Parisian Experiences: From Street Cafés to the Top of the Eiffel Tower 🗼

Hi everyone!

During our Interrail trip through Europe, one of our most memorable stops was Paris. We had a 4-day Interrail Pass, which made it easy to travel between cities, and Paris was one of the destinations we had been looking forward to the most.

As soon as we arrived, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel before heading out to explore the city.

Lunch Near the Eiffel Tower

We started the day at a cozy restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. We ordered a hamburger and a steak and were looking forward to enjoying a nice meal before continuing our day of sightseeing.

When our food arrived, we realized that the steak Julie had ordered was much rarer than she had expected. It turned out that she had accidentally ordered steak tartare, a dish made with raw beef, instead of a cooked steak.

Fortunately, the staff were very friendly and happily allowed her to exchange it for a pasta dish without any problems.

What could have been a disappointing experience instead turned into an example of excellent customer service.

The Eiffel Tower

After lunch, it was finally time to visit one of the world's most famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower.

We had booked a guided tour in English, which included tickets all the way to the top. Our guide shared interesting facts about the tower's history and construction. One fun fact I didn't know beforehand was that Jotun, the Norwegian paint company, has supplied protective coatings for the Eiffel Tower.

The guided part of the tour lasted around 90 minutes, after which we were free to explore on our own.

Standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower was an unforgettable experience. Seeing Paris stretch out in every direction gave us a completely different perspective of the city.

Paris by Day and Night

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Eiffel Tower from the afternoon until after sunset.

Watching the city gradually change from daylight to evening was absolutely beautiful. As darkness fell, Paris slowly lit up, and when the Eiffel Tower began sparkling, it felt like something straight out of a movie.

It was one of those travel moments I'll never forget.

Christmas Market

Later in the evening, we visited one of Paris' Christmas markets.

The market was filled with lights, festive decorations, food stalls, handmade gifts, and a wonderful holiday atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end the day before heading back to the hotel.

My Tips

🗼 Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, especially if you want to reach the summit.

🌅 Visit in the afternoon and stay until after sunset, you'll experience both daytime and nighttime views.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot.

🥐 Don't be afraid to ask questions at restaurants if you're unsure how a dish is prepared.

📸 Bring a fully charged phone or camera, you'll want plenty of photos.

🎄 If you're visiting during winter, make time for one of Paris' Christmas markets.

Final Thoughts

Our first day in Paris was filled with fantastic food, beautiful views, interesting history, and unforgettable memories.

Watching Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower as the city lights came to life is something I'll always remember. Combined with the festive Christmas market and the city's incredible atmosphere, it became one of the highlights of our Interrail adventure.

Prices

🚆 Interrail Pass (4 travel days within one month):
€212 (2,485 NOK)

🗼 Guided Eiffel Tower Tour (2 adults):

• English-speaking guide

• Summit ticket included

• 90-minute guided tour

1,746 NOK (€148.95)

Have you visited the Eiffel Tower? I'd love to hear about your experience!