When it comes to Paris, there are an abundant of things you must do and see. But aside from the classic things you should do when you’re there, there are many other things the city has to offer. After returning from my weekend trip I was shocked to hear that my other friends who had visited Paris before me did not have the time or did not know to do any of these activities. Thus, I’ve decided to make my own guide on the things that if you go to/do, you will NOT be disappointed.

Palace of Versailles

To begin is the Palace of Versailles. This was the royal residence of  France for almost a century up to the start of the French Revolution. If you are a history junkie like myself, this place will be heaven for you. It is filled with so many knowledge and let’s face it, the palace is unbelievably beautiful. Although it is not directly in Paris itself, it was only a forty minute drive away. When I went we ubered there and back since it was a spur of  the moment activity for us, but if you were to plan it ahead of a time you could take a bus, train, etc. I highly recommend this if you have a free morning in the city as it truly is a breath-taking place.

Moulin Rouge

Next is something very different, a Moulin Rouge show. My friend who I was traveling with was the one who initially signed us up for this and said that we had to do it. When we arrived to the venue we were seated at a table and given a bottle of champagne to enjoy while

 we watched the show. The lights when down and before I knew it the stage was filled with dozens of women in crazy outfits dancing and singing. In between their performances there were small

er acts that were mind-blowing to me. From contortionists, to swimming with snakes, to an insane rollerblading act, I felt like I was in the audience of America’s Got Talent. My friend and I both left speechless and had a great experience.

William Shakespeare Book Store

If you are a bookworm like myself, you will be able to spend hours and hours on end in this bookstore. The store is located right across the street of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and opened in the 1950’s. When we first went in it was a little crowded since the hallways are pretty narrow and it is a popular place, but as you explore you find there are many different rooms and levels to pass your time in. The books range from new to secondhand, fiction to nonfiction, bestsellers to old hidden gems, and everything in between. On the top-level of the store there are a few rooms with chairs that serve as a library to the public. You can sit back and take in all the character of the store while enjoying a nice book as well.

Picnic In Front of the Eiffel Tower

Although this isn’t something uncommon to do while in Paris, I had such a lovely time I had to include it. Unfortunately, the weekend we were visiting the weather was not in our favor and from time to time it would start to downpour. Because of this we had to improvise and instead of having a picnic in the grass we enjoyed our lovely spread of food on a bench. Before heading to the Eiffel Tower we stopped at a local store and bought a baguette, some meat and cheese, and some grapes to top it off. Once getting to the park that surrounds the Eiffel Tower we spotted a bench with a great view and took a seat. The people watching here was very entertaining and being able to take in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower while munching away was a very nice touch.

I hope these tips help you plan your weekend away in Paris and give you a nice twist to your itinerary. I promise they will not disappoint!