What’s left to say about Europe’s icons? Lots actually!
TripAdvisor just released their ‘Winter Travel Index‘. There were some surprises as usual, but global icons such as New York City, Las Vegas, Los Cabos and all the recognizable names in between that take the cake.
Spoiler alert: #1 is Cancun. You’re shocked, right?
Truth be told, you might be even less shocked where Americans are headed in Europe.
If you were told hordes of Americans will fly across the ocean to gawk at a drab metal tower, which city would you guess?
Of course, it’s Paris. And guilty as charged being an Eiffel Tower gawker as I just got back from visiting the ‘City of Light’.
Honestly, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this city, a place that’s been regurgitated through news cycles for, well, forever.
Rather than tell you the same-o same-o, let me tell you why it’s an American favorite this winter, along with some first-hand tips you may not know.
Why Paris In Winter?
Why swap 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 really doesn’t matter when you visit.
Plus, already being one of the most magical cities on the planet, the holiday season increases said ‘magic’ tenfold where you might luck out with a dreamy ‘white Christmas’.
There are world-renowned Christmas markets all across Europe from Vienna, Munich, and yes, Paris too.
The latter being home to more than a dozen festive gatherings, you can choose big or small depending on your level of crowd-phobia.
If I hadn’t come back home, you could find me at Notre Dame Christmas Market this winter.
What better place to celebrate the bells ringing with the reopening of a global icon than holiday cheer with French snacks and mulled wine at one of the most captivating cathedrals in the world?
Plus, as one of the easiest cities to reach in Europe, it’s practically stress-free arranging a trip. Just remember, Paris is a place it’s okay to get lost – you never know what you’ll find and that’s a good thing!
Travel Tip: Notre Dame is reopening December 8th and the Christmas Market opens November 29th – so make sure you time your visit accordingly.
Parisian Delights Hidden In Plain Sight
Circling back to Eiffel Tower gawkers, it’s perfectly okay to pay a visit to one of the world’ top attractions.
To be honest, it wasn’t at the top of my list, but it really was impressive in person. That being said, there’s a lot more to be discovered that I found way more impressive than sky-high 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 atop the Eiffel Tower; it’s actually for free in one of the most bizarre buildings you’ll come across – Centre Pompidou (closing for remodel September 2025).
Here, you weasel your way upstairs through zig-zagging clear 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 sweeping views of Paris’s vast cityscape.
Better yet, there are a couple other marvels that many tourists miss that I was lucky to find. First being La Madeleine, one of the prettiest churches I’ve seen in Europe boasting Greek-inspired columns and meticulous craftsmanship.
Backdropped by the Eiffel Tower, this arduously built beauty originally commenced by Louis XV and ultimately finished by Napoleon Bonaparte, is seemingly hidden in plain sight near the Madeleine subway station.
Speaking of subways, don’t make the same mistake I did as a Paris newbie. If you purchase the Navigo Travel Card, you have to place your photo on the back or risk a 60 Euro fine.
Here are 2 other hidden marvels that often fly under the radar:
Les Invalides: historic military complex in Paris beholding various museums and the final resting place for Napolean Bonaparte
Arenas de Lutece: an ancient site turned peaceful plaza with visible Roman-era remnants
Baguettes? Cheese? Escargot? Nope! You Gotta Try French Tacos
It seems there’s no block in Paris without a sidewalk cafe and I went full European drinking coffee for breakfast, afternoon pick-me-ups, and of course, cappuccinos for dessert.
You simply can’t experience Paris without people-watching from a sidewalk cafe. You see, American patios have it all wrong; Paris does it right by facing seats forward to watch the world go by.
Or perhaps Americans are just closed off and not that interesting…
Whatever the case, France is renowned for cafe culture and phenomenal cuisine, whether it be cheese, escargot, baguettes, macarons, and so much more on an endless list.
What may 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, when our writer Vini (Paris native), recommended French Tacos, I had to try. I was floored how flavorful they were.
Check out local chain O’Tacos if you want something cheap and truly unique to France (great grub after a late night out!).
They’re also sold at patisseries, so keep an eye out when shopping for fresh croissants and baguettes too.
Hotel Tip: I highly recommend staying at the newly opened Moxy Clamart. It’s got a prime location next to a tram station, and a patisserie with $2 cappuccinos, and yes, French Tacos.
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