Land Of Marvels

A Travel Blog

A Complete Budget for 4 Days in Iceland

A Complete Budget for 4 Days in Iceland

From the survey so many of you guys did for me a few months ago, one of the things you wanted to see more of here on Land of Marvels going forward was actual budget posts for trips.  And while in the past, I’ve shied away from these a little bit, I realize that it’s super helpful to get an idea of how expensive travel is and how much you should budget for a trip.  So before I jump into today’s post and future budget posts, let me preface this by saying that I don’t really try to stick to a strict budget when traveling.  Of course we have a general budget for the whole trip, but we’re not pinching pennies by any means, so if you need to be on a stricter budget for your trip, then adjust as needed for your own situation.  Today I’m sharing a complete budget for 4 days in Iceland.

This year for our annual Thanksgiving escape, we wanted to head somewhere snowy and magical – enter our fourth trip to Iceland, one of our all-time favorite places!  Below is the total budget for this trip, which included a total of 4 full days in Iceland.  Hopefully this will help you plan your own escape to Iceland and give you an idea of how much you might want to budget for your own adventures!

AIRFARE

  • $199.80 for 2 people using Alaska Air Miles – from Portland – Seattle – Keflavik
  • $275.92 for 2 people using Alaska Air Miles – from Keflavik – Seattle
  • $100.71 for 2 people on Alaska Air – from Seattle – Portland

HOTEL

  • $576.50 for Iceland Air Hotel Vik for 2 nights
  • $217.90 for Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel in Reykjavik for 1 night

TRANSPORTATION

  • $555.54 for rental car for 4 days (large car with studded tires specific for Iceland)

EXPENSES ON THE GROUND 

This section includes everything we spent once on the ground in the destination like food, metro tickets, museums, etc.

  • $500 cash for everything while traveling

TOTAL = $2,426.37

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

  • Fly on budget airlines like WOW Air which offer really cheap airfares to Iceland
  • Stay in cheaper hotels or rent apartments on AirBnB
  • Buy food from markets instead of eating out at restaurants
  • Go to Iceland in the off seasons like the Spring or Winter
  • Be organized for your days while traveling so you don’t use extra money getting from place A to B when they are super far apart – plan out your days so you see things in the same areas and don’t have to go too far

    Headed to Iceland?

    See all our Iceland content here.

    Where to Stay in Iceland

Why a Visit to Iceland Will Change Your Life

why a visit to Iceland will change your life

I often get asked what my favorite destination is that we’ve visited and while Paris is usually my answer to that question, there’s another place in this big beautiful world that has touched me as deeply as Paris but in an entirely different way.  I’m a really emotional traveler, I feel really deeply about a place, and when I love it, I feel an almost spiritual connection to a location.  And so 5 years ago when Nick and I first visited Iceland over Thanksgiving break, a trip we booked somewhat on a whim a month prior to leaving, I left that trip with a profound sense of change in myself and the world around me.

You see, Iceland is a place that’s hard to explain to people.  It’s cold, yes.  It’s barren, yes.  It’s full of superstitions and fairy tales, yes.  But in order to really understand how Iceland will change you, you simply have to go.  You have to stand in those barren landscapes where the lava rocks go for miles and where the most beautiful olive colored moss covers everything in a soft cushion.  You have to stand on the edge of the island and stare out at the sea as it roars against the cliff below you, with a bright orange lighthouse shining a beacon of light out into the open ocean.  You have to stand above the Waterfall of the Gods at 2 in the morning under the midnight sun without another soul for miles and you have to witness the miraculous and incredible beauty of Iceland in its purest form.

Iceland has completely changed my life, no matter how cheesy that sounds.  I crave it, I dream of it.  And on those days when the world seems to be a little too much, I dream of selling everything I own and buying a little horse farm in the middle of the wilds of Iceland just to surround myself with beauty.  It’s a place that I never counted on falling so deeply in love with, a place that captured my whole heart on that first visit 5 years ago.  And since then, we’ve visited multiple times and as we head back this week for our fourth trip, I’m sure there are so many more to come in the future.

I can’t always explain to people what Iceland means to me.  It’s not just that I love it, the beauty, the cold, the simple way of life.  It’s that every time I step foot there something inside of me changes, something inside of me awakens and it brings me back to life.  The landscapes, the people, the stories of elves and fairies, the horses, all of it together creates a place that will always be a refuge for my soul.  And so as we embark on our fourth visit to this amazing country, I know another spiritual awakening is on the verge of happening.  And I know this sounds cheesy and cliche and everything else, but truly, a visit to Iceland will change your life – so what are you waiting for?

Headed to Iceland?

See all our Iceland content here.

5 Places Around the World that Aren’t on your List, but Should Be

places around the world that aren't on your list but should be

In this age of Instagram and blogging, it’s easy to form your travel list of “must see” spots based on popular places, like Paris and London and Tokyo.  And while all of those are great and are all definitely “must see’s,” there are also a ton of places in the world that might not be as well known or as “must see” as some others, but will offer a unique trip and some incredible memories none the less.  Over time, I’ve come across some of those places that while their neighbors tend to get the attention, these places will blow you away just the same!  Here are 5 places around the world that aren’t on your list, but should be!

visiting Seoul South Korea

1. Seoul, South Korea

I’ve had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in South Korea, and particularly in Seoul, for work.  And let me tell you, Seoul might not get the attention that it’s neighbors Tokyo or Hong Kong get, but a visit to Seoul is just plain good for the soul, pun intended.  This bustling Korean city has incredible food (now I’m craving Korean BBQ), color everywhere and the friendliest locals around!

My favorite neighborhoods in Seoul include Hyehwa, Myeong-Dong and Itaewon!

visiting Northern Ireland

2. Northern Ireland, UK

While Ireland proper and England and Scotland might be all the tourist glory in this part of the world, a visit to Northern Ireland will actually blow you away too.  Northern Ireland has incredible landscapes like the Giants Causeway, incredible food and little Irish towns that look like a postcard.

I’d recommend a visit to the Giants Causeway and lunch in the little town nearby Bushmills.  Also don’t miss exploring Belfast, a lovely and large cosmopolitan city!

visiting the Pacific Northwest

3. Pacific NW, USA

While many that come to the US choose to head to our famous spots like LA or New York or Las Vegas, a hidden gem and often overlooked by visitors is my home of the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington.  You’ll find incredible landscapes here, great food and beautiful cities like Portland and Seattle.

Don’t miss the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Coast and the San Juan Islands!

Visiting Udaipur India

4. Udaipur, India

Among the many cities I’ve visited in India, Udaipur completely stole my heart.  Often unheard of among tourists and passed over for visits to more famous cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Agra, Udaipur is a true hidden gem in India.  Nicknamed the Venice of the East, this incredibly beautiful Indian city sits on a series of lakes and while still large, is more manageable to explore than the larger Indian metropolises.

Don’t miss a stay at the Oberoi Udaivilas here and explore the City Palace!

visiting St. Andrews Scotland

4. St. Andrews, Scotland

While Edinburgh and the Highlands may get more attention, little St. Andrews, famous for it’s golf course, is a truly incredible spot to explore.  This city on the Scottish coast is gorgeous, with old stone buildings and castle ruins, not to mention some incredible Scottish pub food!

Visit the St. Andrews Cathedral ruins and coastal views near the St. Andrews Old Course.

Travel Tips : Dealing with a Language Barrier

Dealing with a Language Barrier

On Nick and I’s honeymoon 7 years ago, we arrived in Paris after a week in London and headed out to explore.  On the way back, after walking probably 10+ miles that day, we got incredibly lost.  We were staying at a hotel in the Opera District of the city and the tiny narrow streets had us all turned around.  With no data on our cell phones at that point, all we had was a paper map which didn’t help very much considering we didn’t even know where we were on said map.  And so in my very limited French at that time, I stopped someone to ask for help.  A lovely French man in a beret started pointing and going on and on in French which I followed none of and when he was done, I said “Merci,” and proceeded to look at Nick and said “I had absolutely no idea what he said.”  In those situations when you just smile and go along because you don’t have the time or the energy to figure out what’s being said in another language or you truly don’t speak a word of whatever language you happen to find yourself in, can be excruciating while traveling.  Those moments are when you find yourself on the verge of tears when you can’t understand, when you can’t communicate and when nothing you’re doing is actually getting through to the person speaking something else than you.

It’s all part of travel though and while frustrating, doesn’t have to ruin your trip!  Over the years, I’ve come up with a lot of ways around that frustrating feeling of not being able to communicate, no matter what language you might find yourself in.  So when one of my longtime readers asked me for a post on this subject (thanks Jenn!), I jumped at the chance because language barriers don’t have to be horrible and don’t have to make you anxious or annoyed when you’re exploring other countries.

Learn a few words of the local language before you leave.

I almost always do this no matter where we go and it’s helped me tremendously in my travels around the world.  Even if you only know how to say hello, goodbye and thank you, it means a lot to locals that you make an effort and they’ll be more willing to help you.  Over time, as I visit certain places more and more, this rings more and more true.  When I was traveling to Korea often for work, I learned a decent amount of Korean, at least the most common phrases to get by or take a taxi.  I remember one morning I was walking from my favorite coffee shop to my office in Seoul and I was wandering past a shop keeper opening up for the day.  I said “good morning” in Korean and he smiled at me warmly and said it back.  It’s one of those moments that I always remember because it was my willingness to learn that allowed me to connect with a stranger that probably had 0 in common with myself.

Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation or understanding in a foreign language.

One thing I used to really worry about was pronouncing everything perfectly in another language when traveling even if I didn’t know the language at all.  I would stress about “did I say that right!?” or “I don’t want to sound rude!”  But the truth is, when traveling, the locals know that you don’t speak their language and that’s totally ok.  Of course we should all try to be respectful and pronounce everything as accurately as possible, but sometimes if you end up saying “mare-cay” the whole time in France when it should be pronounced “mare-see,” then at the end of the day, it’s not hurting anyone.

As a visitor, obviously we don’t know the full language or meanings of everything in the local language, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still immerse ourselves and find beauty in where we are.  And the locals are more thoughtful and kind than you think, like when the waiter we’d been going to everyday at our hotel restaurant in India quietly told me on our last day there with a smile after I’d been ordering “chai tea” every day for a week, “ma’am, you can actually just order chai, as chai tea is repeating the same word in Hindi.”  Of course I was a little embarrassed in the moment, but his kindness and thoughtfulness to tell me that meant a lot to me.  The locals want you to love their country, their home, so don’t worry so much about mistakes, instead try to focus on what you’re gaining from their country and their language, not what you’re missing.

Have a map in English with you at all times.

This rings true especially in places in the world where their alphabet is different than English, or your home language.  For example in Asia, where languages are entirely different characters that I can’t read, it’s really important to have a map in English with you at all times.  Buy one before you leave home so you don’t rely on what’s available on the ground wherever you are going.  I was really glad to have an English map in China for example, as often times translations are bad there and might not say exactly the same things as one made in the US.

Embrace hand gestures.

While we all might speak thousands of different languages, one universal language is that of hand gestures.  We can say a million different things to each other with just gestures and body language so embrace that when traveling.  For example, a shrug of your shoulders and pointing on a map to where you want to go can ask a local where that is.  When there really is no common language or words between you and someone else, this is your go-to to communicate with them in some way.

Take a card from your hotel with address information.

Especially in countries where English isn’t widely spoken, we always grab a card from our hotel that has the address of the hotel in the local language.  This is usually a fail safe to use cabs and or ask directions to where you need to go no matter what language the locals speak that you don’t.  Just ask your hotel front desk for one!

When all else fails, just laugh it off and keep on walking.

In Beijing last year we had walked 10+miles that day already all over the city and it was freezing cold and snowing and we were exhausted.  So we hailed a cab, showed him the card from our hotel and he shook his head, waved us off and drove away.  Baffled, we weren’t sure what happened so we hailed another cab.  Same thing.  We walked a bit more, hailed another one, same thing.  We couldn’t figure out what was happening but realizing that no one was going to drive us the 10+ miles back, we just kept on walking until we got there.  Upon returning to our hotel we asked the front desk what was going on with the taxis and they told us that Chinese taxi drivers are notorious for not wanting to drive very far so if they see where you are going and it’s outside of their radius of where they want to drive, they’ll tell you no.

Well lesson learned, sometimes no matter what you do, a language barrier and not understanding what is happening will try to derail your trip.  When you feel on the verge of tears from a language barrier, that’s when you have to just laugh it off and keep on walking.  In the end, you’ll realize it’s not going to ruin anything, but it’s a lesson learned and a story you’ll have down the road to laugh about!

More Travel Tips Posts

The Perfect Itinerary for 4 days in Amsterdam

perfect itinerary for 4 days in Amsterdam

Oh, Amsterdam… the famous Dutch city of canals and stroopwafels.  Amsterdam is consistently one of my favorite cities to visit when traveling and the charm of its narrow streets, waterways and amazing food are all amazing reasons to visit!  A while back when I posted my new free itinerary download for 4 days in Paris, one of my lovely readers Vannesa requested I do an Amsterdam itinerary as well!  So here we are… the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Amsterdam!

DAY 1 : EXPLORE THE NINE STREETS + the JORDAAN

Arrive in Amsterdam! 

Take the train from the airport Centraal Station in Amsterdam and then walk to your hotel OR grab a cab at the airport and drive in.

Check into the Pulitzer Amsterdam.

Do a quick outfit change, freshen up and head out to explore, starting with breakfast at The Pancake Bakery.

After breakfast, wander the Nine Streets + the Jordaan

Don’t miss stops at the Anne Frank House, and the canal-side cafés along the way.  Be sure to stop for stroopwafels for a snack!

Around dinner time, find a spot to enjoy a long leisurely dinner and watch the sun set over the canals.

DAY 2 – EXPLORE THE MUSUEM QUARTER + VONDEL PARK

Start early with breakfast at PANCAKES AMSTERDAM near the hotel.

Indulge in Dutch pancakes with every topping imaginable!

Head off to see Amsterdam’s famous museums!

As you head toward the Museum Quarter, choose which museums you want to visit.  Don’t miss the I Amsterdam sign in this area and a photo-op!

After a morning in the museums, head to Vondel Park for an afternoon stroll.

This large open park will hold your attention for hours as you stroll through and take in the natural beauty of this area!

Head to the De Pijp area for dinner!

You’ll find this area a little grittier but still super charming!  Wander to Mangiancora for dinner and once you taste their pizza, you can thank me later!

DAY 3 – EXPLORE CENTRUM

After a fun filled first couple days, maybe room service at your hotel will let you sleep in a bit on Day 3.

Start by heading to downtown Amsterdam, the Centrum Area is a bustling area full of tourists, but well worth spending a couple hours exploring.

Then make your way toward the Central Flower Market to take in all the Dutch tulips you could possibly want!  Stop at a cheese store in this area as well and pick up some Dutch Gouda cheese to much on later.

At sunset, head back to the Nine Streets to watch the bridges light up!

Right as the sun sets and the city goes dark, find a spot near one of the bridges in the canal district to watch as the lights like up and illuminate the city!

DAY 4 – TAKE A CANAL CRUISE

Spend your final day in Amsterdam seeing more of the city by boat!

I like to spend my final day somewhere seeing more of the city without having to be on foot and Amsterdam is the perfect city to see more by boat!  Buy a ticket for any of the boat tours and enjoy a leisurely tour of this gorgeous city!

Traveling to The Netherlands?

See all of my posts on the country!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

What 7 Years of Blogging has Taught Me

what 7 years of blogging has taught me

7 years ago on the way back from our honeymoon in Europe, I started what was called True Colours at that time, a blog that ecompassed everything from my travels to my daily life.  It was a small amateur endeavor mostly to give me an outlet to write and keep my family and friends up to date on my life.  In the past 7 years, True Colours morphed over time into Land of Marvels and over many and many renditions of this site, today LOM is a both a business and a creative outlet for me.  It’s offered me countless opportunities over the years, opened a tremdendous amount of doors and brought some incredible people into my life from all over the world.  Land of Marvels is also still a place that brings me immense joy and when I sit down to work on the site or write a post, it inspires me deeply.  In all my years of blogging, this online world has changed tremendously and in the span of the 7 years I’ve been blogging, I’ve learned so so much and so many of the lessons I’ve learned online are ones that continue to inspire my personal life daily!  Here’s what blogging has taught me.

Don’t change who you are for anyone else.

I’ve always been of the mind set to be myself, no matter the cost but blogging has fortified that belief even more.  There are a million people out there with a blog, but the ones that sustain themselves over time and that create a sustainable community are the ones that are true to themselves, no matter what that may mean.  Don’t try to conform.  Don’t do what everyone else is doing.  Do what best suits you and don’t dare change that to be “more liked.”

Haters gonna hate.

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t shed a great deal of tears over the years from this blog.  From mean comments on the blog or Instagram to GOMI forums that tore me apart and called me a liar for saying I was born in Saudi Arabia, I’ve seen a lot of hate in my time blogging.  In the end, I realized that some people are always going to tear other people down and in the anonymity of the internet, it provides an easy place for people to tear others to shreds as if we aren’t all human beings.  Haters gonna hate, but it doesn’t mean we have to submit ourselves to that kind of hate.  I don’t read any of that stuff anymore and even if it comes my way every now and then, I laugh it off.  I know who I am, I know what I’ve built and if you want to sit in your basement and write horrible things about me, who you’ve never met and know nothing about, then I guess go ahead – it doesn’t affect me anymore.

Treat anything you do in your life like you’re getting paid a million dollars to do it – even if you’re making $0.

I’m a small business owner and have had a successful design business for over 5 years now and as a side arm of that, Land of Marvels, is also a business.  And while I don’t make a ton of money from LOM, it’s a business none the less.  If I’ve learned anything from my businesses, it’s that it takes a tremendous amount of work to build something from the ground up.  Whether you’re making millions of dollars or nothing at all, you have to put the same amount of work into it.  Nothing is better than at the end of the day realizing that you built something on your own, learning all the lessons on your own and succeeding all on your own because of the work you put into it.  I treat every endeavor in my life the same, whether I’m making a ton of money or nothing at all – I work really hard regardless.

Don’t be afraid to share what you’ve accomplished online.

One of the things that I hear so often in blogging circles is that people are afraid to share their identities online with people they know in real life.  And I do get the divide, it’s weird at first to have people in your daily life merge with your online life.  But at the end of the day, blogging is not something to be ashamed of, in fact we, as bloggers, should be really proud of what we’ve accomplished online by growing a following, working with brands and creating a community.  It’s super hard to make it in the blogging world – so be proud of that and don’t be afraid to share it with people in your daily life.

A business is a business, no matter how small.

As a business, like I mentioned above, LOM doesn’t make very much money every year, but I have made connections in the travel industry and worked with brands and met amazing people which makes it super valuable to me.  No matter how small it may be, a business is still a business and still takes a tremendous amount of work so don’t let size fool you in the blogging world.  Even if your following is small, don’t take lightly how much work it still is to upkeep and support a blog – it’s a success no matter how small it is.

You never know what might be right around the corner.

One of the things that blogging has added tremendously to my life are the connections I’ve been able to make and the opportunities that have come my way from having Land of Marvels.  I’ve created online friendships with people all over the world, stayed at some of the best hotels in the world and partnered with brands I love.  When I add up what I’ve gained from blogging, it’s indescribable the worth it brings to my life.  Land of Marvels has shown me that you never know what’s right ahead or what something might bring to your life that you’d never guess – so keep an open mind and hold on for the ride!

Looking for more posts on Blogging?

See our archives here for Blogging posts.

Travel Tips : Taking the Eurostar between Paris and London

Taking the Eurostar between Paris and London

I’ve taken the Eurostar between Paris and London a few times now and every time I do, I’m reminded how this is truly the easiest way to cross the channel between the two famous cities.  The Eurostar train is easy, quick, efficient and a whole lot easier than going to the airports in both Paris and London.  In a quick 2.5 hours you’re in a new place, having had a smooth and easy journey in between and if it makes sense for your itinerary in Europe, this really is the way to go!  And if you end up on the Eurostar, buzzing under the English channel in a comfortable train environment, here’s some tips for your journey along the way.

Buy your Eurostar tickets in advance.

The Eurostar tickets tend to go up in price the closer you get to your departure date, so be sure to buy them in advance instead of when you arrive at the station like other train systems.

Arrive at least 40 minutes before your departure time.

Because you’re going from the UK to the EU, you have to go through security for the Eurostar journey.  On your ticket they’ll tell you to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time but in case it’s crowded or security is taking a while, I’d recommend 40 minutes.

Be prepared to go through security.

You’ll go through security, and while it’s not nearly as stringent as an airport, it still takes a bit of time.  So be prepared to go through a metal detector and put your bags through and x-ray machine.

Leave time to shop in the train stations.

Both train stations have good shopping so leave some time to wander and pick up some goodies!  Especially in St. Pancras in London, I love to pop into their Fortnum and Mason store there to pick up stuff so make sure you factor in extra time at the station if you want to.

No need to buy a first class ticket.

The Eurostar train is really comfortable and I’ve always found the main cabins to be really spacious and comfortable, leaving no need to buy a first class ticket.  So unless you need a lot of space or don’t want to be among the commoners, the main cabin is more than fine for a quick journey.

Have a plan when you arrive in Paris or London.

It’s helpful to have an idea of how you’ll get to where you need to go when you arrive in Paris or London before you get there.  Will you connect to the RER/metro systems in Paris?  Or the tube in London?  Or will you get a cab or walk from the train station?  Look into that before you arrive so you know where to head once you arrive at your destination.

Heading to London or Paris?  

See posts about Paris and London in our archives.

4 of the Most Beautiful Spots in the Paris Autumn

most beautiful spots in the Paris Autumn

It’s no secret that Autumn is my ultimate favorite time of the year, with cool temperatures and leaves falling around you in shades of gemstones.  And while many places are beautiful in the Fall, Paris is even more magical than during other times of year in the famous city.  I’ve been to Paris in the Autumn a few different times over the years and I have to say, there are a few spots around the city that really showcase the Fall season.  So for the the most beautiful spots in the Paris Autumn, head to these famous spots around the city and I promise, you’ll be snapping photos at the beauty around you!  Here are 4 of the most beautiful spots in the Paris Autumn.

Jardin du Luxembourg in Autumn

Jardin du Luxembourg

This Left Bank park has over the years become one of my all time favorite places.  It’s generally a lot more locals here than you’ll get in a lot of the other parks in Paris due to its location and yet, it is stunningly beautiful.  From the tree lines sidewalks to the open areas and the incredible buildings that call this park home.  My favorite thing to do on a beautiful Fall day is to buy a few croissants, some Orangina and a baguette and camp out here for a few hours just taking it all in.

The Tuileries in Autumn

The Tuileries

Still one of the most central parks in Paris, the Tuileries Gardens right outside the Louvre are a hub of locals and tourists and so beautiful during the Fall.  Wander through the pathways or grab a chair and just enjoy a beautiful Fall day, you really can’t go wrong in the Tuileries.

The Eiffel Tower in the Autumn

The Eiffel Tower

Still one of my favorite views of the Eiffel Tower is through the buildings as you come upon the monument from the St. Germain side of it.  And while it’s a little more out of the way to do it this way if you’re taking the RER, the views, especially in the Fall with leaves on the ground are pretty stunning.

Notre Dame in the Autumn

Notre Dame

We generally stay right near Notre Dame as that area is one of our favorites in Paris and we frequent the Île St. Louis so we spend a good amount of time wandering by the back of Notre Dame during our time in the city.  This little park at the back of the famous monument is generally a lot less crazy than the front and the trees are stunning in the Fall.  From deep reds and oranges, take a wander through here and enjoy all the gem-toned colors.

Headed to Paris?

Here are all my posts on the city.

Where to Stay in France

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Paris

how to spend a perfect weekend in Paris

In October for my 31st birthday, Nick and I headed to Paris for a long weekend to take in everything Fall in our favorite city.  The trip was, well for no other words, it was magical.  Especially as the leaves were falling and the October blue sky was shining, Paris in the Fall is pretty amazing and to get to spend my birthday there was incredible.  But Paris anytime for a weekend is pretty great, so if you’re headed that direction, here’s how to spend a perfect weekend in Paris!

Also – be sure to check out my new Videos page on LOM where I’ll compile all the videos I upload to blog posts!

Headed to Paris?

Here are all my posts on the city.

Where to Stay in France

15 Things You Must do While in Paris

15 Things You Must do While in Paris

Paris is one of those cities that offers an endless array of tourist attractions and landmarks to see, but beyond all of that is a city that is also full of smaller incredible things to do as well.  Sometimes when traveling, it’s easy to overlook those smaller things that make a place so great in favor of the tourist attractions but while in Paris, the smaller things to do are often the best parts of the French capital.  So the next time you head there, here are 15 things you must do while in Paris, other than the obvious stuff you’ll see in every guide book!

fresh croissants from a boulangerie

1. Eat a fresh croissant from a boulangerie.

We have a favorite local boulangerie on the Île St. Louis that has become our favorite over the years, but no matter what neighborhood you stay in, find your local bakery and get fresh croissants from them in the morning while in Paris.  Literally no where else in the world (other than the bakeries of France) makes flaky croissants as well.

See Paris from above

2. See Paris from above.

Paris is unique and beautiful from above and there are a bunch of spots around the city to get a panoramic view of Paris including the famous monuments of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.  I’m more partial to the less crowded spots though like the Tour Montparnasse or the Galeries Lafeyette building in the Opera district.  Some hotels also offer amazing views from above, like the Holiday Inn St. Michel.

Have macarons from Ladureé

3. Have macarons from Ladureé.

Macarons are a must while in the French capital and while lots of stores sell them, I’m partial to Ladureé’s flavors and ease of locations all over the city.  I frequent the Rue Bonaparte location since it’s close to where I usually stay and central to lots of areas in Paris, but there are a ton of spots where you can splurge on beautiful little macarons that taste like heaven.

Dinner at St. Regis

4. Dinner at St. Regis.

For years now, we’ve been going to St. Regis, a little cafe on the Île St. Louis.  It’s become increasingly popular over the years, especially with bloggers, mostly because of its location and the beautiful decor of the space.  Personally, I crave their chicken paillard year round and it’s the first thing I usually eat when I arrive in Paris.  Enjoy a long leisurely dinner here over great food and a glass of wine and you can thank me later!

Order a cafe au lait after every meal

5. Order a cafe au lait after every meal.

Coffee is really unique to place I find, especially in Europe.  And while I might order a cafe con leche in Spain or a flat white in London, in Paris, I always go for a traditional cafe au lait.  Linger over a wonderful coffee with foamy milk after every meal and savor it like the Parisians do.

Watch the sunset from the banks of the Seine

6. Watch the sunset from the banks of the Seine.

On beautiful days, you’ll always find a handful of Parisians on the banks of the Seine River, watching the world fade to dark as the sun sets.  Sometimes they’ll have a bottle of wine, sometimes a baguette but either way, head there yourself and join them to watch the world set behind the horizon.

Picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg

7. Picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Be oh so French and grab a baguette from a boulangerie, some cheese and meat from a local market, a bottle of wine or orangina’s and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg for a picnic when the weather is nice.  Spend an hour or so here, just taking it all in while you devour your French treats.

Watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night

8. Watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night.

The Eiffel Tower is a sight to see all the time, but my favorite is watching the sun set behind it and seeing the tower light up behind a dark night sky.  As the lights come on and the scene sets around you, it’s oh so magical.

Wander back streets of Paris

9. Wander back streets.

One thing many people miss in Paris and don’t take the time to do, is to just wander.  Head off the beaten tourist path and wander the back streets of a neighborhood.  Take a right when you think you should take a left, head in a new direction without a care in the world.  You’ll see the real Paris this way, away from the crowds, down little cobblestone alleyways all to yourself.

Have an omelette mixte for breakfast at an al fresco café

10. Have an omelette mixte for breakfast at an al fresco café.

My favorite type of morning in Paris?  Wake up late, wander to your local al fresco café and order an omelet mixte (ham and cheese) and enjoy a long breakfast watching the world go by around you.

exploring Paris

11. Explore the city before the crowds in the early morning.

Most people spend a lot of their time in Paris seeing the tourist sites and while that’s all fine and great, you’ll get a better sense of the city if you head out early in the morning before most people are up and around.  All the tourist sites will be quieter, the rest of the city will be yours to explore and you’ll be so much less stressed without words of people.  So get yourself up out of bed and explore early before the crowds.

Take a break from exploring Paris in the Tuilieres

12. Take a break from exploring in the Tuilieres.

Chances are, you’ll end up in the Tuileries gardens outside the Louvre at one point during your time in Paris.  My best advice?  When passing through the Tuileries, stop and sit for a while, watch the world around you and take in the gorgeous views in all directions.

Notre Dame lit up at night

13. See the city light up at night.

No matter where you are in Paris, the city is gorgeous at night as it lights up.  After all, it is called the City of Light.  My favorite spot to watch the lights come on against the night sky is right around Notre Dame on the Seine, where you’ll see the famous cathedral and all the buildings around it light up and boats will light up the Seine as they cruise down the river.

picnic in Paris

14. Drink your heart’s content of Orangina.

Growing up in the Middle East, we had this drink called Orangina that we basically lived on.  Well turns out years later when I returned to France for the first time as an adult, while at the time it was still hard to find in the States (now it’s easier to find), Orangina was in abundance.  And still, all these years later, it’s what I choose to drink while in France over and over again.  Grab a bottle or order it in a cafe and I promise, you’ll love it as much as I do!

decadent French treats

15. Indulge in decadent treats.

There is perhaps nowhere else in the world that satisfies your indulgence for decadent sweets like Paris – stop by any patisserie and you won’t be disappointed!

Headed to Paris?

Here are all my posts on the city.

Where to Stay in France

Travel

Travel Tips
Truth About Travel
Destinations
What to Wear

Life

Portland
Thoughts
At Home with LOM
Expat Kid in Saudi Arabia

Favorite Destinations

Paris
London
Iceland
Tokyo

Travel Reviews

Hotel Reviews
Restaurant Reviews
Activity Reviews
Airline Reviews

Disclaimer

All content on this blog, including photos and written words, are my property and may not be taken without my written consent to do so.