While in Paris, we learned that some landmarks don’t live up to the hype but sometimes the hidden gems we stumble upon are so much better.
Moulin Rouge
We wanted to check out a cabaret show, but once we saw ticket prices at Moulin Rouge, we had second thoughts.
We went to a smaller cabaret bar in Montmartre instead. The smaller size made the experience feel more authentic, and most importantly, we didn’t have to break the bank.
The Eiffel Tower at midday
The idea of going up the Eiffel Tower sounds so cool until you realize there’s an endless queue in the midday heat.
We skipped it altogether and returned at night for a Picnic on the Champ de Mars. It was a magical experience to watch the tower light up while savoring wine and cheese (with no long lines!)
The Louvre on a Saturday
The Louvre is beautiful, but at weekends it was overcrowded. So we chose to visit on a weekday instead.
And rather than battling for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, we went to the Musée de la l’Orangerie. It’s smaller but houses Monet’s Water Lilies. There, we could actually stop to appreciate the paintings.
Dinner cruise along the Seine
We imagined it would be romantic to eat on a cruise, but prices and pre-designed menus weren’t for us.
Rather, we just went for a simple evening cruise with no dinner under the city lights. We then went to a tiny bistro on the Seine and had a great affordable meal.
The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is probably one of the most famous streets in the world. There were too many tourist traps, from corporate stores/restaurants to expensive cafés. We ditched it after walking for 20 mins dodging tourists.
We instead walked along Rue Montorgueil, a busy pedestrian street lined with small boutiques, cafes, and authentic Parisian bars.
Galeries Lafayette
This is a luxurious department store. But it felt more like a tourist attraction than a shopping paradise.
We instead went to the Canal Saint-Martin district, where we went shopping in little shops and bought some quirky souvenirs at a bargain price.
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe
There is a great view from the top of the Arc, but the climb (284 steps!) and the crowds weren’t worth it for us.
We went to the Centre Pompidou rooftop instead. The panoramic views of Paris were incredible, and we loved the artsy vibe.
Montmartre’s Place du Tertre
This is supposed to be an artist’s square, but it was touristy and brimming with cheap souvenir stands.
We took a further look in Montmartre’s back streets, towards Rue Lepic, where residents went shopping at small markets and had coffee at cafes.
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots
These famous cafes have a long history, but they charged an arm and a leg for what looked like normal coffee and pastries.
At a little café by our Airbnb, we had a full French breakfast at a fraction of the price. And the owner was so accommodating that we ate here twice!
Love locks on Pont des Arts
The idea of attaching a lock to symbolize love sounds romantic, but the bridge was overcrowded and has long since banned locks due to structural damage.
So we strolled the banks of the Seine at sunset, together, chatting. It was simple, cost us nothing, and was way more valuable.
