CAUTION: The article you are about to read is written by a person who is utterly in love with Paris.
UPOZORENJE: Ovaj tekst piše osoba koja je zaljubljena u Pariz celim svojim bićem!
When asked if I am a traveler or a tourist I always answer: TRAVELER. I don't actually remember when was the last time I traveled with a travel agency, probably when I was a kid. I believe that traveling in our own arrangement enriches us in many ways, but also requires tremendous preparation, at least when it comes to me because I do not like to miss anything out if I have the opportunity to stay in a city I have never visited before. The traditional tourist web sites, traveler's forums, Top 10 Books and inevitably counseling with the locals and friends who have lived in the city that I visit are inevitable ingredients for visiting each city. This was also the case with Paris. Since I had a chance to visit it several times, now I feel like a native, which is one wonderful feeling. As I have been asked many times for Paris tips by my friends, I have decided to share my experiences here and give some helpful advices.I will start with the well known places, since someone who visits Paris must visit primarily all the symbols of the city of light. Get ready for crowds at every step unless you decide to travel in November, when it is the only possible time to enjoy Paris in peace, but with a few layers of clothes and an umbrella which can spoil the impression. Prepare your most comfortable shoes and plan every minute of your visit because Paris offers a lot more than you would imagine. And forget the clichés, it may be a city of romance, but you will also have a time of your life if you visit it with your best friend.
Na pitanje da li sam putnik ili turista uvek odgovaram sa PUTNIK. Ne sećam se zapravo kada sam poslednji put putovala preko turističke agencije, verovatno još kao mala. Smatram da nas putovanje u sopstvenom aranžmanu obogaćuje na mnogo načina, ali i zahteva ogromnu pripremu, bar kada sam ja u pitanju jer ne volim da propustim ništa ako već imam priliku da se nađem u nekom novom gradu. Tradicionalni turistički sajtovi, forumi, Top 10 knjiga i neizbežno savetovanje sa lokalcima i prijateljima koji su živeli u gradu koji posećujem neizbežni su sastojci za pravo upoznavanje svakog grada. Takav je bio slučaj i sa Parizom, a pošto sam ga posetila više puta, sada se već osećam kao lokalac, što je jedan predivan osećaj. Kako svi koji me poznaju to znaju i beskonačno mnogo puta su mi tražili savete, odlučila sam da i ovde podelim svoja iskustva i dam savete koji putovanje znače.
Krećem od mesta za koje su svi čuli, jer neko ko prvi put odlazi u posetu Parizu mora da obiđe prvenstveno simbole ˝grada svetlosti˝. Spremite se za gužvu na svakom koraku osim ako se odlučite na put u novembru, kada je jedino moguće na miru uživati u Parizu, ali uz nekoliko slojeva garderobe i kišobran što zna da pokvari utisak. Spremite udobnu obuću i isplanirajte svaki minut vaše posete jer Pariz nudi i mnogo više od onoga što ste zamišljali. I zaboravite klišee, možda jeste grad romantike, ali ćete se u njemu barem jednako dobro provesti i sa najboljom drugaricom.
1. THE Eiffel tower/ THE Ajfelova kula
Certainly the most famous symbol of Paris, but also a reason for debate and criticism, this elegant building from 1889 is usually the first one on the list of attractions that tourists see and visit when they come to this city. Parisians don't like it, and they often joke that they would like to live in it, because then they would not have to look at it. They especially compain about the night lighting of the tower which they concider to be real kitsch. However, when you exit the metro station on Trocaredo the chance that it will not take your breath away is highly unlikely, It is one of those buildings that looks a lot more amazing in person than it is on the pictures you see every day. Climbing the tower is mandatory, and those who are afraid of heights will be happy with the second floor from which you can see the whole city. The tower must be seen both during the day and at night, when you can take a glass of wine and look at it from the Trocadéro where young people gather.
Tip: if you plan ahead enough to visit buy tickets on the Internet, you will save at least two hours of waiting in line.
Svakako najpoznatiji simbol Pariza, ali i povod za rasprave i kritike, ova elegantna građevina iz 1889. obično je prva na spisku atrakcija koji turiste uoče i posete kada dođu u ovaj grad. Parižani je ne vole, pa se često šale kako bi voleli da žive u njoj, jer onda ne bi morali da je gledaju. Posebno se zgražavaju na noćno osvetljenje kule koje je za njih pravi kič. Ipak, kada izađete iz metro stanice na Trokaredu šanse da vam neće zastati dah su veoma male. Ona je jedna od onih građevina koja vas uživo mnogo više oduševi nego na slikama koje gledate svakodnevno. Penjanje na kulu je obavezno, a onima koji se plaše visine biće sasvim dovoljan i drugi sprat sa koga se ceo grad vidi kao na dlanu. Kulu obavezno posetite i preko dana i noću, kada uz čašu vina možete da je posmatrate sa Trokadera gde se skupljaju mladi.
Savet: ako dovoljno u napred planirate posetu kupite karte preko Interneta, uštedećete bar 2 sata čekanja u redu.
2.Champs-Elysées
The most famous street in the world is an obligatory part of a visit to Paris, even though its modernization took away the old charm. The lower part of the dense foliage of chestnut still carries the spirit of old Paris, while the commercialization of the part close to Arc de Triomphe have completely destroyed the dream of the Elysian Fields known from the old songs. However, do not miss walking from the famous Place de Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. There is less people in the night and you can walk quietly.
Tip: Climb up to the Arc de Triomphe to see the architecture of Paris from abowe. On one side there is a magnificent view of the avenue, on the other one, you can see the Eiffel Tower, and the third one gives you a look on the modern quarter with La Defance towers.
Tip 2: The Champs-Elysees is a home of museum-shops for both girls and boys - Louis Vuitton and Citroen. Do not miss!
Najpoznatija ulica na svetu obavezan je deo posete Parizu, iako joj je modernizacija oduzela stari šmek. Donji deo sa gustim krošnjama kestena i dalje nosi pariski duh, dok je komercijalizacija dela blizu Trijumfalne kapije potpuno uništila san o Jelisejskim poljima iz starih pesama. Ipak, ne propustite da je obiđete i prošetate od čuvenog Konkorda do Trijumfalne kapije. Uveče je svakako manja gužva i možete mirnije prošetati.
Savet: Popnite se na Trijumfalnu kapiju da biste uvideli arhitekturu Pariza na pravi način. Na jednoj strani pruža se fantastičan pogled na aveniju, dok sa druge strane možete videti Ajfelov toranj, a sa treće modernu četvrt La Défance.
Savet 2: Na Champs-u se nalaze jedna prodavnica-muzej za devojčice i jedna za dečake - Louis Vuitton i Citroen. Ne propustite!
3.Notre Dame
The famous cathedral is located at the City Island (Ile de la Cite) and it is a must stop when walking thorugh the city. A masterpiece of Gothic was almost destroyed in the French Revolution, but now shines in full splendor. This is also one of the few tourist attraction where you do not have to pay for entrance. If you want to admire it longer choose some of the great cafes or restaurants nearby and avoid pushing next to the other tourists. I recommend adorable Le Petit Chatelet with excellent food by, for Paris, decent prices.
Čuvena katedrala nalazi se na Gradskom ostrvu (Ile de la Cite) i nezaobilazna je stanica u šetnji gradom. Remek delo gotike bilo je gotovo uništeno u Francuskoj revoluciji, ali danas sija punim sjajem. Ovo je takođe jedna od retkih turističkih atrakcija u kojoj ne morate da platite ulaz. U koliko želite duže da se divite katedrali izaberite neki od odličnih kafića ili restorana u blizini i izbegnite guranje sa ostalim turistima. Preporučujem presladak Le Petit Châtelet sa odličnom hranom po, za Pariz, pristojnim cenama.
Tip: Book lovers should not fail to visit the bookstore Shakespeare and Company, which is located close to the cathedral. This place which was opened in 1951. by the American George Whitman offers new and used books that are hard to find, and on the floor you can often attend book discussions over some tea. This place is a real institution that has a special magic of old times you can not miss! In addition, here you can find the real literary treasures.
Savet: Ljubitelji knjiga ne smeju da propuste da posete knjižaru ˝Shakespear and company˝ koja se nalazi u neposrednoj blizini katedrale. Na mestu koje je 1951. otvorio Amerikanac George Whitman nalaze se nove i polovne knjige koje je teško naći, a na spratu se često odvijaju diskusije uz čaj. Ovo mesto je danas prava institucija koja ima posebnu magiju starih vremena koju ne smete propustiti! Pored toga, ovde možete naći prava književna blaga.
4.Monmartr
The highest point in the city, the irresistible ˝hill˝ as Parisians call it, is the center of artists and a quarter in which time has stopped. Walking through the cobblestone in Montmartre you will be quite clear why the giants like Picasso, Renoir, Dali and Manea lived right here, and the spirit of that time can be felt today. The famous Basilica of the Sacré Cœur will take your breath away, and if you are not afraid of climbing the narrow steps be sure to climb its dome. Don't forget to sit, relax, and listen to great street musicians. Moulin Rouge is also a must, which is located at Pigalle, the foot of Montmartre. Fans will be able to enjoy burlesque for approximately 100 euros for a memorable show with a dinner.
Najviša tačka u gradu, neodoljivi ˝brežuljak˝ kako ga Parižani zovu, centar je umetnika i četvrt u kojoj je vreme stalo. Šetajući kaldrmom na Monmartru biće vam sasvim jasno zašto su velikani poput Pikasa, Renoara, Dalija i Manea živeli baš ovde, a duh tog vremena i danas se oseća. Čuvena bazilika Sacré Cœur će vam oduzeti dah, a ukoliko se ne plašite penjanja uz uske stepenice obavezno se popnite na njenu kupolu. Gotovo uvek su tu sjajni ulični svirači. Obavezna tačka je i Moulin Rouge, koji se nalazi na Pigalu, podnožju Monmartra. Fanovi burleske će moći za cenu od oko 100 evra da prisustvuju nezaboravnoj predstavi uz večeru.
Tip: If you're a fan of the film ˝Amélie˝ do not miss Café Deux Moulin in which the action takes place in the film, and it is located just above the Moulin Rouge in the Lepic street. Friendly staff, great burger by which they are known for and live music in the evening will totally captivate you in the authentic scenery from the movie.
