My Hostel: Paris, France

Paris is my last stop before I head home. I will be staying in the Vintage Hostel.


I'll have one full day and a night in Paris. I literally get off the train from Barcelona and either hit the hostel to check in or drop my backpack off at a locker at the train station and start checking Paris out. Because I had to take an extra day to catch the night train out of Switzerland to Barcelona, I had to remove a day from Paris. I sure did not want to give up a day in Switzerland, and Barcelona was just too far of a trek to not spend two days in.

I have to catch the Sunday morning Eurostar train through the chunnel (under the English Channel) to London the next morning so I don't really plan to stay out really late.

I think if I hit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, I'll get my share of Paris.

Things to do: Paris, France

Take a free walking tour.

The best way to see Paris is on foot, and there is no better way than with an experienced tour guide. Sandeman's New Europe offers a free 3.5 hour walking tour through the heart of historical Paris highlighting the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower. The tour guides live off of tips, so tips are appreciated.

The free tour meets daily at 11am in front of the fountain at Place Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter. To get there, take Metro Line 4 to Saint-Michel and exit the station using the exit Fontaine Saint-Michel.

Visit The Eiffel Tower

Few things symbolize Paris like the Eiffel Tower. It is found on postcards, paintings, books, tee-shirts, and even home furnishings like lamps are fashioned into the recognizable shape. Of course, a trip to Paris simply isn't complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower.

New Paris Pub Crawl

(Thanks for the tip Jacqueline) If you had a couple of weeks, you could probably figure it all out on your own. But we will only be here a few days, and we need someone to show us the way. So one option we have is the New Paris Pub Crawl. It is a favorite amongst travelers looking for a fun night and to check out the scenery.

How much? €12 gets you unlimited vodka shots all night long and a dedicated expert leading the pack. When? Every night of the week at 9 pm.

Paris After Dark

On a Paris night, the cheapest entertainment, especially if you're young, is "the show" at the tip of Ile de la Cité, behind Notre-Dame. It attracts just about everyone who ever wanted to try his or her hand at performance. The spontaneous entertainment usually includes magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers, mimes, and music makers from all over, performing against the backdrop of the illuminated cathedral. This is one of the greatest places in Paris to meet young people in a sometimes-euphoric setting.

Also popular is a stroll along the Seine after 10pm. Take a graveled pathway down to the river from the Left Bank side of pont de Sully, close to the Institut du Monde Arabe, and walk to the right, away from Notre-Dame. This walk ends near place Valhubert, is the best place to see spontaneous Paris in action at night. Joggers and saxophone players come here, and many Parisians arrive for impromptu dance parties.

Niiiiiice.