In my two visits to Paris, I've knocked out most of the must-see tourist attractions. I've seen the Mona Lisa and explored the Louvre, toured the Sainte-Chapelle, and plodded around the sprawling estate at Versailles. I've made a point to visit Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Luxembourg Gardens.
But of all the touristy activities I've endured in the City of Lights, my favorite was the cheapest and most mundane, the one that reminded me most of my everyday life: taking a picnic to a park near the Eiffel Tower to watch the day go by.
I do it often while at home in New York: Friends and I will pack up a blanket and a few games and take them to Central Park for an afternoon of chatter and people-watching. Or, if I'm alone, I'll grab a sandwich from my favorite deli and bring a book to read in the grass.
Recently, it's a tradition I've begun incorporating into my travel, as well — and it quickly became my favorite thing to do in Paris.
While in Paris last year, I knew I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower, but I had no desire to pay $30 to get to the top. Instead, like I would do on any other weekend at home, I picked up a sandwich and dessert from a local shop and took it to a park with a view of the monument.
Immediately, it topped the list as my favorite activity in Paris. It felt the most natural to my day-to-day life, and I felt like it gave me a glimpse of what it might be like to live in the city. Even though there were other people, it didn't feel as overwhelming as other tourist hotspots.
Plus, unlike guided tours and museum visits, setting up in the park was free — another nice perk while traveling on a budget.
Even though it sounds unextraordinary and not something exclusive to Paris — my Eiffel Tower picnic was easily the best thing I did while in the city.
