In Paris, I stayed near the Anvers Metro station, which is awesome because... there's a weekend secondhand thrift market (aka flea market). I can't remember the exact day it was but it is likely to be a Sunday. Anvers is also the metro station that will lead you up the Montmartre area (the metro station Blanche is also at the foot of the area but the Abbesses station stops at the heart), topped by the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.
A rare discount convenience store
While I have heard of scams in the area, I didn't see or encounter anything scammy that day.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica, not only looks unique (nothing like the churches we are used to in Paris like the Gothic Notre Dame), it's history is also fascinating with a dash of politics and religion thrown in for good measure. The dome is reminiscent of Romano-Byzantine style, like Saint Sofia in Constantinople (Hagia Sophia in modern day Istanbul).
Entry to the Basilica is free, but you can pay to visit the dome and crypt.
It is best to get around the area on foot, but there are alternatives like the train tram and the funicular if you don't like stairs.
This area is also where you can get your portraits done and stop by for some food and snacks (like pistache ice-cream and eclairs).
A visit to the Montmartre area is highly recommended - touristy but so different from the other touristy districts in Paris. It used to be an arty place (Picasso's studio was right here), and probably still is today. And with the Basilica at the highest point in the city, don't miss it.
P.S. Moulin Rouge is in the area but somehow while I was getting lost, I didn't stumble onto it.
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