But you can approach a boutique if you see the “special offer” sign. Sometimes, select haute couture or pret-a-porter pieces are sold for a relatively small price. And you can always find an exotic or traditional gift in the Parisian shops.

The neighborhood Triangle dOr is the main center of attraction of Parisian luxury shopping and it consists of Avenue Montaigne (with brands like Gucci, Celine, Chanel and Dior), Avenue George V, and Rue Francois next to the Champs Elysees. Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore, on the other side of Avenue Champs Elysees near Metro Saint-Philippe-du-Roule (hosts labels like Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Hermes). And lets not forget about Louis Vuitton on 101 by Metro George V.

A small advice would be to wear comfortable shoes. A shopping place very famous is Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps. They are vast and you can get easily tired when you visit Galeries Lafayette, strolling between the floors.

But Paris is not known for fashion but also for antiques. If you like to see or buy antiques, you should not miss Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen.

And if you want to taste tempting food, don’t miss the food shops at Rue Rambuteau, Rue Montorgueil and Place de la Madeleine in the Opra Quarter.

If you still have the budget and the time, I would also like to suggest: the chic Place des Victoires, the Garment District (Sentier) Royal behind the Palais Royal, the Carr Rive Gauche near the Orsay museum, and Rue de Seine, Rue Jacob and Rue du Bac near the Saint-Germain des Prs church. As far as shopping is concerned, you can find anything you want in Paris.

I know that it seems like I am obsessing over this but Paris is my favorite city and it makes me feel at home the moment I step out of the plane.

Each time I visit it I find some new place I haven’t discovered yet and it gets even closer to my heart. So I have put up a list of my top five Parisian landmarks.

La Tour Eiffel

The Eifel Tower, a masterpiece of construction is one of the most important landmarks of Paris. What more could I say about La Tour Eiffel, as Parisians call it, besides all the things you may already know. It is an icon, an architectural wonder and, in the same time, a sight for all eyes.

You will not miss it. It is visible from almost any point in Paris, especially if you walk on the banks of Seine Located on the Left bank, it’s sprawling lawn beneath it’s metal legs is called the Champ de Mars. It will be a welcoming sight for you. After crossing the Champ de Mars, take the elevator or walk the stairs and go to the top or mid level and see Paris in every direction. If you want to avoid the queues, go early in the morning or late at night. If you are in a good shape, climb the stairs. It doesn’t matter how you get up their. It will amaze you and take your breath away.

Also, go down till the middle of the tower and look up. You will have a great view. And don’t forget to kiss the one you love while you are there. The old tales say that that will guarantee a return visit…. It worked for me!

A Boat ride on the Seine

Next to visiting the tower, riding the boat on the Seine is my next favorite Parisian thing to do. The famous and romantic river has quite a few boats that will provide an exciting and special experience. And this trip on the boat will also help you get around and enjoy the sights from a very different angle, other than on solid ground. Do this at night also and you will feel like a true Parisian. And in the morning, buy a freshly baked baguette, a hunk of cheese, a bottle of fine French wine and enjoy a little picnic while you are on the boat. You will feel the time pass slow and truly enjoyable.

A Walk in the Park

Paris is about gardens and parks. One of the most famous is the Grandest of all Gardens, Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the Latin Quarter. The incredible gardens have hosted many artists that did their canvases here. Even now you will find some of them still painting there. Also, in these gardens many writers have written their poetries or novels. It is a park for everyone.

Children love playing with their boats in the pond or riding the ponies. In this time, the adults take a break to sit, read or listen to music. The park is also the home to the Palais du Luxembourg, a magnificent palace built by the wife of Henry IV, Marie de Medici, in 1612.

These days, the palace holds the French Senate, with tours available at request in advance. And while you are in the park, stroll a little and find beautiful Medici Fountain.

Speaking of artists,

Musee de Orsay

I love the Impressionist paintings and if you are like me, this museum is the place to go. It is situated on the Rive Gauche, (the left bank) and is an old converted train station that was brought back to life as a great Museum of art. Go on the top floor. There you will find the Impressionist masters and their works: Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Rodin or Cezanne, I have just named a few just. There are many more to see and admire up close and personally. Periodically you will find exhibitions with the finest pieces of art and sculptures. You will need just a few hours to see the whole museum and for us it has been a cheerful experience. Also, don’t miss the Art Deco furniture exhibits, a design born in Paris.

Off with her head

And now, you will have a special view, something a bit gloomy but filled with history and beauty: the Conciergerie. This Medieval and imposing gray structure is quite formidable. It has huge turrets and the best view you can have is if you sit on one of the boats or from across the river. You may find the building a bit frightening. It was initially used as a prison, during the French revolution and many prisoners found their death under the knives of the Guillotine. You can take a tour and see the cell that held Marie Antoinette before she was beheaded, for example. Or other cells where other famous prisoners were held. Many of them have interesting writings on the walls. Besides that, take some time to see the St. Chapelle, the "Chapel to the Kings" just behind the main buildings. It has a lot of historical significance.

I know it is hard to limit Paris to just five places because it has a lot to offer and these are the first that popped in my mind. You are welcomed to read more about Paris and add other places to this short list. From my part, I am sure more will come.