Johanna

I was so looking forward to visiting the Eiffel Tower, but I was a little disappointed. The line to go up is really long, even with a ticket booked in advance. Once at the top, the view is nice, but I was expecting something more grandiose. The crowd is so dense that it is hard to fully enjoy the panorama. I felt the experience lacked a bit of calm and authenticity. Despite everything, it is an iconic monument to see at least once.

The Louvre Museum is impressive in its size, and it is impossible to see everything in a single visit. I highly recommend booking your ticket online to avoid the long line at the entrance. I found that there were a huge number of visitors, which sometimes makes it difficult to appreciate the artwork in peace. For a more authentic experience, it is better to move away from the most crowded areas like the one around the Mona Lisa. The lesser known masterpieces are often just as fascinating, and much more accessible. It is a must-see museum, but it is better to go while being aware of how crowded it gets.

I had a great day at Disneyland Paris. It really is a magical place for both kids and adults. To avoid the long lines, I recommend going on a weekday outside of school holidays, ideally between mid-January and mid-March or in September. My biggest favorite was Space Mountain, a thrill ride that really left an impression on me! At night, the parade lights up the park, which is a magical moment you should not miss. Using the official Disneyland Paris App is very helpful for tracking wait times in real time. There is plenty to eat on site, but the prices are quite high.

The Orsay Museum is a really interesting place. The fact that it is set in an old train station makes the experience unique. It features a huge collection of Impressionist paintings and Art Nouveau, along with a wide variety of sculptures. It is a true journey through the 19th and 20th centuries. I was lucky enough to take a night tour on a Thursday evening, as the museum is open until 9:45 PM. The evening atmosphere is more intimate. The ticket costs €12 for the night session (and €16 for the full daytime rate).

Orangerie Park is the ideal spot for a jog or a walk in the heart of Strasbourg. It is a genuine piece of preserved nature right in the middle of the city. The small lake with its rowboats, the storks perched in the trees, and the varied vegetation make the place very peaceful. Personally, I love going for bike rides there in the morning, while it is still cool, when there are not too many people yet. You can also run into quite a few runners, because the paths are well suited for exercise. A handy tip: if you are coming by tram, line A drops you off just a few minutes away on foot.

I lived in Warsaw for a year. It is the safest city I know. People are extremely polite there and you never feel threatened, even when going out alone at night. The city has some very beautiful parks, especially Łazienki Park. In the summer, you can go rowing in front of the palace or enjoy a Chopin concert. If you head a little bit away from the historic center, you can visit Wilanowski Park, located in the Warsaw suburbs. It is really worth the trip. The interior of the palace is incredible. The city is also full of churches and museums of all kinds. If you stop by the tourist office, you can get a little booklet to have stamped at every museum. As for local culinary specialties, beside…

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I had a great day on Kwale Island during a blue safari departing from Zanzibar. It is a very beautiful destination for snorkeling and enjoying the scenery. The turquoise water contrasts with the sandbanks, and it is truly magnificent. The seafood lunch on the beach was also a good time. However, in high season, it is very crowded and the island loses a bit of its charm. Definitely do it if you like nature excursions, but I recommend avoiding the peak tourist season.

I went to see Livingstone's House out of curiosity, but honestly, there is not much to get out of it as a visitor. It is a pretty simple building, now turned into an administrative office, so it is not really set up for tourists. There is no tour to speak of, and no explanations on site. I stayed five minutes in front, took a photo, and that is it. If you are passing through the area, why not take a look, but it is clearly not a must-see. Only prioritize it if you are passionate about the history of Livingstone.

I was fascinated by Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, where every alleyway has its own vibe. The architecture is a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences, and it really feels like a different world. It is easy to get lost, but that is exactly what makes the visit unique. It gets very hot quickly, so I recommend going early or in the late afternoon. I walked around by myself and felt safe. An essential visit to discover the history and soul of the island.

I loved my visit to Jozani Forest, a real pocket of preserved nature in Zanzibar. You can see the famous red colobus monkeys there, which are pretty easy to spot thanks to the local guide. The walk through the mangrove is also really pretty, with a wooden boardwalk that lets you explore without getting wet. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray, especially in the late afternoon when there are more insects. It is a quiet and authentic outing, perfect for getting away from the beach for a bit. I highly recommend it if you love nature.

This isn't a very touristy spot, but I think it is still worth the trip. The atmosphere is super authentic, and the fishermen arrive with their boats and unload their catch right before our eyes. On the other hand, you have to expect some pretty strong smells, so it is better not to be too sensitive! It is a great place to see a side of the daily life of the people of Dar es Salaam. I recommend going early in the morning to fully enjoy the activity before the crowds get too big.

The National Museum of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam is an interesting stop to understand the history, culture, and biodiversity of the country. The exhibits are varied. You will find archaeological artifacts, fossils, traditional masks, and even information on human evolution. The museum is fairly small, so a visit of 1 to 2 hours is more than enough. It is a good starting point if you want to better grasp the local context before heading out to explore Tanzania. The staff is welcoming, and the explanations are clear, even if there could be a few more signs or translations.

The Port of Dar es Salaam is impressive because of its size and constant activity. You see a lot of cargo ships and trucks, and it gives you a good idea of the city's economic importance. However, as a tourist, I think there is much better to do elsewhere in the city or the country. It is not really a place designed for visitors, so I recommend just stopping by quickly if you are curious. Do not plan on staying long, as you will find more of interest in other places. A quick stop to understand the local activity, but nothing more.

The Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens are small but free, perfect for taking a break after the urban frenzy. They aren't very vast, and the maintenance could be better, but you can find some beautiful tropical species there. It is possible to take a tour with a guide, which is ideal for learning more about the plants, but otherwise, it is easy to explore on your own. Just a heads up: in the late afternoon, there are a lot of mosquitoes, so remember to protect yourself. The garden is located right across from the National Museum, so it is super convenient if you are coming from there.

Mount Meru is a real surprise! Less well known than Kilimanjaro, it still offers a superb hiking experience, with varied landscapes, very wild nature, and way fewer people on the trails. The climb is not easy, but really rewarding, especially with clear views of Arusha and sometimes even Kilimanjaro when the sky is clear. You pass through misty forests, rocky areas, and sometimes run into animals along the way. It is a quieter adventure, but just as impressive. You have to do it if you love hiking and are looking for an authentic mountain experience!

The Arusha Maasai Market is the perfect place if you are looking for handmade souvenirs or colorful decor. You can find beautiful paintings, statues, jewelry, fabrics, keychains... perfect for bringing a piece of Tanzania home with you. The vibe is relaxed, but haggling is almost unavoidable, which can be a bit uncomfortable if, like me, you are not very good at it. Many stalls offer the same items, so take the time to compare before you buy. Even if it lacks a bit of variety, it is a great visual experience with items that are often very well made. A must-do if you love local crafts and bright colors!

This is a super lively, authentic, and intense place! As soon as you walk into the market, you are plunged into a noisy crowd and a multitude of different smells. It is clearly a real immersion into the daily life of the people of Arusha. I really recommend going with a local guide, and preferably in the morning. As a tourist, you attract a lot of attention and can quickly feel a bit harassed, even if most people are nice. The fruit and vegetable stalls are beautiful, full of color, and it is worth the trip. On the other hand, you might want to avoid sensitive products like chicken. In the heat, they are often covered in flies.