Paris (City of Lights or City of Romance)

The ‘City of lights’ or the ‘city of romance,’ it is the sheer beauty and magnetism of the city of Paris that evokes such sobriquets for it. A center of art and architecture, and the home of fashion as we known it, Paris is one of the world’s greatest capitals. The capital of France, it is one of the largest cities in Europe. With a past that is as exciting as its present, Paris is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in the world.

The most famous spot in Paris is the Effiel Tower. It is the symbol of Paris, and indeed of France. An engineering marvel, it is the place tourists head to first start their journey of Paris. Mosaic artist Sharon Tompkins befittingly described the Effiel Tower as “…iron reborn as lace”. Standing beside the River Seine, it is a sight to behold, especially at night when the Tower comes alive with the lights. It is the tallest building in the city of Paris. It was built by gifted architect Gustave Effiel between the years 1887 and 1889. You can spend some memorable time atop this breathtaking structure by dining on one of its floors. Altitude 95 is a restaurant situated on the first floor of the Tower, 311ft above sea level. You can also dine at Jules Verne, a restaurant at the second-floor of the Tower. A famous restaurant, it is accessible by a private lift.

Yet another famous landmark of Paris is the Louvre. The Louvre Museum, made more popular by the movie Da Vinci Code, has some of the greatest collections of art in its possession. The museum also has various exhibits from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. Art aficionados can see some of the best pieces of art, including Picasso’s Mona Lisa. But to visit this museum, it is a good idea to book your tickets in advance.

Yet another magnificent collection of 19th century paintings in Paris is at Musee d’ Orsay. Brilliant works of greats such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, and Rodin can be found here. The museum itself is housed in the exquisite settings of a belle époque train station. Paris is full of such architectural wonders. The Cathedral of Notre Dame being one of them. Built in a Gothic style, the cathedral took an astounding 87 years to complete! Its construction commenced in 1163. The cathedral is known for its rose windows, dating back to the 13th century, and also a grand organ. The instrument is played every Sunday afternoon, with the exception of the period of Lent.

Paris’ nightlife is famous. With world-class bars and clubs, the city almost never goes to sleep here. You can visit the Bal du Moulin Rouge – the birthplace of the French Cancan. There are scores of similar places where you can sit back and enjoy Paris nights. Or you can simply walk around the posh Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Lined with cinemas, cafes, and chic designer boutiques, this is the most famous street in Paris. Plan your trip in a way that you can witness the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. Held on July 14, the celebrations include a lavish parade around the Champ Elysees and fireworks around the Effiel Tower after sunset.