Watch out in Paris for any suspicious looking persons. An eye is kept on tourists and not in a good way. Every time you are close to some tourist attraction you will be approached by someone wanting to sell you something or simply ask for some money.

It can be black men sellig various little Eiffel towers. They come in glowing and blinking lights, in different sizes and some are even made out of glass. Or they can be women in coats and head scarfs asking if you speak English. After saying “Yes” they will show you a card which basically asks for some money for younger brother or cousin. You know them from some other city as well, but just to remind you – watch out and don’t lose your sight even when close to some marvellous buildings and sights.

You don’t want your trip to be ruined by something like this, do you?

Everyone we told about our plan to stay in Paris for New Year’s Eve was at least a little bit jealous. I must admit, I would have been also. To be in the city of romance and beauty for this magical night, it’s something most don’t even dare to dream about. So yeah, we were all excited and worked up for the night. So were our expectations.

From our wonderings in previous days we had decided the spot we would welcome the New Year. It was on the bridge of Pont Neuf where there’s a perfect view to the Eiffel tower. It is in the center of Paris, so it’s the place the magic should happen. I had read so much about the New Year’s Eve in Paris and this seemed like the spot. The main thing to remember was to look towards Eiffel. So we did.

We even arrived like an hour and a half earlier. People were all moving towards Champs-Élysées – another place to party in this evening since the street is closed for cars and is packed with people. The trees are heavily decorated and all sparkly; you also get a good view to the Eiffel and Arc de Triomphe. But we decided to get more of the view and less of the party.

Eventually we started to get neighbors as well. The bridge and borders of Seine were soon full of people so we knew we were in the right place.

In case you are standing on your perfect spot and need to buy champagne, something to eat or flowers, don’t panic, there’ll soon be guys offering those essential parts of any party just on the streets from parked cars. They don’t get many customers however. I wonder why …

Anyhow, we were there for the fireworks and guess what. No fireworks. Okay, there were like two or three but certainly not enough to be the real New Year’s Eve fireworks show. And even Eiffel was boring. There was a light-show, which consisted of different color schemes and variety of sequels but this all was shown to other direction. So much for the perfect spot (“Just make sure you see the Eiffel”)!

I can say that I was utterly disappointed since for me the New Year did not arrive. We stood there and I could feel that the crowds around us were expecting the same we were and nothing happened. We were like “Okay, I guess “Happy New Year” is in place now”. And it was like 15 minutes later when we were 100% sure that it was over midnight.

A good thing about the night was the fact the subway is free starting from like 5 PM and this is so until 12 AM until the next day. Not that it matters when you have a period-card. But it matters to others and this makes getting on the train a little bit difficult. The major routes are also working through the night; just make sure the one you need to get closer to your home afterwards. And leave your car home when moving into the center, it’s not worth it.

This was 2009/2010 New Year’s Eve in Paris. I cannot imagine what will happen next year since Paris is supposedly doing something differently every year. Only this year they even did not make it to major news-channels that cover New Year’s Eve around the world.

When walking around near Louvre (be aware of black and strange looking people, they always try to sell you something, and also women in Arabic coats since they press to your conscience by showing you a card which suggests that you should pay them something), you don’t actually feel safe although it’s a large area with a wide open space and loads of tourists alongside with the fact that it’s in the centre of the city. On the contrary, you shouldn’t feel yourself safe in a surrounding area, well, at least a suburb Montmartre. It’s just not that close to the centre and has it’s perhaps a notorious past (Jesuits, bohemian people etc). The hill has been occupied for almost two thousand years and many things have stayed there, with one of them being the aura of many famous artists.

Montmartre like the name suggests is situated on a hill (almost 130 m high). Going to there by metro (Abbesses) means that you have to climb like seven stories but don’t be afraid, because your journey up the stairs is rewarding – you get to see many wall-paintings. We took the stairs all those three or four times we went there and never regretted. Going down is from a different staircase and different pictures.

When first going to Montmartre I suggest that you move always upwards (for as long as possible at least) because you’ll see a most spectacular view (yes, Eiffel is there too) to Paris. Night time view is the best in my opinion. Unfortunately you are not the only one doing it so be prepared to either ignore or embrace the hordes of people.

Montmartre has small shops and café’s open till late so it’s the place to spend your money on fine artwork. The streets are busy in their own unique way, it’s almost as you were in a different world. It’s something that cannot put into words, one has to feel it.

You also have the opportunity to find quiet and lovely streets with beautiful small houses. Some streets have stairs at the end so by car you’ll have some difficulties.

Montmartre also has the world famous Moulin Rouge (in French “red windmill”), which honestly looks prettier and more effective in the dark.  We really wanted to go and see a show in there, but as it turns out, you have to book like six months in advance.

If you are spending more than one day in Paris, it’s the place to visit. Strongly encouraged.