technical at the same time. They specialize in making cocktails, incredible tasting ones.

Prepare to be eating all day long. That’s what I do everytime I visit. I have a huge sweet tooth, and Paris has so many candy stores. You just scoop the candy out of giant barrels, weigh it, pay and eat your heart out. I also love macarons. I almost always pick up some when I’m in Paris. There is nothing like getting a pastry from the source. 

How to Tour Paris the Right Way

If you ever are in Europe, I highly advise you check out Paris. The tourists spots are amazing, but the best places are the ones that aren’t widely known yet. My only piece of advice is to spend less time in the touristy areas, and find out how the locals eat, drink and live.

Follow my adventures and say hello to me on my Instagram.