Share the article
Last updated
What else can be said about the icons of Europe? A lot actually!
TripAdvisor just launched their ‘Winter Travel Index‘. As usual, there were some surprises, but global icons like New York City, Las Vegas, Los Cabos and all the recognizable names in between take the cake.
Spoiler alert: number 1 is Cancun. You’re shocked, right?
Frankly, you might be even less shocked at where Americans are going in Europe.
If you were told that hordes of Americans will fly across the ocean to stare at a colorless metal tower, which city would you guess?
Of course it is Paris. And guilty because I was accused of being an Eiffel Tower gawker when I just returned from a visit to the ‘City of Light’.
Honestly, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this city, a place that has been regurgitated into the news cycles for, well, forever.
Instead of telling you the same thing, let me tell you why it’s an American favorite this winter, along with some first-hand tips you might not know.
Why Paris in winter?
Why trade one cold-weather city for another, you might ask? Well, that’s easy. There is so much to do and see in Paris that it doesn’t really matter when you go.
Plus, the holiday season is already one of the most magical cities in the world and said “magic” increases tenfold, so you might just get lucky with a dreamy “White Christmas.”
There are world famous Christmas markets all over Europe, from Vienna, Munich and yes, Paris too.
In the latter you will find more than a dozen festive gatherings. You can choose large or small depending on your level of audience phobia.
If I hadn’t come home, you could have found me at Notre Dame Christmas market this winter.
What better place to have the bells ring with the reopening of a global icon than holiday feeling with French snacks and mulled wine in one of the most fascinating cathedrals in the world?
Plus, as one of the easiest cities to reach in Europe, it’s virtually stress-free to arrange a trip. Don’t forget that Paris is a place to get lost – you never know what you’ll find and that’s a good thing!
Travel tip: Notre Dame is reopening on December 8 and the Christmas market opens on November 29 – so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
Parisian delicacies hidden in plain sight
If we go back to the Eiffel Tower spectators, it is fine to visit one of the top attractions in the world.
To be honest it wasn’t at the top of my list, but personally it was really impressive. That said, there’s plenty more to explore that I found far more impressive than towering steel beams or, you know, that one famous painting of a stoic lady.
Believe it or not, the best views in Paris may not be from atop the Eiffel Tower; it’s actually for free in one of the most bizarre buildings you will encounter – Center Pompidou (closing due to renovation September 2025).
Here you make your way up through zigzagging, bright tunnels where you can’t help but feel like a human hamster.
Despite the maze, it’s well worth reaching the top outside Georges Restaurant for stunning views of Paris’ vast cityscape.
Better yet, there are a few other wonders that many tourists miss that I was fortunate to find. First being La Madeleineone of the most beautiful churches I have seen in Europe, with Greek inspired columns and meticulous craftsmanship.
This heavily built beauty, originally begun by Louis
Speaking of subways, don’t make the same mistake I made as a newbie to Paris. If you purchase the Navigo travel mapyou must put your photo on the back otherwise you riska 60 euro fine.
Here are 2 other hidden wonders that often fly under the radar:
Les Invalides: historic military complex in Paris with several museums and the final resting place for Napoleon Bonaparte
Arenas de Lutece: an ancient site turned peaceful square with visible remains from Roman times
Baguette? Cheese? Escargot? No! You have to try French tacos
It seems there isn’t a block in Paris without a sidewalk cafe and I went all out for European coffee for breakfast, afternoon pick-ups and of course cappuccinos for dessert.
You simply can’t experience Paris without people watching from a terrace. You see, American patios have it all wrong; Paris does a good job of sitting out the chairs facing forward and watching the world go by.
Or maybe Americans are just closed off and not that interesting…
Be that as it may, France is known for its café culture and phenomenal cuisine, whether it’s cheese, escargots, baguettes, macarons and many more on an endless list.
Which might not have been on your Paris Bingo card was “tacos,” a term I use loosely for what looks more like a burrito-panini hybrid.
To my dismay, I had to try it when our writer Vini (born in Paris) recommended French tacos. I was amazed at how flavorful they were.
Check out the local chain O’Tacos if you want something cheap and really unique to France (great food after a late night out!).
They are also sold at pastry shopsso pay close attention when shopping for fresh croissants and baguettes.
Hotel tip: I highly recommend staying at the newly opened hotel Moxy Clamart. It has a prime location next to a tram station and a pastry shop with $2 cappuccinos, and yes, French tacos.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
