Paris is one of the most romantic cities on the planet. Visiting Paris should be on everyone’s “bucket list.” Whether you are 16 years old or 60, you will find something that you will enjoy doing in the City of Light. It does not matter if you stay in a youth hostel or rent a luxury apartment, you can have an amazing Paris experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your Paris vacation.

1. Learn a few phrases in French. You should not wait until you get to Paris to visit the “I love you” wall at Montmartre (Les Mur des Je tandrsquo;aime) where you can learn how to say that one phrase in 250 languages. Take some time before you go. Making even the smallest effort will make you more appealing to the French people you encounter. For example, say, “Je ne parle pas francais” rather than “I do not speak French.” The French people do not hate Americans but they are impressed by American tourists who show them some respect.
2. See the city by foot and by bus. Yes, the Paris metro is legendary and is a great way to get around but Paris is an amazing city to walk around. If you find you cannot walk as far as you would like, take a bus. This is not the normal way tourists get around but if you go during a time of the year when the weather is good, sitting in a open back of a bus can be a great way to see the city. When you do take the metro, take note of the inside of the metro stations. Many are decorated in ways to mirror the neighborhoods they are in. They can be really beautiful.
3. Walk up the Eiffel Tower. You can only walk the first two levels but it is worth it. If you are afraid of heights, it can be scary. It is a fun way to see the landmark and will feel like an achievement. Take a few selfies and post them to Instagram. There have been nearly 300 million taken and posted as of June of 2015.
4. Enjoy the street food. If you have a bad meal in Paris, you have done more than waste some money. You have was. Parisian cuisine is some of the best in the world. The crepes on the street should be tried. They have sweet and savory. If you like chocolate, the Nutella crepes should not be missed. Do not worry about calories. Everyone knows they do not count when you are on vacation in Paris. Seriously, you can walk off a lot of your meals and have a great time doing it.
5. Have breakfast in. If you have rented a luxury apartment or not, you can make breakfast a great meal for very little money. Go to the local bakery first thing in the morning. Buy enough baguettes for your group. Get some cheese, butter and ja,, fruit and yogurt. If you like bread, this is one of the best breakfasts you can have. Bring that all back to your luxury apartment and enjoy with coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The main thing to remember about the fresh baguettes is that they need to be eaten the same day they are baked. If you are staying at a hostel or hotel, you can still do this.
6. See the “Water Lilies.” Next to the Louvre is a museum called “L’Orangerie. It its basement, you will find huge floor to ceiling paintings by Claude Monet. These are some of his most breathtaking paintings from his “Water Lilies” series. You will not regret taking the time to see them.
7. Visit the Musee Cluny. In the heart of the Latin Quarter you can find the oldest museum in Paris. It is a small museum and is often empty. It is dedicated to the history of the city and has some really neat stuff in it.

Paris is one of the most special places on the planet. If you stay in a luxury apartment or the cheapest hostel, you can have an amazing time in Paris. Let yourself enjoy everything the city has to offer.