Paris turned out to be a favorite travel destination for my Indian parents. From sitting at an outdoor cafeteria to enjoying a glimpse of the city from the top of the Eiffel tower to taking strolls in the numerous beautiful parks, everything seemed perfect for a family trip. Even when they began missing Indian food, we had numerous Indian restaurant options that served both South and North Indian food.
Paris has everything to offer. Even the subway/metro and train rides were enjoyable as you really get to see the city and its people well while reaching anywhere in the city comfortably. One observation was that unlike some other places in Europe, the people are really friendly and helpful when they see you with your older parents. Although Paris seems beautiful and safe during the day, the city can feel much different at night around some areas. The city attracts tourists from all over the world and for good reasons.
Top 7 things to see and do in Paris
- Enjoy the city view from the top of the Eiffel tower
- A day at the Palace of Versailles
- Stroll along the Seine River
- Pitstop at a Parisian café
- Visit the Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Moulin Rouge in the Pigalle District
Enjoy the city view from the top of the Eiffel tower
If there is any city that looks beautiful from the top then it’s Paris.
A day at the Palace of Versailles
We took a lovely train ride to Versailles for a fun day trip. Apart from the Palace Museum, you also have lovely gardens to explore.
Stroll along the Seine River
Pitstop at a Parisian café
The Parisian Café is my favorite. In some ways it was better than the Milanese cafe I am familiar with. Mainly due to the delicious Baguette sandwiches they often serve during lunch.
Visit the Louvre Museum
Important to book your entry ticket in advance and aim to be there early. While we skipped entering the museum, the outside area was itself fun enough for me to click pictures during both my Paris visits.
Arc de Triomphe
Moulin Rouge in the Pigalle District
The Pigalle District is infamous for its numerous nightclubs and sex shops. Not very family friendly but it is still very popular among young bachelors.
Conclusion: Paris is perfect for everyone!
Despite visiting Paris two times, I still have a lot more to explore. The first time was visiting friends during my 20s. It was great to play some Tennis on a clay court in Paris and explore the Pigalle district, watching the high-rise buildings at La Defense while strolling around the Eiffel Tower area. During my second trip in my 30s with my parents, we spent more time exploring the beautiful Parisian parks and the Palace of Versailles while stopping for some Indian food at the local Sarvana Bhavan for some Indian spicy crepe aka Dosa.