Rough Guide to Paris

After spending five months in Paris, I should have a good idea of where all the good spots are. Here’s my top ten, in no particular order, of what I think makes the city special.

1. Montmartre/Sacre Coeur
Take Metro Abbesses (and walk to the left when you step out of the metro), not Pigalle. Pigalle is where all of the sex shops and shows are and it's a little trashy.
Just keep walking up-hill and up the stairs to find Sacre Coeur at the top. There are tons of great shops and restaurants. You can wander around here for hours day or night, but Sacre Coeur looks especially beautiful at night and there's an amazing view of the city from up there.
2. Louvre/Jardin des Tuileries/Place de la Concorde
Metro Concorde and walk along rue Rivoli/Tuileries towards Louvre. 1st.

There's something about this area at night. It's transformed under those lights.
3. Dix Bar
Metro Odeon. 10, rue de Odéon. 6th.
Must have a jug of sangria. Only way and try to check out the downstairs. The owner is great. Favorite place to grab a drink and relax.
4. Hotel Regina
Metro Palais des Tuileries. on Rivoli. 2, Place Pyramides. 1st.
Buy an expensive drink. Very old world and cozy.
5. Cimetière du Père-Lachaise

Metro Philippe Auguste. 20th. Across the street.
The statues and tomb stones here are eerie but gorgeous.

6. Opéra GarnierAddress:
Metro Opera. 9th.
Built by a Napoleon. It's extravagant and over the top.
7. Laduree
Metro George V. Avenue Champs Elysées. 8th.
This is a tea and pastry shop. There are a few but my favorite is the one here.
8. Chez George
Metro Mabillon. Rue des Canettes 6ème.
Wine bar. Check out the basement. You feel like you're in a cave.

9. Fountain de Médici in Jardin du Luxembourg
Metro Odeon. Rue des Médicis.

This fountain was constructed by Catherine de Medici.

10. Catacombs

Metro Denfert-Rochereau. Place Denfert-Rochereau. 14th.

This place is unreal. It takes a while to get down there; you have to walk down numerous stairs. Don't go if you're claustrophobic.

`fin