Justina's Writing Corner

As a capital city of culture, cuisine, and beauty, Paris is one of the best places to travel in Europe. Paris is the most populous city in France and is home to an estimated two million residents in an area of about 105 square kilometers—making it the 28th most densely populated city in the world by World City Population. Paris is one of the world’s major centers of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy, and science. It also takes on a leading role in the arts and sciences. As an early adopter of a street lighting system, it also earned the nickname of “the City of Light.” Paris always feels lively, and when visiting the city , you can even find people eating on the streets at midnight. 

Paris is the world’s most visited city, not only because of all the aspects listed above, but also because it is a beautiful city rich in culture. For example, Paris’ Louvre museum is home to famed works of art like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and more.  Unlike many major U.S. cities, Paris is very walkable, with great sights almost at every corner, and has been a source of inspiration for many writers, artists, and filmmakers. On a walk I took on a visit to Paris, I encountered many examples of fabulous architecture that stopped me in my tracks, such as the Luxembourg Palace and Église Saint-Sulpice.

Paris is also the home of the famous Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and many more. It also enjoys a reputation as a romantic city, and it’s not uncommon to see couples kissing on strolls through the city

The city is also known for its high-quality gastronomy and outdoor cafés. In almost every step a person takes in Paris, they are able to find a cafe, restaurant, or bakery. Parisian chefs employ time-tested, sophisticated cooking techniques to combine classic flavors and ingredients in magical ways. Many people would agree Paris serves one of the best cuisines around the globe.  Croissants, escargots, macaroons, jambon-beurre, steak tartare, cheese, onion soup, and creme brulee are all from France and are just a few examples of edible treats that can be found in Paris. 

Finally, paying in Paris is easy. Unlike the United States, where we have to pay tax on top of the price of the goods, in Paris, the prices shown always include tax and service charges. Thus, one never has to worry about whether they are paying the right amount. When paying in a restaurant, one won’t need to calculate a tip. Since service fees are already included in the price, no one is expecting the customer to pay an additional 20 to 25% at the end of the meal, which allows for more time to explore the city.

When I traveled to Paris, I loved it so much that I begged my family to stay a couple more days. Memorably, I ate at least 42 types of desserts and enjoyed the atmosphere so much that I even bought a dessert cookbook to replicate the wonderful sweets that I’d tasted. Without a doubt, Paris’ culture, cuisine and aesthetic beauty make it the best place to travel in the world.