The Lesser-Known Signature Experience Rick Steves Recommends In Paris
Paris locals and its millions of visitors get to benefit from an expansive public transportation system. Metro lines (subways) cover the major points of interest within Paris, while trains and buses reach far and wide outside of the city. This likely eases the minds of tourists, as driving in the City of Light seems daunting. Big streets have multiple lanes, and you won't see a single stop sign in Paris either. However, there are ways to get around the city hassle-free and sightsee at the same time.
While travel guru Rick Steves uses public transportation to see all the must-see places around Europe, he had a particularly memorable experience with a taxi tour in the French capital. "In Paris — the City of Light — a $65 hour-long taxi ride at night gets me a blitz tour of the city's best views," he explained on his website. Steves usually promotes budget travel, but a Paris taxi tour is something Steves says to splurge on for the best trip to Europe. Paris' City of Light nickname plays into his reasoning.
Driving through Paris at night is something you won't forget
At any time of day, Paris boasts postcard-worthy destinations and architecture reminiscent of a classic movie. But at night, you can truly experience why Paris is called the City of Light. "The French have raised floodlighting to an art form, and Paris makes one beautiful canvas," says Steves. Landmarks known all over the world, like l'Arc de Triomphe, Basilica du Sacré-Cœur, Les Invalides, and of course the Eiffel Tower, shine in bright golden hues at night. Add in the lovely streetlamps all over the city and you'll see why Steves loved his nighttime taxi ride through Paris.
Steves also wants travelers to get authentic experiences wherever they go. A taxi ride can offer just that. "Anything that puts me in touch with the pulse of a place finds room on my splurge list," he explains. Metros in Paris take you underground, while taxi rides keep you up among the nightlife. Sometimes taxi drivers can offer insights on Parisian life, making taxi tours the perfect combination of transportation and education. Tour companies vary, but a standout among Tripadvisor reviewers is 2CVParisTour. Not only do you get a city tour with this company, but the tour is from the comforts of an adorable vintage car.