Despite the jet lag, the persistent rain and lack of proper walking shoes, my first day in Paris was more than I had expected. Needless to say, I walked around the city so much that I got cramps. And for the first time, I know what a good ham and cheese sandwich really tastes like. Broadband seems to be a problem: paying about 20 euros for the day at the hotel. Nevertheless, all this walking has prevented me from any blogging. More later.
Often European hotels have a special night rate for internet. Like 9 euro from 6pm-9am. Ask at the front desk.
there are so many free wifi hotspots in paris. You should not have to pay your hotel silly money for a connection. Check this site out http://www.cafes-wifi.com/. A more comprehensive list of places: Google adael and click on the orange map to the right. They offer free wifi in some of the nicest cafes in Paris. When in Rome…. Blog in a cafe. It’s better 🙂
You should try to have tea at l’hotel de Crillon in place de la concorde. It’s a gorgeous hotel in a beautiful area, complete with giant obelisk marking where the guillotine was. Also, I believe the Musee dorsee is nearby.
Paris has a lot of free hotspots available. More info here (in French):
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7799
ps: If you could make an extra trip to Belgium then sure you need to visit Brussel, Gent, Antwerpen and Brugge. And maybe I can show you some great restaurants 😉
You should… Go get macaroons at La Duree on the Champs Elysee, visit L’Orangerie (its an art museum with large scale Monet waterlilies), listen to street music in front of Centre Pompidou/Beaubourg. Get a crepe in Luxembourg gardens and sit on a bench and people watch (it’s the best!). Also, the best way to see the Eiffel Tower is with a bottle of wine, some cheese and a baguette on the lawn. Enjoy your trip! Bonne Vacanes!
@Dan: If he has trouble coming up with the 20 Eur for broadband, not sure the Crillon is the best choice. At 615 Eur (900US$) for a single Room, and 47 Eur for the American breakfast, not really a budget hotel. But i agree it’s a great hotel, and the location is hard to beat.
If u are a little tired of walking, U should check out the Velibs. it’s a fun and effective way to go around paris. More here:
http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/comment_ca_marche
allmc donalds offer free wifi connection
same @ starbucks i guess
if you know fon and are a foneros then connect to your neighbours for free wherever you are
finally what have you best appreciated during your day ?
Go get yourself a pair of Clarks and don’t worry about the fashion statement, go for comfort. Walking is important all over Europe. Get used to the metro. Saves a lot of time and is very efficient. But keep your wallet in your front pants pocket and don’t let the cute little urchins surround you, especially near Notre Dame. They are notorious pick pockets.
Above all, visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica (it’s behind the Moulin Rouge). Best view pf Paris. And there is a pastry shop at the base of the hill the basilica is on, about 50 yards to the right of the hill tram. Makes the most AMAZING chocolate and cream replicas of the Basiica.
And stay away from the street artists on the Seine. I’ll say no more.
I am currently living in Paris and will be here until early next next year. There are tons of Wi-Fi spots (most parks now too!) but power outlets are not easy to find. I work from internet cafes all the time. If you are around St Germain des Pres (6th Arrondismont), the Hagen-Daz store on Rue de Bucci has a nice lounge with plenty of power outlets.
Hey guys
thanks for this information. it is proving to be quite helpful. I am going to go sit in a park and do some blogging now.
Hey Om!
Glad to see you found your poison in Paris. As for all the walking, just hope it doesn’t start snowing! I pass through Paris several times a year and snow is definitely your enemy there!
Have a great time!